Why do you love public relations?

I get asked this question a lot – “Why do you love public relations?”. Public Relations is a very social industry and for me, it’s fun and energizing to connect with so many different people—colleagues, stakeholders, media—in a day. Each day is different and I don’t think I could get bored if I tried!

PR is a creative gig.  Even more today, PR is not something that’s a paint by the numbers profession. Sure there are processes and techniques, but it’s not something that can be put on auto-pilot. Each project, campaign, task, graphic, press release, etc. takes focus and original thinking to be successful. PR is now more than ever about telling engaging stories using text, video, social media, etc. That requires artistic talent.

Is being in PR stressful?  My doctors and mentors like to remind me YES, it can be.  PR professionals often face the mental stress of working in a high-pressure environment. This can lead to more severe mental health problems like depression or anxiety – something we need to be aware of so we can have appropriate and attentive friends and colleagues in place to help when needed. It’s in these moments that I’m also reminded that PR people are also usually smart, funny, and quick to turn a witty phrase.   It’s also why I LOVE LOVE LOVE February!!!  It’s my favorite time of year to “Show a PR Colleague Some Love” and also support the Florida Public Relations Education Foundation (FPREF).  Not only is this a unique opportunity to send valentine’s to your PR faves, your tax-deductible gift will help fund scholarships for deserving public relations students in Florida, as well as educational and professional development opportunities for our professional members.  For more information, click here.  When you send or receive a valentine, be sure to spread the love on social media: #ShowaPRColleagueSomeLove.

Another FPRA member who needs a little extra love right now is our friend and past-president Ginger Broslet APR, CPRC. Ginger was in a terrible car accident in December and lost her handicapped accessible van and very, very expensive wheel chair.  Our chapter will be sending some happy mail to her, and if you would like to have her contact information to reach out directly, please contact me directly for her address.  You could also send her an FPREF valentine card too! 

And finally, a few chapter updates: 

  1. APR live online study sessions continue on Monday nights, 5:30 – 7pm on Zoom.  Contact Kevin Christian, APR, CPRC for more information. 
  2. There is no scheduled Coffee Talks for February, but if you would still like to gather together for some member networking please feel free to meet up! 
  3. This month’s webinar speaker had a schedule conflict, and I am trying to secure a back-up.  Notification and updates will go out on the website, email and socials as soon as possible. We had an INCREDIBLE turn out and response for our first one in January, so these definitely will continue. 
  4. Don’t miss out on this month’s Professional Development on Friday, February 9th! Register today and bring a friend. 
  5. COMMference is coming in April! Tentative save the date for Friday, April 26th! More to come. 

Yours in service,  Lindsay

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