
The Power of PR and Branding with Bradley Harris
In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Bradley Harris at First Tuesdays with Up Next Charlie West. Bradley shares that his hustle is about connecting people. He recently launched his own business, Bradley Harris and Associates, and has been operating independently for about four months. His focus is on helping others by making connections, whether it be finding funding, arranging media interviews, or solving problems for businesses and organizations.
Bradley explains that public relations is different from social media and website development. He emphasizes that PR is about storytelling and external stakeholder engagement. His goal is to help businesses and organizations effectively communicate their message, whether it is through media exposure, brand management, or crisis communication.
We discuss the role of PR versus marketing. PR focuses on brand awareness and relationship-building, while marketing is often more sales-driven. Bradley highlights the importance of businesses investing in PR to shape their story and manage their public image.
Crisis management is another key part of PR. Bradley points out that while not an everyday need, having a crisis management plan in place is essential for any business or organization. He works with clients to prepare for potential challenges and navigate difficult situations when they arise.
Branding is another major focus. Bradley notes that branding is more than just logos and colors. It involves messaging, internal communication, and ensuring everyone within a company understands and promotes a consistent message. He often works with businesses that already have a strong foundation but need help aligning their branding efforts.
Internal communication is crucial in PR. Employees are a company’s biggest advocates, and if they are not aligned with the company’s brand and messaging, it can create challenges. Bradley works to ensure that businesses maintain cohesive messaging both internally and externally.
Bradley shares that he enjoys problem-solving and often gets calls from clients at all hours with challenges they need help addressing. His work is about finding solutions and ensuring that businesses effectively communicate their story to their audience.
Throughout our conversation, it is clear that Bradley’s focus is on helping businesses and organizations navigate the complex world of public relations, branding, and crisis management.