DEAR PR Matters,
I have recently joined the communications group of a private company after two years of working in another field. With that, I must admit I am finding my way and seeking steps to improve my knowledge of the field and do well in my job.
My friends tell me that one of the best ways would be to find a mentor who will unselfishly help me during this time. Please advise the mentors I should reach out to and how I can do it.
Sincerely, Katherine M.
Dear Katherine,
Thank you for your letter, Katherine. Your writing to us is actually seeking mentorship, which is very admirable at a time when many are afraid to admit their need for someone to help them along the way.
This is very timely, as we recently came across this article by Amy Morin in Inc. Dot about 5 Mentors Every Successful Social Entrepreneur Needs. And her tips can certainly be applied to the PR field.
“The fastest way to become the best is to learn from the best,” Morin said. “But there’s more than one way to reach new levels of success. That’s why you need more than one mentor to help you along the way.”
In her article, Morin talks about meeting Nadine Dumas, a former accountant who became a swimsuit model and fitness expert. Her work involves providing online nutrition and training programs, who is passionate about helping others and expanding her programs all over the world.
Dumas has certainly gone a long way from her days as an accountant, and with her experiences, she said there are five types of mentors who could skyrocket your career.
Going over the list, please let me add that we need mentors at all times of our lives, no matter at which stage of our career we are in. After all, we never stop learning, and this is a good thing for all of us to keep in mind. Likewise, “connecting with the right people can help you gain the skills, confidence, and connections you need to excel.”
1. The established professional. “Look for someone in your career who is ahead of you, like a former boss who believed in you before you believed in yourself,” Morin said. This could also be your current boss who can have so much to share, and if you are in a PR field, even the seasoned editors, broadcast executives and social-media experts you will meet along the way.
Dumas added, “I find that an established colleague has a lot of compassion, because they have ‘been there and done that’ already and see themselves in you.”
Instead of just trying to change everything, seek a mentor who knows the job and “can guide you with their knowledge and teach you to avoid the same mistakes they did.”
2. The lateral colleague. “Find a colleague who is in the similar phase of growth. You can bounce ideas off one another,” Dumas said. Even in the most businesslike of work environments, it is good to have someone about your own age and in a similar level who can be with you as you grow professionally.
“When you trust and support one another, you can push through each other and question ideas while understanding what each other is going through.”
3. The outspoken individual. “Team up with someone who isn’t afraid to offer a pessimistic perspective,” Morin said. “This person can remind you of the challenges and worst-case scenarios you might be tempted to overlook when you’re really excited.”
Working in PR is certainly not a bed of roses. And whether you would like feedback on a program you feel very passionate about, the write-up you are making, how to handle a crisis, or how to deal with others in the organization and the media, you might also like to consult someone who may have a fresh and different point of view.
“They give blunt feedback,” Dumas said, and sometimes you may need to listen to those things you don’t always want to hear.
4. The friend who knew you before you took the leap. “Spending time with people who knew you before you even launched your career can remind you of how far you’ve come,” Morin said.
In talking about her own mentor, Dumas said, “They are not interested in my entrepreneurial skills. We can meet up and talk about everything besides my coaching.”
We need to continue connecting with old friends and colleagues. “This type of mentor can remind you that there’s life outside of work,” Morin said.
“Regular conversations can remind you to separate what you do from who you are.”
5. The liaison. In the PR field, we all admire people who are well connected—a topnotch professional, an agency head, or a media colleague. “Collaborating with a liaison mentor is the key to connecting with valuable people who can help you grow your network,” Morin said. “But your relationship should be about asking for introductions.”
Dumas added, “I find that you must be authentic with these relationships to work and it requires a lot of time to build these relationships.”
Prove your sincerity and take time to show them that you offer value to your industry.
PR Matters is a roundtable column by members of the local chapter of the UK-based International Public Relations Association (Ipra), the world’s premier association for senior professionals around the world. Millie Dizon, the senior vice president for Marketing and Communications of SM, is the local chairman.
We are devoting a special column each month to answer the reader’s questions about public relations. Please send your comments and questions to askipraphil@gmail.com.