Flexibility Tops My List of PR Skills

On more than one occasion over the past couple weeks I have been reminded of the importance of flexibility when it comes to developing and implementing client communications campaigns.

Everything from scheduling conflicts with the designated spokesperson, pushing a project back a few weeks or breaking news that diverts the reporter somewhere else, having the ability to think on your feet, adapt and move forward is the difference between a good PR practitioner and a great PR practitioner.

All in a day’s work, but that doesn’t mean that these unplanned challenges don’t create a little stress along the way.

A survey a couple years ago found that “pr executive” was in the top 10 most stressful jobs, coming right behind broadcaster, event coordinator and newspaper reporter.  Funny how those four jobs can be so interconnected.

My advice?  Take a deep breath, know that no matter how much you plan, update spreadsheets and develop project plans, there will always be things that are a bit out of your control.  But what you can control, is your reaction to them.