What Alison Podworski And Press Secretary Sean Spicer Don't Have In Common
As President Donald J. Trump begins his first week in the oval office, two things remain perfectly clear. First, the right message goes a long way. And second, 'public relations' plays a critical role in ‘success’ -- whether venturing into the White House, building a brand or selling a product, service or even, yourself. It’s all about the PR, folks, and spending considerable money on a honed public relations professional or firm is as critical as hiring the right physician or attorney in today’s highly sensitive, painfully aware, overly immersed, and intently informed society.
It’s a reality Alison May Public Relations founder and blogger Alison Podworski must cope with everyday as she uses her significant PR savvy to help build and safeguard those clients she represents. No longer is the job one of merely drafting up shrewd press releases and handing them off to PR Newswire to distribute the following day. Nor is it finessing producers in an effort to secure coveted spots on local or national television news.
Today’s public relations professionals need to merge old and new media to craft a PR game plan that rivals the one that the Trump administration will be pulling together to wipe ISIS off of the map. Sound extreme? Not really, when considering the velocity news travels across the globe these days as well as the number of media outlets and platforms vying for eyeballs, and the intolerance we, humans, presently hold for human error.
Alison Podworski and the likes have their work cut out for them and she shares a bit more about that in her interview below.
What is your personal mantra?
Work hard and stay humble.
Tell us about your life, including where you live, number of children and anything else you would like to share.
I am a former journalist from Massachusetts who went to the “other side” of public relations. I, literally, woke up one day and decided to start my public relations firm. It’s definitely not a common way many people start their businesses. I am proud of my business, but I am prouder of my three beautiful daughters. They are all extremely strong and confident. I constantly struggle with the fact that I work and travel, but I hope that I can inspire them, someday. God knows they certainly inspire me each day. They are my true inspiration.
Do you believe you have a “life’s purpose?” If so, share it.
I do. As a mother, I pray that I can inspire my daughters and teach them that "if they work hard enough at something, they will achieve success". Every mother has a purpose and that’s to shape their children.
As for business, I believe that I was put on earth to help people. While I’m not saving lives, I am helping companies grow through public relations. There are so many stories out there that are positive and if we can help them by getting them media exposure, we are doing a good job!
Finish this sentence, “The best part about being a mom is…?”
“Holding your children in your arms no matter what ages they are.”
What is the name of your blog? When was it launched?
I blog for my company, Alison May Public Relations, which I launched in February 2014. I came up with the name because my mother’s middle name was “May”. My mom passed away from Cancer when I was four and not a day has gone by without my thinking of her. I felt that it was fitting to make her part of my business. Alison May Public Relations is a full service public relations firm comprised of writers and former journalists. I absolutely love my job and couldn’t imagine doing anything else!
What is the primary focus of your blog and what do you hope to accomplish through it?
The primary focus is to educate people about public relations and crisis management. I want to give as much information as possible about how business leaders can grow their businesses through public relations. In addition, I also write about being a working mom. I am pretty real and raw in my articles. I admit to my mistakes and hope that other moms can relate. We put so much pressure on ourselves to be perfect. We need to be okay with 'not being perfect'.
Which social media outlet (such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pnterest, etc) do you find most useful?
I, personally, love Twitter. All of the news outlets and journalists use it, so I am always following them and keeping up to date on the latest news for my clients.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to those who may be interested in beginning a blog?
Keep writing. The beginning is always the toughest, but the more you blog, the easier it gets.
Share the 2-3 blogs that you follow.
Thread MB
Scary Mommy
Bulldog Reporter
Do you support – either formally or informally – a particular social cause?
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (Massachusetts chapter). My mom died of Lymphoma so I always donate to them.
When all is said and done, how do you want to be remembered?
As a woman who always did in her heart what she knew was right.
No doubt, the biggest challenge public relations professionals like Alison Podworski come up against these days is “balance” -- specifically, keeping their balance between “personal” and “professional” lives. Public relations is, inarguably, a 24/7 occupation today. In this particular case, however, I have no doubt Alison will be just fine, especially as she has placed herself in the position of being the master of her own destiny, presently. Press Secretary Sean Spicer, on the other hand...he’s gonna miss a lot of dinners!