There are a lot of obvious pros and cons of having a celebrity endorse your product or service. A true celebrity can help expand reach, but they might goof up and do something stupid, which could ultimately hurt your brand.

At this year’s PRSA Volunteer Chapter V Awards, our CEO Kelly Fletcher was presented with the  Gary McCormick Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the Volunteer Chapter and the public relations profession over the last 20 years. Kelly embodies all that is a lifetime of achievement as an inspiring entrepreneur and leader.

Marketing your product or service is competitive these days, regardless of your field or industry. Brands are grappling for what sets them apart. What is their unique selling proposition, or what is their “secret sauce?”  

Sometimes, taking a stand is a calculated decision. Other times, it is a gut reaction in the moment. Either way, drawing a line in the sand takes courage and conviction.

The annual PRSA International Conference was held in Atlanta this week, and I was privileged to attend with approximately 1,200 public relations professionals from around the world. There are so many opportunities to learn at a conference like this – from the breakout and general sessions to the exhibit hall, and perhaps most importantly, from fellow attendees. My four main takeaways from the conference were:

Over the last several months, I’ve had a couple opportunities to learn about the Malala Fund and the upcoming film release, “He Named Me Malala.” Co-founded by Malala Yousafzai and her father, the fund works to secure girls’ rights to a minimum of 12 years of quality education, particularly in the global south. The goal is to help girls achieve their potential and positively impact their local communities for the rest of their lives. Below are a few stats on why this is such important work.

Lists are a hot tactic in the world of content marketing, so as a PR pro, I thought I’d take this opportunity to put a best practice into action. As a “senior practitioner” (I hate calling myself that), my most memorable career lessons have happened during moments of failure. I’ve taken my lumps and observed others taking theirs.

Here are five hard won lessons that may help you on your personal journey to success at work (and play):

5) Embrace other people’s strengths. No one is good at everything. Know what you’re good at and where you’re deficient, and surround yourself with people who complement your abilities.

4) Be your own worst critic. If you aren’t, you can bet someone else is. Pay attention to your own work and search for ways to become better. The counterbalance – don’t take yourself too seriously.

3) Avoid burnout. We spend a huge portion of our lives at work, and there is more to life than burning the midnight oil all the time. Enjoy what you do and the people you work with. If you never feel a sense of accomplishment, it may be time to look for another job or career.

2) Be a change agent. Marketing communications is fast-paced and always changing. Don’t be afraid to mix things up and try new ideas. Be daring with your next headline. You never know where it may lead you!

1) Remain relevant. It’s my responsibility to provide value to my clients and my employer. Embrace lifelong learning and consciously look for ways to stay relevant.

Some say it is the hottest new trend in fitness and fashion. These HotPants claim to elevate your temperature while wearing them. It is not a new fact that the hotter you get, the more calories you burn.

We have been fortunate to work with the Knox County Health Department on two different campaigns in the last year. While very different topics and projects, both received recognition from the American Advertising Federation (AAF) at their annual Addy Awards.

Summer brings out our creative nature. Gone are the dark, heavy clothes of winter and here to stay are the bright, fun fashions of summer. And summer has definitely arrived! I know this because of the apparel choices that have recently emerged on Market Square.