Through Successes and Failures Comes Understanding

Each future Public Relations professional hears the name Edelman and automatically envisions success. What many don't know is Dan Edelman throughout his career failed many times. One of the main differences between his failures and other individuals today is that he was willing to take risks and seek opportunities with even the smallest of ventures. Often willingness to work isn't the problem. It's knowing what you need to do in order to get to the next level in your career.

After reading about Dan Edelman's struggles, failures, and successes, a few points became clear. The first is something that we've heard time and time again, and that is the importance of networking. It played a major role in the way Dan not only maintained client relations, but also how he obtained new business. Thanks to the Internet and social media, communication is more important than ever. Since more businesses are becoming global, it is your job to adapt to the changing times. You never know when a past acquaintance can lead to a lucrative business deal. In order to succeed, networking must play an active role in your life, and always be at the forefront of your mind. As the saying goes, "It's not about where you've been, but who you know." 

Client Relations is another area that Dan Edelman really succeeded in. He helped build a company like Sara Lee, then smaller in scale, to a household brand name. It was through his dedication and creativity that they were able to take Sara Lee to the next level. This is a great example of how taking the time to get to know your clients, no matter how big or small they are, can pay off in the end. Client Relations plays a key role in not only keeping current business, but also in how an agency brings in new business. 

One last take away from the reading was the importance of surrounding yourself with people that will help you succeed. This applies to both home and work life. While Dan was pioneer in Public Relations, he relied heavily on his wife Ruth to help him with a variety of things, one being networking. Her dinner parties and social functions provided Dan with a variety of opportunities to network. While in his work life, he hired people that he felt could help him take his company to the next level. A clear example is when he hired Leslie Dach to run his Washington D.C. office. He had the right connections and the skills Dan needed to boost the companies global public affairs practice. By surrounding yourself with creative, talented and loyal people, you are giving yourself the tools you need to learn and succeed throughout your career.

Desire’ Knorr is currently a senior at DePaul University. She will receive a B.A. in Public Relations and Advertising and a minor in Marketing in Fall 2013. She is currently interning at Paramount Public Relations and can be reached at dknorr4@gmail.com or followed at @dknorr4.