How do you keep your PR network strong?

Regularly check in with your contacts, offering support, sharing valuable information, and celebrating their successes. Be a friend!

One thing I've found helpful, is to have broadcast news directors introduce me via email to newly hired reporters. From there, I schedule a quick coffee meeting to learn about them, what their focus is, and how I can be a good resource for them by sharing more about my organization.

One thing I find helpful is personal interactions, operating in Lagos, Turkey, China and Dubai over several years - I have found that when you support in social events of your client or known audience it goes a long way to reinstate the fact they are not just a business number to you and your company... This on its own form reassurance and sense of commitment over and above transaction. Personal interactions also give clients a peek into the other side of the person and the business. In my experiences this in some cases, we have seen strengthened contacts and even more trusting relationships.

Slow news days are often the best days to build or strengthen relationships with contacts. Reach out to new journalists when they join your market or a publication of interest to your company, make time for an introductory phone call or in person meeting, and shout out their work or accomplishments.

Maintaining a strong PR network requires being social and visible. By leveraging social media platforms and participating in industry events, you can engage with contacts, showcase your expertise, and expand your network. Here's how you can enhance your PR presence: 1. Interact with contacts by commenting, liking, and tagging them when appropriate. 2. Utilize social media platforms to follow and engage with professionals in your industry. 3. Participate in online/offline events, webinars, and conferences to connect with industry peers. By being social and visible through social media engagement and active participation in events, you can strengthen your PR network and foster connections that contribute to long-term success.

Take advantage of online and offline events, webinars, workshops, and conferences to further enhance your visibility and network with other attendees and speakers.

PRSA has great examples of ethics and why it is important to be an ethical practitioner. Without ethics what does the PR profession have?

Show your gratitude through gestures like sending personalized thank-you notes, providing testimonials or recommendations, or even sending small tokens of appreciation. Recognize and celebrate the achievements and milestones of your PR contacts, demonstrating that you genuinely care about their success.

In today's digital age, a handwritten note stands out as a meaningful and personal gesture. Notes are a great relationship building tool, a thoughtful touch and a tangible keepsake unlike emails or direct messages.

One way to keep your PR network strong is by being both a source and a resource. If for example a journalist reaches out to you for an interview and the story or topic isn't a fit for an organization don't just send a "Sorry, wish I could help email". Instead look to your network, is there a colleague or expert you could connect with this journalist to support their work? You'll be seen as someone that is well connected and willing to assist.