Narrowing Focus

Each year thousands of students pursue degrees in public relations hoping to be the next Samantha Jones or Olivia Pope.  After discovering the profession, my goal was to earn a degree and become a practitioner.

“You can’t find a job in public relations by searching Monster.com.”

-          Joseph Mirando, PhD. , Professor, Southeastern Louisiana University

Dr. Mirando drilled this into my head throughout my undergraduate career. When expressing my desire to work in public relations, most people ask what that entails. The public relations profession uses simple yet strategic practices for a large variety of responsibilities. In addition, there are many different directions and disciplines you can take.  Three elements to consider:

1.      Corporate vs. Agency

2.      Public vs. Private

3.      Industry

Credit: Aldos80

As I worked to gain experience in a number of ways, I was able to evaluate my skills and interests to change my response when asked about my career aspirations. 

I once answered “I want to be a public relations professional.” My answer now is: “My long-term career goal is to become the community relations director for a professional sport's team.”

That reply often prompts greater discussion, but it is much more focused. My passions for service and sports merge through the role of a community relations professional. While that concept is simple, I took a much more strategic approach to narrowing my interest. There are several ways to discover the best fit for you in the communications or public relations industries. I wanted to share the process I took to discover my desire to become a community relations director and begin my pursuit of success as a professional.

What you need

-          Experience (volunteer experience, internships, jobs, class projects, etc.)

-          Legal notepad/ writing paper

-          Writing utensil

Instructions

-          Find a quiet area with a limited possibility of distractions.

-          Identify your passions and solid skills.

-          Think about your previous experiences.

-          Make three lists.

1.      Things you like about each experience

2.      Things you don’t like about each experience

3.      Things that will be required as an industry standard

-          Compare your lists to gauge the industries, roles and responsibilities of positions that align with your passions, interests and skills.

Note: This method can also be completed on a computer. Use the most comfortable tools for you. 

Although I didn’t complete this process until the start of my last semester of graduate school, it can be applied earlier in your academic career and allow greater opportunities to gain experience and connections. Even after you narrow your focus, always be open to other possibilities.

Are you a public relations professional or aspiring practitioner? What steps did you take to narrow your focus? Are you struggling with which PR path to take? Try my method. Please share your results.

XX,

Jasmine C. Tate

Communicating Value

It is often argued whether success is a result of who you know, what you know or a little bit of both.

When offered a job worth $81.25 per hour, you should take it, right? I did, and what I gained from the experience exceeded the value of about $40 in gas to reach my destination and the twelve hours worked.

“Your number one asset is every single relationship you build.”

-          Teni Karapetian, Vice President of National Publicity, STX Entertainment

A former classmate and member of the International Association of Business Communicators referred me for the position. IABC welcomed communication professionals from across the globe for their annual world conference June 5-8, which was an amazing networking opportunity for me.

After an hour of training and two six-hour shifts, my payment came in the form of complimentary registration to the conference sessions. I spent two mornings welcoming visitors to New Orleans, LA, registering attendees and accepting payments ranging from $850 - $1,865. The sessions and speakers I accessed through a quality professional network, 12 hours, $40 in gas and a willingness to serve cost others much more time, money and effort.

“The performance of any business depends on the performance of its staff.”

-          Andy Gibson, Founder & CEO, Mindapples

Universal companies and individuals who spent thousands of dollars for the conference alone in addition to airfare, meals and hotel fees reaffirmed the value of communication to an organization’s success. Volunteering opened doors to a network of global communications professionals and invaluable knowledge and tips for success.

Because the experience required little of me, I thought I would share take-aways from distinguished presenters of my favorite sessions.

Andy Gibson | Revolutionary Innovator on the Power of the Mind

1.      Meet your mind; it’s primal, intellectual and emotional.

2.      Work smarter.

a.       Start early.

b.      Concentrate on the task at hand.

c.       Know that stress is bad for business. “Stress blinds you to possibilities and resources.”

d.      Stay playful – Sometimes your mind needs a break.

e.       We’re in this together – “Remember that your mind is influenced by others.”

3.      Incorporate motivation, wellbeing and diversity to perform successful leadership.

4.      Purchase Andy Gibson’s “A Mind for Business” for more information and practices to make time for your mind to accelerate your performance.

Ann Wylie | Tear down the pyramid: Engage readers with a more effective story structure.

“The reason people cut us off is because we use a structure designed to do so.”

-          Ann Wylie, Owner, Wylie Communications Inc. | Public Relations Society of America National Writing Coach

1.      Tear down the pyramid to rev up readership.

2.      Show in the lead. Tell in the nut graph.

3.      Avoid a suitcase lead; write a bikini lead.

4.      Beware of the “curly mark syndrome” – overuse of quotes and question marks.

5.      Only revert to the pyramid in times of crisis or bad news.

6.      See more at bit.ly/IABCWorld16-Wylie. 

 Do you see the value of communication on your job? What common practices drive success? Share below.

 XX,

 Jasmine C. Tate

The Secret to Success… Revealed

Photo by D'Anthony Jackson

The information and resources available online through Google, Linked In and various other sites are limitless. In addition to applying for every position I’ve found that I’m qualified for and matches my interests in the past few weeks, I’ve also reached out to professionals who currently have the position of my dreams.

“Your first job won’t be your dream job.”

I’ve heard it several times and different ways. Thankfully, as I’ve mentioned before public relations professionals are extremely generous when it comes to helping others achieve success, especially aspiring practitioners. Although your first position of your career may not be your "dream job," it should be a stepping stone to help you attain it. 

Throughout the last five years I’ve attended more than a dozen conferences, heard from various industry leaders and networked with the best of the best. Beyond proficiency in writing and public relations skills, the advice given by most successful practitioners is similar.

1.       Pursue your passion and find ways to incorporate it into everything you do.

2.       Take advantage of opportunities to get involved.

3.       Build your résumé and portfolio with quality demonstrations of experience beyond the classroom.

4.       Develop a solid network with meaningful, “mutually beneficial” relationships.

5.       Be genuine and authentic in who you are and the skills you have to offer.

I have recently spoken with community relations directors for various professional sports teams. After conversations via email and phone calls, I finally get it. I have unlocked the big secret I’ve been searching…

And what I’ve found is that there is no secret. Most insights I gained were no different from things I’ve heard throughout my academic career from peers, professors and professionals alike. As a believer I had to realize that when you take advantage of people, resources and words of wisdom and do everything you can to reach success, it is sometimes a matter of practicing patience for God to deliver on His promises and reveal His will for your life.

So, if you’re like me constantly seeking “the big secret.” You can stop now, because there isn’t one. If you disagree, please share. If there’s something I’m missing, I would love to know what it is. Enlighten me. Share below.

XX,

Jasmine C. Tate 

Save the SUMMER

High temperatures, sandals and open snowball stands are all signs of summer time. Although it’s easy to spend the entire season catching up on sun, sleep and Scandal, let’s choose to be productive, too. As I seek and apply for job opportunities and prepare for the summer special of Hit The Floor, I’m making a conscious effort to “Save the Summer.”

For me, this starts with a schedule because “time flies when you’re having fun,” right?

Creating a schedule will ensure success in achieving goals this summer. Start with the date of the first day of classes or an important event such as the PRSSA National Conference/ PRSA International Conference.

Next, update professional documents. I’m sure your Linked In Profile could use a boost. Change your headline, adjust dates or enhance your summary. Review your portfolio, add projects from the end of the year or remove outdated work samples.

Master a new skill. With the growth of the public relations industry and expectations of multi-talented candidates, you can never know too much. Design a PRSSA invitation to outside disciplines, explore videography or view a free PRSA webinar.

Maximize opportunities to gain experience or get involved. View the event calendars of local professional organizations such as the Public Relations Student Society of America, Public Relations Association of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, etc. Volunteer for upcoming events such as back-to-school drives or summer socials.

Employ old and new skills you’ve gained. Plan a social for PRSSA members who are still in town or high school classmates you haven’t seen since graduation. Write for Progressions or Forum or start a personal blog.

Finally, Don’t let the summer pass you by without realizing that public relations practitioners, and aspiring professionals, are life-long learners. Read a book or blog; research professionals you may meet at the national conference, and don’t forget to rest.

Save the summer, but enjoy it, too.

What are your summer plans? Are there any activities, events books or blogs you would recommend to avoid wasting time and talent this summer? Share below.

XX,

Jasmine C. Tate