My Top Ten List
This PR writing class has been extremely beneficial to me. I have learned some incredible advice to help me in my future as a public relations practitioner. I have compiled a list of the top ten most important things that I hope to always remember.
1 Twitter IS beneficial. I didn’t have a Twitter account when I started this class but because of an assignment I had to create one. During our “week of Twitter” assignment we were required to follow a list of PR professionals, follow our fellow students, have a certain number of tweets and tweet during class using a hashtag. During that week I learned how beneficial Twitter could be to my future as a PR practitioner. It can help you connect with some of the most knowledgeable and experienced people in your field as well as gain some advice to help your career. I would now suggest it to anyone – check out Twitter and give it a chance.
2 The dreaded AP Style Guide IS universal. Everyone related to communications uses it and expects you to as well. When you are writing a press release make sure to use it , it makes it a lot more easier for the journalist and they are more likely to publish your story.
3 Blog Blog Blog. I swear that I have heard that word a million times during this semester ( make that a million and three now). I never knew how helpful a blog could be and never thought that I would ever post as much information as I have in one semester. Through our blogging assignments I have learned so much. One important thing I learned is how important it is when trying to get your name out there. If your blog has something interesting than people will read it. Another thing that I learned is that blogging can generate traffic which can provide you with more connections.
4 Being in the know. It is very important in PR to stay current with what is going on around us. We must know what’s going on in order to somehow relate it in our product and to stay relevant to the public.
5 Comments make the world a happier place…okay maybe not but comments are great! Who doesn’t like receiving fun mail? I know I love it! Comments are just that – mail over the web. If you want someone to comment, then leave them. It may not be crucial but it’s a fun way to network with others and let them know that you appreciate their work.
6 Keep an up to date media contact list with you! It’s important that every connection you make you compile in a list so that you can refer back to it when you need it.
7 Time is of the essence. When dealing with a company or client timing is everything. It’s very important to be aware of deadlines and such when submitting a press release to the media. They have deadlines too, so the more you are aware of them the more likely your work will be published.
8 Honesty is key. The way you are known as PR professional is very important. If people know that you can be trusted then you are already off to a good start in your career.
9 I learned that there is a difference between a variety of press releases. Whether it’s a SMNR, PSA or press release its important to know the difference.
10 The most important thing that I’ve learned in my PR class is that networking is everything in PR. The more connections you have and the more your name is out there the better off you will be. PR is a lot about building relationships and the bigger your networking circle the more people you will have to help you out when you need it.
