Wait, So It’s Not Like Sex and the City? - Busting the Top Myths of Working in PR

I imagine you, like many others, myself included, first learned of the public relations (PR) industry through film and television. Whether you were watching Samantha Jones attend a restaurant opening on Sex and the City or Sam Seaborn and Toby Ziegler navigate a crisis on The West Wing, film and TV have done a lot to elevate the PR industry. It has also created some unrealistic expectations of what working in PR is actually like. So, what are the top myths about working in PR, and are they true or not? 

Myth #1: I will be attending glamorous and star-studded events every night of the week.

As much as I wish this were true, sadly, it is not. While you may find yourself at a grand opening, award show, or even on a red carpet supporting a client, these instances are generally few and far between, even for the top entertainment publicists in Hollywood. 

Myth #2: PR, Marketing, and Advertising are all the same thing.

While PR, marketing, and advertising all fall under the umbrella of “communications,” they are vastly different in practice. Public relations is all about relationships. Building them, maintaining them, and growing them. Marketing is all about getting new customers, specifically to increase revenue for your business or product. Advertising is the process of getting those customers to act, buy your product, or subscribe to your service, most commonly through a paid media ad or sponsored social media post. 

Myth #3: Bookings happen instantly. 

As much as we all wish that interview bookings or magazine features were secured immediately after an email is sent, realistically, it takes much longer. More often than not, it takes months of emailing, checking in, and supplying new materials to editors and producers for one single booking to happen. This is the biggest reason public relations professionals must work far ahead of any events, anniversaries, or launches. 

Myth #4: To be a publicist, you must be an extrovert.

While it is true that being social and outgoing, common traits of an extrovert, are incredibly valuable traits to have in public relations, they are not necessarily the most important. I would argue that common introvert characteristics, such as listening, organization, and attention to detail, are equally, if not more important, skills for a successful public relations professional.  

While some days are spent at photoshoots or restaurant openings, most publicists actually spend their days in front of a computer, sending emails and writing pitches with their hair in a messy bun. Public relations is one of the most exciting and interesting industries, but it can also be one of the most glamorized. The real job is about making our clients known and helping them share their stories with the world. And it’s the best job ever!