{Today’s guest post is from my new friend, former newspaper guy and current communications pro, Mike Diegel. In this post, Mike offers up a fabulous addendum to one of my more popular posts, “Four Ways to Be Successful in PR.”  Numbers three and six are my favorites; share your preferences in the comments!}

When I read Margie’s advice about how to succeed in PR—good stuff, by the way—it reminded me of a profile Q&A I was asked to participate in nearly five years ago for the Potomac Flacks blog. In addition to the usual bio/how-did-you-get-started questions, I got one related to being successful.

I sent the post to Margie just for kicks, and she asked me to share my answers with you. So here goes, modified only slightly from the original.

What advice would you give to people wanting to advance in PR?

1. If you can’t cope with deadlines, please do everyone around you a favor and find another line of work.
2. Don’t stress out over today’s coverage. Learn from it. Tomorrow is another day, another story, another chance to tell yours.
3. Your integrity and credibility with reporters is all you have to sell. Protect it.
4. Tell the story, tell it straight and tell it better than anyone else. If you want guidance, read Aristotle’s Poetics and Rhetoric. Some things never change. Read More…

{In today’s guest post, Nashvillian Mary Beth Ikard offers up a friendly reminder about the advantages of being an approachable PR pro.}

Of all the characteristics you’d like included in your reputation as a PR practitioner: great writer, strong sense of news value, deadline-oriented – you wouldn’t want ‘unfriendly’ among them, right?

As spokesperson for myself and my organization, I want each person with whom I interact to walk away saying –to quote the Beach Boys– “I’m pickin’ up good vibrations.”

Obviously, being a “people person” doesn’t make you default-qualified to work in PR. But there’s great joy to be found in being open, in fostering an ability to relate to the publics you seek to address on behalf of your organization and cause. Read More…

Let’s cut to the chase here: public relations is not a 9-5 career. There are days you’ll arrive at the office at 7 a.m., not have time to eat lunch, and only leave your desk at 7 p.m. because you promised your spouse/child/roommate you’d be home for dinner. Before you go to bed, you’ll boot up and dig in to work once again.

You will be tired, up to your ears in email and tempted to dramatically relay your long, hard day to everyone you see. Don’t do it. Nobody likes the office martyr and you’re no different than every other one of your peers in a demanding communications position.

All PR pros will pull a late shift or five every now and then/weekly. The higher the profile your gig, the more hours you’ll be tethered to a phone, laptop and media source. Keep in mind that as a PR pro and communicator, this is what you signed up for–whether you’re the press secretary to the local non-profit or the President of the United States. Read More…

The good folks over at Green Buzz Agency gave me a chance to pen a guest post about the makings of an effective PR pro. The Green Buzz-ers are digital media strategists and fellow DC Flacks; thanks to the Internet, Tod and I have bonded over our passion for pixels (and basketball).

Here’s the original post as it appears on their blog; throw some feedback at me in the comments!

Three Signs You’ve Found an Excellent PR Firm or Consultant

Not all public relations practitioners (a.k.a. flacks) are created equal. I can say that because I am one. Day after day, I see folks out there giving my craft a bad name. Fortunately, there are many great PR pros who will ethically and strategically work to advance your goals. The good flacks serve as knowledgeable, curious and creative partners. Here are three signs you’ve found one: Read More…

This week, my new friend and long-time blogger Nisha asked met to rattle off a few PR blogs I read regularly.  I get this question pretty often, but it gives me pause because I don’t really read many straight-up PR blogs. My daily read list is actually a smorgasbord of tech, HR, social media, writing and future-of-journalism blogs — but I believe their collective offerings make me a better flack.

Here are the blogs consistently bring something fabulous to my itty bitty table:

Human resources and GenY in the workplace

• Lindsay Olson
• Penelope Trunk
• Brazen Careerist

Future of journalism-ish

• Clay Shirky
• Daring Fireball

Writing

• ProBlogger
• Copy Blogger
• Blogsessive

Geek trends and nerd news

• Lifehacker
• Mashable
• TechCrunch
• Chris Brogan (you know, this guy)
• Cult of Mac
• Chic Geek (my alter ego, of course)

Public Relations

• PR 2.o/Brian Solis
• Daily Axioms
• B.L. Ochman’s What’s Next Blog
• Bad Pitch Blog
• Communications Overtones
• Media Bistro

This chex-mix approach to web surfing keeps me out of the PR/ Social Media- bubble. That’s important because a sound public relations practice requires you to be well-read and well-rounded, so you have to expand your horizons a little. Your clients (rightfully) assume you are their go-to gal/guy about every kind of media and communication tactic – not just the ones you like. (i.e. there is a lot more to PR than Twitter; there is more to the Internet than social media).

So, I’ve shared my favorites. Check’em out, study up and please share your favorites in the comments!

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1. Why don???t people pick up after their dog???s poop? It’s not hard. You can even re-purpose your Kroger bags by doing it. So it’s good for the environment-ish. Whatever. If you don’t pick up your dog’s poop you are a crappy neighbor.

2. Why do morons egg people???s cars? See here. If I find out who you are I’m pressing charges, frat-tastic drunk dude. Just say’n.

3. Why do parents leave their babies in the car ???for a couple of minutes??? and why are they surprised when they come back four hours later and the police want to arrest them and their neighbors want to stone them? It’s not okay people. Not for 5 minutes, nor 30 minutes and CERTAINLY not while you make a little mall run.

4. Why does my dog Georgia think my husband Dave is a dog? So in love, those two.

5. What kind of PR person says out loud, in front of her client, ???Well, all media hates good news. They only want BAD news and you don???t have that???? This is really a topic worthy of it’s own blog post, but let me just say that if you are in public relations and you truly believe ALL MEDIA HATES good news you should find another day job. Just my two cents there.

6. Why do I  let others bad moods and outbursts get to me and completely ruin my day? I’ve really got to buck up and block it out. (sigh). Maybe I’ll add that to my New Year’s resolution list.

7. Why do I tilt my head to the right when I type? This one is just weird. I’m left-handed, so why do I always tilt my head to the right when I type. Maybe he’s correct!

Hat tip to the hubby for sharing this great post from The Wealthy Freelancer, which suggests a six-step strategy for dealing with the dreaded client-initiated we-need-to-talk-about-your-work conversation.

Obviously, the author is talking to freelancers here. But I find his advice very applicable in any client/vendor arrangement. He begins with the obvious and difficult directive of Don’t be defensive:

You want feedback, not combat. Listen carefully to the client and try to determine what went wrong. Be open to criticism, suggestions and new ideas. Don’t act angry or defensive, even if you disagree. Be the consummate professional.

That’s always easier said than done! Especially for us creative folk who are so passionate about our work product.

The other five steps are great, so check them out here, but for me it’s the author’s first step that’s key. Even the clients who sing your praises most are going give you negative feedback at some point.

The most effective professionals I know have mastered the skill of polishing their creative craft with client candor.

Treasure and carefully process your client’s feedback; your work will be better for it.

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