4 answers
Gabrielle
Student
Willcox, Arizona
4
Questions
Asked
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In your opinion, what is the hardest thing about being a public relations and fundraising manager?
#public-relations #fundraising#non-profit #business #career
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4 answers
Lisa Bond Brewer
Managing Director, External Affairs & Communications
23
Answers
Lansing, Michigan
Updated
Lisa Bond’s Answer
Hi Gabrielle,
As a Communications professional for over 25 years (I no longer just reference myself as PR) I believe the hardest thing was to learn to wear many hats because working in communications s is not about one area you must be able to juggle multiple skills, i.e., writing, strategy, public speaking, consulting, relationship building, change management, graphic design, event planning, etc.
As a communications professional I've had to thoroughly embrace that my role is to build mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics. Whether you’re employed by an agency working on multiple accounts or representing an individual or a company, what you’re doing is building the reputation, trust, and credibility of the client you manage. You must be able to build strong connections with multiple stakeholders — including journalists and the media, government agencies, and other prominent industry bodies — and leverage them to shine the spotlight on your client (for all the right reasons). You can do this through media (paid and earned), networking, collaborations, award nominations, and off-platform events.
The responsibilities of a PR Manager varies (as I've outlined) and they require multiple skill sets, but I love the work I do, and provide me with a sense of accomplishment. Good luck!
As a Communications professional for over 25 years (I no longer just reference myself as PR) I believe the hardest thing was to learn to wear many hats because working in communications s is not about one area you must be able to juggle multiple skills, i.e., writing, strategy, public speaking, consulting, relationship building, change management, graphic design, event planning, etc.
As a communications professional I've had to thoroughly embrace that my role is to build mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics. Whether you’re employed by an agency working on multiple accounts or representing an individual or a company, what you’re doing is building the reputation, trust, and credibility of the client you manage. You must be able to build strong connections with multiple stakeholders — including journalists and the media, government agencies, and other prominent industry bodies — and leverage them to shine the spotlight on your client (for all the right reasons). You can do this through media (paid and earned), networking, collaborations, award nominations, and off-platform events.
The responsibilities of a PR Manager varies (as I've outlined) and they require multiple skill sets, but I love the work I do, and provide me with a sense of accomplishment. Good luck!
Kate Y
Small Business Product Lead
2
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Kate’s Answer
I would say one of the most challenging things being PR manager is ad hoc requests and the importance of timely responses. When you are in PR you are 'always on' - the news cycle does not stop, therefore there is a sense of urgency to behind any media request to respond on behalf of your company/organization.
You also need to have a good sense of awareness and story-telling when managing proactive PR to ensure you are garnering the most media coverage and telling a positive story.
You also need to have a good sense of awareness and story-telling when managing proactive PR to ensure you are garnering the most media coverage and telling a positive story.
Fernanda Montanaro
Support Associate
7
Answers
Mexico City, Mexico
Updated
Fernanda’s Answer
Hello,
In my opinion the hardest thing about being a public relations and fundraising manager would be gaining, increasing and maintaining the trust of your clients.
In my opinion the hardest thing about being a public relations and fundraising manager would be gaining, increasing and maintaining the trust of your clients.
Thank you for answering!
Gabrielle
Michael S
Audit and compliance
6
Answers
Lansing, Michigan
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Great question. My perspective is from my role on the board of non-profit and charitable organizations. In my opinion, the hardest thing is establishing trust with potential donors. Most times, you have not met these folks and you asking them to trust you or your product. You have to demonstrate they can trust you and that you will do what you are promising to do. It takes time to build confident and create a reputation they can believe in.