Giving Thanks

Just about 5 hours until I sit down and (over)eat turkey, stuffing, twice-baked potatoes, cranberry sauce, cauliflower, pumpkin pie and whatever else is within an arm's reach. Must be Thanksgiving.

So in the spirit of giving thanks, thought I would share what I'm thankful for in my day-to-day job as a PR professional.

I'm thankful for clients who...

• treat the relationship as a partnership not a "vendorship"
• understand the value of keeping the PR team in constant contact with company stakeholders and customers
• review and approve material in a timely manner
• can comment on industry issues driving the media's agenda
• see the value of meet and greet media briefings, even if they don't result in immediate coverage
• appreciate when we "push back" and provide alternative solutions
• realize the 10.4.1 product upgrade (actually just a security patch) does not warrant a press release, let alone media outreach
• understand that securing business media coverage takes time and loads of effort
• are willing to call out the competition when necessary
• know that occasional praise and acknowledgment when the team goes above and beyond is an incredible motivator
• join weekly PR update calls on time
• value our recommendations, ideas and creativity
• pay their invoices on time

I'm thankful for journalists who...

• give us at least 30 seconds to share our story idea and why it's relevant
• don't double book and thus cancel an hour before the interview
• spell the CEO's name correctly
• see us as valuable resources and not gatekeepers
• still have jobs so they can cover my clients

What are you thankful for?