For the past few decades, Ken Fairchild’s name and reputation in the communications industry have basically been synonymous with one another. You can ask any of the high-profile clients he has worked with including two elected presidents (+two more presidential candidates) six+ governors, or any of the congressman, federal judges, supreme court justices, or 30+ “60 Minute” guests, and they will tell you, Ken Fairchild knows what he is doing.
*Ken Fairchild Tip 1: Don’t be a Lemming! This past week, Mr. Fairchild visited with my communications class and mentored us on what it takes to be a good communicator. He wasted no time in telling us that he had one main message he hoped we would take away from our time together. “I want to leave you with confidence,” Mr. Fairchild assured us as we quickly learned how dedicated he is to the communications field and our future success in the field.
*Ken Fairchild Tip 2: Be confident and don’t be narrow minded in communications!
Mr. Fairchild has worked in each of the four communication areas he expanded upon during his visit. First, there are general public relations that he sees as “the easy stuff.” He advertised it as the positive PR, which is essential to all communication strategies. Then, there is media relations and crisis communications; the “dangerous but fun part.” Lastly, the group is rounded out with political and public affairs which has been the focus of a major part of his work with “political” clients. Now, you may think that you are more prepared for one more than the other, but Fairchild revealed that we are “preparing for all of them, whether you realize it or not.” How? You may ask. Well, simply because there is a thread that runs through all of them and in the end “all communications is two-way”. The common thread: someone has a message. This message is so important and it is up to you to make it interesting quickly.
*Ken Fairchild Tip 3: Don’t Dumb It Down!
What should the message say? The massage needs to make you “love me, and trust me!” What? In other words, the message needs to deliver content that is easily understood and absorbed by its audience. Mr. Fairchild knows it is important to for all communications to keep a glass half-full mentality. Therefore, if you don’t have anything positive to say, “Shut up and don’t say it!” We have to know what battles to fight, and how to do it.
*Ken Fairchild Tip 4: Focus, Focus, Focus on what your message is!
Mr. Fairchild’s visit was not only informative and entertaining, but also reassuring. Having had a daughter of his own graduate from SMU, he has full confidence in SMU to provide and allow its students to learn and grow to be ready for the communications field. “If you graduate from SMU with a communications degree, you will be ready and have all the tools you need for corporate America, I have no doubt about it!” He truly was invested in our success and futures in the communications field. Professionals like Ken Fairchild are the reason why students like me will set goals and strive to be a part of the communications world after graduation.
*Ken Fairchild Tip 5: Nothing matters if you are communicating the wrong thing!
There is one thing you can’t deny about Ken Fairchild, his dedication and love for his family and his career is unparalleled. When he uncovered his passion for communications, he turned it into a lifelong career that has not only led to him to be one of the most successful communication leaders, but also, one of the happiest.
*Ken Fairchild Tip 6: Don’t be cocky or arrogant, but don’t sell yourself short.
You pointed out some great tips! The last one is especially important. Being overlyconfident just turns people away from wanting to work with you.
ReplyDeleteYou had some great points! I love how a clear message is running through all our presentations confidence and overconfidence and how to strike a balance between the two.
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