Hana Bieliauskas• @hanab08hana@gebencommunication.com

twitter.com/gebencommfacebook.com/GebenCommunication

Be a PR rockstar – on and offline

So, Who am I?• Hana Bieliauskas (@hanab08)• ‘08 Scripps J. School Grad• Magazine Journalism, specializations in Poli Sci & English • Account Exec at Geben Communication in Columbus• From Cincinnati• Former positions:

– The Children’s Partnership, Washington, D.C. (Communications)– Marketing Works, Columbus, Ohio (Account Coordinator)– CMA, Columbus, Ohio (Based in KC – Project Manager)

• Experience especially in social media/digital PR• Favorite OU bar: Red Brick• Favorite Athens food: Bagel Street (Turkey Tom)

Let’s talk a little social media.• Who’s on….– Facebook (do I have to ask?)– Twitter– LinkedIn– Google+– Others?

• What do you do on social media?• Anyone networked with PR pros or found an internship/job

using social media?

Let’s pause for story time.• Facebook started fall of freshman year (back in the old days of 2004).• People were JUST starting to see the Internet as an online news

source. I got involved with Speakeasy Magazine – OU’s first online magazine – during winter quarter. (The Post wasn’t online yet)

• During my internships, I witnessed the shift from print to online – and used it to my advantage

• When I graduated, the economy was terrible. I got my first job only because of the online skills (web design, HTML, social media) I’d learned at Speakeasy and during my internships.

• Case and point: My digital skills have played a huge part in getting me every job I’ve ever had.

• My advice – Bobcat to Bobcat: Stay ahead of the game, stay in the game and create opportunities wherever you can

Why social media matters for you.• Finding a PR job isn’t the same as it used to be.• Networking is key to learning new skills, identifying what you

want to do and making valuable connections. • Having digital skills isn’t optional anymore in PR. • Being in-the-know about the latest news, tools and trends puts

you ahead.• Stand out from the rest – you know you’re a rockstar, so show it.• Take a hint from the experts – because they really do know what

they’re talking about. • Do you research and get to know the people and companies

who specialize in what you want to do.• Then, keep up with them.

Nail the Basics

twitter

Virtual networking for PR pros. • Think of Twitter as a massive virtual networking meeting• So, think about how you’d carry yourself at an in-person

meeting: What would you ask people there? What would you want them to know about you?

• Use that to help develop your Twitter personality, figure out what to talk about and who to follow

• Believe it or not, a lot can be said in 140 characters• Twitter provides a direct connection to individuals and

companies that didn’t exist before, which also gives you exclusive access

• Look at Twitter as a place to establish yourself as an expert

A few tips.• If you’re looking for jobs/internships, make sure your profile is

“Twitter friendly.” What’s that mean?– Include a bio with your job pitch– Professional-looking avatar & background– Link to your bio or online portfolio (LinkedIn works!)– Be YOU.

• Employers are likely to look at your Twitter account• Follow interesting companies and job boards• Help a PR Pro Out (#happo)• Build a network before you need it• Follow the 80/20 rule

Relationships matter.• On- or offline, build and maintain relationships • You can’t have a one-way relationship. Tweeps are much more

likely to follow back if you engage with them in a meaningful way and tweet interesting content

• What’s that? Retweet, respond, comment• Tip: Create private lists of users you’re interested in getting to

know and find opportunities to engage, Don’t over-follow• Take the conversation offline, if possible• Join in Twitter chats to meet new people

– #pr20chat (Tuesdays 8-9 p.m.) – #prStudChat– #u30Pro– #internchat

Starting point.• A few PR peeps to follow:

– Sarah Evans (@PRSASarahEvans)– Heather Whaling (@prtini)– Brian Solis (@briansolis)– Jason Kintzler (@jasonkintzler)– Peter Himler (@PeterHimler)– Lizzie Grubman (@LizzieGrubman)– Amy Jo Martin (@AmyJoMartin)– Lee Odden (@leeodden)– Deirdre Breakenridge (@dbreakenridge)– Jeremy Pepper (@jspepper)– Dorothy Crenshaw (@dorothycrenshaw)

LinkedIn

Why LinkedIn?• World’s largest professional network• Valuable resource for finding jobs and internships• Find out about interesting people and companies• Showcase your experience and skills• Fill in your profile completely – include good info• Keep in touch with professionals you meet and may need to

connect with in the future, such as:– Speakers at student groups (yes, you can connect with me!)– People you meet at conferences, job fairs or other events– Peers at jobs and internships– Professors, mentors and student leaders– Classmates and friends– People you engage with on Twitter

A few more tips.• Don’t add just anyone on LinkedIn. Make sure they know you first

and would want to add you to their networks• If you want to get to know someone but haven’t met or engaged

with them, see if anyone else in your LinkedIn network is already connected, then ask for an introduction

• A personal message is always a nice touch – and may make all the difference. – Busy people may not remember you, so remind them (nicely)– Thank-you goes a long way– Compliments are appreciated

• Don’t only call on connections when you need them• Again, build your network in advance

The perfect profile.• Update your LinkedIn profile – and keep it updated!• Think of it as your online resume. Check spelling, grammar and

formatting. • Add a professional-looking photo• Beef it up. Link to your website, Twitter, blog, etc. (but, only if they

are updated often and are well-written!) • Join groups for organizations you’re in (such as PRSSA) or follow

companies that interest you• Always ask yourself: What would I think if I saw this profile? Would

I want to hire me?• Look at other profiles for guidance and inspiration

So, what else?

Offline tips.• Never doubt the power of an informational interview – even if

you’re not looking for a job right now• Use your time at OU to explore what you want to do afterward

Get as much experience as you can while in college, while still enjoying college

• Be a star intern. They’re harder than you think to find• Being a good writer is one of the most important skills you can

have in PR, hands down• Don’t rely only on the Internet to make connections. Face-to-face

interactions are still the most meaningful• Go on as many interviews as you can – it’s good practice!• Never stop believing in yourself, but don’t expect everything to be

perfect right away• Don’t forget those who have helped you. Thank-you cards,

friendly emails and phone calls are still “in”

Interview tips.• Be prepared. Research the company, employees, achievements

and awards. It’s okay to be a stalker.• Write down answers to potential questions. Find a list of common

interview questions and think about how you’d answer them.• Be early. It’s always better to sit in your car for a half hour than

show up late.• Bring a portfolio showcasing your work – and pay a little more for

color printing. I cannot emphasize how much mine has helped me.• Always look nice. Looks do matter in this case.• Bring at least three copies of your resume. Just in case.• Take in your surroundings. Find ways to connect with your

interviewer and calm your nerves.• Ask questions. Come up with a list before so you’re ready.

So you got a job... Now what?• What you do outside of work also builds your resume.

– Volunteer activities– Professional organizations and associations– Young Professionals groups– Nonprofit boards

• If you’re not 100 percent happy in your first job, it’s okay. Do everything you can to make the best of it and learn skills you can apply wherever you go.

• It’s also okay not to stay at the same job forever – often despite what Mom and Dad think (shhh)

• Find a mentor – or mentors! Someone to look up to for advice and words of wisdom is so helpful

• Stay in touch with fellow Bobcats – they’re now your coworkers and a great network to have

#PINKITUP• Got involved with Komen Columbus when I moved back in 2009• Serve on Communications, Race Planning and Grant

Committees, and participate in Komen Columbus Young Professionals

• Started Pink It Up (#pinkitup) a social media-based campaign to encourage the local community to join to fight breast cancer

• Encourage local businesses to decorate for the annual Race for the Cure and coordinate media outreach around effort

• In 2011, #pinkitup hashtag was trending in Columbus the week before the race and on Race Day

#PINKITUP• Why does this matter?

– Gained professional experience while supporting a cause I’m passionate about

– Formed relationships with local leaders, media and influencers

– Forced me to be creative!– Applied and enhanced my

professional skills – Reflects well on employers– Self-fulfillment – see the difference

you’re making in the world– Resume and portfolio builder

Questions? Your turn to interrogate me.

Keep in touch! hana@gebencommunication.com

@hanab08linkedin.com/hanabieliauskas