From Public Relations (PR) to Public Interest

I recently went to the FRANK conference for social change communications at the University of Florida

where on Thursday (Oct.4) evening I heard the author of Wired for Stories, Lisa Cron, speak about the

importance of stories as well as how stories are a neurological process.


FRANK conference for Social Change Communications. Karel Fellows sit at table before conference starts.
photo by Ann-Makir Magloire.          

                "Easy to mistake for entertainment," said Lisa Cron about stories.

Cron continues to say that during the start of civilization all that people had were stories and that stories

were crucial to evolution more than opposable thumbs. She said that if a man saw a lion in the jungle roaring,

 'Man run'. She used the situation to point out that civilization flourished because "facts don't move people

into action" it is the stories that was shared and passed down from generation because of experiences. Each

individual learned from stories. The next time another person sees a lion he or she isn't going to wonder he

will know to run because of the story, said Cron.

FRANK conference for Social Change Communications.
photo by Ann-Makir Magloire.

             "We think in stories, what things mean to us," said Cron.

People are interested in knowing how a situation can be applied to their personal lives and tune out if the

information is possibly irrelevant. Stories are a way to engage individuals.

               "Story is to anesthetize the analytical brain," said Cron.

This is to say when one hears a good and effective story, a person concentrates and devotes his or her full

brain wholeheartedly in the story.

Cron said when developing a story it is important to address these four questions;

1. Who is your audience?
2. What is the point (of your story)?
3. What's your call of action? (simple and easy)
4. Why aren't they doing it right now?



          "Story is about one person who solves one problem and learns one thing," said Cron.

Cron illustrates this by referencing a John F. Kennedy (JFK) quote, when JFK was asked "How did you

become a war hero" he replied "I had no choice. They sinked my boat."

Cron said as the quote demonstrates there being a person, JFK, who encountered a problem and becomes

a hero.

Picture of Frank Karel on presentation screen at FRANK conference for social change communications.
photo by Ann-Makir Magloire.                     

            Finally, Cron state that happiness is having meaning, hope and purpose and that is what a story does.

Why was all of this important to record or how is it related to public relations (PR):

Well stories are important to communicate with people or the public. So, if as a pr practitioner I do not

understand people, their stories, I can't do my job well because PR is building and maintaining relationships

and well stories are a great way to do exactly  that.

           I should note that the reference to the "public interest" was because the FRANK conference is in

honor of Frank Karel who is a pioneer in social change communications, or public interest communications

as well as a UF alumni.

Twitter: @Annbitious
YouTube: youtube.com/visualambitions
LinkedIn: Ann Magloire
Facebook: Ann Magloire

© Ann-Makir Magloire

Catch-22 for Experience in Public Relations (PR)

In the coming few days, I have interviews lined up for possible internships in the field of Public Relations and Communications work.

I have had my resume looked over as well as attended a mock interview. I really appreciated the mock interview because I was introduced to some serious techniques of how to respond to questions and present what I have accomplished so far. I will attend perhaps two more mock interview sessions if time and my schedule permits before my scheduled internship opportunities.

Moreover, I was looking for tips about resume's - specifically the Public Relations industry and I came across Tips on Landing an Entry-Level PR Job , from lindsayolson.com.

The article encouraged attaining internships because there is always the catch-22 when trying to get an entry-level job or even an internship but experience does not come without being accepted for an internship or job 'first'. This is why the search for internships is as vital as it always has been.

Volunteering is also important and even choosing to do more than is in your job description. It is important to go beyond what is asked for in almost any position. It may not even be you choosing to volunteer or intern in a formal setting, you may just be passing by, but take that extra second and step to ask what is it that you can do for someone else. Anyone or organization can benefit from your skills, you just have to find out what it is that the individual needs. And that in itself is PR, researching and meeting the needs of both the public and the organization.

I am also learning that by choosing to be visible it can go a long way to benefit an individual.

I enjoy taking pictures, interviewing and writing so while on the event committee for the dorm area where I currently live I drafted a newsletter with the goal of encouraging individuals to attend our event as well as being a form of recording of what we have accomplished. I am just waiting approval from the executive board of the area office to possibly make it a consistent and monthly newsletter of what we have accomplished.

Also, the article by Lindsay Olson mentioned the importance of having a digital portfolio to direct potential employers to. As I am writing this blog, - it will be part of my digital portfolio as well as my youtube channel, Visual Ambitions or one can search my name “Ann-Makir Magloire”.

I must work hard each day so that I can add more substantial work to my portfolio. This is why I am hoping to get at least an internship with either, David Greenberg, Patterson Bach, BusinessReport, the local YMCA and my other one is Gator Lodge. I already have some ideas, but the question is I need to understand the internal organization first because my ideas may not be relevant or necessary if management does not want to change anything.

Wish me luck,

Twitter: @Annbitious
YouTube: youtube.com/visualambitions
LinkedIn: Ann Magloire
Facebook: Ann Magloire



© Ann-Makir Magloire

Public Relations Strategy Test

Wednesday, which is later today, I have a public relations strategy test.

I am hoping that I pass (the test) but I feel like I have a brain fart. I can't continue studying but I can't sleep which is bad considering I have two classes later on today.

However, since this is a blog about learning more about the public relations profession and improving my skills, then I can share some of what I learned from my professor at the University of Florida;

Please note that this is a general overview -

There are four phases and nine steps in the communications strategy process.

Some individuals or firms follow the RACE model, ROPE model, RAISE or some other form (which I cannot recall) but the two former are primary methods for the profession.

The RACE stands for research, action communication and evaluation while ROPE stands for research, objectives, programs and evaluation and at this very moment I cannot recall the RAISE acronym.

But, for the purposes of my test later today the model we focus on is "ROPE".

In the formative process of research there are three steps:

There is the background research, knowing the obstacle or the opportunity, analyzing the organization, and then analyzing the public.

In the next phase; one need to form goals and objectives.

Goals are broad while objectives are specific.

It is very important to form objectives that are clear and precise. One must have an objective that is not two-pronged - meaning, don't try to achieve two things with one objective statement. To continue, objectives must be measurable and have time constraints as well as have a public.

The book we are using in the class; Strategic Planning for Public Relations by Ronald D. Smith - actually has a great template for writing an objective statement. I am so glad I was able to take a look at that. One of the things the section mentions is don't be afraid to be repetitive.

Sidebar: I think the fact that our profession (public relations) is based on creativity as much as research (and plus we are human) - we don't ever want to 'repeat' ourselves, or we think by repeating ourselves it makes it seem that we are not smart enough when in reality it helps keep things simple, to the point and clear.

*note all of those words probably meant the same thing but I just had to not be concise*

Okay, to continue - when the author says it is okay to be repetitive he means if you need to write 3 objective statements it is okay to write: "raise awareness" twice - that is, for example perhaps you want to focus different objectives with different publics.

If I learned correctly an example of an objective could be: To increase awareness or \by 30% of the Visual Ambitions blog by readers ages 17-25 by September 26, 2013.

Well, this objective has an impact, awareness, there is a public, readers 17-25, there is a time goal of September 26, 2013 and there is a measurable component, of 30%.

I would also like to add that in the book it says that you can't have an objective without research, meaning as public relations professional we don't pull communication plans out of thin air. It means we know what happened in the past and we want to do something different and most likely better.

I am glad that I was able to share this tidbit with you but I am feeling a little bit overwhelmed. And, well you can't learn public relations in a blog.

This blog is just a way for me to record and share what I am learning about public relations, whether it is in class, workshops, reading, or speaking with professionals while I improve my skills as a PR professional.

Twitter: @Annbitious
YouTube: youtube.com/visualambitions
LinkedIn: Ann Magloire
Facebook: Ann Magloire

© Ann-Makir Magloire

Practice makes Public Relations

It is said that practice makes perfect.

A dancer dances. A writer writes. A pianist plays.

Well, I hope to be a public relations practitioner and that means knowing how to research, knowing how to connect with my public and knowing how to share information. If I want to be able to do this I must practice. I would like to be able to tell effective stories. So, I must practice.

I am currently involved with my student chapter of PRSA and NABJ which stand for Public Relations Society of America and National Association of Black Journalists.

These organizations are important because it provides me with a network of my peers who are learning or have learned some of the things I am learning. It also gives me the chance to work on my craft, whether it is developing newsletters, press releases, writing or working on a public relations campaign. I get to do that by being involved with these organizations.

Also, I have taken it upon myself to find stories and report them. Using my multimedia skills I will put together the stories I find and just continue on improving my skills with multimedia, including social media, audio works and video. This is my chance to become better at what I do. I hope to post more updates as soon as I complete. This is why I have a YouTube channel titled Visual Ambitions so I can post my work so that I may share with others. It will also be a visual display of my transition while I am learning, improving and dedicating more time to my projects.

I am very close to being officially published, at least during my collegiate years.

Please wish me luck in my future endeavors as a journalist and public relations person.

Although, I am on the PR track (major) I still consider myself a journalist because I tell stories. In the future I will share links to my works as they become available.  

If practice makes perfect then I am going to be doing just that with my public relations skills. :)

Twitter: @Annbitious
YouTube: youtube.com/visualambitions
LinkedIn: Ann Magloire
Facebook: Ann Magloire

© Ann-Makir Magloire

Different Firms, Different PR Role

Everyone knows what 'PR' is and no one knows what 'PR' is.

The statement I made above is not an exaggeration, simply because different public relations firm have combined the art of advertising, marketing, and public relations to merge into a new dimension of integrated marketing or media relations. This is a good thing and a bad thing. It is good because it shows the versatility of a public relations degree.

On the other hand, it is bad because if an individual switches companies or public relations firm he or she will have to adjust his or her role. This is because one firm may include in a PR practitioner's role the need to organize special events and do consumer research. While another may create separate positions for the role of special events, consumer research, internal communications, social media and marketing efforts.

I have discovered this while looking at the definition and the roles that a public relations personnel or department play in several different organizations or firms.

Some of these included; Uproar PR, Marketing Matters, Bolt PR, Holt Communications,

Uproar PR: “Uproar PR specializes in public relations programs that are firmly rooted in integrated marketing strategies.”

MarketingMatters: “Marketing Matters employs a multidisciplinary team of social media and public relations specialists, marketing services experts, writers, videographers and graphic designers dedicated to building trusted client relationships.”

Bolt PR: “Public relations and social media management agency providing nonprofits, small- and mid-size businesses and start-ups with revenue-generating exposure, credibility and attention in the marketplace.”

HoltCommunications: “Holt Communications is a full-service marketing agency specializing in public relations, strategic communications planning, community outreach and advertising.”

It is important to know that within a PR firm there are several roles, it is important to know that while looking for an internship or job ‘what is it do you want to do in or with the company/agency’ because some organizations may just want a social media management person or it may want the full package someone who is able to write, maintain a website as well as speak or maintain relationships with clients. What are your public relations skills? Can you do it all or can you only do one? If you can’t do what the company needs you to do, then find a company that will value your assets and one that will allow you to use your talents. Public Relations is versatile, so make it work for you.

There are so many PR firms, working in different sectors of the market, making the opportunities for career advancement and personal pleasure endless.

            A quote I feel may define Public Relations visually;

Public Relations:  “If a young man tells his date she’s intelligent, looks lovely, and is a great conversationalist, he’s saying the right things to the right person — and that’s marketing. If the young man tells his date how handsome, smart and successful he is — that’s advertising. If someone else tells the young woman how handsome, smart and successful her date is — that’s public relations.” – S.H. Simmons, author and humorist (from Bolt PR website.)

Twitter: @Annbitious
YouTube: youtube.com/visualambitions
LinkedIn: Ann Magloire
Facebook: Ann Magloire

© Ann-Makir Magloire

Reading Industry (PR) Articles

I just love reading.

Although it is important to read, it is just as important to read the right stuff as well as apply the right principles. I have been reading Public Relations articles about how to enhance or apply skills to better oneself in the profession.

I have come across some articles that I just cannot pass up, in which I agree with the author and feel as if these are some skills I need to start applying the next time I step out of my room. I have included at least one key pointer from each article I am about to list, I also have the source of the information as a link - the articles come from Ragan PR Daily;

 

Networking:

Make sure he/she knows who you are. Like you, the other individual probably met a lot of new people at the networking event, and may not remember who you are. It's your job to jog her memory. Make sure you mention where you met her, what you talked about, and who you are. It's impossible to build a strong relationship with someone if she doesn't really know who you are.

 

Public Speaking

If you have a lot to say, save some of it for the Q&A. If you don't jam every fact and story you know in your talk, you can stretch out your stories and use dramatic pauses and a varied pace.

Better comprehension from the audience: The speedy speaker loses out because, when you present, audiences need you to speak slower than the way you speak in conversation.

Just Smile

Just smile. It's especially good to keep smiling when you're listening, say, during the Q&A portion of your talk. Make it your default at-rest expression. Will get more positive feedback from the audience. Feels less stressed while speaking

 

These are some great tips for any professional and I really cannot wait to begin applying these in my day to day routine. There are always more tips to learn so I am just going to keep reading.

 
 
 
Twitter: @Annbitious
YouTube: youtube.com/visualambitions
LinkedIn: Ann Magloire
Facebook: Ann Magloire

© Ann-Makir Magloire

 

Public Relations Advice

I have just finished reading an article titled "The best advice I've received about PR" by Ronnie Manning from Ragan Public Relations.

I have chosen a few that I really like and will use as a motto as I continue in this journey of becoming a public relations professional.

Some of the advices I liked were;

When something happens the first two questions to ask oneself are "who do I tell?" and

 "Who do I need to thank?" - Laura Kane.

“Listen before you speak. And when the other person is done talking, ask if he or she has anything else to say.” - Susan Matthews.

"Tell your story and Tell it fast" - Jill Morris.

“Relationships matter above all and that you build relationships by making yourself useful, not annoying" - Laura Fitton.

“Best advice I got and give is. ‘Just because someone asks you a question doesn’t mean you have to answer it.’” - Darlene Tenes

“Read, read and read some more. The best way to be a strategic counselor to your clients is if you build time into your day—every day—to read about what is going on in the world.

Schedule time on your calendar if you need to, but make reading a daily habit.” - Lisa Tilt.

“Public relations is a lot of different things to a lot of different people. Before new practitioners commit to an organization or even to an industry, they need to understand what that organization/industry places under the public relations umbrella.” - Alana J. Mauger.

Finally,

“Tell the truth faster” - Dave Phillipson.

I know these are many sayings, but I have different reasons for liking them and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to post them all up in one place so that I can keep track.

This blog is for those who are not sure what Public Relations is, it is also a way for me to record what I discover about the field and how it is a part of my everyday life. This may be beneficial for those who are unsure about their major or career path, those who are switching into public relations or perhaps even wanting to switch out. I would love comments, feedback and guest posts.

Twitter: @Annbitious

YouTube: youtube.com/visualambitions

LinkedIn: Ann Magloire

Facebook: Ann Magloire



© Ann-Makir Magloire