April 6 – Libby Bradford, PR 20/20

Scripps PRSSA was excited to welcome Libby Bradford from PR 20/20 to speak to the Chapter – virtually!

Libby Bradford is a 2017 graduate from Ohio University, where she majored in strategic communication. During her time at OU, she was involved in Scripps PRSSA as the VP of Member Relations, as well as an Account Executive for 1804 Communications. Libby currently works remotely as a Marketing Consultant for PR 20/20, an inbound marketing agency in Cleveland, Ohio. She assists clients with a variety of services, including content marketing, and strategic planning and reporting.

She’s also pleased to share that a Big Mama’s location opened directly next to PR 20/20’s downtown location, so a chipotle chicken ranch burrito isn’t too far out of reach.

Key highlights include:

• Your job may be a marketing consultant, however it’s important to be a compassionate storyteller, strategic partner and trusted advisor.
• Follow PR 20/20 on Twitter @pr2020!
• Follow Marketing Artificial Intelligence Institute on Twitter @MktgAi!
• What is agency life like? Retaining clients. Managing projects. Navigating relationships. Maintaining professional development.
• What is it like to work remote full-time? Challenging at first but promotes work-life balance.

Marketing during the coronavirus:

• As marketers, we have the power to control the conversation.
• Be proactive, not reactive.
• Pivot your strategy to align with reality.
• Provide value at every touchpoint.
• “We need to quiet fear and get people the information they need.”

Advice from graduates:

• “Don’t compare your journey to others. We all have individual strengths and skills that make us uniquely different. Focus on your own happiness.”
• “Get comfortable with the idea of negotiating salaries. Chances are, if you ask for higher pay, you’ll get it.”
• “Don’t be afraid to take an internship after graduation. It’s a great way to test out a new industry.”
• “It’s OK if you don’t like your first job. Everything is a stepping stone to the next thing.”
• Ask questions.”
• “Keep in touch with bosses, mentors, professors, etc. It can make a huge difference down the line.”
• “You’re not alone. All of your peers are experiencing similar trials and tribulations.”
• “Use this time to be more creative when it comes to learning and working.”
• Interested in a company? Find someone who works there and reach out for an informational interview over coffee.”

Advice from Libby:

• Set priorities. Then, work on the most important thing first.
• Be fully engaged with the task in front of you.
• Say “no” to things that don’t align with your goals.
• Have an agenda for every meeting.
• Find a mentor.
• Build relationships.
• Ask for help, but be a problem-solver.
• Celebrate small victories.
• Set short-term and long-term goals.
• Google if your friend.
• Teach yourself something new.
• Praise peers for wins.
• Go to draft night.

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