5+1 Tips to get you started in PR

Recently, while updating my CV, I realized I've been already working in communication for a full five years. It felt a bit strange because it always seems like day one. However, I can confidently say that I've been feeling more assured and skilled. With each passing day, I not only grow older but also more agile and better at what I do. So, to acknowledge my five years in Communication & PR, I wanted to share these tips with you.

The following tips are valuable to me, and I believe they hold importance. Some I already understood before, while others became clearer to me as I gained experience on the job. Nonetheless, all of them are still crucial to me, things to remember as I move forward. Hope they give you insight as well.

P.S. This is not a magic guide. It won't transform you; rather it might help you dream a little bigger.

1?? YOUR NETWORK IS YOUR NET WORTH

Your main assets are your lists, connections, and contacts – the folks you're familiar with or want to get to know better. They're the ones who'll assist you in spreading your message and making connections. When you start, you'll only know a few, but the more you work and make strategic moves in the market, the more people you'll get to know. Aim for personal connections, make friends, and keep people close to you because you never know when you will need them.

2?? WHO YOU ARE MATTERS

How you behave in public is important. Saying hello to people, being where you should be at the right time, how you dress, talk, and stand - these things really matter in how you connect with others. When you're talking to people, it's important to be yourself and not pretend to be someone you're not. You'll be more successful in the long run. Just remember that getting better at PR takes time and hard work. You don't want to meet people while pretending to be someone else.

3?? DO NOT NEGLECT YOUR PERSONAL PR

A good PR person knows how to pitch themselves. You are your own best proving ground, and it's a way to not only make more connections, but also learn as you go. You can do things like get involved in thought leadership opportunities to show you're a leader in your field, talk to the media as an industry expert, write articles for newspapers, or make sure you attend events related to your field.

"A good PR person knows how to pitch themselves."

4?? STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

PR can be scary, like anything new you do on your own. The scary part often comes from the fact that you're always out there, visible. PR is about reaching out to the media, lawmakers, and the community. This means that it depends on how quickly and well you can handle the situations in front of you to get the best results. It's important to remember that it's okay to be scared; we only grow when we step out of our comfort zone.

"we only grow when we step out of our comfort zone."

5?? Have GRIT

GRIT is perseverance. It is the willingness to make sacrifices when necessary and to work consistently hard - really hard - in pursuit of your vision. Truth be told, nothing comes easy. PR is a full-time, extremely time-consuming and stressful job. Failure is guaranteed. The ability to work hard for a long time and stay focused on your vision is very important. Remember to dream as big as you can.

"If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough"

6?? ALWAYS BE WILLING TO HELP BACK

When someone helps you, say thank you, be courteous, and offer your help or insight when asked. PR may seem like a lonely profession, but remember that your network is your net worth. When you host events, good PR etiquette requires that you invite everyone you talked to about it, regardless of how helpful they were. Keep the people who helped you close and those who didn't closer.

"Keep the people who helped you close and those who didn't closer."