Earlier this year,
Faith Senam Ocloo
contacted me with different PR topics from which I was to choose and speak on for the
Women in PR Ghana
Twitter Space conversation. I remember telling her, I will be fine with any topic she assigns to me. She came back and asked, "Would you want to handle something around specializing in the financial sector?" That moment was an eureka moment for me. I realized I had built something over the last 10 years that was worth sharing and paying attention to.
Through your education and training, you are armed with the "Science" of communication which is derived from all the theoretical underpinnings of the profession; the theories and models that help you make meaning of, explain and predict communication processes such as information processing, social influence, cognitive biases, cultural nuances, the ability to know what to say to which people and at what time among others. The "Act" of communication, on the other hand, is your ability to effectively exchange meaning.
With successful mastery of both the "Science and Act of Communication" , PR professionals can excel in any sector they choose to operate in. The key to success, however, is carving out a niche for yourself. You need to stand out from the crowd to thrive in this dynamic industry.
In this article, I explore some practical steps that can help you define and own your space as you prepare for professional excellence.
- Identify your area of Interest: While it is important to pay attention to the many functions and sectors that your skills might be useful, identify and define your area (s) of specialization and interest. Public Relations practice is like a tree with several branches. That means you can take any of the PR functions and cone your skills there or you can identify a sector and carve a niche there. One person who has done this so beautifully is the founder of Women in PR.
Faith Senam Ocloo
has captured the Fashion PR space and is helping brands tell beautiful stories with various PR tools. Focusing on a particular niche allows you to develop deep expertise and become a go-to professional in that specific area.
- Continuous Professional Development: PR is an ever-evolving field, and staying updated with the latest industry trends, tools, and techniques is crucial. You need to take advantage of professional development opportunities such as workshops, conferences and summits like the just-ended Women in PR summit. Attend webinars, read industry publications, follow thought leaders on social media, and join relevant PR associations like the
Institute of Public Relations (IPR), Ghana
,
CIPR Qualifications
,
Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)
, and
The Comms Avenue
to stay abreast with emerging trends. By continuously expanding your knowledge, you position yourself as a knowledgeable and credible PR expert.
- Build a personal brand: At the just-ended Women in PR summit, most of the speakers:
Ivy Heward-Mills APR, MCIPR, MBA
,
Adedoyin Jaiyesimi
,
Oluwasola Obagbemi
,
Gifty Bingley
all emphasized the need to build your brand. If you can’t build and tell your own brand story, why will any company trust you with their brand? Crafting a strong personal brand will help you stand out in this industry. You have to define your unique value proposition and communicate it consistently across various platforms (online and offline). Let people know what you are made of and the value you bring to the table. Don’t just focus on putting other brands out there, make room for your brand. If you need to do this by sharing valuable insights, thought leadership articles, volunteering, or even taking advantage of opportunities that showcase your expertise and help you build credibility, DO IT.
- Develop relationships: The Business of Public Relations is essentially building and nurturing relationships for the brands we manage. You need to build relationships with the right people. Network with industry professionals, journalists, influencers, potential clients etc. Attend industry events, participate in professional communities, and engage in meaningful conversations. By cultivating strong relationships, you gain access to valuable opportunities, collaborations, and referrals that can help you carve a niche for yourself. I recently landed a hosting gig because
Joyce M. Sackitey-Ahiadorme APR
recommended me to
Faith Senam Ocloo
- Be a problem-solver: Successful PR practitioners are known for their ability to proactively solve problems and provide innovative solutions. Develop a reputation for being a strategic thinker who can navigate complex PR challenges. Cultivate strong analytical and critical thinking skills, and be proactive in identifying potential issues before they arise. By demonstrating your problem-solving abilities, you position yourself as an invaluable asset.
- Show Results: For people to truly appreciate what you bring to the table professionally, you need to show tangible results. Don't be ashamed to share your wins. Keep track of your achievements and measurable outcomes from your PR campaigns. Let people know how your strategies and tactics have positively impacted an organization's reputation, brand visibility, CSR or crisis management efforts. Sharing your success stories will help you showcase your expertise for immediate or future opportunities.
- Never stop learning: As John F. Kennedy puts it "The day we stop learning is the day we cease to truly live.” As mentioned earlier the PR landscape is very dynamic. For you to stay ahead of the curve, you need to embrace a lifelong learning mindset. Take advantage of every opportunity to acquire new skills, stay updated with emerging technologies and be open-minded enough to adapt.
Essentially, you have to work hard to carve a niche for yourself as a PR practitioner. In honor of world PR day, let's take time to reflect and explore ways to make the needed changes. Remember, success in any industry is built on expertise, credibility, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Happy World PR Day!
Dear Reader, thanks for your time. I would love to read your comments and feedback. You may add to the suggestions above. I have intentionally tagged all the names and associations because I want you to check them out.
Eunice Asantewaa Ankomah, MCIPR, CDFP, Certified IIPS,
Media and Communications Officer
7moInsightful, thanks for sharing Eunice Asantewaa Ankomah, MCIPR, CDFP
Technical Manager at Liezer-Legacy Productions
1yGlad to see you soaring, go higher!
We love our girls because we get goals
Fashion PR I Beauty PR I Lifestyle PR | Women in PR
1yProud to see! Cheers to seeing you take on the world with your niche.
Communications || Social Media Marketing || Content Marketing || Social Media Manager|| Advertising
1yVery insightful. Thank you for this initiative EUNICE ASANTEWAA ANKOMAH, MCIPR, CDFP