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Category: Professional Development

Secrets of a Non-Multitasker

Secrets of a Non-Multitasker

May 5, 2020January 31, 2023 Cherith AndesBlog, Inspirational, Professional Developmentmultitasking, PR Career Advice, Professional Developement, work ethic

It used to be a badge of honor — a sign of dexterity and skill. And as someone who prizes efficiency and accomplishment, I became enamored with this skill — this multitasking thing.

However, I stumbled on data that shocked my multitasking brain: what I thought might be saving me time was actually hamstringing my productivity. And because sharing is caring, here are a few fast facts that caused me to stop at least four of the nine things I was doing … and reconsider.

When you multitask, you’re actually wasting time.

Health.com research shows that you can’t actually do two things at once. Your brain simply switches back and forth between tasks quickly, creating the illusion of simultaneous activity. The act of switching between activities actually wastes time as you expend your energy on the switch, not the task. Also, as Health.com points out, “You never get ‘in the zone’ for either activity.” Bottom line: multitasking drains your resources and requires more time to get things done, not less.

Multitasking kills your work quality — and increases stress.

That’s a serious one-two-punch. The “skill” you imagine is boosting productivity actually damages your accuracy, making you more prone to mistakes. In addition, multitasking boosts the production of the stress hormone cortisol, causing us to feel exhausted an hour or two into the work day (or earlier!)

Multitasking lowers your IQ.

Yikes. A study from the University of London showed that those who were multitasking while undergoing a cognitive test experienced decreases in IQ commensurate with those who smoke marijuana or pull an all-nighter. In fact, Forbes points out at those who are multitasking function at a lower IQ level — often that of an eight-year-old child.

Multitasking squashes creativity.

Creative thinking and problem solving stems from uninterrupted concentration when you’re “entrenched” in a topic. Multitasking negates the ability to fully invest in one activity and hence hijacks the creative process. And in my line of work (or anyone’s, really!), great work comes from great ideas.

Multitasking beats up your memory.

A 2016 study showed that multitasking damages your memory in more ways than one. The exhausting act of task-switching hampers your brain’s working memory needed for in-the-moment productivity as well as your long-term memory.

These are hefty arguments to reconsider our multitasking ways. But really, I found a more compelling reason to change my approach to work, to relationships and to life.

We miss life.

I discovered that I was missing out. I was missing the moments that make life worth living. Not only are we ignoring vital cues like “Hey, maybe don’t walk in front of that bus while you’re texting.” But you’re missing the side-splitting sarcastic quip your significant other just made about the dog or your child’s biggest dancer twirl yet. You should be camera-ready in those moments, not nose-down on TikTok.

The COVID Stay-at-Home Order has filtered out much of the extraneous noise — extra dinner dates, must-do appearances and social obligations. And the moments that remain are brimming with relational richness and meaning. The precious FaceTime with a struggling friend. The impromptu laughs with a roommate. These snippets were here all along; they were just drowned by the pings of emails and calendar alerts.

Our responsibilities will still remain, but we now have a choice.

Simplify. Invest. Enjoy each moment to its fullest.

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Working from Home: Clairemont’s Guide

Working from Home: Clairemont’s Guide

April 3, 2020January 31, 2023 Cherith AndesBlog, Professional Development, Public Relationshow to work from home, productivity tips, profesional development, working from home

Well, friends, like you, we’re now firmly ensconced at home, eagerly continuing to serve our wonderful clients.

With kids, families and pets now in the mix, working from home has been quite the adventure, wouldn’t you say? Since we know that most of you are slinging up your own home offices, we curated a list of our favorite tips to ensure a productive workday.

Set a Schedule.

No surprise here, but structure will serve as one of your biggest secrets for home-office success, especially if you’re also juggling homeschooling or other responsibilities. Avoid what some dub the “work creep” where your personal and professional time becomes enmeshed. (Anyone else have a laptop open at 8 p.m. while binge watching Tiger King?) Struggling with keeping a set schedule? Try using free time tracking tools, such as Clockify or Toggl.

Clairemont Tip: Tracy starts each day with a walk or run to get her mind and body energized for the workday.

Spruce Up Your Space.

In addition to designating your official work spot, take a few minutes to equip it with the same supplies you would have in your office (staplers, headphones, notepads, cookie jar — whatever you need!). Note, too, that atmosphere influences mood; so include a comfy chair for good posture, a nearby window for natural light, fresh flowers to add color, music for ambience (if you’re a tunes kind of guy or gal). Inc.com suggests musical genres that maximize productivity. See how our Clairemont team outfitted its spaces below! 

Set Expectations.

… for both your family and for yourself. Designate your official work hours as well as times you will take breaks to address needs around the house. (If possible, because we know that sometimes Fido just won’t wait for his bathroom break.) Schedule breaks, and allow yourself to take them in their entireties, since research shows that breaks can boost productivity and creativity levels. I, for one, take a quick walk, phone a friend, throw in a load of laundry (not all that exciting, I know. But a girl has to have clean towels at some point).

Clairemont Tip: As part of her schedule, Kelli starts each day with a journal entry to reflect, create a positive mindset and set tasks for the day.

Maximize Your “Sweet Spot.”

Track your most productive periods in the day, and schedule work around those time slots. I’ve found that the Rule of Threes provides value in my work schedule: I set the top three goals that must be completed each week, each day and each section of the day (morning, afternoon, etc.). While my to-do list is certainly longer than three items, those top priorities are non-negotiables that drive productivity. Others find value in free project management software to maximize time and manage work load.

Be Present and Engaged.

Hellooooo, multitaskers! While that skill can come into good use, now is a time more than ever to invest fully in each moment. Conference calls and video chats be your main — and only — form of communication with clients, partners and colleagues who are vital to your business. Show up. Prepare. Listen. Be fully present, because these moments and communication are more important than ever.

Buddy Up.

Stay connected with your team with regular group calls and one-on-one check ins. Try Skype, Webex, FaceTime, Google Hangouts — whatever works well for the group. Clairemont uses Zoom like a champ these days. And for any fellow extroverts out there, I’ve found it helpful to pick a virtual pal for the day — someone who doesn’t mind an ongoing text chat or phone call breaks.

Clairemont Tip: Now more than ever connection is vital. Dana stays in touch with her neighbors in a creative way; each morning, she puts new motivational quotes in a sign in her yard for those passing by.

Share pics of your work space with us on Facebook!

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Hop to it! The Power of Positivity

Hop to it! The Power of Positivity

November 5, 2019January 31, 2023 Kelli FletcherBlog, Inspirational, Professional Development

Last month, I ventured outside of #DTR (gasp!) to Durham for a workshop on positivity. The condensed program, hosted by Don Sandal of GoPositiv, was designed to promote happiness, positivity and optimism in the workplace, ultimately leading to higher performance.

I sat amongst 20+ other individuals who came to seek out the science behind what Don coined the “HOP (Happy, Optimistic, Positive) Mindset” and learn how to achieve it for ourselves. The change, Don insisted, begins with intention and continues with commitment. Four hours later, I left the workshop feeling refreshed and ready to implement some of the practices Don walked through in an effort to establish and build my personal HOP Mindset. While there’s a number of factors that can contribute to your positive position, here are three takeaways I found most valuable and have been putting into practice the last few weeks:

Gratitude Activity

I kick off each week with #GoalsandGratitude, listing three “goals” for the week followed by three “gratitudes” – things for which I’m thankful. My goals are simple. I want to meet them so I’m realistic. They include daily time entry at work or doing laundry before Friday. I’ve found that writing my goals down gives them power. Listing my gratitudes has become my favorite part. It allows me to pause and ponder what I’m truly grateful for in that moment. The list almost always includes a person in my life and a memory from the weekend. This small practice sets positive intentions for the week and lifts my mood instantly.

Acts of Kindness

I like to live by the mantra “live and help live.” We’re all just here trying to do our best, don’t you think? And sometimes, when we can’t be our best selves, we need a little help. Life is busy, but when I can, I try to look around – at the grocery store, in my neighborhood, at work – to see how I can help. Sometimes I pick up trash along the route of my jog. Sometimes I offer to watch my friend’s kid so she can run errands. When someone helps me, I’m surprised and thankful. When I help someone else, I feel proud and just plain good.

Reframe Negative Thoughts

For me, this has been the hardest, and I consider myself a positive person! Instead of letting a negative individual or situation snap me into a negative state, I work on reframing my view and finding a way to see the positive light. Reframing my negative thoughts takes some consistent practice, and it’s something I’ve far from perfected. But the days, weeks, months and beyond are a lot more fun when I don’t let my negative flurries snowball into a heap of worry.

If this all sounds simple, good. It should! However, retraining your brain to approach things in a positive light is actually harder than you think. It takes time and, even more, intention to not respond to negativity with … negativity. But it’s worth the practice. Because ultimately, achieving the HOP mindset places you at a competitive advantage not just in life but in the workplace, too. Instead of just identifying problems, you’ll be able to see solutions and offer strong, successful suggestions to colleagues and clients.

Want more tips on how to be more productive at work and in the PR field? Check out the Professional Development section of our blog!

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Where’s the Wonder?

Where’s the Wonder?

October 29, 2019January 31, 2023 Cherith AndesBlog, Inspirational, Professional Developmentcreative marketing, Creative PR, creativity, professional development, reading

I just ran across an Instagram graphic detailing 15 time management skills. This was after reading a blog on five ways to improve your writing, nine tips to produce error-free projects and three ideas to maximize your workflow.

Since when did life become one giant checklist?

The question gave me pause. Real pause. Like … enough that my 15 time management skills checklist wouldn’t have approved.

Originally, I ventured into marketing and public relations because of its open door into a world of creativity. While good PR is founded on thorough research and solid strategy, great PR adds the unexpected, a streak of color or a head-tilting idea. The industry has become steeped in analytics, big data and ROI. And yes, while we exist to achieve results, data is not the only goal.

What happened to sitting around the coffee bar spinning out “what if” scenarios? What happened to diving down a rabbit hole of reading just to indulge your inner nerd? What happened to team brainstorms that use crazy props like Play-Doh or Lucky Charms cereal boxes? (I’ve done both.)

What happened to the whimsy of creativity?

On a recent trip to Carolina Beach, I popped into a nook that housed a hybrid coffee shop, pastry mecca and used bookstore.

It was here that I stumbled on a blind date.

The book shop owner had repurposed a vintage card catalogue (Google that one, millennials and Gen Z) and filled its drawers with novels wrapped in brown paper and string. The paper read “Blind Date with a Book” followed by hand-scrawled reviews of the publication. Without the aid of cover art, I could only rely on the intriguing verbiage to get a sense of the secret gem wrapped in the paper.

It was delightful. No title. No images. Just tight, poignant phrases that thoroughly piqued my interest. Suddenly, all I wanted to do was dive nose-first into whatever book contained this “funny, barbed, delightfully winsome storytelling.”

And that’s what I want us to recapture. Just for a spell here and there, shake off the taskmaster of to-dos and deadlines. Let your curiosity wander. Explore a new corner. Try new words. Heck, take a different route to the grocery store. Creativity isn’t a task that can be defined, prescribed and checked off the list. It’s an attitude of pervading curiosity that leads to new ideas, fresh perspective and often, a fascinating journey.

What makes our work effective isn’t the efficiency; it’s the sense of play.

It’s time to reignite your wonder.

Looking for a place to start?

Check out our team’s sources of inspiration. 

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Traits of Successful PR Communicators

Traits of Successful PR Communicators

September 18, 2019January 31, 2023 Clairemont InternBlog, Professional Development, Public Relations#PRlessons, #publicrelations, communication

Maybe you’re a student, a graduate fresh out of college or a practicing PR professional; whichever hat you wear, this blog is for you. It’s always good to bring things back to the basics and remind yourself how to do what you do well. Read on for a few key tricks to keep in your toolbox in order to be a successful PR communicator. 

Trait 1: Be a candid and captivating storyteller.

Everyone loves a good story, and people are willing to buy into a story if it is told candidly. Knowing how to tell your client’s story in a captivating manner is essential for generating a response to your message. By artfully presenting your message, you elevate your client to a position of authority and respect, boosting brand acceptance. As PR professionals, our job is to solve problems, and storytelling can be the means by which this is done. Find the silver lining and craft a straightforward, sincere narrative to achieve the solution.  

Trait 2: Be an audience-centered researcher.

Know your audience and how they will receive your message. In PR, we must be conscious of the various lenses through which our audience will process information. A variety of factors including age, gender and socio-economic demographic can influence these lenses. It is important to understand your audience’s experiences and then let this shape the way you work. Look for reactions and responses to similar messages and leverage these things to format your strategy.

Trait 3: Be a strategic influencer.

I may be a Gen-Z, but when I say, “Be a strategic influencer,” I don’t mean the trendy term used to describe people with thousands of Instagram followers. Consider your audience and approach, and intentionally craft your delivery to be an agent of influence for your client. Because people respond well to prominence and relevance, being a purposeful communicator is important. With this in mind, connect with your audience by channeling your strategy through notable networks, times and people.

Trait 4: Be an exceptional writer.

In PR, the trait of exceptional writing should never be overlooked or underestimated. This is how you hook your audience initially and sustain its attention. The skill of collecting and arranging words in a manner that’s catchy and clear is necessary for creating influential content. Purposeful, powerful and perfect writing can encourage people to absorb and accept the PR message you’re promoting.

Have a message you need help spreading far and wide?

Drop Us a Line

By Haylee Hicks, Clairemont Intern and junior at North Carolina State University. 

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Have you heard about Meta’s newest social media Have you heard about Meta’s newest social media platform? It’s called Threads, and it’s being referred to as “the new Twitter.” Read everything you need to know about Threads in our latest blog post - link in bio!
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We are so excited to share that Clairemont earned We are so excited to share that Clairemont earned eight awards, five gold🥇and three silver🥈, at this year's Sir Walter Raleigh Awards hosted by the Raleigh Public Relations Society!🎉 We are beyond grateful to work with so many amazing partners, clients and industry friends!
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