# Rant warning#
After reading Todd Defren’s post this evening exposing other industries for not understanding the value of relationships – something which social media and public relations people are finally ‘getting’ – I was inspired/incensed to write about my opinions on relationships; in particular on relationships between fellow professionals.
I’ve recently attended a couple of events that have involved lots of PR people and a couple that have involved a lot of business people. All recent, and the first being my initial foray into the world of ‘networking’.
Here’s something that I’m struggling to comprehend:
If public relations people are learning and practicing the art of relationships, why do they not exercise the same skills with each other?
We’re now programmed – thank you blog-o-sphere – to realise that we shouldn’t blast journalists/bloggers with press releases and one-size emails because that isn’t the behaviour that cultivates a relationship. So why do we presume that ramming a business card in someone’s face and failing to make any conversation with them will reap any rewards (this hasn’t actually happened to me, but I witnessed it at virtually every event other than Twestival)?
If you hand someone a business card it’s a similar tactic to shouting your job title at them from the other side of the room. If you go over and breach the ’stranger barrier’ and actually talk to them and develop a bond, then that’s like making a friend – because that’s exactly what you’re doing, making a friend.
I’d much rather receive a call from a friend asking for a favour, or advice or directions to the nearest Wagamama in Cardiff than receiving the same requests from a stranger who’s business card I’ve thrown away.
We have to think smart people; don’t just make friends with journalists, make friends with everyone. It shouldn’t feel like a chore, it should feel natural – and if it doesn’t, then I’m afraid you’re in the wrong job.