“Do or do not, there is no try” – Master Yoda

Finding your ability to "do" is in the basics. 

You certainly don’t know it all; that’s the sentence I’m reminded of every single day in the public relations industry.

I was once told, “It’s never okay to say you can’t do something and simply end the sentence there. You’re allowed to say you can’t, as long as it is followed with, ”but I can learn.” This ambitious spirit can travel with you even in the humble journey it takes to climb the public relations ladder.

Here are 5 basic “must do’s” to get ahead of the curve in the PR world:

1.      Once in the professional world, never stop asking questions.
This lesson is a work in progress for me, especially with new clients. Doing your research and writing down questions or any ideas you may have is key to understanding both your strategy and your client.

2.     Get involved
Whether it’s joining a professional group like PRSA or attending online webinars, there are resources all around you to get connected and motivated. You never know the people you can meet or what you can learn from them.

3.      Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and own up
Mistakes will happen, and when they do, honesty is the best policy. Step up and recognize the mistake as another area you can grow. It’s never a failure if you persevere and find a solution.

4.      Share, share, share

Speak up when you learn something new or that can aid your client’s success. New ideas are crucial, and can set you apart in the industry. Not only will sharing allow for bouncing around the best ideas with others, but it’s a confidence boost when you can bring something new to the table.

5.      Take your time

Because we are in such a fast paced profession, it’s easy to get lost in it. Take your time to truly understand the clients and strategies around you before moving on to the next big thing. That’s where you’ll have the most success.

Yes, you can have all the jobs, internships, study abroad and university accreditations, but there is always so much more to learn and ways to grow, whether you’re a newbie or tenured pro.

Happy Holidays from all of us at C. Pharr & Company!

“Do or do not, there is no try” – Master Yoda