Thawing the Seattle freeze: Network through PRSA

Be sure to check out PRSA Programs Committee Member Sarah Zaenger's blog post regarding this morning's PRSA meeting.

If you're new to PR, or new to the Seattle PR scene, joining PRSA may be just what you need to break the ice.

If you're serious about making new connections and establishing a good reputation among peers, contact our volunteer coordinator, Janelle Guthrie, APR, and volunteer to help out!

Contact: janelleguthrie@hotmail.com or find her on our Linked In or Facebook groups.

More tips on networking

The AP today reports jobless claims are rising more than expected but new PRSA National Chair Michael Cherenson assures us in a recent interview that PR is more recession-proof than ever.

But don't sabotage yourself. Communitelligence offers its top 10 networking mistakes today, gathered from contacts who "feel they've been used, abused and otherwise mistreated by recently downsized professionals."

Aside from these tips, senior Puget Sound PRSA professionals have also offered these bits of wisdom:

• Know when it's appropriate to network for job opportunities. One of the biggest reasons some senior professionals don't attend PRSA events is because they felt like people were always hitting them up for jobs. PRSA events are a great place to network, but save the informational interview for a mutually agreed-upon time.
• Present yourself professionally at informational interviews. Your contact may not have an immediate opening but may have one pending. Be prepared to be interviewed for a potential position when arrive.
• Be gracious. Stand out from the crowd by sending a thank you note and recognizing your contact for their time. I like to pop a little $5 coffee card or something in the note to reinforce my gratitude.

Good luck and for more tips, don't miss the January 21 PRSA Program at The Seattle Times featuring more tips and tricks for weathering a tough economy.

Happy New Year--Happy Job Hunting

In this tough economy, if you're not even a little bit worried about your financial future... I want to know your secret!

Even if you have nothing to worry about, you can't go wrong by securing your position.

Join us on January 21 at The Seattle Times Auditorium for a frank discussion on:

• The Puget Sound PR employment environment
• Handling an impending lay-off
• How PR professionals unintentionally sabotage themselves in the interviewing process
• Common sense rules to give you an edge in a highly competitive job market

As President of Seattle-based Judith Cushman & Associates, Judy Cushman leads national search efforts ranging from Fortune 500 corporations to agencies and smaller companies. With more than 25 years in the field, she approaches each search strategically with up-front, in-depth analysis of the company, the position and the candidate profile. Ms. Cushman is a frequent workshop leader, speaking to communications groups across the country about trends affecting the profession.

Mark Tranter is a partner in CFO Selections, providing finance and accounting executive search and interim consulting services to a wide range of organizations in the West. Prior to joining CFO selections, he co-founded Human Capital Advisors to provide companies with top executive talent and help thousands of successful executives around the country with their career progression.

Date:	Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009
Time:	7:30 a.m. (meet and greet); 8 to 9 a.m. (program)
Location:	Seattle Times Auditorium, 1120 John Street, Seattle, 98109
Prices:	$24 for PRSA members; $30 for non-PRSA members; $5 for PRSSA members
Register:	Register Online or call 206-623-8632

In the meantime, share your tips with your colleagues here!