My belief is that our industry is much maligned – PR people still suffer from the stereotype of falling into two categories; the AbFab champagne sipping 'airhead', and the 'unscrupulous' spin doctor. Public relations is a highly skilled and serious profession which demands the utmost integrity, and which is based on a breadth and depth of experience. Our role as our clients' reputation managers means that we are responsible for their public perception on a multitude of layers, as well as being relied upon to drive sales. You cannot achieve this with puff or spin.
I applied to become a Chartered Practitioner for many reasons. As Managing Director of a small (but rapidly growing!) PR agency I wanted to boost our credibility in the eyes of current and potential clients. In a crowded marketplace, I wanted my company to stand out from other PR firms and be recognised for the thought that we put into all our work. Being headed up by someone holding the industry's highest accolade, I felt, would boost our position alongside competitors.
As MD, I am also deeply committed to continuous professional development and encourage my team to broaden their skills and experiences in every way they can. Having undertaken industry qualifications at the start of my career, I felt that this would be a great way to practice what I preach.
Finally, having the opportunity to put my career up for scrutiny by my peers and the industry's representative body was too good to pass up. I have worked in the industry for nearly 15 years, and there are a huge number of good PRs whose work goes unrecognised because the nature of our job means that we (usually) shun the spotlight and any glory we bask in is reflected. Chartered Practitioner status endorses our achievements without running the risk of coming across as boastful.
One of the most touching aspects of my application was the ringing endorsement of my work from current and previous clients, who I respect highly for their business achievements and their board room expertise. Even when you get to MD level, the occasional ego boost is welcome!
I hope that the introduction of the "Chartered Practitioner" status by the CIPR will allow the industry to gain the professionalism and credit it deserves, and I am proud to be part of its inaugural group.
About Thinc Public Relations www.thincpr.com
Thinc Public Relations is a close knit, vibrant team of motivated individuals who take pleasure in what we do. We enjoy rising to the challenges our clients set us, and we take pride in our achievements on their behalf.
Over the years, Thinc PR has developed an in-depth knowledge of two industry sectors which have become our main areas of focus: homes & interiors and building services. We specialise in providing PR for everything that makes a building come alive.
Our passion lies in supporting and raising the profile of ambitious, but often smaller, organisations - whether they are start-ups or more established; private or public; trade bodies or associations. These organisations are united by the fact that they have successfully partnered with Thinc PR to drive their business forward.
