Barney Stinson – My PR Role Model

When determining who my PR role model is, I went through a lot of candidates.

I mean, there are some FANTASTIC people out there now, and some icons in the industry who created the general world I live and work in.

However, a role model for me must be more than fantastic…they must be AWESOME!

And who is more AWESOME of a PR role model than Barney Stinson?

Yes, the Neil Patrick Harris-portrayed character in one of my favorite TV shows, How I Met Your Mother.

Why a fictional character?  Well, it has much more to do with THIS fictional character.

Here are the Top 5 Reasons Barney Stinson is My PR Role Model:

1 – He lives by a Code of Ethics.

The PR industry has a hazy “code of ethics” that all practitioners live by.

Barney has the “Bro Code.”

Advantage: Stinson.

PR Lesson – Don’t be afraid to write down your personal goals and guidelines and hold yourself accountable to them.

2 – He is all-in, all the time

When you represent a client, you MUST be a de facto member of their team.  You have to live their company just as you would live your own.  In simple terms: you must be all-in.

Barney lives an all-in lifestyle.  Whether it’s a prank or a new technique to hit on a woman…or even hiring actors to portray his wife and son so his mom can be happy…he is all-in, all the time.

PR Lesson – BE your brand or client.  Know them inside-out and believe in them and fight for them.

3 – Catchphrases

Creating catchphrases is HARD.  Like…REALLY hard.

And he makes it so easy.  True story.

PR Lesson – Brand carefully!  Use your messaging to create the brand you want for your client.  Words have power and can define a campaign more closely than any other aspect.

4 – He sees things how they could be, and not how they are

Too often, we look at the world as how it currently is.

Wouldn’t we be much better off if we thought about how everything COULD be?

It is quite clear that Ted and Marshall are best friends.  Barney has spent the entire series telling anyone who will listen that he is the REAL best friend.

Yes, it’s silly, but it’s how Barney wants to be perceived, as the best friend.  And who will represent himself better than himself?

PR Lesson – “Spin” is a nasty word.  However, be as optimistic and truthful as possible.  Don’t forget to be honest, too.  But it’s OK to pull a Monty Python and always look on the bright side of life.  Just be prepared when people without your sunny disposition come  a’knockin…

5 – He has an air of mystery

Despite spending inordinate amounts of time with his friends, there remains a mystique surrounding him.

You know there is something he knows that you don’t…be it what his job actually is (“Oh, please…”), or corporate secrets, or the truth behind what has motivated his salacious ways, he keeps you guessing.

PR Lesson – Publicists hold all the cards, be it information, access or products.  A good PR plan will impress the target audience and keep them engaged in the brand/company.

So, Mr. Stinson…I salute you and your awesomeness!  Who knew you were such a great PR bro?

Who are YOUR PR role models?