Business to Blogs: the 411

Throughout this semester, we learned various strategies for success in the PR world. Combing what we have studied both in and outside of the classroom, I have come up with a condensed list of some of the ‘Best Practices’ for getting ahead in public relations.
- Stay current—by staying up to date on various materials, news, and human-interest topics, you will allow yourself to put your skills to the test. Learning does not stop in the classroom. Read books, magazines, blogs, etc. to immerse yourself in a whole new area of knowledge.
- Develop an aptitude for technology, fast! —Technological advances develop rather quickly; if you get too caught up on one craze, you will miss the newest fad. Always keep your eyes and ears open for the latest trends, and don’t be afraid to jump in.
- Seize the moment—embrace every opportunity to further your aspirations. From volunteer work to making copies, every networking occasion will both boost your resume and benefit your skill set. Remember, if you don’t take opportunity, someone else will.
- Separate emotions—don’t take things personally. If you make a mistake, fix it and move on. If you allow your emotions to get in the way, your work will suffer. Instead, learn from your mistakes and move forward.
- Presentation is everything—with one chance to make a first impression, you better give it your best. Do your research, ask good questions, and look the part. More importantly, have confidence in yourself. When it comes down to the wire, you ultimately write your own ticket. If you don’t believe in yourself, why should anyone else? This is your chance to shine.