I’m a PR newbie.
Well, let me qualify that: I’ve been in the industry just over 4 months now, and it’s amazing how much one can learn about PR in such a short amount of time.
That being said, I walked through the doors of Matter as a clean slate, willing and eager to learn the ropes armed with the skills and experience I had packed along for the ride.
PR lingo? That I had to learn as I went along, as no phrasebook had been tucked into my new hire packet. Vets, you’ll probably get a kick out of the terms I found to be foreign. Future newbies of Matter Communications, allow me to spell out a few things:
OPP: [op] Noun
1. Short for “opportunity” — not just any opportunity, but a coverage opportunity, or strategic outlet that’s been deemed a prime target to convey your client’s key messages.
EOD: [ee-oh-dee] Noun
1. Acronym for “end of day” — a common deadline.
- “I need this by EOD.”
*Note* I believe it was Nick Porter who got to field my awkwardly formal email in response to a deadline he sent me:
Hi Nick,
What does EOD mean?
Thank you,
Talia
PUB: [puhb] Noun
1. Short for “publication” — this could refer to a magazine, newspaper, broadcast media outlet, or blog.
2. A fine malt beverage establishment…at (you guessed it!) EOD, of course.
*Note* Have you seen the new kitchen kegerator?
Hashtag: [hash-tag] Noun
1. The “#” prefix symbol on Twitter — the community-driven tool used for adding additional context and metadata to your tweets. It helps those with shared interests find information on Twitter.
- #PRisforlovers (No? Ok, I’m still learning.)
2. Also known as “the pound sign” on your touchtone key pad
UV: [yoo-vee] Noun
1. Acronym for “unique visitors,” or the number of individual web users to visit a site.
- Put on those shades…as of today, Examiner.com has a UV number of 7 million. That’s hot.
FU: [ef-yoo] Verb
1) An acronym for “follow up” — a means of being thorough, checking in, or being the squeaky wheel to get results.
- “FU with the executive and make sure we have the right contact information.”
*Note* Best if used in combination with other words, as was not done on my first encounter with the term:
One-line email from a Matter colleague: “FU.”
Me: “GASP!#$….Why are they so hostile?!?
PR: [pee-ahr] Noun
1. Acronym for “public relations” — doing anything and everything communications-based to help your clients with whatever they need, whenever they need it.
- May include: anything (that will get them positive results that matter…by EOD)
My colleague Rachel Schlacter & I share the above definition. What is your personal definition of PR?
*Note* My friends and family have a very hard time understanding what I do. Explaining it? #Forgetaboutit. I guess my colleague Matt Mendo (#2) has had similar experiences.