Three Powerful Women Give Us A Quick Look Into the Career of Public Relations
What does the profession Public Relations bring to mind? Some may be thinking of PR scandals gone wrong or people in suits talking at press conferences skating around the truth. The world of public relations is much more than these stereotypes and three amazing women sat down to explain what exactly it is they do. Although they work at different types of companies, all agree that their work is exciting, always changing and it is really about building genuine relationships. So what exactly is public relations and why should you be rethinking the typical PR stereotypes?
Hind Haouari is the Trade Marketing and Events Assistant Manager at the luxury Swiss watch brand IWC. Managing all of the boutiques in North America and Canada, Haouari spends 40% of her time traveling around the United States to the 80 stores and the rest of her time in the New York office. With two visual merchandisers under her, one for each coast, Haouari is in charge of everything from the in-store displays to the building of new boutiques. She also spends time with clients and the company’s accounts in order to build relationships and foster a passion for the brand. Haouari was even in charge of building and designing the latest flagship on Madison Avenue and when asked about why she loves these projects she commented, “When you see the end result…it’s very rewarding to see the fruit of your labor.”
Nicole McArdle is the Public Relations Coordinator at Pubslush, a crowdfunding platform for literary projects. Just like Haouari, McArdle is involved with building relationships. However public relations is utilized differently at a startup company like Pubslush. McArdle touched upon this when she said, “Rule #1, no day is the same in PR, [and] especially when you work at a startup.” Social Media is an up and coming portion in the PR equation and McArdle is in charge of running her companies social media in addition to handling reach out for potential new clients.
Gretchen Walker-Manolakis is the Director of Public Relations and Events at Saks. Her day-to-day activities include finalizing event details, writing press releases, compiling press lists, conducting interviews, arranging designer appearances and contacting possible vendors for in store events. Walker works closely with her clients and notes, “It’s all about relationships. Creating them and nurturing them.”
Public Relations professionals need not to be thought of as spinsters, devilishly typing away and twisting the truth for an upcoming press release. Public Relations is quintessentially, unpaid publicity. At its heart PR is all about building relationships and connections to a brand or company. The tools and techniques are different for each company and brand, but the foundation is the same. You might find these women traveling around the country, planning an event or creating an innovative public relations campaign. They all are giving public relations a new name, one that is ethical and progressive in today’s fast moving world.
Hind Haouari is the Trade Marketing and Events Assistant Manager at the luxury Swiss watch brand IWC. Managing all of the boutiques in North America and Canada, Haouari spends 40% of her time traveling around the United States to the 80 stores and the rest of her time in the New York office. With two visual merchandisers under her, one for each coast, Haouari is in charge of everything from the in-store displays to the building of new boutiques. She also spends time with clients and the company’s accounts in order to build relationships and foster a passion for the brand. Haouari was even in charge of building and designing the latest flagship on Madison Avenue and when asked about why she loves these projects she commented, “When you see the end result…it’s very rewarding to see the fruit of your labor.”
Nicole McArdle is the Public Relations Coordinator at Pubslush, a crowdfunding platform for literary projects. Just like Haouari, McArdle is involved with building relationships. However public relations is utilized differently at a startup company like Pubslush. McArdle touched upon this when she said, “Rule #1, no day is the same in PR, [and] especially when you work at a startup.” Social Media is an up and coming portion in the PR equation and McArdle is in charge of running her companies social media in addition to handling reach out for potential new clients.
Gretchen Walker-Manolakis is the Director of Public Relations and Events at Saks. Her day-to-day activities include finalizing event details, writing press releases, compiling press lists, conducting interviews, arranging designer appearances and contacting possible vendors for in store events. Walker works closely with her clients and notes, “It’s all about relationships. Creating them and nurturing them.”
Public Relations professionals need not to be thought of as spinsters, devilishly typing away and twisting the truth for an upcoming press release. Public Relations is quintessentially, unpaid publicity. At its heart PR is all about building relationships and connections to a brand or company. The tools and techniques are different for each company and brand, but the foundation is the same. You might find these women traveling around the country, planning an event or creating an innovative public relations campaign. They all are giving public relations a new name, one that is ethical and progressive in today’s fast moving world.