"But I don't need to try it, I already know I don't like it."

I finally ate relish for the first time about two years ago.  I was convinced, until that point, that I knew everything there was to know about relish and I just wasn't going to like it.  That sounds ridiculous, and it really is.  Regardless of the ability to exercise logic and apply our knowledge, even the most open-minded and aware of us can have some pretty ignorant perceptions. 

If you asked me what I thought about PR before I learned a little about it I would have told you it was Samantha Jones with a splash of propaganda-chucking spin doctor.  

Although I was secretly hoping that PR was exactly how Samantha from Sex and the City portrayed it, I thought better of it.  The show makes PR seem quite glamourous and fun, all without having to exert a ton of effort.  From what I have learned so far PR is anything but easy – it’s constantly watching, reading, and thinking a few steps ahead of the curve to stay relevant.  At times doing some serious damage control, and influencing to ensure publics have the best possible opinion of the client you represent.   It takes a long time to make all of your careful planning, researching, and deliberate communication appear effortless to the outside world.

It really surprised me that PR had such a grand scope, and how far a reach a PR professional can really have.  You have to be a pretty well-oiled machine with a vast skill-set to be successful.  The opportunities you have are borne from the seeds you’ve planted, but are nothing without some great timing and the ability to know when to strike (or discard).   

Part of what has piqued my interest the most about PR is how dynamic and creative it is. It appears to provide the ability to practically apply my love for the acquisition of knowledge, and proclivity to research to find the most appropriate solution to a problem.  The sophistication behind determining how your publics feel and then influencing a change in their opinion is especially fascinating.  I still have a really broad perception of what PR is, and cannot wait to learn more about the constituent parts. 

Even if we believe we do not need to, it’s important to reevaluate our perceptions to ensure they’re still relevant from time to time.  The enlightenment of your hamburger experience is probably going to be the smallest benefit.