It’s the time of year to be thankful. Everyone’s posting their “30 Days of Thankfulness” statuses on Facebook and people are getting ready to feast around the table with loved ones. In the spirit of the season, here are four PR-related items for which I’m thankful.
- Media databases – At Buchanan PR (and most reputable agencies) we don’t use our media database to create giant lists of reporters that we blindly pitch. But the media database does make it easier to find the details we need about a specific reporter or outlet: What’s that business editor’s email? Is that small, local paper still in circulation (sad, but true)? It just gives us back a few minutes, so we can do the important research to get the pitch right.
- Great reporters – It’s no secret that reporters and PR people have a love-hate relationship. It’s also no secret that there are some not-so-great representatives on both sides. PR people love to complain about reporters who don’t respond or are rude to us, but you know what we love to do even more? Put great reporters on a pedestal! We love reporters who regularly cover our clients or ask us for information (obviously), but we also love those who take the time out of their insanely busy days to let us know that a story isn’t going to work for them at that moment. That quick email to acknowledge that we put the time and effort into a good pitch really makes us value that relationship.
- Fabulous coworkers – We’ve got stressful jobs (don’t believe me? Check out the rankings!), and sometimes coming out from under the covers in the morning is the hardest thing we’ll do all day. But, it’s much easier when you know you’ll be with a great group of people who can guide you, give you a hand, pat you on the back, or even laugh with you when you do something stupid.
- Amazing clients – We don’t like to brag (okay, yes we do), but we have some of the best clients at Buchanan PR. Not only do they have great stories to tell, but they’re respectful of our time, they value our thoughts and they help us do our jobs better. And that makes all the difference.
As a PR professional, what are the things that you’re most thankful for this season?
Happy Thanksgiving!