Over the course of the semster we have been tracking and monitoring the best public relations practices. The following list contains a few tips that all students beginning their career in public relations should be aware of:
1. Building and maintaining a good relationship with the media. Building and maintaining a genuine relationship with the media is necessary for all PR practioners. The best way to deal with the media is to let them know that you are there to help them and that you are trying to make their job easier. When you are pitching an idea to the media, it is important to get to the point quickly, make sure you are pitching it to the right person and make sure your story is newsworthy.
2. Good client service. According to Gregg Shields, a Senior Account Executive at Edelman, good client service will always do you well in public relations. Shields says that you should always do what you say and do it well. If you achieve what you promise then you should be set. Going the extra mile for clients is important in public relations.
3. Know how and when to use the different PR tools. Shields also advises, "don't have a press conference unless something really big is going to happen, in fact, probably unless the media demands that you hold a press conference. And don't do a press release unless you really understand what the boss wants."
4. Monitor best practices, trends and technologies. Being a good PR practioner means not only staying on top of the news, but also knowing what the current best practices, trends and technologies are in the industry. Social media (i.e. MySpace, YouTube, blogging, etc.) has taken off and become a very important communication tool.
5. Writing skills. All of the PR professionals that I have talked to and worked with over the course of college career have stressed the importance of writing in the PR profession. All of the top PR professionals that I spoke to had a strong background in journalism or media. Gregg Shields recommends that students interested in PR first get a job in journalism for a few years. Shields says this will make you more attractive to PR agencies when you are looking for a job.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Look-Look Trend Challenge
As a college student that is about to graduate and enter the work force, I have to admit that the idea of just wanting to have my own business has crossed my mind. I guess I am impatient and want some sort of immediate success instead of having to pay my dues somewhere. Also, it seems to be a way to relieve the pressure of trying to impress someone else and find a job that several other people are also competing for. Young entrepreneurs are popping up everywhere and the Southern Methodist University campus is a good place to spot them.
Our advanced communication skills class was asked by Look-Look, an L.A. based research agency, to research the trend of new entrepreneurs ages 19-35. SMU is a small, private university of about 11,000 students situated in the wealthy Park Cities area of Dallas. At SMU, entrepreneurship is even encouraged with a graduate enrepreneur program through the Cox School of Business.
How and where have you seen New Entrepreneurs in your world?
I have met several other students that do what they can to make an extra buck without taking the traditional routes. Some students persue ventures in the retail, real estate, auto, fashion and technology industries. I have one friend that has a license to be a car dealer and he buys cars from the auto auctions and sells them to friends or other students to make a profit.
The following article gives an example of one student, David Hanson, that has started his own custom software business. There are also links to several SMU alumni that are also successful young entrepreneurs.
http://www.smu.edu/newsinfo/stories/entrepreneurs-29march2007.asp
After having worked for an art consulting firm, young SMU graduate, Caroline Pickton, has opened her own art gallery in the Snider Plaza shopping area. The following is a link about her story. http://media.www.smudailycampus.com/media/storage/paper949/news/2006/03/02/Entertainment/Smu-Alumnus.Opens.Art.Gallery.In.Snider.Plaza-2277107.shtml
Do you see a shift to a certain type of attitude toward work?
There does seem to be a shift in the attitudes of young people concerning their work, careers, and happiness. Today's young people possess a stronger desire for instant success and instant gratification. The young entrepreneur is independent, creative, an innovator, a risk-taker and someone that feels a strong need for achievement.
How do you think this will change business in the future, if at all?
I do not think this will change business in the future. There have always been entrepreneurs in our world and our economy.
Our advanced communication skills class was asked by Look-Look, an L.A. based research agency, to research the trend of new entrepreneurs ages 19-35. SMU is a small, private university of about 11,000 students situated in the wealthy Park Cities area of Dallas. At SMU, entrepreneurship is even encouraged with a graduate enrepreneur program through the Cox School of Business.
How and where have you seen New Entrepreneurs in your world?
I have met several other students that do what they can to make an extra buck without taking the traditional routes. Some students persue ventures in the retail, real estate, auto, fashion and technology industries. I have one friend that has a license to be a car dealer and he buys cars from the auto auctions and sells them to friends or other students to make a profit.
The following article gives an example of one student, David Hanson, that has started his own custom software business. There are also links to several SMU alumni that are also successful young entrepreneurs.
http://www.smu.edu/newsinfo/stories/entrepreneurs-29march2007.asp
After having worked for an art consulting firm, young SMU graduate, Caroline Pickton, has opened her own art gallery in the Snider Plaza shopping area. The following is a link about her story. http://media.www.smudailycampus.com/media/storage/paper949/news/2006/03/02/Entertainment/Smu-Alumnus.Opens.Art.Gallery.In.Snider.Plaza-2277107.shtml
Do you see a shift to a certain type of attitude toward work?
There does seem to be a shift in the attitudes of young people concerning their work, careers, and happiness. Today's young people possess a stronger desire for instant success and instant gratification. The young entrepreneur is independent, creative, an innovator, a risk-taker and someone that feels a strong need for achievement.
How do you think this will change business in the future, if at all?
I do not think this will change business in the future. There have always been entrepreneurs in our world and our economy.
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