Joanna Lynch, Health/Medical Associate Director at Campbell Publicity in Toronto, Canada, asked, “What are necessary tools and resources for individuals who are starting off a career in the public relations field? So far I am interning at a PR agency, purchased a BlackBerry, opened a Twitter account, started a blog, joined Linked In, purchased the Associated Style Pressbook, and attend an info night for a post-graduate PR program. Any additional tips you wished someone told you before you started your career would also be helpful!”
Joanna, you’re off to a good start. But the tools are only as good as the person who is using them. And for that, you need to get in and get experience. That means doing as much as your time allows. Along with your job, find some charitable cause or even a rock band, and get them noticed! And one more thing… You need to get to know everybody! Everybody in your town who could help you. And that goes back to finding things to do in your community to help others. It’s amazing how helping others and getting to know them can help you! By being helpful and being in the community, you can become a Brand Ambassador for your company, and eventually for yourself.
Here are some additional links to read…
Employees can be the best Brand Ambassadors.
Two excellent books about social media and PR.
How are you doing your personal brand?
It is amazing how getting someone else noticed will only work in your advantage as well. I have realized that this semester working on Public Relations for Lift Lounge in Walnut Creek. Not only have we received a large following of Lift fans at St. Mary’s but now the individuals in our group have become associated with Lift and I am constantly receiving text messages from Lift fans asking about their happy hour specials and hours. I think it is time to start a Twitter and see where that takes me!