My inspiration is YOU!

It’s been over a week since I let go from my job. While it’s not a time where I’ve kicked my heels and celebrated, I have relished the new opportunities that are out there.

While getting ready to work from home yesterday, I saw this Tweet from friend Stephanie Florence (@StephanieFlo):

I didn’t know anything about the post or what it contained. When I clicked to read it, shocked would not even come close to describe my feelings. Sixteen people typed their support, encouragement, and compliments about me. Now, I’ve never been great about receiving praise. I’d rather dole out kudos to others.

The words from Stephanie, Britten Wolf, Jackie Lampugnano, Jessica Malnik, Kimberly Lucio, Lauren Fernandez, Lauren Gray, Lauren Novo, Matt Cheuvront, Matt LaCasse, Paula Kriger, Rachel Esterline, Samantha Ogborn, Valerie Simon, Stephanie Majercik, and Scott Hale were enough to move me to tears. Yup, that’s right… I cried. 

Nowadays, we don’t always meet our friends in person. We meet them through this wonderful social media community. Want to know why I’m so passionate about what social media can do? Because it is inspiring. Those sixteen people listed above inspire me and there are thousands of others that I follow that also drive me to be better and pay it forward much more than I do.

Time and time again, I’ve blogged how the combination of public relations and social media marketing is very powerful. It can change perceptions of brands and help get the word out on blogs, among other great things.

But, we must continue to realize that social media is not to be taken lightly. It’s a tool that can crush people, if not used correctly. In talking to students and current pros, it can’t be stated enough, if you are honest, open and transparent, you will succeed at social media.

And remember this: Don’t focus on networking for just a job… focus on networking for life. Keep in contact with friends, colleagues, former co-workers, people you have met a conferences. They will be your champions when you need them most.

Courtesy: Marvel Studios

I’ll be honest with you… I use to view myself as weak. There was a great line from this summer’s “Captain America: The First Avenger.” Dr. Abraham Erskine is asked by Steve Rogers why he picked someone weak. The doctor replies, “Because a weak man knows the value of strength, the value of power.”

Lately, I feel like I’ve been injected with strength serum. I feel like I can do anything now. It’s not because I’m being cocky. It’s because I respect what many have said and done for me in these last few weeks and even prior to getting let go.

One event doesn’t shape me, but this wonderful social community does. Remember, you will always inspire me.

Thinking of shutting down during your school break? Don’t!

You’ve worked your tail off during this semester and you are absolutely beat.  The last thing you probably want to do is think about getting ready for the spring semester and (probably) that summer internship or first job.  But, this is the perfect time to do it.

Last year at this time, I “met” Lauren Novo and Mikinzie Stuart.  While doing research for a blog at Carr Perspectives, I saw Lauren and Mikinzie’s posts telling students not to completely shut down during winter break.  Lauren’s post, “Don’t Completely ‘Check out’ in December,” and Mikinzie’s “20 Ways PR Students Can Beat the Winter Break Blues” outlined perfectly how you can benefit from this break.

Lauren and Mikinzie have proved that hard work, dedication, and persistence pays off. So, I asked both ladies to look back at those posts, now that they are full-time PR pros.  If you aren’t following them on Twitter, I’ve included their handles here.

We can all agree the last thing you probably want to do during your break is work.  But, how much of what you said in your posts did you actually do?

@Mikinzie: From a list of 20, I think completing even one school/ career related task during your time off is a success! I updated my resume, cleaned up older projects for my portfolio, researched PR agencies, played with new digital tools and of course, chatted on Twitter.

@lmnovo: I def dropped the ball on GRE studying – in fact, I never took it! Probably not BEST decision but I think work + APR is the way I’ll go…

@lmnovo: On the flip side, I started an internship early, which allowed me to attend/facilitate major client conf. Even better than career shadowing!

What are some points in your blog posts that most hit home for you?

@Mikinzie: In the blog post, I saved the most important point for last: “Find a balance between work and play during your winter break.” Finding that “middle ground” of moderation will help you become a more grounded and surprisingly productive person.

@lmnovo: Emphasis on starting a blog. It sharpens your writing skills, critical thinking, industry awareness, discipline & will put you on the map.

@lmnovo Build a portfolio. Not just important for obvious reasons (getting job). It also is learning exp. What are you proud of? What can you do?

Why is this time of year so important for students?

@Mikinzie: It’s the one time of the school year where you have the most downtime without the distraction of sunny weather, making it easier to buckle down when you need a break from family festivities.

@Mikinzie: Since most summer internships go fast, it’s a good time to start developing professional relationships with potential employers so when the time comes to hire, you’re the first person that comes to his or her mind.

@lmnovo: It’s the only time you can separate yourself from school/internships. It’s a chance to reflect on what you want & actually make time to pursue.

@lmnovo: It’s go, go, go all semester. Need to make the most of what you did. Don’t let effort be forgotten. Build portfolio, start blog, etc.

Lauren, would you still start a blog in the middle of a jam-packed semester?

@lmnovo: Definitely. PR is a 24/7 career. If I can’t handle blog + school, can’t handle PR. Besides, the craziness gave me material to blog about!

@lmnovo: Sometimes, all the school work, internship apps, etc. can be overwhelming. A blog is something YOU control. It actually calmed me down.

You both mentioned reading in your posts, especially “Putting the Public Back in Public Relations.” How important is it for students today to continue to stay “educated” while in college?

@Mikinzie: Since neither of us were “PR students” per se (note: I majored in Technical Writing whereas Lauren majored in Media and Communication Studies), we had to teach ourselves about PR by learning from books, blogs and other professionals.

@Mikinzie: Keeping current on the industry gives you something else to bring to the table (aside from just a college degree) when you start going in for your first job interviews. It showcases your eagerness, enthusiasm and work ethic to potential employers.

@lmnovo: So important. I wasn’t PR major so I learned a lot on my own by reading/researching + through internships & sought-out mentorships.

@lmnovo: Even PR students should pursue education outside of class. Many programs don’t teach social media, media pitching, etc. Must learn somehow!

If you were adding a few things to your lists, now a year later, what would it be?

@Mikinzie: I would have been more persistent about getting published as a guest blogger, in campus and local newspapers and even trade publications. Poor writing is often the biggest complaint about PR professionals. Like speaking, writing is a form of communication and we, as communicators, need to be better at it than our clients and the writers we pitch every day.

@Mikinzie: Also, I would dig up all secret tips and tricks to using Microsoft excel. It will save you a lot of time, stress and headaches in the long run, believe me.

@lmnovo: Attend December PRSA/FPRA/etc. luncheon. Most students are away & you will stand out. Introduce yourself & request informational interview.

@lmnovo: Travel. Opportunities for road trips are limited once working full-time. Go somewhere with your friends & enjoy the experience.

Thanks so much again to Lauren and Mikinzie for taking the time to look back and offer advice.  How are you marching forward during the break? Let me know!

What inspires me? You!

Lauren Novo is a senior at Florida State University with a double major in Media/Communication Studies and Creative Writing. Additionally, she serves as the staff writer for Trusteria Services, a regional company in Tallahassee, and as a public relations staff assistant for RB Oppenheim Associates, a local PR agency. Connect with her on Twitter, LinkedIn and read her blog, Gen-Y PRogress: Lauren Novo’s PR Journey.

Last week, Jason asked what inspired me. He invited me to write a guest post, highlighting why it is I’m always giving back to others, through my blog in particular.

I was flattered. But also taken by surprise. Jason is the one who continuously shares my posts; who leaves encouraging comments on my blog; who asks how my week is going and offers to help in any way he can; who recently contributed to my “Art of” series; and who dropped everything he was doing to write me a glowing letter of endorsement for an award entry.

And he thinks I give back? He wants to know what inspires me?

What inspires me… is all of you. All you professionals who take the time out of your chaotic lives to pay it forward to the next generation of PR pros.

Seriously, think about it. Deirdre Breakenridge is recognized as one of the industry’s greatest thought leaders. She’s written highly acclaimed books and owns her own company. Valerie Simon is a vice president at BurrellesLuce and freelance writer for The Examiner.

Do you think either of these two women needed to start #PRStudChat – a monthly Twitter chat between PR students and professionals—to build up their resumes and portfolios? I doubt it. They have already “made it.” What they are doing is above and beyond. They are selflessly giving back as devoted mentors.

There’s also Arik Hanson, an APR-certified professional who has participated in various local and national online initiatives. Most recently, he teamed up with Valerie to start the “Help a PR Pro Out” (HAPPO) campaign. He has a job. In fact, he owns his own business. He doesn’t need to concern himself with helping PR job seekers connect with employers. It’s a choice. An admirable choice.

I could go on and on, but you get the point.

So yes, I do my best to give back too. I use my blog to help my peers when opportunities arise. As an extension of the HAPPO initiative, I’ve started a “PR Job Seeker of the Week” series every Friday. But so what?

I’m only 21 years old. I’m a senior at Florida State University for another month, but a student always. I’ve got a long way to go. There is much more I can and will do, and I have my many mentors—both near and far—to thank for that.

That’s what inspires me.

What inspires you?

Men bloggers are better? Ummm…

I love a good debate.  It’s a chance to see where people stand on issues and enjoy conversation.  Well, I opened up my e-mail at work and saw the headline, “Why are bloggers male?” It seemed innocent enough, so I clicked on the link which took me to Margaret Wente’s item in the The Globe and Mail out of Toronto, Ontario.

The title of her opinion piece “Why Are Bloggers Male?” seemed innocent enough, until I read this line:

It’s more of a guy thing. Guys seek thrills and speed.  They go for the adrenaline rush… That’s why guys like blogging- instant opinions, and lots of them.

Ok, so as a male, I am a blogger because I (let me grunt like a caveman here) love lots of speed, want to get rush, or as Ms. Wente puts it, part of “Male Answer Syndrome” (MAS).  According to Ms. Wente, I blog because it’s closely related to a sex-linked compulsion (yeah, explain that to my wife).  Her opinion piece is, to put it mildly, a sexist rant on the male/female debate.  Funny, I really thought that we were kind of past that whole thing.

I would like to offer Ms. Wente some examples of excellent FEMALE bloggers, ones who don’t, as she says in her piece, “lack the public confidence that comes so easily to many men.”

Mikinzie Stuart, Samantha Ogborn, Lauren Novo, and Rebecca Thorman are just four of many great examples of people who not only bring brilliance to the blogosphere, but don’t need to be qualified along gender lines.  Click on their names to read their blogs.

I felt sad for Ms. Wente, who I am sure is nice person.  However, her opinion piece falls incredibly flat and reeked of snark and a holier than thou attitude.  She got me to read this and I guess that it was somewhat of a good thing.  It got me to write a blog.  But wait..  I’m a man, so I should be a pro at this blog thing, right?

A lesson in fun.

What a whirlwind this week.  First, it was great to be a guest blogger at Lauren Novo an Niki Pocock’s places and give some advice to those who are about to become or already are public relations pros.  I enjoy giving back any way that I can.  So a hearty THANK YOU (again) to two wonderful ladies.

The second half of the week was a bit of a slog though.  I’ve been getting bogged down with work and I’m not complaining, but I found myself getting all worked up about the smallest things.  As PR people, we are paid to make sure details are taken care of to the point where you can’t wiggle anything through.  This week, I just let everything get to me.  I couldn’t make a sense of what I was reading for a plan I was writing and I wasn’t able to focus on any of my research.

I finally had to step away from my desk and do something.  I was getting so annoyed that something very easy was getting harder by the moment.  I walked into the lobby of our building and a young boy was sitting there playing with a PlayStation Portable.  I’m a video game type of guy, so I asked him what he was playing.  He was mashing away at  Madden.  I always get my tail whupped in that game, so I asked him why he was enjoying it.  He said, “It’s just fun.”

Then, it really hit me. I wasn’t having much “fun” working on what I was doing.  I needed to kick start my enjoyment and realize that the harder you make things for yourself, the tougher it is to get things done.  We have all done this at some point.  We rack our brains for the answer and become so frustrated we can’t even put a simple thought together.

I’ve found that we are at our productive best when we are clear-headed.  Sure, easier said than done.  But, try this: Close your eyes for ten seconds and clear everything out of your head.  I’ve been doing this lately and it’s worked wonders.  I would also suggest simply getting up from your desk and going for a short walk. Maybe you work in an office complex where you can walk to a vending machine or through the lobby.  The amount of time it takes for you to do that is enough to give you something else to focus on. 

Look, we all get stressed out during the day at some point.  Maybe the boss is on your case or you’ve had a rough morning.  You will find that a little breather can go a long way in helping you deal with the rest of your project or even your day. 

Just remember… Stop. Breathe. Then move on.