wallydownundy

I went to the chiropractor this morning - since starting adjustments a month ago I’m sleeping like a log and chronic back pain is a thing of the past. So I was annoyed to have sharp lower back pain for the last two days. The chiropractor did an evaluation then starting working on my left knee. Apparently tightness there sent the back out of whack. Attack the cause and the symptoms dissipate.

Too often companies hire public relations firms to address the symptoms. They have a bad image and get negative press. Driving back I saw an advertisement for an oil company - they use rainforest friendly coffee beans in their cafes. What gets glossed over are the human rights abuses in Nigeria where they have operations, and their impact on the environment when they drill.

Public relations is limited in its efficacy when companies do not address the root causes. Press releases can’t make sub-standard working conditions in developing country factories go away. Poor customer service can’t be covered by one case study.

Smart corporations redress their business practices and ensure they are functioning smoothly before trying to gain a better image through public relations. Otherwise its the equivalent of a “10 minute back-rub” by an in-mall masseur versus finding the root cause of the pain.