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Who are the current leaders in the PR industry? You may know of them or you follow their Twitter feeds or ask to connect with them on LinkedIn and Facebook. Perhaps you may even know them in “real-life.” But do you know who will be the up-and-coming, new PR leaders? Who will be the next “person to follow” in the PR industry?
When you mentor students, you have an opportunity to meet these new leaders. Arik Hanson recently wrote about going back to his alma mater, Winona State University, for Pro Am Day. It’s a way for PR professionals to share their experiences and offer advice to students. My colleague, Tressa Robins, also attended St. Louis PRSA Pro Am Day, and discussed the event here on BurrellesLuce Fresh Ideas.
Twitter discussions are another great way for PR folks of different levels to discuss issues and find who’s fast becoming a rising star. Heather Whaling, @prTini, leads the #PR20 conversation on Tuesday nights. She recently blogged about pros you might not know, but should.
And she isn’t the only one drawing attention to emerging PR leaders. For the past 20 years, Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) has honored a female leader in the Washington PR industry. This year, the organization is looking to honor three emerging leaders on June 15, 2010. Although there are several criteria, in a recent informal poll, respondents felt the main quality of an emerging leader was “innovation.” It will be interesting to see how the honorees exhibit this quality.
“In today’s industry, there are many emerging leaders in the field – intelligent, budding PR leaders and creative practitioners. It is important to recognize these innovative communications professionals as knowledge experts and up-and-coming leaders in their chosen fields,” says Lauren Lawson, media relations manager at Goodwill International and past president, WWPR. “By motivating and inspiring these young leaders, you will help to grow and hone the skills of these communications professionals.”
Do you know an innovative young PR professional? How will you help promote them?
Love the idea behind this post. It’s awesome to see new talent continuing to emerge in the PR industry. I’d have to say #prstudchat and #u30pro are two communities full of up-and-comers. I don’t get to participate in either group as much as I’d like, but I’m always impressed with the people involved.
Heather
@prTini
I think young PR pros need to take it upon themselves to get noticed. Whether it’s starting a blog or Twitter conversation or a new LinkedIn group, if you have put the effort into something then you will be rewarded in the end.
@Worob
PR at Sunrise – worob.com
Heather,
I’m happy you liked the post. You were part of the inspiration. I agree that the #prstudchat and #u30pro are two other great Twitter chats for PR pros.
I’d like to hear from the community. Are there other chats we should be aware of? Other opportunities to meet and engage with emerging leaders?
Debbie
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@Worob,
I agree. Young leaders need to make their own opportunities to help show they are leaders. You have some great suggestions for them.
Do others have suggestions?
We’ll hopefully be promoting a whole slew of them next week leading up to HAPPO day on Friday!
@arikhanson
Arik,
HAPPO (Help a PR Pro Out) is a great way to promote emerging leaders. I’d encourage everyone to follow the #HAPPO hashtag and engage in the conversation. The last #HAPPO day was a huge success, and I’m hoping Friday will be, as well.