Thinking of Becoming a Publicist? What You Need to Excel in This Career

Some Skills You'll Need to Succeed

Cara Surdi
Becoming a publicist may seem like an easy task at first, it may also seem like something anyone can do, however; as many-failed publicists have found out it is not a job for the thin skinned. Publicist need to be able to make dozens of contacts in the media, which means in the beginning they will have to be very choosy on whom they represent. A new publicist would not want to contact the media and inform them about a great event happening downtown that no one showed up for, or that didn't meet the goals it had promised. This could easily put an end to the publicist creditability with the media, and end their chances of getting new customers.

While publicist tend to earn more than journalists, editors, and other media personnel, they also have the tough job of being extremely outgoing, even in the face of adversity. Publicist also need to have excellent writing abilities, which will allow them to write articles to the local media advising them of an event, and making it sound like a major event. While being a publicist may seem like a tough job, often times it comes down to who you know, and who you can contact.

To become a publicist one would need to first start by writing articles about certain upcoming events and sending them to the local editor for review. If the writing enthused the local paper or media to attend the events, it is possible the person would then be on their way to becoming a publicist. Of course writing is not enough to make a good publicist, they also need marketing skills, people skills, and of course the ability to socialize with the media.

If you find that you already have a position with the media to start promote, then you are well on your way to becoming a publicist. For most people you will need to start with a business class, and choose your electives around your goals. Which will mean choosing event training, marketing, and project management; these will help you along the way. It would also be an excellent idea to start promoting college events, that will help get your foot in the door and on your way to becoming a high paid publicist.

Published by Cara Surdi

I'm open minded, not judgmental, no one is perfect. I'm a licensed adjuster, background: administrative, report writing, proof reading, medical payments, medical terms, pharmaceutical experience, and handlin...  View profile

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