Applying public relations to everyday life is actually much easier than it sounds. Since so much of PR is learning how to form a connection with an audience, it is easy to see how it can be used for an event like Valentine’s Day. Public relations has developed various methods and processes that assist in executing a campaign, and I believe that these are some concepts that can also be applied to daily activities. In this particular case, I think that the three-step process in public relations is ideal for planning a Valentine’s Day date or activity. The following graphic is a breakdown of the process:
So as Valentine’s Day rolls around this year, don’t be left scrambling for plans! Apply this simple three-step public relations process to your holiday planning in order to ensure an enjoyable experience for you and your Valentine.
The process begins with planning. In a typical PR campaign, this would be researching the problem and how to address it. But in the case of February fourteenth, this step will focus on your Valentine and how to plan a day that is best fit for the two of you. When deciding how to spend Valentine’s Day, it is important to think about the person that you’re spending it with and what your relationship together is like. This can help determine what type of activity to do, and what kind of gift to give.
Consider what your everyday relationship is like with this person. Do you guys always watch Netflix together? Try going to dinner and a movie instead on Valentine’s Day. Do you two usually spend an afternoon studying at the library together? Change up the scenery and head to a local coffee shop for the same peace and quiet with a charming twist. If you guys love to work out together, consider spending some time outdoors and go on a hike and picnic. Sometimes romance can be found in the most ordinary things. Of course on the other hand, if you think your Valentine would appreciate a grand romantic gesture instead, then go for it! Every relationship is different and every couple enjoys doing different things together.
The main point of the planning process is exactly that: planning. This is when you decide what you think your Valentine will love the most on this special day. Here is where you make the reservations, order the gifts online, and buy those movie tickets. As busy as Valentine’s Day is, it is important to plan early enough to get a head start on popular restaurants and movies that will eventually be fully booked.
When applying the three-step process to Valentine’s Day, the implementation step is giving the gift you picked out or executing the plans you made. This is the best part! Whether it’s the look on their face when they open their present, or the laughs you two shared together, Valentine’s Day is all about spending some quality time with that special someone.
The final part of the process is the evaluation. In a public relations campaign, this step involves measuring the overall effectiveness and response to the efforts made, as well as determining what the next step should be. When considering Valentine’s Day, we can think of it similarly. How did the date go overall? Did you both have a pleasant time together? If this was a first date, do you think there will be a second? If you’re in a long-term relationship, do you this day brought you closer?
Valentine’s Day is a day full of love that can sometimes take a lot of planning. If you ever find yourself wondering where to begin, just think back to this three-step process!
TOTALLY TiNA 