Use Powerful Body Language to Land a Job, Move Ahead in Your Career

Posted on August 21, 2013 by Kate Perrin

How you stand or sit can affect your success according to new research.  Striking a powerful, expansive pose actually changes a person’s hormones and behavior, just as if he or she haImaged real power.

In fact, in a study led by Amy J.C. Cuddy, an associate professor of business administration at Harvard Business School, participants who struck power poses (standing tall, leaning slightly forward with hands at one’s side, or leaning forward over a desk with hands planted firmly on its surface) for several minutes before beginning a mock job interview received better reviews and were more likely to be selected tor hire, even though the interviewers hadn’t seen them in the poses.

Read more in Sue Shellenbarger’s piece in the Wall Street Journal.

Posted in PRofessional Solutions News | Leave a comment

LinkedIn Still Top Job Search Technology Tool

Posted on August 15, 2013 by Kate Perrin

A whopping 94% of job seekers ranked LinkedIn as their number one social media site for job hunting according to an annual survey by Right Management (the talent and career management division of staffing firm ManpowerGroup).  HiringImage managers also prefer Linked in over other sites by two to one.

The survey polled 300 job seekers and 100 hiring managers, recruiters and human resource executives throughout North America.  Two thirds of the job seekers were Baby Boomers and one third were members of Generation X.  About 95%  are looking for a permanent job, up from 84% in 2010, while only 23% want to be entrepreneurs.

Posted in PRofessional Solutions News | Leave a comment

Congratulations Carrie Fox — One of PR Week’s 40 Under 40

Posted on August 8, 2013 by Kate Perrin

PRWeek annually profiles 40 dynamic individuals under the age of 40, nominated by theImageir peers and colleagues, who are leading the charge for the next generation of communicators.  PRofessional Solutions, LLC is thrilled to see colleague and past client Carrie Fox, president of C. Fox Communications, recognized on that list.

Carrie Fox was just 25 when she launched the agency. In fewer than 10 years, C.Fox Communications now represents Fortune 100 companies, international NGOs, global foundations, and regional startups.  No wonder she was the first winner of the Washington Women in Public Relations Emerging Leaders award in 2010.

Posted in PRofessional Solutions News | Tagged , | Leave a comment

PRofessional Solutions, LLC Has Been “Leaning In” For Years

Posted on July 26, 2013 by Melanie Jordan

From the July issue of “Smart Solutions”, PRofessional Solutions’ e-newsletter:

Kate Perrin and Boss Ladies Tackle Zipline

Kate Perrin and Boss Ladies Tackle Zipline

Almost a decade before Sheryl Sandberg’s book appeared on the scene and spawned a nonprofit which recommends “Lean In circles, small groups of women that meet monthly to encourage and support each other”, Kate Perrin had already founded the Boss Ladies, a group of women entrepreneurs. This group of women business owners with communications-related companies meets regularly to share ideas and discuss the ever changing challenges of doing business.

Taking the concept one step further, Perrin and the Boss Ladies participate in an annual summer retreat to their favorite Arizona resort where they push themselves to the edge physically with high adventure activities and take time to be reflective in yoga and meditation sessions. They also challenge themselves mentally to think outside the box by holding a book discussion along with talks about business models and techniques.

 

Posted in PRofessional Solutions News | Leave a comment

Congratulations to the 2013 WWPR Emerging Leaders Awards Winners!

Posted on July 19, 2013 by Melanie Jordan
2013 Emerging Leaders Awards Recipients

2013 WWPR Emerging Leaders Awards Recipients  Nell Callahan, Rachael Glaws,Lauren Wesley Wilson

Congratulations to the Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) 2013 Emerging Leaders Awards recipients Nell Callahan, SKDKnickerbocker, @NellinDC; Rachael Glaws, RGI events and public relations, @RGIevents; and Lauren Wesley Wilson, MSL Group, @ColorCommnetwk. The Emerging Leaders Awards is a special recognition for young women, ages 23-30, in the Washington, DC area who have made significant contributions in the communications industry.

PRofessional Solutions, LLC was delighted to be a sponsor of the event which was held at the National Press Club on July 18. The keynote address was provided by Kori Bernards, Senior Vice President of Communications at Universal Pictures.

Posted in Around Town, PRofessional Solutions News, Sponsorships, WWPR | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

When small businesses are thriving, so is the overall national economy.

Posted on June 17, 2013 by Kate Perrin

On Thursday, June 20 PRofessional Solutions, LLC CEO Kate Perrin will Imageattend a National Small Business Week forum convened by Washington Post Live.  Small business owners, as well as recognized industry leaders, will discuss ways to help America’s small business owners flourish.

Posted in PRofessional Solutions News | Tagged | Leave a comment

Hot Weather = Hot Dress Code Issues

Posted on May 31, 2013 by Kate Perrin

When it comes to “business casual”, hot summer weather may cause some employees to more broadly interpret the “casual” and ignore the “business” aspect of office attire.  This can create problems for employers.

Co-workers wearing more revealing clothes increases the risk of inappropriate comments and conduct that potentially can lead to sexual harassment claims.  And other employees can be offended by the revealing nature of some summer wear.  Plus, employers worry that a very relaxed approach to attire could lead to an overly relaxed approach to customer service and other aspects of work that adversely affect public image and workplace interactions.

Does your current dress code policy need to be more specific about what is — and is not –acceptable during the summer months?  If so, define “business casual” and let employees know what, if Imageany, items are prohibited in a clearly communicated dress code policy that includes the reasons behind it.

  • If flip-flops, cutoff shorts and tee-shirts, Hawaiian-style shirts or very short sundresses are not appropriate in your workplace, state that in a clear memo and inform employees during staff meetings.
  • Remind employees of your organization’s policy against harassment and point out that comments about an employee’s clothing constitute inappropriate conduct that violates the policy.
  • Be consistent in enforcing the dreImagess code and be sure that employees know the consequences for non-compliance.
  • Keep in mind that application of a dress code should be flexible enough to account for cultural or religious obligations of some employees.

Photos: Shorts are never office appropriate — they are too laid back.  If you’re going sleeveless, pair the top with slacks rather than a short skirt; always avoid baring too much skin in the office.

Posted in PRofessional Solutions News | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

19 Years of Interesting Assignments

Posted on May 30, 2013 by Kate Perrin

As we celebrate our birthday monthImage and start the countdown to PRofessional Solutions, LLC’s 20th year in business, we’d like to share some of the most fascinating assignments we’ve had over the years:

  • On-site media relations during the raising of parts of the USS Monitor from the floor of the Atlantic Ocean
  • Media advance work and escorting reporters and the President of the American Red Cross on a relief mission to Macedonia during the Kosovo crisis
  • Crisis communications after 9-11 at an AMTRAK command center in Wilmington, DE
  • Media relations in advance and on-site for the National Senior Games held at Disney World
Posted in PRofessional Solutions News | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Successful Business Communicators Share Business-Building Tips

Posted on May 23, 2013 by Kate Perrin

It was a pleasure to moderate the IABC/DC Metro chapter’s program for the Independents special interest group on May 21 because Independents Portfolio Director Angie Sanders recruited a top-notch group to share their experiImageences about building business.

Photo: Panelist Shana Glickfield (Beekeeper Group), Portfolio Director Angie Sanders, Len Johnson (Sage Communications), Joyce Bosc (Boscobel Marketing Communications), Kate Perrin (PRofessional Solutions, LLC)

Posted in PRofessional Solutions News | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Join the Discussion: Banging the Drum for New Business

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Kate Perrin

A recent study conducted by software company Intuit estimates that by the year 2020, more than 40 percent of the American workforce, or 60 million people, will be freelancers, contractors and temp workers. That means that competition for new clients will only increase.

On Tuesday, May 21st the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC/DC Metro) Independents Group presents a panel of communications leaders who have grown successful businesses from the ground up and are experienced in attracting new business and scaling their companies accordingly.  They’ll address best practices for networking and working with other businesses to pitch new business.

WHEN:  Tuesday, May 21, 2013  8:00-9:30 a.m.

WHERE:  Omni Studio, 1146 19th St. NW, Suite 700, Washington DC (Red Line Metro Farragut North, Dupont Circle; Orange/Blue Line Metro Farragut West)

COST:  IABC/DC Metro Members $15; Non-members $25; Students $5 (register in advance; prices at the door will be $10 more for members and non-members, $5 more for students)

REGISTER:   http://www.cvent.com/d/_ur_79aKkke_joX2a4MDYQ/p7kg/P1/1Q?

PANELISTS:

Kate Perrin, Chief Executive Officer, PRofessional Solutions, LLC (moderator)
Kate founded PRofessional Solutions, LLC in 1994 after 20 years in public relations and marketing communications for area associations and educational institutions.  It remains the only public relations temporary staffing agency in the Washington metro area.

Joyce Bosc, President and CEO, Boscobel Marketing Communications
Since founding Boscobel Marketing Communications, Inc. in 1978, Joyce has provided a full range of communications services for high-tech companies, associations, federal, state and local governments, government contractors, real estate and utility companies. An expert in branding, she has been interviewed by and contributed stories to media outlets such as MSNBC.com, National Public Radio (NPR), Association Management and Washington Business Journal.

Shana Glickfield, Partner, Beekeeper Group
As a Partner at Beekeeper Group, Shana helps a wide array of clients with their communications and advocacy strategies, focusing on social media and online community building. She was one of five women named to Washington Post’s list of “Up and Comers in Technology” in 2009 and was recognized that same year as one of the most creative people in new media by Washington Life Magazine.

Len Johnson, President, Sage Communications
Len led JDG Communications’ 30 years of growth from a three-person design group to its present status as a leading Washington-area brand development and integrated marketing firm. After 30 years in business, he sold the firm to Sage Communications, LLC in May 2009, but continues to serve as president of JDG as a subsidiary to Sage and leads the government communications practice. He is a recipient of IABC’s “Communicator of the Year” award.

Posted in PRofessional Solutions News | Tagged | Leave a comment