Probably one of the most important aspects of public relations is longevity.  Defined by the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, longevity is “1 a: a long duration of individual life b: length of life <a study of longevity>2: long continuance: permanence, durability.”

You want to work with a public relations professional and/or firm who you can stay with long-term not just because it adds stability and undoubtedly a continued stream of coverage – but also because you like calling one person, the same person, every time you need some PR assistance.

In my first job, I traveled across the country training businesses on how to use the computer software my company sold and supported.  Even years after I last visited a site, the managers or salespeople would call me asking for help with the software.  Why?  It was typically because every time they called customer support they reached a different technical specialist or their salesperson left their territory/region and they just wanted to talk to one person who understood their situation, not be passed around from person to person.

I was someone my former clients could call, no matter what, and they knew I would work to help solve their problem until they were 100% satisfied.

That’s what we do at Dittoe.  Every account manager deals with different clients, client contacts and media contacts on a daily basis.  Not only are we charged with telling our clients’ stories and getting them coverage in the media outlets they want to be in on a regular basis – but we work hard to ensure everyone we communicate with is happy.

Our clients know who their Dittoe account manager is.  We communicate with them multiple times a week and they know our mobile numbers – so even at 10:00pm, when someone gets an idea or a last minute decision is made, we’re on it.

I think our accountability and availability plays major roles in our longevity with many clients.  The proof is in the pudding…

We currently work with clients who were some of the first to try out Dittoe Public Relations back when Chris and Liza founded the company.  Clients don’t “come and go” here… they stay, and if they leave, they typically come back.

Longevity.  It’s a major key to the success of any company, whether you’re B-to-B or B-to-C.  You want to be good ole reliable.  You want to be the first name that pops up in your client’s mind.