What I’ve Learned So Far

Over the last few weeks, I’ve begun to do some soul-searching. This has nothing to do with being unhappy or frustrated. It has everything to do with challenging myself to be better, to learn more and to understand the business I’ve started.

I was watching “Life After Top Chef” on Bravo the other night. Each of the former contestants have their own challenges in their life as business owners. Richard is balancing home life with his new restaurant opening; Jen is trying to find her way after her own eatery fell through, and Spike is balancing his new restaurant and his family having a part in it.

But, it was Fabio that really struck me. He likes to be in control, as do I. But, he’s attempting to delegate more, so he can have more time to look at his overall business. I thought to myself, “I figured these guys would have it all taken care of.” Not so. And that’s where my education began.

We never stop learning and shaping ourselves. I may feel like I’m doing great, but I still don’t know everything and I never will. I’m not a Jedi, guru, or ninja. I’m a student, always (as my friend Stephanie Florence likes to say).

See, what I’ve learned so far as a consultant, business owner and speaker is that everyday is an education. You make a mistake? Admit it, learn from it and press on. Use that teachable moment, not to sulk, but grow.

We as PR pros, social media managers, and marketers have undergone many changes. We are constantly evolving. In this evolution, we become more learned. But we also need to take stock in how far we have come.

It only takes a few moments to understand our growth. So, step back and realize how far you’ve come. It may be a chance to really help you understand your success.

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.

Guest Post: Still Learning Two Years Out

(Jas’ note: I’m happy to have Stephanie Florence back to guest post on the blog. As college seniors wrap up their college careers, Stephanie has some great advice in moving forward.)

I’ve been out of college for two years. Looking back, the time feels both long and as though it’s all happened in a blink. One very blatant observation I’ve had since graduation is the integration of social media.

I took an Intro to Social Media course my senior year of college and compared to then, my understanding today has improved tenfold. I joined Twitter that year, but thought it was only status updates, not the great source of networking and education it has become for me. I created a personal website to use as a portfolio, but never considered incorporating a blog to share insights and showcase my writing.

Recently, one of the students I’ve met tweeted about her final college paper: the power of social through Twitter and Foursquare. I caught this example on video last month, but as a student did not realize this could become the topics of college papers.

Social media has become engrained in our daily lives, both professionally and personally. After a call with Jason to plan our guest post collaboration, I realized some of my blog posts have been written under one very big assumption: that all students get “it.” It includes taking on the next chapter post-college, specifically with social media.

Students and recent grads are continuously receiving advice on what to do in preparation for their next big move. Here are my four go-to suggestions:

* Stay current on industry and world news. Always ask questions and be open to learning.

* Engage on social networks. Study influencers and successful brands for insight.

* Start a blog. Whether it’s WordPress, Posterous, Tumblr or Blogger, find the platform that works for you.

* Never lose the personal connection. Make phone calls, host chats via Skype and go out to lunch. Relationships require interaction to become truly beneficial and worthwhile to those involved.

You can read Stephanie’s blog at: StephanieFlorence.Posterous.com and connect with her on Twitter: @StephanieFlo.

Everything you need to know can be learned at a wedding

(Jas’ note: I’m thrilled to have Stephanie Florence offer a guest blog.  She’s currently working at JSH&A Public Relations in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. and writes a terrific blog of her own.  You can connect with her on Twitter @StephanieFlo. After a recent wedding, she was inspired to write this post.)

The rituals of a wedding vary based on tradition, religion and culture, but the general theme of coming together to celebrate a beginning remains constant.  This weekend I worked a wedding for a family friend – it was an evening filled with gestures of friendship, love and true happiness. It also proved that inspiration can arise from any situation, as long as you take the time to look. Raise a glass of bubbly and enjoy the life lessons straight from the source of all things good: the wedding reception.

Tell people how you feel – I watched as my friend Emily gave her maid of honor speech for her sister. Emily had the guests laughing out loud as she talked about their childhood and brought the room to tears when she discussed the woman her sister has become. Here’s the takeaway: you don’t need to wait for a special occasion to tell someone how you feel. People thrive from hearing positive affirmations and cherish the good things you have to share. This week pick up the phone, send an email or meet for coffee with someone you appreciate, and make sure they know it.

Capture the experience – The bride and groom set up a photo booth. Someone recorded the best man and maid of honor speeches. Guests signed a book with thoughts for the new couple. There were photos being snapped all night. These photos and messages will be looked at for years to come and bring back the memories of this celebration.

Dance like no one’s watching – Guests definitely shook their groove things and for good reason. You have the most fun when you put everything aside and live in the moment. If you’re in need of a pick-me-up, throw on some tunes and let your feet do the work.

You can’t plan everything – There are times when it all does not go exactly as planned. Rather than let this interfere with the situation look at the surprises as a way to add to the overall experience. Sometimes the best decisions are made on the fly.

I only listed four life lessons – what else can be gained from a wedding?  For the married folks out there, what important lessons did you find during your big day?