PRSSA is Life!

PRSSA has been one of the best organizations I have been a part of. It has taught me networking skills, writing skills, planning skills and more. I loved the Atlanta trip and felt I learned more there then I have at school this year. The engaged learning available through PRSSA is what UVU is all about.

I am excited for the rest of the year; to see what else we can do to help students become great PR professionals. I am making it a priority to work with each mentor I to whom have been assigned and to improve my networking and writing skills. I know that as I do this, I will become a better professional.




Zach Twitter        UVU PRSSA Twitter          UVU PRSSA Website

Being out of the box

I am reading the book titled, "Leadership and Self-deception." It has taught me a lot of good lessons that can, and should, be applied to PR work. As PR professionals, we are supposed to build relationships and be genuine in all we say, write and do.

The book informs us that being aware of "the box", and staying out of it, is the way to have successful relationships and business relations. The box is a metaphor for seeing others as objects, not as people. Seeing people as objects is a dangerous habit when our careers are based on how we build relationships.

To stay out of the box we should honor the thoughts we have of doing good for others. As we honor those thoughts we will continually see them as people and keep relationships strong and genuine.



Zach Twitter       UVU PRSSA Twitter        UVU PRSSA Website

Day 6: James Kane

Today was all about James Kane, a social scientist who spoke about brand loyalty. It was the best presentation I have heard all week. He was able to connect with all of us a deep level because of the way he introduced himself.

 I took three pages of notes but here are just a few big lesson learned.

• Loyalty is a behavior, not a mood. We are to create behaviors that people can follow that lead them to pleasant outcomes, therefore building trust.
• The key for brand loyalty is making the life of your client easier, safer. This comes from a sense of trust, belonging, and purpose. 
• Clients judge the process by which services are done, not the outcome at first. If they know what is going on through the process they will be more trusting. 
• Go the extra mile and solve the problem before it arises. This requires dedication and foresight that can bring great success and loyalty.

Be sure to anticipate what people truly need. 

Zach Twitter       UVU PRSSA Twitter        UVU PRSSA Website

Day 5: College Football Hall of Fame and KIND

                                    

Two of my favorite things came together today, food and sports. What a great combo. The morning presentation was by the Founder and CEO of KIND bars. KIND is more than healthy option for everyone, it promotes being kind to everyone. It even goes as far as rewarding those who are kind, by giving KIND cards to those they see doing good and serving. It was a great lesson, and very refreshing to see that a company can be successful while spreading an important message.

The College Football Hall of Fame was truly an experience. I thought it was going to be a few busts and a weird video, but I was very wrong. The goal of the CFH is to provide an customized experience to all who enter its doors.

I have learned this week that a customized experience is an important part of marketing and PR. That is something I will work on in my jobs and classes.



Zach Twitter       UVU PRSSA Twitter        UVU PRSSA Website

Day 4: Sports PR

Sunday Funday! I have never attended a conference on a Sunday, but it was very eventful and full of insight. We started the day with a sports PR seminar with three ladies who have worked in the sports realm of PR for a combined 25 years. The lessons taught were wonderful and it gave me more information so I could decide if I wanted to go into sports PR.

I learned several things but here are a few highlights.

-Rebecca Timms, Philadelphia 76ers told us to gain a lot of different communication experience. This will help us become well-rounded communicators. She also told us to focus on executing tasks while learning important communication skill-sets such as writing and media relations.

-Ms. Shaw, Atlanta Hawks told us we need to be transparent and authentic in all we do and say. People can see through everything we say and if it is not genuine they will work with someone else.



Zach Twitter       UVU PRSSA Twitter        UVU PRSSA Website

Day 3: How to write the right thing at the right time

Our first full day of breakout sessions was amazing! I learned 10 tips for better writing that I would like to share.

1. KISS- Keep It Simple Stupid. When writing it is best to keep it simple and consistent. This makes it easier for the reader to understand what you are communicating

2. Trim the Fat- Don't use too many words or the wrong words. This means that proofing the paper, article or blog post is a must

3. Answer the 5 W's - Who, what, when, where, why. This gives the reader the back story so they are able to connect the dots of the story

4. Design your Draft- This means you should know what key messages you will use, what type of story will be told, what links are to be used and

5. Call to Action- If there is no call for the reader to act then the writing has been in vain. As PR people, we are calling people to action.

6. Use Real, Everyday Words- Cliche or big words do not help your case when writing. Simple words allow each person to understand your message.

7. Mind your Grammar- Make sure you are using the right grammar at the correct place. Grammar and punctuation flaws cause readers to question your reputation

8. Know your Audience- Be sure to write in ways that appeal to your audience.

9. Find your Focus

10. Proof. Proof. Proof.


Zach Twitter        UVU PRSSA Twitter      UVU PRSSA Website 

Day 2: Agency tour and Martin Luther King Memorial

What an eye opening day. This morning I attended an agency tour at Ketchum with students from several universities as part of our career development initiatives for the conference. It was interesting to see how a big agency did its work and the culture that was in the office. I learned that big name firms do not mean it is a good fit for everyone. Because of the culture and nature of the work we were introduced to,  many told me they would choose smaller agencies to get their experience. It was a needed experience to make my decision of what I want to do when I graduate.

After the agency tour our group was privileged to visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in downtown Atlanta. It was a heart-touching event, because we were able to see what MLK went through and how he overcame his many obstacles. He was an educated man who understood people and was willing to always stand for his beliefs. I will never be the same because of what I heard and felt at that hallowed place.

Check out the twitter hashtag #uvuPRcrew for pictures and tweets about our Atlanta experience.



Zach Twitter        UVU PRSSA Twitter        UVU PRSSA Website