everyday public relations

I have noticed a ton of great posts lately that are dedicated to the subject of networking. I have said it before but I truly believe that in this world, especially in public relations it is indeed who you know that matters. It is also very important to keep in mind what networking can and can’t do for you.

Although I know this, sometimes I get so caught up with the craziness of work that I have to stop and go over the basics again, just to make sure I am being as efficient as I should be.

Here are a few refresher tips I have picked up in the last couple of weeks:

1. Get back to people in a timely manner – Even if it is just a quick email to let them know you got their message and will be responding soon. There is nothing worse than sending out a time sensitive message and then never getting an answer, or getting one way after the deadline.
2. Use online social networking resources like Facebook and LinkedIn. – They are absolutely essential to creating a personal brand that people will remember.
3. Maintain regular contact even if it is only a friendly hello. You want people to remember you and what you represent. Remember to help the people in your network. The golden rule and basic karma do apply, it will come back to you.
4. You are your brand and what you do outside the office matters. “Do you have a company bumper sticker on your car? Maybe you don’t want to flick that person off. Do you wear a t-shirt with your work logo on it? Perhaps you shouldn’t wear it when you go out to the bar.” (Rachel Robbins)
5. Don’t be afraid to ask for an introduction. You don’t want to be pushy, but you never know the contacts you are missing if you don’t ask. What’s the worse thing that could happen? They could say no….big deal. When given the chance to meet new people, jump at it. I have met some of the greatest contacts just by being open minded.
6. Post regular comments that are interesting and that serve to continue the conversation. Peruse the blogs you like on a regular basis and become a regular contributor. Better yet, start one of your own. If the author or anyone else responds to a comment you make, reply. Just be sure to post thoughtful and knowledgeable comments, never be nasty or post replies that will come back to bite you. (Bloggers Law) If they can….they will.
7. Use a multi-media approach to make your network more efficient. Sites like YouTube can help you do just that. “They say that “A picture is worth 1000 words,” but how much do you think a video of you is worth?…1,000,000 words? With video, it communicates your brand through a different medium…” (Scott Bradley)
8. Join professional interest groups like PRSA or online professional groups like Brazen Careerist. This is a great way to connect with like-minded professionals that may have similar questions. They also provide great feedback opportunities and are usually a little more in depth as far as for connecting, than sites such as Facebook.
9. Don’t stretch yourself too thin. Doing great at a few things looks a heck of a lot better than doing half-assed on a ton of things. Be aware of your responsibilities and if you think there might be any kind of professional conflict, stop and check it out before things get out of hand.
10. Accept that life is crazy and making a name for yourself and developing a successful career involves being a little imbalanced. It’s OK not to be a super-mom or dad.

Life is hectic, but it is also what you make of it. Get connected and get out there!

I spend my lunch hour nearly everyday right here at my desk. Not because I wouldn’t rather be in say, the break room, but because it is really the only time I have to cram in online research for my postings.

This past week has been crazy, but then every week is crazy if you are in PR. There is always some sort of “crisis” whether it is prescribed fire fallout, the drought; changes to hunting licenses or maybe the office fax is down AGAIN for the third time this week.

Anyways, if you have been following along then you know that I am working on improving my time management skills. One way I discovered is that while I eat my re-heated leftovers for lunch I can be checking my e-mail and cruising the blogs for interesting and useful information worthy of being passed on to my readers.

(By the way, the leftovers are much better than they sound, Thanks honey!)

Since my particular PR job requires that I be an environmental advocate (I know, tough sell right?) I am always looking for news items, new research, “green” advancements in technology, peace of mind etc. You get the picture.

I also cruise to find tidbits that will help my fellow new PR professionals as they make their way into the crazy world of work.

Just to provide a snapshot of what I’ve learned this week: Hopefully some of this will help you too!

First off, I apparently need to learn how to play cricket or else I will be forever doomed to boring American jobs with American bosses (probably male), who use ridiculous football metaphors. I think I will just work for myself, no sports knowledge required.

As for my future in PR, it appears that women do all the work, but receive less pay. This age-old argument has new research to back it up. A study from the National Association of Government Communicators says that while women dominate the communications industry they don’t dominate the pay scale. There are twice as many men in the top spots making between $110,000 and $150,000. In addition, our over-achiever nature will likely cause burn out if we are not vigilant. More than half of those surveyed do not believe they receive adequate compensation for the services they provide. This is nothing new women have been juggling career, children and community service for decades. Boy, wish I could get paid for all that laundry….

In the time-crunched world of public relations there is good news on the horizon. A four-day workweek will make us more productive and save the planet! (Wait a minute, why isn’t this a part of a presidential campaign?) I hope this catches on and that I wasn’t dreaming when I read that. I have been advocating for a shorter week for as long as I can remember. My idea never seemed to catch on though, could be the boss just didn’t get the playing hooky for better health campaign. At least now I know there are others out there just like me. On the other hand, if we shorten the workweek can we go ahead and extend the day to 36 hours? Maybe then I will actually get something done!

Green living full speed ahead. If you live in Seattle you may soon have to pay big bucks to use plastic grocery bags. The mayor wants to charge consumers a “bag fee”. On one level I think this is awesome. On the other, what will I use to line my trashcans? (a joke!)

Companies who dump sludge will soon have to answer for their misdeeds. More and more press is being dedicated to the effects of bio-accumulation. This particular study focuses on toxins in birds. If you are quick to dismiss it remember who resides at the top of the food chain. We truly are what we eat.

Finally, if you are still looking for a way to pass those long drawn out lunch minutes you could also: post a blog, call your mom, donate to charity online, pay bills (yuck!), water your plants, do a crossword puzzle, read the comics, take a walk, work on an invention, color a children’s menu, achieve world peace (if you’re ambitious) or if all else fails…..eat your lunch in the break room!

All of this brought to you in under an hour! Happy Lunch!

I am a card carrying, dues paying member of a professional group. In addition I participate as a committee member for an offshoot of said group called a professional interest section. Our executive board members are scattered all over the country, from Georgia to Wisconsin to Colorado to California and everywhere in between. Therefore, our monthly meetings are not accessible necessarily by a hop, skip and a jump to some sort of middle ground.

The answer to our location woes has been what many national corporations and organizations have long prescribed too, the conference call.

You know what I mean, three or more people scattered around the country all hovering over a speakerphone getting scratchy reception at best, and praying that you won’t be called on to contribute anything of real substance lest you make some sort of unforgivable gaffe that will be overheard by those with the real powers that be.

I take part in these fiascoes at least once a month. Do we accomplish anything? No.

Maybe it is unreasonable to expect a personal face to face meeting when you are scattered across hundreds or even thousands of miles. But it is my experience that there is absolutely nothing that can’t be accomplished with a conference call that couldn’t’be done with a series of emails. But let’s face it……the conference call isn’t going anywhere so…..let’s focus on at least making them more productive.

Be prepared! The scouts have it right; nothing will do more for your credible contribution than some good old fashioned brainstorming. If you are lucky enough to receive some type of agenda in advance, READ IT! That way you are not caught off guard and grasping at straws when your name is ultimately called upon for input.

Speak clearly. There is nothing worse than a handful of people all saying their version of “what?” in unison. This can be really bad when nobody has the courage to call out the garbled information, leaving the entire group to guess about the speaker’s intended message. Who suffers? Everybody, the company, the client, and ultimately your bottom line (meaning you!) unless of course you are independently wealthy and just don’t care. In that case, mumble away!

Stay in ONE location. I can’t tell you how annoying it is when a key member of the call is “commuting” between locations. I know we are all busy, but hey, you make the time for the call right? Then have enough respect for your fellow group members to sit still for the entire call rather than have the rest of us suffer through your signal dropping in and out (requiring us all to repeat ourselves a half-dozen times) or the sounds of car doors and the local traffic. At the very least, utilize the MUTE button if you can’t stay put.

Lastly, stay focused. Take notes and follow up immediately if there is something you don’t understand, or if you want to contribute something you were too dumbstruck to say during the call. Understandable if there is just so much background static that you are afraid of coming across like a chipmunk on steroids. (not the best reference but I love using that saying ever since I heard it, where else…on a conference call!)