Setting PR Goals for a New Year of Success
Posted on Jan. 25, 2025 / Professional Development / Subscribe 0
By Savannah Driskill
I hope you haven’t forgotten your New Year’s Resolutions just yet! Here at PRSA Phoenix, our goal is to support your goals - whether it be in your current professional role or as you look to the next 5 or 10 years of your career.
I think we have all fallen victim to the ol’ tale: create a plan, shove it in a drawer, and never bring it out again. Here are some tips I’ve used to keep me on track when there’s a million fires to put out and goal tracking is not one of them.
1. Use the tools that work for you
We are constantly being bombarded with ads for new products or platforms that promise to solve all the problems in the world. The reality is, it’s rare to find a one-size-fits-all solution. Some of us are expert digital users, some of us swear by pen and paper, and some use a mix of both. Work with, not against, what feels natural to you.
When setting goals, think about what can easily fit in your day-to-day life. For my personal goals, I use a habit tracker because I can put it on my dresser and fill it out each evening. I know an app or website won’t work for me, because I (try to) stay off my computer/phone in the evenings. Paper for personal life is the way for me.
At work, though, I rely on Microsoft To Do and OneNote. Since I’m on my computer all day every day, these digital tools fit better into my workflow. Plus, since I’m on a hybrid schedule, I don’t have to worry about lugging around a notebook or calendar. I love To Do because you can set deadlines and schedule tasks without having to input a lot of information (I don’t like tools that slow me down!). It’s quick and dirty. For long term goals, you can break them up into smaller tasks and also set scheduled reminders to check in on your progress.
No matter what you use, make sure the tools you pick out actually make your life easier, not harder, while holding you accountable day-to-day.
2. Lean on your friends
At last December’s holiday party, I heard from a lot of folks that a major goal of theirs for 2025 was to be more connected. PRSA Phoenix is here to help!
We’ll have lots of professional development opportunities this year, from media panels to workshops to mixers. Keep an eye on our event calendar (2025 events coming soon!) and make sure you’re signed up for our newsletter.
I’m not personally a big LinkedIn-er, but it is a fantastic platform for sharing ideas and accomplishments and staying in touch with your network. One of my goals this year is to be more active on the site - let’s be friends!
Everyone I have met in the PR industry has been so helpful and willing to share tips, ideas and resources. So many have found jobs, promotions and new opportunities through this network. We hope you’ll continue to stay connected with us in 2025!
3. Be realistic
In my opinion, PR pros are a naturally ambitious group. We always aim the highest for ourselves and our clients. But unfortunately, the number of hours in the day limit this potential. It’s a sad reality!
I always try to dream big, but start small. Break a bigger goal into smaller chunks to make it easier to achieve. Try to think through the literal steps you need to take to accomplish something and envision what that reality looks like in your head. How will these small steps fit into your day, week, month? What emails/phone calls will you need to make? What pitches will you need to craft? Who are the players involved in making something happen? Imagining these steps in your head makes it easier once you get to the execution stage.
In addition to being realistic, be kind to yourself! Life happens to all of us. Maybe your goals need readjusting. Maybe you need to take a step back from something. Give yourself grace.
Lastly, if you ever need support or help, we’re here to help! Reach out to our chapter at any time at [email protected].
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