So you think you can flack? You probably can. Before you jump in–and if you want to do it well–you’ll need to keep these truths in mind:

1. The PR profession about more than just being a “people person”–it’s great that you love people. I love people. But that will only take you so far, as in, through your internship. After that, you’ll also need to be “a good writer” and “a good listener.” You’ll also need to demonstrate a strategic mind and an appetite for winning. A love of people is great, but it does not a PR superstar make.

2. PR is not a 9 to 5 gig–I don’t know who puts the idea into folks’ heads that public relations is a glamorous profession. The most effective flacks I know work long hours and spend at least a portion of their weekends trolling the Internet for news and opinion pieces, social media trends and client opportunities.  Not to mention all the non-billable hours spent defending new/fabulous/sort-of-scary/innovative ideas. You know those communicators that you are always looking at and thinking “how they heck did he think of that?” I guarantee you he’s either A) extremely experienced and or B) lives and breathes his work. Hey, I never said it was a healthy lifestyle, just an effective one. Read More…

When’s the last time you loved on your LinkedIn profile? Believe it or not, HR recruiters really do use it to scout prospects. Does your profile paint a relevant picture of the professional you?

If you haven’t laid eyes on your profile in a while, stroll on over and take 30 minutes to freshen it up with these three improvements:

1. Create a thoughtful “summary” – also known as a bio, these paragraphs should explain how talented and experienced you are, while also hinting at your fabulous personality.  Don’t be afraid to share with the reader the kinds of work you most enjoy. For example, my profile says, “Margie most enjoys cause-related public relations…” It’s also nice to talk about your community service work, or other relevant extracurricular activities. Oh, and when you are finished be sure to add your skills to the “specialties” box. Read More…

When folks ask, “What do you do?” are you one who confidently communicates your various job roles and responsibilities–or one who simply states your title? While you’re thinking about that, let me share this:

If you are a recent grad/have little work experience, words like Administrative, Assistant and Associate are sure to attach themselves to your name and eat away at your psyche.

Seniority has value; there are many things that may only be fully understood by trial and stunningly horrific error. The trick is knowing how to balance “paying your dues” discipline with an “experience beyond your years” mindset. Read More…

They’re Penelope Trunk’s words, not mine. But I don’t think she’ll mind if I adopt them. They underscore my firm belief that the shape of your career is molded by your personal brand and the company you keep:

One of the most important changes in work life is that we do not define our career by working for one company—we change jobs too frequently. Today, we define ourselves by the integrity with which we manage our career.

Amen, sister.

Do these two sentences resonate with you? Forget 140 characters! What are the 40 words that define your career?

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