I still remember the euphoria at the end of my first campaign. On my list of unforgettable moments, this one comes second. What seemed like an unsurmountable herculean task at that time taught me lessons that have stayed with me. Like most firsts, the experience was bittersweet and unknown to me but would set the precedence for the rest of my work as a PR and Communications professional. Here are five lessons my first PR campaign taught me.
Build a network
My first campaign taught me to prioritize forming connections and building a valuable network. Half the work you’ll need to do as a PR and Comms professional will require people- vendors, colleagues, media contacts and others. Building a network you can rely on will help you out of distress.
Ask questions
From receiving a brief to executing tasks, ask questions. Asking for clarification or more details when assigned is always a good idea. I made the mistake of trying to figure things out on my own, yet I ended up wasting time and resources. Go a step further and create a personal checklist of questions to answer personally after tasks.
Be open
Like most firsts, your campaign may be less than perfect and found wanting in some areas. My first campaign taught me to take criticism constructively and brush off the hurt that came with it. If you commit to learning, your next campaign will be better and so will you.
Relationships are vital, and trust is crucial
I learned about stakeholder management before my first campaign but it was during the campaign I finally understood the power of relationships. As you build relationships with stakeholders, building trust is salient. Follow through with commitments, whether to a colleague or client.
Learn to adapt quickly
PR and Communication is a dynamic field so working with different stakeholders calls for adaptability. Plans may change suddenly and vendors may request extra time when you are on a tight schedule. In times like these, your ability to adapt and provide alternative solutions will help you stand out.
Finally, the lessons from my first PR campaign are lessons that have stayed with me. I am a better professional because of them. As I move from one campaign to the next and client to client, I make a point to celebrate my wins regardless of how small they seem.
Written by: Adetola Fajembola