Today I came across an article on 10 reasons why working in PR is tough. The author, Andrew Worob, was careful enough to include a disclaimer that (of course) many other professions are much more challenging, and he just wanted to have a little fun and acknowledge the many reasons we PR pros often end our days collapsing onto a couch or bar stool, grateful to have survived another day. That said, I agreed with most of the reasons he listed — the demands, sporadic schedules, and pressures of not just doing the job, but doing it well, can seem quite overwhelming at times. But my experience has been that the rewards are just as astounding. So with that, I give you my 10 reasons why working in PR rocks:

10. You’re never bored. Whether you’re working on multiple clients or just one with multiple challenges, the pace and the problem-solving skills required in PR ensure that no day is ever a dull one.

9. You’re always learning something. Smart PR professionals dive head-first into their clients’ industries, most of the time having to absorb ideas and acronyms that are completely unfamiliar. Our brains get a lot of exercise.

8. You get to be creative. One of my favorite parts of working in a PR agency is the brainstorming, coming up with big ideas, offering plans and recommendations, and then figuring out how to “wow” everyone from the client to their customers and the media who we’re hoping will cover them.

7. Nothing is more satisfying than securing big hits. Sure, it can be mind-numbingly frustrating to pitch and pitch and follow-up and even after you’ve secured the interview, nothing is guaranteed to come out the way you (and your client) want or expect it to. But when it does? Exhilarating.

6. Okay – one thing is more satisfying: securing big clients. Going after new business is exciting and it takes a lot of effort. In the PR world, it’s nice not only because of the added revenue it brings, but also because it’s a fantastic, validating feeling when a company or organization puts that kind of trust in you and realizes what a positive impact you can (and will) have on their business.

5. The people. Let’s face it, we’ve all said at one time or another that it takes a certain kind of personality to do this job. We’re a fun, smart bunch.

4. What other jobs allow you to tweet, update Facebook and read blogs…and call it work?

3. There are a lot of career growth opportunities. If you’re ambitious and prove yourself, you won’t be stuck doing admin tasks or glossed over by those above you on the food chain. We’re all strapped for time and talent, so we are always looking to groom and propel those who are good at what they do.

2. To your friends and family, your job is a little bit “mysterious.” Admit it, most of us explain what we do time and time again, and it doesn’t sink in to many of our loved ones. While some say this is annoying, I say embrace it.

1. It just is. I love my job…and I bet most of you do, too.

Sourced from The New York Times online, "The Elusive Big Idea," by Neal Gabler

Last week I read an article in The New York Times called, “The Elusive Big Idea.”

It scared the crap out of me.

We’re living in a time when information is fast, efficient, neatly-packaged & delivered— suspended in a magical (and convenient!) web of ether just waiting to be accessed.

…But how much of it are we actually processing?

As a new PR professional, I’ve noticed a change in my way of thinking. While I was in school, I took home books or articles, read them at a steady pace, underlined, revisited— and mulled, if you will. Most of the time, I would then sit down and start writing in order to develop and lengthen these study-lounge musings.

I find there to be much less time these days to study and mull. I’m submerged in the deep end of the information pool where quick facts, stats, industry news headlines, blurbs, and witty one-liners leave me drenched. Keeping the best interest of my clients’ business in mind, I pay attention to a much different, and much wider range of topics now than before. Relevant information is quickly bouncing back and forth between status updates, twitter handles, and blog posts. Web addresses aren’t even written in full anymore— our short messages are shortened further by bit.ly’s and tinyURL’s, even embedded behind # and @ signs.  It’s enough to make my head spin. I’ve learned, though, that scanning alone does not produce the best results.

As Gabler writes in his NYT piece,

“In the past, we collected information not simply to know things. That was only the beginning. We also collected information to convert it into something larger than facts and ultimately more useful — into ideas that made sense of the information. We sought not just to apprehend the world, but to truly comprehend it, which is the primary function of ideas. Great ideas explain the world and one another to us.”

Does this new trend of “apprehension” truly make us more informed? Smarter? I’m inclined to say no, that it only gives us the ability to move more quickly —finish the lap— call out a message first in order to win the recognition of passing the baton. We can certainly find the answer to just about any question online, but we need to remember to reflect on what we know first. The relevancy, context, and reliability of what we find must then be considered, as well as how we plan to use our new information sensibly.

Getting a bit more philosophical, can you say that you’ve thought through your own worldview, end to end, amidst the blur of contradicting information that’s available to us? If there was a line drawn across a particular ideal you’ve lived by, would you be able to confidently stand on one side armed with sturdy reasoning, or are you positioned a bit more shakily (and perhaps more safely) in the gray middle area? Have you thought through any one thing so thoroughly that you could ignite a fiery debate, and still stand unburned on your own turf?

As intellectual people with such amazing innate potential, I hope we can all say yes.

“We are like the farmer who has too much wheat to make flour. We are inundated with so much information that we wouldn’t have time to process it even if we wanted to, and most of us don’t want to.”

Isn’t it strange to consider that this overload of information, be it significant or trivial, has actually occupied space in our minds meant for new ideas?

For the maintenance of my own sanity, I need to set aside some time to step away, process, think, and comprehend. This is the key to generating innovative ideas! There comes a point when in order to be a good PR pro (or person of real substance, for that matter), we may need to disconnect in order to reconnect to our own thought process.

Whether it’s at a dinner party, on a plane or every time I make a trip home to my beloved home state of Florida and my [insert just about any family member here] asks for the ump-teenth time, the most common question I’m asked about my job is, “So, what is public relations? Really? What do you do?”

I usually give a standard response about the role of public relations within an organization and the services an agency provides its clients (along with an explanation of how public relations is different than advertising—somehow, this seems to be a confusing concept). But recently these questions have gotten me thinking more about who we are as public relations professionals.

Here’s what I’ve come up with: We are researchers, relationship builders, listeners, strategists, news connoisseurs, networkers, communicators, advisers and problem solvers.

Sometimes we are crisis managers, event planners and travelers. Occasionally we are printer technicians. Often we are writers. Pitch writers, speech writers, Web copy writers, tweet writers. We are reporters, as one colleague recently documented.

[I’m not done and already that’s a long list. No wonder our days are so busy!]

In the ever-changing digital age, we’ve become photographers, videographers, designers and social media mavens. Thanks to Matter Chatter, we’re even bloggers.

Always, we are students, forever learning about our clients, new media trends, best practices in PR and much more. Personally, one of my favorite things about working in PR is the chance to learn something new every day and to study under the tutelage of my savvy, dynamic and creative colleagues.

We are Jacks and Jills of many trades, us PR professionals. It’s part of our job description. We have to play many roles, to keep up with the times, provide our clients with the best services and results possible and advance our profession. I don’t think we’d want it any other way, though. Don’t we thrive on the challenge and variety of our jobs? I do.

Writing is part of everything we do here at Matter. Pitches, briefing notes, bylined articles, notes from a client call or interview – it all requires us to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboards) to get our thoughts out before they flutter away.

The topic of “writing” in general has been on my mind lately (I know, very deep), as one of my teams perseveres on a pretty extensive writing project. We’re creating content for a magazine published by a client for its extensive customer base. My colleagues and I are doing all the things a reporter would be doing: interviewing sources (in this case end-users); bouncing ideas off each other; writing, editing, scrapping drafts and starting over again; submitting finished pieces to the editor (our client contact); and sometimes watching 1,200-word articles that went through multiple drafts get cut for space. It’s exhausting, but it’s giving me and my team an interesting insight into the process reporters and editors go through every single day. Performing both our PR duties and editorial duties has personnally given me a new appreciation for the work our media targets do every day.

While we’re all respectful of our media contacts’ time and bandwidth, I suppose that I’m guilty of taking for granted what they actually do, day in and day out. When setting up a briefing for a client or sending background materials, I only see that small sliver of work that goes into the completed article. I don’t see all the late nights hunched over the keyboard, cigarette smoke choking the air, a reporter complaining that the editor just won’t get off his back and then yelling “copy!” the moment he rips the paper from the typewriter (every newsroom out there is just like the one in the Superman movie, right?).

Kidding aside, there’s a ton of work that goes into writing and publishing a magazine, and as a PR person that’s never worked in a newsroom, I have a new appreciation for the effort that goes into pushing an undertaking like this across the finish line.

Finding new PR pros is never an easy job, but somehow our recruitment team continues to amaze me. We’re a demanding bunch, the quality of work and the rigorous pace we demand of our staff is often a shock to the system for those new to our offices. Still, they must keep their pick axes sharp over in HR, because we routinely find those diamonds in the rough. Recently this ability was on show with the recruitment of some marvelous summer interns. Here in the Providence office, we’ve been joined by Kate Hardcastle, on her summer hiatus from Marist College (coincidentally the alma mater of our Principal and CEO Scott Signore). Duly impressed by her work ethic and desire to learn more about a potential career in PR, we asked Kate to write a blog post about her first few weeks on the job and offer some advice to any others that might follow in her footsteps. So, in her own words, here’s Kate…

THE POWER TO QUESTION

My first day arriving as an intern in the Providence office I was nervous, apprehensive, and eager. Not only was it my first look into a potential career in PR, but it was also the first time the Providence office had had an intern. I was the guinea pig.

Within minutes of me arriving I was given various tasks on different projects. Scared that I would be a burden, I tried the best that I could to be self-sufficient and not ask questions, while at the same time effectively completing each task.  I felt this was the best way to prove myself and show that I could do anything that was assigned to me.

Sooner or later I realized I was punishing myself by doing this. By not asking questions nor seeking more information on things I did not know, I was not only limiting my own learning opportunities but also slowing my workflow. A PR agency is an environment of constant deadlines, and other people were relying on my results, regardless of my level of experience.

As an intern you are not expected to walk into an office and immediately know everything. There is no harm in asking a question or two along the way; if anything, this shows interest and keenness. It is important to have the confidence to admit that you don’t know something, rather than pushing it aside and never learning it at all.   Questions show an openness and willingness to learn and are essentially invaluable.

Who? What? When? Where? Why?

“The power to question is the basis of all human progress” ~ Indira Gandhi

As we are currently experiencing a significant (insert “long-overdue”) office build-out, it’s a bit nuttier these days at Matter in Newburyport than usual.  We’re expanding our space here at the Tannery to accommodate our growth and acquiring an additional 2,500 square feet.  And, simultaneous to our expansion, we are reworking 2,000 square feet of existing space so it better serves our needs.

In addition, as if the build-out isn’t enough office environment change to manage, two weeks ago we welcomed Mandy Mladenoff, a wonderful and experienced PR professional to our team. Mandy, who joins us from SHIFT Communications, is the new general manager of this office. (I’ll be blogging specifically about her soon, as I can already see that she’s going to make a serious and positive impact on our business!) Mandy arrived prior to my office being built in our new space, but I decided to surrender my current spot to her immediately so she would be most comfortable. She’s the new boss here in Newburyport, so I thought she should have the boss’s seat.

To that end, I’ve been a bit of a nomad for the past two weeks. I have roamed from one open desk to another while trying to keep things moving and, as I should have expected, that experience has been both enjoyable and challenging.

Without reservation, the part of the gypsy-like role that I’ve most enjoyed has been sitting (even closer than I usually do) to the smartest, savviest, hardest working gang of PR people that can be found anywhere.  In typical times my office door is wide open and I’m proud to say that many from our staff come to see me daily. We talk about clients, the agency, the world around us and often, complete nonsense, and I enjoy all of it. However, those conversations tend to be brief and it’s much different when you are sharing an office for a day…or three.

I spent three days last week at Mendo’s desk as he spent that time at a client event. My office mate, temporarily loaned to me by Mendo, was Melissa, and she was tremendous company and had me laughing all week long.  (In fact, we gabbed so much that we both ended up having longer than usual work days to catch-up on things we didn’t get done earlier!) Far beyond her quality of chat, it was excellent to see how Melissa worked with her colleagues and managed her to-do list. In addition, it was awesome to see how she counseled her clients and creatively pitched her client’s story. It was outstanding, really, and Melissa knows how much I enjoyed it because I was looking for the same seat earlier this week when I needed to find a temporary home.

It’s also a significant change of gears when you swap your window seat for an open doorway on the agency’s main drag. There is a lot to see – and you see it all. I saw bodies hustling by from one meeting or call to another, and I witnessed a countless number of ad hoc client-related conversations. I overheard congratulatory encouragement and harmless but obligatory jest between staff. (You need a good sense of humor to work here at Matter – it’s been a key to our success.)  In addition, I witnessed a seemingly countless number of coffee runs made by colleagues, and fortunately for these folks our office is well-situated among a number of coffee shops for just these situations.

When you roam office to office like I’ve been roaming, you need to have a great deal of focus. (See the earlier paragraph: I didn’t focus like I should when sharing an office with Melissa.) And, you need similar laser-like focus when you work amid stacks of boxes and in earshot of walls being built. I commend the group here in Newburyport for maintaining their outstanding results during a nuttier time than usual. We have new clients, new and dynamite people, and we are focused on our path ahead. And while I’m looking forward to having my new office completed, I’m even more excited at the opportunity to work so closely with the best team in the business here at Matter.

If you follow Matter on Facebook, then you already know that our much beloved office manager, Ellen, recently left our company – after six years! – to pursue another professional opportunity. (Noteworthy is the fact that only Ellen could arrange a summer on the beach followed by a return to higher education!) While missing Ellen’s fun and engaging personality, we’re also missing her in-office functions.

A paper jam in the agency’s most important output device reminded me recently of how important it is to have everything in the office working smoothly in support of our work. In addition, a paper jam is one of those situations when it’s important to roll up your sleeves and solve a problem, rather than hoping someone else will do it.

Anyone who regularly works in an office knows that a serious paper jam is a funny thing, as your options for solving that issue are usually limited at best. You open every door, lift every lever, stare intently into the guts of the machine to see what you may be missing and do everything you know how to do yourself, or you call printer service guy to fix it for you. And, let’s be honest, the latter isn’t really an option unless you live in a world that tolerates downtime.  Our office simply doesn’t handle downtime, so immediately after recognizing the problem – two of our guys literally had their sleeves rolled up, gave the machine a pretty thorough inspection and fixed the thing.  It didn’t take long – Matt and Tim are smart guys – and a “minor” office crisis was averted.

Fixing the printer is the barely visible tip of the iceberg when it comes to solving problems here at Matter. Clients engage in a relationship with our agency because we have a proven track record of successfully executing challenging programs.

We are hired to overcome obstacles, and consistently we do exactly that. Need to crack a high-profile outlet? We likely have a relationship that can be leveraged for your benefit.  Having a hard time getting your message across? We are experts in crafting content and bringing key messages to market. Is your PR generating business? That’s what we do – no matter how challenging your situation may seem.  In high tech and consumer public relations, I’d stack Matter up against anyone.

Knock on wood; I’m pleased to report that the printer is still functioning properly. And while I’ve typed this post, our team worked closely with another fortunate client to diagnose a challenging communications or business situation, find a way to clear that jam and keep the PR machine humming along.

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Do you love PR?  Do you love to eat?  Maybe Matter Communications is the place for you.  Sometimes we wonder if we work in the best bistro in town or the best PR shop.  Maybe it’s both!

One of our staff (Stacey Allaire) was featured in the local newspaper for her cooking prowess and the rest of us at Matter get the benefit of her passion!  And there are plenty of others who give Stacey a run for her money.

We’ve had cupcake and chili competitions (check out the pictures on our Facebook page), but lest you think we’re just about eating, our PR chops are pretty impressive too.  Clients sing our praises and we (humbly) accept the accolades.  Our business has been honored as one of the Boston Business Journal’s Best Places to Work and with a Pacesetter award for continuing our strong growth during the recent challenging economy.  Industry awards for exceptional client work line our walls; but we never let it go to our heads.  We constantly strive to be better.  Every team accounts for their efforts by sharing the results of their work internally to foster a working spirit that is collaborative and competitive. The best client results are recognized and rewarded each month in our Result Matter campaign. This friendly competition encourages high levels of activity, but also teaches our entire staff by example.

Matter is the kind of place where star employees shine brightly throughout the company.  Our work in high tech and consumer public relations is second to none, but the secret to our success is our people.  If you want a PR job in Boston, this is the place you want to be.  Our founder, Scott Signore, has said of Matter, “Our people are our difference,” and he means it.  We have a culture that focuses on results and the passion of our employees makes it work. We work and play with equal measures of enthusiasm as our Summer Friday program and company get-togethers prove.  If you love public relations and want to be around fun, creative people just like you, check us out.

If you’re looking at public relations jobs and think you have what it takes, let us know.  We’d love to hear from you!  Get in touch by sending your resume to [email protected]

A few weeks ago, I stood in the hallway outside room 4A during career day at my children’s school. Standing there, breathing in that elementary school air that makes you feel like you’re ten years old again, I watched Carl’s dad passing around bubbling test tubes of something – wearing a white lab coat and goggles, and explaining a scientific theory that had enchanted the children.

Standing there waiting, my phone was dinging with emails (review asap!), ringing with meeting invitations (all day tomorrow!), and my mind was slightly distracted by the ever-present to-do list for clients and for Matter ticking through the back of my mind – things I’d need to do later tonight, because I left early for career day.

Suddenly, instead of being jazzed up about what a great career PR is (Telling a great story! Facebook/Twitter/Social Media! Working with smart people all day!), I was thinking about how much less cool it seemed than the demonstration of liquid alchemy currently underway in 4A. Fast-paced, stressful, demanding, with deadlines and crises that are oblivious to normal working hours, travel, all the demands of a client-service business, PR doesn’t always compare well to the easy-to-sell world of science (curing disease!), or medicine (saving lives!), or teaching (molding minds!).

Every time I have an informational interview, or am invited to talk with a group about a career in PR, I start by saying (because this matters to all of us who care about job security) it’s a career that remains in high demand. More importantly, though, I always say that there has not been one day in my career that I haven’t learned something new. The older I get, the more I realize how crucial that is to long-term job – and life – satisfaction. Not only do I love the daily challenge of learning, but I am happy to say that I’m a more interesting person because of my career – the people I’ve met, the products I’ve learned about, the programs I’ve led, the challenges and trials, the good and the bad – and I wouldn’t trade that for a lifetime of bubbling test tubes.

Uncovering and telling the story of a company in a way that captivates an audience, influences behaviors, and ultimately drives business value for the company’s stakeholders is a high that is both inexplicable and elementary. Who among us can’t relate to that great feeling of telling a new story to someone who gets something out of it?

So, with renewed enthusiasm I stepped over the boxes and beakers while Carl’s dad cleaned up his messy little experiment, and I started my talk to the eager faces of 25 ten year olds, by asking them: “How many of you like to learn something before most people know about it, and find fun ways to tell your friends about it?” All 25 hands went up. “Well, then,” said I, “You could have a future in public relations.”

As PR professionals, we spend a great deal of time and effort to promote our clients.  In the end, our goal is to make sure that message is on point and being delivered to the right people.  From time to time though, it’s fun to take a step back and recognize one of our own for their personal PR.

Matter account executive Stacey Allaire was featured today in the Newburyport News for her Betty Crocker-esque baking and cooking skills.  In a bit of foreshadowing, Stacey was awarded the “Top Cupcake” prize in the Matter February Potluck event and I can personally testify that those were award-winning cupcakes.  In today’s paper, Stacey has featured two special recipes for Farmers’ Market Lasagna and Apple Cinnamon Muffins, be sure to pick up a copy if you are looking to try them out at home.

We are all happy for Stacey and this article was a great way to establish a little personal PR.  The article ties together her passion for the pantry outside the office.  Independent of our time in the office together, we all have additional hobbies and interests, mine would probably have to be rooting for the Merrimack College hockey team.  Still, it’s great to see one of our own rewarded for some great and above all, tasty work.