Early Career Journey

In our conversation, Stacey shared the story of her transition from a large advertising agency to CBS/FOX Video's international marketing division. While analyzing spreadsheets and performance forecasts, she often found herself intrigued by the PR department’s dynamic campaigns. After the department was dissolved, a chance meeting with the former head led her to a Senior Account Executive position, marking the start of her PR career, despite having no prior experience in that field.

Not long after founding her own agency, Co-Communications, she faced significant challenges. Balancing work and family became overwhelming, often resulting in 75-hour workweeks. A turning point came when she met Valerie, a management consultant, who helped her reevaluate her approach to business and life balance. Valerie’s guidance led Stacey to examine her agency's accounts closely, revealing the profitability of her clients and encouraging her to adjust retainers based on value provided.

This pivotal moment transformed Stacey’s perception of herself as a business owner, empowering her to reclaim her work-life balance and motivating her to set ambitious goals, including reaching the million-dollar mark for her business.

Valuable Lessons from the Field

Stacey’s early missteps also provided her with valuable lessons. During her time managing press at a Boston Celtics event, she mistakenly directed the team's coach to the press area, highlighting the importance of thorough research before attending events.

Looking ahead, Stacey is currently engaged in writing a book on personal branding, set to be published by Post Hill Press. The book introduces her ME SQUARED branding methodology and covers essential topics like LinkedIn, networking, and entrepreneurship.

Key Traits for Success

When discussing the traits essential for success in PR, Stacey emphasizes three key characteristics:

1. Risk-Taker: Having started her first business at 14, Stacey encourages her team to embrace challenges and learn from failures. For example, she navigated the acquisition of two agencies, learning valuable lessons from both successes and setbacks.
2. Collaboration: The foundation of Stacey’s agency, Co-Communications, lies in collaboration. She explains that the name "Co" derives from the Latin word for "with," reflecting her belief that teamwork enhances creativity and client retention.
3. Positivity: A positive mindset fuels enthusiasm and productivity. Stacey encourages her team to approach challenges with a solutions-oriented attitude, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth.

Diverse Forms of Public Relations

Stacey clarifies that PR is often misunderstood. It's not merely about creating a positive brand image; it's a strategic approach to building relationships with key audiences and managing a company’s reputation. PR encompasses various types, including:

• Media Relations: Establishing connections with journalists and influencers to share brand stories.
• Community Relations: Engaging with local communities and stakeholders.
• Crisis Management: Essential for protecting a brand's reputation during emergencies.
• Internal Communications: Fostering communication within organizations.

Today’s PR landscape blends traditional methods with digital tactics, making it crucial for PR professionals to understand their audiences and adapt their strategies accordingly.

Education and Internships

For those interested in a PR career, Stacey recommends various academic paths, including Public Relations, Journalism, Communications, and Marketing. Practical experience, particularly through internships, is invaluable for gaining real-world skills and enhancing employability.

Effective Networking Strategies

Stacey also shares insights on networking, emphasizing the importance of building authentic relationships. Her top three networking tips include:

1. Be Strategic: Approach networking with a clear plan and goals.
2. Mutual Benefit: Ensure that relationships are advantageous for all parties involved.
3. Maintain Connections: Regular communication helps keep relationships strong and relevant.

Lead Generation Techniques

In the evolving landscape of PR, demonstrating measurable impacts on business outcomes is crucial. Stacey highlights the importance of linking PR activities to quantifiable goals, using data-driven insights to refine strategies continuously.

Final Thoughts on Success in PR

In concluding our interview, Stacey shares her "5 Keys to a Successful Career in PR," which include:

1. Seeing the Bigger Picture: Crafting a comprehensive PR strategy is vital for success.
2. Flexibility: Being adaptable to the fast-paced nature of PR is essential.
3. Lifelong Learning: Continuous education is crucial in this ever-changing field.
4. Building Relationships: Strong connections are foundational in PR.
5. Creativity: Innovative thinking is necessary to stand out in a crowded market.

Stacey envisions a movement called #changeforthebetter, encouraging individuals to recognize their potential to effect positive change in the world. By embracing accountability and leveraging their unique abilities, everyone can contribute to creating a better future.

For more insights from Stacey, you can follow her on:

Thank you, Stacey, for sharing your valuable experiences and insights!