Tell Your Own Story

As public relations professionals, it is our responsibility to communicate the story of our business to the public… But what about our own story?

Public relations is… [insert textbook definition here].  BUT what I think it really is about is understanding your stakeholders, how they perceive your organization, and how you can appeal to their interests through various communications outlets.   The same is true in any facet of our lives.

Let’s say you have a crush on someone. Aren’t you going to go out of your way to relate to them? Yes, of course you are. You will probably dress differently, wear your hair a certain way, and listen to certain music in order to appeal to their interests and style. That’s human nature. We want others to like us.

What would be more powerful, though, would be to shamelessly BE YOURSELF.  Tell your own story.

There is only one person in this world that can tell your story: you.  There is something in all of us that makes us unique. What makes YOU get up in the morning? This is important. And the way you share this story is what makes you distinct from everyone else. Being able to effectively communicate who you are. If you can do it about the organization you represent, you need to be able to do it about yourself.

Consider this during your job hunt.

As young professionals, we are obsessed with landing that first job.  It is absolutely the bane of our existence during senior year of undergraduate school.  Your business friends who have jobs since November? You’ve stopped speaking to them, because just the thought of their signing bonuses puts you into panic attack mode.

What I think would be really empowering for people in this position, would be to start thinking about what makes you a stand-out. What are you passionate about? What can you bring to the table that no one else can?

If you can tell this story, then you will answer the big questions your future employers are really wondering: do you fit into the company culture? What is your leadership style? What motivates you?

This may even veer you in a new career direction. Scary? Yes. Empowering? Inspiring? Meaningful? YES, YES, YES.

No one should waste their time doing something that doesn’t set their heart on fire. There are plenty of mundane things in this world. Don’t take the easy way out. Rather, find something that you are passionate about and pursue it with all your heart.

You dream job doesn’t exist in this context? Create it.

Why do you wake up in the morning?

Inspired by: What’s Your Story? The Answer May Land You a Job