PR is an industry where much is learned by doing the actual hands on work that it takes to be successful in this industry. That doesn't mean you shouldn't pursue a PR degree, it just means that once you actually get started in this field, you're likely to learn a lot quickly! 

PR is also a team sport, and having folks in your professional circle who can guide and advise you can go a long way when you're starting out in communications.

This is why we wanted to hear from our Nashville community on their top tips for getting started in PR, which we asked recently during our OnePitch Summer Tour stop in the heart of Music City.  

Here are 8 Nashville PRos sharing their best tips for getting started in PR. 

8 Nashville PRos on Getting Started in PR 

It's no secret that knowing how to build and nurture relationships with people will get you far in PR, but it's a fundamental that bears repeating, especially if you're just starting out. 

Build Relationships

Brittany Kellam, publicity manager at All Eyes Media, echoes this, and told us her advice is to  "always be ready to make relationships with the journalists you're reaching out to, make sure your pitches are catered to them, and make sure you know what they're writing about."

Brittany adds that "they don't teach you how to be a people person in college" and as a result, she recommends that PRos "really delve into that and learn how to connect with people." 

Taylor Ann Carpenter is a freelance publicist and social media manager whose tip is similar to Brittany's in that she wants folks to "be willing to try new things and willing to put yourself out there even if it's not your favorite thing to do."

Growth happens in the uncomfortable zone, and if connecting with reporters makes you nervous, just keep doing this task until it becomes another part of your routine. 

Julie Peak, senior account executive at BRND House, also emphasized that "face to face contact is so important" and her favorite way to do this is to "get to know your local media, [and] take them out to coffee, lunch, [or] dinner."

Lorena Coleman, account executive at BRND House, is also hyped on meeting folks, and recommends that those getting started in PR try to "connect with as many people as possible."

Crush Your Pitch Format

Knowing how to connect with journalists on a human level is one thing, but also important is connecting through your pitch.

To do this well, music publicist Kayla Sprindis, also from All Eyes Media, recommends that you "get down the format of your pitch and learn what that is and the best way to format what you want to say."

Kayla also let us in on a tip - when you have this format or template down, then you "can tweak it as you go along for your different clients and different projects."  

Traits of a Terrific PR Pro

Holly Curtis, senior vice president of PR, at Blended Strategy Group, has identified several traits that make new PR pros stand out. Those memorable PRos are the ones that "work super hard" and are "very curious, ask all the questions, [and] don't assume anything."

Holly added that, at her agency, "it's always really appreciated when our junior team members are being super proactive and showing a lot of initiative." The goal is to "all work together to make the client's life easier." 

In addition, Holly always challenges her team members to think "what's next" and consider "the ripple effect" rather than looking at things "like ticking the box." Holly says to ask "why am I doing this?" and "what's the ripple effect from this task?" because, in her words, "there's always a bigger picture." 

Lauren Overton, publicist at duGard Communications, also shared on what characteristics to keep in mind as a new PRo. Lauren shared that because "we live in a world where we feel pressured and forced to be or do like others," it's so important in PR to "be your authentic self."

Lauren feels that our industry "is a space in which your true authenticity really needs to show and shine" and added that "if you're your authentic self that the work will come to you and the right connections and the right relationships" in addition to "the right client work." 

There's a saying in this industry that goes "it's PR not the ER." In other words, more often than not, you won't find yourself in a life or death, truly serious situation in PR, and sometimes you just have to laugh off your mistakes, learn from them, and keep going. 

Tyler Phillips, senior PR coordinator at Richlynn Group, had this in mind with her tip for PR pros, encouraging them to "keep an open mind and don't take yourself too seriously" because "the end result of that is you will be happier and live a lot longer and you will enjoy your job more."

OnePitch Recommends: Music City Edition

We were absolutely charmed by this welcoming, fun city, and can't wait to be back with more events ASAP.

From the warm people to the killer food, not to mention the stellar publicists and journalists, Nashville was a trip for the books. 

Below are a few things we loved in Nashville and that we hope you'll consider trying in your next trip to Music City! 

• Pinewood Social: Holy adorable meeting space! Think dining hall meets homegrown cooking meets retro bowling alley, and this is what you get at Pinewood.
  • Try their seasonal coffee for a delicious boost, and don't miss the chance to bowl either. PS - we're told the nightlife scene there is even better for a fun dinner out!
• Edley's BBQ: Nachos on potato chips. Need we say more?
  • But actually, this BBQ joint was a delicious spot for dinner, and we highly recommend. Full of flavor and downright delicious! 
• Solidcore: Take a class with Eve at The Gulch location and thank us (or curse us) later.
  • Great workout and even better atmosphere and encouragement!  
• Crumbl Cookies: While this isn't exclusive to Nashville, we couldn't leave this cookie staple off the list.
  • We loved the maple, PB&J, chocolate, and white cake flavors, and only regret that we didn't get to try more. 

Liked this blog and want to be a part of the next one? Join us on our Summer Tour! All you need re: dates, locations, and more can be found HERE. 

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And if you want to join our amazing Pitch Posse community so you can be the first to know when we have more events like these, email kendall@onepitch.co to be added!