If you're a PR pro, it helps to have some experience in agriculture, or at least gardening. Don't worry, I'm not asking you to break out the shovel, but it helps to think of business in terms of planting and harvesting.
You see, as an independent PR practitioner and business owner, it turns out that my whole career has been based on the idea of planting seeds over the course of many years. At the beginning, I didn't even realize I was planting anything. But every contact I have made, every relationship I have built, is a seed that one day may harvest and become a client, business partner or professional reference. That's why it's so important to build bridges and not burn them and to present yourself professionally wherever you go.
I'm rather new at the solo PR thing. After 15 years of working for various organizations, I took a leap of faith and started my own business in 2009 so that I could focus on my real talents and strengths and have more time to raise my children. My business development strategy has consisted of a great deal of gardening. I plant many seeds and nurture those relationships, giving them time to develop and harvest. Some of those seeds were planted 10, 15 or even 30 years ago. It just goes to show you that you never know when the right opportunity might come along, so be alert.
2010 is looking good. I'm excited about my new venture in gardening!
"Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9)
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Amy, what a great post to start your blog with. I love the analogy of planting seeds as we progress through our careers. I'm sure your new venture will soon blossom into a successful PR practice.
ReplyDeleteAmy, you are so creative! Love, Mom & Dad
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