June 1, 2010
The Barber Group became reality. After 22 years working for someone else, I opened my own public relations and communications consultancy. But this post really isn’t about the numerous accomplishments and the clients I’ve helped through crisis. Instead, it’s about the primary reason I went into this venture in the first place. It’s a reminder of what’s important in life.
James (left) and Thomas Barber in the summer of 2000.
I started The Barber Group to give my two boys, Thomas and James, the support they needed to grow into future leaders. To help them through school and extra activities. And, to allow them the change to spend lazy summer days hanging out in the neighborhood with their friends instead of traipsing off to day camps. At the time my husband was in the Alaska Air National Guard and we knew he was facing overseas deployments at an increased rate. All these factors and, quite honestly, the desire to see if I could make a go on my own, played into the decision to open The Barber Group.
I think it worked out pretty well so far. Today, Thomas and James are strapping young men who are good students, athletes and leaders. Thomas is already an Eagle Scout and James likely will be by the end of the summer. More important to me and my husband is that they are caring and thoughtful people. I don’t want you to think there haven’t been challenges and there aren’t many moments of the normal teen issues in our house because there are. But, our ability to put the focus where it makes the most difference for so many years is paying off for us.
Along the way, I’ve been a strong advocate for my communities through volunteer service. I’ve been a regular fixture in the classroom and serve the Public Relations Society of America both locally and nationally. Currently I’m also on the Alumni Board for Whitman College and I’ve led various local nonprofit efforts. Of course, I’ve also done a lot of work for clients of which I’m very proud.
But as I begin the next ten years as an independent communications consultant, I think it’s important to reflect on what’s important in life…family.
James (left) and Thomas Barber checking out the scene; summer 2009
April 29, 2010
Many of my public relations colleagues know I’ve been supporting a viral effort in the PR community called Help a PR Pro Out (HAPPO). Quite simply, we’re gathering our forces on the Web Friday, April 30 between noon and 2 Eastern time (yes, that’s still breakfast time in Alaska and earlier in Hawaii) to help 2010 graduates find jobs.
There are “champions” in markets throughout the United States. I am one of several national champions. Our role is to help spread the word about HAPPO and also to post the profiles of job seekers on our blogs. If you’d like me to post your profile, send an e-mail. If you’re looking for candidates, check out those posted on my blog.
As I wrote after the first event it’s really important for graduates to recognize that a job won’t miraculously fall from the sky during this two-hour period. Instead, we hope you’ll make some contacts and start building the network needed to land that first job. We hope you’ll understand there’s a really strong community throughout the United States that will help you. However a lot of the effort will need to come from you. Some thoughts that go beyond Friday and might be specific to a smaller community like Anchorage:
- Are you a member of PRSA, IABC or your local professional organization? It’s the best investment you can make.
- Do you attend every meeting of those groups you can? Are you on a committee?
- Have you taken the leaders in that organization to coffee and asked them for advice?
- Did you learn a little about them before the meeting so you could ask questions?
- Did you ask them who else you should talk with?
- Did you ask them to critique your resume?
- Did you send a thank you note (not an e-mail but a hand-written note) afterward?
- Did you call the people they suggested?
While these may seem like basic steps, I am always surprised how many job candidates don’t follow these basic guidelines. Those who don’t follow these steps will have a much harder time landing a job in this, still tight, economy. In a small community like Anchorage, not following through can have an enormous impact because we all talk to each other regularly.
Tuesday evening, the Alaska PRSA group celebrated one of our members who joined the ranks of PRSA’s College of Fellows. We shared our joy with members of the Anchorage community and a pretty broad range of people got to see our small, PR community in action. They realized how close-knit we are and how supportive we are of each other. They also saw how welcoming we are to new faces and how those of us in the College of Fellows are teaching the younger professionals through our demonstrated success.
Together we can help each other become better professionals. We can help young professionals establish themselves in careers and we are more than willing to do so.
Remember…The first move is yours.
February 18, 2010
For the past five years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with DeAnn Baxter, APR, through the College of Fellows mentoring program. In the beginning I think she learned a lot but since then it’s more mutual mentoring. DeAnn is a talented professional who will move nearly anywhere in the US (although I can’t convince her of Alaska…yet). Read on and you’re likely to understand why DeAnn’s a good hire. And…she even knows Josh Gracin! ~Mary
Hello! DeAnn Baxter, APR, here, seeking help through HAPPO. Why should you hire me? 
Maybe you’ll appreciate my ability to remain flexible and adapt to new situations. Perhaps my proactive and focused approach to my work will interest you. I have a deeply ingrained sense of responsibility and a tremendous work ethic. I am an achiever, capable of seeing the big picture and am a consistent performer who works well with colleagues at all levels. Read on and see for yourself how I can add value to your organization:
Who is DeAnn Baxter, APR?
- Highly motivated, results-oriented professional with passion for public relations
- Six years of experience in corporate and non-profit PR
- Areas of expertise include public, media, and community relations, social media, and event planning
- Public relations and speech communications BA degrees from Penn State University; Master’s degree in public and media relations from Johns Hopkins University
- Accredited in Public Relations (APR)
- Active Public Relations Society of America member
What kind of position am I seeking?
- Required: Dynamic organization that supports development and provides opportunities for mentorship and advancement
- Desired: Company within consumer packaged goods (CPG)/retail industry or consumer PR firm
Where am I willing to work?
- Ready and able to move anywhere in the United States for the right opportunity with or without relocation expenses
When am I available?
- Immediately, if not sooner
Why should you hire me?
- Dedicated, driven, and passionate about the field and future of public relations
- Open and eager to learning everything I can about the PR field and the technology/tools that make our jobs easier
- Creative, effective, and efficient as both a leader and a team member
- Energy and enthusiasm that won’t quit, even early in the morning and without caffeine
- Observational Seinfeld-esque sense of humor that you don’t want to miss
How can you contact me?
Thank you for your time and consideration! I look forward to hearing from you, working with you, and making a difference.
February 9, 2010
Many of you who know me are aware I’m pretty sold on the value of membership in the Public Relations Society of America. I’ve had enough questions about it that I thought I’d explain some of the reasons why.
- Friends – the real kind. The kind you’ll do almost anything for and they’ll reciprocate. From Fairbanks to Miami and hundreds of points in between, my real life friends are there for me just like I’m there for them. We help each other learn and grow professionally and personally.
- Learning – Webinars, in-person sessions, conferences, locally and nationally. Ethics and advocacy in areas of concern to the profession. There’s access to information and resources. PRSA’s online directory leads you to other members who can help you answer whatever challenge comes your way. Its search function is amazing.
- Mentoring – Kind of fits with the friend and learning sections, but the protégés I work with teach me on a regular basis. And, when I offer them advice, I know they appreciate it as well.
- Networks/Communities – More than 100 local chapters and nearly 20 sections as well as PRSA’s JobCenter can link you to resources you need in your market or another
You can see from this list that I’ve done more than pay my annual dues to PRSA. And, that’s critical because by actually joining and participating I’ve gained benefits that last a lifetime. The Wall Street Journal had an article this week about successful solo professionals. I attribute a lot of my success to the professional network I already established before going out on my own.
The argument against PRSA normally reverts to cost. If you break it down, your PRSA membership is less than $.60/day – less than $5/week. You probably spend $5 coffee every day so why not invest in your career instead? It will certainly reap more rewards.
Obviously, I’m a fan of PRSA but you may have another organization that’s stronger in your market or fits better with your career goals. It really doesn’t matter as long as you join and then participate. I’m confident you won’t regret it.
Disclaimer: Mary is currently a member of the PRSA Alaska Chapter Board of Directors and an officer in PRSA’s College of Fellows. She is also a past member/officer of the PRSA nationally.
Photo Credit: Albert Chau
