PRSA Lunch Meeting Re-cap

I attended the PRSA lunch today at Café 4 in downtown Knoxville. Shout out to Café 4 because they always serve delicious-ness (they have an amazing weekend brunch menu – just sayin’).

Today’s format was patterned after a “speed dating” event – where chapter members were able to meet and hear from guest speakers at individual tables. The goal of the meeting was to “reinvigorate your passion for the profession.” And it did just that.

At my table, I had the opportunity to chat with local seasoned PR professionals: Lisa Hood Skinner, Senior Vice President, Ackermann PR and Malinda Wood, Vice President of Marketing, UT Federal Credit Union.

Both women were very encouraging and offered good advice. I’d like to share a few of my take-aways:
1. Learn new things – whether it be through mentors, conferences, reading, networking. Be willing and take the time to learn about all things PR, marketing, and communications related.

2. Practice your writing – start a blog (like me!) or journal as a way to finesse your writing skills.

3. Let your personal network know your end result – where do you want to be in 5-10 years? Where do you see your career heading? If you have a vision for what you want, communicate it to the people around you in your networking circle. You never know where that may lead.

The PR practitioners in the room today have a wealth of experience and were kind enough to share a bit about their journey. Their passion for what they do was evident. Certainly folks I look up to and want to learn from!