Changing Your Scenery

It was Southern writer and humorist Lewis Grizzard who said, "If you ain't the lead dog, the scenery never changes."

PRSA-NCC, the nation's largest-and, we like to think, best-PRSA chapter with more than 1,300 members, can help you to develop the leadership skills that are needed to get to the front of the pack.

The chapter in 2010 will focus on helping professionals develop their leadership and management skills by enhancing the quality and variety of PRSA-NCC's professional development programs so they appeal to members at various career stages and in different employer settings. The chapter will provide numerous educational opportunities on state-of-the art developments in the PR field, with a sharp focus on giving members the management skills they need to get ahead. For example, this January 20 a "Management Skills for PR Professionals" workshop will be held that imparts attendees with the management and budgeting skills they need to become better strategic managers and decision makers.

But the best way to enhance leadership skills is by getting involved with the chapter. By working alongside PR colleagues-many of whom are the most accomplished practitioners in the nation-members can round out their skill set. By getting involved with the chapter, members enhance their ability to manage people, develop and monitor budgets, and plan and execute events. Along the way, members enhance their network of Washington-area PR contacts.

The best way to get involved is to attend the chapter's annual Leadership Rally, a free networking reception where volunteers are encouraged to sign up for committee participation. It will be held January 28, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., at the National Education Association (NEA) Building. The event is free but registration is required.

And speaking of leadership, PRSA-NCC will be showcased as a national leader in PR when it hosts the 2010 PRSA International Conference. The eyes of the PR world will be on Washington, DC, this October 16-19, so there's no better time to get involved in the chapter!

As the incoming president of the chapter, I am truly honored to lead (there's that word again) a board of directors and approximately 30 committees comprised of some of the Washington-area's top PR professionals. Together, we will change the scenery for all public relations practitioners in the Washington area.

Sincerely,

Jeff Ghannam
2010 PRSA-NCC President

January is IPRA Membership Month

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Jessica DiRocco
Communications Program Assistant
U.S. Agency for International Development

1)    Why did you join PRSA? 
I was a member of PRSSA in college, and really enjoyed being able to meet and connect with others majoring in public communications. Now in the professional world, I hope to form relationships with other PR professionals and learn more about the ins and outs of the PR field.

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

3)    What skills are required to do your job? 
Patience…to be able to deal with the bureaucracy of the government.

4)    What's your greatest career achievement? 
Being lucky enough to get a job at USAID right out of college. 

5)    Where would you like to see yourself in five years? 
Happy in whatever position I am in at the time.

6)    How do you begin each day? 
By hitting the snooze button two to three times.

7)    What's your dream job?
I've always enjoyed travel and writing, so anything that combines those two would be ideal. But ask me again in March once I've finished the travel writing course I am taking at USDA Graduate School.

8)    Who's your role model, and why do you admire him/her? 
My mother, she's working mom who raised 4 kids on her own, and she is the strongest person I know. If I can be half the woman she is, then I will consider myself lucky. Cheesy and cliché, I know, but it's true.

9)    What's the last book you read or movie you saw?
I spent the Christmas holiday reading She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb.

10)    Tips for maintaining the elusive work/life balance? 
Don't take work home with you, leave as much of it as you can at the office.Increase local networking opportunities and business development. 

Have you or someone you know joined the Chapter within the last six months?  If so, would you like to be in our spotlight?  Just contact newsletter@prsa-ncc.org for a copy of the questionnaire. To view past new Member Spotlights, visit the membership section of the Web site.

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(Q) I'm seeking a public relations position in the D.C. area, but I hear that the only jobs out there are with federal agencies.  However, I'm not interested in a federal job, so what do you suggest?-JH, Washington, DC

(A) It's true that because of increases in federal budgets, jobs in the public sector are more plentiful than in the private sector,  Over the past year, however, I've noted literally HUNDREDS of announced PR/communications positions.  My first suggestion is to go to the PRSA-NCC Online Job Resources page and sign up for every job search agent you can find.  That way, you will be notified whenever a position that fits your criteria is posted. 

But the key to all job searching is networking, networking, networking.  My suggested formula is to come up with a list of organizations you would like to work for.  First check their Web sites to see if they have any openings.  If not, identify the head of their PR or communications department.  Call ten of those people on the first day, send your resume and ask them if they have a job opening.  If not, ask if they know someone at another organization who might know of a job opening.  Then call each of them, say so-and-so suggested you call them (to get your foot in the door), and ask each the same question.  (Offer to send your resume in case they hear about something that might suit you.)  Then call the next ten, and so on.  Within five days you will have made 50 contacts.  In a month, more like 200. 

Good luck, and best wishes for a happy and prosperous new year! 

Regards,
Fred

Fred Whiting, APR, recently completed teaching a course in public communication writing at American University, and this semester he will teach a similar course at Hood College in Frederick, MD.

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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