10 PR skills for life, work, or love

6. Know your audience and think before you speak

Perfect example: BP CEO Tony Hayward’s comment about the Gulf oil spill, “I’d like my life back.” Need I say more?

7. Follow up without being annoying

A phone call, e-mail and text all within five minutes are overkill. Be timely and keep it simple, but don’t be a stalker. The way you follow up will depend on the situation, and the relationship you have with your contact. I generally ask people when, how, and how often they would like me to follow up.

Photo by Ballistik Coffee Boy

Some people follow the three day rule: if you don’t hear anything, call or e-mail three days later, and follow up again three days after that. Sometimes you just have to go with your gut and do what feels right.

Updating your twitter or Facebook feeds are also good ways of letting people know you’re “out there” without being intrusive.

8. Spread the word

Also known as free advertising, or networking. Talk to people and let them know what you’re looking for. The best way to get a job, a date, or to find something you’re looking for is to let people know you’re interested.

A former co-worker, who is a friend on Facebook, posted that she had been laid off from her job. One of her friends introduced her to a colleague who was looking for a freelance publicist to work on a project. That client liked her work so much that she introduced her to the owner of the agency, who hired her full-time.

Photo by rachelyra

9. Avoid wardrobe malfunctions

No, you don’t need to hire a personal stylist, but before leaving the house for a date or a meeting, check to make sure your appearance is appropriate to the situation. Looking clean and put together is important, even if you’re a freelancer who does most of your work in pajamas!

Skype and other video conferencing for interviews is becoming more common, and that comes with its own set of challenges. If you have a dog who enjoys barking or a cat who likes to cuddle, consider moving them to another room.

If there is a bright light or open window behind you it will be hard to see you. Check what else can be seen on camera and make sure your space looks neat. Try to avoid wearing a white shirt, it will look too bright and take the focus away from you.

Do a test run with a friend before the interview and have them give you feedback.

10. Your personality is your biggest advantage

You know yourself best – what are your outstanding qualities? This type of personal branding requires really “owning” yourself and your personal strengths and weaknesses. Make a list of your best qualities and don’t be afraid to let them come across in an interview, date, or even a tweet. This is what sets you apart from other people.

Project confidence by standing or sitting straight, maintaining eye contact and asking on point questions.

Overall

The most critical part of a PR person’s job is to build relationships and networks, and to connect with people. Isn’t that what we’re trying to do in life as well?

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Which PR strategies do you use during your daily life? Share your thoughts and advice in the comments below.
And if you found this advice in this article useful, you might also like How to Tap Into Your Most Powerful Beliefs.

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