D-Ring PR

PR Blogosphere superstar Erin Caldwell, founder of Forward, has scored herself a job with Edelman Public Relations.

First, congrats to Erin. I remember how exciting (and relieving) it was to get my first job. I also remember what it was like moving to DC myself. I am sure it will be even more of a shock for Erin, who grew up in “a small town in Alabama.”

Since I have spent the better part of the past six years living, working and learning inside the Beltway, here are a couple of reflections I have on public relations in the nation’s capital for Erin and anyone else following this career field to DC.

1. Use your surroundings - using the historic sites of DC, when appropriate, can make a good event really stand out
2. It’s not always about politics - so don’t assume an obscure political issue will interest a reporter
3. But it is a lot of the time
4. Don’t sweat the echo chamber - remember that negative beltway buzz rings loud in a 10 mile radius, but is often ignored elsewhere
5. But ignore it at your peril - the blogosphere and new media are expanding the reach of events which, 10 years ago, would have been beltway-only challenges
6. And more importantly, enjoy the city - it is easy to get spun up (no pun intended) in this high-paced media environment, so make sure you take the time off to appreciate all of the cultural, social and historic opportunities that surround you

And on a practical note, get a roommate. It is expensive to live in this city!