Unlock Your Business’s True Potential with Public Relations in 2025

By: Bradley Harris

Thursday, January 2, 2025

Some people believe public relations (PR) professionals are spin doctors who twist the truth to make an organization look better. The reality is effective PR is rooted in authenticity, transparency and ethical communication. It's about building trust, managing relationships and fostering genuine connections with stakeholders.

In today’s fast-paced, information-overloaded world, public relations (PR) is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. Whether you’re leading a family-owned small business, a nonprofit organization or a Fortune 500 company, the ability to craft and execute an effective PR campaign can mean the difference between thriving and simply surviving.

As a strategist and public relations professional, I’ve witnessed firsthand how organizations can transform their narratives and build trust with stakeholders by leveraging the power of PR. However, the key to success lies not just in the ideas but in the execution. That’s why understanding the anatomy of a PR campaign is essential and can help your business or organization unlock its full potential this year.

1. Set Clear Goals That Drive Impact

Every PR campaign begins with a clear understanding of what you want to achieve. Without defined goals, efforts can become fragmented and ineffective. Are you looking to increase brand awareness, improve customer trust or drive attendance to an event? Each of these objectives requires tailored strategies and measurable outcomes.

For example, if a utility company wants to gain community buy-in for a new infrastructure project, the goal might be to educate stakeholders about the project’s benefits and address potential concerns. Success could be measured by positive media coverage, increased public meeting attendance or survey results showing community support.

2. Craft Compelling Messages That Resonate

The heart of any PR campaign lies in its messaging. What you say—and how you say it—can either inspire your audience or alienate them. Effective messaging connects emotionally, provides value and aligns with the audience’s needs.

Storytelling is a critical tool in this process. People are more likely to remember stories than facts alone. Consider a nonprofit aiming to boost donations. Instead of simply sharing financial needs, they could tell the story of a person whose life was transformed by their work. A compelling narrative not only informs but also inspires action.

3. Prepare for and Manage Crises Effectively

In PR, crises are inevitable. It’s how you prepare for and respond to them that matters. Organizations must have a proactive crisis communication plan in place, including templates for public statements, designated spokespeople and clear protocols for internal communication.

Transparency and speed are critical during a crisis. When handled well, a crisis can become an opportunity to demonstrate accountability and build trust. For example, a company that acknowledges a mistake, communicates its corrective actions and follows through with integrity often emerges stronger.

The Path Forward

PR is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s a dynamic process that requires intentionality, creativity and adaptability. By setting clear goals, crafting clear and concise messages and preparing for challenges, organizations can effectively navigate the complexities of public relations and achieve meaningful results.

Public relations isn’t just about managing reputations—it’s about building relationships and fostering trust. As we move forward into an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to plan and execute impactful PR campaigns will continue to be a cornerstone of organizational success.

Investing in public relations or your communications team is never a bad investment and will always result in a return for your brand or business’s bottom line. Whether it’s increased visibility, stronger stakeholder relationships or enhanced crisis management capabilities, the impact of PR efforts is both measurable and transformative.

Let’s start the year with purpose and strategy and take our public relations efforts to the next level.

Bradley Harris is the founder of Bradley Harris & Associates, a boutique consulting firm specializing in business strategy, public relations and executive support. As a trusted advisor and strategy expert to his high-profile clients, Bradley accelerates growth with strategic insight and effective execution.

Building Bridges, Not Silos: Driving Growth Through Stakeholder Engagement

By: Bradley Harris

Thursday, January 30, 2025

With newly elected and appointed officials reshaping government at every level, building strong relationships has never been more critical to business and organizational success. Thriving in this evolving landscape depends on the ability to engage stakeholders effectively. Business growth and organizational impact isn’t just about strategy—they’re about relationships. While public relations builds narratives and fosters trust, stakeholder engagement aligns interests, encourages collaboration and drives meaningful outcomes.

With a new class of leaders reshaping the political landscape, now is the time to master the art of connecting. These officials bring new priorities, opportunities and challenges, demanding businesses and organizations engage effectively, thoughtfully and strategically. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand that quality relationships and strategic influence are what truly drive results. Whether forging key partnerships, expanding networks or building trust with decision-makers, relationships are the foundation of success.

The first step to effective engagement is mapping and understanding key stakeholders. A stakeholder can be simply defined as any individual, group or organization that has a stake in, or is affected by, a business, project or decision. With new officials and senior staff in place, businesses and organizations must identify key influencers and understand what drives them.

To engage effectively, consider who holds the most influence over your success, what their goals, challenges and priorities are and how you can align your objectives with their vision. Once stakeholders are identified, the next step is understanding how to engage them effectively.

Consider a nonprofit launching a new statewide initiative—it must strategically engage legislators, community leaders and donors to build momentum and secure support.  By understanding the needs of your stakeholders, you can tailor communication to build strong, lasting relationships.

Once key stakeholders are identified, the next step is ensuring effective communication and collaboration to build trust and engagement. Communication is essential, but true engagement happens through collaboration. It’s not just about providing updates—it’s about fostering meaningful dialogue and bringing stakeholders into the process. Effective stakeholder engagement relies on timely updates, open forums for feedback and active participation in decision-making.

For example, a utility company working on a major infrastructure project might hold community meetings, distribute regular updates and use surveys to address concerns and adjust future communications. Early engagement can prevent roadblocks, foster trust and build goodwill.

The final step for effective engagement is navigating challenging relationships. Not all stakeholders will align with your goals. Some may have different perspectives or resist change. Managing these relationships requires confidence, empathy and tact. Start by actively listening. Remember—resistance often comes from stakeholders feeling unheard. Acknowledge their concerns and communicate openly, providing clear and transparent solutions to build trust. Focus on shared goals and mutual interests to create common ground and foster collaboration.

For example, when a controversial development project faces pushback, reframing the narrative around community benefits and long-term impact can turn opposition into support.

Stakeholder engagement is an ongoing process that demands adaptability and a commitment of time and resources. By identifying key players, fostering collaboration and managing challenges with care, businesses and organizations can align their goals with stakeholder priorities and achieve lasting success.

Public relations builds reputations, but stakeholder engagement builds connections that deliver results. In the spirit of efficiency, breaking down silos and fostering collaboration allows businesses, organizations and government agencies to operate more effectively and stay focused on progress.

With new leaders in place, now is the time for businesses and organizations to step up, break down silos and build bridges to the relationships that will shape the future. Those who engage strategically today will be the ones driving growth and leading change tomorrow.

Bradley Harris is the founder of Bradley Harris & Associates, a boutique consulting firm specializing in business strategy, public relations and executive support. As a trusted advisor and strategy expert to his high-profile clients, Bradley accelerates growth with strategic insight and effective execution.