A Stroke of Balance

A couple of weeks ago I read an article in the Huffington Post which listed Public Relations Executive as the seventh most stressful job in 2012. While reading through the article, I thought about my own life and how hectic it has become since moving to DC.

Don't get me wrong, I love being busy and I LOVE the hustle of city life, but like the Huffinton Post article states, "work-related stress can increase the chance of stroke by 1.4 times."

As it stands I'm working 50+ hours a week, taking two classes, creating a business plan for my entrepreneurial venture, and assisting two AU professors with research projects. My social life exists only on the weekends, and to be honest, I could be putting a lot more effort into making friends.

I'd still love to see a show at the Kennedy Center, take a hike at Great Falls Park, go on a Segway tour, visit the Library of Congress, and ride through the city on one of those red rental bikes.

So more than anything else, moving to DC has taught me the importance of balance.  I'm going to keep working hard but start playing hard too. Because let's be honest, the last thing I need right now is a stroke.

Upcoming PR Events in DC

Looking for a good PR event to attend? Check these out:


2012 Leadership Rally and Free Member Networking Event
Tuesday, January 24, 2012 6:00 – 8:00 PM 
Pepco Edison Place Art Gallery
702 8^th Street, NW
(Gallery entrance is on 8^th Street between G and H Streets)
Washington, DC    
http://www.prsa-ncc.org/


WWPR Annual Board Meeting and Luncheon
Wednesday, January 25 12:00 – 2:00 PM 
National Press Club
529 14th Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20045
http://wwpr.org/events/


Washington Network Group Entrepreneur Roundtable 
Wednesday, February 8 4:00 - 6:00 PM
Ballston Office Center4601 North Fairfax Drive
Suite 1200
Arlington, Virginia 22203

http://www.washingtonnetworkgroup.com/index.php?tg=articles&idx=More&topics=26&article=802

AMADC Networking Series 
Monday, January 23 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Morton’s The Steakhouse
1750 Crystal Drive
Arlington, VA 22202

http://www.amadc.org/2012/1/Networker

DC Connections Happy Hour Events
First Tuesday of every month at Kalypso's

Second Tuesday of every month at Sushi Rock

Third Tuesday of every month at Iris Lounge
Third Tuesday of every month at Blackfinn
http://www.dcconnections.org/

Short & Sweet

The average attention span has decreased with the rise of technology - we hear this over and over again in the PR world. It's hard to focus solely on one screen. I don't just watch TV, I watch TV with my computer on my lap and my phone in my hand. It's rare that I use one screen independently of the others. 

What does this mean for PR professionals? Keep your press releases and blogs short and sweet. People only look at your content for a couple of seconds, so say what you need to say without the fluff. 

CIA Drone 'A Public Relations Coup' for Iran

Can't Touch This--Funny Thanksgiving Video

How to Get Promoted in PR

My Dad always says that the difference between being good and great is small. I'm a firm believer in his statement, and have used it to develop a set of techniques that lead to promotion.

• Always show up early-Even if you think no one notices when you arrive at work, I promise you they do. Showing up early is an excellent indicator of character, so be at your desk 30 minutes before your designated start time.
• Stay late-Prove that your job is your priority. 
• Make suggestions-Managers want workers that care about their organization and want to see it grow. 
• Ask questions-Not only will you learn more about your company, you will also facilitate conversation which will lead to more meaningful relationships with your co-workers.
• Go to work sick-It sounds strange, but showing up sick is the best way to demonstrate your dedication.  Don't show up if you're contagious though.
• Join clubs/organizations-Do your research to find clubs and organizations related to your company or field of work. Managers promote people who love what they do.
• Follow your company on Facebook and Twitter-Retweet their tweets, reply to their comments, and write on their wall. You will help expand their following and their brand awareness.
• Don't take a break-Pack a lunch and eat at your desk. You should always look busy. Added bonus-you'll save money by not eating out.
• Dress up on casual Fridays-Professionalism is key and must be maintained. No one wants to see you in worn jeans and an old t-shirt.

These techniques may sound like common sense, and that they are, but you would be surprised at how few people act on them. The difference between being good and great is small, but there is a difference nonetheless. 

Fun in the City

My recent posts have been about PR and politics, so I figured I’d spice it up a little bit with this one and write about what I’ve been doing for fun in DC.


Since I moved here in August, I’ve been on the hunt for good Mexican food. Not real Mexican food, I’m not that classy, but fake American-Mexican food that you find in places like Moe’s Southwest Grill. Moe’s has a special place in my heart because it’s cheap, their queso is to die for and they have an unmatched salsa bar. The problem is that I can’t find one in DC, and I have yet to find a comparable restaurant. I got a little crazy last week, though, and ordered a burrito and chips and salsa from a place called Alero in Northwest DC. Guess what? It was surprisingly good! It was a little pricy—$27 altogether—but that’s to be expected in this city.

Aside from the Mexican food search, I’ve been on the prowl for a good spray tan. I hate Mystic tanning. I’m way too claustrophobic to be in that little booth while holding my breath and closing my eyes. It totally freaks me out. So I opted for the more pleasant, and consequently more expensive, airbrush option.  Although a Mystic tan costs around $20, and an airbrush costs around $45, it’s worth it to be in an open room and sprayed by a human, trust me.

Two of best friends from the University of South Carolina are coming to visit me this weekend, and I’m excited to bring them with me as I continue to explore this amazing city! Stay tuned for more posts :)