PRSSA SOCAL COALITION: RECAP

By Travis Ramsdell

Lifestyle is such a persistent, overarching topic in our lives, and when we take a step back and analyze how it can influence our decisions, the importance of it is stressed more than ever. When this ideal is attached to the world of public relations, not only do we consider how lifestyle can influence our decisions, but we consider in what way can we mold it and create something to influence those that surround us as well.

 These questions and so many more were answered at the last PRSSA SoCal Coalition Meeting on 11/18 that was hosted graciously by San Diego State University. Two great speakers, Alex Ott who is the founder and CEO of multiple businesses in San Diego with the notable one being Chrome City, and Emily Webb who is the Account Director and leader of the lifestyle brand at Bam The Agency, were able to share their experiences with entering the lifestyle side of public relations as well as offering any tips to those who are wishing to enter in the industry as well. 

Some of the top questions that were asked included what lifestyle PR was to them and how did they end up choosing the lifestyle industry, yet the two questions that stuck out the most to those eager to join the industry left lasting effects that were seen throughout the rest of the meeting. When one individual asked what makes the lifestyle side of PR so unique, Ott was able to tap into the creative aspects of those in attendance by stating, “The type of story that you get to send as you have to be so out of the box with your message.” Providing a shift from the side that PR was all about sending a specific type of message and proving that in order to make a solid picture for the audience that you are targeting you have to be unique, this not only excited the audience but led to certain thought processes on how one thing could change into something huge.

 In regard to tapping into that creative potential, most were wary on the feelings of imposter syndrome or just the entire aspect of feeling unqualified in which Webb summed it up with a simple statement that resonated with everyone in attendance in that, “You know what you are doing and if not then you fake it till you make it and you will always make it.” This powerful statement eased the minds of everyone that was present and implanted emotions that based around excitement and left everyone feeling determined to accomplish their goals whether pursuing the lifestyle industry or not. 

Whether you are just getting started within the industry or looking into making your next step into achieving your goal, Ott finished off the meeting with a 2 step plan that everyone can apply to themselves no matter the goal, in that, “Find out a company’s weak points and reach out to those that you want to interact with.”