This week started out with tough deadlines, long hours and ear infections and ended with an amazing day spent with new friends, my intern and experts in my field.
Today I was lucky enough to attend the Public Relations + Social Media Summit put on by Comet Branding and Big Shoes Network at Marquette University. It was filled with amazing speakers, local and regional professionals and, of course, lots of tweeting. I learned so much and was extremely happy that I decided to make the trip down to Milwaukee - even if I had to white-knuckle it the whole way through this morning's wonderful April snow shower.
One reoccuring thought I had throughout the day was, "How the hell do they have time for all this!?" As a fairly new mom of two daughters under the age of 3, I find it a huge accomplishment if I can get to work on time each day let alone tend to my daily duties AND tweet AND stay current with new trends and current events. What's a girl to do?
Amber Naslund (@ambercadabra) from Radian 6 told us that between the hours of 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. she turns her phone and computer off so her daughter has her undivided attention. She even mentioned that she puts availability hours in her Twitter handlebar to show her Twitter hours. I thought that was pretty smart. I love staying up-to-date and in the fray with what my social networks are doing but let's be real, I have a job and students to tend to during the day. I can't be updating Hootsuite every five minutes!
Sarah Evans (@prsarahevans) from Sevans Strategy told us that she sometimes checks Twitter only two to three times a day if she has a deadline or client meetings. It was such a relief to know that the Twilebrities are human, too. 
So, as a result to all this craziness today, I'd like to pose a question to all the successful Public Relations/Social Media experts out there (ehem...Lisa Cruz, Jess Dennis and TommyTRC):
How do you make time for your children and become so successful in your career without driving your spouse crazy? I know there have been plenty of times where my husband has begged me to put the electronic devices down and just watch Open Season with him and the girls. Fill me in! In the meantime, I'll keep the work I do at home to a minimum and heed your advice when it comes in.
4/9/2010 03:34:40 am

take a read Katie!

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4/13/2010 12:43:09 am

Kate,

Love the post and thanks for the complimentary mention! My response to your question, it's not easy. Owning a successful business is one of the most rewarding and challenging accomplishments in my life so far. Similar to having a child, as you know. I'd say most days are very difficult and also totally great all at the same time (I give total props to stay at home moms, I wouldn't be able to do it). I believe I am a better mom and wife because I do what makes me happy and that's my job, my social networks and my hobbies. There are some days that I don't even check my social sites and there are others that I can't get off of them. In general I've learned so much and have thoroughly enjoyed the relationships that I've developed online that it keeps me going. I agree with Lisa's blog post in that if you're having a tough day, throw it out there. Your friends in social media will support you. It's human to have tough days and we're all here for you when you do. My last piece of advice is to be present, I am always striving for this. This is my way of finding "balance". I try to be present at work which means I try to only focus on work (and social media of course) and at home I try to focus on my family. Of course, I'm not perfect and some days require me to cross over, but I am always striving. Something most people don't know about me is that I leave work every day at 5 o'clock so that I can spend time with Wren until about 7 o'clock when she goes to bed. My husband and I enjoy making a nice meal together and then I can plug back in after that if need be. It's hard to juggle everything but I find balance by being present in whatever I am doing and that means not multitasking. I hope that this helps. Don't give yourself such a hard time, you're doing a great job!

Jess

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6/25/2012 06:09:54 pm

Excellent content - as you always provide and inspires me to come again and again.
oh I hope you all have a blessed days!

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7/27/2012 12:03:17 pm

Despite the fact that I was young, inexperienced and a coward during many meetings, I compensated by taking mental notes of key people I interacted with on a daily basis. My master plan was to pull out things that I had learned and one day wow the pants off of someone...anyone.

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