The Nature of Public Relations

I’m often asked whether public relations is a science or an art. That’s a valid question. In science, two plus two equals four. It will always equal four whether added by a Republican from Iowa, a shaman from New Guinea, or an alien from Planet X. However, in public relations, two plus two may equal four. It may equal five. It may equal zero today and fifty tomorrow.

Public relations is an art.

Like an art, there are rules of form, proven techniques, and standards of excellence. But, overall, it’s a mercurial enterprise, where instinct is as legitimate as convention.

Public relations was once defined as the ability to provide the answers before the public knows enough to ask the questions. Another P.R. pundit once stated, “We don’t persuade people. We simply offer them reasons to persuade themselves.” I define what I do as gift-wrapping. If you package a bracelet in a Tiffany box, it will have a higher perceived value than if presented in a K Mart box. Same bracelet, different perception.

—Excerpt from Chapter 1 (pg. 10) of the world’s most widely used and seminal introduction to public relations, “Guerrilla P.R. 2.0: Wage an Effective Publicity Campaign without Going Broke” by Michael Levine, America’s premier media expert and best-selling author.

Purchase your own copy of “Guerrilla P.R. 2.0” by clicking HERE.

Levine Communications Office Congratulated by Producer Robert Evans

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“To another ‘Kid’ that stayed in the picture.

Congratulations to you and your staff on 30 spectacular years.

Thanks for everything. Bravo.”

-Robert Evans

Michael Bloomberg Praising Levine Communications Office

“On behalf of the City of New York, I commend Michael Levine

and the entire staff upon reaching this important milestone.

This award-winning firm serves as an investigator to young

entrepreneurs and has made many lasting contributions to

strengthen the public relations and entertainment industries

throughout the nation.”

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By Michael Bloomberg, Mayor of New York, in 2003 at

Levine Communications Office’s 20th anniversary.

LBN Dinner Club Event – January 25th

Join us on Wednesday January 25, 2011 for an exclusive LBN E-Lert Member’s Only Dinner @ Taste on Melrose.

Click the image below to sign up for the event.  Seating is limited and only available to LBN E-Lert Members.

Not a member?  Click here to subscribe to the LBN E-Lert Today!

Two Interns, Two Stories, Day One

We caught up with two of our new interns to discuss their first day.  They share their hopes, their anxieties, and how they think they’ll do at LCO.  Check out what they have to say.  Click the pictures to jump to their videos.

Megan

Steven

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A Special Thanks from the SAG Foundation

The Screen Actors Guild Foundation gives a special thanks to LCO founder Michael Levine for his “Secrets to Success” presentation in October.  He has impacted so many through this amazing program.

Michael Levine Sits Down with Los Angeles Business Journal

This week, president and founder of Levine Communications Office, Michael Levine, sat down with Joel Russell of the Los Angeles Business Journal.  Michael provided and in-depth look as his start in the business, his rise to PR superstardom and what he really thinks of “celebrity” today.  He also discusses the value of “self-education” and why Bob Dylan is the William Shakespeare of our time.

Read on to hear what else Michael has to say.  Michael Levine: Imaged Focused

The Inside Scoop on LCO Internships

Michael discuss with intern Natalie Perrota what it takes to survive at LCO.

If you are interested in becoming an LCO intern, please visit the “Internships” tab at the top of our blog!

8 Things Great Publicists DO

Here are 8 Things that publicists often fail to do, but are second nature to great publicists (like the ones at LCO)!

1. Reading a daily newspaper.

2. Listening to all news talk radio in the car

3. Watching TV news at home.

4. Advance planning your week-at least a 1/2 hour.

5. Reading Guerrilla PR or listening to it on tape.

6. Using Google search- positioning research.

7. Socialize- go to events at least once a week.

8. Having Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, or drinks with a client at least once a week.