distortion of duties + networking

Hey all,
One thing that I have found during my placement is that at times, the duties of the Corporate Affairs unit can become slightly distorted as other divisions lack an understanding of what PR involves. This week, I was given the task of reviewing and updating policies and procedures for internal use, such as media liason policies. However, I've also had to review the complaint management procedures that have been passed onto corporate affairs because there is no other unit to oversee this. There has been much debate as to who should handle complaints management and as much of these tend to cross the desks of corporate affairs, the unit has had to take responsibility of this. I guess other divisions sometimes think of PR as a bit of 'customer service'. We all know that customer service is important for public relations management however, when it comes to complaints, I do believe that operations management should really oversee this. I think corporate affairs often have to define their duties clearly as so much can be considered 'PR'.

On another note, I recently came across a link on networking on the Harvard Business Review and found it quite interesting to read some of the points brought up. Thought i'd share a few since this is something not really discussed in textbooks and a topic we all (as soon-to-be practitioners) will need to skill up in:

Who are people in your network?: These can be both professional and personally and encompass everyone from people you met through a job, people you deal with on a regular basis, friends, relations, people met through recreational activities, clubs, industry groups, affiliations etc.

Developing a networking list: Simply collecting business cards may not be enough to help you realise your full network. One step you should take to assist, should be to write a list of people you know and place them in catagories e.g. former colleagues, fellow students, relations etc. Perhaps jot down some points detailing how you met a certain individual and what you may have discussed with them in conversation. Keeping good records can help your memory and any future reference!

Making your network work for you: Before you start to contact people, ensure you are clear on what information you wish to gain from a contact and what you can realistically expect from them. Prepare what you will say to them and have paper ready to take notes. Be clear when contacting others that you are asking for advice. Introduce yourself, let them know how you know them and then get straight to the point of the call. Remember that networking isn't all about how others can help you but also how you can help others! Always offer to help others first where possible and try to reciprocate and share information.

Maintaining contact: Always thank a contact for their time and advice, either in a handwritten note or in a follow-up email. Try to keep in touch — send them an article,photo, marketing tip, notice of an event that might interest them or another resource. You can keep in touch through social networking media (many organisations now use this) or remember to drop them an occasional friendly email telling them how you are getting on. An interesting note: Many executives spend about an hour a week maintaining their networks through such activities so you should too!

Check out these links!
http://blogs.hbr.org/corkindale/2009/04/6_networking_mistakes_and_how.html

http://hbr.org/2009/01/start-networking-right-away-even-if-you-hate-it/ar/

http://blogs.hbr.org/davenport/2009/09/forwarding_is_the_new_networki.html