“If you’re going to be a part of a profession, you’ve got to be in it to win,” says one former attendee of the PRSA International Conference.

The 2011 International Conference in Orlando, Fla., will provide public relations practitioners with the opportunity to exchange information with other professionals and learn new strategies. Professionals will leave feeling invigorated about the industry and even walk away with fresh, new ideas that can be implemented right away. There’s no other opportunity that will advance your career and the profession like this than at the International Conference.

Continue reading " Why You Need to Be at Orlando This Year "

Having recently graduated from Northeastern University, I was excited when I was asked to attend the 2011 International Conference in Orlando, Fla. I have done internships in the past and gone to a few client events, but the idea of working at a PRSA event with hundreds of PR pros is exciting. I feel lucky to have the opportunity to network with top professionals from all over the world at the opening night party and even luckier to get to hear keynoters and sessions presenters speak.

Continue reading " First Conference Reflections "

The PRSA Orlando Regional Chapter welcomes public relations professionals near and far to the PRSA 2011 International Conference in sunny Orlando, Fla.

The 2011 International Conference is jam packed with sessions to educate professionals on our ever-changing industry. But, that’s not all. Practitioners will have the chance to network and collaborate with some of the top minds in public relations from all over the world — and, what better place to do it than in Orlando. We’re sure you’ll leave inspired to take public relations to the next level.

We’re excited to be your host for this year’s Conference, and look forward to seeing you there!

Continue reading " Welcome From the PRSA Orlando Chapter! "

A- Action, Attitude.
B- Belong to Industry Groups.
C- Call your Contacts; Connect.
D- Deliver what you say.
E- Empathy and Eye Contact.
F- Friendly Approach.
G- Set Goals – “Go for it”, Gratitude, Give.
H- Humor and Help Go Hand in Hand.
I- Be Interested and Have Integrity.
J- Join and Get Involved.
K- Keep in Touch and Be Kind.
L- Listen, Learn.
M- Motivate Yourself.
N- Niceness Pays.
O- Ask Open-ended Questions; Opportunity.
P- Practice — Be Professional.
Q- Set a Quota.
R- Be a Resource and Do Your Research.
S- Strategy and :-) Smile.
T- Timing Is Everything – Trust Is Key.
U- Understand Others.
V- Be Versatile.
W- Write Letters.
X- Do It With Love XoXo; at Least “Like.”
Y- Focus on “YOU” the Other Person.
Z- Zoar With the Possibilities of New and Nurtured Connections.

Continue reading " ABCs of Networking "

Networking is an important business tool, resulting in new business, jobs and internal connections and alliances. The idea that networking is for people with outgoing personalities is really false, because introverts have strengths that they can use with strategies that blend well with their personalities.

There are different ways to network — one size does not fit all; and it involves more than just talking to a bunch of people at a function and collecting cards.

It is sometimes strategic and structured at the event. Often it is serendipitous in that we meet and connect in all areas of our life throughout the day and just don’t call it ‘networking.’

Characteristics of Introverts and Extroverts:

Introverts                                                                                             Extroverts 
Recharged by being alone                                                               Energized by contact with others
Prefer listening                                                                                   Talkative
Thoughtful and reflective                                                                  Action oriented
Focused                                                                                               Multi-taskers
May be mistaken as aloof                                                                 Seen as friendly and outgoing
Speaking means they are ready to act                                           Want to speak anytime
Need time and space for themselves                                             Like to surround themselves with others
Keep thoughts to themselves                                                          Talking is “thinking out loud”
React internally                                                                                   React externally

Thoughtful Listeners

Listening carefully to others is a skill that comes easy to introverts, who naturally absorb and use what they hear. Introverts generally spend more time listening and less time talking. This rare trait makes them particularly liked and respected by those who come in contact with them.

Continue reading " You Are An Introvert — and Still Need to Network — Here Is a Simple Plan "