Living the Dream

Alright, so I have mentioned before that I am living the dream here in Chicago now....but a funny thing happens, when people ask me what I do and I tell them public relations they often ask, "what's that?" What's that? Let me break it down for you with this definition: People who work in the public relations industry are generally known as public relations specialists, communications specialists, or media specialists. Their primary function is to serve as advocates for their employers—businesses, hospitals, universities, nonprofit associations, and other organizations that wish to build and maintain positive relationships with the public. During a typical day, a public relations specialist may perform a wide variety of tasks. Writing press releases, booking speaking engagements, planning publicity events, managing business contacts, responding to consumer concerns, and diffusing potential conflicts are just some of the many duties that may be part of the job description for someone working in this industry. When developing a public relations plan, the public relations specialist typically follows a six step process. Research: Preliminary research helps the professional understand the variables within the case. Strategic planning: Data must be worked into a comprehensive plan of action that answers all key questions. Counseling: Experienced public relations professionals understand the importance of seeking input from others before implementing a plan. Internal education: Everyone affected by the plan must be informed of what steps will be taken. Action: The plan must be carried out, with careful notes taken to document progress. Evaluation: Determining if the plan was successful helps develop a course of action for future public relations efforts. We write, we coordinate interviews, we tweet, we post, we research, we monitor news....etc, etc. PR has also been established as the second most stressful job behind doctors. It's true. The joke in PR is "Remember, we're not saving lives!" ....and it's so funny because everyone acts like that is exactly what you're doing. I'm drawn to it because it can be so dynamic and challenging...but at the same time I have days (like today) where I feel like I'm going to have to start wearing a wig because I'm going to rip out my hair! But to give a real inside look at what a day in the life of a PR professional is like I want to share this blog with you. http://99problemsbutapitchaintone.tumblr.com/ So, this is the dream. I living in the big city working at my big girl job living the big city girl life. Theme song of the post is that one from the Devil Wears Prada

. Enjoy

Summer, Summer, Summertime

Well, it is Sept 20th, the last day of summer. I thought it fitting to write a tribute to this summer.....

but then I accidentally erased my whole blog post as I was about to finish...and now I am really tired...so I'll try to call out some of the highlights. Just know though, this post was so much better the first time I wrote it. The inspiration for this summer came from watching Selena Gomez's video for Hit the Lights (the song dedication of this post-ps. I wanted to have a summer as amazing as the one I saw in the video-and I totally did. It begins with a road trip to Nauvoo. We had such a good time that we filled up a van with people on Memorial Day and went to the (Lake Michigan version of a) beach town St Joseph. It was so cute, relaxing, fun and perfect. Over the 4th we took a trip to Milwaukee to see some fireworks, catch a tour of a brewery and go to Summerfest, the world's largest music festival. I went on a trip to DC-stayed with an ol' roommate. I visited a friend from my MA program who just happens to be Senator Mike Lee's press secretary (she's a pretty big deal) and bonus-she introduced me to the Senator (who I was very impressed with) and then they arranged a private tour of the Capitol building for me which was awesome. Oh and I saw the monuments, and the memorials and took a riverboat cruise on the Potomac. I capped off the summer road trip with some friends in Door County, WI for a long weekend camping trip over Labor Day. It was amazing. We ate breakfast at a restaurant with goats on the roof. Yes, this is literal. Please refer to my Facebook photos if you don't believe me. We ate at other fun places, I got to ride a horse and later a bike, we hung out on the beach, sort of hiked, made campfires and smores and just had a perfect time. The summer was also filled with movies in the park, beach volleyball, carnivals, concerts, dancing in the park, cubs games, boat trips and more! That-AND I managed to survive a mud run and started taking harp lessons. Like I said, this summer was really good to me. So, now it is time to say goodbye summer. It is bittersweet this time. I have loved you, but I am ready to embrace the fall. I am ready for class to start again-I will continue with harp, signed up for a couple of painting classes and bought a yoga pass. It begins! To Summer with love, Emily