Author: PRSA New Pros

The Do’s and Don’ts for Making 2016 YOUR Year

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I believe 2016 is going to be a big year. You know what I mean, how some years take much more space in your memory than others when you look back. It’s an overwhelming inkling, like the way you feel a sticky summer breeze and can just know it’s going to rain. Yes, 2016 is going to be a big year. It’s an election year for starters, but I think it’s something in our collective energy that’s buzzing for change. So as we take our early steps into 2016, here are some tips to be more intentional and make sure our efforts go toward making this new year bigger and better than those that came before it.

TAKES

  1. Drink more coffee.

Kidding! Though new health standards say you can have up to five cups a day now. Which is great news for those of us who need a little java courage to tackle early morning segments. So, to good health!

1.5 Don’t check your email/social media pages until an hour after you wake up.

Email, Facebook statuses, news headlines all can have a major affect on your mood, which can alter the way you frame your day. Let yourself have a media-free hour and put the reigns back in your hands. Whether you chose to blast a pump-up morning mix or eat breakfast with your original thoughts. Use the time to touch base with your kick-ass self and start each day with your best foot forward.

  1. Write things down.

This is not just to make your 3rd grade cursive teacher feel validated. Studies show that handwriting notes facilitates memory, cognitive function and also helps with your creative process. (Click here or here for proof.) Maybe it has something to do with how writing in ink relinquishes your ability to backspace, making it a more permanent declaration. Whatever the reason, if handwriting my to-do list could ensure I don’t accidentally skip a thing, I’ll hand-sign myself up for that.

  1. Don’t be afraid of a phone call.

Speaking of going old-school… Humor me. Tap your phone and click on your recent calls; how many outgoing calls did you make besides those to your mother? It’s widely agreed that things like sentiment, sarcasm and even the contents of conversations get shortchanged through text, and yet 90% of the time when presented with both options, we chose the less efficient. Don’t be afraid to dial. An hour-long texting conversation can be communicated more personably over a ten-minute phone call. I mean this for both our personal and professional lives. PR is all about relations. It’s hard to have relations with a digital ghost.

  1. Put effort into “doing you.”   

The worst thing you can do – at any point in your life, not only at the start of the year – is allow yourself to feel comfortable coasting on autopilot. I understand life tends to throw a lot at us and sometimes all you have time for are “survival tactics:” sleep, work, eat, work, Netflix. And that’s fine. We’re at a unique stage in our lives where the effort we put in now can and will shape the course of our careers. But I think we need to stay mindful in making sure we don’t forget to build a life as well. We all have interests besides work that make us tick, and if you can’t remember what those are, go discover them! Be it painting, running, photography, cooking, traveling, guitar etc. Dedicate time for it and don’t lose touch of that part of you. It’ll likely be what sparks your next big idea into a full flame.

The new year can either be seen as another month, no better nor worse than that before it (besides the lack of holiday sweets delivered at your door), or as a wonderful opportunity; to evaluate what we’ve done well, what we maybe didn’t do so well at and set goals (not resolutions) to gradually build on for the months to come. I challenge you to look at 2016 as a blank canvas of opportunity. Choose one thing you’d like to accomplish, professionally or personally, and add a brushstroke each day. It’s going to be a “big year” after all, so don’t be afraid to choose bold colors.

gtzQK8HpMegan O’Neal graduated from UCLA in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, emphasizing in mass communications. She is currently the PR & Social Media Manager at Marketing Design Group and volunteers with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, freelancing for the public relations department. Connect with her on Twitter @megannenicole.

How to “Adult” 101: A Story as told by a Young PRofessional

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adulting-101

As millennials step into the working world, we are met with a reality of what we expected and what exists. College was sometimes difficult and obtaining a job seemed impossible. Professors and mentors told you to intern, network, and apply for as many jobs as possible. Upon graduation, we all learn the truth. It really is all about who you know. Most of us will likely end up in a job at a place we interned or where a mentor or friend referenced us to get an interview. On top of that, the field we thought we wanted could turn out to be a dream or a nightmare.

Ultimately, we all have to remember the beauty of being a fresh, millennial 20-something. We have time to figure out our lives and what the future will look like. In 30 years, we will probably look back on life and the path we took will make sense, but right now it is confusing, frustrating, and downright exhausting; however, the silver lining does shine through our seemingly foggy future. We are young, energetic, excited, and honestly, really efficient. Below, my fellow 20-somethings can have a quick look at some young professional advice not told to you by other employees/mentors:

1. No one ever reads the full email you send, no matter how short

Make sure to say important information in the first sentence because your recipient will most likely not read to the bottom. You will probably ask the same question or request the same thing three or four times before it happens. Sometimes, I make my subject line the question and include nothing in the body if I need an answer ASAP and can’t call.

2. Never be afraid to ask

If you need to leave an hour or so early, your boss probably won’t mind. If you have under-utilized skills, your boss probably wants to know. When you have questions, ask. The worst you can be told is ‘no.’

3. Network anytime and anywhere

You never know who you are going to meet or where you’ll be. Always think ahead to how each person you meet could be THE next person you need to know.

4. Save your money while you’re single

Right now, you are able to save money and trust me your future will appreciate it. You don’t need to eat out every night and almost every bar has drink specials throughout the week. Plan accordingly and don’t spend money when you don’t need. For instance, pack you lunch. Imagine the savings!

5. Read all the documents you are given at your job and ask a friend if you don’t understand them

At my first job, I was given a huge packet on my health insurance. I have/had no idea what it all meant so I went to my grandparents to explain pieces, like my flexible spending plan.

6. Always be thinking of your next step

In PR, you can move through jobs at a much more rapid pace than your parents. It is okay! Stay fresh on the industry and move as you see fits your skills.

 

7. Take small vacations with friends

Since I said you need to save money, make time with friends really count by taking small vacations. Visit your friend in grad school or travel to a nearby winery or park. You don’t have to spend a lot to have a good experience.

 

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Kiley Herndon is an energetic PR professional working and living in St. Louis. She is an avid reality TV watcher, 20th century book connoisseur, and lover of all things travel. Learning brings her unending joy and is always looking for opportunities to expand her knowledge and grow as a person and professional. Connect with her on Linkedin!

How to Make the Most of PRSA New Pros

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When I graduated from Michigan State University in 2010, I moved to Chicago to begin my career at Edelman. I was active in PRSSA and had interned with Edelman before starting full time, but once I was there, I had a feeling of ‘what do I do now?’

Nick Lucido, PRSA New Professionals Section Chair

Nick Lucido, PRSA New Professionals Section Chair

That’s when I decided to get active with the PRSA New Professionals Section.

Being involved with the New Pros group, I learned and networked my way through challenging career situations, learned how to advance my career and broadened my knowledge of the profession. While PRSSA is designed to help you start your career, and PRSA is broader in nature, the New Professionals Section is the buffer group designed for those with less than five years of public relations experience. We have more than 1,200 new professionals across the country covering different industry verticals and settings – this means there’s definitely someone out there in the same boat as you.

Questions like – Should I try to negotiate my salary? When is it time for me to move to a new position? How can I advance to the next level? – were all things I learned from programs and other members.  I can promise you that whatever question or doubt you have about your career, there’s someone else out there with advice and experience to share. While we offer a long list of benefits for our members, the most powerful thing we offer is the connection to others.

This virtual support group has ‘traveled’ with me to Brazil, where I’m now stationed at Edelman’s operations in São Paulo. As I proudly lose my New Professional title, I’m proud to have been part of the organization and look forward to continuing my PRSA membership in other areas of the organization.

My piece of retirement advice is to make the most of your membership. If you’ve not yet taken advance of the membership benefits, there’s no better time to test it out than our annual New Professionals Week. Here’s a few ways to get involved:

  • Be sure to tune in to our free webinar on Tuesday, August 25th at 11 a.m. ET – How to Activate an Influencer Network with Converged Media.
  • There are 13 local events happening across the country – check out the full list here to see where the closest event is near you.
  • Follow along to conversations online about the week and network with fellow members across the country: #npprsa
  • Make sure you’re making the most of your membership – follow our content on the blog, participate and ask questions to other members in our Linkedin group and check out our database for past programs.

If you have any questions about your membership, don’t hesitate to reach out to me or any other executive committee member. Happy New Pros Week!

Nick Lucido was the 2015 PRSA New Professionals Section Chair.

The 3 Best Nuggets of Wisdom from Graduation

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DID YOU KNOW (1)It’s graduation season again, which for many of us new PR pros, brings back nostalgic memories of communication classes, senior year internships and fun weekends with college friends. While it’s easy to get caught up in our busy list of client deliverables and hectic calendar, it’s important to take a step back from the grind to gain perspective from those who are more accomplished and seasoned.

The following graduation speeches resonate with me, even as a young professional, and include many nuggets of wisdom applicable to PR pros.

1. Maria Shriver, University of Southern California’s Annenberg School, Commencement Ceremony 2012

“I hope if you learn anything from me today…you remember the power of the pause. Pausing today and throughout your entire life allows you to take a breath…to take a beat…to be in the moment. As everybody else is running around out there like a lunatic, I dare you to do the opposite.”

This speech is fantastic, and tailored specifically to communication professionals-to-be. Shriver talks about our world’s obsession with the next thing, and failure to enjoy the present. PR pros are by nature, fast-moving, outcome-driven individuals.

While ambition and a forward-thinking mindset set you up for success, mindfulness is so important in both our personal and professional lives. If you don’t pause to enjoy the present, you will burn out, and run through your life and career in a daze. It’s important to structure your time to create room for pausing.

Stop obsessing about your next project, client, or promotion, and just enjoy where you are at the moment. There’s a quote that I love, “Wherever you are, be all there” (Jim Elliot). Put down your phone, turn off email for the night, log out of social media – and enjoy your present.

2. Sutton Foster, Ball State University Commencement, 2012

“No job should be too small for you. Say yes. Get coffee for people, run errands, make an impression as a hard worker, someone who is willing…and when the opportunity arises for you to show people what you got, show ‘em. Who knows what can happen.”

Great advice for new PR pros. Entry-level PR work isn’t always the most glamorous or fun, despite what non-PR pros believe. Within your first year at a PR job, you will likely need to act as a photographer’s assistant at an event, jotting down names. You will spend hours researching media lists, and completing basic research in general. You may even need to wear a client mascot costume at a media event.

By volunteering to do the grunt work that no one else wants to do, and stepping in as a team player, your coworkers will appreciate you, and it will ultimately advance you more quickly. Working hard and being kind does make a difference, and it’s easy enough to put into practice at work.

3. Judy Smith – Boston University College of Communication Convocation 

I’m a bit biased here – this was my College of Communication graduation speech. It’s not the most polished speech, but it spoke to me two years ago as a fresh college grad, and speaks to me today as a PR new pro.

Smith’s first piece of advice is, “Be prepared…you don’t really know when opportunity is going to appear.” Simple, but so true. Two years ago, I wouldn’t have thought I would be where I am today. Almost all of my friends would say the same for their careers. Seizing opportunity and readjusting plans accordingly is such an important skill.

Smith also advises, “You’re going to make mistakes. Learn from them; don’t feel like you have to know it all.” New PR pros are motivated and hardworking, but have a lot to learn. I hate making mistakes, and take great care to avoid them. But I’ve grown the most professionally from the few mistakes I have made in my career. Own up to your mistakes, and grow from them. Hopefully, like me, you are in a work environment that embraces this mentality and supports you as you grow professionally.

If you’re looking for more grad speech inspiration, NPR has curated the best commencement speeches here – you can search by themes, speaker name, school or year.

Do you have a favorite grad speech, or applicable words of wisdom? Comment below!

Screen Shot 2015-05-21 at 11.23.51 PMLauren Leger graduated from Boston University with a bachelor’s degree in communication, concentrating in public relations. She started her career while still in college at Boston-based PR firm, Zazil Media Group. Lauren relocated to Dallas, Texas in fall of 2014 and began working at The Power Group as a PR account executive. She recently took on a new role as Power’s manager of digital strategy, where she brings her PR expertise to the digital realm of the business. Connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Balancing a Full-Time Career and Freelance Work

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For marketing and communications professionals, the opportunity to freelance on the side of full-time careers is growing.

In 2014, a study showed that more than one in three workers in America were freelancing, a statistic that confirms the ever-growing demand of freelancers in our constantly changing workforce.

Although the demand for freelancers is expanding, many people still can’t trust the instability of the freelance world as their primary income source.

That’s why professionals, especially new professionals, are working full-time careers, while juggling part-time freelance work on the side. Learning to manage both is tough, but people are making it happen, and you can to.

Organize

If you’re going to juggle a full-time career on top of a part-time one, organization isn’t just encouraged – it’s critical.

Find what works best for you and helps you stay on top of all your deliverables. For some people, it’s using an agenda. For others it may be their cell phone or computer calendar, or to-do lists and sticky notes.

Whatever helps you remember and stay on top of everything is going to be crucial to the balancing act needed for being a full-time professional and freelancer.

Prioritize

Your full-time career should never suffer when pursuing freelance opportunities; after all, this is where the bulk of your income probably comes from.

Learn to prioritize your day or week. When you’re in your full-time job, you should only be focusing on your full-time job. By prioritizing your work and day at your career, you’ll be able to stay on top of what’s expected from you and not fall behind.

Once you fall behind in your full-time job, you may find yourself staying late and working overtime, which will in turn trickle down to how you are going to meet the deliverables of your side freelance projects.

Prioritize your entire day from start to finish. What needs to be done as soon as possible, and what can wait?

Work-Life Balance

When balancing a career and freelance work, it’s easy to lose site of having any outside life at all.

You may feel that outside of work you’re actually working more, and you have no room for fun. But you need to overcome this habit.

Don’t cancel your workout because you need to work late. Learn to prioritize and organize your tasks and projects so you can work around your workout or night out.

When you keep the fun stuff in your life, you’ll see better work, increased productivity, and you’ll be much happier, which is really the most important thing.

Dedication

Being a freelancer on top of working full-time takes dedication to your industry and career, and to yourself and your clients/employers.

If you don’t have the motivation to get stuff done, stay on top of your deliverables, and do work outside of your 9-5 job (sometimes on weekends), then balancing both these career paths may not be for you.

There will be times you just want a day off, times you just want to lock yourself in your room and unplug from the world, but dedication and perseverance is what will get you through those overworked slumps.

Create Boundaries

To avoid wanting to lock yourself away from the world, set boundaries for yourself. When freelancers first start out, and start to land their initial clients and jobs, it’s exciting, and it may be hard to learn when to say no.

But saying no to someone doesn’t mean you are burning a bridge, and most people will appreciate your honesty. Know your limits, and know what you’re capable of.

If you already feel like you have too much to do, and you pull all nighters to get work done, you’ve probably taken on too much.

Balancing freelance work and a full-time career isn’t for everyone. It does take a certain type of person who can manage both of these career paths at once.

To learn if this is for you, test the waters by taking on one freelance client at a time, and slowly build up to more if you can manage.

Do you have any tips for balancing a full-time job and freelance work? Share below!

Lauren MarinighLauren Marinigh is a graduate of Sheridan College, with a diploma in Advertising, and certificate in Corporate Communications. She currently works as a Social Media and Content Creation Coordinator, for a large non-profit in Toronto, and as a freelance social media consultant and writer. Find her on Twitter, or visit her industry blog.