Public Relations in Full Bloom

By Allison Ritter

You’ve probably heard the old saying, “April showers bring May flowers.” It’s the kind of advice your grandma might give when it’s pouring rain and you’re complaining about the weather. But honestly? It’s not just good life advice; it’s also a perfect metaphor for public relations.

In PR, the “showers” represent all the hard, messy, and often unglamorous work that happens before any wins are visible. Think crisis management, countless pitch emails, awkward client calls, and media no-shows—whatever it is, it can be frustrating when you’re deep in the process. However, if you persist, if you keep showing up and doing the work, the “flowers”—the significant wins, the glowing articles, and the new business opportunities—will begin to bloom.

Weathering the Storm: Why the “Showers” Matter

Nobody likes a rainy day (especially if you just did your hair), but without rain, nothing grows. The same goes for PR. Tackling the tough stuff—whether it’s preparing for a potential crisis, building relationships with reporters who aren’t returning your calls, or guiding clients through situations where the public narrative isn’t favorable—is crucial for laying the groundwork for future success. This work isn’t glamorous or Instagram-worthy, but it is essential.

Planting Seeds During the Rain

Another thing about PR (and flowers) is that you have to put in the effort before you see results. This means pitching stories even when the media landscape feels oversaturated. It involves crafting your brand story when no one is asking for it yet. It also means staying active on social media and consistently reaching out to your audience, even when engagement feels low. In short, you have to keep planting seeds and trust that, in time, they will grow.

Enjoying the Bloom

And then one day—boom—May flowers appear. A reporter finally picks up your story. A client’s event gets covered on local news. Your brand starts trending for the right reasons. Your team secures a significant feature you’ve been working toward for months. All that hard work during the rainy days? Totally worth it.

So, What’s the Big PR Lesson Here?

• Don’t run from the rain. Challenges are part of the journey. Face them head-on.

• Play the long game. Consistent effort pays off, even when you can’t see immediate results.

• Stay ready. Good PR means constantly planting, preparing, and nurturing relationships behind the scenes.

• Celebrate the wins. Take a moment to appreciate when things go right—you’ve earned it.

At the end of the day, public relations is much like gardening. You can’t control the weather, you can’t force flowers to bloom overnight, and you definitely have to get your hands dirty. But if you keep showing up, keep nurturing your work, and remain patient, those May flowers will come. Trust me—they’re even sweeter when you remember the effort it took to grow them.