Warning! Zombies have infiltrated the public relations industry. They are embedded in PR companies now rebranded as creative solutions firms, integrated marketing agencies, or communications experts, etc., especially the new ones, or the old companies now managed by a new team.
In my 25 years with MB, I have noticed the gradual decline in courtesy among these young “media relations experts.” “Thank you” is not part of their vocabulary; instead, they like to throw in emails such as “follow up,” and “follow these posting guidelines” in yellow highlight. I just received an email now, which says: “Let me know ASAP if you will publish this PR or not.” I haven’t met that person but I could imagine her gritting her teeth! Being young should not be an excuse to be rude.
When I approached him to make a courteous introduction, he looked irritated. Then, he shoved in my hand a small paper plate with six pieces of fishball since it was already dinner time. I’m sure he partied like it’s the Thriller days, doing his zombie dance moves.The event was at 12 noon and I arrived at this BGC hotel at 12:30 p.m. Understandably, lunch was in full swing. I messaged the “media relations expert” that I was already outside the ballroom.