What is our profession? Is it “communications”? “Business communications”? “Corporate communications”? “Public relations”? Something else?

In a recent post, Jana Schilder wrote, in part:

“…public relations, which by my very expansive definition INCLUDES corporate communications and internal communications.”

Does “public relations” encompass internal and/or corporate communications?

Does “business communications” or “corporate communications” encompass public relations?

I’ve heard a broad range of views; I’d like to hear yours.

How do we describe our profession?

Is there an all-inclusive term? Have we ever definitively answered that question? Should we even try? And if so, how should we define it…

What do you think?

The American Society of Association Executives has posted a really nice commentary about the Advocacy Commons.

Although advocacy initiatives are nothing new, they view this blog differently, saying (in part), “What a smart thing to do!”

We certainly won’t object to their kind words. But is this blog really so unique?

From the outset, we knew we were going to reach out to you, our members and colleagues, for your feedback and ideas, and this blog seemed the most logical way to do it. (Special thanks to Chris Hall and his staff for making it all happen so smoothly.)

Could it be that no one else has used this approach to engage their people for this kind of an initiative? I doubt it, because many communicators are already adapting social technology for all sorts of new applications. But even if we’re not exactly “pioneers,” I’m pleased that we’re off to a good start and that so many of you are already visiting and posting your own comments.

I look forward to a spirited dialogue that will lead to bigger and better things for you, IABC and our profession.

Thanks to the ASAE for their encouragement — and to you for participating!

Last night, I attended New Jersey IABC’s IRIS Awards Gala, which was delightful (kudos to their planning team). Peter Thonis, Chief Communications Officer of Verizon (and a former colleague of mine at IBM, in the last millennium), was honored as Communicator of the Year.

In his remarks, Peter reflected on what it takes to be a good communicator and listed several traits. Credibility, integrity and a team you can trust seemed fairly obvious — but two others caught my attention:

Are these characteristics that we should reflect in our Advocacy (for our profession)? Is one facet of Advocacy our passion? Our belief in ourselves and what we do? Is this something our Advocacy initiative should reflect? And if so, how?

What do you think?