Looking Forward: PRowl PR

What first started as a firm of less than 10 staff members and non-paying clients, has now transformed into a firm of 56 staff members and five paying clients. To continue the firm’s growth rate and communication between Temple students, specifically the School of Media and Communication, PRowl is implementing Professional Workshops and Twitter Chats, open to the Temple community.

Professional Workshops:

A variety of professional workshops will be hosted by PRowl members with the goal of providing Temple students with advice and feedback for their professional future. Workshop topics will include, resume and cover letters, business cards, blogging tips, email and social media etiquette, business casual do’s and don’t’s, and more! Our first workshop will be a resume and cover letter review.

The workshops will be twice a month between one to three hours. The location of the workshops will be announced via PRowl social media prior to the tabling event and are open to everyone to participate in. The official hashtag for the workshop events will be #PRofessionalOwl.

Twitter Chats:

Each month, PRowl staff members will start a conversation with Temple alumni to provide students with answers to common professional questions. Since alumni have been in the same shoes as current students are today, it is important to learn from recent alumni what they did to earn job interviews and land them their first job post graduation.

The first Twitter Chat will be Sunday, February 15 prior to Temple’s Student & Alumni Networking Night on February 17. We encourage everyone to join in on the conversation (especially seniors), by using the hashtag #BeHeardTU. The official time will be from 8 p.m. – 9 p.m.

*You do not have to be associated with PRowl PR to participate in the workshops and Twitter Chats.

PRowl members are also looking forward to celebrating PRowl’s 8^th Year Anniversary! Temple faculty and PRowl’s staff members and clients will be invited to enjoy a Night out on the PRowl. The tentative date and location will be announced in the near future.

To stay up to date with everything PRowl PR and the PR industry, be sure to connect with our social media networks, Twitter and Facebook.  We hope to see you at our upcoming events! 

This guest blog post was written by PRowl staff member Amanda White. 

How To Stay Motivated For The Spring Semester

For many PRowlers, this is their last semester of their undergraduate college career at Temple University. Senioritis may have already kicked in for some, and for others, not quite yet.

All of the students who are not graduating this semester and not yet job hunting, are probably most looking forward to summer vacation; taking a break from school work and internships and most of all, being home enjoying home-cooked meals and sleeping in so late that half the day has passed them by.  

With just four months left of the semester, below is a list of different ways to stay motivated and finish strong. 

Say no to social media, say yes to the job search

Social media has become a part of many college students’ routines. They wake up, check their email, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat all before they get out of bed and fully open their eyes.

Instead of checking out other people reaching their goals and having the time of their lives (and not being afraid to show it), switch up your social media obsession to a job search obsession. Through job searching, you will become motivated by realizing you are finally ready to take on everything the real world has to offer, and more. 

Reach out to PRSSA and PRowl alumni

There are many advantages to knowing and staying connected to Temple alumni. At the top of that list falls relatable experience. Alumni have been in your shoes before and know exactly what you are going through, whether you are feeling stuck, lost, or unmotivated. Take advantage of the connections you have to learn what these alumni did to overcome that lethargic feeling you have wanted to overcome recently.

Write everything down

College is something that can’t be described by many.  The definition is an “educational institution”; but I think we all know it is so much more than that. It is an indescribable experience, and one that can’t be lived twice (as an undergraduate).

For this reason, it is extremely important to write in a journal of everything you are going through. This could include day-to-day activities, accomplishments, hardships, or just your simple thoughts. Through writing you will learn more about yourself and delve into your own world of discovering your dreams. After each journal entry you should feel more determined to make these dreams into a reality. The hardest part is picking up that pencil and filling up that blank space in front of your face.  

Take a group fitness class

I say “fitness class” instead of “go to the gym” for a reason. A fitness class has a variety of perks. People who go to a class are required to keep up with the instructor and class, whereas people who go to the gym could simply run on the treadmill for 30-60 minutes and call it a day. Fitness groups make you push and surround yourself with motivated individuals wanting and craving to get in shape.

It is important to surround yourself with these types of motivated individuals. There is also a set time for fitness classes so you will have no excuse not to make the class. If it worked for your schedule one week, it could definitely work a second and third week.  Spring group classes will begin January 19. Learn more about group fitness at Temple’s Independence Blue Cross Recreation Center here.

Create a bucket list

Write down everything you want to accomplish before your college career ends—and no, I don’t just mean acing all of your exams, or finally having the guts to call that cute guy that gave you his number the other night.  

Choose activities that will make your heart race, make you feel alive and truly make you ask yourself “Why did I ever sign up for this?” It is in these moments where you realize you are truly living. Self-motivation is the only way to cross everything off your bucket list. Accomplishing your list will give you a sense of gratitude and self-satisfaction— a feeling no one can give, or take away from you.

So, what are you waiting for? Get up and get moving. It is time to make this semester your best yet.

What are some ways you stay motivated? 

This guest blog post was written by PRowl staff member Amanda White.

Is A Pitch The New Pick-Up Line?

As public relations students we have all become familiar with a “pitch,” also known as OPEN MY E-MAIL AND GIVE MY CLIENT SOME PRESS! I’ve recently realized the pitch is present not only in the PR world, but in the dating world as well. 

Going into my senior year as a PR student, I have learned and practiced my “elevator pitch,” (name, major, internship(s), future goals, etc. all in 30 seconds), similar to a speed date. This type of pitch has been learned in the classroom and utilized in networking and business events. Unfortunately it seems as though people cannot get out of this “pitch” mindset, even in social settings.

So the question is, is a pitch the new pick- up line? According to Web definitions, a pick-up line is a conversation opener with the intent of engaging an unfamiliar person for romance or dating. This definition is ultimately the same as what a pitch is (minus the romance and dating part).

This post can be taken two ways:

1.     When brainstorming a pitch to the media, think of it as “engaging an unfamiliar person.” You have done enough research on this person to know what his/her niche is, so be confident and personalize your pitch, just as your personalize your pick- up lines. 

2.      Stop with the “elevator pitches” when out. Whether it is a happy hour, night out, or randomly bumping into someone of interest. Not every setting needs to be so professional you need to share your life goals within the first five minutes. Save the pitch for another time, and live in the moment.

What are your thoughts? Do you think a pitch and pick-up line can have the same meaning? Have you ever experienced it? We’d love to know!  

This guest blog post was written by PRowl staff member Amanda White. 

Be Firm.

 The other day I was at a networking event meeting professionals in my industry. As I was shaking hands with women and men throughout the night, I noticed there was a major difference in both handshakes.

For instance, when meeting a professional woman, we had a mutual firm handshake. On the other hand, when shaking hands with a professional man, the handshake was extremely gentle and almost to the point of a “limp handshake.” These different handshakes had me perplexed.

The question is… should there be a “handshake” difference depending on your sex? Do women feel as though they need to more firm when shaking hands with other women because they see them as competitors?  So men feel they need to take it easy when it comes to shaking hands with women because they feel women are the weaker sex?

My answer is no. A good handshake is a good handshake. No man should feel he should “go easy” with his handshake just because he is shaking hands with a woman.

According to a PR Daily article, “Women: 5 ways to present yourself professionally,” the #3 tip is No Limp Handshakes. The article states, “A firm and confident handshake conveys confidence and authority. Grasp firmly, shake once, make eye contact and let go.”

If women want to be treated the same as men today, specifically in their industry, then the handshake between a man and a woman should be the same as well. Be firm and stand your ground ladies!

What do you think? Should men be gentler with their handshake when first meeting a woman just because she is a woman, or should it be equal? 

This guest blog post was written by PRowl staff member Amanda White.

How to Succeed as a PRowl Account Executive

This year I took on the leadership role of account executive, leading a group of five PRowl account members. Before taking on this role, I had no idea what to expect, other than it would be a lot of work.

Now, with new leaders on the rise, I’m writing to share my insights on how to be a successful account executive and enjoy every minute of it.

1. Set Goals: Brainstorming your goals for you and your team are key in your account’s success. It’s important to know what each of your account members’ goals are so you can help them achieve them throughout the year.

2. Have a Plan: Being prepared goes a long way, especially when leading a team. Have an agenda and game plan in mind so your team takes you and your plan seriously.

3. Be Personable: Your account members should feel comfortable coming to you with any problems, concerns, or advice in general. Be open with your team, and they will likewise be open with you. 

4. Be Honest: As they say, honesty is the best policy! If you want your team to trust your judgment and overall decisions, you need to be honest with one another from the start.

5. Work with your AFD: Always keep in mind your Assistant Firm Director is there for you. My AFD was always someone I was able to call if I was stressed, confused or just wanted to talk in general. 

I am happy to say, after a long year, I will be taking on the role of an account executive again and I could not be more excited!

Have you ever thought of becoming an account executive or leader in PRowl?  

Staying On The Right Track

Lately I have felt like nothing has gone my way. Whether it is in school, work or my personal life, I have been feeling like I just can’t win. Although I was feeling down and not myself, I realized complaining and not tackling my problems only makes matters worse. If I wanted to succeed, I needed to get out of this funk!

Below are tips PR students should know in order to stay on the right track to success, taken from PR Daily:

1. Balance- Whatever you do, do not spread yourself too thin. It may be easy to sign up for a number of activities but the work you do in the activities is what makes a difference. Show up to every activity and event like it’s your first and only.

2. Process is not progress- Hard work goes a long way, but is what you’re doing getting you the results you worked for? Clients and employers like to see results, not just the “work” you’ve done. Keep a mindset of what you want to accomplish, and do it. 

3. Done is better than perfect- It’s good to be your worst critic and a perfectionist at times. But don’t let your perfectionist ways hold you back. You need to be confident in your work so you have the ability to knock out your next project.

4. Sit at the table- It is important to stand out from others instead of just blending in. Build relationships with people you’ve never met and make an impression that will last. Always remember: A little bit goes a long way.

Ultimately, do not think your problems are the end of the world. Take your problems one day at a time and work through them. Prove yourself wrong and learn from the situation to be better and do better. The right track is always out there; you just need to decide if you’re willing to take it.

Article http://www.prdaily.com/Main/Articles/14241.aspx

This guest blog post was written by PRowl Staff Member Amanda White.

SMAD Ring A Bell? Let's Hope Not!

In an article from PR News, social media was the overwhelming answer to the informal poll question “What keeps PR pros up at night?” Like others, I too, would have had the same response. This got me thinking. Yes, social media is fun and essential in our line of PR work, but does it carry any negative effects? The answer is yes: Social Media Anxiety Disorder. 

According to The Huffington Post, Social Media Anxiety Disorder, also known as SMAD, is one serious problem and medical disorder. 

• The University of Chicago has found that social media can be more addictive than cigarettes and alcohol.
• Social media addiction relates to cigarette smoking due to the similar sensation of needing to have something, or needing to have to go and do something.
• A doctor in London explains that he treats over 100 social media addicts ranging from ages 10-35. He explains he treats people that: 
• Miss or avoid doing necessary things in life
• Such as sleeping, eating, drinking, schoolwork, and work.  
• How much is too much? Psychiatrists explain that it is a problem if a person looks at Facebook or Twitter more than 10 times a day, amounting to 5 hours a day.

So the question is, how can us young PR professionals prevent social media from affecting our beauty sleep and health? 

The answer, simply, is put your phone down! Let’s face it, the tweets, messages, requests, etc. will still be there when you wake up. If they aren’t, they must not have been that important anyway, right? So relax, put it down, and get some much-needed shut eye!

For more information about the article check out the video at the bottom of the page- http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/01/smad-twitter-chat-social-media-anxiety-disorder_n_2791108.html? 

How do you feel about social media? Do you feel you may be suffering from SMAD?  We’d love to hear some feedback on this topic! 

This guest blog post was written by PRowl Staff Member Amanda White.

How To: Become A Leader - Step Up Today!

According to Dictionary.com, a leader is “a person or thing that leads.” To me, a leader is so much more than that. A leader is someone who goes above and beyond, who truly WANTS to make a difference. To lead is to inspire. Throughout my life I have taken every leadership opportunity that has come my way. Although it was difficult and I wanted to rip my hair out at times, I learned a great deal about myself and grew as a person because of it. 

Not quite sure how to step up and stand out amongst your peers? Here are some tips that may help you overcome what is holding you back! 

1. Get involved: There is no such thing as getting involved in a club or organization too soon. The earlier the better! Getting involved will help you gain the experience and skills needed to prepare you for that leadership position that you’ve been wanting since you joined.                                                    
2. Surround yourself with mentors: Keep in mind that your mentors are there to help and guide you. Observe the habits of those who have yielded the success that you aim to achieve, and you will be one step closer to following in their footsteps. 
3. Don’t hesitate to offer help: Your peers will take notice when you make the effort to go the extra mile and offer them your help. The saying, “A little bit goes a long way” truly does apply in the real world. Offering assistance, even the littlest bit, will help you stand out! 
4. Always ask questions: The worst thing you can do is not ask a question and then make a mistake because you were “pretty sure” you knew the answer. Never be afraid to ask a question, no matter how small or silly you think it is. 

Yes, stepping up in any given situation can be challenging and quite intimating, especially when you are the youngest! But believe me, these challenging roles do pay off! Have you ever been afraid to take on a leadership role? Let us know what helped you overcome your fear! 

This guest blog post was written by PRowl Staff Member Amanda White.

Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance

“Prior planning prevents poor performance” is what one of my high school teachers told me in class one day about three years ago. This quote was drilled into my head and has been in the back of my mind ever since. I never truly understood the importance of what he was telling me until college. I live by these 5 P’s because they have yet to let me down. With planning, I have succeeded in everything I’ve put my mind to because I took the time to think of the steps that were needed to get the outcome I desired. Without the practice of planning, life would be disorganized and difficult. 

Not sure how to plan? Here are a few tips that may help!

1. Have a clear idea of what you want to achieve- In order to plan something, you need to know exactly what you want to accomplish in order to take the correct steps to make it happen.
2. Visualize your goal- This is the most simple, yet most beneficial thing you can do. Just by closing your eyes and picturing yourself reaching your goal, will help you get to it. This small exercise will provide you with the self-confidence and motivation you need because you “see” yourself reaching your goal. 
3. Map out, or make a list of what needs to happen- Lists are essential in planning. Simple daily, or weekly, “to do” lists will help you stay organized and on track. Just remember, always jot ideas down when they come to you!
4. Be specific- Break down the steps you need to take so there is no confusion and so you have a clear understanding of what you need to do. Every detail makes a difference.
5. Always remember deadlines! - People make deadlines for a reason…for you to meet them! It might be helpful to even put deadlines next to each step of your plan to make it even more structured. 

Making a plan is the most effective way to achieve a goal. Yes, it takes time to plan something but it will be extremely beneficial, and you will thank yourself in the long run. It is important to stay positive and always keep in mind what you want to happen. Keeping your goal in mind will give you motivation and that extra push to get to what you want. Believe me, if you don’t stop when the plan gets tough, keep focused, and have your “eye on the prize,” you’ll see progress! 

This guest blog post was written by PRowl Public Relations Staff Member Amanda White.