Twenty top tips for a lower-stress PR career.
The media is ‘always on’ and social media is an intrinsic 24/7 part of our lives. As such, PR professionals often have to go the extra mile to maintain momentum and win. PR is no longer a nine-to-five occupation - it is a lifestyle career choice. By default, we work in a profession that is run by deadlines, long to-do lists and high expectations. Not to mention the energy, drive and emotional input needed to achieve cut through. This means that at times it can be stressful because client demands are high and the flow of media opportunities never ceases.
Age is just a number! The benefits of cross-generational teams.
This guy is learning something new every day and I love it. The explosion of generations and the fusion of different life experiences within our team creates amazing ideas and boosts creativity. This is because we all look at problems and briefs from different perspectives. It also massively helps with developing messaging and media targeting – again, due to cross-generational input. I have to admit some of the things I have learnt during team chats over lunch and drinks I find rather amusing... Little did I know that ‘Grime’ is music not dirt, and ‘Sick’ means good not vomit. There is an app for most things – ‘I have an app for that’. Oh and ‘Fast Fashion’ does not mean models running down the catwalk. Something new which I heard recently is that ‘Ghosting’ does not have anything to do with Halloween or the supernatural.
The Benefits Of Team Quizzes For Creative Thinking.
I recommend anyone who is missing in-person interactions with their colleagues to host a daily quiz and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the added benefits it brings to the whole team. Whilst most of us have adapted to the ‘new normal’ and have got into the groove of the working from home set-up, one thing I’ve found that has helped keep us sane in these strange times is our morning quiz. The biggest challenge I’ve found when working from home is maintaining a relationship with my co-workers virtually. According to research, one in three of us miss our ‘work spouse’ – the person we’re closest to in the office – more than we do our actual partners.
Five ways to save time + £££ sourcing PR talent
Sourcing talent can be a real challenge. The industry is extremely competitive and constantly evolving. Finding the right candidates that have the skills and knowledge that is reflective of the industry and client demands can be hard. But, there are simple things that PR agency leadership can do to help make the search for talent easier.
All year resolutions: the need to be more daring
As we carefully emerge from lockdown in the UK and try to find a new norm, I thought it would be interesting to consider the concept of resolutions and how we can all be more daring. Many people make these in the new year and then by mid-January they have failed. I’ve never liked the concept of new year resolutions for this very reason as they put too much pressure on people at the most depressing and grey time of the year.
Successfully on-boarding new team players.
Fail to plan, plan to fail. This is a mantra we often hear at We Are MANDATE. Inducting new starters is crucial to making sure they have the best possible chance of success. Preparing onboarding materials for new employees can be time-consuming and seem like another dull admin job which often ends up at the bottom of your to-do. A positive onboarding experience helps settle new people in and avoids issues in the future. Investing time to thoroughly induct your new employee makes for happier and more successful teammates. Over the years I have tried numerous formats and ways of doing inductions - these are just some tips I have picked up along the way.
How to keep team morale on a high in the ‘new normal’
One of the biggest challenges businesses are currently facing, including the PR sector, is uncertainty. The pandemic situation is developing rapidly with changes to legislation, rules and protocols being introduced every week. Confusion is rife and this is unsettling. Business leaders need to navigate these changeable times with caution and consider how to effectively motivate their teams remotely as they adapt to the ‘new normal’.