September is Ethics Month! Here at Hourglass Media, ethics are at the core of who we are individually and as a company. While everyone brings a unique perspective and morality to the PR profession, the PRSA Code of Ethics serves as a constant and consistent blueprint for us to follow. We adhere to the PRSA Code of Ethics, which is the highest professional standard of the public relations industry.
Read Morehese past three months have been stressful, to say the least, as we all battle with the effects of COVID-19. This virus has hit families, communities, businesses, and just life in general VERY hard. So, we understand, it’s hard to stay sane during these trying times… But we must remember where our ethical obligations should stand, especially in the midst of a pandemic. So, here are some guidelines to keep your ethics in check.
Read MoreMany small businesses can still maintain operations during the COVID-19/novel coronavirus pandemic. While our normal ways of life and business have been disrupted, thinking outside of the box can aid small business owners as they still attempt to market themselves during this trying economic time. Here are three ways you can still operate your business and utilize strategies and tactics during the pandemic.
Read MoreThis may seem like common sense, but think before you post. Your reputation could be harmed with a single press of send or an off-the-cuff remark on someone else’s photo. When an answer isn’t cut and dry, I refer to the Public Relations Society of America’s Code of Ethics and resources page. Social media is here to stay, no matter your opinion on it. As companies, all of us can greatly benefit from the organic and paid exposure social media grants us. Whether you’re a communicator by trade or just a social media aficionado, here are five ethical considerations you should think about before you post.
Read MoreIn many cases, PR practitioners’ reputations are on the line. One stigma, in addition to the whole “spin doctor” line of old, is that all PR pros perpetuate fake news. Admittedly, there are public relations practitioners who do that, but as a whole, the industry relies on its ethical codes in two-way communications. So, as a public relations practitioner or your organization’s main communicator (with or without much communications experience), how can you ensure that you’re communicating ethically? First and foremost, how do you even define ethics?
Read MoreArthur W. Page was a vice president and director of AT&T from 1927 to 1947. Known as “The Father of Corporate Public Relations,” Page revolutionized public relations practices and turned AT&T’s then-negative press around. The founders of the Arthur W. Page Society created these seven principles so the association's members -- and communicators in general -- could have tenets in which to practice public relations with honor and ethics.
Read MoreThroughout these past 10 years, I’ve compiled list after list pertaining to what public relations pros (or anyone communicating a message) should possess. Some traits are natural, while others have to be learned in the classroom or on your own until you practice enough to meet mastery levels. Here are 10 skills every PR pro should develop and begin to practice every day.
Read MoreMay marks the illustrious milestone in my career. Introspection is a necessary and cherished aspect of professional development as I approach the 10-year mark of my public relations career. Enough time has passed for me to ease into sharing my ethical experiences with up-and-coming practitioners and others. At the beginning of my career, I was still trying my best to figure everything out, and during my 20s, I created the foundation of my career through experience, support and, most of the time, taking the road less traveled. Here are three ethical lessons I have learned since beginning my career 10 years ago.
Read MoreOn September 21, the Public Relations Society of America-River Cities Chapter hosted “Ethical Decision-Making in Times of Crisis” from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Marshall University with local professionals and students in attendance. Attendees listened to a panel of professionals discuss their own ethical experiences in the workplace and how having a crisis communications plan in place is instrumental during the pre-crisis, crisis and post-crisis phases. Participants also underwent a mock crisis communications scenario in the workshop session.
Read MoreSeptember is Ethics Month, so our first blog of the month centers on ethics in public relations. If you’re a public relations practitioner -- or in any career field for that matter -- here’s to hoping you have yet to face an ethical dilemma in the workplace. It can be a challenge to read between the lines and see the gray areas outside of the ordinary black and white. That’s where the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)’s Code of Ethics comes in. We don’t have to spin our ethical wheels. Professional values and provisions are outlined for us as industry standards.
Read MoreNo matter your political opinion, you should be concerned about the Facebook and Cambridge Analytica breach. What is the main takeaway from this debacle? For communications pros, it’s simple: Be ethical in everything you do.
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