As we begin to roll towards January, millions of people will ask themselves what they can do in 2018 to make it their best year yet. Instead of making unrealistic resolutions to hit the gym five days a week or finally check off all the items on your never-ending bucket list, choose one skill you want to focus on. Here are a few ideas to help you improve your public relations skills in the new year.
Take a Writing Class
I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again. One of the most valuable skills a professional can have is the ability to write well. In addition, taking the time to practice writing can help you strengthen other skills you might not expect. For example, writing involves focus, research, and attention to detail as well as a plethora of other skills. There is almost no career where you can go through life and never write anything, so you might as well be good at it.
Attend a Conference
Conferences are educational opportunities to learn from experts in your field. They can expose you to new business opportunities or help you learn how to be more productive. They also provide an opportunity to network with other professionals in your field which can spark inspiration for new ideas.
Speak on a Panel
Glossophobia, the fear of public speaking, is one of the most common fears. However, speaking on a panel can be much less daunting than giving a speech at a podium. It is more conversational, you aren’t alone, and you still gain similar benefits for professional credibility and networking opportunities.
Develop a Social Media Presence
Social media plays a critical role in PR and business these days. In fact, for some influencers, it has become their career. Social media is an extension of you, it represents your personal brand and acts as a public resume. By taking the time to develop your voice and be intentional with your social media.
While this may be a list of business-related skills, learning about and developing them can be rewarding and fun. As you take stock of where you’ve been and what you’ve accomplished over the past 12 months, ask yourself what you can do next year to advance your skill set even more.
What are your goals for 2018?
