Being wrong is just another opportunity to learn what is right. My goal for 2011.

My biggest wall to overcome is confidence. I have a huge fear of being wrong. My goal for 2011 is to truly learn that it is ok to be wrong once in awhile.

I am a member of multiple LinkedIn and Facebook groups but I don’t post discussions or actively talk on any of the platforms. I need to start. What is holding me back? The fear that I may look dumb by having a false understanding around a tactic or that I may make a statement with little or no real experience to back it up with. My current boss tells me all the time that I am smarter than I think, and in 2011 I plan to find that truth inside myself.

I have begun my journey by joining the new PR Community, #pr20chat. I joined 4 groups focused around B2B, B2C, Non-profit, and Measurement and have started to take part in discussions there.

Yesterday I jumped in on a question based around email marketing. Other community members responded to my post, and rather than feeling discouraged and anxious about their comments, I continued to talk. I may not always have the correct answer for a discussion, but as I continue to actively talk in these groups I will gain a more in-depth grasp on the PR industry as a whole. There are still things I need to learn and chances I need to take. Being wrong is not the end of the world, it is just another opportunity to learn what is right.

I will by no means be posting jibberish, but I WILL be voicing my opinion. I know more than I give myself credit for!

Here is to Confidence in 2011! & here is to the new #pr20chat community!

Filed under: Uncategorized

Christmas 2.0

This video was emailed to me by a co-worker, and as the social media dork that I am, I needed to pass it along! *Apologies for not being able to embed the video! Enjoy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZrf0PbAGSk

Filed under: Uncategorized

It’s Time to Buck Up, Gen Yers!

Gen Y is knocked down for a few flaw character traits at the office; they act spoiled/entitled, are lazy, have a poor work ethic, display little respect for authority, have unrealistic expectations, are very needy, not committed to work, aren’t loyal to their employers… the list and the arguments go on forever.

I have always thought myself to break the mold for Gen Y stereotypes, but realized recently that even though I have a hard work ethic and unbreakable drive, my Gen Y characteristic of being needy pops up once in awhile. Not needy in the, “Give me! Give me!” sense, but more of the need for constant reassurance.

An article from my local paper appeared with perfect timing on a day I was feeling a bit over sensitive: Criticism only sounds bad; it can be good for career by Enid Arbelo.

The article stated, “Gen Yers are more motivated when we hear what’s going right. Telling us what we don’t do well can be counterproductive.” We have definitely been raised with constant praise and harsh criticism was always frowned upon. We were raised fragile and with lots of padding. This is an awful combination in an office environment. Not everyone is going to agree with your ideas, your execution, or you in general, and that is okay. I am quickly learning to take all comments as advice.

Transitioning into the work force with people from all different generations can be tough. Generally, co-workers do not share the same concern your parents did about your feelings, and they shouldn’t. “It’s hard not to have a knee-jerk reaction when you feel like you aren’t getting a deserved pat on the back. Whether it means learning from mistakes or trying a new approach suggested by a supervisor, taking constructive criticism is the only way to grow — even though it means putting your ego and hurt feelings aside,” the article read.

Whether someone approaches your work tactfully or not, they usually have a valid point. They have been in the office longer than you and know how the system works. Take all criticism with a grain of salt; cliché, but a perfect term to follow. Don’t let a co-worker’s opinion get under your skin, but don’t disregard their advice. Whether or not you think the woman in the office down the hall is out to get you, pay attention to what she has to offer and use it in a future project.

The article ended with a great piece of advice for us sometimes sensitive Gen Yers, “If the feedback comes with nothing constructive, just ask. If you think you’re doing a good job, speak up. Don’t be shy about reminding your supervisor about your successes along the way. No one wants to dwell on the bad stuff. No one wants to deal with a cry baby or a defensive bulldog in the workplace, either. So although we don’t always want to hear the bad stuff, it’s important to keep our ears open and skin thick.”

Follow the YP reporter who wrote the article: @enid_arbelo

Filed under: Uncategorized, Democrat and Chronicle, Gen Y, RocYPs, Sterotypes, Young Professionals

Snow White and the 8 Dwarfs

via http://www.pr-squared.com

Filed under: Uncategorized, Bloggers, Snow White, Social Media

Marketer’s Comedy

While driving down to Skaneateles Lake this weekend I heard a marketing joke from commedian Keith Alberts on the radio. Hopefully I can capture the correct delivery in my post!

Advertisers should just start paying Jeopardy contestants.

Historical Leaders for $500, please.

General of the Union Army that defeated Lee.

Beep! Beep!

What is Gatorade?

Um, no I’m sorry, you lose. The answer is Ulysses S. Grant.

Oh, but do I really lose, Alex, do I really?

Filed under: Uncategorized, Funny, Gatorade, Jeopardy, Joke, Keith Alberts, Marketing, Ulysses S. Grant