What's the Big Idea?!

A critical and prominent theme I found in Chapter 6 of Edelman's text was the notion of creativity. Dan Edelman seemed to be quite the advocate for creativity and thinking out side of the box, so much so that according to the text he would include both "extensive research and brainstorming sessions" as part of the creative process. Edelman found creativity to be such an important factor that he would often advise his employee's to  "reach for the Big Ideas that will make it work. Package it, stage it, dramatize it." thus resulting in a more unique and better news release. Edelman believed that creativity was a factor that was more than often ignored by people in the public relations industry. I, like Edelman, believe that creativity is definitely an important factor for any pr task, and this is especially relevant now more than ever.

The idea of bringing new ideas to the table has been presented to me on multiple occasions, whether it be presented by Editor in Chief of the Suntimes, Jim Kirk, Tracey Hollywood from Fleishman, Fred Cook from GolinHarris etc, the point always seems to be brought up. This specifically resonates with me because of the fact that it is always a point worth making by people in the industry.

Due to the rise of the technological industry a sort of ripple effect has been created that has reached a massive array of other industries. The possibilities and platforms in which to present these ideas has been magnified immensely i.e. tablets, smartphones, computers etc. Dan Edelman would definitely encourage us to explore these possibilities and make our big ideas into realities.

Personally the need and desire for breeding creativity is starting to embed itself into my mind. A career in public relations pries at an individual's creative side and it's definitely a factor that sets one aside from other candidates. As Edelman once said those employees whom are creative will be the ones that "continue to be current." We need to think outside the box and reach for these "big ideas" it may sound like a recipe for disaster but it is definitely a risk worth taking.