Thursday, January 8, 2015

PR Resolutions and How to Keep Them

The dreaded New Year’s Resolution. Each January, we choose a goal to focus on for the next 12 months only to see our efforts fizzle out in weeks. We often focus on resolutions that affect us personally like changing out diet, exercise schedule or saving/spending habits. This year, instead try some simple but beneficial professional resolutions that are easy to keep.

  • Keep up with local and national news. Sitting down with a cup of coffee and skimming The Inquirer may seem like an impossible task, plus we all know PR pros drink their coffee on the go. But it doesn't have to be that way. Download a variation of news outlets’ apps onto your smartphone and check them throughout the day. Changing your apps’ settings will allow you to receive live updates when big stories are posted.  This lets you to stay up to date with local stories, national news and international affairs.
  • Stay in touch with contacts. You've spent the last year networking with PR pros and students alike. Now it’s time to do some work to maintain those relationships. This can be done easier than you think. Send a simple personalized email to the members of your network wishing them all the best this year or even a personalized Tweet just to say hello.  This will not only help foster these relationships but will keep you fresh in their mind if any opportunities may arise in the upcoming year.
  • Write more. We all known writing is a key skill to have in PR and, as the old saying goes, practice makes perfect. Joining PRSSA’s newsletter committee offers an opportunity to work on your writing while getting your article published in the newsletter. Another great way to both practice your writing and add to your portfolio is to volunteer to write posts for PRowl's blog. You can also create a blog of your own focusing on personal or professional interests. Check out PRowl Firm Director Amber Burns’ blog or Assistant Firm Director JordanWashington’s for inspiration.


We want to hear from you, what’s your PR New Year’s Resolution? 

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