Saturday, November 22, 2008

5 PR tips from my Yahoo Maps driving directions

You can find good bits of inspiration if you pay attention. Check out the good PR advice I found on my Yahoo! Maps driving directions yesterday.


Yahoo! Maps advice for PR people
I clicked the "Printable Version" to receive my hard copy of directions. On my way out the door I looked down and noticed some text at the bottom of the page:
"When using any driving directions or map, it's a good idea to do a reality check and make sure the road still exists, watch out for construction, and follow all traffic safety precautions. This is only to be used as an aid in planning."
I read it a couple of times, then it hit me; this is some sound public relations advice. Consider the following...
  1. it's a good idea to do a reality check - Take a step back and look at your situation, problem, issue, etc. from all sides to figure out the appropriate next steps.
  2. make sure the road still exists - Sometimes decisions you've made before are no longer an option, this is critical mistake that is often made when responding to similar PR issues. Just because it's worked before, doesn't necessarily mean it will work again.

  3. watch out for construction - Obstacles will likely be in your way and you should make sure to pay attention to the road ahead.

  4. follow all traffic safety precautions - There are some tried and true public relations practices and realities that can always be used to fall back upon including honesty, credibility, ethics, and appropriate strategic thinking/action to keep you on course.

  5. [Remember the] planning - I know we often play defense and react to issues, but planning ahead and planning for situations is always a good idea and could make your job so much easier. (I took editorial license with this one to make a point and give my list five points.)
What do you think? Are there some other things that we can take away from these driving reminders?