Ten Simple Rules
As a “grey hair” in the PR industry, I’m often asked for advice on how to succeed in this chosen field of ours. What skills do I need? What tips can you offer?
I have found there a several simple things that an up-and-comer can do to really make a difference in their careers. These “rules” are based on 25 years experience in PR and marketing, and I might add, life in general.
1. Always be on time. Work, a lunch with a colleague, a call to an editor. Timeliness is a lost virtue. Fashionably late may seem chic and make you feel self-important. On the other hand, the person who has been waiting for you will find it rude and offensive, even if they don’t say it to your face. Are they really thinking, “if he’s late to a meeting, will he deliver the project on time?”
2. Deliver on your promises, and don’t over promise. This is a skill I’m still honing to this day. If you say you’ll get information to someone, do so. If you know up front it may be difficult to deliver what is requested, then talk to the person and set more realistic expectations. I would rather have someone tell me they can’t get something done than find out they couldn’t deliver right at the time I needed it.
Yep, we’re adding another investor to our team! Forward is thrilled to announce the addition of Chuck Hester to our all-star roster of writers. Chuck will come on board as a contributing investor, and we look forward to learning from his perspective and his years of experience. (I’ve naturally included his bio below.)