My Top Ten quotes about public relations

Like many people, gee, I love a good quote. A few meaningful words from someone wise, to help me feel inspired and motivated.

Recently, I compiled a list of my favourite quotes about public relations.

Why? Well, because I’m a bit of a PR nerd. I love my work. But, sadly, the PR industry has historically copped a lot of criticism - some of it deserved, some not so much.

So these wise words help me keep things in perspective, remind me to focus on what’s important, and - on those toughest of days – help me remember that what I do is actually useful and valuable (at least, it is to Bill Gates and Warren Buffett!).

Feel free to add your own!

1. "Journalism is printing what someone else does not want printed: everything else is public relations.” – George Orwell


2. “Promote what you love, instead of bashing what you hate.” – (unattributed)


3. “If I was down to my last dollar, I would spend it on public relations.” – Bill Gates


4. “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.” – Warren Buffett


5. “If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional, wait until you hire an amateur.” – (unattributed)


6. “Advertising is saying you’re good. PR is getting someone else to say you’re good.” – Jean-Louis Gassee


7. “PR cannot overcome things that shouldn’t have been done.” – Harold Burson


8. “Lose money for the firm, and I will be understanding; lose even a shred of reputation for the firm, and I will be ruthless.” – Warren Buffett


9. “Everything you do or say is public relations.” – (unattributed)


10. “Public relations specialists make flower arrangements of the facts, placing them so the wilted and less-attractive petals are hidden by sturdy blooms.” – Alan Harrington