Taking a breather

While it's difficult to take a vacation without taking your Blackberry and laptop, perhaps you can modify your inclination to be in touch on weekend getaways. Last weekend, I visited my niece and her husband in Michigan to celebrate my great nephew's 5th birthday. I had my Blackberry but left the laptop at home and put everyone on alert to stop me from working. They complied. When I had the itch to get on the computer, my niece barred me from using hers. In the end, I realized it could wait so I basked in the love of family and deferred work until I got home. It was refreshing, fun and uplifting.

I need to do that more often. You don't have to be wired all the time.

Cutting a client

Last week, I made the difficult decision to drop a client. It was past due. This client would rewrite all releases, consult others about my advice and wanted to direct the PR campaign.

Since he was second guessing me, I told him to let them do the PR.

Sometimes you have to take a stand.

NABJ - Great networking

Try to attend as many professional conferences as possible. I attended the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Philly last week. Met some great contacts who will help when I begin promoting the Public Policy Conference.

Considering attending the Black Public Relations Society Conference in Milwaukee in October. I'm not good at networking and need to get better. These conferences bring the net out in me and you meet great contacts and good friends.

Off to NABJ

Leaving for the National Association of Black Journalists convention on Wednesday. Very important tip: These are great events for making valuable contacts with like-minded audiences. And, if you have connected with someone, it makes it easier to get your articles printed/aired/blogged/mentioned/buzzed about.

I've been going to NABJ for five years, except for the year it was in Chicago for UNITY. This is the audience that is sensitive to what my clients are seeking for exposure. I'm going with tons of cards and eager to make new connections.