I am working on a startup and realized the importance of PR - and that I have no clue about it. Can you suggest me a book? (Or point me in any direction?)<p>I am very much interested in
-what makes people tick
-what to do - with reasoning
-what not to do - with reasoning<p>Thank you in advance!
I'll save you the time:<p>With media:<p>1. Learn what journalists would be interested in your company (and why).<p>2. Send them regular updates about what your company is doing (in press release form or, better, as a personal email).<p>3. Be honest with them. Talk from the heart. Avoid exaggeration and "marketing language".<p>With customers:<p>1. Always say you're sorry when you screw up or when they're unhappy (for any reason).<p>2. Communicate as often as you can via all relevant channels...<p>3. ... while avoiding spam and "marketing language".<p>If you ever get big enough that journalists are coming to you, hire a specialist.
As a PR and communications major I can help you with that. I can recommend these two books:
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Influence-Psychology-Persuasion-Business-Essentials/dp/006124189X" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Influence-Psychology-Persuasion-Busine...</a>
And
<a href="http://about.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=949705369" rel="nofollow">http://about.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=94...</a><p>Do keep in mind that PR is something different than marketing or advertisement. Those people running around, dropping names and 'generating spin'? That's just a very tiny part of PR. PR is about shaping the public opinion, not just one person's mind.<p>On a side note, I wrote my thesis on wartime propaganda. I found out that the strongest motivator for people to take action is fear. The fear of losing something, missing out, or a common enemy (think Apple-Android!) is very powerful.<p>On a second side note, I read another comment about lying. Lying isn't right of course, but there are several degrees of lying. And imagine if know how to sell a lie, how easy it would be to sell righteous truth...<p>Drop me a line if you need some help or advice. I'm by no means an expert on PR in Silicon Valley, but I know a thing or two about PR.
This one is required reading for almost every 101-level PR course.<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Toxic-Sludge-Good-For-You/dp/1567510604" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Toxic-Sludge-Good-For-You/dp/156751060...</a>
Read some Seth Godin books.... purple cow, free prize inside etc... and you will learn how to market/pr. One of my college degrees is in PR but I learned more via Seth Godin's books