What to Wear to a Networking Event

May 17, 2013 Leave a Comment

As aspiring professionals, it is important that we stay active and aim to form new relationships. What better way to do so than by attending seminars and anything that could potentially lead to opportunities? Of course, the question then becomes: What should I wear? Worry not! Here are a few looks to inspire you:

BOLD - This look is perfect for the fearless PR woman. Let your confidence shine through with this edgy choice.

Bold

DELICATE - As long as you pay attention to appropriate length, skirts and dresses are great choices.

Delicate

SOPHISTICATED – Keep it professional, yet show your style.

67f707a51e20cf940c070b3f4805a4ad

How would you dress for a networking event? Share below or send me a tweet @thePRwoman.

Image Credit: Pinterest

Filed Under: Public Relations, What To Wear Tagged With: , , , , , ,

The PR Man: Misconceptions Aside

May 16, 2013 Leave a Comment

No Men

Public relations is predominantly female dominated. For some men, this is a cause for intimidation but for others, it doesn’t pose a threat.

Similarly to PR women, PR men are:

  • Realistic – PR is always changing, and while it is mostly women now, that may not always be the case. As Brent Reams, CCNY’s PRSSA president shared in a recent interview with the PR Woman, “It’s just the field right now. In 20 years, who knows what the field will look like!”
  • Attentive – Byron Cordero, NYC PR Boy, recently pointed out that when speaking with women, it is best to “listen and keep upmost etiquette.” He understands the kind of personality needed for a career in PR and the understanding and respectful relationship required between coworkers in order to succeed.
  • Determined – “Be your own publicist!” PR guy Sy said in a recent interview with the PR Woman. As a PR man, he understands the importance of making yourself visible. What better way to do so than by taking chances?

Still wondering why there are few men in PR? Click here.

Image Credit: Andy Roberts

Filed Under: Public Relations Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

What PR Professionals Can Learn From Revenge’s Emily Thorne

May 15, 2013 Leave a Comment

Revenge

If you’ve tuned in to ABC’s hit show, Revenge, then you know the drama is never-ending.

Ashley Davenport is introduced as the queen of event planning, but the most meaningful lessons are shared through Emily Thorne’s character. Emily Thorne, who’s true identity is Amanda Clarke, lost her father through a series of unfortunate events set into motion by the Greyson family. We see those around her spiral out of control as she focuses on avenging her father’s death.

Emily Thorne may be a character, but many of her actions can be seen in our day-to-day lives. Most importantly, there is plenty we can learn from her.

  • Transparency is key. Amanda Clarke falsifies her identity and poses as Emily Thorne to take on her master plan for revenge. This makes the series interesting but also serves as the root of all complications. In public relations, transparency is the best route. The faster we admit our mistakes, the faster we can go on to solve them.
  • Focus on what matters. As the show continues, Emily Thorne’s focus shifts from avenging her father’s death to those around her. While revenge isn’t commendable, neither is losing the sense of purpose. Public relations professionals are at the forefront when a communications crisis breaks out. Our concentration must be invested in what matters most.
  • Teamwork is essential. Nolan Ross is Emily’s confidant and sidekick. He utilizes his hacking skills to maintain Emily informed. While they don’t always agree, they do always communicate. Hacking is never recommended, especially not in our field, but having someone to work with is. The more we communicate with those around us, the better we’ll be at what we do.

Can you think of anything else PR professionals can learn from Emily Thorne? Share below or send me a tweet @thePRwoman.

Image Credit: ABC

Filed Under: Public Relations Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Interview: Brent Reams, CCNY PRSSA President

May 14, 2013 Leave a Comment

Brent Reams

Brent Reams is the president of PRSSA at the City College of New York, where he is also working towards a bachelor’s degree in advertising and public relations. He is enthusiastic, dedicated and personable. In this interview, he shares some of the challenges he’s faced, what he hopes to accomplish and more.

G: Tell me about yourself…

B: I’m currently getting my second degree. I graduated in 2009 with a degree in theatre from the University of South Florida. I specialized in experimental theatre and Asian movement. I grew up acting and thought it was what I wanted to do with my life. After I moved to New York, I realized it wasn’t what I wanted at all. I loved it in school and in rehearsals because of the strategy, but loathed the audition process where a lot was based on luck. So, I decided to combine my creativity with my love of strategy and get a degree in public relations. I thought I wanted to do entertainment PR, but I’m starting to be more curious about healthcare. Both of my parents died from cancer, so that’s where the pull comes from.

G: Why public relations?

B: I did a lot of storytelling in high school. I was actually a finalist in the National Youth Storytelling Olympics! It’s a combo of my love of creativity, strategy, and communicating a story.

G: What made you decide to become CCNY’s PRSSA president?

B: I started attending meetings last semester and instantly saw the value in PRSSA. It’s such a fantastic opportunity to network and become a better communications professional. I already have leads on multiple internships just from PRSSA. When I heard there were elections, I decided to run because I wanted the chapter to be greater and provide more opportunities for all CCNY members.

G:What are some of the benefits of joining PRSSA?

B: The biggest benefit of PRSSA is the people you connect with. Whether it be other members of your chapter, other members from the more than 11,000 in the society, mentors, or other professionals, PRSSA will help build your network to help you achieve success (and make awesome friends)! Also, as a member you can apply to PRSSA scholarships (there are a ton and only 2% of members apply!), post your resume on their job and internship board, be eligible to write for PRSSA publications, and join PRSA at a reduced cost.

G: PRSSA is a great option for students, but what about after graduation?

B: PRSA is a great network for PR professionals! They have events and workshops just about every week. For those recently graduating, PRSA’s New Professionals network will give you tools to jumpstart your career. These include message boards, video workshops, twitter chats, podcasts, and access to the PRSA mentor network. Here are some links:
http://prnewpros.prsa.org/

http://www.prsa.org/Network/Communities/NewProfessionals/

G: What does a typical day look like for you?

B: So busy! I’m trying to get way better at time management! I’m in class Monday-Thursday, work Friday-Sunday, run the social media for the restaurant chain Melt Shop, attend networking and PRSA events, and try to plan chapter meetings as well. I need a nap!

G: What are some of the challenges you’ve faced as the PRSSA president?

B: Getting students more involved and making them see the benefits of the society. I think they are starting to realize and that’s really exciting for me. 

G: What do you consider the most challenging aspect of PR?

B: I have 3!

1)    Putting yourself out there. There’s a lot of bravery in PR. I’m a bit shy, so I sometimes have to push myself.

2)    Multitasking

3)    There’s so much information and news out there! It’s hard to keep up with everything. I’ve had to plan the news into my day. (Sometimes my reading is done on the treadmill.)

G: What keeps you motivated?

B: Looking towards the future is a huge motivator. I was lucky to have three years between my degrees. It really gave me perspective on how important it is to take every opportunity that’s offered.

G: With so many women in this field, are you ever intimidated?

B: I see no challenges at all. It’s just the field right now. In 20 years, who knows how the field will look. Bob Leaf of Burson Marstellar recently spoke at CCNY and said the field was mostly men when he started.

If anything, I’d say it is an opportunity for men to hop into public relations right now!

G: What’s next?

B: I’m interning at Cohn & Wolfe’s healthcare practice this summer. I cannot wait!

G: If you could give any advice to aspiring PR professionals, what would it be?

B: Be involved. If you’re still in school, be active in PRSSA. I cannot say enough about this society and the benefits it offers. I recently saw a listing for an intern position at Hunter PR. One of the qualifications they recommended was to be a member of PRSSA. If you’re serious about this profession, this organization will help you get to the next level.

G: Anything else you’d like to share?

B: Take every opportunity you can. If an opportunity costs money, eat Roman Noodles for a week. They are even better if you add an egg!

For more on Brent’s journey as a PR professional, follow him on Twitter: @BrentReams.

Filed Under: Interviews, Public Relations Tagged With: , , , , ,

Confusion

May 13, 2013 Leave a Comment

Confusion

Confusion is a strange thing. It is enough to knock you off your feet and make you doubt your plans. That’s supposing you’ve been brave enough to actually make plans. Suddenly it’s harder to take a deep breath because although you are trying to think optimistically, reality surrounds you. You have witnessed failure and disappointment.

As aspiring PR professionals, we think we know what the field is like. We talk to influentials, gain insight, share ideas, but still, nothing compares to actual experience. How do you make sure that your next move is the right move? How do you make sure you don’t have regrets? How do you know when to listen to your emotions and when to ignore them and pay closer attention to your logic? Is there any way of knowing?

Uncertainty is the greatest challenge life has to offer. There are no guarantees besides now. The important thing is to make the choices we dim correct in the moment.

Apply to the jobs you’re interested in. Worry about choosing once you have been chosen. Go with what seems right and change if you have to. The only way to defeat confusion is to take the chances you’ve been too afraid to take before.

What are you confused about? Share below or send me a tweet @thePRwoman.

Image Credit: Jay P. Greene

Filed Under: Public Relations Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,
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