A fundamental rule for success for anyone working at a Public Relations agency is certainly keeping up with the media and current events. I’d venture that reading is something which is key to success for anyone to succeed in the PR industry – as well as in many other industries. I am often asked what I read and have read:
Every day in the morning, at my front door I receive The New York Post, NY Times, and Wall Street Journal – each of which I read prior to going to work. NY Post cover to cover, WSJ Primarily marketplace, and NY Times Section A and the business section. Throughout the day, I read a number of other sites at work, whether trade magazines relevant to clients, The Huffington Post, Adage, PR Week and other sites. I also often print items to read at home or over the weekend.
Some books I have recently finished or am in the process of reading:
* Jack Abramoff’s new book: Capitol Punishment which I found to be a fascinating read on Washington insider hardball from the legendary lobbyist (which Jack handed me this week during a conversation we had). A very interesting read and analysis. Highly recommend.
* Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson’s: Jobs was a legend and this book has over forty interviews with Jobs conducted over two years—as well as interviews with more than a hundred family members, friends, adversaries, competitors, and colleagues – it was a fascinating story about a legendary intense man. Really fascinating – and shows how every person – whether a genius or world changer is really that – a person, with strengths, weaknesses and the ability to have certain events change their life. Just amazing.
* David & Goliath by Shraga Simmons – a story about media bias surrounding the Mideast conflict from a media activist. An interesting read about how to challenge (and recognize) media missteps.
In a previous post I wrote about must-read Public Relations books (review at: http://articles.businessinsider.com/2011-09-12/strategy/30155677_1_pr-first-book-edward-l-bernays), so I’d also encourage that to be re-read. And I actually of course next to my bed keep my book which I remain proud of: “For Immediate Release: Shape Minds, Build Brands, and Deliver Results with Game-Changing Public Relations”.
Books are a great holiday gift.
Ronn Torossian is a public relations executive and entrepreneur.
Ronn Torossian is CEO of 5WPR, 1 of the 25 largest PR agencies in the US, and author of “For Immediate Release: Shape Minds, Build Brands, and Deliver Results with Game-Changing Public Relations” an Amazon best selling Public Relations book.
