Planning, Developing and Executing your business strategy should always include Public Relations. Public Relations by Webster's definition is the business of inducing the public to have understanding for and goodwill toward a person, firm, or institution; also: the degree of understanding and goodwill achieved. With today's focus on transparency and the use of technology to search for products and business, it is vital to business development, that a company maintain goodwill and understanding.
In health care we have used the same methods of public relations for decades (Newspapers, magazines, flyers, newsletters, radio advertisement, billboards, and TV). Media today includes numerous online methods and blogs. Communication is almost instant. Negative Public Relations can be a disaster to a business and destroy its credibility in the market place. Utilizing the appropriate tools for positive public relations on a routine basis can help build a foundation for any company to fall back on during damaging times. Hypothetical example: Have you ever watched the news and seen a business under attack for an honest and genuine mistake? Wonder what that mistake cost? How they would fix it? Question how it happened? Negative Public Relations destroys a company's reputation and identity.
Business Development is a company's strategy for marketing, branding, and selling its product for an operational gain. When I evaluate a company's business development plan I am focused on three primary areas: Market/Marketing, Information Management, and Customer Experience. Only assessing one or two of these areas can lead to inaccurate data and results. All three are needed to determine the best route for success. Evaluating these three areas will allow for you and your business to identify your customer or market, decide what information is needed, and how you would promote a positive experience. Example: In health care, our client, customer, patient needs a service. Knowing what they specifically need allows us, the company, an opportunity to provide all the information so they can make an informed decision. After the service has been provided we use tools to calculate how well we provided a positive customer experience.
Public Relations (PR) has a new look! In 2012 we will see social media platforms establish a stronger presence in many business development plans. Getting your brand to market and establishing goodwill in your community can and will give your business the competitive advantage, help to mitigate risk, and allow for transparency to the public. A strong Public Relation campaign will improve your business.