March 13, 2015

PR On The Go

Beverly Hedges – Vice President

By: Dena Drabek

I recently got back from a non-work related trip to Washington, D.C. Even though I did not go for business, my PR skills were still at work. Whether you are getting paid for it or not, using PR on the go can get you noticed and may even lead to new clients down the road. Here is how I use PR on the go:

Integrate Work with Play
I recently attended the YMCA’s National Advocacy Days in D.C. Even when you’re not on the job, it is important to post a conference picture to social media. This lets people in your social network know you have passions outside of work. Some may connect with you on another level just because you share the same cause or may remember you when they need to promote a cause or event.

Be Social Savvy
The keynote speaker at the conference was the Surgeon General Vice Admiral Vivek Murthy. He’s not someone you get to hear from every day. A picture of him might get some attention, but knowing he is only 37 years old makes that post more interesting. Working that factoid into the picture post shows you are engaged and listening. Attendees from the conference and outsiders alike will recognize you as someone who is paying attention to what is being said—not just posting pictures. This type of behavior can begin to position you as a thought leader.

Networking Necessities
Never miss an opportunity to network wherever you are. Offer to show people around when they’re in your town next. We met with congressional staffers on the Hill. We offered each staffer a tour of the local Y when he/she returned back to the state for District Work Week. You never know what you might learn from them or when they might need help from your firm.

Give Credit Where Credit is Due
I got back from my YMCA trip just in time to see Tom Brokaw receive the Gaylord Prize at the University of Oklahoma. While it was Brokaw’s time to shine, I didn’t miss the chance to mention that it was the largest campus luncheon in OU’s history in my post. Hopefully OU officials appreciated the shout out, as it likely took many hands and resources across campus to organize an event of such size. Being conscientious of others can only help you to build relationships in your career and personal life.

However small of an effort it may seem to make a post to social media or hand out your business card at a conference, you never know the impact it could have or what it could lead to down the road.

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