FORUM Fall 2014 Vol. 47, Issue 1 | Page 8

#JoinTheChat PRSSA Twitter chats offer a simple way for members to connect with each other, learn about public relations and discuss topics relevant to the industry. To learn more about how to participate, see the schedule below and visit progressions. prssa.org. , NATIONAL FACULTY ADVISER In the Agency Leadership Academy I taught at the University of Oklahoma this summer, we discussed what made for a great client. Beyond the obvious, I found this discussion to be important in helping students understand the kind of characteristics they will need in order to have the chance to do great work for their client. I’d like to cover what makes for a great client so you can think about the qualities you want to exhibit as you begin to build a relationship with your advisers in the coming year. A great client knows how to listen, especially to advice from those who know more than they do. As Chapter leaders, you have to be able to listen to your advisers closely — especially as they provide professional advice. A great client knows what they want to accomplish. Do you have a firm set of goals and objectives you can share with your advisers? Knowing where you want to end up at the end of the year is extremely important to your advisers and their ability to assist you in achieving those goals. A great client is grateful. As young professionals, you’ll appreciate those clients who give you the occasional pat on the back. Don’t forget to let your advisers know from time to time that they are doing a great job or to acknowledge their helpful recommendation or accommodation. Everyone likes to hear when they have done well! A great client communicates — regularly, efficiently and responsively. You can never communicate enough, but this is especially important in the young professional-adviser dynamic. Finally, a great client has reasonable expectations; they’re Book Nook Bob “Pritch” Pritchard gives members valuable advice about navigating the student-adviser relationship. Pritchard will enter his 14th year of advising in August 2014. Photo courtesy of Pritchard. honest with themselves and you. Do you and your fellow officers have reasonable expectations for your adviser? Are you being honest with each other in what can reasonably be accomplished this year? When clients exemplify these characteristics, the relationship feels more like a partnership and you’re often free to do new, innovative, great things that receive recognition. So if you strive to exemplify these qualities as Chapter leaders, you will enhance your relationship with your advisers, which in turn will improve your Chapter. Book reviews from your public relations peers Improvise: Unconvential Career Advice from an Unlikely CEO For Immediate Release: Shape Minds, Build Brands, and Deliver Results with Game Changing Public Relations Photo courtesty of Amazon.com FORUM® STAFF 2014 - 2015 Publications Editor in Chief Laura Daronatsy Multimedia Manager Collin Callahan Design Editor Erin Jeffries Copy Editor Robert James Winans FORUM® is an online newspaper published three times a year for PRSSA members. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Society or staff. The editor in chief reserves the right to refuse all copy. Article submissions, comments and suggestions may be made via email to the editor in chief. FORUM® is produced by students at Biola University in La Mirada, California. Photo courtesty of Amazon.com BY ROBERT JAMES WINANS BIOLA UNIVERSITY If you want to learn more about how to handle a crisis, maintain consumer loyalty and pick up various helpful tips to succeed in the public relations industry, then this is the book for you. Ronn Torossian, author of “For Immediate Release: Shape Minds, Build Brands, and Deliver Results with Game-Changing Public Relations,” is the CEO and founder of one of the largest public relations agencies in the United States called 5WPR. He has worked with Bad Boy Entertainment, McDonald’s, Whole Foods and other Fortune 500 companies to generate positive relationships between companies and their customers. He offers valuable advice that will allow any business to get its message across effectively. Throughout the book, Torossian stresses vari