Networking and More in August

The months have gone by so quickly - August seems to be a reincarnation of July! But before the summer is over, we wanted to respond to Member requests for a "free" chapter event. So, come mingle with your fellow PR professionals on Thursday, Aug. 20, from 5:30- 8 p.m. for a FREE "Networking Night" at the Navy Memorial & Heritage Center.

PRSA-NCC wants to help our members who are job hunting during this difficult economy, so a sidebar to the event will include a panel of subject matter experts to talk about the local job market, including job hunting advice and tips. There will also be brief one-on-one resume critiques. I encourage you to come meet your PRSA-NCC board members and hear about other upcoming events.

After that, what better way to wrap up a great year than to "Celebrate the Value of PR" at our Thoth Awards Gala on Thursday, Sept. 24. The Gala will feature a new format this year with two afternoon workshops held before the event. One of the best reasons to attend is to recognize the outstanding Thoth award winners and celebrate with your fellow PR colleagues and friends!

Other items of note - PRSA-NCC is looking for members who will act as "NCC Membership Ambassadors" and provide chapter and membership information to event attendees. If you are interested, talking points and material will be provided and in return for your work, you attend the event free of charge. Contact Ufuoma Otu at uotu@macstrategies.com or 202-449-9804.

Planning to attend the PRSA International Conference in San Diego this year? I just registered and made my hotel and airline reservations - take advantage of the great rates now! Ticket prices are good and may not last. See you in San Diego!

As always, if you have any questions, contact me at barbara.burfeind@dma.mil or call me at 703-428-0712.

Sincerely,

Barbara Burfeind, APR
2009 PRSA-NCC President

PRSA-NCC Issues Call for 2010 Nominations

PRSA-NCC is seeking nominations for positions on the Board of Directors, Executive Officers, and Assembly Delegates. Elections will be held in October, with terms of office beginning January 1, 2010. This is a great opportunity to nominate yourself and/or other NCC members and become part of the leadership of PRSA's largest chapter.

Nominations are being solicited for the following leadership positions:
* President-Elect
* 3 Vice Presidents
* Treasurer
* Secretary
* 3 Directors for a two-year term
* 3 Directors for a one-year term
* 7 Delegates to attend PRSA's General Assembly (3-year terms)

All of the nomination documents and forms are available on the PRSA-NCC Web site or you may contact the NCC Office at (703) 691-8733 or sherricore@aol.com to request materials. The nomination package includes: (1) information outlining the nomination/election process, (2) job descriptions outlining duties and responsibilities of each elected position, and (3) a nomination form. Completed materials must be received by Rita Mhley, NCC Secretary, by Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2009.

If you have questions about the nomination/election process, please contact Rita at 301-840-1454 or rmassoc@aol.com.

Two Networking Events

Don't let the lazy, hazy days of August slow down your networking with PRSA-NCC! There are two upcoming events where you can mix and mingle and gain insight into trends in the world of public relations. The first is the PRONet Committee Happy Hour Event on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 5:30-8 p.m. at the Chi-Cha Lounge on U Street. $10 cash at the door gets you into a great event as well as one free drink and appetizers. This event,

The next networking event is FREE for PRSA members ($15 for non-members) on Thursday, Aug. 20, from 5:30- 8 p.m. at the U.S. Navy Memorial & Heritage Center. For more details and to RSVP, visit the PRSA-NCC Web site www.prsa-ncc.org.

SAVE THE DATE for the Thoth Awards Gala on Sept. 24

Back by Popular Demand: Interactive PR Writing Seminar Aug. 25

Writing well is one of the most important skills a public relations professional can have. And everyone, no matter what their skill level, will benefit from what last year was an extremely popular PR writing course. This year's event, presented by the PRSA-NCC Professional Development Committee, will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 25. Through presentation, exercises and discussion, attendees will learn tricks of the trade for generating more media coverage by learning writing tips from reporters, editors, program producers, and industry experts. Participants also will take away insights into "striking it rich" in writing for your target audiences in new media, including blogs and popular social media sites.

The class will be held from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Media and Public Affairs Building at The George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management conveniently located off of the orange/blue Metro lines at Foggy Bottom. The cost is $150 for PRSA/IABC members; $220 for non-members; and $75 for students and retirees. Registration, networking and a continental breakfast will begin at 8 a.m.

The class is expected to sell out fast, so register early by visiting the PRSA-NCC Web site.

PR Independents Put Social Media to Work

Independent PR practitioners are fearlessly - and successfully - navigating the social media landscape. We're tweeting, blogging, developing podcasts, and using Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube - both for our clients and for our own businesses.

In addition, according to a discussion during a July 23 IPRA program, "indies" are applying a wide array of social media apps, including Twirl, TweetDeck, Tinyurl, Bit.ly, Ping.fm and hashtags. IPRA and PRSA-NCC social media-focused programs have helped us navigate this new media frontier, and at our IPRA lunches, the group is learning from one another. For more information about IPRA and the recent July 23 lunch, read this contributed article by Mary-Jane Atwater.

Margaret DeGrandis
PR Specialist
Volkswagen of America

1) Why did you join PRSA?

PRSA membership was recommended in a book I was reading for young professionals. It emphasized professional involvement. I thought it would be a great way to gain insight into the PR realm and meet other PR professionals.

2) How long have you been in the PR field?

This past May marked my first year anniversary as a PR professional.

3) What skills are required to do your job?

Patience, organization, and problem solving are required.

4) What's your greatest career achievement?

Gaining my current position. Until last year, Volkswagen of America's headquarters was based in Auburn Hills, MI. The move to Herndon, VA changed the landscape of the company. As one of the youngest employees asked to relocate, I am excited to be a part of such an innovative brand at such an exciting point in its history.

5) Where would you like to see yourself in five years?

If I'd have known five years ago I'd work in Public Relations, relocate to Virginia from my home state of Michigan, fly over 120,000 miles in one year, host media in both Mexico and Germany, and start graduate school at Georgetown University, I might be able to tell you where I'd like to see myself in five years. For now, I'll stick with my plan of living each day to its fullest.

6) What's the last book you read or movie you saw?

I recently finished the sixth installment of Harry Potter, The Half-Blood Prince. It made a recent flight from California much more enjoyable.

7) Tips for maintaining the elusive work/life balance?

Prioritize and follow-up. Decide what is important and tackle the task. Don't wait until there is a fire, periodic updates keeps things moving and helps avoid confusion.

If you have joined the Chapter within the past six months and would like to receive a questionnaire, please contact newsletter@prsa-ncc.org. To view past new Member Spotlights, visit the membership section of the Web site.

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I am a student majoring in communication, and I'm looking for a company or organization where I might be able to get some experience before graduation. What are your suggestions?-PF, College Park, MD

Dear PF: Congratulations! You are about to take a major step toward starting a career in an exciting field by learning about the realities of your chosen profession.

An internship is the best way to get experience in public relations or communications that you can use to get your first paying job. I suggest that you start by looking for an internship with an organization that is in a field that interests you. You should also look for posted announcements of internship positions. For example, visit the PRSA-NCC Jobline regularly.

Whether you are responding to a posted announcement or contacting the organization for a possible internship, keep in mind that you are essentially applying for a job (which may or not pay a stipend). That means your cover letter and resume should be as professional as you can make it. It should be written in a businesslike style and must demonstrate why you are uniquely qualified for the position. Do your homework-learn as much as you can about the organization and the economic sector it is in. Know who their competition is and what issues or challenges they face. Demonstrate that you are not only willing but also eager to be of service. Offer suggestions or examples of how you can be useful.

When you are invited in for an interview, the same rule applies. Dress in a businesslike fashion. Be friendly, but professional. Focus on your qualifications for the position and how you can be helpful to the organization. Interns are frequently given assignments that can make a meaningful contribution to a public relations project or program. As an intern, you should be doing meaningful work, not typing and filing. Indicate what your talents and interests are and pursue them with enthusiasm.

Finally, when your internship is completed, be sure to ask the contacts you have made if they will serve as references for your future job application. Treat your experience as an intern as you would a "real job" on your resume by explaining how you contributed to the success of the organization. Be sure to indicate your interest in working for the organization you are serving on a full-time basis after graduation. Many employees started as interns because they understand the business and don't need additional training.

Good luck with your first internship. I hope it will be the first step in what is a long and successful career.

Regards,
Fred Whiting, APR

Do you have a question concerning the practice of public relations that would be of interest to others? Ask a PRofessional! Visit our Ask a PRofessional page to pose your question and receive a personal reply. Your question and the answer may appear in a future issue of the PRSA-NCC Chapter newsletter.

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