Is public relations the same the world over or are there significant differences in from country to country. For example do PROs find it easy to move between the US and the UK?

Britain and the States have always shared common values; historically the two countries are closely aligned. Whether you are watching a repeat of Friends, or grabbing a Starbucks coffee, the cultures seem similar. But when it comes to PR, what are the significant differences in how companies on either side of the Atlantic operate?

Dennis L Wilcox, author of Public Relations Strategies & Tactics, says that that PR practices are not only the same in the UK and the US, they are the same globally. He explains: “The principles and basic concepts of effective public relations are the same around the world. There’s still a focus on media relations in all nations, but practitioners around the globe are getting much more sophisticated about managing issues, crisis communications, CSR, social media, and even the metrics of measurement.”

Rebecca Southern, account director at PR agency Edelman, has worked both in London and in New York. She agrees that, basically, PR work in a large agency is the same in both nations. Rebecca took a five-month placement to the New York office and she was surprised at how alike working in the US is to working here. “The first thing that struck me when I started working in New York was actually how similar the day-to-day activity was when compared to my role in London. The processes, strategy and tactics underpinning client programmes were much the same.”

Day-to-day life may be similar for PROs working in the New York or London office of a large consultancy, but the differences between the British and Americans start to come to light when working with clients and with the media. Here there are important differences, both culturally and logistically. Because of its size of America, there is a huge range of communities, in terms of consumer tastes and therefore media consumption. Andy Barr, co-founder of PR agency 10 Yetis. He has experienced marked contrasts when working across the Atlantic. “The sheer geographic size difference between the USA and the UK means that where you can use generic press releases nationally over here it simply won’t work in America, they need to be really tailored state by state.”

Apart from its size, there is a great deal that the UK shares with America, which is why UK PROs find it relatively easy to cross over, and vice versa. However, the differences between us should not be discounted.

PR skills today are very much in demand in businesses and corporations. This is because it is with the right implementation of PR skills that it is possible to advertise and inform the public about the company and its business.

PR is basically the acronym for Public Relations and is the art, Profession or technique of Promoting the goodwill of a business. Most companies have their own PR officers who are quite efficient in promoting their individual businesses and companies. And with the improvement of technology, PR success is much more defined.

This is because the mobile phones, PCs, blackberry phones, notebooks and PDAs all help PR officials in the management of their extensive contact lists. In other words, with these mobile Productivity apparatus, PR officials can have their contact lists with them at all times. They don’t have to search for the contact list in their notes to access the lists.

Moreover, with their tools with them wherever they go, they can build up their contact list as and when they get to know more customers and clients. There is no worry of not having a pen and paper ready to note all this information with their mobiles and notebooks with them. With the help of these devices, there is no chance of mistakes occurring as data that is once stored in these electrical devices will not change. The data will remain as it is even after months or years of storage.

Practically all organizations have their own public relation professionals; and in large organizations, you may even find a dedicated group of communications department in charge of PR skills and success of the firm. The main duty of these PR professionals is to communicate to the audience so that the message they propagate through PR coincides with organizational goals while seeking benefits to mutual interests when possible.

To succeed in PR, it is important that you project a positive image of yourself. The best way to do this is to show your professionalism in the work you do as this makes people give you a good and professional response in return.

Attending seminars, meetings and public functions give you an opportunity to meet new people who may directly or indirectly help you in your business or organization. Carry your mobile and PDA device when you attend these functions so that you can store information like the name, contact numbers, email addresses and even birthdays of your new acquaintances.

With the extensive memories these mobile devices have, you need not worry about the limitations of the number of new contacts you can add to your contact list. In addition to the birthdays of clients, over a period of time, you can also later save the wedding anniversary date of married clients.

There is no point in just storing all this information; use the automatic alarm features of your mobile productivity devices to remind you on the birthdays and wedding anniversaries of your customers and clients. It is up to you then to decide whether to just give them good wishes for the day or to send over a bouquet or gift to them for their special days.

Just the thought that you had remembered their birthdays and wedding anniversaries, and the occasional calls you give them all project a positive image of yourself. People like being remembered on their special days and this act of calling them is all part of PR skills you have to develop.

There are also other methods to be followed to improve your PR skills through enhanced mobile Productivity. Never hide facts with people; providing false information and impressions only lead to people not having faith in you. Instead, provide them with valid dates and contact information on any project or deal you suggest them.

Whenever possible, try to be as supportive and approachable as possible to customers and clients. Even when on a holiday, take along your mobile or laptop so that you can be contacted while on the move. Those needing help and advice will surely appreciate your thought and consideration in answering their calls when you are on a holiday. Spending only a few minutes on a call can give a great and positive impression on your PR skills.

Instead of getting your message across in conventions and seminars with only a speech, use pod casts to get a better and clearer message across to the audience. There is no chance of mistakes occurring with web casts and pod casts, making it all the more better for you as people will admire you for your PR skills.

In fact, when at a presentation, and you find that you are stuck with your presentation; you can use your PR skills and some mobile productivity to pull you ahead. Use your smartphone to open your PowerPoint presentation or excel sheets and connect the smartphone to a projector while using your oratory skills in giving a successful presentation.

With your mobile Productivity devices, you can offer quicker responses to your partners, customers and colleagues. This facilitates faster communication with your coworkers and customers and in the process, gives your PR skills a boost. There is no reason for anyone to wait for your response as you are accessible anywhere and anytime.

In fact, with your mobiles, PDAs, smartphones and other handheld devices, you can be reached even at the most urgent of situations. Emergencies can be handled over the phone; you can reach a destination in a matter of minutes. And if you are not well versed with the area you are heading to, you can always use the GPS system on your phone to help you out. Whatever you do to reach the destination, the fact that you had acted promptly to a call signifies your excellent PR skills.

With the development of your PR skills with mobile productivity devices, you find that you prove to be successful in your work and business too.