On My Way: A Day in the Life of a Public Relations Manager

Summary

In this video, Samantha, a 31-year-old PR manager, shares her insights into the world of public relations, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and brand management. She explains her daily routine, which includes staying updated on the news, meeting stakeholders, and crafting stories that engage the media. Samantha also reflects on her journey into PR, the challenges of the job, and the value of connecting with people. With a mix of creativity and strategic thinking, she highlights the impact of PR on shaping perceptions, and the satisfaction of telling stories that resonate.

Takeaways

• 😀 Apologies were made for an unfortunate incident, with a commitment to improve customer service in the future.
• 😀 PR managers are storytellers who shape the public's perception of a brand using both defensive (shield) and proactive (sword) strategies.
• 😀 The role of a PR manager involves constant media engagement and internal collaboration to develop brand stories.
• 😀 Staying up-to-date with current events and news is crucial for a PR manager to stay relevant and informed.
• 😀 PR managers need to be agile and responsive to sudden changes in their day-to-day tasks, including urgent requests.
• 😀 Samantha's journey into PR started with a marketing diploma and part-time degree, eventually leading her to become a PR manager covering 12 markets in Asia.
• 😀 A common misconception about PR life is that it’s glamorous, but the reality involves hard work and a variety of tasks behind the scenes.
• 😀 PR managers don’t need to be extroverted; different strengths and skills contribute to success in the role.
• 😀 Effective PR work requires the ability to use different mediums, such as videos and infographics, to tell a compelling story.
• 😀 Time management and the ability to work under pressure are essential soft skills for a PR manager.
• 😀 PR managers need to be curious and build connections with people, often going behind the scenes to gather stories and insights.
• 😀 A viral video of a delivery rider during National Day Parade demonstrated the power of authentic, memorable stories that have a positive impact.
• 😀 Samantha's advice to the youth: Stay hungry, stay curious, and stay updated to succeed in the industry.
• 😀 What keeps Samantha motivated is witnessing the positive impact of the stories she tells and the heartwarming experiences shared in the media.

Q & A

What is the role of a PR manager?

A PR manager is responsible for shaping and managing the public perception of a brand. They use both defensive (shield) and offensive (sword) strategies to protect and promote the brand through storytelling.

What are the daily tasks of a PR manager?

A typical day for a PR manager includes reading news, attending meetings with internal stakeholders and external media, brainstorming stories, and coordinating with the media to share brand messages.

What is the importance of news in the PR industry?

The news is crucial for a PR manager as it provides relevant context for brand messaging. Staying updated on current events helps a PR manager remain aware of competitors and industry trends, which influences the stories they develop.

How do PR managers generate media stories?

PR managers uncover potential stories by interacting with various departments within the business, such as tech and sales. Once a compelling story is identified, they develop it into a format that can be shared with media outlets.

What makes PR work unpredictable?

PR work is unpredictable because situations can change quickly, and a PR manager may need to switch from writing documents to responding to urgent media requests at any moment.

How did the PR manager get started in their career?

The PR manager began their career by pursuing a diploma in marketing, followed by part-time work on a degree. They started in a PR agency before moving in-house, and now manage PR for a company covering 12 markets across Asia.

What is a common misconception about PR life?

A common misconception is that PR life is glamorous and constantly involves camera action. In reality, PR work often involves behind-the-scenes tasks like writing and strategizing, with little time in front of the camera.

What are the key skills needed for a PR manager?

Key skills for a PR manager include writing and speaking well, being agile under pressure, managing time effectively, and having a strong ability to connect with people.

Why is time management important in PR?

Time management is crucial in PR because professionals often work under tight deadlines and need to balance multiple tasks, making it essential to prioritize and manage time effectively.

What advice does the PR manager have for youth interested in PR?

The PR manager advises youth to stay hungry, stay curious, and stay updated. This will help them be aware of the world around them and understand the industry better.