As our society grows more digital, so does the way that we do business. We all understand that with the introduction of social media, the way the public consumes news has drastically changed. 

For this reason, those working in the publicity and communications space have had to adapt to working in these spaces. But this is by no means a bad thing; social media offers solutions that help inspire PR pros to break boundaries. 

How so? media update’s Taylor Goodman unpacks it all here:

1. Social media helps PR pros with problem solving 

In the midst of a crisis or stuck trying to come up with some campaign inspo? Then social media may just be the answer.

As a communications expert, you have to be able to think on your toes, be a storyteller and be a problem solver all at once. 

Social media opens our perspectives to a whole new world of solutions. 

How so, you ask? Well, this tool connects us to just about everyone. In fact, more people have mobile phones than they do toothpaste! For this reason, it gives you easy access to a variety of opinions and viewpoints that you may not have considered before. 

And this, dear PR pro, is just one of the many perks of living in a digitised society. You are able to solve problems faster than ever before as everything you need to know is at the tip of your fingers, literally

Having access to this multitude of perspectives helps PR pros to get creative with their problem solving, and to think outside the box … speaking of.

2. Social media helps PR practitioners think outside of the box

Remember that variety of perspectives we were talking about before? Well, those come back into play when it comes to creative thinking. 

As social media connects us to new people, it allows us to share ideas and thoughts at the flick of a switch. This means that inspiration is just around the corner for those working in the PR industry.

Additionally, even when you're not networking, online spaces are fun and carefree. Sometimes all it takes to spark creativity is to chill out, scroll through TikTok and laugh at some memes.

According to PR Agency One, "Being playful and pursuing fun or even ridiculous thought processes can stimulate ideas." What are you waiting for? Scroll away! 

3. Social media boosts your mood and improves relationships

Let's be honest, the surest way to turn a frown upside down is by seeing something funny, cute or endearing online. 

But this isn't the only way social media usage can be beneficial in the workplace. According to HelpGuide, social media can help you to:
  • seek or offer emotional support during tough times
  • join or promote worthwhile causes
  • find an outlet for self-expression, and
  • connect with family and friends.
VantageCircle expands on this, explaining that "allowing employees to take short breaks for social networking throughout the day will boost mood, which will potentially increase employee engagement." 

In the work environment, and in the PR industry, it takes time and effort to sustain relationships. Social media makes this a whole lot easier as you are not bound to locations or time zones. Moreover, engaging with a wide variety of people can help you expand your consciousness and fuel creative thinking. 

PR pros, how do you spark creativity? Let us know in the comments section below.

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Want to up your PR game? Then make sure you read our article, Three ways that PR pros can motivate themselves.
*Image courtesy of Unsplash.