The Line: Week 1

At tonight's ONU PRSSA meeting, Aaron Brown of Fahlgren Mortine Public Relations speak to the chapter. Aaron is the chapter's annual opener and, even as a senior hearing him speak for the fourth time, I was impressed. Not that I expected anything else, of course. But Aaron is a down-to-earth, yet dynamic young professional who relates well to us and tells it like it is whether we want it or not, and that's something I genuinely appreciate, especially in this industry where we're so well-trained in both the significance of transparency and, conversely, to craft our words just so in order to get our message across. Aaron displays an admirable balance of both skills, along with an ability to answer tough questions on the spot.

One question I asked him at the meeting was where he draws the line in social media between his own personal branding and Fahlgren Mortine's branding, particularly given that Aaron references Fahlgren Mortine in his own Twitter handle. He gave me an answer I had not given much consequence until tonight when he cited the use of disclaimers in a multitude of companies' employees' various social media tools.

Instinctively, I bristled at the thought. If I worked for a company that told me I couldn't use social media just the way I wanted to, I would be positively indignant, what with the first amendment and all. I can say what I want, when I want, how I want. Right?

Enter my on-again, off-again love/hate relationship with public relations. I love that my course work continues to teach me effective ways to express a message and that that skill carries into personal relationships. I love that my course work continues to expand my vocabulary and knowledge of current events. I love that my course work allows me to delve into the research methods I've come to know and enjoy. What I sometimes hate is that everyone is hyperaware of what everyone else thinks of them. I understand that that's the field and that's fine for the corporate/nonprofit/agency crowd. But when it infringes into someone's personal life and expression? That's where I draw the line.

But with Aaron's answer, I realized it wasn't as black-and-white as I thought. As Aaron reiterated, the line is very blurred. I thought about all the organizations I'm involved in on campus and how I represent them every day, whether it's through a student-l, wearing a t-shirt, hanging up a sign or simply talking about the group. I'm very passionate about every group I'm in and respect each member of those groups. Why on earth would I let my guard down and say or do anything less than something they'd all be proud of? The same would go for where I work. I won't work somewhere I don't love and if I love it, why wouldn't I want to make them proud?

I don't believe this type of responsibility is a one-way street, however. It is also the responsibility of the company or student group to engage in activity that makes their stockholders or members proud to take part. Loyalty and accountability go hand in hand, and both parties must hold up their respective end of the deal to foster trust.