Trade Tips: Successis a Cooperative Act

Helpful hints for public relations and marketing professionals.

By Nicole Hayes

I recently spoke with high school students about alternative definitions of success.

It was my hope to impart a different approach/definition of success contrary to what our world has taught.

While success is defined as "the accomplishment of an aim or purpose; the favorable outcome of something attempted (I like this one), it is also defined as "the attainment of wealth, position, honors or the like."

• Some of our nation's corporations have served as poor examples for the next generation in terms of patterns for success. • "Golden parachutes" and bailouts were given to CEOs whose greed sideswept the livelihoods of front-line workers.

Our American-centric values of competition, individualism and separating yourself from the pack may be what has contributed to some of the rogue behaviors we've witnessed in the last few years from CEOs.

I wanted the students to know that success is not a solo act, but a cooperative act. None of us arrives at success by our own means.

Success is non-linear.1

• For the students I spoke to, their current benchmarks of success are heavily linear: read assigned chapters, take quiz, take test, pass final and graduate.

• Many of us have similar processes in our working lives.

Success is non-linear.1

• But as we often find out, details aren't always neatly outlined, and we may be forced to take the curvy road — dance around an illness or rise up from career failures

• Life often requires that we become more flexible

• This flexibility tends to invite more options and opportunity.

Success is a cooperative act.2

The secret to our success is how well we cooperate with others.

Success is a cooperative act.2

• It's no secret our country prides itself on the spirit of competition and individualism. But someone had to help open the door for you.

• Whether an acquaintance, coach, colleague, family member, friend, manager or teacher, no one arrives at success' door simply by our own efforts.

You can be successful without trampling others.3

• There are ways we can be different and gain the interest of people without knocking someone else down. • In this day of technology overkill and forgotten values, here's how you can authentically "win" with people:

You can be successful without trampling others.3

a) While we are in business, realize you offer something unique. Follow your specific blueprint, not someone else's.

b) Value each educational and work experience even if it seems monotonous. Each skill is transferrable to your next destination.

You can be successful without trampling others.3

c) Send a handwritten note to someone who has helped you along the way. Your message will stand out amongst the less personal emails.

d) Follow through on your promises to others. Your word is your bond and reputation.

You can be successful without trampling others.3

e) Apologize and accept responsibility for mistakes and move forward. People will respect you more for being honest.

This presentation was adapted from our Voice Matters Blog.

To learn more about McKinney & Associates, visit www.mckpr.com

McKinney & Associates was founded in 1990 with a commitment to social justice that has prevailed for more than 20 years. From the

beginning, McKinney passionately and skillfully practiced Public Relations with a Conscience for local, national and international organizations.

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