Trish Skram’s Blog

Hard copy resumes. Cover letters. Online database applications. We’ve all created them. Updated them. Managed them. But are they still relevant in today’s job market?

In my seven years in the job market, I’ve always monitored branding trends. What I’ve realized in today’s brutal career landscape, just having a resume and cover letter is not enough. In fact, having an online presence is not enough. You have to maintain it. If you keep these three ideas in mind, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your personal branding objectives.

LinkedIn will be the modern resume
Traditional resumes will not fit into job market in the future. My advice: Forget your Word document resume and start building your online presence so that recruiters can find you. Down the road, companies won’t ask for your resume; they will ask for your website URL.

Your online influence will put you at the top of the pile
Ten years ago, if you had hard skills for the job, that was enough to land the job. As the market became more competitive, companies started looking for soft skills, like presentation, writing, organization and leadership skills. Today, you need to have hard skills, soft skills and online influence. In communications, you could be hired based on your Klout score, Twitter followers or who RTs you.

Your personal brand and professional brand will unite
Think about how many times YOU login to check your Facebook. Most of you reading this probably check a handful of times. When you house your ideas online, your actions can affect the way people around you treat you, in and out of the workplace. Like I’ve always said, everything you publish, and whatever is said about you online could likely be there for a lifetime.

Also, do you agree that HR headhunters are doing online background checks on job applicants? You betcha! Business leaders and employers are already Googling applicants. I predict most companies will use the Internet to verify candidates. If you can’t be found online, it may show you aren’t as valuable to employers as other candidates. Like I’ve been saying for years, I advise everyone to build a personal website and manage your reputation before other people do it for you.

My point to all of this? Take these trends seriously when moving forward in your career. The sooner you build your brand and take advantage of new technologies, the more prepared you will be for a successful future!

What would you add? Join the conversation.

Note: This is an adaptation of written works and ideas of Dan Schawbel and Sarah Evans.

Technorati Tags: 4 truths about the future of personal branding, career advice for new professionals, LinkedIn will be the modern resume, Random "Trish" Thoughts, young professional tips, your personal brand and professional brand will unite

As a PR person working for a large company (and hospital), the famous PR crisis phrase, “Tell it all, tell it fast and tell the truth” have never really hit home for me yet. I’m lucky so far– I’ve never had to handle a disaster while working in the field (god forbid). I’ve have, however, dealt with minor crises. Truth is, no organization is far from a PR disaster. A company’s brand reputation can be compromised or seriously damaged in a split second. It’s how you manage the crisis and how you disseminate important information that helps save you from a PR nightmare.

I reflect and evaluate national PR disasters all the time. You have to, especially if you’re not experienced. I think to myself: Did they have a documented crisis management plan? Did they review it in advance? How effective did they disseminate information? Did they seem to have a public information officer (PIO) or joint information system (JIS) organized in advance?

Crisis management is so important to my employer and myself that my boss and I became certified in advanced emergency management by the State of Wisconsin in February. If you’re in public relations, studying to be in public relations or have some sort of role in communications for your company, here are a few tips that I learned in training that can help you get started.

Don’t wait. Many organizations only get their crisis plans underway once a disaster has struck. Believe me, it happens more than you think. Instead, brainstorm possible scenarios or types of disasters that could happen, and start planning for them. In fact, it can be a positive process as you bring together key people to share ideas and examine scenarios.

Develop a communications plan. A swarm of media attention may snag you within minutes of news breaking. Also, think about how you will get information out to staff, supporters, investors and customers. I remember my crisis trainer (and firefighter) reiterating to trainees to get our side of the story out to customers and staff as soon as you can (if not first.) Internal communication is just as important as communication to the public. A communications plan involves identifying a spokesperson, developing press statements, setting up phone lines and finding the most appropriate place to hold press conference(s). I’ll write about this topic next week.

Be prepared to speak to the media. Even if you can’t say much because your lawyer is concerned about liability, plan to say what you can as soon as you can. Make sure your messages show concern, compassion, tell the facts and always tell the truth. That doesn’t mean you have to tell everything, but never, never lie.

Provide media training for senior management and spokespersons. Train before a disaster strikes. A lot of crisis management teams make it a regular part of employee training. The key is to do it regularly so that new people are always trained and those that are already trained, don’t become state. Realize that crises come in all forms. This can be anything from a legal dispute to customer dissatisfaction posted on Facebook. Every crisis requires slightly different responses. Brainstorm and prepare for as many as you can.

OK, PR people. I know you have stories or tips on how to handle crisis situations. Join the discussion and add a comment.

Photo courtesy of http://blogs.tribune.com

Technorati Tags: Brand reputation management, crisis public relations, Public Relations Writing, Random "Trish" Thoughts, Tricia Skram

The results are in and they are remarkable. My fitness buddy, Amy, and I took the Beachbody Insanity® Workout challenge. I’m proud to say we finished in one piece. For those of you who don’t know, the Insanity Workout is the most intense workout system currently on the market. Which is what caught your interest in the first place. This highly intense system is designed to get you real results real fast—but (like everything else) you have to put forth the effort.

MORE RESULTS:
Pre-INSANITY Post-INSANITY
Chest 32.75 31.75
Waist 27.75 26.5
Hips 38.5 36.5
Arm 11.5 11.0
Thigh 22 20.5
Calf 13.5 13.5
Weight 136 129
Body Fat 29.1% 25.5%

Technorati Tags: how to lose 7 pounds in 60 days, Insanity results, intense workouts, Random "Trish" Thoughts

In honor (and reflection) of my career and passion as a public relations/communications professional, I bring you 14 honest truths of a PR gal working in Janesville. This is a repeat post from my blog at http://GazetteXtra.com. I received so much feedback on Friday and through the weekend, that I found it only appropriate to share with you. Enjoy!

I spend more time on my iPhone than I do of my family.

Underestimate the power of backing-up work.

My fingers are sometimes ink-stained from paging through clippings (yes, I still clip.)

Blogging has become just as important as eating.

I am frequently asked if I know all of my friends on Facebook, and, for the most part, I can honestly say that I do.

I ask my boyfriend to “send me a meeting planner” when talking about weekend plans.

I evaluate TV ads and fantasize about meeting the creative director of the ETrade commercials.

I freak out when I don’t have access to the Internet.

I proofread my Facebook updates.

Twitter is my main source for breaking news.

I have disclaimers on all of my personal and professional social media sites.

My phone (and computer) constantly locks up because the memory is dedicated to the hundreds of social networking apps running.

I have so many usernames and passwords that I lose track.

I get excited about participating in alpha and beta testing of any new application or software service.

These are brutal, I know. Truth is, it felt great to put it out there like this. Many of you are in the same boat. What would you add? Join the conversation!

Technorati Tags: honest truths about the PR profession in the digital age, Random "Trish" Thoughts

Pictured above: Me and Amy at the Jingle Bell 5K in December 2009.

About 15 months ago, my friend Amy and I, were running the trail with co-workers one hot, summer day. As we ran, our group leader, ran the trail just floating along. Soft on her feet. She talked with no hesitation, without exhaustion. Terry stepped ever so lightly, as though she were running over glass. I marveled at her movements. I remember feeling so jealous of her effortless endurance and pace. I turned to Amy. “How does she do it?” I puffed. (We were only a few miles in.) She smiled: “She trains every week. It takes time. You’ll see, we’ll get there, too.”

I don’t usually do this. I don’t use my blog to write about too many personal things but it’s been so heavy on my mind and in each and every little thing that I do that I found it impossible to suppress. As many of you know, I’m training for a half marathon in August. As I got my last two training schedules from my trainer today, I couldn’t help but ponder over the fact that it’s already been five months. I’ve been training 6 days a week, one, sometimes two hours a day, preparing my body to endure a two-hour race and it’s almost actually here. I started working out a few years ago, just to live healthier and ended up running a few 5Ks. Now, 7 pounds lighter, a few inches thinner and running more than 10 miles per week, I realize what my journey has become. My journey to live healthier has turned into a true testament of my mental and physical capabilities. I’m so proud to say, I’M REALLY RUNNING THIS THING.

I now run more than I did 15 months ago. I owe a lot of that motivation to Amy and my co-workers. Without them, especially Amy, I wouldn’t be as disciplined as I am. We’re running 2-3 times per week. We’re making time for cross training in between, like group strength and Turbo Kick, which has increased our endurance and speed. It’s really amazing to see how far we’ve come.

It’s been tough. Between trying to fight fatigue, cramps, blisters, dehydration, exhaustion (at times) or that late night ice cream bar, I still go back at it, rarely missing a class or training session. My eating habits have completely changed. I guess you could say I’ve made exercise and healthy eating a regular habit. A habit that will never really go away. At least I hope.

But despite what I do or don’t do, I’ve stopped judging myself all the time. For those of you that know me, I get competitive at times. My goal is simple: Run 13.2 miles. Enjoy it. Savor it. Feel accomplished. Running is exhilarating. The more I train my body, the better I feel physically, mentally and emotionally. So for me, is well worth the aches and pains.

Wish me luck at the Chicago half marathon!

Technorati Tags: 2010 Chicago half marathon, how to train for a half marathon, Random "Trish" Thoughts, training for a half marathon, well worth the aches and pains

Email is becoming the standard communication channel these days. That’s nothing new. Whether you’re a law enforcement officer/worker, marketer, student or online worker, you’re probably already spending a good percentage of your day in front of a computer and using email as your main means of communication, right? But just because you use email, doesn’t mean you’re doing it right, and most importantly, most effectively. If you rely on email to communicate as much as I do, you should ask yourself these 7 questions:

1. Do you limit to one screen or less?
If you answered yes to this question, you’re probably already writing short and succinct emails. That’s good. Whenever you are about to send an email, pause for a second and analyze if you could eliminate unnecessary words, phrases or even complete paragraphs. Most people will begin to scan rather than reading the email if the reader sees words running off the bottom of the screen, potentially missing the key elements of the message. Don’t worry about going straight to the point. In fact, that’s what you should do. Most people won’t be offended because you removed the “small talk.”

2. Do you write in bullets or sentences when there’s a lot to cover?
If you must write a long email (for whatever reason) you should use bullets. Online usability tests show that when people read messages off the computer screen, they find it easier to read and RETAIN the information if it’s broken down into bullet points, rather then long paragraphs.

3. Do you give the “meat and potatoes” in the subject line?
This one is so important because if you don’t craft the message of your subject line carefully, you won’t need too much in the body of the email. Here’s a good formula I follow for the subject line: subject + active verb + object. And try to be as specific as you can. For example, “Cancelled” is a bad subject line; “April mkg. meeting cancelled to May 9” is better.

4. When you send from your iPhone, do you tell people?
Some people think this is self-gloating but I disagree. If you’re a smart phone user, make sure you include a tagline by your signature telling recipients you’re using an electronic device. It will help explain why the message is short, possibly unclear (I cringe—you really should never misspell, but it happens.) If you don’t, your message may come off as rude.

5. Do you re-read and run your spell check?
I hope you said yes. Seems like common sense but most people are in a hurry and forget. It’s very unprofessional. Make it a habit to re-read and spell check every email before you send it. You should always be looking for errors, spelling mistakes, missing information, missing attachments and so on. I’m guilty of this too, folks! I’m no saint. But these mistakes will hurt your credibility. And, well, once you hit “send,” it’s hard to recall the message.

6. Do you ask questions?
I hope you do. Don’t use email as a one-way medium. Just like social media, the true power of email is its interactive capabilities. Managers, directors and supervisors: Do remember, this is a two-way street. If you’re going to encourage interaction with your employees, be sure you take time to answer them. If you don’t, it will set you up for possible reliability failure.

7. Do you organize, archive and store messages?
I made this mistake when I first started as a copywriter. Big mistake. Huge. I didn’t have evidence of a project/deadline and it really cost me my credibility in the long run. Make sure to organize, archive and save important messages. Outlook, Entourage, Gmail, Yahoo, they all have great saving and filing capabilities. If you’re like me, you don’t always have time to read all messages but you know you need to refer back. For example, if you just created an account for an online service like Wordpress, you know they will send you a confirmation (of course), containing your user name and password. Archive these messages right way. An alternative to archiving is simply marking the messages as read, so they stay visible in your inbox.

What do you do to effectively communicate using email? Please share below.

Image courtesy of http://toonpool.com

Technorati Tags: effective email communication tips, Random "Trish" Thoughts

Multiple studies still show that consumers and journalists are searching for and reading press releases. Thank god! So, optimizing press releases for a specific audience makes it easier to find online and therefore, more of an asset for communicating news and getting traffic to your company or client’s Web site. As we all know, the value of a press release has undergone a few changes over the years. However, press releases provide a lot of content to news search engines and can rank well in Google, Yahoo or Bing. I’ve been doing massive amounts of research for my company. I’m trying to find the best media platform(s) for online newsrooms, PR distribution, list building and monitorization. I’ve also been researching other competitor sites, and local and regional PR/marketing sites to find out how others communicate their news. I’m kinda overloaded with information - so while it’s fresh in my mind, I must reiterate how important online optimization of our news … really is. It only makes sense for marketing and PR people to understand and learn how to make press release writing easier to find through keyword optimization.

Frequently forgotten press release optimization tips:
• Clearly define the goal and target audience of the release. Public relations 101: it’s essential for every press announcement

• Use Google Analytics to find popular keywords. Find target phrases that work with your press release and tag them

• Add new media to the release. Like a photo, video or podcast in addition to the copy

• Use URL tracking tools like tinyURL, bit.ly or ow.ly

• Post to your online newsroom

• Write a blog version then include a link to the press release in your online newsroom. Same for Twitter, Facebook, Friendfeed or YouTube

• Distribute the release via a wire service

• Create a social media version of the press release. Personally, I like PitchEngine. But that’s up to you. (FYI – they offer a 30 day free trial membership if you want a taste)

• Monitor how the press release ranks online (e.g. social media mentions, clicks and other outcomes via Google Reader or Google Alerts)

It’s important to know that press releases are often picked up that have links embedded into other Web sites and blogs as content. It can result in direct traffic to your site. Remember, compelling content usually attracts more links so make sure headlines and your first sentences are creative and eye-catching.

Other great resources for online newsrooms and keyword optimization:

HOW TO: Set up a free online monitorization system - PRsarahevans.com

Pull PR and newsroom optimization tactics - toprankblog.com

How to build a better online newsroom – journalistics.com

Image courtesy of widgetblogger.co.cc

Technorati Tags: press release optimization tips, Public Relations Writing, Random "Trish" Thoughts

If you’re in public relations and/or media relations, you may have already or will at some point in your career organize a press conference when big news strikes. Hopefully it’s good news but sometimes we’re not so fortunate. When you have something to say that is new or needs to be communicated to your community FAST, it can be enhanced visually and through charismatic and knowledgeable spokespersons-that’s why a press conference is a great public relations tool. Let’s face it, there is no real formula to a successful press conference, but there are a few key points to consider that will help.

Last week, myself along with a few key individuals from within my department hosted, a press conference for my company. Learning of the news just 3 days prior to the event, it was a challenge but we managed to pull it off with ample press coverage and little snags along the way. I’m lucky to work with such amazing professionals. If you’re curious on our outcomes for this particular event, click here.

The most important factor to remember for a press conference or event is for the message(s) of your news to coincide with an issue(s) that may be on the media’s radar (timing). So, I’ve provided a list of questions to ask yourself when deeming if your news is worthy enough of a press conference and why?

Q1: Is this ‘really’ news?
Seems like a silly question, I know. But you’d be surprised how many PR people or management teams think certain things are really news, when in fact it is not. Do your research before you do anything! Talk with key individuals within your company and or client contacts. Find out what makes the news unique and how it compares to its direct competition. Does it enhance the industry, community or direct consumers? Think like a reporter, folks! Don’t just appease your clients. Would you tell a friend? If you’re still having a hard time deeming it as newsworthy – talk with someone who’s not in your direct circle of colleagues or friends. Talk to your spouse, far away relative or chat with your friends in the industry. Would they deem it as news?

Q2: Do I have statistical evidence to present to our audience?
Reporters LOVE statistics. And if you don’t provide numbers, they will ask. If your spokespersons aren’t prepared, you have a big issue on your hands because the messages could be skewed. Be sure to use good audiovisual materials to enhance your information. Charts, graphs, pictures, and other visuals should be large enough to be seen from a distance or provided in the press packets or media kits. They should deliver the point you want to make in effective and attractive ways.

Also, don’t hold a press event without materials. Be sure to put together media kits or public relations writing that includes an agenda, background information on the issue being addressed, brief bios of your panelists or speakers and other materials that support your issue.

Q3: Do I have the right venue?
Make sure the venue is appropriate. Is there parking nearby, many entrances, etc? If inside, a small room is better than a large room. Know how the room is set-up (a podium, sound system, good place to hang a banner). If the event is outside, be sure there is space for people to gather, what is the best angle for visuals? Is there room for cameras? How is the lighting? Audio? Don’t make it hard for reporters and journalists.

Q4: What’s the appropriate time to host an event with this kind of news?
Make sure the location you choose will accommodate the media. Research reporter deadlines and circulation. In my experience, a news conference should be held in the morning or early afternoon so the media have time to develop and edit their stories. Monday through Thursday are considered the best but I’ve found that Friday works too. Always allow extra time with your spokespersons for interviews before and after the conference.

Q5: Do I have enough time to pitch? Will it be picked up?
The way you get the word out to your media lists is very important – we all know that. Announce the conference with a news release, but hold the important information for the event. The invite or press release should be released 3 to 5 days before the event to give the media enough time to schedule a reporter to cover it. However, news isn’t always so convenient. You may only have a day or a few hours so be prepared to work fast. If you do have time, follow up with a phone call the day before.

Q6: If I hold a news conference and no one comes, will I lose face with the spokespersons as well as with my media contacts?
It’s simple. Yes, you can! No one like to be embarrassed or lose credibility, which can be lost fast with both your spokesperson and media contacts if you lack attendance. I’ve held a press event with little attendance, yes … and it was because the news was over communicated prior to the event, making it less newsworthy. Be sure to weigh other news as well. What’s happening in your community? The field? Will it outweigh your news? Ask yourself these questions before hosting and organizing. The last thing you want to do is lose your credibility in the midst of poor planning.

Q7: Are my spokespeople interesting to watch on TV or listen to on the radio?
Feature good speakers who are experts or community leaders. Always ask yourself, “Is this person interesting enough to watch on TV or listen to on the radio?” Before the news event, discuss the agenda with your speakers, explain the questions they might anticipate, and practice the answers they should provide. Develop talking points that communicate your key messages. Make sure that each speaker is addressing a different topic and not repeating information given by another speaker. These points may seem basic, as we’ve learned them and lived them day-to-day, but you’d be surprised what we can lose sight of when things get busy.

Q8: Are my spokespeople prepared? For anything and ANY question?
This is challenging and the most difficult part of a news conference. If you don’t prepare your spokespersons with a list of tough or controversial questions, you could be setting your, your client organization up for failure. Go through a mock Q and A. You may have to switch up your spokespersons in the last minute and that’s OK. The last thing you want to do is turn your positive coverage into a negative.

Photo courtesy of http://istockphoto.com

Remember, these are a list of the questions that I used in my experiences. So, what would you add? If you have tips to add that have helped you in your job, please share.

Technorati Tags: how to host a press conference, media relations, public relations, Random "Trish" Thoughts

Posted December 31, 2009

It’s New Year’s Eve! I love this time of year. It’s a great opportunity to sit back and reflect on the past year or years’ happenings and look at what you did and maybe even what you would do differently in the year ahead. And may I just add … 2009 was a GREAT year! Each year, my boyfriend, Ron, and I take time to gather up our previous year goals and create new ones for the coming year. Then, we sit down, over a glass of wine and talk about where we were and where we want to be, what worked, what didn’t, why a particular goal wasn’t met, where we succeeded. It’s a great exercise to get your mind crunching and move faster and more effectively in all areas of life. It’s been great for us as a couple, too! So, with that said, here are a few highlights for 2009:

Professional:
• Became part of a rock star dynamic Web 2.0 team at my company to mold and shape our online presence into the comprehensive network it is today. My role as media/PR specialist has essentially become, “PR 2.0.” I’m so very fortunate to work for a company that allows me to explore my passions, develop new challenges and advance in my career.
• Part of an expert panel at a national PR/communications event in Phoenix on social media and health care. My first EVER national appearance– thanks @texasgirl11 and @markraganCEO for providing me with the opportunity.
• Finalist at the 2009 Ragan Recognition Awards in Chicago for “best specialty publication/magazine in May 2009. Shout out to co-worker, Robin, for her mad graphics skills.
• Awarded with three merits from the Wisconsin HealthCare Public Relations and Marketing Society for public relations and social media relations. One being Judges’ Choice for excellent social media measurement and effectiveness. Not a sole effort, folks- I work with an amazing, very intelligent group of people. They all deserve the shout out too!
• Guest speaker at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater public relations/communications department. What an honor to be invited to speak for a professor I had only 3 years ago!

Personal:
• Ran my first 5K in March, then 8K in May! I’m proud to say I’ve completed over 6 races in 2009. WOOT! Thanks, Amy and Amy (trainer) for pushing me and helping me get to where I am. Now training for a half-marathon in August 2010 – one of my big goals for 2010.
• Made fitness a regular, attainable habit in my daily regimen.

• Went SKYDIVING for the first time ever! Read about my experience HERE.
• Took a fabulous trip to Niagara Falls, Canada with my man, Ron and two if our close friends.
• Traveled to Las Vegas, Chicago, Phoenix and Canada (some work, some personal). Either way, traveling is always a highlight in my book!
• Vamped up my social networks online, including my biggest accomplishment, my personal blog, trishskram.com. It’s almost been a year – and I’m proud of what it’s become so far. Special shout out to Ron, for his unfathomable faith in me to be something better. You’re my rock!
• Last but not least, I’ve connected with some of the most creative, knowledgeable communications/PR folks via online– you’re all shining stars.

Besides all that mushy stuff … some of you may be trying to stick to your past New Year’s resolutions still. If they were easy, everyone would be doing it, right? Willpower, stress and time seem to be a big part of why we don’t reach our goals. If you are reading this and thinking, “Wow, that’s SO me…” then the following are a few tips I use to help me make better resolutions to set realistic goals:

• Set up an appropriate environment to support you.
• Don’t expect perfection. Set realistic goals. Choose lifestyle changes you are willing to work on. Don’t just change behaviors to make your family, spouse or children happy.
• Studies show it takes 6 months to change a habit permanently so have patience. It takes time to change old habits.
• Get an accountability partner. Choose friends that will help you get where you want to be. A partner that is positive and supportive of you. Oprah says it best, “Surround yourself with people that will lift you higher.” So true.

So, what are your 2010 resolutions and how do you plan to stick to them?

Image courtesy of Design Leftovers, bmiint.blogspot.com

Technorati Tags: Happy New year, Janesville, Madison PR/marketing, Mercy Health System, Random "Trish" Thoughts, social media in Janesville, what Trish Skram's accomplished in 2009

For those of you familiar with “Napoleon Dynamite,” you probably appreciate the title. In the film, Napoleon says to Pedro, “Girls only like guys with skills” after discussing prom dates. Well, that line might hold some truth. But besides nunchakus (or nunchucks) and computer skills (as Napoleon would say), good managers only like employees with skills … good communication skills that is.

I was inspired to blog about these “skills” based on a question posed at #u30pro chat last night on Twitter (a shout out to the #u30pro community … woot!)

I think it’s so important to recognize skills we have acquired (good or bad) over the years from past and current managers. You’ll be amazed with how much you learn about yourself, how much you’ve grown, how much more enhanced your natural skill has become and how much those skills have changed your goals and aspirations. So, here goes. Top 6 skills I’ve learned from great managers.

Caption: Halloween 2008. I still laugh at this photo whenever I see it!

Always listen … attentively. And always make time in your day to listen to others. No matter what. You’ll be respected, more approachable and you’ll be looked at as someone people trust and look up to. Listening can also be a great research tool.

Seek challenges. Even when they make your job harder, busier and more stressful. It will bring out the best in you, even if you fail at the challenge. As they say: if at first you don’t succeed, dust yourself off and try again.

Be open-minded. I’ve said this many times in previous posts. It’s a skill that enables us to achieve more success because we can perceive things as others see them.

Keep dialog positive. Don’t let negative conversations with colleagues; co-workers and clients outweigh the positives. Point out more positive aspects than negative in almost all situations. Constructive criticism is best. Avoid being too snarky (if you can).

Know the value of a team. A good team creates strong alliances and eventually will bring you everything you need in a good working relationship. Professional and/or personal, surround yourself with people who will take you higher.

Be a relationship-builder. Most important skill in my book. Need I say more?

What is #u30pro? Spearheaded by @cubanaLAF and @davidSpinks, #u30pro is a forum for young working professionals to discuss how to bridge the generational gap, demolish stereotypes and break down differences in the professional workplace. I think you’ll be interested in this forum - check it out!

What skills would you add to my list? Please comment!

Photo courtesy of http://fanpop.com

Technorati Tags: PR people in Madison, Random "Trish" Thoughts, top skills for communicators, WI