Crafting a Flourishing Career in Public Relations: Insights from Matias Rodsevich
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Chapter 1: The PR Landscape
To excel in public relations, conducting thorough research is vital. Clients appreciate data-driven strategies and individuals who can effectively demonstrate return on investment (ROI). Conversely, the creative side of PR often seems scattered, so bridging that gap is crucial.
Have you ever considered a career in public relations? What does it truly take to thrive in this field? This interview series, titled "5 Essentials for a Successful PR Career," features accomplished publicists and PR professionals sharing their experiences and insights.
In this installment, I had the honor of interviewing Matias Rodsevich. With extensive experience in both B2B and B2C PR, Matias has worked across various corporate, startup, and agency settings. He specializes in technology communications and has collaborated with major clients like IBM and Google Argentina, along with over 45 startups and scale-ups in Europe and America.
Matias is the Founder and CEO of PRLab, recognized as one of the top five PR agencies in the Netherlands for its innovative and growth-centric approach. He is also the author of "The PR Paradox," the first book dedicated to mastering PR for startups. Furthermore, Matias founded the PRLab community, a platform for over 1,300 PR and marketing professionals to discuss innovations in the field.
Chapter 2: Memorable Experiences and Lessons Learned
Can you share an intriguing story from your career journey? Matias fondly recalls writing a book and meeting ambassadors and members of royal families.
Reflecting on past mistakes, he recounts an amusing incident from his early days. After a client expressed dissatisfaction with a published article, he attempted to retract it by contacting the journalist, only to be met with laughter.
Section 2.1: Current Projects and Challenges
Matias and his team are currently focused on helping companies articulate their unique stories. While it may sound straightforward, many founders struggle to express their motivations and the impact of their products. In the tech sector, it's common to use complex jargon that can alienate audiences. PRLab also assists businesses in entering new markets and gaining visibility among potential investors.
Section 2.2: Essential Traits for Leadership
As a successful leader, Matias attributes his achievements to three key traits: emotional intelligence, communication skills, and empathy. Each of these qualities plays a significant role in fostering relationships in the PR industry.
Section 2.3: Understanding PR's Diverse Forms
PR encompasses a vast range of activities. While many perceive it as solely media relations, it includes branding (crafting your narrative), content creation (telling your story), influencer marketing (securing endorsements), and social media management (engaging your audience online).
Chapter 3: Education and Networking in PR
For those contemplating a PR career, where should they start their education? Matias recommends a degree in media or communication studies. His own background is in PR, but many of his team members have degrees in related fields. The most crucial skill is writing, as everything else can be learned through practical experience.
Matias is known for his exceptional networking abilities. His advice? Listen actively and focus on how you can add value to others rather than seeking personal gain. People appreciate support and are more likely to reciprocate.
Chapter 4: Generating Leads Through PR
Lead generation is vital for any business. Matias integrates PR with various marketing strategies, such as creating research reports that serve as lead magnets. This approach not only engages potential clients but also generates media coverage through journalist outreach.
Chapter 5: Five Essentials for PR Success
Matias concludes our discussion by outlining the "5 Things You Need To Create A Highly Successful Career As A Public Relations Pro":
- Master Writing Skills: This is the primary skill that opens doors.
- Think Creatively: Differentiate yourself by helping brands stand out.
- Critically Assess Strategies: Consider the tangible benefits of media coverage.
- Conduct Thorough Research: Clients value data-driven insights.
- Adopt a Journalist's Perspective: Ensure your story has broad appeal.
This conversation was incredibly insightful! Thank you for sharing your time and knowledge, Matias.