After working in both marketing and PR, I have come to the conclusion that each discipline has its main purposes and functions. For both disciplines, there are certainly a number of techniques used to implement and execute successful plans. A number of colleagues have asked me “What are the major differences between marketing and PR?” For this blog post, I decided to do a little comparative analysis of the two surrounding Cask ‘n Flagon.
First, PR (media, social media) is about creating buzz for a client. For example, Cask ‘n Flagon was mentioned in the Boston Herald this past weekend under “Fan’s Guide to Home Plates.” The premise of the article was to let Boston Red Sox fans know where some of the players eat. For Cask ‘n Flagon, they referenced third baseman Will Middlebrooks and the sandwich they have named after him. The objective of this was to bring attention to Cask “n Flagon by emphasizing on the nostalgia and commitment of die hard Red Sox fans. After reading this article and being aware of the possibility of seeing Will Middlebrooks eating one of his sandwiches at Cask ‘n Flagon, Red Sox fans will be more inclined to dine there due to the ALDS.
Now, how do you leverage this PR initiative into Cask ‘n Flagon’s marketing plan? Basically, the article is to create buzz and get the readers to go to Cask due to the possibility of bumping into Will Middlebrooks. From a marketing perspective, die hard Red Sox fans would be willing to drop some cash to even get a glimpse of Middlebrooks eating his signature sandwich. With these PR and marketing efforts, it is certain that die hard Red Sox Fans will go to Cask ‘n Flagon. Now let’s see what the numbers say?
-Brent O’Connor
