Recently, we put our heads together and submitted our idea of What’s the best personality for PR? as asked by the PR Moment. It got us thinking, while excellent storytellers are all well and good, but what kind of personalities traits would hit us for six?
It’s a given that PROs require traits that appreciate the foundation of traditional PR but a mindset flexible enough to continue to evolve with changing digital trends. With that in mind, and a penchant for drama, we have written our recipe for the modern-day, PR equivalent of Mad Men’s Peggy Olson. Never mind that Peggy works in advertising, so much of this still applies liberally to PR.
1. A generous helping of: Thinking Laterally.
Pitches, projects and key messages can change at the drop of a hat and often from unforeseen circumstances. There’s a lot to be said for people that can take losing their well-planned hard work in their stride and ditch it for a new idea in no time at all.
2. A pinch of: Instinct.
Knowing when an idea is on the money can take years of experience and like any good skill, is a muscle you have to exercise regularly. The instinct we’re talking about is not the kind you’re born with and you sometimes have to go through many iterations before the final can be signed off. Which leads to point three:
3. Spades of: Patience.
Peggy Olson may not have time for the little things, but what she does have is time for the client. Time and patience to make sure a project is just right. The last 5-10% may not seem like much, but it’s the effort which will take your projects from great to outstanding.
4. A shed load of: Perseverance.
Like patience, perseverance is a key PR trait needed to get through for your clients. Projects overrun, deals take time to sign and everyone is busy, busy, busy. Without the ability to keep the ball rolling, nothing will get done.
5. Finally, to taste: Confidence.
Confidence is sexy, but knowing where and when to sass the room is the real kicker. Be confident in your pitches and knowledge when dealing with clients, but only when you know what you’re talking about. If there’s something missing or you’re not sure, be honest. You’ll be more respected.
