Getting Into Franchise PR? Here's How to Be Great

Franchise public relations is an industry that requires people to be on top of their game; when people get into PR, some think that it is just about writing some press releases and having some marketing knowledge. Well, while those things are important facets of public relations, they are not everything one needs to know in order to be great at their franchise PR firm.

There are several things one can know to do to be good as a public relations professional, if not a great one.

1. Absorb information from things you read and see. Try to observe the scenery around you and read books and guides about the industry. Perhaps even watch and study those in the industry who are well respected for their franchise PR duties. If you soak up that information and try to implement it, you will learn the great skills of PR in no time. Those who do not get good at public relations are the people who do not try; if you try and want to learn, then you will have no choice but to learn. 
2. Remain current. Few things are more embarrassing than someone who is not on top of the events going on in the world. Would you want to talk to a public relations professional who doesn't know what is happening in the news? No, you would laugh at them. Stay on top of what is going in the world; read newspapers, magazines, watch the news, etc. If something is talking about what is going on in the world, as long as you know it is credible, read it and take in that information. The media wants to talk to someone who is an expert at stuff, by staying current you will be that expert. 
3. Be able to multitask or watch out for being drained of energy from not knowing how to prioritize and manage work. At this Chicago franchise public relations firm, we know that the ability to multitask and manage is one of the few things that helps you keep your head on straight; PR is not a business that is predictable or formulaic, it is anything but. Know when to do what and how to do it. 
4. Know how to write. As an employee in a franchise industry PR firm, you have to know how to write. It's as simple as that. If you cannot write a press release or how to write engaging material, people won't want to read your pitches because they will laugh at you. it sounds harsh but it's a reality. The media wants to be engaged when you email them, show them your releases, and when they come to you for information. You wouldn't try to become a NASCAR driver if you didn't know how to drive, would you? Well, maybe, but you wouldn't be able to win any races. 
5. Be composed. This one kind of plays off of the point in number three. Being able to keep calm and composed during a crisis is the only way you can sanely get things done. If there is a crisis with a client, they will turn to you to handle the situation; if you are freaking out as much or more than they are, then they won't want to use you. Also, PR is a stressful business, no doubt about it; you have to be able to keep a level head and keep going. A stressed PRP is a bad PRP. 
6. Get up after being knocked down. You will make mistakes as a PRP, it is bound to happen. The key to recovering from mistakes is to learn from what you did and make sure that you do not copy that mistake next time you get in a similar scenario. 

Now, go out there and be the best franchise PR professional you can be. Learn, do, and plan. As a Chicago franchise PR firm, we know all about the public relations world and love helping people with PR needs.