nyc PR girls

Take A Chance

By on Dec 28 2011 New York City 1 comment

As we say goodbye to 2011, I must also bid adieu.  It has been a blast being able to blog and work alongside two of my favorite PR mavens and all around classy broads, Meg and Adrianna. Although this is my last post on NYC PR Girls, I know I leave you all in the most capable of hands.

So, in my last post, I would like to leave you all with a little bit more background on myself and my NYC PR girl journey. I did not major in PR, nor did I have any prior PR experience when I bought a one way ticket to the Big Apple and moved over a thousand miles away from the only home I’d ever known. You can only imagine the curious looks I received in proudly declaring to all I knew, that this Sunshine State native would be moving to New York, in mid January, on literally nothing but a dream. Since childhood, I had daydreamed about living in the city that never sleeps, but the further I grew into adulthood the less likely it seemed. Until one day, I decided to take a chance.

To make a long story short, I moved to New York knowing I was interested in public relations, but like many, not entirely sure of what a position in PR entailed. After speaking with a relative who worked in the field, also in Manhattan, I knew NYC would be the perfect city to test my media skills. Though I wasn’t entirely certain I could land a job in PR  I had no doubt that I wanted to be a part of it  - New York, NY.

So like the practical individual that I am, I quit my job (my very secure job) in Florida and took a temporary job in NYC as a nanny in the Upper West Side. With a college degree and years of work experience, I never thought I would find myself changing diapers and monitoring play dates.  However, after merely two months of nannying and thanks to a connection through the lovely woman I worked as a nanny for, I landed a coveted position as an intern at a top agency in Manhattan. Two years later I am a public relations professional with a New York City address. My daydreams became a reality.

And with that, I leave you with my final parting words: take chances. Take a chance on the bright red lipstick you didn’t think you could pull off, take a chance in submitting your resume to that position posted on Media Bistro that seems unattainable, take a chance on the boy you think of as “just a friend”.  Take a chance on your dreams. Take a chance on yourself. If you make one resolution for 2012, let that be it.

 

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Holiday PRoductivity

By on Dec 21 2011 Public Relations No comments

November was, without a doubt, the busiest month I have had all year. Coming into December things started to calm down and this week has brought a lull with the approaching Holidays. It is alway nice to catch your breath, and these next few days are still winding down considerably as colleagues and editors are starting to put on their out of office replies.

Even though you are finding yourself free to actually take a lunch break this week, it is important to stay in tip-top PR shape and not become slack as you’ll need to arrive back from the holidays ready to concur a 2012. After all, a PR girls work is never done. Here are some tips to staying productive these next few days, even though your office may feel slightly vacant.

Take a moment to catch your breath, then be proactive, be productive

Professional Development – I’m lucky that my office has a great procedure in place for professional development. I meet with my supervisor twice a month to discuss my professional growth. Unfortunately, these meetings can occasionally become secondary to deadlines and urgent client requests. This week though, with less of a work load, we’ve set aside time to discuss the year in-depth and what my expectations are for the 2012. If your office does not have something like this in place, it doesn’t mean you can’t initiate a type of mentor program or development discussion of your own. I strongly encourage you to set aside some time this week to develop your professional growth.

Take A Break - It is a rare day that you may actually be away from your desk with enough time to even run to your local lunch haunt and grab a bite. This week, take some time to actually go to lunch and invite a colleague or professional contact. Use this opportunity to further develop relationships you have with your colleagues who may even work on different business than your own. Though many editors are off this week too, no harm in reaching out to a media contact and asking them to lunch or coffee as they could be experiencing a light week as well.

Get Personal – You are still conducting business as usual and attending weekly meetings. Don’t be afraid to extend your meeting ten to fifteen minutes and end it with asking your team members what their holiday plans are. It’s crazy how little you may actually know about the people you work so closely with on a daily basis. You could find that a colleague and yourself have more in common than you realized. Don’t be afraid to open up, but remember to maintain a level of professionalism.

Update Documents  - Take productivity to a whole new level and contribute to updating your teams master media list and shared documents. Typically, we have our new interns revisit our master media lists as a sort of initiation to both Cision and team contacts. However, it never hurts to revisit them yourself and update our own personal documents as well. For instance, when was the last time you took a look at your professional bio? You should be revisiting your bio and resume at least every six months to keep them up to date with your latest achievements.

 

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Pick of the Week: BeneFit’s High Beam

By on Dec 17 2011 Beauty 1 comment

With all those holiday parties you have in the works, you really want to shine. I’ve been weary of a highlighter product, but was looking for something that would give me a radiant glow, without looking like a disco ball or outshining my Christmas tree.

A lovely sales gal at Sephora introduced me to BeneFit’s High Beam liquid highlighter and I’m simply beaming. My complextion now looks dewy and radiant! Just dab the liquid highlighter on your cheekbones give you a natural afterglow. The  pearlescent  sheen makes you appear more awake and will have you beaming with holiday cheer. I have actually rotated this product into my everyday beauty routine as it’s subtle enough to wear everyday.

With this PR girls hectic holiday schedule, beauty sleep isn’t an option so having a product that can keep me looking bright-eyed and bushy-tailed is a serious plus! If you don’t already use Benefit’s High Beam I suggest run to your nearest Sephora and try it for yourself, or slip it into a fellow PR girls stocking this holiday.

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Office Holiday Gift Etiquette

By on Dec 14 2011 Public Relations No comments

For many of you this may be your first holiday working in a big girl job. The social environment of  work places can vary, as every office has a unique culture in and of itself. However, in general there are certain protocol and procedures that are in place from the most mundane of days to special occasions like holidays and holiday gifting.

From partaking in your office holiday gift exchange to wanting to send a little holiday cheer to your coworkers, here are the Do’s and Don’ts of holiday gifting in the work place:

Holiday Gift Etiquette Do’s

  • Leave a Holiday card in each of your team members mail box
  • Chip in as a team on a Starbucks gift card for your boss
  • Leave a surprise holiday treat on your work confidants desk (you wouldn’t have made it through the year without them)
  • Abide by the holiday gift limit for the office Secret Santa exchange
  • Treat your intern to a coffee or cupcake break

Holiday Gift Etiquette Don’ts

  • Send a Christmas card to your jewish colleague (and vice versa)
  • Give unexpected lavish gifts to co-workers (you brown noser, you)
  • Forget to buy your assigned work Secret Santa a gift
  • Disburse your holiday cards the day before the holiday. Aim to deliver them a week prior, keeping in mind many people take off for an extended holiday vacation
  • Send your intern out to do your holiday shopping

 

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On Ice (Skating)

By on Dec 10 2011 New York City 1 comment

This really is the most wonderful time of the year. I love everything about the holidays, from holiday parties to gorgeous window displays. However, my absolute favorite thing about the holidays, and winter in general, is having the opportunity to go ice skating.

One of the things most visitors to the city are the most surprised to hear is that there are many ice skating rinks in NYC other than the iconic Rockefeller Center. Though I think ice skating at Rockefeller Center is one of the most quintessential NYC experiences in the winter, you have numerous options for experiencing this winter activity. Here is a list of all the rinks open for winter:

I almost prefer this view at Wolllman Ice Rink to Rockefeller, don’t you?

Rockefeller Center –  Located in the center of the complex of buildings between 47th and 50th Streets and 5th and 7th Avenues. The rink typically opens Columbus Day weekend and remains open through April. Rates vary based on time of your visit,Adult admission ranges from $10 – $19. Ice skate rentals range from $8 -$9. If you are planning to skate on a weekend or during the holiday season, expect ridiculous crowds and long lines. My first trip to the rink was in mid January on a weeknight, after just moving to the city, and it was much more intimate waiting until post holiday season.

The Pond in Bryant Park – Not only is there an ice skating rink, but currently there are lines of quant shops for the holiday season. I bought the most adorable vintage necklace in lieu of skating last weekend, due to long lines. Though Bryant Park’s lines are long, admission to the rink is free.Skate rental is $12 and locker or bag check will be an additional charge. If you’d still like to avoid a line, but want to experience a winter wonderland, check out The Pond. Dining restaurants and bars with porch swing seating, overlooking the rink,  have been erected just for the winter season.

Wollman Skating Rink – Located in Central Park, access to the rink for the full day is $10.25 ($5 children) during the week and $14.75 weekends ($5.75 children). Ice skate rentals are $6.25. Wollman Rink is located off Central Park East between 62nd and 63rd Streets. Due to its location in Central Park, this rink can also attract tourist and thus be crowded on weekends during the holiday season.

Lasker Rink in Central Park –  Another Central Park ice skating option is Lasker Rink located mid-park between 106th and 108th Streets. Ice skating will cost you $6.25 (children under 12 are $3.50) and ice skate rental is $5.50. Like Wollman rink, admission is good for a full day of access, but offers a more intimate ice skating experience with less crowds than Wollman rink.

Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers – Located at  Chelsea Piers, Pier 61, Hudson River and 17th St.  Admission to the rink is $13.50, skate rental $6.25. I have yet to visit this rink, but love Chelsea Pier in the summer, so I’m anxious to see its winter transformation.

 

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Dylan’s Candy Bar

By on Dec 07 2011 New York City No comments

To those who know me, it is no secret, I have a serious sweet tooth! I was even nicknamed “Buddy” by a co-worker due to my infectious smile and over indulgence in sugary goodies. So naturally, when I discovered Dylan’s Candy Bar (located at 60th ST and 3rd Ave) I was in heaven.

Dylan’s Candy Bar sells over 5,000 different types of candies, so regardless of your candy preference, you are sure to find a favorite. One of the things that makes Dylan’s Candy Bar so unique, is their collection of nostalgia and novelty candies  (Wax lips, Candy Buttons and Pez) along with their founder’s inherent  eye for style.

Founded by Dylan Lauren, daughter of fashion designer Ralph Lauren, in 2001. Dylan’s dream was to merge fashion and pop candy culture together, to create a truly unique experience. Along with Fashion Accessories, including this adorable bangle, Dylan’s also has a line of  (inedible) Candy Spa products, where you’ll find Hot Chocolate Bath Salts, Cheeky Chocolate-Milk Bubble Bath, and chocolate candles.

Dylan’s Candy Bar has become a frequent stop for celebrities including the Olsen Twins, Madonna and Tom Cruise, as well as appearing in movies (Hitch and Arthur) and television (Gossip Girl).  What started out as a vision inspired by Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, has turned into a candy empire that could potential even rival Dylan’s famous father’s fashion brand.

 

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Pick of the Week: Red Lips

By on Dec 03 2011 Beauty No comments

‘Tis the season to be jolly, and nothing is more festive than a gorgeous crimson pucker. I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect shade of red for a while now, and it has eluded me for years. Until this week! Thanks to Pinterest, I stumbled upon Julia from Gal Meets Glam. Not only did I love her style, and add her blog to my daily fashion blog rotation, but I lusted a similar signature pout.

Julia of Gal Meets Glam

 

I immediately ran to Duane Reade and picked out Revlon’s Really Red lipstick, which is the shade Julia wears, and rushed home with fingers crossed.  I’m pretty fair-skinned and typically stick with glosses, so even though I lusted for a chic  red stained kiss, I needed a shade that was not too drastic. I’m happy to report that Really Red fit the bill and I can’t wait to wear it, along with some sequins, to all my upcoming holiday engagements!

Glamour girls, all wearing Red-Orange lipstick – NARS Heatwave

Along with this vibrant red shade, I’ve also seen some reddish pink and red orange shades popping up in fashion magazines and catalogs. Particularly J. Crew. So if you are daring enough to go with a  more vibrant lipstick shade this holiday season, but not keen on a full-out red pigment, emulate the lovely J.Crew models and try an orange-red shade like NARS Heatwave (which a Glamour editor claims to look good on everyone).

image via Gal Meets Glam

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How to Succeed in PR Without Really Trying

By on Nov 30 2011 Public Relations 2 comments

Don’t let the title of this post fool you, working in PR is no easy feat.   There are certainly overwhelming client needs, long hours and tedious tasks on the public relations path, but you shouldn’t let that tarnish an exciting, charming and social career choice.   With a combination of your inherent poise and fierce PR knowledge, you can absolutely help yourself conquer the PR world with a few qualities that come naturally to you.

(SJP makes here glamorous success look easy)

 Smile ‘“ You’d be surprised how far this simple pleasantry can take you, whether it’s the best seats at the show or the corner office. Greeting your colleagues on Monday morning with a cheerful hello or smiling with gratitude when your boss assigns you a last-minute, urgent, assignment at 5:45 p.m can go a long way.

Be yourself – One of best things about working in public relations is working with so many unique but like-minded individuals.   Those crazy passions you have – from being magazine whore or pop-culture obsessed – are interests and hobbies you all share. Don’t doubt who you are or change it.

Follow your passion –  Simple enough. The best career advice I ever received was to “do what you love and you will never work a day in your life.” It’s true. In PR, that passion can not only involve your love of media and communications but also extends to your interest in food, fashion, beauty or wherever your brand loyalty takes you.

Follow the Golden Rule – Treat others as you’d like to be treated. When your colleague is under the gun and in need of some  back up, put your dinner plans on hold and help her put together a media kit in half the time. Being a team player isn’t always the first thought in a cut-throat industry like ours, but it does not go unnoticed.   The public relations world is SUPER small,   and you never know when karma can come around and give you a sweet deal later in your career.

Trust your instincts – Go with your gut. If you think a spokesperson isn’t a good fit, or that something seems off with your budget on first glance, trust your instincts and go with your first educated response.   More often than not, it is usually correct. Should your gut be wrong this time, believe me, you will never make the same mistake again and only heighten said instincts.

 

image via pinterest.com

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Winter Wonder List

By on Nov 26 2011 New York City 1 comment

Now that Thanksgiving is over, it’s official, the holidays are here! To me, that means I am decking my halls with brightly colored ornaments and blasting the N’SYNC holiday album without shame. It has been said that no one does the holidays like New York and here area  few events that prove it:

- Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lightening on Wednesday, November 30

- Ice Skating in Central Park, Bryant Park or Rockefeller Center

- New York City Ballet’s The Nutcracker

- Radio City Christmas Spectacular  featuring the Rockettes

- SantaCon

- Holiday Windows  (especially Barneys Lady Gaga display)

- Dreidel Tournaments

- Ski Trips

- Snowball fights and sledding

- It’s a Wonderful Life playing at IFC Center

 - Buying Roasted Chestnuts from Street Vendors

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Thanksgiving in the City

By on Nov 23 2011 New York City No comments

We have so much to be thankful for this year, most of which is the opportunity to work and live in the most amazing city in the world. Last year, I spent my first Thanksgiving solo in the city and even though this year I find myself surrounded by family at home, last year was one of the most fulfilling Thanksgivings I had ever experienced. So if you are spending tomorrow in the city, here are a few ways to celebrate it in true NYC fashion:

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – Last year I wanted to avoid the crowds and chose to forgo the parade itself and witness the final preparations on Thanksgiving Eve instead. Watch the iconic Snoopy and other characters come to life during the Ballon Inflation today from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. near the Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side.

If you do choose to brave the crowds and witness the parade first hand,  it will start at 77th Street and Central Park West  heading south. Then it turns east on Central Park South before turning onto Seventh Avenue. At 42nd Street it will slide over to Sixth Avenue before meandering down to Macy’s at Herald Square. Though the first balloon doesn’t cross the starting line until 9 a.m., parade officials recommend that you pick your viewing spot by 7 a.m. to avoid disappointment. A map of the route and suggested viewing locations are available at the  Macy’s official parade site.

Thanksgiving Dinner, NYC Style – With our small apartment kitchens, cooking a full course Thanksgiving Day meal can be more intimidating than necessary. If you do chose to host your own dinner, opt to either have the meal catered (thank you Whole Foods), or in true NYC style skip the fuss and dine out.  

Volunteer – The holidays are not only a time to be thankful for what we have, but to give back to those who are less fortunate. Give back to the city that gives so much to you tomorrow by volunteering for a local food bank via NY Cares or God’s Love We Deliver. Both organizations work to feed the hungry of New York City.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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