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By: Dena Drabek
I’m a big fan of leadership expert John Maxwell. His leadership principle of “adding value to others” is one that can be easily executed in the PR world. Here are a few tips on how PR professionals can add value to others in the process of our daily work.
1. To add value to others, one must first value others. –John Maxwell As you keep up with local news, be on the look out for stories about your clients, vendors, colleagues and friends. It’s always nice to send a clip or link with a personal note to let them know you value what they have achieved. It also positions you as someone who stays current on what is happening in your community and/or industry. Examples: You see a client has been named to Leadership Oklahoma City Class 33. You see that a colleague is among the new board members announced by the United Way. You see a vendor on the society page accepting a Volunteer of the Year award from a local nonprofit.
2. If you want to add value to people, you have to make yourself more valuable. Keep learning, growing and developing to be able to share it with others. –John Maxwell Any time you attend a PRSA meeting or other industry-related luncheon, conference or learning opportunity, think of those you work with (clients, vendors, colleagues) who would benefit from something you learned. This shows them that you are knowledgeable and have their best interest in mind. Examples: If you have an extra seat to fill at the Chamber legislative breakfast, invite the client you know holds an advocacy day at the state Capitol every year. Attend a nonprofit banquet and learn about the afterschool programs provided to underprivileged children and the difference it is making in their grades. What you learn may be something you can apply later in your work with another education organization.
3. Know and relate to what other people value. Show that you listen and care. –John Maxwell When clients and colleagues tell you about their interests, hobbies and causes, remember them and look for opportunities to connect them to articles, events and other opportunities and people related to that interest. Examples: If you know your client has two rescue dogs, you may forward him an article about a new rescue shelter that is set to open. If you know someone is passionate about the arts, let her know when you see the Arts Council is accepting board applications. If you know someone is interested in coaching a soccer team at the YMCA and you have a co-worker who is a volunteer, connect the two to talk further. Looking for these kinds of opportunities in our daily work helps us add value to those around us. It helps us build stronger connections with people and increase the likelihood that they will reach out to us in the future.
