11 Key Advice for My Younger Self Starting in PR
PR Thrive
11 Key Advice for My Younger Self Starting in PR
Ever wondered what seasoned PR professionals wish they had known when they first started? In this article, insights from a Founder and a CEO shed light on invaluable lessons learned along the way. From the importance of building genuine relationships to being fearless in seeking mentorship, these experts share a total of eleven pieces of advice. The final insight emphasizes the importance of enjoying the job, rounding out a comprehensive guide for any aspiring PR professional.
- Focus on Building Genuine Relationships
- Ask for Help
- Prioritize Trust and Collaboration
- Embrace Relationship Building
- Trust the Process and Pivot
- Consistent Relationship-Building Outshines Press Hits
- Be Fearless in Seeking Mentorship
- Listen to Your Clients
- Read News and Build Relationships
- Embrace the Power of Narrative
- Enjoy the Job
Focus on Building Genuine Relationships
If I could give one piece of advice to my younger self starting out in PR, it would be to focus on building genuine, long-term relationships rather than chasing quick wins. When I first entered the world of business, I thought success in PR was about crafting the perfect pitch or landing a feature in a big publication. While those are important, I've learned that the real power lies in creating authentic connections with journalists, influencers, and stakeholders who understand your story and want to support it over time. For example, early in my career, I worked tirelessly to get my telecommunications business recognized. Instead of sending generic press releases, I reached out to editors at AT&T with a tailored story about how our services were addressing gaps in regional America. That personal approach led to my first major feature and set the foundation for future opportunities with Forbes and CNN. My years of experience as a business coach have reinforced the value of consistency and personalization in PR. One of my clients, a struggling retail brand in the UAE, wasn't getting traction despite spending heavily on advertising. We revamped their PR strategy by identifying key media partners and fostering direct relationships with reporters in their niche. The result was an organic increase in coverage and credibility that outperformed any paid campaign. Looking back, I wish I had understood earlier that PR isn't just about visibility; it's about trust and longevity. That understanding has turned many of my ventures and those of my clients into sustained successes.
Ask for Help
If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be this: Don't be afraid to ask for help. Early in my PR career, I was given a lot of responsibility and felt like I had to project confidence and act as if I had all the answers. I thought asking for help might be seen as a weakness, especially among clients.
What I've learned since is that the smartest people ask for help-and the best results often come from collaboration. Whether it's seeking advice from a mentor, brainstorming with colleagues, or simply admitting when you're unsure, leaning on others doesn't diminish your value; it enhances it. If I'd known that sooner, I could have saved myself a lot of unnecessary stress-and probably delivered even better work.
Prioritize Trust and Collaboration
I would tell my younger self in PR to focus on building genuine relationships over chasing quick wins. Early on, I wish I had known that the strongest campaigns often stem from trust and collaboration with journalists, influencers, and clients. It's not just about pitching a great story—it's about understanding what your audience truly needs and delivering value consistently. I'd also remind myself that patience pays off; building a reputation takes time, but the long-term connections and credibility you gain are worth every effort. Always prioritize authenticity and strategic thinking over rushing for results.
Embrace Relationship Building
One piece of advice I would give my younger self, starting in PR, is to embrace the power of relationships early on. At the time, I focused heavily on the tactical aspects of PR—writing press releases, pitching journalists, and securing coverage. While these are important, I wish I had understood sooner that building long-term relationships with media contacts, influencers, and clients truly drives success in PR.
If I had known how critical networking and relationship-building were to my career, I would have invested more time in genuinely connecting with people in the industry rather than just focusing on the immediate outcomes. Over time, I learned that success in PR is often about trust and mutual respect. Now, my approach centers around building those connections and providing ongoing value to partners, which has helped expand my network and improved the quality of my work and the results I deliver for clients.
Trust the Process and Pivot
One piece of advice I would give my younger self starting out in PR is to embrace the power of the pivot and trust the process. At the beginning of my career journey, I wanted my process to be systematic, like a math equation. I felt the pressure to have everything figured out-the perfect pitch, the supreme career path, and the flawless campaign. PR is a science, but it's more like the study of the universe; there is always something new to learn, and the excitement of this continuous learning is what keeps the journey in PR so thrilling.
I wish I had known then that PR is as much about learning, evolving, and nurturing personal and professional relationships as it is about strong writing skills, strategy, and execution. The value of these relationships in PR cannot be overstated, and it's these connections that often pave the way for successful campaigns and projects.
Consistent Relationship-Building Outshines Press Hits
I'd tell my younger self that consistent relationship-building outshines any single big press hit. Early on, I focused too heavily on landing immediate media coverage, not realizing that long-term credibility comes from genuine, ongoing engagement. At Metana, I've learned that fostering trust with journalists, influencers, and community leaders opens the door to opportunities you couldn't plan for. By steadily providing value-like meaningful data, useful insights, or unique stories-you become a go-to resource instead of a transactional pitch. Ultimately, investing in authentic relationships creates more sustainable, high-impact results than chasing quick wins.
Be Fearless in Seeking Mentorship
I would tell my younger self to be fearless in asking questions and seeking mentorship because growth truly begins when you allow yourself to be vulnerable and open to learning. Early in my career, I felt the pressure to prove I had all the answers, but I've since realized that the most impactful leaders are those who are unafraid to say, 'I don't know-can you help me?' Seeking advice from seasoned professionals and surrounding yourself with a supportive network accelerates both personal and professional development. I also wish I had understood earlier the importance of balancing bold, creative ideas with data-driven strategies. Creativity fuels innovation in PR, but data provides the credibility and insights needed to ensure those ideas deliver measurable results. It's this intersection of art and science that ultimately drives impactful campaigns and brand longevity.
Listen to Your Clients
If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be to take the time to really listen to my clients—understand their vision, their goals, and their unique story. It's easy to get caught up in tactics and strategies, but at the heart of every successful PR campaign is a personal connection. Don't just work for them, work with them. Know where they want to go, and build that path together. The more you understand them as people, the more you can help them shine.
Read News and Build Relationships
Read the news and dedicate yourself to reading one piece of strong media on a daily basis. This will not only sharpen your understanding of media trends but also improve your ability to craft compelling stories and pitches. Additionally, build relationships early-networking is just as important as skill-building in PR. Understanding the value of meaningful connections with journalists, editors, and industry peers will set the foundation for long-term success. And remember, adaptability is key-PR is an ever-evolving field, so stay curious and open to learning new strategies and technologies.
Embrace the Power of Narrative
One piece of advice I'd give my younger self is to embrace the power of narrative.
While technical abilities and strategic thinking are vital, the ability to generate appealing narratives may truly set you apart in the world of PR. Storytelling helps you connect with your audience on an emotional level, making your messaging more memorable and persuasive.
I wish I had recognized earlier the importance of creating solid ties with journalists. A true connection with media professionals might open doors to substantial opportunities. By understanding their requirements and providing them with relevant information, you can become a trusted source.
If I could go back in time, I'd emphasize the significance of creating true connections with journalists. While press releases and media pitches are necessary tools, it's the human ties you establish that actually boost your PR efforts. By understanding their beats, deadlines, and preferences, you can position your stories in a way that resonates with their audience.
Additionally, I'd encourage myself to embrace the power of digital storytelling. In today's fast-paced digital landscape, visual storytelling and social media are effective tools for reaching your target audience. By blending intriguing storylines with engaging graphics, you can create content that catches attention and drives outcomes.
Finally, I'd underline the value of constant learning and adaptability. The PR market is continuously evolving, so staying updated on emerging trends and technologies is vital. By being adaptive and open to new ideas, you might position yourself as a valuable addition to your clients and your organization.
Enjoy the Job
I would tell myself not to take myself too seriously and enjoy the job. PR can be a stressful, fast-paced job at the best of times, and I think we forget to enjoy it as it can also be a fun job too.
