How to be your own personal manager
The importance of becoming your own personal manager may be the most valuable lesson I have learned from my experience in the PR industry…
As busy women who are constantly on tight deadlines, answering emails, and speaking to clients about time sensitive fashion shows or meetings, we always have work that needs to be done. Our supervisors cannot be on top of us 24/7, and so we need to learn how to manage our time effectively, get our work done and stay organized. Being our own personal manager means that we keep ourselves on those deadlines, discipline ourselves when work needs to get done, and never miss a beat!
Most PR girls and fashion ladies know that a planner is our best friend. We always have one in our purse and never leave home without it. In order to be our own manager, an organized planner is the first step. Keep all assignments written down and use colorful highlighters and pens to mark urgent deadlines.
PR and fashion are two very individualistic industries; everyone has to look out for themselves, while making sure they are getting their client big coverage. That being said, I cannot stress how important it is to keep yourself in line and make sure you finish your work on time. I find, especially in New York City, that people are always in a rush and always planning their next dinner party, coffee date or shopping spree and that can sometimes make us lose focus on our tasks at hand! It is never good to be that girl who forgets about her meeting or deadline, and if you learn to manage your own time and work you will come out on top!
PR and Fashion girls are experts in micro-managing. Learn how to micro-manage your tasks and responsibilities and break down each section into smaller duties that will make your list seem more approachable. Set specific times for you to sit down and get all your work done. Try and have no distractions around you, and take small breaks in between. Instead of thinking about all the work you have to do, go out there and actually do it! I am a full supporter of micro-managing and for us detail oriented fashion and PR girls who are always noticing small details on sequined dresses and even smaller grammar mistakes in press releases, micro-managing will help us become even more productive than we already are.
The Holiday Season is upon us, which means the PR world will be brimming with client requests and the fashion world will be filled with holiday gift guides and designs. The Holidays can also mean that we have more work than ever on our plate and we sometimes forget to keep ourselves organized! This doesn’t have to be the case if you’re planning ahead. Becoming your own personal manager will help you to tick off your to-do list so that you can spend some time with your friends and family, go out for a glass of champagne and take in the spirit of the Holidays.
With the end of the year approaching set goals for yourself and create deadlines before the end of the year is up. When you are all done with your work, treat yourself to a New Year’s gift that will make you feel accomplished and proud. Remember, there is a difference between accomplishing and delivering! Make sure you put your best PR or Fashion heel forward in the New Year so that come January 1, your only concern is what buy yourself with that extra holiday cash.
