Why should every PR student read Rich Leigh's 'Myths of PR'
I managed to get my hands on the early copy of the phenomenal book of even more phenomenal Rich Leigh. His 'Myths of PR' are an absolute essential on the reading list of every PR student, but I'm sure this book will find much wider target audience. Here's why I loved 'Myths...,' and why you should go and order Rich's book right now.
As the title suggests, the book's main aim is to debunk some of the biggest myths that are flawing public relations industry and ruining its reputation. Rich faces them all very aptly. He gets through the issues starting from PR being all about spin to the topics that divide the industry, such as measurement. He's not afraid of controversies connected with gender pay gap figures, always backing up his opinions and statements. Rich explains why all publicity doesn't always mean good publicity, tackling the very common misconception about any coverage being valuable.
Personal touch, drunk pitches, ".@ing"
What impresses about the 'Myths of PR' is the colourful, witty, and punchy language. The piece is really easy, and joyful, to read and could be easily consumed in two evenings. What makes Rich's book even more valuable and credible is personal touch, with so many anecdotes -- those funny about pitching stories to motoring show presenter, and those more serious ones about the brave crisis management for one of the clients. I also really enjoyed the very shrewd discussion about social media engagements, including "dot @ing" method.
Insights from life of public relations professional are invaluable. For anyone wanting to start their career in this fascinating industry, it can be a great taste, and a learning, before the future encounters with clients and journalists. Students can also get certain expectations of the industry and learn that if they want to work in a glamorous industry, PR is probably a wrong choice. Founder of Radioactive PR also tackles the topic of introverts in the industry and debunks the myth that PR only needs extroverted, uber-confident, and outgoing characters.
Confronting glass ceiling, critical and lateral thinking
The chapters on media relationships and gender wage gap are my favourite ones. Especially the latter shows how lateral and critical thinker Rich Leigh is. He doesn't, however, battle the topic of glass ceiling with the unsupported statements -- he features Susan HayesCulleton, a finance expert, to explain some of the discrepancies in the debate that confuse the industry and generate a lousy image of it. Rich really helps to understand this vague issue, putting it into plain English.
I do highly recommend 'Myths of PR.' Rich Leigh is a PR expert, who knows what he's talking (writing) about. And the way he talks (writes) is incredibly enjoyable to consume and learn from. Fantastic position for all grads, people who consider pursuing the career in PR, as well as people outside of the industry that want to find out what the profession looks like from within.
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'Myths of PR' are out on the 3rd of April. Make sure you order your copy. You can also virtually high five Rich on his Twitter, @RichLeighPR.
Make sure you visit MK this Friday for #4PRQs (Four PR Questions) with Rich himself!
If you have any suggestions, would like to guest post or give me a feedback, feel free to email me at kl.marcel [at] gmail.com, tweet me @marcelkl or see my LinkedIn. Thanks for stopping by, have a splendid day!