This document discusses lessons that public relations professionals can learn from movies, including Disney movies like Aladdin, Pocahontas, Tarzan, and The Little Mermaid. It highlights how an updated look can promote a company like McDonald's did, the importance of passion for one's work and clients, the need to be adaptable to different clients and situations, and how taking risks can lead to rewards. Further, it discusses social media lessons that can be learned from the Karate Kid character Mr. Miyagi, such as practicing social media skills, balancing multiple platforms, and having fun with social media. Finally, it lists movies and books that every PR professional should watch or read to help improve their skills.

1. PR Lessons Learned
From the Big Screen
What Movies Can
Teach us About PR
3/6/15 LP 1

2. What Disney Movies
Teach us About PR
Walt Disney and Disney Corporation have produced
movies for decades full of life lessons and hints on
how to be an effective public relations professional!

3. Aladdin
A new look can make all the difference
When promoting a company or organization, an updated look can
make all the difference. Companies don’t always need a complete
rebranding, but sometimes getting your company noticed by the public
takes an innovative approach. Example: McDonald's new colors

4. Pocahontas
Passion drives results
Most professionals do the best work when they are passionate about
their subject. Getting involved in a project or a client that you are
enthusiastic about can give you the fire to do your best work possible.

5. Tarzan
Be adaptable
In a PR agency, you have to be able to jump from client to client with
expertise. Being able to adapt to an environmental change, as
Tarzan did, can make you a valuable asset to any organization.

6. Little Mermaid
Take risks
In PR, we are driven to follow the rules and stick to the given
guidelines. However, sometimes taking charge, changing the game,
and going for the BIG idea can lead to great rewards.

7. Social Media Lessons from
Mr. Miyagi in the Karate Kid
Mr. Miyagi might have been really
successful in social media!

8. “Wax on,Wax off”
The best way to improve social media is through practice and hard
work. Sure – you can read about social media best practices – but
there’s no substitute for experience! Hint: stay active on your personal
accounts to stay up with trends, and build your personal brand.

9. “Balance is key”
With so many social media platforms, it’s important to be present (if
anything) on all of them. Be proportionate in types of posts (call to
action, contests, promotional, non-promotional) and although it’s
important to be consistent with target audience and tone, you don’t
want to omit any groups! (Gender, age)

10. “Don’t forget to breathe”
65% of marketing executives find keeping up with social media trends
challenging. Social media is relentless; it never sleeps. Hint: Read
Social Media News Sites! (Mashable, Social Media Today, Social
Media Examiner) and Follow Social Media Gurus On Twitter.

11. “Banzai!”
In other words, have fun!
Get creative!

12. Some of LP’s Fav Films
With PR lessons learned in all of them!

13. Know your audience & Dress the part
The Devil Wears Prada

14. Gone Girl
Prepare for the media
They can be the judge in the court

15. Chef
Leave it to the experts!

16. ANY Horror Movie…
If a bad scenario happens, QUICKLY assess
the situation and make a plan of attack!

17. Sex and the City
Although a misconception of a PR woman….
Don’t forget to “Network”

18. Movies/shows every PR
Professional should watch
1. Wag the Dog (1997)
2. Jerry Maguire (1996)
3. Thank You For Smoking (2005, also a book)
4. The Social Network (2010)
5. Sweet Smell of Success (1957)
6. Jersey Girl (2004)
7. Phone Booth (2002)
8. Primary Colors (1998)
9. All the President’s Men (1976)
10.The West Wing (1999-2006)
11.Mad Men (2007-2015)
Source: Business Insider

19. Books every PR
Professional should read
1. You Are The Message (Roger Ailes)
2. Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and
Delivery (Garr Reynolds)
3. Presenting to Win: The Art of Telling Your Story (Jerry
Weissman)
4. Confessions of a Public Speaker (Scott Berkun)
5. The Definitive Book of Body Language (Barbara and Allan Pease)
6. Masters of Disaster: The Ten Commandments of Damage
Control (Christopher Lehane, Mark Fabiani, and Bill Guttentag)
7. Damage Control: The Essential Lessons of Crisis Management
(Eric Dezenhall and John Weber)
8. Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die (Chip
and Dan Heath)
9. The Sound Bite Workbook (Marcia Yudkin)
10.Your Public Best: The Complete Guide to Making Successful
Public Appearances in the Meeting Room, on the Platform, and
on TV (Lillian Brown)
Source: PR Daily

20. Any other ideas?
Any movie/book recommendations?
What’s your favorite movie/book?
Can you find a PR lesson in it?

21. THE END.
What Movies Can
Teach us about PR
Thank You!