Dear Chapter Development: Exploring New Ideas for Chapter Meetings This Semester

“Dear Chapter Development” is a new Progressions series modeled after the famous “Dear Abby” advice column. The vice president of Chapter development will answer the most common questions from Chapter presidents and leaders. This is the first article in the series. Dear Chapter Development, I need new ideas for Chapter meetings and events. Do you have any? Every PRSSA Chapter […]

C-Suite to Business Consultant: Four Communication Practices That Work

As a business consultant and corporate communication strategist, I consider myself lucky. Before leaving the C-suite and going into my own practice, I was fortunate to work for a corporation who believed good communication was paramount to their success. I was able to see how consistent, relevant and engaging communication can rally employees, foster pride and drive results. I saw […]

Four Types of Students Who Should Attend National Assembly

This March, public relations students representing PRSSA Chapters from across the Americas will travel to Portland, Oregon, for the PRSSA 2015 National Assembly. At this annual event, members gather to make decisions about the future of the Society, elect a new National Committee and review the Bylaws. The Assembly draws in a smaller, more intimate group than National Conference, allowing […]

Attempted CNBC Bribe Reveals Honesty’s Importance in Public Relations

Recently, CNBC revealed a public relations agent’s disturbing attempt to bribe a CNBC employee. The pitch went something like this: I would be asking you to include our clients in stories you’re working on (assuming there’s a natural fit), or pitch your editors on new stories that include discussion of our clients. We’re not looking for you to promote or […]

Eliminating Public Relations Stereotypes — Starting With Ourselves

Our profession is full of people with diverse interests, hobbies, tastes and styles. However, quite often the general public views us as coffee-drinking, social media addicts who love talking to everyone, all the time. While many public relations professionals do love coffee and always have a smartphone in hand (How else will we Instagram that perfect latte design?), that is […]

Agency vs. In-House Public Relations [National Conference Session Recap]

Session: Choosing Your Path: Agency or In-House PR Presenters: Brandi Boatner, Digital Experience Manager at IBM; Ryan McShane, Account Supervisor at Taylor Recap: Brandi Boatner, a digital experience manager at IBM, and Ryan McShane, an account supervisor at Taylor, led a “he said, she said” professional development session entitled “Choosing Your Path: Agency or In-House PR.” Interestingly enough, Boatner and McShane […]

Make Your Résumé Stand Out in a Good Way [National Conference Session Recap]

Session: Rebooting Your Résumé Presenter: Devon Conley, Ketchum Recap: Senior Human Resources Manager Devon Conley reminded members that on average, résumés are viewed for a total of six seconds. “What can you do in six seconds to make me want to reach out to you?” asked Conley. Session attendees received instructions of the do’s and don’ts of résumés and connecting with recruiters. “I was excited […]