Trade Tips: How to Survive andStay Passionate in PR

Helpful hints for public relations and marketing professionals.

By Nicole Hayes

The early bird truly does get the worm in PR, which can equal an incredible amount of never-ending, overwhelming stress.

PR moves quickly. No one day is the same, deadlines are always looming, and clients (and managers) are always pushing for more.

What can you do to battle that and, most importantly, not burn out?

Take a break1

It’s important to take a step back and rejuvenate in order to keep moving forward.

Leave your cell phone and email behind and spend some time laying on the beach, floating down a river, or reading a novel in a hammock under the Caribbean sun.

Remember to ask, “Why?”2

Sometimes we tend to get wrapped up in doing things because it’s trendy or it’s something the client wants. At the end of these projects, we usually realize they had nothing to do with the goal of the campaign.

“Why?” is the key question that any PR person needs to ask before jumping into a project.

Why am I doing this? How does it relate to the goal of the campaign? How is it going to achieve results?

Work smarter, not harder3

Think about three things that you can do to cut your workload.

Prepare the day/night before Start a draft Return to it later with fresh

eyes

Know what you love4

We are not all good at everything. Some people are great writers; others relish the thought of picking up the phone and pitching.

Embracing your passion will help you love your job and ensure your success.

Talk to me5

PR people are natural communicators, yet sometimes we forget to communicate with each other.

Step away from your desk, move out of your office or cubicle and talk to your colleagues.

This presentation was adapted from our Voice Matters Blog.

To learn more about McKinney & Associates, visit www.mckpr.com

McKinney & Associates was founded in 1990 with a commitment to social justice that has prevailed for more than 20 years. From the beginning,

McKinney passionately and skillfully practiced Public Relations with a Conscience for local, national and international organizations.

@mckpr

facebook.com/mckpr

youtube.com/mckinneypr