Product Description

Using dozens of case studies from well-known companies such as General Electric, FedEx, Procter & Gamble, Merck, Boeing, and Intel, Delahaye president and public relations scientist Mark Weiner offers a research-based model for creating and implementing public relations programs that will generate desired results and improve an organization’s ROI. Written as a highly accessible hands-on guide, Unleashing the Power of PR explains how to use market research methods to plan and evaluate public relations programs scientifically. The author explores the benefit of learning to speak to senior executives in a way that will improve communications and ultimately help strengthen PR performance and results. In addition, the book debunks common myths—such as “PR is impossible to measure!”—that undercut the effectiveness of PR and obscure its real value.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #384923 in Books
• Published on: 2006-06-23
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 272 pages

Review
Weiner… has left no stone unturned here; issues relating to audits, return on investment, new media and shifting objectives are brought forth. While that might seem very technical, Weiner's language is user-friendly and he carefully explains every aspect of the subject to avoid confusion. …Weiner's observations are peerless and his considerations set a new standard for the field.
Mark Hall on Timessquare.com

From the Inside Flap
As more and more new technologies—Internet blogs, satellite TV, and TiVo—enter the marketplace, they create new opportunities for corporate communications. How can organizations tap into the power of these technological advances and increase their competitive advantage?

Using dozens of case studies from well-known companies such as General Electric,?FedEx, Procter & Gamble, Merck, Boeing, and Intel, Delahaye president and public relations scientist Mark Weiner offers a?research-based model for creating and implementing public relations programs that will generate desired results and improve an organization's ROI. Written as a highly accessible hands-on guide, Unleashing the Power of PR explains how to use market research methods to plan and evaluate public relations programs scientifically. The author explores the benefit of learning to speak to senior executives in a way that will improve communications and ultimately help strengthen PR performance and results. In addition, the book debunks common myths—such as "PR is impossible to measure!"—that undercut the effectiveness of PR and obscure its real value.

This groundbreaking resource is filled with the most current and scientifically proven information about the effectiveness of PR, information that will enlighten even the most experienced professional communicator. Using the tools and techniques outlined in this book, PR professionals and marketers can improve their organization's performance and demonstrate?how public relations is a low-cost, high-value alternative for achieving meaningful business outcomes.

Step by step, Unleashing the Power of PR offers PR professionals and marketers a how-to manual for recognizing the misperceptions among their own public relations environment and shows what to do to take corrective action. The book also reveals what it takes to create more effective marketing and public relations campaigns and improve the reputations of organizations and brands.

From the Back Cover
Now You Can Unleashthe Power of PR in Your Organization

"As communication professionals have evolved from tacticians to strategists, measurement has grown from a series of random ideas and steps to a science that has a clear direction and real-world application. With each year since the development of studies like the 'Excellence' project, new experts have developed ways to identify desired outcomes, employ proper measurement techniques, and apply their limited resources with the biggest impact. In this book, Mark Weiner applies his years of experience with Delahaye to offer case studies and analyses that break down the science of PR measurement in a way that is easy to understand and apply. The book offers a fresh and innovative approach that takes the profession one step closer to understanding and demonstrating the value of organizational communication. On behalf of IABC, I'd like to thank Mark Weiner for contributing to the communication profession by sharing his knowledge of public relations."
—From the foreword, by Natasha Spring, executive editor, Communication World, and vice president, publishing and research, International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)

Customer Reviews

Shines a bright light on your practice
"I believe that PR is as much a science as it is art and I further believe that the science upon which effective public relations can be based actually enhances the creative process, by focusing creative resources on the most compelling ad credible messages as proven through research," says Mark Weiner in his new book "Unleashing the Power of PR: A contrarian's guide to marketing and communication (IABC/Jossey Bass, 2006).

Weiner is president of Delahaye, a provider of PR research, analysis, and consulting.

His book makes me take a hard look at my own PR practice.

The difference between unenlightened and enlightened PR program evaluation, he says, is the difference between a report card and a tutor. Evaluation helps decision makers link PR results to objectives. Evaluation provides opportunities for continual improvement. Evaluation constructs a framework around which future PR plans can be built.

A successful evaluation will tell you how your PR program performed against objectives and in light of your strategy and tactics. But better still is the type of evaluation that tells you more than just what happened: it tells you why it happened, if it will continue, and what should be done about it.

In Part One Weiner provides an overview of the changing landscape of marketing and corporate communication. Part Two discusses using research to strengthen public relations. Part Three walks you through the steps to transforming a PR program.

"I would argue that refusal to set specific goals is a form of malpractice," he says, "especially when you consider the affordable new tools at hand, the newfound recognition and still huge upside for PR, and the increasing scope of activities for which PR people are now held responsible."

[...]

Excellent Resource: Clear, Concise, Complete
One of the best books on evaluating the impact of public relations, Unleashing the Power of PR, has been invaluable to me. As a graduate student, I've used it as a resource for a project, and I'll be using it as the foundational resource for my thesis.

Unlike most books about research, which are dry and verbose, Weiner presents his argument and examples for good research in clear, concise prose. There's no bones about it, this is a must read for serious students of PR and professionals alike.

A Must Read for the C-Suite, Business Leaders & PR Pro's
Penned by the founder and president of Delahaye, you may expect Unleashing The Power Of PR to be a thinly veiled sales pitch for his company's research services (like many of the books in the business section today). You'll be pleasantly surprised, however, to find that this is not the case. Instead, you'll discover that Weiner's first book is actually a well researched, compellingly argued case for strengthening the role of public relations in your company's business strategy. In fact, to some extent, Mr. Weiner gives away the core secrets of the media measurement program it took years for his company to perfect.

For those, like me, who learn best by example, Weiner does not disappoint. Pulling from several Delahaye case studies and other sources, Weiner clearly illustrates his main points with relevant, contemporary examples. And, on several occasions, I actually found myself tapping into the dark depths of my fantasy reserves (the energy stores I usually save for Coastal Living feature properties or Mercedes-Benz catalogues), to conjure a vision - one where I transform my small company's marketing efforts into a well-oiled PR machine of my very own, increasing sales by 150%, and positioning POPLOGIX as the preeminent, affordable marketing consulting firm in the US by 2008.

Fantasies aside, this is a recommended read for the contemporary marketing professional but, more importantly, it is a must read for those in the C-Suite and those responsible for their companies PR investment. The return on your PR investment is not only tangible, but also measurable, and can directly impact your business objectives.

There's a lot to like about this work. First, it is particularly well organized. I really like the use of summary questions at the end of each chapter -- one more example of Weiner's easy reading style. And, if you pay attention, you'll find that Weiner is overly generous with thoughtful advice. Just as the title promises, this is a practical guide for creating a world class PR program for your company. Whether you are a start-up or a Fortune 50, Unleashing The Power Of PR may become your "how-to manual" for using PR to help achieve your objectives.