Many PR pros and communicators are facing new challenges and workplace disruption over COVID-19. Here are some quotes from inspirational women to bolster your resolve.

Reposted with permission: by Jaylen Christie, March 25, 2020

The coronavirus has a lot of entrepreneurs and businesspersons working from home during March, which is Women’s History Month.

However, there are still strategies that professionals can implement while self-isolating. When it comes to effective communication, entrepreneurs can glean quite a bit of knowledge from the remarkable women that paved the way in American history:

1. “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”     – Maya Angelou

Storytelling is important when it comes to branding. and more and more people are finding those stories online according to a study by the Pew Research Center.

Storytelling comes in many forms, so decide what works best for your company. For example, storytelling can be data-driven, which can help educate your target audience with information to get them to buy into your brand. This can be especially beneficial for non-profits that want to inspire potential donors and volunteers to help their organization.

Customer-led storytelling is also on the rise with persuasive customers writing guest posts for company blogs, or companies inviting influencers to host social media takeovers.

2. “When you’re getting ready to launch into space, you’re sitting on a big explosion waiting to happen.” – Sally Ride

It pays to expect the unexpected. For example, an economic downturn can cause customers and potential clients to tighten their wallets. Have a contingency plan in place. Are there discounts that you can offer? Are there incentives?

Excellent methods for communicating with your target audience to keep them engaged include social media, email—and newsletters. There are still people that enjoy receiving these regular updates, so be sure to update your database and plan regular outreach.

3. “I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.” – Rosa Parks

A crisis can happen at any time without warning. However, having a crisis communication plan is essential and can yield better outcomes.  Being prepared will reduce the seriousness of the crisis and shorten the time it takes to effectively respond.

Any good PR practitioner will have a crisis communication plan ready to be implemented in a time of need.

4. “The most effective way to do it, is to do it.” – Amelia Earhart

Communicate with your audience and get to know them. Put together a quarterly communication plan that specifically outlines goals, objectives, strategies and tactics. Some tactics may work and others may not, but you’ll never know if you don’t try.

By having a strategy in place, you can ensure that your company remains organized. Additionally, a plan can aid you in keeping communication a top priority with your business. Be sure to have measurable objectives and evaluate how well your communications tactics performed at the end of every quarter to determine which strategies you can use in the subsequent quarter.

 5. “When they go low, we go high.” – Michelle Obama

Don’t be afraid to respond to a customer’s negative posts on your social media platforms. Good marketing and maintenance are essential for keeping a positive reputation. Additionally, SEO (search engine optimization) can help. If you’re a PR practitioner working for a company, be sure to have your employer use content on its website that highlights company benefits and the fundamental differences from your competitors.

 6. “You are never too old to play. You are only too old for low-rise jeans.”– Ellen DeGeneres

Last, but certainly not least, remember to enjoy what you do.

Often, we’re seen as the internal and external communication experts and moral compasses in an organization. That can be stressful, but work doesn’t always have to be work.  Try to find the fun in what you do and the time will pass. If it doesn’t, find a new job.

Being enthusiastic about your job and being excited about what you do enhances performance and productivity. It can also keep you healthy. In an article published by the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, researchers found that happiness strengthens our immune systems, combats stress and lengthens our lives.

In a health-conscious time, focusing on joy can have a lot of benefits.

Jaylen Christie is the director of public relations at Moxe, an integrated marketing agency in Orlando, Florida.