Be a PR Rockstar - Hana Bieliauskas

Be a PR Rockstar - Hana Bieliauskas

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  Hana Bieliauskas• @hanab08 [email protected] twitter.com/gebencomm facebook.com/GebenCommunication Be a PR rockstar– on and offline
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  So, Who amI? • Hana Bieliauskas (@hanab08) • ‘08 Scripps J. School Grad • Magazine Journalism, specializations in PoliSci& English • Account Exec at Geben Communication in Columbus • From Cincinnati • Former positions: – The Children’s Partnership, Washington, D.C. (Communications) – Marketing Works, Columbus, Ohio (Account Coordinator) – CMA, Columbus, Ohio (Based in KC – Project Manager) • Experience especially in social media/digital PR • Favorite OU bar: Red Brick • Favorite Athens food: Bagel Street (Turkey Tom)
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  Let’s talk alittle social media. • Who’s on…. – Facebook (do I have to ask?) – Twitter – LinkedIn – Google+ – Others? • What do you do on social media? • Anyone networked with PR pros or found an internship/job using social media?
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  Let’s pause forstory time. • Facebook started fall of freshman year (back in the old days of 2004). • People were JUST starting to see the Internet as an online news source. I got involved with Speakeasy Magazine – OU’s first online magazine – during winter quarter. (The Post wasn’t online yet) • During my internships, I witnessed the shift from print to online – and used it to my advantage • When I graduated, the economy was terrible. I got my first job only because of the online skills (web design, HTML, social media) I’d learned at Speakeasy and during my internships. • Case and point: My digital skills have played a huge part in getting me every job I’ve ever had. • My advice – Bobcat to Bobcat: Stay ahead of the game,stay in the game and create opportunities wherever you can
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  Why social mediamatters for you. • Finding a PR job isn’t the same as it used to be. • Networking is key to learning new skills, identifying what you want to do and making valuable connections. • Having digital skills isn’t optional anymore in PR. • Being in-the-know about the latest news, tools and trends puts you ahead. • Stand out from the rest – you know you’re a rockstar, so show it. • Take a hint from the experts – because they really do know what they’re talking about. • Do you research and get to know the people and companies who specialize in what you want to do. • Then, keep up with them.
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  Nail the Basics twitter
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  Virtual networking forPR pros. • Think of Twitter as a massive virtual networking meeting • So, think about how you’d carry yourself at an in-person meeting: What would you ask people there? What would you want them to know about you? • Use that to help develop your Twitter personality, figure out what to talk about and who to follow • Believe it or not, a lot can be said in 140 characters • Twitter provides a direct connection to individuals and companies that didn’t exist before, which also gives you exclusive access • Look at Twitter as a place to establish yourself as an expert
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  A few tips. •If you’re looking for jobs/internships, make sure your profile is “Twitter friendly.”What’s that mean? – Include a bio with your job pitch – Professional-looking avatar & background – Link to your bio or online portfolio (LinkedIn works!) – Be YOU. • Employers are likely to look at your Twitter account • Follow interesting companies and job boards • Help a PR Pro Out (#happo) • Build a network before you need it • Follow the 80/20 rule
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  Relationships matter. • On-or offline, build and maintain relationships • You can’t have a one-way relationship. Tweeps are much more likely to follow back if you engage with them in a meaningful way and tweet interesting content • What’s that? Retweet, respond, comment • Tip: Create private lists of users you’re interested in getting to know and find opportunities to engage, Don’t over-follow • Take the conversation offline, if possible • Join in Twitter chats to meet new people – #pr20chat (Tuesdays 8-9 p.m.) – #prStudChat – #u30Pro – #internchat
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  Starting point. • Afew PR peeps to follow: – Sarah Evans (@PRSASarahEvans) – Heather Whaling (@prtini) – Brian Solis (@briansolis) – Jason Kintzler (@jasonkintzler) – Peter Himler (@PeterHimler) – Lizzie Grubman (@LizzieGrubman) – Amy Jo Martin (@AmyJoMartin) – Lee Odden (@leeodden) – Deirdre Breakenridge (@dbreakenridge) – Jeremy Pepper (@jspepper) – Dorothy Crenshaw (@dorothycrenshaw)
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  LinkedIn
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  Why LinkedIn? • World’s largest professional network • Valuable resource for finding jobs and internships • Find out about interesting people and companies • Showcase your experience and skills • Fill in your profile completely – include good info • Keep in touch with professionals you meet and may need to connect with in the future, such as: – Speakers at student groups (yes, you can connect with me!) – People you meet at conferences, job fairs or other events – Peers at jobs and internships – Professors, mentors and student leaders – Classmates and friends – People you engage with on Twitter
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  A few moretips. • Don’t add just anyone on LinkedIn. Make sure they know you first and would want to add you to their networks • If you want to get to know someone but haven’t met or engaged with them, see if anyone else in your LinkedIn network is already connected, then ask for an introduction • A personal message is always a nice touch – and may make all the difference. – Busy people may not remember you, so remind them (nicely) – Thank-you goes a long way – Compliments are appreciated • Don’t only call on connections when you need them • Again, build your network in advance
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  The perfect profile. •Update your LinkedIn profile – and keep it updated! • Think of it as your online resume. Check spelling, grammar and formatting. • Add a professional-looking photo • Beef it up. Link to your website, Twitter, blog, etc. (but, only if they are updated often and are well-written!) • Join groups for organizations you’re in (such as PRSSA) or follow companies that interest you • Always ask yourself: What would I think if I saw this profile? Would I want to hire me? • Look at other profiles for guidance and inspiration
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  So, what else?
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  Offline tips. • Neverdoubt the power of an informational interview – even if you’re not looking for a job right now • Use your time at OU to explore what you want to do afterward Get as much experience as you can while in college, while still enjoying college • Be a star intern. They’re harder than you think to find • Being a good writer is one of the most important skills you can have in PR, hands down • Don’t rely only on the Internet to make connections. Face-to-face interactions are still the most meaningful • Go on as many interviews as you can – it’s good practice! • Never stop believing in yourself, but don’t expect everything to be perfect right away • Don’t forget those who have helped you. Thank-you cards, friendly emails and phone calls are still “in”
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  Interview tips. • Beprepared. Research the company, employees, achievements and awards. It’s okay to be a stalker. • Write down answers to potential questions. Find a list of common interview questions and think about how you’d answer them. • Be early. It’s always better to sit in your car for a half hour than show up late. • Bring a portfolio showcasing your work – and pay a little more for color printing. I cannot emphasize how much mine has helped me. • Always look nice. Looks do matter in this case. • Bring at least three copies of your resume. Just in case. • Take in your surroundings. Find ways to connect with your interviewer and calm your nerves. • Ask questions. Come up with a list before so you’re ready.
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  So you gota job... Now what? • What you do outside of work also builds your resume. – Volunteer activities – Professional organizations and associations – Young Professionals groups – Nonprofit boards • If you’re not 100 percent happy in your first job, it’s okay. Do everything you can to make the best of it and learn skills you can apply wherever you go. • It’s also okay not to stay at the same job forever – often despite what Mom and Dad think (shhh) • Find a mentor – or mentors! Someone to look up to for advice and words of wisdom is so helpful • Stay in touch with fellow Bobcats – they’re now your coworkers and a great network to have
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  #PINKITUP • Got involvedwith Komen Columbus when I moved back in 2009 • Serve on Communications, Race Planning and Grant Committees, and participate in Komen Columbus Young Professionals • Started Pink It Up (#pinkitup) a social media-based campaign to encourage the local community to join to fight breast cancer • Encourage local businesses to decorate for the annual Race for the Cure and coordinate media outreach around effort • In 2011, #pinkituphashtag was trending in Columbus the week before the race and on Race Day
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  #PINKITUP • Why doesthis matter? – Gained professional experience while supporting a cause I’m passionate about – Formed relationships with local leaders, media and influencers – Forced me to be creative! – Applied and enhanced my professional skills – Reflects well on employers – Self-fulfillment – see the difference you’re making in the world – Resumeand portfolio builder
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  Questions? Your turn tointerrogate me. Keep in touch! [email protected] @hanab08 linkedin.com/hanabieliauskas