A Few Tips Publicists Should Know Before Graduation
With graduation around the corner, I want to write a few tips for all my fellow public relations graduates.
I might be dating myself a little bit, but when I was in college, I thought life as a publicist would be like Samantha Jones’ life in Sex in the City.
For those graduating in May, have you even heard of Sex in the City?
My introduction to PR came from Kim Cattrall’s character. She lives in New York City, owns her own PR firm, and her life was fabulous. She was exciting and attended all the best parties. Most of all, I remember her for being in charge and taking control of all situations.
So, when I started my internships in college, that was my expectation: fabulous, fun, and one party after another. But what I learned was—even though there are a few parties—PR is a lot of work. Most of the time, it isn’t glamorous work either.
But I didn’t realize just how rewarding it is to help a client get the word out about their products or services. That feeling is awesome.
On one hand, I’m not living like Samantha Jones, on the other, I have built a pretty fulfilling and enjoyable career for myself following her fictional footsteps.
And that’s just reality. If you’re about to graduate and want to know a few real-life tips, I gotcha. I put together a short list of the little things that can make a huge difference when you start working in PR.
1. Constantly Check Time Zones
I know this sounds silly, but it is so important.
Pretty often, you’re going to find that journalists and clients are in different time zones. If you ask a journalist when they are available for an interview, they’ll usually respond in their time zone. It’s your job to translate that for the client.
Details like this can make the difference between a great interview and a missed interview, so don’t mix it up.
I promise this will be important!
2. Double and Triple Check…Everything
If your client lands an interview, they will need information about when it is, who they will talk to, what questions they can expect, talking points, and more.
I always double and triple check to make sure I have sent them everything they need and that they received it.
Taking the time to ensure they are prepared and confident will help the interview go better and prove your worth to the client.
3. Don’t Get Discouraged, Get Creative
When a pitch isn’t working, it can be super frustrating. But let me tell you, it’s going to happen. It doesn’t matter if you’re Samantha Jones, everyone will have a pitch fall flat.
The difference between good and bad publicists is how they respond when they’re not getting a response.
Bad publicists give up. Good publicists get creative.
Agility is the key to being a great publicists and always getting great results. Keep sending out new pitches.
If you want to learn more about how to come up with new pitches all year long, check out my crash course just for emerging publicists.
4. Stay Calm
One thing that I dislike about PR is the drama of it. Let me explain.
Every now and then, a client or contact may make something into an emergency when it’s really not. I get it. Some things feel urgent and some things really do need to be handled immediately.
However, 99% of those instances are not going to end in life or death. Just stay calm and handle the situation as best as you can.
5. Ask
It all comes down to just asking for what you want.
Anytime you want something for yourself or your client, just ask. There is never any harm in that.
It could be that you are asking the media to cover your client, just ask.
It could be that you deserve a raise, just ask.
Whatever it might be, ask!!
In a lot of ways, life is so much easier if you just ask. It’s a whole lot better than wanting something, not doing anything about it, and not getting it.
Now go out with these bits of wisdom and start your career in PR!