Preparation Starts with “PR”

“Preparation” means more than arriving early or having extra copies of the meeting agenda. The ability to prepare for any situation is a trait that can take public relations professionals from good to outrageously awesome.

The know-how to preemptively arm yourself with handy supplies is not always natural, but learned. Think “wrenches” like stains, rain or red onions – You know…the Greek salad before that meeting. For me, the self-fulfillment from being prepared for something unexpected is always the best.

Below is a list of pocket-size items you may want to consider toting. You’ll prevent disasters both large and small while astounding clients and coworkers with your knack for PReparation:

* Guys, some items may not apply to you, unless you want to be scarily prepared:

• Tide to Go Pen
• Nail File*
• Oil Blotting Tissues*
• Chapstick or Lip Gloss*
• Visine
• Tissues
• Koozie (warm hand, cold beverage)
• White Out
• Mirror
• Hair Ties*
• Business Cards
• Pen (seems obvious but you’d be surprised)
• Notepad
• Breath Mints
• Feminine Hygiene Products*
• Collapsible Umbrella
• Band-Aids
• Spare Change
• Hand Lotion
• Safety Pins
• Lighter
• USB Flash Drive
• Hand Sanitizer
• Sharpie Marker
• Snacks (for the low-blood sugar moment)
• Wallet-size Tip Calculator
• Wallet-size List of Local Taxis
• Stamps
• Advil
• Bottle Opener

You may need a large bag or briefcase, but it’ll all be worth it when you inevitably save the day.

Perfecting Your High Five: Eye on the Elbow

Equally as revealing as the handshake, the high five is a cultural gesture often given less weight than it deserves. Like the shake, the five is an indicator of confidence, enthusiasm and even hand-eye coordination.

As one who has no trouble with enthusiasm or high-five power, I unfortunately struggle with accuracy, which is why I take advantage of the “eye on the elbow” trick. This works by simply looking at your target’s elbow rather than his or her hand when you are going in for the slap. Give it a try – It really does work, and it can save you from distracting embarrassment during what would otherwise be a celebratory or congratulatory moment.

Communicators, this is indeed important in the business world. A new client just signed! A colleague just made a killer presentation! We just secured a major spread in a leading industry publication! It’s Beer:30 p.m.! The company softball team just lost by less than the last game…and no one was badly injured! What do you do? High five!