Begininning with the letter "R"

Today’s word of the day and my final entry is “Reflection” and is described as: (1) a thought or an opinion resulting from intent consideration (2) an expression without words. (3) an implicit or explicit attribution of discredit or blame.

This will be my last blog entry and …yes…you guessed it, my gimmick is over. The reason for my choice to use this word is that I believe how you use PR in the media to put forward your reflection can influence opinions even after the event is over. Let’s briefly review the reflections of Jim Balsillie and Gary Bettman who realistically were the main players in the Bankruptcy of the Phoenix Coyotes case that was before the courts earlier this year. We have already discussed what each did well when it comes to using PR to represent their case (even losing, Balsillie did a better job) but what will their refection be to the public in years to come?

First there is Jim Balsillie, the master of public approval. By remaining accessible with media friendly PR throughout the case, Balsillie drew rave reviews in the press and in public opinion. While he may have lost in his bid to buy the Coyotes, his puppy dog looks, ever smiling face seen thousands of times in media outlets captured the hearts of millions and won his case in the publics mind. Sometimes expressions mean everything when it comes to effective PR and Balsillie ensured no words were needed.

Now when it comes to Gary Bettman…well this concept seemed foreign. He was often short with the media usually giving a quick statement then hurrying off. It was almost like he didn’t really care what the media or the public thought about him or the way he was handling the case. He was seen as arrogant, combative and unapproachable. While he may have won the case, Bettman should have considered what the end opinion may result in and stop the PR method of character assignation which he used to discredit Ballsillie throughout the case.

In the end one person won and one person didn’t. However, the only “Reflection” that the public will want to see again is the one who unfortunately came away from this case without the team.

At this time I would like to thank all of those that made comments throughout my blog gimmick. It was those comments that gave me great ideas’ and made me want to provide you with both an informative and reflective look into the PR respective of this case. You never know, maybe I’ll be required to do this type of gimmick again. If I do, I hope you’ll be along for the ride with me.

Jordene