Colleen Collick, a fellow public relations professional, understands the role of public relations. She states it on her company's website - "People don't pay me to be shy."

So, why do they pay public relations practitioners?

To be advisors. Too often public relations practitioners' roles are relegated to that of a publicist or media relations specialist. Practitioners must demonstrate their value outside of this role.
To be educators. Many people don't understand the role of public relations. It is important for us to educate clients, employers, and the general public role of public relations.
To make it happen. At the end of the day it is about results.

This is what clients are paying us for.