Job security is not what it was in December of 2019. In particular, young professionals face even less job security because they have less experience in their roles, often have fewer skills than their counterparts, and haven’t built strong, long-term relationships. For young pros and many business professionals, the next three to six months will…
Try and make a difference this holiday season. “Old Man Yells at Cloud,” is a popular meme of Abe Simpson, Homer’s father from the television series, “The Simpsons.” The image is used to make fun of people who are angry over frivolous controversies or things they can’t control. One picture featured Grandpa Simpson yelling at…
By Mary Louise VanNatta, APR, CAE When a management position becomes available, it seems obvious to choose the top performer. However, you might need to be cautious. Some people save their best performances for when the boss is around. A one-dimensional view might not be truly reflective of a person’s leadership potential. Anyone who watches…
Stress is at an all-time high right now. And it’s about to get worse. The holidays are notorious for increasing stress as people deal with the financial burden of trying to provide for their families, the pressure of relatives visiting, and the expectations of gifts, food, parties, etc. Workers have an increased pressure to provide…
Mary Louise VanNatta named a Woman of Vision Salem, OR (Oct. 20, 2020) – Mary Louise VanNatta, APR, Fellow PRSA is one of the Daily Journal of Commerce’s Women of Vision award winners for 2020. The annual awards honor women who are shaping the built environment in Oregon and Southwest Washington via leadership, mentoring efforts,…
You’ve just finished your resume. It’s full of your accomplishments, goals, hopes, and dreams. You’ve spent hours and hours crafting it and are finally ready to apply for that dream job. Little do you know that most employers (especially now) have received hundreds of applications for a position. Because of this (and the human attention…
By Mary Louise VanNatta, APR, CAE Do you sometimes feel you are the ringmaster in your business’ three-ring circus? Barking orders, keeping the monkeys from creating a ruckus, and the tigers from eating the guests? Is your environment distracting with multiple acts vying for attention? Some businesses have an improvisational culture and run on “circus…
Salem, Oregon (August 25, 2020) — Mary Louise VanNatta, APR, CEO of VanNatta Public Relations, was recently selected to join the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) College of Fellows. The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is the nation’s leading professional organization serving the communications community. The college of Fellows is an honorary organization…
By Mary Louise VanNatta Mask required! Stay six feet apart! Don’t run with scissors! Are you feeling overwhelmed by all the new COVID-19 safety signs? You’re not alone. As regulations are increasing, businesses are adapting. Protecting public health is critical. However, people generally don’t like being told what to (SHOCKING). While you certainly can’t convince…
In times like these, it’s easy to be negative. When was the last time you heard a positive story on the news? Oregon feels like a pot of boiling water, frothing and churning, threatening to spill over the sides at any minute. Many people are trapped in their homes, losing money, losing connections with loved…
By Mary Louise VanNatta Our lives have been taken and shaken and we’ve consumed more media than ever before. As we drift back to our work lives, business communication is going to pivot. Everyone is going to try to convince us that their product or service cares the most, has the best solution, and will…
As everyone adjusts to a changing way of life, virtual meetings have never been more important. Businesses are switching to this new model in order to maintain maximum communication with their employees while allowing them to stay socially distant in their homes. However, as expected, it can be quite the transition in learning how to…
By Mary Louise VanNatta, APR, CAE I know, I know, you’ve probably heard all you can stand about COVID-19 or coronavirus. It’s all we’ve been talking about and thinking about. Our greatest concern is for those who are out of work. In the communications/public relations arena, we are helping clients craft difficult messages to their…
In a digital era, your personal brand has never been more important. Look at celebrities who have strong personal brands: LeBron James, Ellen Degeneres, Beyonce. Though wildly different people, they all have clear similarities that have helped them to find success. In your career, it is no different. Having a strong personal brand will help…
All companies are now working to communicate with clients and customers about COVID-19. Here is an infographic prepared by the Public Relations Society of America.
Millennials are the 71 million people born between 1981 and 1996. They are entering the workforce, becoming parents, and experiencing life differently than generations past. And they are angry. At least that is what pollsters are telling us. But why? For most, it appears to stem from financial, environmental and personal challenges. Many feel that baby…
Regularly, the PRSA (Public Relations Society of America) publication Strategies & Tactics reports trends in the industry. The Jan. 2020 issue suggests that people are growing angrier. They cite a 2018 Gallup Poll of more than 150,000 in 140 countries reporting feeling more stressed out, worried, and angry than ever. For business, this trend is…
Starting a new job can be challenging. There is usually a learning curve as you adapt to the different factors of a new workplace. In addition to your work requirements, you will need to learn how to interact with your coworkers as well as your boss. You will need to understand office rules — like…
By Mary Louise VanNatta, APR, CAE Everyone struggles to reach goals and meet deadlines. It’s easy to fall victim to procrastination or to let the draw of a doughnut or a bag of chips cause you to stray from your diet. The new year is a great time to set expectations and resolve to…
Salem, Oregon (Feb. 13, 2020) – VanNatta Public Relations, Inc. (VPR) has been ranked by January 2020 Oregon Business Magazine’s Power Book for Advertising/Marketing/Public Relations firms. This is the eighth time VPR has been included in the Power Book. Compared with other Northwest companies, VanNatta was ranked 21st (based on size) as one of the…
