The PR Paradox: When Clients Ignore Instructions

A Publicist Gives Specific Instructions To Client, And Client Decides To Ignore Them.

It’s a tale as old as time in the world of public relations. A client hires a publicist to help them shape their public image, promote a new product, or manage a crisis. The publicist, an expert in the field, develops a strategic plan, provides expert advice, and outlines a clear path to success. The client then ignores it all.

While it may seem counterintuitive for a client to pay for expert guidance and then disregard it, it happens more often than you'd think. This dynamic can be incredibly frustrating for publicists, but more importantly, it can be disastrous for the client.

The Downfall of Disregarding Advice

When a client doesn't follow instructions, they aren't just making a publicist's job harder; they are actively undermining their own goals. A publicist's recommendations are not arbitrary; they are based on years of experience, an understanding of media landscapes, and a deep knowledge of what resonates with target audiences. Ignoring this advice can lead to several negative outcomes.

For example, a publicist might advise a client to stay silent on a controversial issue while they gather facts and craft a careful response. If the client ignores this and posts an emotional, unfiltered statement on social media, they could unintentionally alienate their audience, enrage journalists, and turn a minor issue into a full-blown crisis.

Similarly, a publicist might suggest clients focus their messaging on a specific, newsworthy aspect of their business. If the client insists on pushing a different, less interesting angle, they'll likely struggle to secure media coverage. Journalists are constantly looking for compelling stories, and a publicist's job is to help a client find that story. When the client refuses to tell it, the opportunity is lost.

Why Do Clients Ignore Publicists?

The reasons for this behavior vary. Sometimes it's a matter of ego; the client believes they know their business better than anyone else, including the publicist they hired. Other times, it's a lack of trust. The client may not fully understand or believe in the publicist's strategy, so they revert to what feels comfortable and familiar to them. In some cases, it's a simple lack of discipline—they get caught up in the moment and act impulsively, forgetting the plan they agreed to.

Regardless of the reason, the outcome is often the same: a breakdown in the professional relationship and, more critically, a failure to achieve the client's public relations objectives.

The Best Partnerships are Built on Trust

A successful publicist-client relationship is a partnership built on mutual respect and trust. The publicist trusts that the client will provide them with the necessary information and follow their professional advice. The client, in turn, must trust that the publicist has their best interests at heart and the expertise to navigate the complex world of public opinion.

A strong and cohesive strategy can be executed when both parties fulfill their roles, leading to positive media coverage, enhanced brand reputation, and a well-managed public image. But when that trust is broken—when a client goes rogue—the best-laid plans fall apart, and the investment in public relations becomes a sunk cost with little to no return.

Ultimately, a publicist can open the right doors for a client, but they can't force them to walk through. The clients who see the most success are the ones who not only hire experts but also listen to them.

For more info: BestPRguy@gmail.com www.PublicityandMarketing.com