Giana Machado joined our LA team a year ago as an account coordinator – and made the jump to PR account executive in just eight months! Here are her top tips for starting out in b2b tech PR.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested working in b2b tech PR and marketing?
Just apply and see what happens! And in the meantime, read up on industry news. It’s fine if you don’t have prior b2b tech PR experience, you just have to put yourself out there. You’ll get training and learn about the industry on the job.
What skills are essential for your b2b PR role?
Great communication skills are essential, both internally and externally. There isn’t much face-to-face communication these days (besides Teams calls). So, you have to be vigilant and ensure you’re relaying updates to your clients and teammates in a clear and thoughtful manner. This is also true when liaising with journalists. Good communication saves time and trouble.
What is your favorite part of working in PR?
You’re always learning and developing new skills because you’re so immersed in the work. I started this job not knowing much about the industry and being very new to PR. Fast forward a year and now I feel like I could tell you so many random facts about the M&E industry and technologies. I’ve been able to grow my confidence and grow as a PR account executive because I’ve done so much hands on work.
What’s the best part of working at the lorries?
Not to be cliché…but the people! I feel very lucky to have great mentors who have helped me develop as a PR professional, and great teammates who I can laugh with. I always look forward to our all-hands meetings where I get to see all the lorries.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Reality dating shows…Love Island UK, Fboy Island, Love Is Blind, but never The Bachelor or The Bachelorette. I like the group dynamic rather than one person getting to date tons of different people.
What was your first job / most unusual job?
I worked in a bakery, and it definitely kicked off my love for baking. The owner would tell us to try everything, so we could accurately describe the taste to customers and make recommendations. It was awesome. I hated doing the dishes though.
Which three items can’t you live without to do your job?
1. My planner – because it has all my meetings and tasks for the week laid out, so I can keep organized.
2. My monitor – for prime productivity, so I can avoid switching back and forth between windows and tabs.
3. Something to drink throughout the day – always iced coffee in the morning, water throughout the day, and occasionally a flavored water or tea as a little treat.
Which industry jargon do you want to ban?
‘Let’s take this conversation offline.’ I understand the sentiment behind the phrase, but because I’ve been working remotely for so long and with teammates around the globe, it just doesn’t make sense to me. We’re perpetually online!
Would you like to work with Giana on delivering PR and marketing campaigns for exciting global tech brands? Click here, or drop us an email at hello@rlyl.com.