How to Market Yourself in Tough Times

SAABJ’s professional enrichment series continued on Oct. 30 with “The Power of On-Line Media: Facebook, Twitter, and Beyond” with special guest Benet Wilson.

Benet is the chairwoman of the NABJ’s National Digital Task Force and was a trade journalist for 20 years. She turned her own blog into such an interesting product that Google wanted to purchase it. She gave important tips on how to brand yourself outside of your organization to help keep you marketable at all times.

From covering the aviation industry, Benet used her knowledge of the industry as content for her social networking. Here are some must-haves items she mentioned to keep in your networking toolbox:

-        Facebook
-        Twitter – Should have professional and personal accounts
-        Google profile
-        Linked In
-        Blog and offer to be a guest blogger
-        Personal Website that features your first and last name
-        Professional email
-        Must be willing to do media appearances

Just recently, Benet was laid off from her company and despite the tough economic times, she said her social networking skills have been bringing in job offers for her.

Transitioning to PR

Transitioning into Public Relations was the topic for the September San Antonio Association of Black Journalists monthly meeting on Sept. 24.

Hosted by KENS 5-TV, the group listened to special speakers Rebecca Villarreal, president of the local chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and Randy Escamilla, the first Hispanic male in Texas to be accredited (APR) in Public Relations.

The two speakers talked about the secrets to being successful in PR, which is learning how to plan, learning as much as possible about PR (the objectives and goals of a campaign) and joining PRSA to network and get professional development.

Rebecca said in small PR shops, you have to learn how to be the "jack of all trades"  and often show your worth. Randy said if you find you have a passion for something in PR, such as social media, you can easily spin off into that field.





Rebecca Villarreal and Randy Escamilla



Using Law Enforcement PIOs

"I've always been told your network is your networth. Keep that in mind when dealing with your law enforcement public information officer. First, be patient with their offices. They are fielding high-to-low media calls depending on the agency.

According to the law enforcement agents, patience is key. Secondly, compromising with their offices is not a bad thing. Bartering with these agencies about some news stories can go miles in developing longstanding relationships.

Finally, think relationships as you balance your job to inform the public. Patience, compromise, and a pleasant attitude can equal the true power of using your PIO."

-Marvin Hurst, SAABJ President

                       

New Directions

From SAABJ President Marvin Hurst:

"The goal is to turn our meetings into enrichment sessions to enhance our group as professionals. Don't worry, we will still conduct the business of scholarships, etc. However, as working journalists we are looking for ways to improve our professional skills, job quality, and live better lives. We will empower each other to succeed.

In the coming months, we will also address brand new strategies for fundraising, plan to expand membership, strengthen our on-line and social media presence, survey our membership's needs, launch a president's report, and initiate a multi-media outlet news story (Vision 2020) showcasing our skills as journalists highlighting the voices and vision of the next generation.

Our August meeting begins our professional enrichment sessions. SAABJ has invited the public information officers from the San Antonio Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigations, and the Bexar County Sheriff's Office.

The session: "The Power of using your PIO " will last as long as a regular meeting. The purpose of this session is to help our working journalists get the most out of law enforcement public information offices. The representatives will open up a frank dialogue with media members to ultimately inform our community better. Of course, our questions and suggestions will help bridge that gap.

We have extended an invitation to other local professional media groups (SAHAJ, AAAJ, all the newsrooms in San Antonio). This will be the first of, hopefully, many education through unification enrichment events. This is free. However, if members of other groups would like to make a $2-$5 donation to our scholarship fund we'll take it. The donation is attached to all of our sessions for non-members ONLY."