How To’s – Tehama Group Communications

November 6, 2023November 6, 2023

Networking is your greatest asset

By: Daisy Costilla-Jaimes

Connecting with others and creating chains of networks will be your best asset in the public relations workforce. Creating a database of networks amongst individuals allows you to be involved in new opportunities and allows you to make professional friendships, collaborations, and meet new people not only in your community but also within the professional world locally or globally.

Sometimes networking with your community will open new opportunities in your career development you wouldn’t think possible. Networking is truly the most important component when becoming a successful public relations professional and progressing in the public relations industry because it allows you to connect with your client’s needs to satisfy their goals and your objectives.

I am an Assistant Account Executive working with my team to serve our client, the Multicultural Gender Studies Program. Our job is to inform prospective students and their families of the resources and opportunities available on Chico State’s campus. It is an important objective of my client to highlight the diverse minors, programs, and available opportunities for minorities on campus. As an Assistant Account Executive, I am responsible for curating content for the African-American studies minor. Networking with the community has been a key component in establishing connections that are valuable and essential to my client’s objectives.

For instance, I networked with the Cross-Cultural Leadership Center (CCLC) which is an environment dedicated to minority students where they are able to connect with one another, develop leadership skills, share cultural values, build relationships within the community and create cultural awareness and social change. Through the CCLC I was able to network with the Black Student Union’s (BSU) president, Khalid Hurst, BSU members and members of the National Society of Black Engineers. I was able to be more informed about African-American studies’ resources on campus using networking and how they help minorities such as African Americans represent themselves at Chico State.

Another way to expand your network is through social media such as Instagram, LinkedIn and X, formally known as Twitter. Being involved in social media and creating an engaging platform allows the ability to share information, partake in professional development conversations and create awareness of yourself and your abilities in the public relations field. Through networking with other professionals, you can have a deeper understanding of the industry and have access to resources that are at your fingertips.

By expanding my network within the community, I was able to gain more understanding regarding my client’s needs, objectives, and goals. I not only gained more comprehension of my client’s needs, but I also made professional connections, gained knowledge that will help me better the community, and obtained awareness of the diverse programs that support minorities.

Networking with your community, various organizations, programs, and individuals allows you to expand your web of connections. By expanding your network of people it will allow you to be informed, educated, and knowledgeable of the resources and growth opportunities available to you. Enlarging one’s network will allow public relations students to prepare themselves for the real world and achieve their career aspirations by enabling students’ understanding of how to succeed in the public relations industry.

October 10, 2023

One Foot in Front of the Other

Eve Miller’s tips on the job hunting process.

By: Lucy Ventura

As a senior, thinking about what’s next post-graduation can be frustrating. It can also be a burden on your self-esteem going through many interviews and not hearing back quickly. I spoke with Eve Miller about what her job hunting process was like and how she adjusted from being in TGC to working at Global Results Communications agency.

What was the job hunt like for you?

“It was long and tedious. I think I started looking for post-grad jobs over Thanksgiving break and applying not long after,”

How did you manage to stay encouraged throughout the job hunting process ?

“I had to keep reminding myself that I didn’t need to find the perfect job straight away. I stressed a lot over what part of public relations I wanted to focus on when I didn’t even need to think about it. Even just finding a job that furthers your skills in any aspect is great and will benefit you in,”

What tips would you give to those who are nervous for the interview process?

“Practice over and over with friends, family or mentors. Even apply for jobs you know you don’t want but are qualified for and go through the interview process – you can always say no and it gives you practice for what types of questions people typically ask and how to answer them depending on the position,”

“I did this a lot throughout college and probably had tons of interviews I did just because I could. I didn’t realize its impact until a recruiter told me after an interview that I was the first candidate to answer their questions rather than push for what I wanted to tell them.”

What role did personal branding and online presence, such as LinkedIn, play in your job search success?

“The biggest part. I was fairly active on LinkedIn and still am since I use it for work every day.

LinkedIn is your best friend. If you have the money to spend on getting premium, do it. They have a student discount – I’m still riding on this currently- which helps so much during the application process.

I would constantly go on the page of organizations I loved and look at the people working there in the positions I hope to have one day and I’d just try to message them or connect with them. People want to help you if you’re friendly and it doesn’t hurt to ask. I got my current job by contacting the company’s owner.”

Can you offer advice to seniors who are currently job hunting in the PR field based on your experiences?

“Your professors want to help you! Ask them for help but understand that they have other things to do so plan ahead.”

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently in your job hunt, or any lessons learned that you can share?

“I started to work the day I got back from graduation and I wish I had taken a break, even if it was for a week. Going from a classroom setting one day to working with clients and full-grown adults the next was shocking. Have fun when you have the time because summers don’t exist after college…

Was it hard adapting straight from college to the workforce and how did you prepare to start your job fresh out of graduating college?

Extremely – I’m still adjusting. It’s not something people really prepare you for, they just prepare you for how to get a job. I had a bit of imposter syndrome the first couple of weeks and I still get it from time to time. The most important thing that has helped me is asking questions.

“Be the annoying person who asks too many questions because it’s better to look curious and get it right the first time than stay quiet and have to do it over again a million times.”

In what ways has TGC prepared you for the job you are working at now?

“It helped me know how to work on multiple accounts at once and manage time. Having that public relations firm under your belt, even if it is student-run, helps you more than you know when looking for jobs and when you’ve got a job. I know how to work well in teams of different people and communicate people’s needs. TGC helped me grow a lot of my skills in different aspects, more than I realized. In every interview I had, people were impressed with the experience I had gained through TGC. It’s not something that people should underplay and say “Oh it’s a class” because it’s definitely more than that depending on how much you put into the program. It’s a full internship which I know not a lot of other universities offer. It’s a huge leg up in the job process and as long as you position it right on your resume and during interviews, it could be the difference between whether you’re picked for a position or not.”

October 2, 2023

AI Won’t Take Your Job

Katrina Cameron, TGC alumni, shares her experience using AI the right way in the PR field.

By: Paris Auerweck

As public relations students and soon-to-be professionals, the question that’s been circling our minds is this: Is AI capable of taking our jobs? The recent surge and development of AI technology has made us wonder about the future of the PR workforce.

Katrina Cameron, TGC Alumni and Client Relations Lead at Cred agency, has been using AI tools in her daily work and recently took a course on LinkedIn called “How to boost your productivity with AI tools”. We chatted about her key takeaways and what role AI is playing in the PR field.

“I was already using ChatGPT before taking the course, but the course really validated how I was using it,” Cameron says. These platforms make writing (or copy and pasting) too easy. What it should really help with, she says, is brainstorming, strategizing, forming inspiration and creating organization.

“It’s really just making our jobs a little easier… Using AI can really help you streamline your ideas,” she says.

As busy students and professionals, our attention is divided. Our thoughts can run in different directions making it difficult to concentrate and communicate ideas in a concise way. For those who struggle with some attention deficit problems, like Cameron and myself, using AI can help you put your ideas in order, build a list, or relate ideas to one another.

“The biggest takeaway of using AI is that you have to give it context to work… By doing that you kind of have to let it play a role,” said Cameron.

What does that look like? Not using AI and ChatGPT to write for you, but to make it work for you. Cameron described how, in the event space, they need to write a lot of event descriptions. Using AI to help her put her ideas in a list, develop a certain order, or prompt it to write from a PR professional perspective, aids her in starting the process, but doesn’t do all the work for her.

Katrina Cameron smiling in front of Bay Area view

“It definitely can’t do your job, you still need to be the human element to it.”

We specialize in public relations for a reason, all of us care about the way brands and our organizations interact with the public. We know what is best, we show that we care. Our writing and content naturally lets the human in us shine through. And as Cameron noted, “you always have the final say in whatever it does,” so your voice and your ideas are still an important part of the picture.

With graduation and professional life in the near future, I wonder about how I can make sure I stay relevant or needed with AI around.

“Since I’ve been working in PR and tech for a few years now, I’ve seen the best way to make yourself indispensable is to learn how to use the technology,” Cameron said. “Use it to fuel your creativity, use it to make you better at your job.”

Development of AI has undoubtedly created a new pressure to beat AI, we need to be better. With Cameron’s experience, it’s reassuring to know that generative AI is not taking our jobs anytime soon. In fact, we can use it to our benefit, we can use it to be better.

September 28, 2023September 28, 2023

Connections are key.

Q+A with Jessica Delgado.

There’s one thing on a senior’s mind at all times: Graduation. The stress and anxiety connected with graduation makes me cringe at the thought of it. Constant thoughts and dreams of what life will look like after graduation makes everything so uncertain.

I sat down with Jessica Delgado, TGC alumni 2023. She currently works at The Hoyt Group in Los Angeles, California as an Account Coordinator. Delgado helped ease my nerves and thoughts about graduation; it is amazing to see how well she has adjusted to life post-grad.

Tell us a little about yourself, how’s life in general post college?

Post-grad life has definitely had all the ups and downs. I feel so grateful to have had such a great four years in college but at times I miss it so much. Being almost four months out, at times I feel like I should be going back to school, but it is so rewarding being in a new city and seeing all the opportunities I have. I love challenges and trying new things, so being in Los Angeles now has been the perfect fit for me.

What is one tip you have for a graduating senior?

“So cliche, but have as much fun as you can!!! And don’t stress the little things because a year from now they won’t mean a thing.”

How has TGC helped you in your current job today? What are some things you are working on right now?

“Being able to help small projects from the ground up. One of our buildings is remodeling their rooftop decks and we are expecting it to finish by the end of September. With that we are wanting to do a reopening of the deck, so we are planning a party. We want media coverage for this event as we have a list of “foodie influencers” coming. I am also working alongside a PR firm to help build a media list of news outlets that will hopefully reach a lot of people so we can have a big turnout.”

What is your current job and what are some examples of tasks you have to complete?

“My current job is working for an architecture/project development firm. I do all the social media and marketing for our buildings. I work super close with our VP who manages all the construction and remodeling of our buildings to make sure they are staying close to the deadlines we need them done by.”

What is something you miss from Chico or wish you took more advantage of?

“I miss all the nature Chico has! If I want to go on a hike I have to drive at least 30 minutes through traffic, find parking, and at that point the desire fades as I am too tired to do the hike.”

How do you stay organized, avoid burnout, and keep your mental health in check?

“Calendar management is something I have perfected and rely heavily on. If I don’t jot down everything for the week, I am a total mess.

I love to also look ahead and plan so I am not overlapping meetings or missing deadlines.

I love finding new places to go whether that is a coffee shop, restaurant or beach. Malibu is 20 minutes from my house and I always find time during the week to go sit on the beach, reflect, listen to a podcast, or simply just sit in silence.”

I know you aren’t working directly in PR, so what are some similarities and differences in your job?

“Some similarities are meeting deadlines, lots of pitching, writing, and content creation.

Some differences are that I read and research our clients. I read their leases to know what we are getting out of the partnership as well as what they expect of us.”

What is one tool that has helped you secure your job?

“One tool that helped me secure my job was through connections. I think it is so important to make relationships with anyone – even if you don’t think that person is going to be helpful in your future at all. People you meet, you meet for a reason.You never know if they know anyone that works at a big PR firm or a company that you could potentially apply to in the future.”

Do you have any advice for current staffers/ future staffers?

“Your experience being in TGC is going to help you immensely. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard from recruiters/hiring managers how impressive my resume is just from being in TGC.

Use Linkedin to connect and stay on top of what companies are hiring. Look into all the titles a company has and see what exactly all the roles of each job title entail. This will help when figuring out what job you see yourself wanting to do.

Keep track of all your work! Employers love seeing what you have done in the past to see if you are a perfect candidate.

It is perfectly okay to look for other jobs and take interviews. Becoming comfortable with being able to talk about yourself is eventually going to help you land your dream job.”

May 15, 2023September 28, 2023

Connections are key.

Dealing With Imposter Syndrome

By Jeremiah Guzman

As a college student and intern on campus, I’ve struggled with Imposter Syndrome in class and the workplace. Despite my academic accomplishments and the positive feedback I’ve received from my supervisors and colleagues, I often feel like I don’t deserve my position and that I’m not qualified for the work I’m doing. I have always been able to handle whatever work has been thrown my way, however, these feelings of self-doubt and insecurity can be overwhelming and at times it makes it hard for me to focus or try to perform at my best.

Imposter Syndrome as defined by the dictionary is, “the persistent inability to believe that one’s success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one’s own efforts or skills.” In other words, it is the condition of feeling anxious and not experiencing success internally, despite being high-performing in external ways. This condition often results in people feeling like “a fraud” or “a phony” and doubting their abilities.

If you can relate to these experiences, you’re not alone. Imposter syndrome affects people from all backgrounds and industries, and it can have a significant impact on your mental health and well-being. In this blog post, I’ll share my personal experiences with imposter syndrome in the workplace and provide tips and strategies for overcoming it.

Practice Self-Compassion

Self-compassion involves treating yourself with kindness and understanding when you make mistakes or face challenges. Instead of beating yourself up for not being perfect, acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes and that failures are opportunities for growth and learning. Try to be kind and gentle with yourself, just as you would with a friend who is struggling.

To practice this, try doing things like writing yourself a supportive note, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in activities that make you feel good about yourself. Personally, I enjoy writing music as it has been really helpful in getting my thoughts out in a healthy way.

Reframe Negative Thoughts

Negative self-talk can be a major contributor to Imposter Syndrome. When you tell yourself that you’re not good enough or that you don’t deserve success, it reinforces feelings of self-doubt and insecurity. To combat these negative thoughts, try reframing them in a more positive light. For example, instead of telling yourself “I’m not good enough for this job,” say “I may be new to this role, but I have the skills and qualifications to succeed.”

You can also try using positive affirmations to boost your confidence and remind yourself of your strengths. Repeat phrases like “I am capable and competent,” “I deserve to be here” and “I am enough” to help counteract negative self-talk.

Don’t be Afraid to Seek Support:

Having a support system can be incredibly helpful in overcoming Imposter Syndrome. Those closest to you can provide guidance and support as you navigate the challenges of your job. They may also offer valuable feedback and perspective to your experiences.

You can also seek support from a peer or support group. This can be a great way to connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges and to share tips and strategies for overcoming Imposter Syndrome.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome can be a challenging process. It may take time to develop the mindset and strategies necessary to build confidence and feel secure in your abilities. However, it’s important to remember that overcoming Imposter Syndrome is possible and many people have been able to succeed in spite of their doubts and insecurities.

By taking these steps and persisting through the self-doubt that comes with Imposter Syndrome, you can build the confidence and resilience necessary to succeed in your career or personal life. Remember that everyone experiences insecurities at times, but with the right mindset and support you can overcome imposter syndrome and achieve your goals.

May 1, 2023

3 Easy Tips for Dressing Professionally on a Budget

Two rounded frames with neutral colored clothing over a neutral background saying dressing professionally on a budget

By Abbie Lee

I’m sure you’ve all heard the saying, “First impressions last a lifetime.” Though it’s a classic cliche, it’s rather true. Your style represents an aspect of who you are and may be something others notice immediately. Your outfit can play a large role in the impression you make, especially when you’re in a professional setting.

Whether you’re giving a presentation, taking headshots or joining a meeting, it’s essential to ensure that your attire is appropriate. In a social psychology study, they found that participants who were told to wear formal clothing before taking a cognitive test showed “increased abstract thinking.” What you wear actually impacts how you think!

As a college student who never had to worry about business attire until joining TGC, I picked up a few tips that helped me find my own cost-friendly professional style.

Building a Capsule Wardrobe

Every influencer on the planet will tell you that basics are important– and they’re right. Having staple, timeless and basic pieces can take you far. Being able to rotate items in your closet will allow you to rearrange and create outfits with items you have already worn.

If I’m ever in quick need of a basic top, I head to Target. I’ve bought multiple basic tank tops and shirts that range from $5-$7. If I’m ever in need of some cute, basic and affordable trousers, I head to H&M. The color palette is neutral, the price is reasonable and the pants are timeless.

Many trends nowadays can give off a professional look such as blazers, leather jackets, trousers, long skirts, sweater vests, etc. There are many ways in which you can incorporate professional attire in your everyday wardrobe.

“You can still dress to impress while keeping it profesh!“

When building a capsule wardrobe, keep it simple. Buy items that have a neutral color palette, as rotating and mixing up the pieces will make your mornings easier.

Shopping Second-Hand

Buying a whole new wardrobe isn’t cheap. As someone who loves to dress to impress, I’m still a college student. Finding professional attire that won’t break the bank can be rather tricky. I’ve had to think of cheaper options when looking for professional clothing. It’s safe to say that thrifting and consignment stores have changed the game. Over half of my professional wardrobe consists of items that were found at a thrift store.

Chico has a range of hidden gems when it comes to thrift stores. Show Love Thrift has different deals every day where you can find clothes at an even cheaper price. Late Bloomer Vintage Boutique is a new thrift store in Chico where you can “Shop all eras of vintage.” The shop is colorful, bright and fun making the shopping experience even better.

Shopping can take a lot of time out of your day and if there’s one thing I’ve learned as I am wrapping up my junior year, it’s that time really is of the essence. On days that I may be too busy, I often lean on online second-hand stores like Depop and Poshmark. These are great options as you can shop for sustainable and cost effective options from the comfort of your home. Not to mention, the range of items is even greater!

Not only does shopping second-hand mean that you are helping the Earth, you’re also helping your wallet. The clothes provided in thrift stores are endless and some items are timeless. You are able to find a range of professional attire, such as blazers, button-ups, blouses, trousers and coats, for a fraction of the original price. I found the cutest blazer from Goodwill once and it was $4. Talk about a steal!

P.S. If you are in need of some accessories, thrift stores always have some hidden gems.

Getting Creative!

Accessorizing an outfit can add a lot to your look without costing a lot of money.

Influencer Hannah Harrell pairs tights to her black top, black mini skirt outfit.

You’re in the mood to wear a mini skirt to a meeting? No problem– just add tights!

You’re wearing a monochromatic outfit that you feel is kind of boring? Easy fix– throw on some cool jewelry or wear a cute purse!

Influencer Hannah Harrell and friend in Milan, Italy accessorize monochromatic outfits with chic purses.

Brenden Ellis, student at SBCC, spruces up his outfit with a thrifted belt.

Your shirt is tucked into your pants but it looks bland? Add a belt and call it a day!

Dressing professionally doesn’t have to be expensive. Finding affordable, realistic options for yourself will help you and your wallet in the long run. When you look good, you feel good. When you feel good, you unconsciously unleash a positive cycle that reflects on how well and how confidently you complete tasks and communicate with others. Gathering these tips have changed how I dress for my internship and how I think about my path to success.

April 10, 2023

Battling Student Burnout

By Paris Auerweck

As an overwhelmed college student staring down multiple mental health diagnoses, I have felt stuck in a hole more times than not. It can feel like there’s so much to do but nowhere to begin my thoughts.

The mental health crisis for teens and young adults has been increasing during high school and college years. The Healthy Minds Study during the 2020-2021 school year of 373 college campuses found that over 60% of students met the bill for at least one mental health issue.

I tend to overlook how much work it takes to be a full-time student. The pressures and responsibilities that come with it are heavy. It’s very easy to fall into a long spiral of I don’t know what to do.

While these feelings of hopelessness and depressive burnout may seem irreversible, there are ways to work on slowing down your thoughts to a less alarming level. Being a full-time student will always be hard work but, here’s what I have found helps me the most.

Don’t look at the big picture.

Although this may seem like bad advice, those with mental struggles find navigating countless deadlines, class schedules, extracurriculars and family life to feel utterly suffocating. There are hours I have wasted trying to calm down my anxiety but still repeating I have so much to do in my head. Taking your days one step at a time makes a huge difference. When I am feeling particularly overworked, I like to write down what I need to do only for that day. By the time the day is over, I’m at ease knowing I completed what I intended to.

Communicate your thoughts aloud.

Mental illness can make communication with others a challenge.

“Asking for help seems as easy as picking up a phone, but that phone can sometimes feel like it weighs a thousand pounds. It may be a simple notion but it takes practice.”

Speaking my thoughts verbally alone or in front of others helps me put things into perspective; I am not drowning and alone. There are others that will listen to and support me, as some may be going through the same feelings. Sharing your struggles with faculty, peers and friends can be uncomfortable but, leaving things unspoken proves worse for intrusive thoughts. When I say things out loud, they seem less intimidating and more achievable.

Listen to your body.

Even with a full schedule, I can often feel as though I am never doing enough. Sometimes it feels as though there is a voice in your head telling you to do more, what you are doing now is not quite good enough. When thoughts like this spiral around in your mind, your physical well-being can take a toll. This creates excess fatigue, worse sleep and much lower energy. If you take a step back and listen to what your body is saying, you realize that your thoughts are not telling you the truth, you are in fact doing enough. Pay attention to what your body is telling you; constant headaches, sore body, fatigue, changing eating habits and nausea could all be part of a bigger problem. It can be hard to make time for self-care but it’s important you do. Eliminate your distractions completely and give yourself the space to reflect on what you have done recently to make yourself feel good. If you fall short, start prioritizing your needs.

Change your environment

Being outside is a perfect reminder that things are constantly moving. When I am in a space of hopelessness or burnout, taking a walk alone helps me think clearer and doubt myself less. If you are stuck sitting in a place with nowhere to start, get out of your environment and see what perspectives change.

Balancing life as a student while trying to preserve your mental state can be done. It takes time and patience but, you have to acknowledge the problem openly and make it a priority. Mental well-being is integral to self-improvement and one’s overall health.

If you are struggling, you do not have to do it alone. Asking for help can put you in a great position to improve and grow as a person. Visit the California Department of Education’s Mental Health Resources page for more resources on where to start.

March 6, 2023March 6, 2023

Life After TGC: A Post Grad Q&A

By Skylar Trostinsky

Graduating university can be a rewarding experience, going through four years of learning, research and personal development after completing 13 years of similar instruction prior. But it can also be daunting, nerve wracking and just plain scary. As a graduating student, I find myself unsure about my future and where I’ll end up. Not because I don’t think I’ll find a job, but because I have constant questions about life post-grad.

Today I sit with Mia Taxin, a recent graduate from Chico State’s journalism program, to discuss some questions I think of when I picture my future self.

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself: How is life after graduation?

A: Hi all! My name is Mia Taxin and I graduated Chico State in May of 2022. I received my degree in Journalism Public Relations and am currently living in San Francisco, working as an Account Coordinator for a tech consumer PR agency called Cutline Communications. I get to work with clients like TikTok, eharmony, Waymo and more! So far, I’ve learned that life after graduation is all about balance. When I first moved to San Francisco in July, I had no idea how things would go – so if you’re feeling nervous for post-grad life, that is so normal. However, after the first few months, everything starts to fall into place and you can begin enjoying the start of your career!

Q: What does having graduated college mean to you?

A: Graduating college is a huge accomplishment, and most importantly I’m proud that I’m able to apply my degree for a job that I’m passionate about. I spent the majority of my senior year networking and spending long hours trying to find the perfect job for me, but in the end it all fell into place by using connections available to me. Graduating from Chico State was bittersweet, but I knew I’d be leaving with a strong circle of mentors and relationships.

Q: How has your position in TGC translated to your career today?

A: During my time at TGC, I was the General Manager and an Account Lead. During my role in these positions, I learned valuable skills such as time management, professionalism, public speaking, detail orientation and organization. These tools have led me to succeed in my role while perfecting the foundations of PR such as media lists, speaking/award submissions, client facing meetings, and providing overall support to my agency.

Q: What drew you to your current job at Cutline?

A: When I first interviewed at Cutline, my team was what initially sparked my interest in wanting to pursue a job with the company. Cutline is female-owned and operated, so I immediately felt inspired by the amazing group of people I now call my mentors. Numerous folks at my agency have been in the PR industry for many years, and have taught me lessons that will stay with me for the rest of my career.

Q: Is there anything you wish you utilized during your time at Chico State?

Securing a job before graduating is a rare achievement, so be patient with yourself, use those LinkedIn connections and the rest will fall into place!

A: One thing I learned towards the end of my time at Chico State, is the importance of networking. I didn’t utilize my connections until graduation was approaching, and TGC students are blessed to become part of such a wonderful network of alumni and opportunities. For an upcoming graduate, I would encourage you to reach out to all professors in your interest of study, and other Chico State alumni on LinkedIn for further support.

Q: What drives you to achieve your goals today?

A: A mentor of mine once told me that in your first few years of post-grad life, you should either be learning or earning. You can either be in a position to soak up a plethora of new information and grow your connections at a strong company, or save up your salary to buy yourself more time towards your dream career. Right now, I’m truly enjoying where I’m at, and I’ve achieved my goal of learning something new each day on the job. For me, that’s a success and I’m looking forward to continuing to grow!

Q: What does PR even look like in the real world? Can you tell us about some of your daily tasks?

A: What I love about PR, is that no two days ever look the same (cheesy, right?). On a daily basis, my tasks could include drafting agendas, note taking for client meetings, developing media lists, brainstorming pitch angles, pitching reporters, drafting speaking/award submissions, monitoring the news for client/competitor coverage, and so much more!

Q: What challenges have you faced since beginning your career?

A: I learn a new lesson each day! The biggest takeaway I’ve learned from working at a PR agency is the importance of being detail oriented. Proofread, proofread, proofread! This industry prides itself on small details, and delivering quality work. Honing in on those small tweaks, as well as clearly communicating deadlines and your work bandwidth, will set you up for success from the beginning.

Q: Tell us about a project/client/campaign you are particularly proud of? What made you proud of that work?

A: From the first day I started at Cutline, one client I’ve always been passionate about is TikTok. I’ve loved seeing their continuous passion for uplifting niche TikTok communities, as well as watching creators on the platform continue to grow. Towards the end of 2022, my agency supported an event/campaign called The Discover List, which aims to spotlight a group of global, diverse creators who are making a tremendous impact on and off TikTok. I was so proud to see my team’s hard work pay off, and celebrate an amazing group of creators!

Q: Does your agency have opportunities that TGC staffers may be interested in? For example, summer internships, job offers?

A: We are always open to viewing new applications! I encourage you to reach out to me on LinkedIn if you’re interested in learning more about opportunities at Cutline. I’m always happy to pass along a resume for a fellow TGC member!

Q: Finally, what advice would you give current and future TGC staffers that you wish you received before graduating?

A: Everyone is on their own path, so focus on your own lane. I used to be so worried about my career progress after graduation, but being nearly a year out, I see that everyone is growing at different paces. For now, focus on using your connections, perfecting your resume, and showing up to job interviews/opportunities with a positive attitude.

I love this advice from Mia. Instead of focusing on other people’s paths, create goals to ensure you have a clear path of your own! Graduating university is a rewarding achievement and, with Mia’s help, we can now enter the post-grad chapter of our lives together with ease.

December 11, 2022

Top 3 Essentials For Managing A Social Media Account

By Lauren Shannon

It can be tough to start and manage a successful social media account. If you want to reach people and build a solid following there’s a lot you have to do, which can be overwhelming. Here are the top three essential ways to stay on top of your social media accounts.

Know what message you want to send to your audience

Social media is a great tool used to promote your business but only if you are strategic with what you are posting.

The content you post should send a strong message to your audience about who your company/you are.

Before creating a social media account for your brand, you need to set goals. Do you want to teach your audience something? Do you want them to buy your product? Or do you want them to engage in contests and campaigns?

Tehama Group Communications’ social media account showcases the work our agency produces and the strengths of our team members. It sends the message that we are a hardworking, successful agency and aims to generate engagement with past, current and future clients. TGC communicates this by highlighting three main ideas; the projects we’re currently working on, the clients we work with and our stellar staff. When prospective clients visit our social media pages they are shown reasons why they should choose us for their public relations needs.

Know what type of content you’re posting

The most successful social media pages are ones that follow a cohesive theme and pattern. The easiest way to create a theme is to follow a branding kit. A branding kit is a collection of specific colors, fonts and logos that make up a business’s visual identity. For example, Google only uses specific green, yellow, red and blue for all of their logos. When you apply brand guidelines to your social media, it makes your brand identifiable and consistent. According to WeIgniteGrowth.com, this consistency “is vital for building brand recognition and trust” with both consumers and investors.

After you have your branding kit in place, it’s time to think about what posts you want to create. A social media page should be filled with a mix of hard and soft posts. A hard post is important, relevant and timely, such as announcements for new products and projects or introductions for new team members. Soft posts on the other hand are evergreen, easy to create in advance and can be posted at any time. Industry tips and tricks and general posts about what your company does are just two examples of soft posts.

Create a schedule

Now that you know what message you want to send to your audience, and what content you want to share, it’s almost time to start posting! Before uploading content to your channels, it is good practice to create a schedule. Without a schedule, it becomes easy to lose track of what you’re sharing causing odd posting patterns, and rushed or unproofed posts. No one wants to follow a page that’s littered with typos and random content circulations.

One of the easiest ways to schedule posts would be to create a table with three columns: date to be posted, caption and graphic to be used. This allows you to visualize what your feed will look like. Another way to manage posts is to invest in a social media management tool such as Sprout Social or Hootsuite These tools allow users to monitor and schedule content to all social media accounts at one time. They also offer several other features such as campaign planners, analytic tools and performance trackers to save time and improve “the effectiveness of your social campaigns,” according to Forbes.

Now that you have a message you want to send to your audience, know how your content is going to communicate it and have created a schedule, you are ready to become a social media manager!

October 24, 2022

Perfecting Your LinkedIn Profile

By Eve Miller

Your LinkedIn profile will likely be the first place recruiters look when you apply for a job. They’ll be asking themselves things such as, “Is this person active on LinkedIn?” “Are they showing interest in news about their career and field?” Recruiters and hiring managers are trying to find things you normally wouldn’t learn with just a resume.

With this in mind, it’s essential to stay up to date with your LinkedIn and start one as soon as possible if you haven’t already. It can be daunting to figure out what to do with your profile as there are a variety of different features, and everyone’s page seems to look different. Instead of spending hours mindlessly searching for what you want, follow these five simple steps and get ahead on job searching.

Have A Good Headshot

Learn how to take a good headshot. While it may not seem like a big thing, headshots can help you stand out among some of the competition. Looking professional gives you the upper hand and lets your future employer know you take yourself and your career seriously.

It doesn’t have to be a big production with lights and a fancy camera. Just putting on a nice shirt and having a friend help you take a photo in front of a neutral background can make the difference between the ominous blank gray circle and a nice friendly headshot.

Look For Connections

Sync your contacts. Just do it. Even those people from high school that you never spoke a word to outside of a group presentation can get a connection request. Most people who at least know your name are willing to connect and as that number of connections goes up, so will your job search network.

LinkedIn’s goal is to show that you are always three people away from knowing everyone. Utilize your first connections to make more with second or third connections. This is a great way to network and is almost as effortless as scrolling through your phone on social media. You’ll be able to see how many alumni, friends and other connections you know that work at the companies where you want to apply.

“You never know who may be the ‘in’ to getting you your future job.”

-Eve Miller

Gain Badges And Skills

It’s time-consuming, it’s painful, but it’s useful. The skills tests LinkedIn offers are an amazing way to start building your LinkedIn profile and demonstrating you are kick starting your career. The quizzes take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes and even allow you to narrow down your job search because it gives you more accurate suggestions based on the skill tests you’ve taken.

Engage With Others

Just like we tell our clients, you must be active on social media. Engaging with your following by liking, commenting and reposting shows that you aren’t on LinkedIn just to find jobs. Engaging is a great way to participate in your industry more generally. You want your future employer to know that you care about the people you connect with and follow. This shows that you’re invested in your career and aren’t just in it for the money, but that you genuinely enjoy what you do.

Cold Messaging

Cold messaging is tedious and something that is debated. The truth is, it works 50% of the time. Cold messaging job recruiters or even people within your field who have your dream job is not only a smart way to gain connections but also helps you find out more about your career.

Asking questions about how others landed their current job, or even asking why they got into the career, helps you better understand the field you’re entering. If you’re lucky, it can end in an interview for a job. It’s not guaranteed that a cold message will lead to an interview, but it’s a step in the right direction as you connect with more people and apply for jobs.

LinkedIn doesn’t have to be as scary as logging into Facebook for the first time. It can be simple, easy and helpful for networking and learning more about your career. These five simple tips take no longer than twenty minutes a day and can make your profile look like you are already a professional.
Remember, connect with everyone you may come into contact with, it could create opportunities that didn’t exist before. That being said, connect with me on LinkedIn. 🙂