Wikipedia defines Public Relations as the practice of managing the flow of information between an organization and its publics. PR aims to gain an organization or individual positive exposure to their key stakeholders.
Public relations practices of the past have been aimed at coercing the public into believing positive messages about a product, service, individual or business. Managing information has become a game of coercion and manipulation.
Coercion takes place by purposely manipulating either the perceived changes a message can bring to a market or aims at creating actions or reactions from the markets existing mindset. Hence effective coercion can only be carried out through manipulation of the existing market mindsets by managing the flow of information.
The Web is redefining PR practices; turning old methods upside down and inside out. Since communications have become transparent the old PR practices actually can work against a business
Loïc Le Meur writes "PR is no secret science and it is not complicated. Or if it was in the past, it is not anymore. No targets or "marketing pitch" will get you very far anymore."
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Do Friends Coerce or Manipulate Each Other?
Friends is a term used to denote co-operative and supportive behavior between two or more humans. Key words are co-operative and supportive behavior. Friends don't typically manipulate rather co-operative and supportive behavior is driven by open and honest communications, both the good and bad information flows freely.
The Socialutions for businesses to succeed in a community of friends starts with a change in mindset, Their actions and behavior must be geared towards human vs. institutional behavior. People don't like to be coerced or manipulated rather friends like information straight up, open and honest.
Changing behavior for businesses or individuals can be difficult. Change comes from learning. True friends learn from each other and grow. Fake friends just believe each others bull. Markets are now conversations amongst true friends.
What say you?see original story and more at www.linktosocialutions.com