Yet, some public relations people manage to go through their entire career without a firm grasp of what public relations is all about. Their response to crises, or to requests for well thought-out solutions to public relations problems, reveals a serious lack of understanding. They confuse basic function of public relations with any number of tactical parts that make up whole, such as publicity, crisis management or employee relations. Understandably, they feel unsure in approaching public relations problems, then uncertain about what counsel to give their clients. Many, relying on career-long miscon- ceptions about public relations, forge ahead anyway advising client ineffectively sometimes with damaging, if not dangerous counsel.

If you undertake a public relations career, you can take steps to avoid this sad waste of your talent by discussing public relations’ strategic role in any organization with professionals whom you respect. But do it early, do it seriously, and do it now so that you create that solid foundation of understanding about this business that will help you make a meaningful contribution to field of public relations for many years to come.

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It is often difficult to appear professional if you are working out of home, among noisy children, barking dogs, hungry spouses waiting for dinner. And certainly many potential clients express open disdain if they call your home and hear screaming children in background while you try to converse professionally.

It's unfortunate, but many ill informed clients assume that home based business owners are not as serious about their business or that their work is not as good as a large company. If home based business owner wants to survive in this highly competitive world he must demand respect and project image of a professional business person who is capable of handling any job, large or small.

Let's tackle a few ways you can appear professional, even if your office is a small space in corner of your bedroom. I am assuming you have a complete computer set-up already. This would include your computer, printer, scanner, fax.

Purchase an answering machine and use it on a separate telephone line employed only for business calls. This will establish a professional image, especially if a client calls and you are unavailable. Plus, your telephone line will not be tied up with personal calls for family.

Or if you prefer, you could opt for voice mail. You can easily purchase this through your local telephone company. For a modest fee per month, through your existing telephone number, you can set up several mailboxes to take messages when you are unavailable.