Agency PR

The Little Things Matter: How to Act in the Workplace

Ashleigh Mavros Leave a comment

It’s your first day at your new job and you are feeling a lot of pressure. What do you wear? How do you act? Do you go around talking to everyone or do you stay behind your computer screen and starting knocking out all of the press releases that were assigned?

We’ve all been there. Being in the workplace as a new graduate is thrilling, yet overwhelming. You no longer get to rely on excuses, but rather are required to give your best each and every day, all while being a team player. WHEW!

Little Things That Make a Difference in the WorkplaceHow do you accomplish fitting in and knowing how to act?  Follow these four tips that will surely make you a part of the team and not just the “new” person.

  1. If the coffee pot is low, fill it up

If you know anything about public relations, you know that professionals need their coffee. Between juggling demanding clients and extinguishing the flame in a recent crisis, their veins are filled with caffeine. If you notice that the coffee is getting low, replenish it. Be a team player – even if you don’t drink it. Most likely though, three cups a day will eventually be the norm for you.

  1. Always say “Good Morning”

I know that not everyone is born a natural extrovert, but that doesn’t mean you have to be a hermit. Even though it may be awkward at first, say good morning when passing by desks. I promise you that your colleagues will not bite you. The best way to fit in is to engage in conversations and possess a positive attitude. I, by all means, am not trying to stereotype communications professionals, but you should be able to communicate and engage with others easily.

  1.  Participate

Whether it be a brainstorm session or drinks after work, get involved. To be a team player means you need to be a part of a team. You were hired for a reason, so join in on the fun. A lot of agencies will have monthly meetings or webinars that you can benefit from. You should always go to those. Continuing to learn is the continuation of success. It also doesn’t hurt that you have the opportunity to make new friends who have similar interests.

  1. Treat the company like it is your own

I don’t advise acting like you own the company, but rather be a great representation about what your company stands for. Whether that is your presence on social media, greeting clients as they are in the waiting room, or even picking up trash around the office – act as if the company is your own. It also doesn’t hurt to have the mindset that you are working like the CEO. A CEO is usually putting in extra hours, so it may be nice every once in a while to switch up your morning routine and pop into the office early to start cranking out work.

Even though a few of these tips may seem silly, they are practical and will get you more comfortable in your new setting. There aren’t etiquette books for new employees, but it’s always said that the little things matter. The two biggest things that everything contributes back to are your attitude and effort. Once those are in line – your work and friendships will start to bloom.

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CS Katie Headshot copyAside from stalking the latest fashion trends and blogging about the best shoes to buy, Katie Wenclewicz enjoys everything and anything media relations. Katie graduated from Anderson University with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and marketing. Currently residing in Indianapolis, Indiana, Katie is a publicist at Bohlsen Group.  From heading national campaigns to staying active in the Hoosier PRSA chapter, she is a valuable PR tool for young professionals. Connect with Katie on Twitter or LinkedIn.

The Pathway to Career Independence

Stephanie Vermillion Leave a comment

If you’re just starting out in PR a great place to start is on the agency side.  Why?  Because there, you will be challenged, exposed to many facets of managing a PR agency, likely find one or two awesome mentors who will help you grow, and have a clear career ladder.   Having a clear career ladder is really important when you’re starting out and you want to succeed.  “How long does it take/what do I have to do to become an Account Supervisor?  Group Director?  VP?  On the agency side, you will also discover your strengths and your passions.  It might be client management, story development, strategic planning, analyst relations, competitive research, writing or a combination of these.

The Pathway to Career IndependenceIf you’re toying with the idea of putting out your own shingle and going solo or starting your own virtual agency, you’re going to either a) need all of those skills, or b) know where to tap into them.  You’re also going to be your own accountant, marketer, strategic planner, chief cook and bottle washer. If you are getting serious…the PRSA IPA section is the place for you.     I’ve been my own boss now for almost 14 years and a PRSA member for even longer.  Here’s what I think IndiePRPros and virtual agencies offer over traditional agencies, and how you can set yourself apart from the pack:

Speed:  We’re generally able to “ramp up” in short periods of time;

Ease:  Seasoned PR veterans, we know how to make it easy for clients to meet PR goals.

Simplicity & Visibility:  Generally avoid expensive processes or layers, focused on results.

Flexibility:  Can better leverage budgets strategically, and weather downturns

Value:  Low overhead often results in below market rates offering a higher ROI.

Excelling at PR is like excelling at anything – if you don’t try new things and make a mistake or two, you’re not challenging yourself and you’re not learning.  When you’re going solo it can get lonely so having a group to tap into for support and some “water cooler time” is really helpful.  One challenge we all share is how to grow effectively with stability – our choices go directly to what brand we are developing for ourselves.

  • What kind of clients do I want to work with?
  • What should my billing rate be? Hourly or Retainer?
  • If I add team members should they be an employee or subcontractor?
  • What are best accounting process & software?
  • What are the best practices in invoicing & contract preparation?
  • Are there any templates I can customize to get me started?
  • What should I be focusing on with my limited time/$ for professional development?

When you are an independent practitioner, you are the master of your universe – some will choose to be “always on,” others will build businesses that offer more work/life balance.  Regardless of your choice, you need to create an infrastructure.  The members of the PRSA IPA can help you tackle these decisions by helping you understand the options you have so you can figure out what’s right for your emerging enterprise and build a successful career.

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Gina Milani is president at Milani Marketing & PR, LLC & founder of Junglebuzzprtools.com. She is also PRSA IPA Chair for 2015.

 

How to Build your Media Contact Network

Stephanie Vermillion Leave a comment

When I started working in my current role at a strategic communications agency, the company encouraged me to find my passion and become an expert in it. My love of writing and a good challenge drew me to media relations.

How to Build your Media Contact NetworkI attended webinars, met with specialists at the company and networked with local public relations professionals to learn more about the art of media relations.

The most important strategy I found in my research is that media relations should be a two-way relationship with the press (Click to Tweet!).

As public relations professionals, we have a responsibility to provide a service to the media, acting as a resource by providing relevant story ideas and assets.

Sure, this is great in theory, but as a new professional—how do I start building these relationships?

1. Only send relevant pitches.

Be respectful of your media contacts by researching what they cover before sending your pitch. Establishing this trust early on will help build strong relationships with your contacts.

 2. Network whenever possible.

Look for opportunities to reach out to media contacts in your community and build those relationships. Get to know them and find out how you can work best together. I met a local news producer at a PRSA luncheon, and set up a coffee meeting with her the following week. She shared her perspective on working with public relations professionals, and we discussed the types of stories she’d like me to send her. (Check out your local PRSA chapter for similar media networking events in your area!)

3. Connect on social media.

Much like the other relationships in your life, social media can be used to communicate with the media contacts you work with. You can use LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and other social channels to build relationships with the media.

4. Be patient.

It takes time to master the art of media relations and build your network.

 Media relations is not an exact science. It’s all about finding out what works for you, and for your contacts.

What steps did you take to kick-start your career in media relations and build your network?

 About Callie Turgeon

Callie TurgeonCallie Turgeon graduated from Gonzaga University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations, with a concentration in promotions and entrepreneurial leadership. She is currently an account associate at MSLGROUP, where she works mostly with commodity food accounts. Connect with her on LinkedIn. 

Five Media Relations Tips for New Professionals

Lauren Gray 1 Comment

Media-relationsWorking with the media is a huge part of any PR career.

It takes some time to build relationships with reporters and producers, and new professionals may feel intimidated at first. I recently worked on a PR campaign to launch a new retail store in Dallas and had the chance to sharpen my media relations skills.

Based on my experience, here are five tips that can help new professionals work effectively with the media.

Do your research before pitching

Before you contact any reporter, browse their latest stories. Do their stories fit your pitch? If so, customize your email to fit the reporter’s needs, or your message may be ignored. Many reporters and producers receive hundreds of pitches each day, so remember to draft a short email that’s meaningful to them.

Become a resource for the media

Acting as a resource for the media is essential in building new relationships. Feed journalists your clients’ news in a bite-sized yet impactful way. Members of the media want to read news that’s easy to digest. You know you’ve done your job when they come to you looking for more news and additional help!

Offer an exclusive story

If getting into a particular publication is important to your client and in their best interests, offer the writer of the publication an exclusive story. By giving the publication first dibs on the news, it may result in a placement with a unique angle.

Remember to follow up

Sending a follow-up message to the media is a common practice in the PR industry. To follow up effectively, send a brief email and give the journalist a call. If they pick up, keep the conversation very short. Reporters are busy and don’t always have time for small talk. What helps me is having a few notes in front of me as I’m on the phone. Take a deep breath, cut to the chase and don’t forget to smile!

Thank the reporter for his or her coverage

A simple thank you goes a long way and helps strengthen your bond with journalists. If you secure a new media placement, send an email or thank-you card to acknowledge the journalist’s work.

headshot_nelliNelli Tokleh is an assistant account executive at Nunez PR Group in Dallas. She received her undergraduate degree in public relations from the University of North Texas and her Master’s in Business Administration from Texas Woman’s University. Nelli is an active board member at PRSA Dallas and enjoys traveling, shopping and blogging about fashion and food. Connect with her on Twitter.

Treating Your Boss Like Your Client

Jess Noonan Leave a comment

You know something that’s strange? Oh, come on—take a guess.  Here are a few clues…

I’m not talking about any world records, pickles accompanied by mustard (yuck) or the way Shakira’s hips don’t lie (anyone else addicted to the Voice this season?).

Pat Blog

Source: www.notwillsmith.com

All out of guesses?  I’ll tell you.  It’s strange how closely the relationships we have with our clients and our supervisors mimic each other.  Shocker when you actually think about it, right? If your relationship with your boss is not like the one you have with your client, start making steps to morph it.

Your boss is your client.  She/he holds a certain power over your career, much like a client has a certain power in your agency’s ability to sign your paychecks. If you’re performing at the highest level, always achieving your professional goals and you communicate it to your boss, she/he will advocate for you.  In the same fashion as your boss, if you’re surpassing the goals you set with your client, you’ll continue to see positive results such as business growth and new business referrals.

Treating your boss (and colleagues) like a client shows that you respect them— if you show the same level of detail and care towards your boss as your client, she/he is bound to have a strengthened level of trust and respect for you as well. From my first internship to my current career, I follow a few simple rules when working with teams and/or clients: ask smart questions, always know your key messages before you begin presenting an analysis, and have back up ammunition such as supporting details, resources or next steps for those who questions.  Not only will the above rules show your boss you mean business, it will make you look ready for the next step in your career.

As young professionals, we have to embrace treating our teams like clients.  The continuous effort to treat your teams like clients will force you to perform at the highest level at all times (you won’t even need a Starbucks run).  Over time, you’ll begin to realize that your “default” internal mode will turn into your “client” external mode, and you’ll begin to see a natural upwards progression in your performance.

Source: Monster.com

Source: Monster.com

As I’m been jabbering away about treating your boss and teams like your client, I bet you’re wondering, ‘how am I supposed to act when your boss acts like the client from you-know-where?’ Simple. Treat them like a client.

Every moment is a learning moment.  If you have an extremely difficult manager—embrace it and still treat her/him like the client! You’ll be more prepared in the future to deal with harsh criticisms and the infamous indirect feedback. Practice makes perfect, start by having an open conversation with your boss by stating your expectations and goals you want to meet, and more importantly, learn how you can make their lives easier. Is she/he difficult because they’re terrible at responding to emails?  Try giving your boss a call. Is it because she/he will tell you everything she/he doesn’t want, but not what they actually want? Think two steps ahead.  Always be cognizant of what she/he already provided feedback on, and anticipate the next piece of feedback.  Go ahead and make the adjustments and provide reasoning to why you made the adjustments.

Now tell me about your experiences! Have you ever considered your boss as a client? How do you handle a difficult boss vs. a difficult client?

Pat MessengerPat Messenger is a Client Staff Assistant at Burson-Marsteller in Chicago. Pat is a member of PRSA Chicago and the Young Professional Network. Tweet at him @PatMessenger, or email him Patrick.Messenger@BM.com.