My PR Christmas Wish List
It’s about time we get into the holly jolly spirit around here - and what better way to do this than writing a Christmas wish list made up entirely of things to make our careers in PR much easier? Sit back, relax, and pour yourself that glass of hot chocolate. I don’t mean to come off as too arrogant, but these five wishes will have you leaving milk and cookies out on Christmas Eve and crafting conspiracy theories that Santa is real (sorry, kids).
Wish #1: For All My Best Ideas to Hit Me While I’m at My Desk
Why do all the best ideas have to come at the most inconvenient times? It’s embarrassing how often I have jumped out of the shower to write down an idea that is sure to make one of Adweek’s Ads of the Year lists. I am also at that stage of life where I’m beginning to sleep with a notepad on my bedside table just in case a legendary idea hits my brain at 2am. Writer's block is real, and it loves me the most from 9-5. Let’s fix that, Santa.
Wish #2: To Get Responses From Those Not Interested
This one goes out to influencers, journalists, clients, EVERYONE. I know you’re busy, but I would love to chat. You will not hurt my feelings if the answer is no. I just want to ensure we don’t miss out on the most groundbreaking collaboration. Plus, it saves both of us a headache sending/receiving follow-up emails. Those are almost always awkward.
Wish #3: Influencers to Put Their Email in Their Bio
The lengths I've gone through to hunt down influencers' contact information amazes me. I’m beginning to terrify myself with my stalking abilities. As fun as it can be to stalk every online presence of an influencer to find their email address, it is very inconvenient when you’re in a time crunch. Come on, don’t you want some free products? A shiny new promo code? Or free admission to an event? Display those emails proudly.
Wish #4: People to Understand What PR is And How Long it Really Takes
Yes, public relations and marketing differ. Here’s a straightforward article I have bookmarked and frequently share with people who ask. We even have a blog on this topic too (go ahead and give it a read next). Don’t get it twisted; many PR professionals conduct marketing work and vice versa, but they do differ.
Also, PR takes time. Another article I stumbled upon from Forbes sums it up perfectly: “PR is a marathon, not a sprint.” Not only does PR work take time to conduct, but it also takes time for results to show. For example, a big PR no-no is having a media list comprised of journalists with beats irrelevant to your pitch. Finding journalists and building authentic relationships with media outlets cannot be done in a short amount of time. Also, I’m sorry to break any hearts out there, but SEO will not work within a matter of days. This wish is for everyone to trust the PR process!
Wish #5: For All Interns to be Paid
This one is first in my heart but last for the sake of this blog - I always strive to have a dramatic ending. The PRSA Code of Ethics states PRSA is committed to ethical practices, yet why do we continue to see so many unpaid PR internships flood job feeds? Coming directly from a college student, I have absolutely no idea how I would be able to care for myself without a form of income. Being a student is a full-time job in itself. When internships are becoming required to graduate, picking up a part-time job for money is practically unrealistic. Especially when we are also faced with pressures to excel in our academia, form close relationships with peers (since we are taught connections are everything), join different clubs and take on leadership roles, attend networking events, but also take care of our mental and physical health.
Yes, we are college students, but we still have bills to pay for too - and pretty large ones if I might add. With rising numbers of poverty and students taking out loans they are struggling to pay off, we must remember to place our own privileges aside and note that not everyone has someone to take care of them. Unpaid internships are inequitable and go against the values PR practitioners are taught.
I’ll be getting through the rest of December with high hopes that these wishes come true for myself and every other PR student and professional out there. A Santa conspiracy theory blog is coming next.
Amberly is a Senior majoring in Advertising and Public Relations with a minor in Management. She is the President of GVPRSSA after previously serving as its VP of Chapter Development. Her other involvements include being an Account Associate for GrandPR, District Ambassador for PRSSA National, and member of WMPRSA’s DEIA Committee. She is currently a PR Intern at 8THIRTYFOUR Integrated Communications. In her free time, you can find Amberly out thrift shopping or caring for her small animals.