10 tips for earning respect in the PR industry

Ever have a client or colleague treat you like a kid sister or brother—or worse, a possible date? Learn how to command respect from them.

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Highly capable young professionals are often given tremendous responsibility to help agencies achieve client objectives in this lightning-fast industry. Managing the pressure and demands of associates and clients can be overwhelming for even the most seasoned professional.

For a young professional, such pressures are often paired with the challenge of not being taken seriously as an intelligent and responsible member of the team.

Here are 10 ways to gain the respect and attention of even the most challenging clients and colleagues:

Dress like an adult.

Yes, you might be broke, but you can still find affordable well-fitting suits and classic styles rather than the latest trends. Understand your client’s culture, and dress the way they do, even if your agency environment is casual. This goes for hair and makeup, too.

Spend a little extra time to ensure your appearance is neat and professional. Check out how CEOs and department heads dress, and work to emulate those whose style you admire.

Keep casual banter to a minimum.

Clients and colleagues may wish to engage you in gossip, jokes, and workplace humor; however, maintaining a more serious demeanor—that is, avoiding the giggles—will earn you respect.

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