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December 21, 2022
2022 Holiday Sparkle
In Chapter Events, News onBoston PRSA members and members of the PR Club rang in the holiday season at Ned Devines on December 1. This was first in-person Holiday Sparkle mixer since the start of the pandemic.
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March 2, 2021
Fast Five: See How You Can Help and Don’t Worry About Rejection!
In Chapter Events, Fast Five onJenn Walker Wall is the founder of Work Wonders Careers where she helps people land new jobs and thrive at work. She’s also co-host of the Making Life Work Podcast. Previously, she worked at the Sloan School of Management at MIT as well as Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital, and is currently an Adjunct Instructor of Sociology at Lesley University. Review Jenn’s coaching offerings on the Work Wonders site.
How do you define a personal brand and why can it be hard to identify it?
For job seekers, a personal brand reflects both experience and personal values—which have to be clearly articulated. I think it can be daunting because we look around and branding seems to be the domain of companies, and it seems different when we’re talking about ourselves. We need to give ourselves permission to articulate what we want to be known for, what we’ve done, and what we can deliver.What advice would you give to job applicants to stand out in a crowded field?
You can stand out by quickly identifying how you can be of help – how your experience and values can help organizations and be a service to others. In looking at a job listing, try to carefully assess what the needs may be and then highlight the skills you bring that might be most relevant.How can we all enhance our personal brands?
Whether you’re just starting out or have many years of experience, try to determine what you’re good at and where you want to go—then also try to identify any parts of your brand that need refinement. In the last year we’ve all seen a lot of crises and if part of your experience is leading people through times of crisis and helping them align with others, then certainly speak to that and articulate it as part of your personal brand. Many of us are needing to reflect and re-align as a result of these challenging times.How did you come to be a career strategist?
When I was in graduate school for sociology, my “day job” was hiring faculty. I loved it! I loved talking with people and learning about them. After graduation, I worked at MIT for a few years and my “side hustle” was helping to coach people on job search and resume strategy. I did that part-time for about four years and then went full-time almost three years ago.What advice would you give to those interested in being an independent practitioner?
It’s very similar to what I tell job seekers: listen and understand what people need. And for everyone—job seekers and those seeking clients—get comfortable with rejection. You have to recognize that it’s part of the process—part of business. Then try to figure out who might say “yes” and look for those ideal clients.Want to learn more? Save your seat for Communicating Your Value: Personal Branding for PR Pros – Wednesday, March 10th at 5 pm! Free for PRSA members – Register Now!
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March 2, 2021
Fast Five: Having Confidence, Asking for Feedback, & Knowing “We’re Not Stuck”
In Chapter Events, Fast Five onDenise Kaigler is an award-winning communications, marketing and brand strategist, and the founder and principal of MDK Brand Management, LLC. Among her many accomplishments, she is also the author of Forty Dollars and a Brand: How to Overcome Challenges, Defy the Odds, and Live Your Awesomeness. Check her website (http://mdkbrandmanagement.com) to see Denise’s coaching offerings.
How do you define a personal brand?
I like to say it’s what people say about you when you leave the room! And all of us really have the power to frame that narrative. It’s what we’re known for, the impression we give, our compelling story! It’s all that.So how can you shape your brand?
You have to think about the career you want and then the qualities of someone who has succeeded in that career. Then, do a survey; ask people you trust what they would say about you. What are the traits that stand out? For example, if being successful in your field means being well-connected and organized, is that what people are saying about you? If not, then look at the gaps and start planning your strategy for how to get there—and then execute!What holds people back in developing their brand?
Sometimes it starts with just not knowing where you want to go. In coaching, I have people pick a timeline, say one year, or two years, or five years and think about where they want to go – to avoid just blindly moving through time. Also, some people really are afraid to ask others about how they come across. What’s important to remember is that once you find out, you can start taking steps to help develop that brand you’re seeking.What else can help us grow professionally?
I really believe we have the power to change our brand – we’re not stuck! – and knowing that is very helpful. I’ve seen the results from people in many different settings. Pre-COVID-19, I worked with several Massachusetts correctional facilities and helped people there transform their lives. But first, they had to believe they were worthy, and beautiful, and smart. Once they had that belief, they could start creating a road map and begin taking steps.What has helped you in your own business?
I’ve spent 25 years in corporate settings in senior executive roles. I’ve had many successes and, of course, some failures. I’m very direct, and I like to tell stories about all those situations because they have helped shape who I am today–and people can relate to the situations. I think having that depth of experience and really showcasing it has helped me a lot in connecting with clients. So, for someone interested in really serving clients, I say you need to be who you are and share your stories with others.Want to learn more? Save your seat for Communicating Your Value: Personal Branding for PR Pros – Wednesday, March 10th at 5 pm! Free for PRSA members – Register Now!
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January 6, 2021
Fast Five with Mike Morrison: A Media Deluge, New Ways of Working, and “Amazing Gestures of Support”
Mike Morrison of Massachusetts General Hospital
Mike Morrison, Director of Media Relations for Massachusetts General Hospital, looks back on 2020 and managing through a pandemic.
When did you know that MGH was facing a public health crisis?
As of late December 2019, leaders from our Center for Disaster Medicine had been closely monitoring news from abroad, as well as updates from domestic and international agencies. The hospital officially launched its Incident Command System at the end of January and ramped up the frequency of its meetings as the pandemic progressed.
How has this crisis changed the way you work?
Within the management structure, the Office of News and Public Affairs plays a key role in communicating crucial information. The big challenge for our department has been moving from working very much “in person” to working remotely. We have a team of 13 – 14 people who are very much used to working closely and collaboratively, so working remotely created some challenges at first.
Also, with the volume of media requests, we’ve had to make sure that the same experts are not being approached by different staff from the same media outlet through different folks on our team. To that end, our department designated a kind of “air traffic controller” who is copied on relevant media requests, so she can provide a bird’s-eye-view of the situation.
Our day-to-day staffing plan includes two members of our team in the office on a rotating basis to cover the phones and escort media, as needed, on campus. And as another change, since most media don’t want to come on campus, we had to quickly shift to Zoom interviews, which have to be coordinated.
Have you had any special challenges?
Especially during the height of the surge, we’ve been deluged with incoming media requests. We’ve needed to balance these with proactive communications around critical public health messages. We had nearly 1100 media placements between early March until the end of May.
Our entire team has been just incredible. During the height of the initial spring surge, our colleagues went above and beyond to keep up with the hospital’s incredible communications needs. Every media request represented a huge opportunity to get important information to the public.
We’ve also wanted to share stories about the amazing gestures of support from the Boston community. We’ve had offers of free parking for our staff and some very smart people from top packaging companies in USA helped us with 3-D printers offering to create printing along with packaging . Also, people would just come by the hospital with donations of food, hand lotion, PPE, and other items. We’ve responded on social media and on our website, and we continue to work hard to acknowledge and help coordinate all that support and goodwill.
Were there any resources that particularly helped?
While we always have worked closely with other departments, the hospital community has really pulled together. Our colleagues in Marketing have played a key role in helping to generate social media content, as well as a consistent look and feel for Covid-19 communications. Communicators in other departments, such as the Mass General Research Institute, have also volunteered to take on various writing and other projects to help in the effort. It’s really been “all-hands-on-deck,” and we’re fortunate to work in a place with that kind of culture.
Has your focus changed over the year?
At this point, as we gear up for what may be a second surge, we’re really keeping with the practices we began in the spring—but are getting better at it. Now, though, people want to talk about the vaccine, and we’re getting experts and materials ready to provide information.
Also, we are working hard to get images and video to show staff in action and help with communication—and we’ve already captured thousands of images. And for this phase, we’re focusing even more on those photos and videos, both for public communication and also as a chronicle for MGH history.
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November 6, 2020
PASSING THE BATON: ANNOUNCING THE 2021 CHAPTER LEADERSHIP NOMINEES
In Chapter Events, News onPRSA Boston’s 2020 Nominating Committee is pleased to put forth this talented Board of Directors and Leadership Team for the membership’s vote at the Annual Meeting on December 8, 2020:
2021 OFFICERS
President (previously voted)
Kristin Foley
Account Manager at fama PRPresident-Elect
Doug Haslam
Account Director at KNB CommunicationsImmediate Past President
Eric Berman
Communications ProfessionalTreasurer
Michele Snyder
Director of Communications at Maimonides SchoolSecretary
Kelly McFalls
Public Information Officer at City of FraminghamProgramming Co-Chair
Karyn Martin
Founder & Chief Strategy Officer at Golden Thread AgencyProgramming Co-Chair
Jill Goddard, APR
Director of Public Relations and Communications at Boston BalletMembership Co-Chair
Brianna Quinn
Public Relations Professional at PerkinElmer, Inc.Membership Co-Chair
Lynnea Olivarez
Director of External Affairs & Communications at IntelliaDirector-at-Large/Diversity (previously voted) (thru 2021)
Kelley Chunn
President at Kelley Chunn & AssociatesDirector-at-Large (previously voted) (thru 2021)
Nancy Sterling, APR, Fellow
Senior VP Strategic Communications at ML Strategies, LLCDirector-at-Large (thru 2023)
Dan Dent, APR
Media Relations Manager at Draper2021 LEADERSHIP TEAM
Faculty Forum Chair
Jon Boroshok
College Instructor, Marketing Communications/PR Practitioner, JournalistYong Professional Network Co-Chair
Mackenzie Linn
Account Executive at PAN CommunicationsYong Professional Network Co-Chair
Samantha Stone
Account Executive at SHIFT CommunicationsPRSSA Liaison
Rebecca Owen
Intern at Metter Media | Director of Internal Operations at empath worldwide | VP at PRLab at Boston UniversityContent + Social Media Chair
Shayne Brown
eCommerce Retention Specialist at Wolverine WorldwideAccreditation + Diane Davis Beacon Award
Josh Gitelson, APR
Executive Managing Director at RF|BinderWe wish to congratulate our colleagues and thank their 2020 predecessors for going above and beyond for their service to our 225+ strong members. This talent pool points to a tremendous year of networking and programming ahead.