A Dove's Flight

Joining a professional organization, is it worth it?

solodovepr — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:00:20 +0000

Professional organizations, yay or nay?

Last week, I attended my first meeting for the Young Executives Committee a sub group of the Advertising Women of New York (AWNY). The first meeting of the year was held in the evening which allowed myself and others the chance to attend. Since I pay dues for this organization I want to be involved, get my monies worth so to speak. Attending the meeting allowed me the chance to meet other ladies in the committee, learn more about what they do, network, and find areas where I may want to help out.

After the meeting I took one of those long NYC walks that you see in the movies to think. One of the many thoughts that flowed through my mind was about joining professionals organizations.

Lets see, I belong to NJ Young Professionals, AWNY, Entertainment Publicists Professional Society (EPPS), Women Entertainment Empowerment Network (WEEN), Black Public Relations Society….

Then you have your meet up professional networking groups like Color Bars, JI Group, Media Buzz, Women 2.0, Digital Divas, Ten Project. I’m sure there are more but these are the ones that I attend on a more regular basis.

So as you can see for me I see the value in being a part of professional organizations because I get a return in the time that I put in.

With AWNY I have also signed up for the mentorship program that they have. That is another benefit that I am getting from joining the organization. With EPPS they have panels where you can meet media professionals and learn how to pitch them. Color Bars deals with minorities in the media and communications field. There is a wealth of knowledge out there, if you make the effort to learn more it will not only be beneficial to you professionally but it can also improve your social life.

For me I think you should join at least one professional organization and commit to being an active member. Your organization can be industry specific (PR, marketing, journalism, law) or you can look outside of your industry for a organization that peaks your interest.

Public relations is about building relationships, by joining a professional organization with like-minded individuals your likelihood of building these relationship increases. You might also learn a thing or two. What organizations do you belong too? What organization do you really want to join? Tell me.

Happy Flying,

~Solo Dove~

About the Author

Sandra Florent is the entertainment and non-profit publicist behind Solo Dove Public Relations. Based in New Jersey Solo Dove Public Relations provides personalized publicity, public relations, consulting, and event planning services to clients in their area of expertise. Sandra is also a media enthusiast and hard-core networker. Twitter.com/solodovepr Tumblr: solodovepr.tumblr.com

Filed under: Advice, Life as a Publicist Tagged: Advertising, business, linkedin, marketing, Networking, New York, NJ, professional development, Public Relations

A Celebration of Life | Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2012

solodovepr — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:00:20 +0000

As we celebrate the life and times of Martin Luther King Jr. it’s always good to do a little refresher course on why this civilian man has a national holiday. Use this day to learn a something about this man, this Nobel Peace prize winner. Often times the history books don’t tell the full story. A quick Google search can provide you with a wealth of knowledge.

[WATCH]

This is just a snippet of the speech that was given before he was assassinated.

[READ]

You may also want to find a copy of his book Stride toward Freedom

Or this one that I have

Take the time out to read

Whatever you do today just take the time learn a little more about Dr. King and his impact that is still felt today. I know that some use Martin Luther King Jr Day as a day of service, which I think is a good idea. So you can go out and volunteer your time somewhere, find someway to give back.

Happy Flying,

~Solo Dove~

About the Author

Filed under: My Life My Way, Uncategorized Tagged: Advice, Alabama, american history, assassination of Martin Luther king, black history, Black history month, Book by Marshall Frady, journalist Marshal Frady, MARTIN LUTHER KING JR, Martin Luther King Jr quotes, MLK Quotes, Montgomery, Networking, NYC, Public Relations

The Beat of My Heart is Crying Z Phi B | Why I wanted to be a Zeta

solodovepr — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:20:37 +0000

Today marks the 92nd Founder’s Days [in my biased opinion] of the greatest sorority ever created Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. which was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington D.C. on this day in 1920.

I salute our Five Pearls

Most Honorable Founding Soror Arizona Leedonia Cleaver Stemons

Most Honorable Founding Soror Pearl Anna Neal

Most Honorable Founding Soror Fannie Pettie Watts

Most Honorable Founding Soror Myrtle Tyler Faithful

Most Honorable Founding Soror Viola Tyler Goings

I became a Zeta because their ideals spoke to me. Spoke to what I wanted to be. The ideals of finer womanhood, scholarship, sisterly love, and service are what Zeta Phi Beta stands for and what I wanted to embody. I studied Zeta like it was final exam because this was something not to be taken lightly. I would be a Zeta forever. From my days as an auxiliary member of the Zeta Archonettes we were always reminded by our advisor that “We didn’t spend all this time learning about Blue and White to go off to Pink and Green or Red And White ” [i.e. other sororities] I could have gone to another sorority upon entering college but I knew they weren’t for me. The Zetas that I met really seems to like each other, they did programs, they knew how to have fun, and they were down to earth. I knew I was making the right choice.

On March 13,2005 [6:12:24] I became a member of the Blazing Blazing Blazing Beta Nu Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. From then on I continued the work of Zeta. From being chapter president for 2 years, I was a chapter of ONE. Learned a great deal during that time. Through this I still prevailed winning awards, putting on programs, the works. A year later I was award the undergraduate of the year award. This was another proud moment in Zeta for me, my work was being recognized. I became a Zeta to help further the cause. In 2007 one of my good friends became a member of my chapter, followed by intake in Spring 08, Fall 10, and Spring 11. Each intake has continued to uphold the ideals of the sorority while keeping up the boldness that is Beta Nu.

My ultimate goal is to be a famous Zeta. I know it may sound crazy but that is something that I want and work towards. Just like Sorors who have accomplished so much before me I want to do something that will show Zeta Women get things done.

I had this shirt made. It is my favorite Zeta quote!

To all of my Sorors I wish you all a Happy Founders Day. Let us continue the work our 5 Pearls started!

Happy Flying,

~Solo Dove~

A trip down memory lane Zeta Style

Strangers we entered, Friends we became, Sorors of Zeta Phi Beta we remain

Me and my SPECial (great minds think alike)

Beta Nu chapter representing. Founders Day 2009

In front of the plot at Howard

With my line sisters (Spring 05 is the year we became Zetas!!)

Beta Nu chapter representing

The chapter during my last year as an undergrad,(sp 05,sp07,& sp08)

Beta Nu Christmas 2010

Newest additions to Beta Nu Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. (Fall 10)

Beta Nu Christmas 2011

Spring 11

Zeta Lean

<3 My Chapter

Filed under: Life as a Publicist, My Life My Way, Uncategorized Tagged: Arizona Leedonia Cleaver Stemons, BGLO, black greeks, Fannie Watts, fraternity, howard university, New Jersey, non profit organization, Pearl Anna Neal, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, sorority, Viola Tyler Goings, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc, zetas

Is Public Relations Women’s Work?

solodovepr — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:00:11 +0000

PR Daily did a post on why women dominate the public relations profession. They used this snippet of an interview with some top female public relations professions

Why women predominate PR Snippet which lead to a few choice comments here http://www.prdaily.com/Main/Articles/10477.aspx

My whole take on why so many women work in PR is this

#1 Why do we care so much? Is there some injustice happening to males work in PR?

# 2 No answer will ever be good enough. I don’t think there will be a scientific answer that will satisfy everyone.

#3 Instead of trying to figure why some many women work in PR we should be focusing on my important issues like educating people on what public relations is all about.

These are just my thoughts. What do you think? Do you even care?

Happy Flying,

~Solo Dove~

About the Author

Filed under: Advice, Life as a Publicist Tagged: PR, PR Daily, Public Relations, women in public relations

Special Invitation: Haitian Independence Program and Reception – 1/24/12

solodovepr — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:56:19 +0000

Happy Flying,
~Solo Dove~

Filed under: Life as a Publicist

Networking Adventures | Women 2.0 (@women2) @FounderFriday Meetup

solodovepr — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:21:10 +0000

I attended my first networking event of the new year this past week which was sponsored by Women 2.0 who held their once a month Founder Friday consist of aspiring and current entrepreneurs coming to together and network as well as. There was good mix of women in attendance including some men who were founders of various start-ups. Not everyone there was from a start up though which I think provided a good a balance.

An interesting fact about the Founder Friday event is that one was also being held in San Francisco and Silicon Valley. Since this is where Women 2.0 started. So simultaneously there were events being held where women were coming together to share and connect. They are trying to expand the event to other cities which I think will be well received.

Hosting this months meet up were

Kelly Hoey, Investor and Founder of Women Innovate Mobile

CJ Kettler, CEO and Co-Founder of Genius Crowds

“Build your network, so you can pursue your dreams.” -Kelly Hoey

“We can be our own tribe of knowledge if we help each other.”- CJ Kettler

Hearing these two ladies speak revved up those in attendance. Hearing about how others went about their entrepreneurial journey is always inspiring. The ladies also offered tips on what they’ve learned.

I really enjoyed my time at Founder Friday because it was great to go to an event where everyone was there to talk and share ideas and really connect. The energy in the room was very positive. So if you get the chance next month I would recommend attending a Founder Friday meetup.

Happy Flying,

~Solo Dove~

About the Author

Filed under: Life as a Publicist Tagged: linkedin, Networking, New York, PR, start up, women 2.0, women business owners

{New Post} From Here To Haiti – Art Exhibit – January 14

solodovepr — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 18:23:56 +0000

If you like art and feel like giving back here’s an event you might want to check out. Its an art exhibit to benefit the repairs of the roof of St. Jean Baptiste church in Anse d’Hainault will be on January 14th. You ge the chance to enjoy some beautfiul art work and help the people of Haiti. For more informatiion visit us at www.fromheretohaiti.org

Filed under: Life as a Publicist

The Public Relations Society of America predictions for 2012

solodovepr — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 16:08:46 +0000

As with any industry as the new year approaches predictions are made about the trends that we should be on the look for in the coming year. These list serve as guides for most PR pros. By reviewing these predictions you can see areas that may need improvement and see what can be implemented for clients. I like the list of predictions for 2012, I bolded some that I will be sure to keep my eye on for the new year. What are some of the predictions that you are looking forward to the most?

Here’s an overview of PRSA’s predictions for 2012:

1. Business increases its voice in the digital space

2. Convergence continues

3. Organizations will be defined by communication

4. Wanted: great industry leadership

5. The rise of the “influence professional”

6. Social validation becomes the “holy grail”

7. Shifting metrics and integration drive digital pr

8. The consumerization of it changes PR from the inside, out

9. Economic realities reset the PR/media relationship

10. The rise of “brand journalism”

11. Solo PR pros make their mark

12. Talent acquisition goes social

Happy Flying,

~Solo Dove~

About the Author

Filed under: Advice, Life as a Publicist Tagged: 2012 predictions, business, economic realities, event planning services, linkedin, PR, Public Relations, public relations consulting, solo pr, talent acquisition

Happy Holidays from Solo Dove Public Relations

solodovepr — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 17:12:07 +0000

: Enjoy this holiday season

Filed under: Life as a Publicist Tagged: holiday, linkedin, Merry Christmas, NJ, PR

New post Secrets to Getting your Dream PR Job in 2012

solodovepr — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 18:44:01 +0000

New post on

Secrets to Getting your Dream PR Job in 2012

by Worob

PR concerns enhancing and maintaining the image of a business, event or high-profiled person.

Yes, that is sexy – which is why you strive to reach that dream job in PR.

A few weeks ago, PR at Sunrise published an article – “Do PR Students and Pros Want to Work In-House or at an Agency” – so I thought it would be a good time to share some advice on how to get that job you are looking for.

1. Know someone at an agency where you are just dying to work at? Spruce up that resume, network like no other and show your brand and worth. Reach out to your network, especially to someone who also receives an incentive for referring you! Pull together your own case studies and present them in a format that will turn the eye of even the most weathered HR professional.

2. Don’t just demonstrate that you know or understand a companie’s culture and core values. Be ready to show that you are indeed a great fit for the company and how you both can be beneficial to each other. If you are reaching out to an in-house position, be sure to show how your experience in agency life can be a plus for an in-house job.

3. Look for those press releases that have contacts at an agency/in house job that you covet. Reach out to them – let them know that you are interested in their company and ask for a few minutes of their time to discuss the company and the best way to get your resume looked at. Once again… enhance your image! It takes a lot to secure that dream job, don’t be afraid to leap!

4. Infuse passion and truth in all that you do to secure your dream job. PR agencies and in-house departments look for that fire in each person that they hire. Show them that you easily adapt but are truly passionate about the work and the image that you are striving to maintain on a professional and personal level. Being confident about who you are, goes a long way in an interview.

5. Social Networking? Definitely a plus – don’t shy away from PRWeek and/or PRSA events. Join those groups on Linked In with other PR professionals who may be the key to your dream job. However, do remember that you may be Googled at times, so always bear in mind that you are branding yourself at all times and you don’t want to lose the opportunity to secure that dream job for something foolish that may be posted.

Most importantly, remember that when scoring that dream job in house or in-agency is … never wait for it to land on your lap. Good luck!

About the Author
Lisa Hutchins is a human resources professional who has previously worked at leading PR firms such as Ruder Finn and Cohn & Wolfe. Her responsibilities included recruiting, employee relations, and miscellaneous employee changes. In addition to her HR experience, she has also as a PR pro on an array of accounts and campaigns, including GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer. Follow Lisa on Twitter via @lisahutchins.

Filed under: Life as a Publicist