To celebrate President’s Day, it would only be appropriate to share some wisdom from a man who has been inspiring communicators for two centuries—our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln.

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the ax.” 

The key to success is preparation. You won’t get very far with a dull ax and the same goes with a poor communications plan.

“Reputation is like fine china: Once broken it’s very hard to repair.” 

PR people are not kidding when they advise clients to create a crisis plan. Because as all PR pros know, something will always go wrong.

“Half-finished work generally proves to be labor lost.” 

Don’t give up on a project just because you are frustrated with it. Seek help from others, because discarding the project, as Lincoln says, is labor lost.

“Commitment is what transforms a promise into reality.”

Expecting success the first time around with little effort is setting yourself up for disappointment. Hard work and dedication are the key ingredients for success. 

This article originally appeared on PR Daily and can be viewed here.

Before we get too deep into 2013, we thought it would be a good idea to reflect on some PR lessons from the past year.

The PR News blog compiled its own “lessons learned” list, drawn from some very public PR dust-ups. 

Lesson 1: Learn from others’ mistakes.

Starbucks U.K. could have avoided their hashtag campaign disaster if they would have contacted McDonalds. The hashtag campaign asked customers to #spreadthecheer and the public responded with tweets criticizing Starbucks. McDonalds suffered a similar fate with its #McDStories campaign. 

Lesson 2: Trust your fan base. 

After his new Times Square restaurant was skewered by The New York Times, Guy Fieri went on the offensive. Fieri could afford to do so because he has nearly 800,000 Twitter followers and his show “Diners, Drive -Ins and Dives” is one of the Food Network’s most popular shows. 

Lesson 3: A little “cheeky” humor goes a long way.

Prince Harry used a bit of humor after revealing photos of him in Las Vegas were leaked online. His smooth response when confront by a 6-year-old boy landed him a PR job well done. 

Lesson 4: Any publicity is good publicity.

When Donald Trump told his 1.7 million Twitter followers he had an announcement to make about President Obama, the media and public took notice. The announcement turned out to be a dud, but for Trump, it accomplished his goal of landing back in the spotlight. 

Lesson 5: Never make the coverup as bad as the crime. 

When Melky Cabrera was suspended by the San Francisco Giants for testing positive for a performance enhancing drug, word got out that he planned to create a fake Web site highlighting a product that doesn’t exist as the reason for his positive test. Cabrera overcame the positive test and signed a $16 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays for 2013. 

This article is a reprint of an original article posted by PR News Online on Dec. 19, 2012. The original article can be viewed here. 

Social media is key in public relations. PR Daily provides four quick tips to enhance your use of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and more.

1. Put social media handles in email signatures

2. Perform a quick survey of your audience (think Facebook polls)

3. Tell journalists where to find your client on social media.

4. Touch up social media profiles.

To read the complete article, click here.

The new James Bond flick took in over 88 million dollars during its opening weekend in theaters. PR Daily shared some important public relations tips inspired by James Bond, himself.

1. Nail your elevator pitch, every time. 007 simply says, “Bond, James Bond.”

2. Always have the best gadgets. No, you may not have Bond’s awesome tools, but you can use your smartphone, iPad and laptop to make great progress on work! 

3. Don’t rely too heavily on those gadgets. While the tools come in handy for 007, he still has to use his people skills. Don’t forget the importance of building real-life relationships. 

4. The clothes make the man (or woman). Always dress the part of a public relations professional. 

5. Socialize. Networking is key whether you are an agent or a PR pro.

(Source: PR Daily)

Instagram seems to be one of the coolest forms of social media these days. Check out these tips from Publicity Hound, and then test your photographer skills!

Seven Ways Publicity Hounds Can Use Instagram:

1. In your Facebook timeline photo.
    
2. Replace a boring photo of something like an awards presentation with an eye-catching image. Jen DeAngelis of InkHouse Media + Marketing suggests a photo of a hand gripping the trophy or someone nailing a certificate to a wall.
    
3. To accompany a press release about a new product or service. Link to the images.
    
4. Nonprofits, use it to feature your volunteers. Or take photos of cool products that will be up for grabs at your silent auction.
    
5. Use it when announcing a contest.
    
6. Offer a behind-the-scenes look at your company.
    
7. Take photos to build excitement and boost attendance for a special event.

I know you can think of more.

Reprinted from “The Publicity Hound’s Tips of the Week,” an ezine featuring tips, tricks and tools for generating free publicity. Subscribe at www.publicityhound.com/ and receive by email the handy cheat sheet “89 Reasons to Send a Press Release.”

Tips: How to Become an Exception Writer (from copyblogger.com)

1. Strategy - Understand the who, what and where of writing.  

2. Technique - Exceptional writing requires practice.

3. Knowledge - Use your experiences and your intelligence when writing.

4. Flair - Make your writing unique.

Check out the complete article here. It starts out with an excellent reference to Jack White from The White Stripes.

- Courtney Meeks

Graduate Assistant

University of Memphis Online PR Degree Program

Twitter: @courtneymeeks

As a 20-something in the public relations industry, I understand the importance of a professional style. Young professionals want to dress the part, but they also want to reflect their own personal style. 

HelloGiggles (a popular blogging site created by Zooey Deschanel and two of her close friends) posted a wardrobe cheat sheet that may help you get the job you want.

1. Stick to the classics (business attire)

2. Mix and match (buy separates that can be paired with items on the professional side of your closet)

3. Check the outlets (or consignment shops)

4. Follow care instructions (find that tiny tag on your clothes and obey it)

5. Find a good tailor (many stores will alter items for you)

Yes, this post may be for the MemphisOnlinePR girls, but guys can apply these simple rules to their wardrobe, too.

Happy Styling,

Courtney Meeks

Graduate Assistant

The University of Memphis Online PR Degree Program

@courtneymeeks

(original list compiled by Mary Dacuma for HelloGiggles)

There’s more to college than textbooks and highlighters. Make the most out of your time as a public relations student by doing a little bit extra. Check out this list from Ragan Communications.

1. Work part time. Prof. D’s graduate assistant says volunteering is great, too.

2. Attend (at least) one networking event per month. Check out local PRSA and PRSSA chapters, young professional events and tech meet-ups.

3. Make time for fun. Treat yourself to one of your favorite things (a dinner, movie, pedicure, camping weekend, etc.)

4. Find a mentor. Your professors are always there to help, but finding a mentor in the public relations industry is one of the best things a PR student can do.

5. Go to an industry conference. PRSSA holds a national conference annually. Your local public relations chapters may have smaller conferences, as well.

6. Do something on your bucket list. A bucket list is a must. We all have a list of things we’ve always wanted to do (so start now)!

7. Become a student of your industry. Research local public relations agencies, follow industry-related blogs and make it a point to tweet about PR once a week (or more).

8. Build a portfolio. It’s ok to show off your hard work. Many young professionals develop online portfolios of their work (check out Wordpress, Tumblr and Posterous).

Have a great semester everyone!

Courtney M.

Graduate Assistant

University of Memphis Online PR Degree Program

@courtneymeeks