Being on the account side of things, all of that “folk wisdom” can easily turn into our guide, even our mantra. The reality is that now more than ever, it’s our job and responsibility to challenge “folk wisdom.”

It seems that with the economy being the way it is, everything is starting to look, feel and act the same way, regardless of what we’re trying to say.
Think of the few things lately that have really stood out and made us think “darn, I wish I would have done that!” – I’d be willing to bet that the majority of those big ideas/initiatives/etc. came from someone sticking their neck out there and a nervous organization jumping on board knowing the risk that’s involved but also understanding (and willingness to fight the good fight) the reward at the end.

The day you aren’t asking questions, aren’t questioning the status quo, aren’t looking for ways to improve is the day you need to re-evaluate yourself.

Great post!

One person shoots an idea for a campaign, and shows it to friends at the office informally. The next time there’s a low-risk chance to try something new, perhaps that same person is now given the chance to elevate the idea one step further.

Before we know it, the person has done so well that that little idea has become the year’s leading campaign, now supported by a healthy budget.

I’ve seen this happen a couple of times, in different ways. One was for an internal comm approach and tool that one guy practically built in his basement. Another was an ad campaign that garnered the financial support of a major partnering vendor, and became one of the company’s most successful for two years in a row.

Take time for your little ideas. You never know where they might lead.

In larger corporate structures, it’s easy to get caught up in doing things a certain way because “that’s the way we’ve always done it.” When I hear that phrase, my ears perk up and I settle in for a good discussion. As PR consultants, we can’t be afraid to have these “crucial conversations.” It’s what our clients pay us–and expect us–to do. I know I’m preaching to the choir here, but we need to be the ones to bring new ideas, new approaches and new thinking to the table to challenge the status quo.

Is it easy? Hell no. Does it sometimes get us in hot water with our clients? Sometimes. But, is it the right thing to do? Absolutely.

My plea to you all: Never be afraid to question the status quo and suggest new ideas. It may not make you the most popular person in the room, but over time, by doing just that, you will demonstrate remarkable value to the organization’s you serve.

@arikhanson
http://www.communicationsconversations.blogspot.com

Such “folk wisdom” about our PR industry is exactly the reason I decided to start my own firm and do my very best to make a wrong (the current image of the PR profession) a right (http://www.pipelinemediarelations.com/our-story.html). As many have already stated in their own way in the comments above, “actions speak much louder than words.”

This post, your rally cry to PRSA last week, and the numerous conversations we’ve engaged in about this topic…inspires me to not fall victim of relying on such folk wisdom. I hope others that read this don’t just shake their heads in agreement, but actually do something about it:).

Cheers!

And think about this: why do we get so excited when we see a great movie or hear some cool music? It’s because the creators of something like that have thrown out ‘folk wisdom’ and adopted what makes them unique and strong. This is why I love things like Blue Man Group (http://tinyurl.com/4s9pel) – the ONLY way these guys could’ve seen the overall concept of using blue characters to convey enthusiasm, passion and fun for life was by tossing out the idea that what they do is pretty darn nutty.

But this is what makes them so great.

So, this week, we should each try something a little innovative. Better yet, we should give ourselves some time to innovate and come up with some thoughtful ideas on how we can make our jobs little more fun, effective and (why not) nutty.

It’s a magic moment when you get a culture that gels just right- you can accomplish amazing things….but finding that team and balance is a challenge. Hopefully this community can share thoughts/experiences to increase those successes. Thanks for posting

Too often comm/PR people don’t (for whatever reason) step up and question decisions both past and present. This tacit approval is what keeps pulling us backwards instead of bringing us forward.

@Beth – I too, love a good debate (sometimes just for argument sake)

And David, I agree with Lisa that you make us think, and that’s a good thing. Be well.

@vedo