And, by that I mean… if you only study traditional p.r., then that is the only discipline you will know. If you only study advertising, then that is the only discipline you will know. This is fresh on my mind because I just taught my first of many pr/marcom (marketing communications) workshops via The Whole 9. I’ve conducted PR 101 classes before for companies I have worked with, but never for the general public. I found it to be fun, interesting, but more so- that I was so passionate in wanting to help others, and had so much information that I wanted to share. Who knew that four hours was barely enough time?
Going back to my original thought above: Times are a changing people. That means that you have to change with it, or get stuck way in back of the line. I know, I know. Many of you will be fighting change and will be going down kicking and screaming, but if you are open to change, you will be surprised as to just how much more marketing you can do for your business, for yourself, etc. For some folks that I know who have only spent their careers building it in PR, they are now finding themselves being laid off, or worse, out of work. How could this happen? Well, easy. They were so busy doing what they were doing that they didn’t stop to look to diversify… themselves.
How to diversity in times like today? Well, its a good idea to take a class in another related marketing disciplines such as promotion, publicity, advertising, on-line marketing, etc. For example, take up photography so that you can shoot your own images if you are a jewelry designer, or read-up on new advertising trends so that you can better understand media buying in the case you wish to expand and run an ad on your upcoming art show. Start taking the time to stop by the book store and make note of all the publications you wish your business was featured in, and begin the task of building your own personal media list. The point is to not get so set in your ways of how you market yourself, and to be open to other ways of getting the word out- getting YOUR word out.
If you’re interested and would like to learn more, please sign up for the next “The PRsenal, Get The Word Out” on May 9th at The Whole 9 Gallery. It covers the basics and can get you to a better understanding of how to look at marketing yourself, your art, your business in a way that you never thought before. I look forward to seeing you soon!
