In the latest episode of the PR Talk podcast, Amy talks with Peter Shankman about PR as a career for people with ADHD, tips to harness the power of ADHD, how PR people can serve and strengthen relationships with the media, and more.
Peter Shankman is the founder of the PR tool HARO (Help A Reporter Out) which he sold to Cision 11 years ago. Today Peter is an author of five books, host of the Faster Than Normal Podcast, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and leader of the ShankMinds Breakthrough Network.
Here are some highlights from the conversation, be sure to listen for more details and insight:
2:00 – Is there a high prevalence of PR people with ADHD?
Definitely a high prevalence of creative types that are neuro a-typical or neurodiverse.
3:10 – Is PR a good industry for people with ADHD?
Peter believes you should find something that you are good at and that interests you. To allow that to guide your path as the more you enjoy something, the less your ADHD will hinder you…in fact, it can help.
4:00 – Tips for how to harness the power of ADHD
Focus on the good parts. Peter provides examples of what works for him, how he does them and how he works to improve himself. For example, he created HARO on a 5-hour flight to NY! He recommends setting up rules to eliminate the things that get in your way or trip you up. Here are some of the things Peter does:
- Exercise (every single day!) – to get the good chemicals producing
- Eliminate choice – clothing as an example
- Aware of what he eats – helps him have a better day (eat like crap, feel like crap)
- Show up early – then you don’t have to rush
- Standing and walking meetings – get more creativity
8:40 – How to take the concept of choice into your workday and keep the distractions away
Peter says it is all about being organized and scheduled. To schedule specific time for creativity (brainstorming, writing, etc.) and understand yourself to understand how you work. And when you need to be focused to be diligent about it and shut the distractions off or put them away (e.g that phone or other device).
12:26 – How did you get so disciplined?
Peter learned about ADHD and how to handle it. This is why he developed rules for himself, alternatively, he could not put in the rules or not follow the rules and get nothing done.
15:25 – How can PR people serve and strengthen relationships with media?
Understand that they [the media] are busy and helping them do their jobs by giving them what they need, when they need it. Reporters look for publicists who are willing to go the extra mile. HARO started because he’d email reporters and ask how he can help. How can you benefit someone else?
16:57 – What is coming up for Shankminds?
Check out http://www.shankminds.com/
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About the guest: Peter Shankman
The New York Times has called Peter Shankman “a rockstar who knows everything about social media and then some.” He is a 5x best selling author, entrepreneur and corporate keynote speaker, focusing on customer service and the new and emerging customer economy. He is recognized worldwide for radically new ways of thinking about the customer experience, social media, PR, marketing, advertising, and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.)
Connect and follow Peter on social media:
This episode of PR Talk is brought to you by PRSA Oregon
Throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington, PRSA provides members with networking, mentorship, skill building and professional development opportunities – whether you are a new professional fresh out of college or a skilled expert with 20 years in the industry. Check out PRSAoregon.org for more information on how membership can help you grow and connect.
