Book Sneak Peek: Getting Started in Public Relations
Smart Talk Book Melissa Vela-Williamson Smart Talk Book Melissa Vela-Williamson

Book Sneak Peek: Getting Started in Public Relations

In Chapter 1, “What PR Really Is,” I share tips and advice on getting started in public relations. Why? Because colleges may teach how the field works, but they can’t always teach how to work in the field! The hardest part can be getting started – getting that first break. Read this excerpt with tips on landing your first shot below.

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What I’ve Learned as a PR Apprentice
Advice, Public Relations Alexandra Berg Advice, Public Relations Alexandra Berg

What I’ve Learned as a PR Apprentice

I had no idea what to expect or what a virtual apprenticeship would even look like, but throughout the past eight months, I have gained real-world PR experience, expanded upon my undergraduate skills, and formed so many new skills. I have learned more in this position than I could even put onto paper, but here are some of the most important and career-altering tips I learned as a PR apprentice.

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A Starter Guide to Clubhouse
Getting Ahead, Business Tips, Digital Marketing, Advice Melissa Vela-Williamson Getting Ahead, Business Tips, Digital Marketing, Advice Melissa Vela-Williamson

A Starter Guide to Clubhouse

Have you heard about Clubhouse? I’ve been on the app for less than two weeks and I really enjoy the experience so far. Think of it as stepping into an audio-only conference with workshops to pick from.

It is defined as “casual drop-in audio conversations with friends and other interesting people around the world.” Here are some tips I noted in my short time on Clubhouse to make you or your clients look “experienced.”

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Prepare for Zoom Media Interviews or Presentations

Prepare for Zoom Media Interviews or Presentations

At this point in 2020, each member of my household now has a dedicated Zoom account. Zoom/video call mishaps are still an everyday occurrence. Some professionals have been embarrassed or even fired for something seen while using Zoom. While media training has fundamentals, there are some nuances that should be accounted for when patching into a television studio virtually. As a PR professional, I see a need to share these insights with businesses and organizations facing media interviews over virtual platforms like Zoom.

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Four Ways to Maximize Your Time Post-Graduation

Four Ways to Maximize Your Time Post-Graduation

The quest for meaningful employment can seem daunting, but these challenges should be used to strengthen our mindset and continue pushing towards our dreams. Instead of pulling the “I graduated into a pandemic and now I can’t get a job,” excuse card, ask yourself what you could be doing to make yourself more marketable to future employers. More importantly, what could you do that would positively impact your mindset and resume?

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How Livestreaming Can Help During COVID-19
Business Communication, Digital Marketing, Business Tips Melissa Vela-Williamson Business Communication, Digital Marketing, Business Tips Melissa Vela-Williamson

How Livestreaming Can Help During COVID-19

Stay-at-home measures caused by COVID-19 in the United States are leading to an increase in the popularity of livestreaming content for consumers and creators. Livestreaming is a powerful tool that allows for direct communication in real-time, giving users a much needed sense of connection. In this blog, I share how to’s for individuals, professionals, and/or organizations who want to use livestreaming to adjust to life in this “new normal.”

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