Get Inspired by a Story

Storytelling is a part of your everyday life - more than you realize. Talking to friends, calling your parents, answering a question in an interview, we all share stories as a form of communication and reflection. First Person Arts is Philadelphia's premiere storytelling non-profit, focused on using documentary and memoir art to reflect, learn, and in some cases, heal. Fortunately, I was able to interview Becca Jennings, FPA's Marketing & Communications Coordinator, and find out the details on First Person Arts, marketing, and being a young professional. Becca is enthusiastic about her career, takes pride in her work, and has some amazing insights on self-development!

(Source:Visit Philadelphia)

Alyssa: Tell us about First Person Arts!

Becca: First Person Arts is a nonprofit arts organization committed to the power of personal storytelling. We believe that everyone has a story to tell, and that by sharing our stories, we build connections with each other and the world. 

The organization produces at least 65 live events each year including twice-monthly storytelling competitions called StorySlams, memoir and storytelling classes and workshops, applied storytelling programs, and the Annual First Person Arts Festival. 

Beyond the live events, we present storytelling content online via broadcasts, which include the weekly First Person Arts Podcast and the First Person Arts YouTube Channel.

Alyssa: As Marketing & Communications Coordinator, what are some of the projects you've worked on over the last year?

Becca: I manage the creation of all print collateral, press, online presence, and ad sales/ placement for the organization throughout the year. 

But more specifically:

-Develop organizational Marketing Plans

-Press outreach

-Write copy for all organizational promotional materials including the FPA Festival brochure, StorySlam cards, flyers, and postcards

-Write copy and upload weekly podcasts

-Manage Marketing Intern, Executive Podcast Producer, and AV Intern

-Sell ads for FPA Festival brochure

-Identify and cultivate opportunities for promo partners/group sales

-In house graphic designer

-Liaison with out of house ad agency

-Manage, build, and create the schedule for all eblast communications

-Oversee and report out on web and live audience data collection

-Manage promotional distribution

-Manage community outreach to promote fall Festival

-Develop and execute advertising plans

-Social media manager

-Develop marketing budgets

-Maintain firstpersonarts.org

-Onstage host at live events

-And much more!

Alyssa: What are some skills you look for in an intern or even Marketing co-worker?

Becca: Excellent writing skills, ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced deadline driven environment. The ability to plan is key--we're a small team of three people so forward thinking is a strong and valuable skill!

Alyssa: What advice can you give students looking to work in the arts & culture industry? How about the non-profit industry?

Becca: Do what you believe in and you will find a way to make it work for you. If you dream of a 6-figure salary, arts and culture might not be the direction for you. However, if you're inspired by the mission of the organization, and care more about that, you will have a gratifying job experience. Work extra hard, be very humble and gracious in the beginning, go above and beyond, and your career path will emerge. 

I think a lot of young people starting out are simply "looking for" their career paths. The truth is that their career path doesn't exist for them yet; so how can they "see" it? You have to walk it into existence--place one foot in front of the other-- and as you go along, your path will appear. Don't hang back waiting for your path to reveal itself to you. You reveal it for yourself by engaging with your passions and goals each day--by pushing past your comfort zone and testing your endurance--by meeting new people and listening to their stories. 

And if it doesn't happen for you right away, keep applying yourself. Fully discovering one's own career path is a lifelong journey.

Alyssa: What's your favorite part about working at First Person Arts?

Becca: I listen to stories for a living. That's pretty rad.

Dream big - chase after what makes you happy and find inspiration in your work. Interested in hearing some of these inspirational stories? The 13th First Person Arts Festival is coming up this Nov. 4 -15 and features some fantastic workshops, seminars, and stories. For more information on upcoming events, visit firstpersonarts.org.

Back to the Basics

As I am currently running late on this Tuesday morning, I decided that I need to remind myself of all the basics of being professional. With so many tips on how to do this and how to do that, it's easy to get lost in all the advice and forget the backbone of making a good appearance in the office or any meeting. I've created a list of some of the most basic career building advice you just might need to be reminded of in order to get a gold star:

1. Be on time!
2. Look presentable. Don't get so comfortable in the corporate office that you're showing up in short shorts and your favorite band's t-shirt.
3. Aim your goals high.
4. Say hello to everyone you work with.
5. Be polite.
6. Speak up. Don't mumble or ramble on with your words. You're confident!
7. Introduce yourself to those you do not know.
8. Keep your business card on you.
9. Work efficiently.
10. Ask questions.
11. Follow up on your emails.
12. Proofread said emails before sending them out!
13. Meet all deadlines.
14. Be reliable.
15. Offer to help someone else with a project or task.
16. Listen carefully.
17. Pay attention and stay focused.
18.Be upfront about your mistakes - it happens!
19. Do not gossip (ever!)
20. Be a positive source of energy.

Keep on keeping on!

Staying Inspired

As our lives continue to get busier & our responsibilities increase, it’s important to never lose focus and to keep yourself inspired both in and out of the workplace.

Here are some positive tips to keep you inspired this summer:

STAY HEALTHY

Keeping up with your health is one of the most important factors contributing to a more productive and fulfilling lifestyle. Something as simple as drinking a large glass of water when you wake up in the morning can help you think more clearly in order to start the day fresh. 

It’s no secret that daily exercise boosts your energy level, improves your mood, and reduces stress. Summer is the perfect time to do some of the most adventurous outdoor activities! I find joy in hiking the steep mountains in Colorado or swimming in the fresh water springs. There are plenty of options around you, so get out there, continue to move and don’t be afraid to sweat a little!

PLAN YOUR DAY

In the morning, identify your top three priorities for the day- then do them. I am huge fan of making lists, I make them for almost everything! A great way to start is by organizing your tasks by production time. Completing simpler tasks earlier in the day will allow you to devote maximum time to bigger projects or more playful summer activities.

At the end of your day, sit back and review your task list. Check off your accomplishments for the day and begin to set your goals for the following day. Taking a short amount of time at the end of the day to reflect will provide you with awareness of your current status when it comes to your ongoing projects, as well as confidence in your workflow.

KEEP LEARNING

To most of us, summer is a school-free, stress-free, responsibility-free few weeks of essentially doing exactly whatever we want. Although that can be true, it can also be a time to work your creative mind and keep learning new things. Have a summer reading list, browse the web, or brainstorm new innovative ideas to add more color to your life. By doing these things, one can increase their knowledge, capabilities and in turn stay inspired.

FOCUS ON WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY

Indulging in your favorite things is the BEST way to stay inspired this summer. Setting time aside to relax and enjoy what makes you happy can not only bring you positive thoughts but can also get your creative juices flowing. 

It’s certainly possible to have a playful summer without losing touch of your inspiration to be a more creative, happy and productive you. Recharge yourself by trying something new…who knows what doors will open because you put forth the effort!

This guest blog post was written by PRowl staff member Nicole Beck.

Personable You

Personable: friendly or pleasant in manner; easy to get along with
(According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

It's so important to do what makes you happy. Most would consider a sense of personableness a key trait needed for any PR professional, but it surely doesn't stop there. All career paths, including business, marketing, advertising, nursing, sales, language, and art require confidence for success!  Here's three easy ways to embrace that friendly side we know you have:

1. Always say hello - People appreciate and notice greetings more than you would think. Don't you? "Hello" or "Good morning" to anyone you pass in the office or at your part-time job could easily make their day, and will put some pep in your step. If you consider yourself to be on the shy-er side, saying hello is an easy to start to break out of your shell and into a comfortable zone.

(Source: Girl Most Likely)

2. Relate, relate, relate - Understanding the audience is the key to PR and many business fields. Start relating by making conversation with the co-worker next to you, or making sure the client recognizes you are both on the same page; though two different types of situations, both can help in being easy to talk and can bring more projects your way.

3. Be inspired - Inspiration can boost your confidence - in your self, in your goals, and in your work ethic. Often times, inspiration will involve some of your favorite things and ideas, putting you in a good mood or give you a burst of energy. Get inspired by art, words, or stories to continue to work hard for what you want with a smile on your face for the world to see.

(Source: Flickr)

Blogger's Block?

I know it may seem a bit silly to classify “blogger’s block” as a completely different category from writer’s block, but it can definitely feel that way at times. Blogging implies that there will be an audience behind what you are writing, which can add a bit of pressure. If you’re ever struggling to come up with a fresh, creative topic feel free to follow these simple tips.

• Check the archives. Whether it’s your own personal blog or one you contribute to, looking at past topics can help inspire a new idea and ensure that you don’t cover the same thing twice.
• Browse other blogs. Still not inspired after reading your blog? Try listening to a new voice. A different perspective from your own can often spark an entirely new line of thinking.
• Take a break. If staring at your computer screen for hours still isn’t getting you very far, it may be time to take a short break. You’re getting permission! Coming back to your work after about 30 minutes will allow you to be more refreshed and, hopefully, inspired to keep going.
• Write about writer’s block. Still stuck in a rut? Write about that experience and how you got through it. It worked for me!

Do you have any special tactics to combat “blogger’s block?” We would love to know! 

Social Media’s Growing Role in Crises

Monday’s terrible and startling Boston Marathon bombings undoubtedly put the nation in a state of shock. Among the fear and utter devastation in the wake of the event, social media has allowed for stories of inspiration and true compassion to emerge.

During the height Monday’s events, certain groups and individuals used social media to their fullest advantage with one shared goal: helping those in need.

The Boston Police Department did an excellent job keeping the public and the media up to speed on what was happening. Among the many rumors and false tweets that circulated, they constantly set the record straight.  

Just hours after the bombing, The American Red Cross tweeted the following, showing how quickly people had responded to help:

Another inspirational moment came when a Google Doc began circulating via Twitter. The document was created by Boston residents who had space to offer up in their homes for those affected by the bombings. Soon after, the document grew to include thousands of listings. Take a look at the document here. 

Finally, one of the most moving tweets of the day came from the NBC Sports Network. If you need a small reminder that there is still good in the world, read this tweet and remember it:

Did you see any other inspirational posts on social media? Be sure to share them with us. 

Take Your Passion and Make It Happen

When you hear the word job, what do you think? There are several answers to this question, most connected to money and making a living. But what about your passion? Is that the same thing as a job? It probably should be, so that you’ll love what you do and ultimately will be better at it.

In today’s society, many people forget about their passion and solely focus on their job in order to make money. It is important to reignite your passion and to find inspiration at work that will lead to success.

In her article, “How to Find Inspiration at Work,” PRowl PR alumni Jessica Lawlor gave readers five tips on how to find or remember their inspiration at work:

1. Decorate your work space: Having a visual of places you’ve been or sayings that you like reminds you of past accomplishments while also adding some color to your space.


2. Break out the warm-fuzzies: There should be a folder in your inbox for compliments and affirmations from other colleagues, supervisors, or even friends. It’s a great way to remind you that you are good at what you do.


3. Create a killer playlist: Music is one of the best motivators out there so get together some of your favorite motivational songs for when you need a pick-me-up. My personal favorite is “A Beautiful Day” by India Aire.


4. Turn to your Social Media: Whether it’s Twitter, Facebook, or Google +, many times people on your social networks provide inspirational stories or quotes that can get you motivated or remind you why you love your job.


5. Take a Walk: I know, we’re all too busy to take 15 minutes out of our day but fresh air and sunlight allow you to feel refreshed and refocused.

Similar to finding inspiration at work, it is important to reignite your fire or passion for what you do. A blog called Zenhabits listed some ways in which to ignite your passion. For me, I’ve seen a few of them like surrounding yourself with passionate people, living outside of your comfort zone, and starting a blog or journal to be successful. When you are around people who love your cause, it instantly lifts your spirits and reminds you that you are a part of something so much bigger than yourself.

Where do you draw your inspiration from? What’s your special secret for reigniting your passion? Let us know!

This guest blog was written by PRowl Public Relations staff member Alex Crispino.