Inspiration Break

3 ways communicators can get through 2020

Many of our readers responded to our request to sum up their year with a GIF. From excitement over more responsibility to stress from long days, here’s what you shared.

By Beki Winchel
@bekiweki
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How to survive the rest of 2020

We can do this, people.

This year is providing unprecedented opportunities and responsibilities for PR and communications pros.

It’s also offering many challenges, with historic crises along with consumers and employees alike seeking connection and meaningful engagement as we remain apart.

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We recently asked what 2020 looks like for you, and readers responded readily with GIFs that held both energy and exhaustion.

Here’s what we learned:

1. Don’t forget to take a moment for yourself.

Kate Ryan, PR coordinator for BlastMedia, and PR pro Jennifer Wallington share that it’s both thrilling and scary to respond to the COVID-19 crisis, overhaul policies and procedures during an ongoing nationwide movement for racial equality and justice, and keep both employees and consumers calm and confident:

The need for comunications requires more responsibilities and longer hours—something that’s no surprise to Golin’s Miami team, the crew at ARPR, and communicators Olay Sarayi and Dhani Hoyt:

After particularly stressful moments, you might also relate with PR pros Jillian Toyad and Kemisha Anderson:

The pressure of additional deadlines and hectic schedules can seem overwhelming, especially when we need a break. Shani Kotecha, content specialist for Mind Meld PR, shares a sentiment to which many communicators can relate:

However, you don’t have to move to Barbados to gain a relaxing break while working from home this year.

Set private appointments and schedule breaks for yourself within your calendar before it’s crowded with meetings, brainstorm sessions and more. Incorporate exercise in safe and simple ways, such as going for a socially distanced walk or run, or even stretching next to your desk. Make sure your eyes focus on something other than a screen for a few minutes throughout your day, and be honest and upfront if you’re overwhelmed.

2. Connecting is more important than ever.

PR pro Mima Agozzino says the multitude of distractions from continuing crises as well as working from home add new importance to the phrase, “Stay focused”:

You might mask your stress with a smile, like Christopher Barboza mentions:

However, employee burnout is rising as communicators’ struggle to overcome challenges and keep consumer and employee trust. You might need a break, as PR and marketing pro Hannah Rowe and Michael Duffield Communications share:

Don’t let the emotions and responsibilities of this year overwhelm you or your employees. That might sound easier than putting it into practice, but taking time for yourself (even for short bursts of time) can help with focus and productivity, along with stress.

Also look for ways to connect and collaborate with your employees, colleagues and industry peers. That might include joining associations, membership networks and councils, attending virtual events or adding virtual team hangouts to your organization’s calendar. Don’t hide how you’re feeling—and if you’re a manager, being transparent and open is even more important, as you seek to support employees.

3. Trailblaze into new frontiers as you rise to this year’s challenges.

For many communicators, including Sophie Maccagnone, PR associate at Indiana University Health, it might seem as if the crisis responses and strategies that you’re overhauling are only scratching the surface for this year’s unprecedented crises and consumer behavior shifts:

However, Nancy Pichard, director of digital merchandising for Talbots, points out that the opportunities for PR and marketing pros are huge:

It’s all about innovating and being flexible, says MaryJane Mudd, principal for MJM Communications, and Taylor Ketchum, vice president at Jones PR:

Despite the long hours of crisis response, connecting and creating strategies only to readjust with new developments, communicators are putting on game faces and blazing trails ahead, as PR pros Allison Moraga and Jennifer Dunn share:

Organizations need communicators to help guide them through crises, develop more inclusive and welcoming cultures, better connect with consumers and other audiences online, and more.

You too can take advantage of these opportunities by evaluating your audiences’ behaviors through researching trends and tapping into social listening and additional data sources. For internal communicators, you should elicit feedback often from employees, so you can best tailor your content and reach them where they’re most receptive.

How are you taking hold of this year’s challenges and opportunities? Share your experiences with us below.

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