The other day, a friend of mine mentioned how interesting it is that public relations is finding its way into the social media scene. His comment was that, lately, he’s seen a lot of blogging on the marriage of the two concepts. Though seemingly becoming increasingly more popular, as the numerous budding blogs will attest, there is one truth that many seem to be overlooking: PR is the heart of social media.

Perhaps this is obvious to me, considering my experience in the field, but to others it may not seem so blatant. So, let’s break it down a bit. Here are just a few of the truths about social media that also extend to PR:

• The desire to develop and increase awareness about a company, brand, topic, idea, or person
• The willingness to reach out to others, friends, family, or potential and current clients and customers
• The ability to develop and maintain relationships that serve a mutually beneficial purpose
• The careful construction of messages that elicit response and action
• The drive to foster conversation and discussion
• The attempt to learn more about customer needs and desires.

In all elements, PR is the offline tool that drives the same goals as social media does online. It’s only natural that the two become a solid union on the internet, because they are one of the same. With each post, message, blog, advertisement, group, this medium of communication (social media) reminds us of the one truth at the heart of public relations: the people…the public.

(Image source: Bigdayplunge.com)