Always Ask: Networking 101

Tags

blogging, commitment, dedication, PR, public relations

It has certainly been too long since my last post. I have been keeping up with this blog for almost three years now and I am very proud of the work I’ve produced. But as life and work sometimes get in the way, I let that commitment slip to back of mind. Moving forward I plan to get back into the swing of things and continue writing on a regular basis.

I’ve recently had some very existing opportunities cross my path that I could not let slip by. I met a friend of a friend who’s dad worked with a very well-known company that I’ve always dreamed of working for. I worked to build a relationship with her, and eventually asked for the opportunity to speak with her dad to hear some inside advice on best ways to approach the application process.

It has been almost three months since the initial conversation with that friend of a friend, and tomorrow I’ve already spoken with the global head of communications for that company I’ve only dreamed of working for. This experience has only affirmed one of my greatest beliefs, to always ask because you never know who might say yes.

Never pass up an opportunity because you are afraid of hearing no. I always say, if you don’t ask, you don’t get. And who knows, maybe my next update will be from a desk at my dream job.

 

 

Pay It Forward: The Importance Of Mentors

Tags

advice, career, career advice, lessons, marketing, mentors, mentorship, motivational tips, PR, public relations, strategy, success, training, writing

Throughout my experience in PR I have been lucky enough to come across not one, but several great mentors. Some of whom still keep in touch, and some who were simply passing through, offering a piece of advice I will remember throughout my entire career. No matter which category they fall into, these people have helped shape me into the professional I am today.

Both personally and professionally, I believe having a strong mentor is one of the most important factors lending to an individual’s success. A mentor can teach you everything from what your next career move should be, to how to shake hands, how to ask for a raise, or even how to structure a sentence properly. These people have the experience you one day hope to have, and the best thing you can do is listen, watch and learn.

When I started out in PR, I found it extremely helpful to have a mentor who was able to offer me guidance at such a pivotal point in my career. With that, here are some qualities to look for in a mentor:

• Someone who understands the importance of being a mentor.
• Someone who is invested in your success.
• Someone who consistently offers constructive criticism.
• Someone you aspire to be.

I was lucky enough to encounter my first mentor very early on in my career, at my very first internship in fact. She was a strong young professional, working to get her business off of the ground, but still took the time to show me the ropes. She immediately inspired me in more ways than one. She took the time to pick apart my work, and then help me to rebuild my approach. Offering constructive criticism along the way, she taught me to be appreciative of edits, rather than being offended I wasn’t perfect.

With all of the lessons I’ve learned from the great mentors who’ve crossed my path, I could fill a book. I think of their advice everyday, when I get dressed for a meeting, when I arrive early for work, and especially when things get crazy and I’m feeling overwhelmed.

I cannot stress it enough how important mentors are to young professionals starting out. I was recently approached by someone preparing to graduate, looking for advice and counsel on what to do next. I felt humbled she would look to me for guidance and trust in my experience. I took that chance to pay it forward and offered her any and all of the advice that I had, encouraging her to come back with more questions.

So if you don’t have a mentor in your field, go in search of one. And if you are already established in your career, become a mentor, for it can have a lasting impact.

 

 

Pitching 101

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DC, journalism, media, media relations, pitching, PR, public relations, technology

Pitching.  A term that we know all too well as PR professionals. It entails emailing, calling, and relentlessly reaching out to reporters in hopes of having your client featured in their publication. It may be a daunting task, but it’s a necessary one, that requires finess.

I recently attended a media breakfast featuring a panel of DC technology reporters, the exact people I pitch on a regular basis. The panel focused on pitching and media relations best practices. Even though this session was focused specifically on DC area technology reporters, these lessons can be applied to any industry when working with the media.

From this session, I learned that to be successful at pitching there are several things you must take into consideration:

• Your pitch must be newsworthy, don’t bore the reporter with information they’ve already heard or have easy access to.
• The news you’re pitching should be timely, the information you present should be effecting the industry and consumers, today.
• Take the time to personalize your messages, get the reporter’s name right.
• Know the publication and the audience they write for, and know the reporter’s beat (they hate when you pitch news that is not relevant to them).
• Offer an exclusive scoop when you can, every reporter will jump at the chance to break a news story.

By implementing these best practices, you will be able to build strong relationships with reporters over time. Strong media relations offers many benefits to both you and your clients. Maintaining a good relationship with a reporter will also make your job easier, and when you’ve done it right you might even see reporters reaching out to you for information.

Good luck, and pitch on.

Strengthen Your Social Media Presence

Tags

digital strategy, followers, PR, public relations, social media, twitter

As I continue to hone my PR skills, social media strategy is at the top of the list. Over the past several months I’ve been working to improve my social media savvy, specifically on Twitter. When I began this mission I had 180 Twitter followers, with a goal of increasing that number to 200 within a month.

In order to do so, I knew that I had to study the PR pros and influencers on Twitter who have hundreds and thousands of followers. How did they get that many followers? How long did it take? These were answers I was determined to uncover and use as part of my strategy.

I then took the opportunity to attend a Twitter class to learn how to engage and increase my followers. I came away with several great nuggets of information that have proved valuable, as my number of followers has begun to steadily increase:

• Retweet
• Reply
• Use photos and videos in your tweets
• Use Hashtags
• Live tweet when possible

By implementing all of these suggestions I am on my way to gaining a solid, PR- related following. Along with the tactics above, I started following any and all credible PR Twitter accounts that I could learn from. Doing so has improved my knowledge of the industry, as well as Twitter best practices.

I have also had to train myself to engage on Twitter at least once a day. That means finding an interesting article and replying with a thoughtful response. Along with using one or two hashtags per tweet, I’m able to increase my visibility to gain followers.

These Twitter tactics have worked well for me and I will continue to adapt and improve my social media strategy, so that I can one day be a social media pro.

Grit

Tags

determination, grit, PR, public relations, work ethic

Grit: The tendency to sustain interest in and effort toward very long-term goals.

I sometimes need to remind myself of what having grit really means. What it means for both my long and short term goals. That everything I’m doing is preparation for a much larger goal.

I believe that those who stay in the PR industry and succeed have true grit. Because this industry is no joke, and it certainly seems to weed out those who don’t have a thick enough skin.

But that’s what I love about PR, it challenges me everyday. I believe those challenges will only make me better at what I do. As long as I stick with it.

Grit. Short, sweet and to the point.

 

Looking Forward

Tags

PR, public relations

I knew that when I chose PR as my future career that it wouldn’t be easy. I knew that the first year would be especially hard, as I have to prove myself all over again at a new agency that does not yet know the full range of my capabilities.

Keeping that in mind, I did my best to mentally prepare for the journey that lie ahead. I was ready to hear “pay your dues,” a saying often thrown around throughout the beginning stages of one’s career. However, how do you know when you’re all paid up and it’s time to move on?

There also seems to be several grey areas within the first year of ones’ career. When has it been long enough? When do I know enough? And when have I proved myself ready to move up? These are questions that have been weighing heavy on my mind as of late.

As most recent grads who are currently embarking on a first job in hopes of launching their career, I’m wondering how my own timeline will play out. Do I need to stay in this position a certain amount of time before I can move up, or do I simply need to prove myself ready? And more importantly, how long is that going to take?

I have always known what I wanted to do, leaning towards a more creative path, I chose PR. However, I am realizing there is not always much creative control in the beginning of this career. Which I did expect for my first job, so I can’t really complain. But I cannot help but to look forward to what’s next.

I think that’s what separates the haves from the have nots. Continuously looking forward to having creative control over your life and your job. That is what motivates me to continue working hard in PR. I know that eventually I will work my way into a role that allows me that kind of creative freedom and control I crave.

But the question now is, what do I do until then and how do I get there faster? As my impatience continues to serve as both a hindrance and motivation, I look forward.

The Work-life Balance

Tags

PR, public relations, work like balance

After having worked at quite a few firms, I have had the chance to observe some “office politics” in various settings. One major observation I’ve had is that some past and present my co-workers come in very early and stay well past five.

I certainly believe that one must work hard in order to move up within their field, but there should also be time for your life and enjoying yourself.

My hours are 9am – 5pm. I come in around 8:30am everyday and stay until almost 5:30pm every evening. At first, I saw no problem with this. I had to prove myself and show others that I was working hard. But the problem was most of the time I was only putting in the extra time to “show” others. I was almost always able to finish my work for the day between the hours of 9am-5pm.

It’s important to be punctual and on time for your job, but where do the lines begin to blur into “over doing it?” As a millennial, I feel that I, and most in my generation, take the work-life balance very seriously.

Yes, it is important to work hard and put in the necessary over-time, but it’s also very important to enjoy that life you’re working for. Enjoying that paycheck you work so hard for, and spending time with loved ones is vital for a happy balance.

If you are able to finish your work in a timely manner and punch out at 5pm, shouldn’t you be able leave then? For some that may be difficult, as there are many work cultures that foster an atmosphere of over-working and “showing” everyone that you are putting in extra time.

One of my resolutions for my first year as a full time employee is to work hard, and play hard. During the week I give most of my time to my job, so during nights and the weekend I need to unwind. Working hard all of the time without letting off some steam and relaxing is a recipe for disaster. I plan on working for the next 40+ years or so, now is not the time to burn myself out by over working. It takes some planning and self control, but I believe the work-life balance is not only doable, but necessary.

So as I move forward in the new year, my motto will be: Show up on time, make the most out of that 9-5 schedule and leave plenty of time for yourself.

My Year In Review

As 2014 comes to an end, I have a lot to reflect on.

This has been a year of obstacles, challenges, and triumphs. In the past 365 days, I have graduated college, completed several internships, moved twice, and started my first full time job.

A year ago at this time I literally had no idea what I was going to do with my life. I had one semester of college left and was going to enjoy it, and that was the only plan I had. Throughout that last semester I did enjoy my final months as an undergrad, but I also worked very hard. I worked to get good grads, to land post-grad internships and to gain all of the experience I needed for a full time position.

So much has changed since then and I am grateful to end this year in such a good place. Living in a city I’ve always wanted to live in, working at a job that I actually went to college for.

As I move into 2015, I have many things to celebrate, and a lot to look forward to. I will continue to settle into my new house, in my new city, at a new job. There’s no doubt that 2015 has many amazing things in-store, and I cannot wait to see what they are.

I have already come to the realization that my mornings start much earlier than they used to, and my days are certainly longer and more demanding than ever before. Learning to put in the extra hours and doing so with a smile, is one of the most important lessons I’ve learned this year. The hard work has just begun, and I don’t expect it to let up any time soon.

So here’s to 2015, and all of the lessons that will come along with it.

Moving Forward

Tags

entry level, PR, public relations

As I enter into the second week of my first “real job”, I am still adjusting to the major changes that have happened in my life over the recent weeks.

Just a few Mondays ago I had all but given up hope on my job search. I expected to continue my internship as long as they would let me, and then maybe start waitressing again. And then, after hours of Skype interviews and days of waiting I received the offer I had been hoping for. I was in shock for a few days, half excited and half scared. I was offered the job on a Monday, and we agreed my first day would be just two weeks later. I went into crisis mode, found an apartment, rented a U-haul, said my goodbyes and moved to Virginia within the next week and half.

Now that I have a moment to reflect on my life, I realize how much change has actually occurred in such a short amount of time. After all, this had been the plan all along, intern, get a great job offer, move. I had been planning it for so long and dreaming of this day, so when it finally happened it almost didn’t seem real.

I have officially begun my career and entered into the “real world.” Going to bed at a reasonable time and waking up earlier than I ever hoped I would has become the norm. I’m okay with all of these changes though, as it has always been the plan.

I’ve just begun to grasp the different responsibilities I am charged with at work, while somewhat overwhelming, I am still utterly excited to be here. I finally get to “tweet for a living,” which is how I describe my job to my non-PR friends. I am writing more and more every day and working with clients from a variety of industries.

Only in my second week and I can already see the opportunity for growth within my new company. My future   will no doubt contain many obstacles, victories, and challenges, and I am excited for every step.

So here’s to the next step and most importantly, moving forward.

Everything Happens For A Reason

It’s official, it’s all happening. I’ve finally secured a full time job at a great communications firm, and I couldn’t be more excited. I will be moving to Virginia at the end of this week to pursue a career in public relations.

Months of hard work and preparation have gone into this moment and I’m sure it has all been worth it. Now that I have my foot in the door, the real work begins. The hand holding days of being an intern are over, and I will now take on the full responsibilities of an account coordinator.

Thinking back on the past three months of my FINAL internship, I have a lot to reflect on.

• Job hunting is no easy feat.
• Interviews require a lot of preparation.
• Persistence is key.
• Everything happens for a reason.

These four lessons have proved to be true time and time again. Towards the halfway point of my current internship, I began to panic. I had no idea what I was going to do after this. Would I have to waitress again? I shuttered at the thought and immediately started job hunting. I researched companies for hours on end and sent countless applications in hopes that one of those companies would be impressed by my resume. More often than not, I received an email thanking me for my application, but informing me they would be moving on with other candidates. With each rejection email, I felt more and more hopeless.

At the moments of greatest despair an email or call would come through asking me to come in for an interview. Needless to say, I was ecstatic and jumped at every chance. As the interviews progressed, I learned that I was just as much interviewing the companies as they were interviewing me. It had to be a good fit on both ends, and that was not always the case.

Through these experiences I’ve realized that everything does happen for a reason. A company that I thought I wanted to work for may have turned out to be a bad fit. And a company that I applied to “just because,” ended up being the ideal fit.

So don’t give up, keep trying. Persistence is key in achieving your goals.