UAB Accreditation Tips and Tools — July 2016

Get social!

Social media is a great way to encourage potential APRs, congratulate current APRs and share strategic tips related to APR skills.  Be sure to follow, share and comment on the social media tools that are available on Accreditation in Public Relations (APR):

Remember to link, comment, share, tweet, retweet.  Help grow our social community!

Promote the APR with the It Takes A PRo toolkit!

Promoting the value of the APR not only provides incentive for those considering pursuing this important credential, but it also broadens awareness among others in the PR field – including hiring managers. The new It Takes A PRo toolkit (https://accreditation.prsa.org/MyAPR/Content/Teach/apr-chairs/ItTakesAPRo.aspx) includes message planks, web copy, marketing guidance and visuals you can use to highlight our industry credential. One example: include the It Takes A PRo visual in your email signature to encourage questions about the APR.

Why hire an APR?

We know that strategic PR truly does “Take A PRo”. Here are five simple reasons why hiring an APR is good business for any organization:

  1. Leadership – the APR credential is an internationally recognized mark that integrates timeless communications principles with contemporary strategies and tactics.  This denotes leadership and a step above the others.
  2. Expertise – the APR credential is both a professional and a personal achievement.  The credential denotes a superior breadth of experience, depth of industry knowledge and passion for public relations in just three letters (APR).
  3. Recognition – the APR credential speaks for the individual.  It denotes experience, education and ethical conduct.
  4. Passion – it is a part of our profession.  The passion to believe in our projects and the passion to create a better world through communication.
  5. Mentoring – an APR credential gives the individual tools for mentoring upcoming candidates and other PR peers.

Let the tweets begin. . . 

Following are some examples of tweets you can use to help promote the APR credential.  Feel free to use them – or come up with your own:

  • Thinking about getting your APR? Check out this blog from Stefan Cross, APR. http://bit.ly/1VXE7jp #ItTakesAPRo
  • See what newly Accredited Anna Gonzalez says about getting her APR early on in her PR career. http://bit.ly/28JsNUl #ItTakesAPRo
  • JP Arnold, APR, shares why the journey to earning his APR was worth it. http://bit.ly/1rEWtcZ  #ItTakesAPRo
  •  Did you know that there is a Certificate in Principles of Public Relations for college seniors and recent grads? Check it out: https://bit.ly/2PA48rt