The #PowerAndInfluence chat: What I learnt, so far, about public relations
Tonight, I was really privileged to host the renowned #PowerAndInfluence Twitter chat, popularised by Ella Minty. I shared some of the lessons I've learnt -- so far -- working in public relations. Here are a few takeouts.
#1 Transparency is key
Good evening beautiful people! To kick off #powerandinfluence, here’s the first lesson:
Transparency is key. Be it with the clients when you manage expectations, colleagues when you know you won’t meet the deadline and media — they can just tell when you’re not honest.— Marcel Klebba (@marcelkl) August 1, 2018
I started off the chat by sharing that I thought transparency and honesty were one of the most important traits for a PR practitioner.
True. At the end of the day PR is about relationships between human beings. I sometimes find that by being honest despite not meeting expectations you can build better relationships based on trust with your clients #powerandinfluence
— Jennifer Sanchis (@Jenny_Sanchis) August 1, 2018
Jennifer Sanchis rightly pointed out that these are key to building relationships.
It also helps turn the tide on some of the reputation issues PRs face - there's a perception that dishonesty is rife within the industry. By acting with transparency and integrity as consultants, we can start to shift that. #powerandinfluence
— Team Nine (@ninemediauk) August 1, 2018
Team Nine emphasised that transparency helps with reputation issues currently facing PR industry. We do, indeed, have a perception of people who lie for living.
You've touched on something really important here, Ella. Some people are too proud to ask for help (or are afraid of rejection). But when there's a lot on stake, it's just selfish not to ask for help! #powerandinfluence https://t.co/wlVnCyrfs0
— Marcel Klebba (@marcelkl) August 1, 2018
Ella Minty touched on a very important aspect of being afraid to ask for help. This is something we all face!
I think starting out, you'veexcuse of that to ask. But, often when people go up ladder, there is the expectation, in some environments, you should know it all/how to do it and beyond. For me, that's where a good network comes in as you may prefer to ask here. #powerandinfluence
— PRKSheehan (@PRKezza) August 1, 2018
Kerry, @PRKSheehan, accurately points out that ignorance -- especially at the junior level -- is something understandable and just... normal! Senior practitioners don't have all the answers, so why would we?
#2 PR has a lot to offer for different personalities
Shall we move to another lesson, #powerandinfluence, folk?
IMHO, PR is a good career when you like people, but it can be also a good path when you’re more introverted. I love it, because everyone can find part of it that they’d thrive in.— Marcel Klebba (@marcelkl) August 1, 2018
My second point was about how diverse a PR role can be. Everyone can find something for themselves, regardless their personality.
It’s so important to recognise the mix of introvert and extrovert skills needed in our industry. As with every career and team, extroverts can sometimes overpower and undervalue the skills the ‘quiet observer’ actually bring to the table. #powerandinfluence
— Debs Field (@debs_field) August 1, 2018
Debs Field made a brilliant point that we need to take a note of mix of introverts and extroverts in the industry. Those with louder voices can sometimes discourage those shy in the meeting room.
As an introvert, observation and listening are my main “tools” - I’d dare to say that #PR is the perfect career choice for introverts #powerandinfluence
— Ella Minty (@EllaMinty) August 1, 2018
Ella argues that PR is the perfect career path for introverts! I do love the idea of combating this stereotype of an outgoing and always extroverted PR pro.
I totally agree with this, there’s place for all personalities in PR. And I think it’s a skill to know how and when to be extroverted and when to take a step back #powerandinfluence
— Arianne Williams (@ariannewills) August 1, 2018
Arianne Williams points out that sometimes we just have to wear different masks.
#3 Asking the right questions
Ok, next lesson's coming up!
Asking the right questions does wonders. It shows you’re keen but also clarifies and helps you perform tasks to brief. What are your favourite questions to ask? #powerandinfluence— Marcel Klebba (@marcelkl) August 1, 2018
I've spoken about this before (and even wrote about it!) -- it's really important to ask the right questions. It'll help us avoid confusions and make our work a lot better.
I always like to ask what someone's measures of success are and the ultimate impact they want. What we think and what they think might be different. Good to get that clarity and also provides an opportunity to exceed their expectations or help to realign them #powerandinfluence
— Dan Gerrella (@dangerrella) August 1, 2018
Dan Gerrella asks about mesures of success -- stellar question!
From a media relations perspective, it's vital to truly understand target publications' interests, pressure points, deadlines etc. PRs should never be afraid to ask these questions of journos to really understand what they need. #powerandinfluence
— Team Nine (@ninemediauk) August 1, 2018
Team Nine notices that the right questions might even be helpful when pitching media. PRs are clearly not always asking the right questions.
#4 Never stop learning
Another thought from me!
You have to keep learning. Read widely, listen do @BBCRadio4 and podcasts, leave your comfort zone. You’ll never know when the exhibition from the @Tate will spark inspiration and will help you solve client’s issue. #powerandinfluence— Marcel Klebba (@marcelkl) August 1, 2018
Learning is key to being a good PR practitioner. Learn from different sources and stay curious.
Don't necessarily concur with BBC R4 as a place of learning above other channels for news and current affairs. But yes, learning is vital. Now doing things towards CIPR CPD #powerandinfluence
— Rob Gage (@enGageinPR) August 1, 2018
Rob Gage didn't quite agree with me on the Today programme front, but he made a sound point about undertaking Continuing Professional Development programme.
Reading lots is one of my tips for anyone who wants to get better at writing. And podcasts are a great source of information and inspiration #powerandinfluence
— Dan Gerrella (@dangerrella) August 1, 2018
Dan points out that reading improves writing skills. We all know how important this is in PR.
#5 You won't get there on your own
To wrap up tonight's chat, here’s my biggest learning:
You won’t get there on your own. You’ve to seek advice others, listen to people you admire and act accordingly. I wouldn’t be where I am now without help of my mentors. #powerandinfluence— Marcel Klebba (@marcelkl) August 1, 2018
Wrapping up, I shared my biggest learning of my career so far. It's people around me, people who aspire me and who help me grow that helped me get where I am. This is why having a mentor (or mentors) is so important.
Many thanks again to Ella Minty for this huge honour of hosting #powerandinfluence. Thank you for all of those who participated and shared their brilliant insights.
You can read the whole conversation in this Twitter Moment -- compiled by Ella.
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If you have any suggestions, would like to guest post or give me a feedback, feel free to email me at kl.marcel [at] gmail.com, tweet me @marcelkl or connect with me on LinkedIn. Thanks for stopping by, have a splendid day!