How Public Relations Is Like Growing A Garden

CEO Paloma Concordia, at Kapwa Gardens in San Francisco, with Calamansi tree sponsored by PapaLoDown Agency.

We always tell our clients that the PR work we do is like “planting seeds of opportunity,” sometimes they sprout quickly, while others take more time to nurture and develop. Public relations can be compared to growing a garden in that both a PR campaign and a garden require careful planning, cultivation, and attention to detail to succeed. Just as a gardener must choose the right plants for the climate and soil, a public relations professional must choose the right message and audience for their campaign. Both also require ongoing maintenance, such as fertilizing and weeding, to ensure continued growth and success. Additionally, both require the ability to adapt and make changes as necessary in response to unforeseen challenges or opportunities that may come up.

So what does this all mean for folks interested in growing a garden or let’s refer to it as a “press garden”? You will need to practice patience, and persistence, and get your hands in the soil. Year-round, you will need to tend to relationships, leads, and ideas, aka seeds, sprouts, and mature trees. And if you can’t do it yourself, you can always hire a gardener, in this case a publicist to help you!

If you want to invest in learning how to DIY and grow your own garden aka PR campaign, the PR for the People online course and 6-month workshop options provide the framework, tools, and tips to get you started. Put in the work, and you’ll see results.

Similarly, this article in Newsweek reflects thoughts from another agency CEO, on how PR is like going to the gym. Either way you look at it, the work that comes with it is not easy, but the long-term benefits are worth it. Let’s grow!