This is a big, loaded question that gets asked quite regularly.
Because it is important.We've approached this question from a variety of angles here on the ROAMings blog and our founder will be discussing it in further detail during the "PR Secrets Revealed" online summit, starting today.
So now we are going to take the question on directly: Are you ready for PR?
The answer is going to vary from business to business and is going to be dependent on a multitude of factors. But in order to truly understand if your business -- and more importantly you and your leadership -- are ready for PR, you need to be able to answer some questions openly and honestly and make sure you are all on the same page with the answers.
The benefit to this exercise, whether or not you proceed with a PR program, is that it gets the team thinking like one unit and asking questions that you are probably either too busy or afraid to ask one another. But once they are out in the open, the picture starts getting much clearer on what is needed to be successful overall, not just with a PR program.
Understanding your goals and objectives is the next step. What are you trying to accomplish with a PR program? What existing initiatives do you have in place that PR can help enhance? (remember: PR shouldn't be the only tool in your toolbox to meet business objectives.)
Scope and budget are also a factor. Whether you choose to hire in-house, an agency or a contractor, you will need to understand what the job will entail and how much money you are willing and able to spend. Look at your product roadmap to see what news you will have coming and whether it warrants a full-time PR program or one-off projects. For budget, understand that PR programs are an investment, but they shouldn't dominate your overall operating expenses.
So are you ready for PR?
That is for you and your team to ultimately decide.
The answer can be no and there is nothing wrong with that. Just make sure you are absolutely ready when you jump off the line and start sprinting. It will be quite the journey.
