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.

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!

Guest post: Ambition Knows No Limits

(Jas’ note: Harrison Kratz is an incredible PR talent… Plain and simple.  You don’t just decide at age 19 to start your own PR firm.  That caught my attention immediately. While he is just getting his engine revved up, I asked him to offer up a guest blog on what he’s experienced so far.)

About 5 months ago, I was at an internship that really wasn’t teaching me anything or enhancing my PR skills.  While there are worse things than getting paid to spend time on the computer, I don’t think I’ve ever been more frustrated.

That was when I decided to find work for myself.  I was already managing my friend’s music career, but I wanted a little more.  In late December I created Kratz PR & Management.  I really created it just as an umbrella for my managing and PR ventures.

Harrison Kratz

As a 19-year-old sophomore at Drexel University, I didn’t get my expectations too high in the early going.   I think that initial approach is what has led to Kratz PR’s recent success.  I took everything has it came, and haven’t taken anything for granted.  I’ve treated everything as a blessing and a new opportunity.

I have to say, that the fact I have 8 clients in 5 months, is mind blowing to me to say the least.  It has been an extremely fun and eventful beginning that I am excited to keep growing and building upon what I have started in the early going.  This has been anything but easy though.

As I said I am still a student, and it is very frustrating and daunting that I cannot dedicate all of my time to Kratz PR.  While I do everything I possibly can for my clients, there are times where I have to remember that my education is still my number one priority.  I am lucky and grateful that I now have an amazing client management team to help me with the day-to-day procedures of Kratz PR.

Although funding for the firm hasn’t been a hindering problem, financials since getting started has been an issue.  Many of our clients are start-up businesses and artists, and the funding just hasn’t been there for the companies.  Because money is low, it has been frustrating to pass up on conferences that would be beneficial to our growth.

Having said that, I do not let money get in the way of signing clients and building Kratz PR.  While I am not running a charity, I feel that I am in position to continue my growth without having money be a primary goal.  Because of my age, I want to focus on developing a professional network that will carry me and continue Kratz PR’s growth once I leave school.  By partnering with businesses and artists that I believe in, I feel we will help each other grow and achieve our career goals.

I see big things in the near future for Kratz PR & Management, and I hope this success lasts for quite some time.  It’s simply a vision of mine and I intend to keep following as I continue on to the real world.

“Ambition Knows No Limits.”

For any questions or anything else, please connect with me on Twitter: @KratzPR