5 things I wish I had known when I started in communications

A handful of lessons a communicator learned

To be fully transparent, since that’s still a favorite buzzword thanks to our friends at the Federal Trade Commission, this list could be much longer. However, “The 77 Things Dave Didn’t Know” doesn’t have a great ring to it. So, here are a few things that could have helped me as I transitioned into the day-to-day world of communications and public relations.

I came into the working world with a misconception that asking questions was somehow admitting defeat. After all, I’d just graduated and felt like I’d accomplished a great deal in my time at school. I had a hard time admitting that I didn’t know something. What would everyone think? Over the years, I’ve seen a strong pattern that those who ask questions—and listen closely to the answers—are often the smartest ones in the room.

2. Business background buys credibility

I’d taken economics and finance classes throughout college but hadn’t thought of spending time studying how business leaders had achieved their goals. Organizational management wasn’t a common crossover for communications students, but I wish I had thought of it. Understanding operations and management styles is crucial for communicators.