Austin Rotter is a Public Relations expert recognized as one of the most influential thought leaders in the country. In this interview, he talks about how he became a PR professional and what it takes to succeed in the field. He also gives some invaluable advice to future PR professionals. We hope you will appreciate his responses.
Public Relations have undergone some significant shifts in recent years. Enhanced connectivity, superior gadgets, and social media applications — all played a key role in the sector’s revolutionary transformation.
Having said that, despite the fact that thousands of people enter the PR industry every year, only a handful of them make it to success. In order to seize every opportunity and overcome adversity, one must have a growth mindset and commitment to endure and adapt. To flourish in this competitive marketplace, one must be able to pitch great stories, strategize, maintain a positive image, and nurture persuasive media relationships.
For a deeper understanding, today, we have Austin Rotter with us. He is a successful PR professional with diverse expertise. Being a pro at it, let’s learn how he cultivated his path and became successful.
Thanks for joining us, Austin. I am thrilled to know about you and why you preferred becoming a PR professional in the first place?
Austin Rotter: I’ve been building the essential skills, expertise, and connections within the PR industry since 2010. I remained an active part of hyper-growth tech businesses, promising startups, and Fortune 5000 brands all these years.
I’ve also had a passion for storytelling and discovered an interest in Public Relations since childhood. I love the industry as it allows me to put forward inventive stories, missions, services, and products of diversified businesses. It’s a thrill to use my word-crafting skills and generate publicity for the causes I believe in.
With great power comes great responsibilities! So, how do you deal with work stress in such a competitive environment?
Austin Rotter: Undoubtedly, there are many moments when I get overwhelmed. But instead of letting my frustration out, I try to focus on my breathing. Meditation helps a lot, and I do exercises regularly.
PR professionals need to regroup their thoughts and strategize. A hot-headed person cannot succeed in this profession.
You’re right. Aggression is the enemy of success! Well, talking about success, what does it mean to you?
Austin Rotter: I once read an article quoting Jim Carrey. As per him, everyone should get famous and rich once in life to understand that it’s not the answer to success. This left me thinking about the concept of success and fulfillment.
After years of working in the industry, I have understood that success isn’t about making money or owning property. It’s more about the feeling of fulfillment and satisfaction. Success is the emotion of knowing that I am on the right track, following the dreams I am passionate about, and positively impacting society.
Well defined! So, what do you believe is the prime factor of your achievements in the PR industry?
Austin Rotter: A lot of patience and hard work!
The field has taught me that patience is a virtue. Like everyone else, I also struggled initially, but instead of getting impatient and running after the journalists and press, I decided to strategize. I made plans and focused on my personal growth to attract the media and notable clients. I patiently waited for the right time. And as soon as the opportunity presented itself, I grasped it and forged my way to success.
See, patience and persistence take you a long way. The young entrepreneurs investing their time and effort in PR must excel in the art of patience.
Which of your skills do you value the most?
Austin Rotter: There are some skills a PR specialist must hone, such as the ability to undertake research, study market trends, and understand the competition and evolving technology. They must be good at relation-building skills and flexible enough to adapt to changes.
While being prominent at all these skills, I believe the ability to work under pressure, multi-tasking, and the attention to detail attitude make me different.
I recently went through an interesting article you wrote on Metaverse. Is it something that every PR person must be familiar with, or something that naturally interests you?
Austin Rotter: I have a natural affinity for the Metaverse. It’s a reality ecosystem — a whole different world and an augmented reality combining the digital and physical worlds.
Metaverse is significant due to its progress-agnostic state. It implies everywhere from gaming and day-to-day work to socialization, and research. And what fascinates me about this ecosystem is its potential to transform every aspect of life in personal and professional systems. Metaverse and its possibility with immersive experience is something that I look forward to.
What would you like to say to the upcoming PR professionals?
Austin Rotter: In my career, I took inspiration from Eleanor Roosevelt’s statement that great minds discuss ideas, while average ones talk about events, and small minds speak about people. So, my advice for aspiring PR people is to strive for excellence and be the one discussing ideas and leaning towards innovation.
Young entrepreneurs must understand that to excel in this field; they need to say what they mean and mean what they say. Without striking a balance, success will remain a pipe dream.
Thank you, Austin, for giving your time to us. We hope new PR professionals will learn something valuable from you and apply it in their lives.