The Importance of Personal PR

The single most important audience you will ever have is an internal one. At work, the internal audience are your team members and employees, investors and support staff. But if you look at it through the context of your non-work life, your internal stakeholders are your family, friends, neighbours, and children.

We talk a lot about PR in terms of business and products, but make no mistake, your own personal PR is a 24/7 operation. Whether you realize it or not, all of your actions are considered PR.

PR or public relations literally means how you relate to the public. Whether you’re talking to your child’s teacher or interacting with your local barista, those people are making assessments about you. How you carry yourself and the example you set says so much about who you are.

Several years ago, I got into the car with my stepdaughter Demi, and her father, Jim. That particular day, I offered to drive as Jim was a bit tired and we went through our usual pre-drive conversation. I offered to drive, but Jim said he was fine. Then we jumped in the car and went on our merry way. I know that Jim likes to be in control of the car and I’m fine with riding in the passenger seat so it really never bothered me. But on this day, Demi asked “Dad, do you not like girls driving when you’re in the car? Amy offers to drive all the time and you always say no.” Jim and I had thought this “car dance” we had was meaningless, but she was watching our interactions with great interest and pulling subtle messages. I’m now happy to report that Demi is almost 16 and Jim takes her practice driving all the time. In a few short months, she will be driving down the street with Jim proudly in the passenger seat.

Your choices and your example affects your family, neighbours, friends, and those who you socialize with on a non-work basis. It especially affects children. Your actions and the language you use around others matters. Keep that in mind the next time you’re at a soccer game, having drinks on a patio with friends, or chatting in the schoolyard with another parent. When I work with clients, I talk about key messages but with Personal PR, I would encourage you to work with your core values. Those could include empathy, kindness, strength, perseverance, patience, or whatever makes you, you. 

Exercising patience when the waitress messes up your order or summoning the strength to have an uncomfortable, but adult conversation with your mother-in-law are all examples of showing your character to those around you in those everyday interactions. 

It’s also key to understand that consistency cultivates trust and builds connection with others. Your personal brand will be cultivated with others over an amount of time rather than in one interaction. 

Is your child’s teacher being unreasonable? Then you probably want your words and actions to be strong to help work through the situation, but also protect your child.

Does your barista give you extra whip cream on your hot chocolate? You may consider leaving them an extra tip or complementing their service to the manager.

So next time you think about PR for yourself, don’t just think about podcasts, blogs, or TV appearances. It’s also your social media posts, comments, talks with the principal and interactions with others on a regular day. 

In a nutshell, a good first impression will get you invited to the party, but good public relations solidifies your position on the dance floor for years to come.