Six books every public relations professional should read

I love to read- I always have. When I was a kid, I read so much my teachers actually asked me to stop reading. This of course led me to my love of writing, which led me to my love of public relations, which led me here. But getting to why you are here, if you love reading like I do, here are six books that every public relations professional should take a look at:

• “The Associated Press Stylebook” By: The Associated Press and Norm Goldstein - I’m going to sound like my old journalism teacher for a second and say that the Associated Press Stylebook is the book to go to when it comes to grammar, spelling and any other questions you may have about laying out a press release for a media company or client. It’s organized, written by a reputable news cooperative and serves as an approachable reference manual that all media publishers acknowledge as a legitimate source for proper grammar and style. It’s not exactly a book you read word for word, though, so keep this one at your office desk for when you need it.
• “Confessions of a Public Speaker” By: Scott Berkun - If you are looking for a public speaking how-to that doesn’t tell you to “just imagine everyone is in their underwear”, this is probably the book for you. Berkun is straightforward, gives a unique perspective on how to talk to an audience, is hilarious and definitely knows the difference between a lectern and a podium. Public speaking is a necessary skill in any field, but I think especially so in public relations. After reading this book, I think you’ll at least be able to help any clients that need a few pointers on giving a speech.
• “The Disney Way” By: Bill Capodagli and Lynn Jackson - When it comes to public relations, it’s not just about getting the information out there; it’s about leaving an impression, preferably a positive one. According to Capodagli and Jackson, Disney’s credo of “dream, believe, dare and do” is the way that people can leave that good impression. They not only cite from Disney’s level of customer service and innovation, but other corporations that followed in its footsteps, such as The Cheesecake Factory, The Four Seasons Hotel, Men’s Warehouse and many others. If you are looking for a certain magic in how you work with your publics, this might be the book for you.
• “Crystallizing Public Opinion” By: Edward Bernays - If we are talking about public relations books, we have to talk about the father of public relations himself. “Crystallizing Public Opinion” is where it all began folks and this book is cited as the first official public relations manual ever written. If you can look past some of the dated examples, the core advice is still strong and resonates with the honesty and integrity that should come with the ideal public relations specialist. At the very least, after having read this book, you will be able to hold your own in any public relations history conversation.
• “The News Rules of Marketing and PR” By: David Meerman Scott - If history isn’t your cup of tea, maybe you’ll be more interested in this number. “The New Rules of Marketing and PR” was just written in 2013 and holds extensive accounts on how to manage social media, viral marketing, and how to help companies find niche markets to pedal their products in the digital age. It highlights the utilization of new technology to deliver a higher quality of product and content rather than utilizing technology to create a flashier and overall more vapid quality of work.
• “How to Win Friends and Influence People” By: Dale Carnegie - While doing research for this blog, I kept coming across this book, so I gave it a read, and let me tell you, they were right to mention this book to public relations professionals. Carnegie gives some very practical advice on how to win over people, some of which seems obvious, yet are so rarely seen in a world inundated with people wanting to get out their message. It looks at the philosophy of happiness, grace, the art of listening and how to admit when you are wrong. It’s definitely a book to look at if you are hoping to attract not only clients, but friends and allies as well.

This guest blog post was written by PRowl staff member Kelly Armstrong

Books to Read This Summer

With articles on every topic imaginable, the internet is chock full of useful information to help you get ahead and stay there in every aspect of your life. While this is convenient, sometimes it’s nice to have streamlined information take you on a journey of self-discovery, as opposed to mindlessly clicking from topic to topic. Books are a remarkable way to self improve, but there are so many out there that sometimes it’s hard to tell which ones are worth reading. These books are the perfect reads to get your mind set on success. They’re also light enough to read whilst lounging on the beach, whether it be Beury or Atlantic City.

1. How to Win Friends and Influence People

An oldie but a goodie, this classic written by Dale Carnegie in 1936 will take you to the next level of interpersonal communication. Easy to follow and expertly written, you’ll find yourself referring back to Carnegie’s advice well after you’ve turned the last page.

2. If You Have to Cry, Go Outside: And Other Things Your Mother Never Told You

Some may know Kelly Cutrone for her appearances on hit TV shows, The Hills and America’s Next Top Model, but the fashion world knows her as the relentless feminist who has built her PR agency, People’s Revolution, from the ground up. Her book gives priceless advice on everything from securing a mentor to surviving, and eventually thriving, in Manhattan with nothing but your YSL jeans and a sparkling personality.

3. The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun

Enriching yet hilarious, this page-turner will have you laughing, crying, and everything in between. By the end of this literary journey, you’ll feel like you’ve made a new friend in author Gretchen Rubin, and you’ll have a refreshing outlook on life and how you live it.

This guest blog post was written by PRowl Staff Member Savannah Blake 

The Genius Behind #GirlBoss

Earlier this Spring, Sophia Amoruso -Founder, CEO and Creative Director of the online fashion retailer Nasty Gal released her new book #GirlBoss. The book shares the fashion maven's experiences, and tells how she went from dumpster diving and shop lifting to growing a million dollar fashion brand.

#GirlBoss isn't the first in it's genre to be released as of late. Other popular books aiming to inspire and empower females to dive into the business world and profit from their passions have been hitting the shelves at record rates. Facebook CEO Sheryl Sandberg released her widely popular book Lean In this time last year, which also delivered an inspirational message to women ready to conquer all. However, it's not the content, inspiring as it may be, of #GirlBoss that I'm recognizing as genius. It's the awesome PR and marketing campaign surrounding it that I want to celebrate.

First, the title itself. Adding a hashtag into the title of your book equates to instant free marketing and increased exposure every time your book is mentioned. Even the this post, when shared over social, will link to the infamous hashtag, further spreading awareness. PR specialists who work with authors and publishers to promote printed content work hard to get a conversation started over social media. Sophia has cut out this extra leg of work by starting the conversation in the title -why didn't anyone think of this sooner?

In addition to its conversation-starting title, #GirlBoss has an impressive amount of online content on its website. Loaded with everything from promotional videos, photos and blog posts, the website truly extends the books conversation, making viewers even more compelled to find out more about Sophia and her story.

#GirlBoss is not just a book, a hashtag or Sophia Amoruso's rags to riches story. According to the book description, “A #GIRLBOSS is in charge of her own life. She gets what she wants because she works for it.” #GirlBoss is what every young woman has the desire to be -inspirational, successful, stylish and purposeful. Not only has Sophia told and sold her own story, she has given women a new framework to create and share their own stories. Creating a personal tie between your message and the lives of your audience members is no easy feat, and what every PR pro aims to do. Sophia and #GirlBoss have managed to achieve this is fabulously.

Have you heard of or read #GirlBoss? How do you think this book will change the way print materials are marketed in the future?

Pick Up A PR Book for the Holidays

Now that finals are almost over, you can actually think about things to do over the holidays. I know the only chance I get to read something that isn't a textbook is over winter break. If you have the time, pick up a public relations book or two to add into your other holiday reading. Here are a few suggestions for books to read over the holidays or to add to your collection that I am thinking of picking up.

1. "The New Rules of Marketing and PR" by David Meerman Scott:

This book breaks down how to effectively communicate with audiences through the web. It doesn't just discuss social media, but also websites, blogs and online videos.

2. "Chase's Calendar of Events 2010"

Do you want to know when National Letter Writing Month or National Hot Dog Day is? Pick up a copy of Chase's Calendar of Events this Christmas for your library.

3. "Public Relations for Dummies"

You never know what you might learn in the book that breaks down public relations into simple terms that even a beginner can understand.

4. "Publicity & Media Relations Checklists" by David Yale

Checklists are an easy tool to make sure you have covered everything when you are pitching the media. Buy this book and keep it by your side to make sure you did everything on these 59 helpful checklists.

Do you have any books you are thinking of picking up for the holidays?