The Business Journal wants to know how you”™re minding your business in this tough economy. If ever there was a time to think outside the box, this is it. So, what are you doing differently, more effectively or efficiently? Let us know. E-mail miarocci@westfairinc.com.
Diversify, diversify, diversify. That”™s what public relations practitioner Harriet Ketive Lerner, founder of Harriet Lerner Enterprises L.L.C., has done in the face of the recession.
“Stop servicing or networking only in certain fields,” Lerner said. “For example up until now, because of my background as director of marketing at the Westchester County Board of Realtors, it seemed a natural transition when I established my public relations company 10 years ago that I would service mortgage companies and real estate conglomerates.”
Following the subprime mortgage meltdown and other troubles in the real estate market, Lerner, while keeping some accounts in the field, transitioned to companies in other sectors.
In addition, she had her web site re-designed, studied and gave talks on social media and spent more time in professional organizations, “so I could learn about the latest techniques in my profession without signing up for webinars all the time,” Lerner said.
This fall, Lerner will serve as co-president of the revived Association of Women in Communications.
Lerner also joined and devoted time to the White Plains Rotary. “Service to others is the kind of goal that keeps our heads on straight,” she said. “At the end of the year I was one of the Rotarians that received a Paul Harris Award, the highest award for service. How sweet is that?”
