If there’s one thing I’ve learned about PR, it’s that it is not only what you know that matters, but who you know. Of course, at the end of the day, they’re both important. So, stay up-to-date on industry news and compound that knowledge with tangible interactions that are beneficial to both parties. Here is my advice to both excel in your knowledge and your network.
What You Know
- Stay on top of the latest news by visiting PR and Business focused websites. A few of my favorite are Forbes, Mashable, and PR Daily.
- Sign up for Google alerts, and you will get emails about news pertaining to key words that interest you. Examples include ‘Public Relations,’ as well as names of certain companies you are either following or managing.
- Twitter – this social media platform is a valuable resource for finding relevant information. Follow leaders in your industry (do a quick search for #PR, #PRTips, #PR101), as quality professionals will often post interesting and unique information that you wouldn’t find elsewhere.
- Read! There is an amazing array of books that will get your juices flowing about public relations, marketing, and social media. Here are a few of my picks:
Who You Know
PR is a career where success hinges upon your ability to create and maintain relationships. Here are a few ways that you can establish these rewarding connections:
- Join professional organizations. Examples include the Public Relations Society of America, the American Marketing Association, and, if you are a woman living in the New York area, the New York Women in Communications is a great resource as well.
- Attend networking events. Sites such as Meetup.com regularly post networking events in a city near you.
- Social Media. Use sites such as LinkedIn and Twitter to your advantage. Reach out to others who could not only help you, but who you could help. Also, remember to leverage and reinforce any in-person connection through following on Twitter and adding on LinkedIn.
- Anytime, anywhere. Always carry with you a smile and extra business cards. You never know who you’ll meet!
With networking, remember that the key is quality, not quantity. Make relationships that matter and that will last. On a similar note, make sure to reach out to everyone in your network throughout the year – It’s important to retain your network by connecting regularly!
I hope these ideas have sparked some creative thinking. Remember, career success is not just a destination, but a journey-so have fun along the way!