The PR Commitment to Small Business

We're birds of a feather, public relations and small business. Wonderfully compatible and a perfect fit. Usually makes it easy to commit resources to small business success.

But, sometimes I wonder about those small businesses that ignore the perceptions and behaviors of the key audiences with the most immediate impact on their businesses - the very people who hold the future of that small business in their hands!

To me, it's a matter of dollars and cents, even of survival!

So, what are we to make of small business failures? Especially one where it's obvious that enough well-placed publicity might have altered the behavior of sales prospects in a positive way allowing the business to prosper and avoid a Chapter Eleven filing?

What a waste!

Truth is, the folks who make up these key audiences, like the rest of us, act on THEIR perception of the facts before them. If a small business overlooks this crucial reality, and fails to prepare by monitoring how these people view it, who is to blame if misconceptions flower leading inevitably to negative behaviors?

Of course, the small business itself.

The title of this article speaks of a commitment to small business. While I believe that public relations is indispensable to small business success, our commitment must be conditional.

Here's why.

We are committed to your small business, and will help you every step of the way:

IF you take the time to meet with members of your key audiences and evaluate their feelings and beliefs about you;

IF you are committed to move into action when you discover troubling perceptions;

IF you accept that what people BELIEVE to be true, versus the truth, defines your public relations problem;

IF you are willing to raise your profile by regularly speaking before business and fraternal clubs, by meeting with the media, and by promoting your business as appropriate, thus building the kind of good will you will need should things go awry.

IF you prepare carefully written, persuasive messages that directly address the misconceptions you discover during your fact finding;

IF you select effective communications tactics that will carry your messages to those key audiences in a timely manner. Tactics such as meetings, speeches, luncheons, facility tours, promotional events, emails, media interviews and many more.

And IF you track your progress by speaking regularly with members of those key audiences, and monitoring both the media and the reaction of community residents and other businesses, adjusting your strategy and tactics accordingly.

A lot to ask in return for our commitment to a small business? Perhaps, but without such a commitment in return, a positive result is unlikely.

Public relations and small business ARE wonderfully compatible and a very good fit.

That's why my commitment remains on the table.

Please feel free to publish this article and resource box in your ezine, newsletter, offline publication or website. A copy would be appreciated at bobkelly@tni.net.

Robert A. Kelly ? 2005.

Bob Kelly counsels, writes and speaks to business, non-profit and association managers about using the fundamental premise of public relations to achieve their operating objectives. He has been DPR, Pepsi-Cola Co.; AGM-PR, Texaco Inc.; VP-PR, Olin Corp.; VP-PR, Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Co.; director of communications, U.S. Department of the Interior, and deputy assistant press secretary, The White House. He holds a bachelor of science degree from Columbia University, major in public relations.

Visit: bobkelly@tni.net; bobkelly@tni.net

cleaning service near Bannockburn ..
In The News:

Learn how to act against cybercriminals in 2026 with essential security steps like two-factor authentication, software updates and credit freezing.
Choose between OpenAI releasing Sora text-to-video model, the AI race heating up, or Waymo driverless cars launching in cities across the country
Learn how to set up Google Maps and Apple Maps on your phone to automatically remember where you parked. Step-by-step instructions for enabling location services and parking detection.
Phishing scammers use rnicrosoft.com domain to impersonate Microsoft by replacing "m" with "rn" in typosquatting attacks that steal login credentials.
OpenAI announces new teen safety rules for ChatGPT users under 18, blocking romantic roleplay and requiring extra caution on body image topics.
A 2025 data breach at fintech company 700Credit exposes personal information of more than 5.8 million people through compromised third-party integration partner.
Retailers lose $76.5 billion annually to return fraud as nearly 10% of U.S. retail returns involve fraudulent activity, with $850 billion in returns expected in 2025.
ShinyHunters claims responsibility for stealing 94GB of Pornhub user data affecting over 200 million records and demands Bitcoin ransom.
ChatGPT 2025 now connects to Apple Music, Canva, Expedia, TripAdvisor and OpenTable through built-in apps that help users create playlists, design graphics and more.
Apple releases emergency patches for two zero-day vulnerabilities actively exploited in attacks. iPhone and iPad users urged to update immediately.
DoorDash launches Zesty, an AI-powered social app that recommends restaurants through conversational search, now testing in San Francisco and New York.
Cybersecurity firm Infoblox reveals that over 90 percent of parked domains now redirect visitors to scams and malware, making simple typos extremely dangerous.
The Fox News AI Newsletter covers the latest artificial intelligence technology advancements, including the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
GPT-5.2 is now live for all ChatGPT users with improved coding, writing and image interpretation, with Kurt Knutsson offering his review.
New iPhone replacement scam uses pressure tactics and fake carrier calls to steal devices from buyers. Criminals claim shipping errors and demand urgent returns.
Amazon Ring's new facial recognition feature sparks privacy controversy as Electronic Frontier Foundation critics argue the AI upgrade expands surveillance risks.
New Android banking trojan Sturnus steals credentials, reads encrypted messages and controls devices.
Denmark's 3D-printed student village proves automation builds 36 apartments faster than traditional methods. Skovsporet project shows housing future.
Discover Android's new Sound Notifications feature that alerts you to smoke alarms, doorbells, and baby cries even when wearing headphones.
New SantaStealer malware reportedly threatens holiday shoppers with password theft. This Christmas-themed info-stealer targets browsers and crypto wallets.
The Christmas season brings a surge in Netflix phishing scams targeting shoppers with fake emails. Stacey P received convincing scam but verified account first.
San Francisco Giants invite Jamie Grohsong to throw ceremonial first pitch at Oracle Park after he learned to play baseball with a bionic hand following an injury.
FBI warns cybercriminals are stealing family photos from social media to create fake proof of life images in virtual kidnapping scams targeting victims.
Instagram's new 'Your Algorithm' tool lets you control your Reels feed in real time. The app now gives you power to customize what videos you see.
Major Marquis fintech breach exposes 400,000-plus Americans' data through unpatched SonicWall vulnerability, with Texas hardest hit at 354,000 affected.

Small Business Publicity -- Worth It?

You bet it's worth it. Publicity via news releases, along... Read More

How to Profit from a Concrete Roof Tile Business

Concrete Roof Tile Business: During the 2004 summer season, storms... Read More

Two Types Of Business Plan Cover Pages ? Which One Are You Using?

This is the tale of two business plans with very... Read More

The Key to a Successful Business

Where would a business be without a business plan? A... Read More

The ABCs of Fundraising

There are many little details that go into making sure... Read More

Are You Using a Chess or Checkers Small Business Marketing Strategy?

Until the day I learned to play chess I loved... Read More

3.5 Million People And A Possible UK Home Business Opportunity

Has this ever happened to you... 'John, you have a... Read More

How to Increase the Cash Flow in Your Private Practice in 30 Days

If you have a busy private practice, chances are you... Read More

Small Business Stress Buster: Completion not Perfection

Completion not Perfection Five Keys To Doubling Your Productivity and... Read More

Practical Money-Saving Tips For Small Businesses

One of the primary concerns all small businesses have is... Read More

Five Quick Ways to Speed Up Cash Flow

At one point or another, almost every business runs short... Read More

De-Ionization Decisions in Mobile Car Washing

Many mobile car wash operators would like to add de-ionized... Read More

Have You Thanked Your Competitors Today?

Competition in the business world is often viewed as a... Read More

Small Business - A Thing Worth Doing Is Worth Doing Badly

A thing worth doing is worth doing badly. Yes I... Read More

Proper Care and Feeding of the Business Owner

That sizzling sound you're hearing may be a symptom of... Read More

Pressure Washing Business Case Study, Tractor Cleaning

So often small service businesses fail to exploit niches, which... Read More

Job Costing - Do You Know How?

What's your job profitability? I meet with business owners every... Read More

Data Loss - Can Your Company Survive? (Most Do Not)

Data. Most people think it is a term relegated to... Read More

Marketing Your Small Business with Success Stories

-- The One Pager Shortcut Series --An effective and compelling... Read More

Racing the Competition

What is the Big Race all about when it comes... Read More

There Is Security in Change... But Use Caution

It has been said that the only constant is change.... Read More

Top 7 Small Business Resources for 2005

If you want to start a business in 2005, and... Read More

Drivng Home the Point - An Outsourcing Story in China

A few years ago, I visited Beijing for the first... Read More

What Happened to the Money and Freedom?

Ask anyone trapped in a cubical about their entrepreneurial dream... Read More

Got Stimulation?

An observation while returning home from a seminar: Getting away... Read More

pet-friendly home cleaners Mundelein ..