portfolio

TAYSIA

TOLBERT

Specializing in:

PUBLIC RELATIONS & MARKETING

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Blog post #1

Welcome!

I am currently a student at Utah Valley University. I am studying to receive my bachelors degree in Public Relations with a minor in Marketing. I also received my associates degree from Dixie State University in Graphic Design. I love all things design and enjoy bringing it to the professional world.


I currently work at a Dental Consulting company with the marketing team, as well as a dental assistant for the Doctor. I thoroughly enjoy life outside of school and work by being with family, friends, and working out!


To see more of what we are doing at UVU in Public Relations, click here.

Navigating the Path to Success

Embarking on the journey of career preparation can be both exciting and daunting. As a student, I have had my fair share of moments filled with enthusiasm, self-doubt, and everything in between. In this blog post, I want to share my experiences and insights on various aspects of career preparation, from crafting the perfect resume to the art of networking.


1. Crafting the Perfect Resume


A well-crafted resume seems to be the ticket to the professional world. It's your first chance to make a lasting impression on potential employers. Here are some tips I've gathered along the way:


- Tailor it: Customize your resume for each job application. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the specific job requirements.

- Keep it concise: Aim for brevity without omitting key information. A one-page resume is often ideal, but two pages are acceptable if you have substantial experience.

- Showcase achievements: Focus on accomplishments rather than just job duties. Using quantifiable data can demonstrate your impact in previous roles.


Example of My Personal Resume

2. The Power of Networking


Networking can feel intimidating, especially when you are not fully confident in your soft skills. However, it's an essential aspect of career preparation. Here's what I've learned:


- Start early: Networking isn't just for seasoned professionals. You have to start small. Go to a career fair, or any social event!

- Build genuine relationships: Networking isn't about collecting business cards; it's about forming meaningful connections. Be sincere and interested in others.

- Online presence: LinkedIn is a valuable tool for networking. Create a professional profile, join relevant groups, and engage in discussions.


Example of My Personal Business Card


3. Preparing for Interviews


Interviews are often the make-or-break stage in the job application process. Here are ways to prepare that I have found the most beneficial.


- Research the company: Understand the company's culture, values, and recent developments. Tailor your responses to align with their mission.

- Practice, practice, practice: Conduct mock interviews with friends or career advisors. This helps you refine your answers and boost your confidence.

- Ask questions: Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. It shows your genuine interest in the role and company.


4. Balancing Academics and Career Preparation


This is where I previously lacked the most, so here's how I've found a balance:


- Time management: Create a schedule that allocates time for classes, studying, job searching, and networking.

- Set priorities: Identify your career goals and prioritize tasks accordingly. Sometimes, it's okay to say no to certain commitments to focus on your future.

- Utilize university resources: Most universities offer career services that can provide workshops, and resources to help you succeed.


Through my career journey, I've learned valuable skills, gained self-confidence, and made lasting connections. I hope that the tips and insights I've shared in this blog post can help you on your own path to professional success.



Blog post #2

Blog post #3

PR News Today

Karbo Communications, a renowned global technology PR and digital marketing firm, has announced the launch of its Artificial Intelligence (AI) Practice, leveraging over 25 years of experience in working with AI innovators, including major brands like Nvidia, IBM Watson, Meta, Penguin, Cornelis Networks, and AppDynamics. The practice aims to empower AI companies with customizable communications and digital marketing solutions tailored for immediate business impact.


The company, having witnessed the evolution of the AI landscape over the past two and a half decades, understands the unique challenges faced by AI-focused businesses in today's fiercely competitive market. According to Julie Karbo, CEO and founder of Karbo Communications, the focus has shifted from educating people about what AI is to communicating its business value while addressing issues around privacy, ownership, compliance, and security.


Karbo Communications also introduced a comprehensive AI Blueprint, encompassing AI guidelines, a code of ethics, and best practices for utilizing AI tools and workflows in PR, content development, and digital marketing. The AI Practice is designed to tackle the distinct challenges faced by AI companies, providing services that lead to increased visibility, differentiation, and thought leadership, ultimately driving sales and market share.


In a world where public perception can shape the destiny of AI-related businesses, Karbo Com emphasizes that a one-size-fits-all approach won't suffice. The AI Practice promises a unique mix of deep AI knowledge, experience in communicating AI technology, and a creative perspective. With a track record of top-tier media hits, branding/rebranding, and content development services, Karbo Communications aims to offer strategic services to AI startups, companies integrating AI, and multi-billion-dollar brands entering the AI space.


More from this article at: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/09/18/2744817/0/en/Karbo-Communications-Launches-Artificial-Intelligence-AI-PR-and-Digital-Marketing-Practice.html

PRSSA ICON Speakers

I am very excited to learn more about these two very influential women. They are both strong women in the field of Public Relations. Hearing what they have to say at the Public Relations Student Association conference will be inspirational.

Michelle Olson, Managing Partner, Lambert PR


Overview:

  • With over 35 years of experience in public relations and integrated marketing, Michelle has provided her expertise to clients both in the United States and internationally. She possesses substantial experience in corporate communications and issues management across various industries.
  • Prior to joining Lambert, Michelle founded and led her own company for 13 years, which became Arizona's third-largest firm by the Phoenix Business Journal before its acquisition in 2014.
  • Michelle is involved in various organizations and boards, including the Vertical Flight Society, Association for the US Army (AUSA), American Army Aviation Association (AAAA), Urban Land Institute, and Arizona Forward. She also serves on the advisory board of the Advanced Air Mobility Institute (AAMI) and has contributed as a judge for notable awards such as the Environmental Excellence Awards, ATHENA Awards, and IMPACT Awards.
  • In addition to her work at Lambert, Michelle has been actively involved in the public relations industry. She served as the national chair of PRSA (Public Relations Society of America) in 2021.


Located:

  • Michelle is originally from Arizona, Lambert Headquarters are located in Detroit, MI.


In the News:


Online:

  • Website: https://lambert.com/team/michelle-olson-apr/
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olsoncomm/


Traci Otey Blunt, Founder & Principal, Blunt Group Strategies, LLC



Overview:

  • Traci Otey Blunt has served as a trusted communications advisor to prominent political figures and senior corporate executives, including Hillary Clinton during the 2008 Presidential elections and media magnate Robert (Bob) L. Johnson.
  • Over her 20-plus years of experience, Traci has been the driving force behind award-winning media relations, public affairs, executive visibility, and government relations campaigns for a wide range of organizations, including corporate, political, sports, and nonprofit entities.
  • She joined the National Football League (NFL) as SVP, Corporate Communications, in 2018, where she led communications strategies across various priority areas, such as social justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, and community relations. Notably, she played a key role in the NFL's social justice efforts during the 2020 season.
  • Traci's career also includes her appointment by Bob Johnson as the president of RLJ Entertainment's Urban Movie Channel (UMC), where she successfully launched and grew the industry-pioneering subscription video on demand (SVOD) channel focused on content for African American audiences.


Located:

  • Blunt Group LLC headquarters are located in New York, NY.


In the News:

  • Date: March 25, 2014
  • Headline: Traci Otey Blunt Recognized Among "25 Influential Black Women In Business”
  • Link: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/traci-otey-blunt-recognized-among-25-influential-black-women-in-business-252234181.html
  • Summary: Traci Otey Blunt, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at The RLJ Companies, was recognized as one of "25 Influential Black Women in Business" by The Network Journal in 2014. Robert L. Johnson, founder and chairman of The RLJ Companies, praised her leadership skills and contributions to the corporate community, highlighting her creativity, talent, and vision in her role at the company.


Online:

  • Website: https://tracioteyblunt.com/
  • Instagram: @tracioteyblunt
  • Twitter: @Oteyblunt
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traci-otey-blunt/


Blog post #4

Lessons from

Michele Norris

Michele Speaking at ICON 2023

Blog post # 5

Attending ICON 2023 was an amazing experience that was not only fulfilling in the world of PR, but also, in just being a HUMAN. A session that exemplified this amazingly was spoken by Michele Norris. Michele is the founder of The Race Card Project, which focuses on all people’s stories of react in 6 words. With postcards coming from all over, Michele found a strong topic that is not discussed enough… race among all races. There was so much to be taken from this session of ICON 2023. What has now become an important prompt in my mind, because of Michele, is that we need to have difficult conversations surrounding race more often to improve the world we live in. It will still take many years, and possibly decades, and maybe never, for all of us to have respect for one another. But, those difficult conversations are worth it to have.


Michele stated, “Find people you don’t agree with and just have a conversation with them. You know, figure out how to talk and listen to them. Because those tethers that you create will help you understand the world you live in.” She is releasing a book in January 2024 called Our Hidden Conversations. The book will have stories captured from those of all races.


The rest of the day was full of thoughts from this conversation on race. This is something, that I believe, we don’t have enough conversations in all schooling programs, from pre-k to university. However, I will be an ally in taking these thoughts through my daily life to ensure these conversations are being had.


Networking was a large part of the PRSA Icon conference. I am grateful for all of the opportunities that arose to talk to both professionals, and students, and create relationships. In all sessions, speakers continually stressed following up with the professionals that you connected with. I am excited to do so.


I was able to have a great conversation with Susan B. Walton, PhD, at the Breakfast with the Professionals event. Susan gave amazing advice on resumes, specifically when it came to ATS machines. Things such as having no color, single column, and submitting a word document (rather than a pdf). Were mentioned. The advice will resonate with me through the next few years as I am beginning my career. I also had the chance to speak to her a bit at the Rainforest Cafe dinner that was sponsored by Utah Valley University. We were able to meet with many professionals there including Susan. There, she gave great advice when it came to receiving a masters degree. The main point that she has heard from HR professionals is to: receive a masters if 1, your work will pay for it, and 2, if it will give you more training in a specific niche. That was honestly, relieving to hear.


Scott Pansky held a great session with the title, “Playing Together in the Sandbox.” This speech was crafted from his most recent children's book with the same title. He had great advice in entering into the professional world of Public Relations. Resumes were heavily spoken about with great advice there, however, I particularly enjoyed a smaller portion. He mentioned setting up informational interviews. An informational interview does not have the intention of receiving a job (though that may be in the back of your mind), but more so to get your foot in the door, build a connection, and learn about the company. This could result in a connection that may benefit you later on. When walking into a keynote session, I found myself walking right next to Scott. I asked to connect with him on Linked-In and he accepted my request quickly.


To network with these professionals and build a connection is something that I am extremely grateful for. It was a great experience. I haven’t had a “networking” class in particular. However, I believe the whole communication degree has helped prepare me for this conference. I have been confident in talking to people, asking questions, and building connections with them.


I helped a well-loved company update their visual identity and transform their brand into something fresh and more aligned with their new business direction.

Connecting With the Professionals

Susan B. Walton, PhD, APR

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanbwalton?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Scott Pansky

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottpansky?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Blog post #6

PR TRIP TOP 10 LEARNINGS

The opportunity to travel to Nashville, TN for the PRSA/PRSSA Conference was an amazing opportunity. I learned many things that are going to help me on my journey to greatness.

Listed below are my top 10 lessons learned.


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  1. Always be the one to raise your hand for the jobs no on wants.


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2. Make a seat at the table for yourself- when you do, make your opinion heard. (Speaker: Tracey Otey Blunt)


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3. Take the time to HANDWRITE notes to to past employers, those who have helped you along the way, and those you have learned from; they go much further than an email.


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4. Your mentors don’t have to look like you… (Speaker: Amanda Brooks)


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5. Any opportunity you get, do it! (Speaker: Alex Ebanks)


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6. KNOWING your people in internal communication is key. (Speaker: Gina Laughlin)


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7. Tell the truth, tell it all, and tell it now. (Speaker: Gina Laughlin)


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8. Monday Notes by Vaughan Brown: To dictate communication through the chain of command, Vaughan created Monday notes. The head of each department creates a note throughout the week of the things that needed to be fixed/done/communicated. Vaughan then dictated were those notes went. (Speaker: David Epstein)


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9. Add to your resume: Actual Statistics of improvement you enabled. (Speaker: Scott Pansky)


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10. When storytelling: Stories begat stories. Listen and learn from others. (Speaker: Jason Carlton)


Blog post #7

Effective communication skills are the cornerstone of success in various aspects of life, ranging from professional endeavors to personal relationships. In the realm of team preparation, clear and open communication ensures that all members are on the same page, fostering collaboration and unity. When team members can articulate their ideas, share feedback, and listen actively, the overall efficiency and productivity of the team are greatly enhanced. This becomes particularly crucial in the workplace, where successful projects often hinge on the ability of team members to convey their thoughts and ideas in a manner that is easily understood by others.


Moreover, communication skills play a pivotal role in relationship development, both personally and professionally. In personal relationships, effective communication allows individuals to express their feelings, understand the needs of their partners, and resolve conflicts amicably. In a professional context, building strong relationships with colleagues, clients, and superiors relies heavily on the ability to articulate thoughts clearly, negotiate effectively, and empathize with others. Networking, a vital component of career growth, also heavily relies on communication skills. Being able to engage in meaningful conversations, convey one's professional value, and actively listen to others are key elements that can open doors to new opportunities and foster career advancement. In essence, the value of communication skills transcends individual success, contributing to the overall harmony and progress of both personal and professional spheres.

The Importance of Communication

Myself at ICON 2023

Blog post # 8

Looking Forward

Blog post # 9

In a world driven by constant change and evolving technologies, the field of public relations and marketing stands at the forefront of shaping narratives and building brand identities. As I look ahead to the future, I realize professionals in this dynamic industry must equip themselves with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. This is my goal going forward.


As I reflect on my own strengths and weaknesses, I first look to where I started, and how far I have come. Before attending the ICON PRSSA conference, I was not confident in who I was as a professional. Speaking to professionals and putting myself into that world was scary, and intimidating. In that conference I learned a lot about myself as a professional and worked hard to become confident in what I could offer to an employer.


I will be graduating this coming spring and am looking forward to it. Not only because I will be done with school (round of applause) but, I will be able to fully delve into the professional world. I once heard a quote that said “There is no growth in the comfort zone, and no comfort in the growth zone.” Over the years, this has stuck with me. I will soon be starting a job in marketing for a dental consulting company. Though this is something I have yet to do (and have only received a minor in) I am excited to be uncomfortable. I know this will promote learning and growth.


I have not completely ruled out Public relations, as this is a field I find great passion in. I plan to continue to grow my connections and knowledge in the field. I will embrace innovation, experiment with new approaches, and be proactive in adopting emerging trends that will set me apart in a competitive landscape.





Work with me

Linked-in

Taysia-Tolbet

Phone

(801) 913-3302

Email

taysiaat2@gmail.com