BNET Insight

Catching Flack

Smart ways to win the public relations game

PR Lists: Worth the Trouble?

May 16th, 2008 @ 10:32 am

3 Comments

Categories: Management, Marketing, Public Relations, Spin

Tags: List, Public Relations, Marketing Research, Marketing, Corporate Communications, Jon Greer

Some companies expend a lot of energy to fill out applications to be listed among the “most admired” or “the best places to work.” But do these lists really impact the business in any meaningful way, or are they effectively make-work projects for the PR department?

Burson-Marsteller came out with a list of the most sought-after lists to be listed on (got that?), including such lists as Fortune’s “most admired” and BusinessWeek’s Best Global Brands.

Aside from the “best places to work” that might sway some jobseekers, I just don’t see what value these lists have. I’m sure it feeds the egos in the C-suite and marketing departments, and may be an excuse for a cake-and-ice-cream celebration, but does it impact the company’s ability to generate leads, snag customers or boost sales? And on the flip side, does it hurt companies who don’t make the list?

Did you know that Jon Greer is available to speak to your company or PR agency about PR and media relations? Contact Jon for more information!

 
Reply to Story

BNET TalkbackShare your ideas and expertise on this topic

Subscribe to this discussion via Email or RSS

  •  
    1

    carolspr

    05/19/08 | Report as spam

    There is value...

    I work with a company that has been on several best places to work lists (locally, statewide and nationally) as well as been included as one of the Inc. 5000 and Tech Titans (fastest-growing tech companies in Texas). Beryl, a healthcare call center (www.beryl.net), has been able to effectively incorporate this recognition into their marketing messages, which has assisted in recruitment efforts and heightened employee pride and longevity. The call center industry typically has low morale and high turnover, but not Beryl, and thus positioning itself as a desirable place to work undoubtedly assists Beryl with recruitment and retention.

    Additionally, the CEO published a business book last year about corporate culture. For him, the notoriety that Beryl has received supports the premise of his book, "Why Is Everyone Smiling? The Secret Behind Passion, Productivity & Profit." (www.whyiseveryonesmiling.com)

    From a client-relations standpoint, Beryl communicates the value of these awards to its current and prospective clients by explaining that happy employees provide better customer service, which every hospital wants for its callers. Plus, happier employees are more likely to stay in their jobs, which means that client hospitals will have greater continuity.

    For Beryl, there have been many valuable benefits to applying for and being included on these lists. From a PR standpoint, we have had the opportunity to promote the recognition they've received through local and trade media.

  •  
    2

    LindseyB

    05/19/08 | Report as spam

    RE: PR Lists: Worth the Trouble?

    Interesting topic and I have definitely wondered the same thing while filling out applications, but I think there can be value involved depending on the kind of list. Our company was listed as one of the top women-owned businesses in San Diego and we have received numerous phone calls and a new client because of it. It gave the company presence.

  •  
    3

    prmavencolorado

    05/19/08 | Report as spam

    PR Lists: Worth the Trouble?

    I think that it depends on the list (consider the source). Some publications make it a "pay to play" which is counter to what publicity is. However, if it is a reputable "publication" it could be worth the visibility. Our local business journal does a Best of issue and the number of votes is huge.

    Rosanne Gain RGPR
    Colorado Springs, CO

Please add your comment:

  1. You are currently: a Guest |
  2.  

Basic HTML tags that work in comments are: bold (<b></b>), italic (<i></i>), underline (<u></u>), and hyperlink (<a href></a)

advertisement
Click Here
Top Rated
    advertisement
    • Click Here
    • Click Here
    • Click Here
    advertisement