Week 3: The Network

The phrase, "It's not what you know, it's who you know," should be on the wall of every prospective PR practitioner’s office or cubical serving as a constant reminder that networking is your greatest tool.

Now, I'm not saying knowing the right people is all you need to succeed in the PR world – you also need to have the right skills and knowledge of the business – but it doesn't hurt when you're trying to get your foot in the door. 

Just a little something I learned over the course of this week.  :)

Speaking of this week, it was CRAZY. It’s a good crazy, not bad crazy, but crazy none-the-less. I am really getting the hang of working with multiple clients on multiple projects and I'm really, really loving it! 

Tuesday, I went on a site visit to see a client’s new location and to brainstorm ideas for creative ways to use the space for a preview event.

Wednesday, I had the privilege of attending the 2013 PRSA (Public Relations Society of America) Charlotte Chapter Awards Ceremony. It was amazing to see all of the great things that PRSA does in Charlotte. Not to mention, I met some great people and made some great contacts. 

If you are an intern now, or plan to be one in the future, take advantage of going to these types of functions and participating in organizations like PRSA, if you can. Take every opportunity to network and make connections in the business world. If there is someone you want to meet, but haven't yet, ask your boss to introduce you to them. Or, better yet, go up and shake their hand and introduce yourself. Like I said, a lot about PR is who you know. 

Today was the biggest day of my internship so far, all three weeks of it. Today was my first official pitch meeting to a client.

While I did not do it alone – I am an intern after all and still learning the ins and outs of everything – I was involved in every step of the process and will continue to be as we begin to execute our plan. I’m not going to lie, I did a dance inside my head each time the client said she liked one of the ideas we had so carefully thought out. 

It’s a kind of rush there aren’t words to describe, and I am rarely at a loss for words … ask anyone.

Oh, and in case you were wondering, I have figured out the time tracker system, and Dunkin' Donuts and I are still going strong!

Until next time,

Erin