What does it mean to have a “PR Vibe”?

http://guardianlv.com/

Last week, I was running errands and stopped in a pharmacy. Slightly exhausted from the week of interning and working at various positions, I was sure that I looked a bit unkempt at best.

Upon reaching the register, I began to have a conversation with the cashier, which eventually led her to ask me what my major was in college. When I said “public relations”, she smiled knowingly, and responded “that makes sense, you have a PR vibe”.

Not quite sure what she meant, I chalked it up to a compliment, and continued through my day. However, looking back at the conversation, I wondered what constitutes having a PR vibe.

After careful consideration, I believe that what makes PR folk recognizable is our open nature and ability to multi-task.

These two traits are shared among the best up and coming PR professionals, and are important for individuals to have in order to succeed in the field.

Specifically, mastering the art of communicating with anyone is incredibly important for PR jobs. If you work for an agency and have to speak to clients, press contacts, and more, you should be able to do so with ease.

Also, multi-tasking is an integral part of PR. Balancing multiple tasks at once is what PR folk are known for, and it comes in handy when hundreds of emails are flooding your inbox in a week and meetings are popping up on your calendar months in advance.

There is also something to be said about being exhausted. As a PR professional, you are going to be worn down and often feel as though the weight of the world is on your shoulders. However, what immediately makes a PR professional noticeable is their willingness to exceed expectations and continue working, even if they are ready to fall asleep at their desk!

So, if you are ever told you have a “PR vibe” about you, take it as a compliment. It most likely has nothing to do with the bags under your eyes, but rather your commitment to the field!

How Introverts Can Succeed in PR

It is a common misconception that introverts lack social skills and an awareness of standard social cues. By that extension, it would appear that the world of public relations, with its emphasis on social interaction and networking, would be an ill fit for an introvert. On the contrary, introverts with their characteristics of thoughtfulness, prudence and creativity, can bring a sense of balance to the workplace and successfully stand out in a group of Chatty Cathy’s.

Introverts are great listeners and clear communicators: Introverts are known to be pensive and conceptual. When in conversation, an introvert will often fully listen and analyze what the other person is saying and before responding, will have thought out a valuable reply. While an extrovert may have the gift of gab in small-talk, an introvert is great in crafting insightful and objective messages.

Introverts value meaningful relationships: Introverts thrive on the creation and maintenance of deep, mutually-respected relationships with others. In public relations, where building a sense of rapport and trust with a client is vital, the natural skills of an introvert are ideal.

Introverts excel in social media: In our social media-driven industry, social networking is the public relations godsend for introverts. For those that may not be as comfortable in traditional networking settings, the internet provides endless opportunities. Valuable relationships can form from social networking where introverts, with their quiet contemplation and creativity, can have the upper-hand.

Introverts think before acting: In public relations, how you respond- particularly in the face of controversy- can be a make or break situation for your client. Introverts are methodical, meticulous and incredibly thoughtful in the way they enact effective public relation strategies. Using forethought before taking action can be the difference in smooth-sailing or ending up neck-deep in a PR crisis.

Still need convincing that introverts can’t be as successful in the workplace? Bill Gates, Barbara Walters and Barack Obama are just a few of the famous individuals who identify as introverts!

This guest blog post was written by PRowl Staff Member Cara Graeff.