A newcomer to public relations would glean invaluable insights into the
industry by perusing Can You Get My Name in the Papers? the
autobiography of Harry Diamond, ex-Glasgow PR chief, whose career
included meetings with such celebs as Honor Blackman, Telly Savalas and
Rolf Harris.
Not least, from his account of an exchange with the mother of an
unemployable youth, they would learn some immortal truths about public
perception of PR.
As Harry, who was honoured in 1989 by the IPR for exceptional
achievement, relates: ‘I allowed this young man’s mother into my large,
elegantly appointed office and listened for 20 minutes to her sad tale.
‘Eventually she leaned forward and said in an earnest, concerned and
confidential tone: ‘The truth of the matter is George’s father and I
don’t think he is very bright, but we think he would do well in your
kind of work.’’
Edited by Rebecca Dowman
