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”
ContinuedIt’s been 50 years since the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders report. Known as the Kerner Commission, the report 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 …
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
ContinuedThere’s no escaping the fact that communications and public relations work involves an element of rejection. In PR, the rejection likely comes from reporters who may not be interested or available to cover a story idea you’ve pitched.
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