Pay It Forward!

In the movie Pay It Forward, a seventh grade social studies teacher gives his class an assignment to devise a plan that will change the world for the better. He calls his plan "Pay It Forward", which means the recipient of a favor does a favor for three others rather than paying the favor back.

This film came to mind when I received the invitation to participate in this year's ER for PR hosted by the Florida Public Relations Association FPRA Capital Chapter. During the event, volunteers or "medics," provided free one-on-one public relations counseling, along with training in social media marketing and media relations, to 28 area nonprofit organizations from the Big Bend. 

As Director of MCG Latino at Moore Communications Group, I had the privilege to speak to Mike Norris, representing Music at St. John's. More than a presentation, we had a conversation. St. Johns Episcopal Church is over 200 years old and part of the National Register of Historic Places. "Why would anyone want to listen to Mozart symphony No 40 anywhere else?"

There was no need to discuss earned media, crisis communication or reputation management. Our time was better spent talking about maximizing their prime location with eye catching signage and how to engage with the local community with events such as the Tallahassee Downtown Market. 

When was the last time you paid it forward? Remember that, “You can only have more for yourself by giving it away to others.” ― Brian Tracy