stay current

having PR internships in new york city have yielded valuable learning experiences about the art of public relations and similar fields. it also taught me valuable lessons about the commuter lifestyle, like don't ever, EVER let your mp3 player die on the train. if someone is yelling on their cell phone, move to the next car. they will not stop.

also, don't roll your eyes at those around you. last month i was discussing a campaign on the phone while sitting across from a PR professional. he was in charge of corporate communications for ABW. the firm provided security for parking lots and buildings. he overheard my conversation, and like any true blossoming PR executive/nerd relationship, we started talking about the field. initially we discussed the differences between marketing and PR, and how people view them as the same when they are actually opposites of the same spectrum--but that's another blog. what we truly ended up discussing was how he spent most of his train ride back researching the swine flu. he said that it is something he never would imagine was necessary considering his field and his client. but sure enough, he was on the phone with people all day discussing how the swine flu would affect his account.

i mean, it's the swine flu!!

this just reinforced the notion that everyone in PR should be well versed in current events. you never know when a current event is going to sneak into your profession. furthermore, you never know when your client can hook onto something newsworthy. follow reporters on twitter. hail the mighty bacon's list. and keep yourself posted on what's going on in the world, because you never know when the next odd disease involving an animal will break out. and not having your research done will drive you mad...if a cow doesn't get you there first.

-k.