Often, when we think of skills, we focus on hard skills. But being able to communicate well is one of the most important soft skills you can develop. It is also a key determinant to success. Think of your doctor, dentist, lawyer, accountant, sitter, or your child’s teacher. Your relationship with these individuals, and your …
Continue reading “My Top 6 Books for Effective Communications”
Continuedby Jennifer R. Farmer A few weeks ago, I wrote an article on what new communicators/public relations staffers can expect walking into a new communications job. There was so much to cover, it was impossible to share everything in one post. I’m sharing other helpful info in this follow-up article. From learning public relations is …
Continue reading “What Else You Should Expect as a New Communicator (Part II)”
ContinuedIf you’re prepping for your first day in an entry-level communications position, you’re probably unsure what to expect. You may have questions about the company culture, or perhaps you want to know the rules of engagement for navigating your new environment. If this is the position you find yourself, you will love this post. From …
Continue reading “What You Can Expect as a New Communicator”
ContinuedBuilding a Brand from the Inside Out by Jennifer R. Farmer Put your money where your mouth is. We’ve heard this phrase since early childhood. It usually implies the tried and true lesson of say what you mean and do what you say, or it can literally mean spending time or money on causes or …
Continue reading “Building a Brand from the Inside Out”
ContinuedWhat does your organization do? And what is your role there? Can you answer each of those questions confidently in a sentence or two that most people can understand? If you can, you are communicating with ambassador status. Each person within a business or nonprofit is potentially its ambassador. With good communication skills, each one can …
Continue reading “Communicating with Ambassador Status”
Continuedby Jennifer R. Farmer Few things are as gut-wrenching and anxiety-inducing as public speaking. It doesn’t matter how much you prepare, there are almost always worries that, despite your best efforts, you’ll freeze up the moment the spotlight shines your way. Public speaking elicits a host of what ifs and worst-case scenarios – “what …
Continue reading “Here’s How to Make Your Next Presentation Pop”
ContinuedBy Jennifer R. Farmer It is becoming more challenging than ever to secure earned media, or media one doesn’t have to pay for. Not only do public relations pros outnumber journalists 4 to 1, but journalists are increasingly asked to do more with less. Further, it appears the media is consumed with the latest offering …
Continue reading “In Today’s Media Landscape, Opinion Essays Are a Communicator’s Best Friend”
ContinuedBy Jennifer R. Farmer Throughout my career, I’ve met countless people who had lofty dreams and larger-than-life aspirations. Most of them were passionate about a particular issue, and they wanted the world to know. It’s not hard to understand why; media attention offers a type of validation that signals to clients, potential clients, funders, allies …
Continue reading “The Path to Media Attention is Action”
ContinuedIt’s been 50 years since the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, better known as the Kerner Commission, declared “our nation is moving towards two societies, one Black, one white – separate and unequal.” Named after Illinois Gov. Otto Kerner, Jr., the panel consisted of 11 elected officials, labor and civil rights leaders from across …
Continue reading “Kerner at 50: A Lot Has Changed, and Much Remains the Same”
ContinuedAs we approach 2018, your organization may be looking to expand your communications team, or build one (assuming you’ve received funding to do so) from the ground up. If you’re looking to hire communications and public relations all-stars, here are four things you should do
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