Being a public relations (PR) professional means pulling tricks out of your hat and hydrating on coffee to stay on top of your game. Now, you might be wondering, what does being a PR pro and our favourite Disney films have in common? The answer is simple: Both can inspire us to never give up.
Here are are the top quotes from Disney films that can steer your career towards success:
#1: “Have courage and be kind”
Being a successful PR pro in the 21st century sometimes requires you to act like
Cinderella. She
chose to be kind to her step-family despite the way they treated her. She also had the courage to go after what she wanted despite others standing in her way.
And as a PR pro, these traits are
exactly what you will need to showcase when faced with difficult challenges.
You need to have the
courage to tell a client when you disagree with them and then go about resolving any issues in a
kind and respectful manner.
#2: “Be prepared”
The first and most important rule for any PR pro is to
be prepared. Scar from the
Lion King knew how important it was — he even had a song and dance to prove it! PR professionals need to be ready for anything. This includes anything from a PR crisis, issues at an event or even a miscommunication between a PR and the media.
Here are four basic elements to be prepared for a PR crisis:
Anticipate — Information is shared so fast online that you need to try to anticipate what
could go wrong so that you’ll be ready for any outcome.
Organise — A crisis feeds on chaos, which is why being organised is the best way to prepare for a PR backlash.
Simulate — This is a great way to practice handling crises that arise suddenly and that will include a big range of consequences accompanied with a specific crisis.
Execute — Focus on
how you will communicate with shareholders, the brand and the public.
#3: “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothin’ at all”
Imagine a client publishes some nasty feedback about your company or client. In the heat of the moment, it can be easy to see how tempers flare and something slips out that should have been left unsaid. This can happen in person or even on social media.
As a brand’s PR agency, it is
essential to positively contribute to the conversation or to say nothing at all.
The PR industry is all about reputation, and with the wrong words, your entire PR persona can be razed to the ground in seconds. So,
just take it from Bambi’s Thumper:
#4: “Today is a good day to try”
Every day, get up and say “today is a good day to try” — whether it’s to try something new, or something different. For example, if you’ve been wanting to get more earned media for one of your clients at a specific publication, make today the day and turn that dream into a reality.
Quasimodo was faced with countless obstacles but he kept his head high and chased his dreams. And if you find yourself struggling to do the same, then it might be time to take a few lessons from
The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
#5: “Just keep swimming.”
As a PR pro, it can be exhausting trying to keep everyone happy — from your clients, your agency, all the way through to the public. At times, you may even feel as if you are drowning in work and responsibilities, but
Dory reminds you to “just keep swimming” until you make it through. Better things await you, so don’t give up!
#6: “Know your purpose”
If you want to be a successful PR practitioner, it is
essential to know what
your purpose is. Then, and only then, can you start planning how to make a difference.
Moana took matters into her own hands when she had to protect her people. And this is
exactly the mentality that every creative PR professional should have.
Be your own hero instead of waiting for someone else to show up.
Which Disney quote resonates best with you? Be sure to let us know in the comments section below.
*Images sourced from Pixabay