I’ve held a myriad of jobs in a lot of industries during my work career. I’ve slung FroYo, worked a car wash, fitted mountaineering boots, manufactured stained glass, manned a para-sail boat, tended bar, worked for an Academy Award winning director, rolled around the halls of a tech start-up on a Razor scooter, built sales teams, and of course Public Relations. For all those jobs I mentioned there are another twenty I’ve blocked-out of my memory. When I think of those unfulfilling jobs I need to get in the fetal position and go to my happy place.
But it’s not all dark and gloomy. I always like to say not knowing what you like is just as important as knowing what you do like. Having such a broad resume of different jobs has given me perspective. And that perspective tells me that I love working in Public Relations.
Here are my 8 reasons I love working in Public Relations:
- Every day is different. I never know what’s going to get thrown my way day to day. Will a client need some crisis communications? Does a reporter want to cover my client like NOW! Do I have to write the reporter’s story for them? You never know what you’re going to get when you walk through that door in the morning. In one day I might work with a coffee company, alternative medical procedure, major town development project, start-up for kids, comical donut brothers, famous brewery, and a world famous sporting event. How’s that for variety?
- I’m always in the middle of the news cycle. I’m naturally drawn to current events and what’s going on in the world so trying to integrate client’s messaging into today’s news is a fun challenge. How do I tie my client’s story into the new Apple Watch announcement?
- PR people are usually smart, funny, and quick to turn a witty phrase. My dad always said “you’re judged by the company you keep.” I look around my colleagues and am continually impressed with just how witty and funny they are. We have another phrase in our house “funny plays” which simply means if it’s funny (truly funny, not mean funny) it’s king. If you’re not laughing and having fun, why are you doing it? I get to laugh. A lot.
- PR is a creative gig. Even more today, PR is not something that’s a paint by the numbers profession. Sure there are processes and techniques but it’s not something that can be put on auto-pilot. Each client takes focus and original thinking to be successful. That’s cool. Today more than ever PR is about compelling storytelling via the written word, video, social media, etc. That takes creative juju.
- I get to fall in love with new businesses every day. There’s nothing like meeting a new client and clicking on all levels - great product, great people, great story. I am thrilled when I get to represent something and somebody that I would represent for free. There are so many interesting people and businesses that just need to be introduced to the world. Helping them to drive revenue and realize their dreams feels great. Being “in the know” and getting a peek at the inside scoop before anyone else is motivating.
- Serious Case of the Otaku’s. Seth Godin is one of my favorite marketing oracles and likes to use the word “otaku”. The simple definition is a person with an obsession. Someone who is passionate and spreads the word on their own - whether they’re geeked out on hot sauce, donuts, or powder skis. When I believe in a product, person, or service I come down with a serious case of the otaku’s -- and then championing a client is the easiest thing I’ve ever done.
- Storytelling - I love telling stories. People tell me I’m good at it. Sometimes I feel like I’m cheating the work-Gods when I’m telling a client story because it’s so fun. It’s inspiring to discover that special something in a client that will resonate with the public and then getting it out to the world.
- Discovering what’s cooI. always ask my clients "What's cool about kegs? What's cool about manufacturing? What's cool about cycling?" Turns out a lot of things. You just have to ask. If you want to know what's cool about PR? I just told you.
What do you love about your job? What do you love about public relations? What did I miss? Join the discussion and leave your comments below.
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