Question

Topic: Advertising/PR

Crossover To Public Relations Career Advice

Posted by Anonymous on 10/26/2004 at 10:47 AM ET 125 Points
I want to make a career move to a public relations/public affairs related career track. I have a BS in management and am a bit late getting my degree, working in many different areas including community education and outreach, training, research, desktop publishing, and writing, among myriad others. I am also a part-time graduate student seeking a master’s in public administration with a concentration in public affairs. One of my personal projects, an avenue to use my expert presentation skills, is the creation of a leadership development workshop with a workbook geared for professionals.

My dilemma is that although I have all types of skills, it is very tough to find a professional position in the area I live. I just spent several months searching for a job and am now working as an office manager for a small construction company. I plan on moving to a larger community in the next couple of years and I want to prepare for a career, not just a job. There is a great public relations/marketing company in the city I am considering but where do I start? How do I get my foot in the door? Your suggestions are most welcome.
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RESPONSES

  • Posted by Deremiah *CPE on 10/26/2004 at 9:20 PM Accepted
    Ksieczka,

    It all begins in beginning.

    DON'T WAIT "GO FOR IT". You have the ability to move to the next level inspite of your late start or your lack of contacts. Randall gives you some great advice. My mentor Brian Tracy would use Chamber of Commerce groups to go from the bottom up to the top in every city he moved to when he was a young man. It worked for him and now he's world renowned. I used his same method and you know what...I'm getting the same results he did. I would advise you to get some motivational tapes he created on the "Psychology of Selling". Nothing happens until a sell is made and now you need to sell your career successes, abilities and talents to the next industry and you can do it!!!

    FIND A MENTOR in the field you are trying to transition to. We all need mentors and this is the way most successful and wise business people do it and it's the same way you need to do it.

    MAKE THE BEST OF WHAT IS RIGHT UNDER YOUR FEET.
    In every city there are people in your field. In some cities more than others but you need to learn to make the best use of what is already present right where you live. Locate the online version of "Acres of Diamonds" and read it. It will motivate you to recognize what is already right under your very own feet.

    Remember: SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE EXCEPT there responsibilities and never complain or make excuses. Well if you need some more advice please read my customer profile by clicking on my name in blue and send me an email. Is there anything else I can do for you?

    Your Servant, Deremiah, *CPE (Customer Passion Evangelist)
  • Posted on 10/26/2004 at 10:33 PM Accepted
    It sounds to me like you need a marketing plan for yourself. You need to identify the decision-maker at your target employer, learn all you can about the issues facing the company, talk to customers, competitors, former employees, anyone who knows what's going on there.

    Then present yourself as the person who is uniquely well suited to solve their biggest problem. Do the project BEFORE you talk to them. Give them a free sample of your approach and thinking. If you do this really well, they won't be able to resist hiring you. (I've actually hired people who did this so well I was floored when I met them.)

    If you want more about this marketing approach to your career, read The Potato Chip Difference : How to apply leading edge marketing strategies to landing the job you want. It's available at Amazon.com, bn.com, most bookstores, or at the website www.potatochipdifference.com .
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