When I mention that I work in public relations/public affairs, the reactions I get often fall into three categories:
- The assumption that I’m like Olivia Pope from Scandal, briskly handling crises with a phone to my ear.
- The image of air-kissing celebrities at glamorous events, reminiscent of Samantha Jones in Sex and the City.
- The idea of being overwhelmed by demands while fetching coffee for a “Very Important Person”, similar to Andrea Sachs in The Devil Wears Prada.
Occasionally, I encounter a blank stare, like the one from a friend who once remarked, “I don’t know what you do, but it sounds like you enjoy it.” (I do!)
So, what exactly do my fellow PR professionals and I do? Well, it varies based on our clients’ needs and how they want us to assist them. At dovetail solutions, our focus typically falls into two realms: public relations and public affairs.
Public relations entails using various strategies to help a brand shape its message, while public affairs ensures this message reaches the communities it impacts. For example, we may educate citizens about upcoming legislation that could affect their housing, transportation, education, or employment.
To excel in these roles, we must thoroughly understand our clients’ products/services and the communities they serve. At dovetail, we take this responsibility seriously. Every member of our team actively participates in local organizations, like the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Denver Partnership, Public Relations Society of America and the Urban League Foundation of Colorado. These connections with politicians, government officials, media representatives and other decision-makers create opportunities for our clients to achieve their objectives.
While each situation is unique, our commitment to using communication skills to benefit Colorado remains unwavering.
Still unsure? Check out this infographic for a visual breakdown:
