10 Inspirational Traits of Gifted PR Professionals
1. Build relationships and communicate well with others
PR is all about building relationships with others to support the growth of a person or company. Effective public relation professionals build trusting relationships with the media and their clients. To succeed in this industry you must be friendly, approachable, and very sociable. With every person you meet, view it as an opportunity to learn and grow. The more you give of yourself the greater the opportunities will present themselves where you can communicate with people from all lifestyles.
2. Write well
We are living in a digital age, and to succeed in PR you must be able to communicate effectively through written word, as well as face-to-face. The common methods include emails, letters, and well-written campaigns. Always proofread your work, as a simple spelling or grammar mistake can make all the difference to getting the work of your client accepted or declined by the media outlet you approach. Double and even triple check your work before you present it.
3. Be in the know
If you plan to move ahead in the public relations industry, you must be aware of the media and the industry. Get to know your client well. Meet regularly and discuss any present changes. When the time comes to pitch a story about your client, you will be the most knowledgeable person in the room, and this alone will help you will stand out from the rest of the crowd.
4. Focus on the smallest details
Cover every small detail when you are working on a plan for your client. One small error can be the make or break point for your client. Double check all communication that you present to the media, and remind yourself that this extra security will ensure that your client receives the maximum positive coverage. 5. Be confident during public speech
Confidence is key to surviving in a competitive industry like PR. You must be ready to strike when the iron is hot, whether you face one executive client, or a huge media crowd. Your job is to learn your client well and to convey their brand to the world.
6. Learn to multitask
Look for opportunities to promote your client every day. The public relations industry is constantly awake and alert. It never sleeps. Learn to multitask for your client, which will set your company apart from the other PR companies. If you work alone, you will be viewed as trustworthy and hardworking by your clients. Multitasking examples include pitching a story to the media or writing a new campaign. Stay ahead of new method in which you can promote your client favourably.
7. Stay flexible
The Internet age has made it even more competitive to survive in the PR industry, which is why it is necessary to adapt to changes. Think new marketing techniques, technologies, and new and alternative media outlets. What can feel right for your client today may not be the right choice for tomorrow. Stay flexible and know when to make the necessary changes that will support your client.
8. Be thick skinned
To survive in such a competitive field, you must develop a thick skin. You may experience both positive and negative critique during campaigns and other events, but you must not take this to heart. If you focus on this trait alone you will come out stronger, and your fighting spirit will impress your client.
9. Develop patience
Results are not always immediate in public relations. It may take weeks for a PR campaign to take off, or you may have to wait for feedback from a publication you pitched to weeks or months earlier. Always have faith and believe in what you do.
10. Don’t pretend you know everything
Even though you may have years of experience with public relations, it is never good to pretend that you know everything about this industry. It is good to learn and grow throughout your career. The PR industry does not sleep. It is forever changing. There are always new companies and people to network with. Instead, look at every opportunity as a method where you can learn more. Become a sponge for knowledge.
