Name: Kate Labat
Title: PR Manager
Location: San Diego, CA
Education: San Diego State University, BA in Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations
Company: Be Social
Instagram: @besocialpr, @katelabat
With a self-proclaimed “Can Do”attitude, Kate Labat heads up west coast agency Be Social’s PR division, a position she achieved after starting with the company as an entry-level PR assistant. Now she leads the team in navigating media relationships and strategies across print, digital and broadcast mediums. Kate’s proficiency in strategic planning, and fresh messaging has contributed to consistent press wins and a competitive edge for Be Social clients.
Name: Kate Labat
Title: PR Manager
Location: San Diego, CA
Education: San Diego State University, BA in Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations
Company: Be Social
Instagram: @besocialpr, @katelabat
I started at Be Social over three years ago as an entry-level PR assistant. It was my second job out of college. Being at a boutique agency, you quickly learn how to wear a lot of hats to accomplish all that needs to get done and how to take on a “just do it” attitude. At the time, we were a much smaller team so I was helping with everything from crafting social media posts for clients to pitching media in San Diego and national contacts.
As time went on at Be Social, I took on more responsibility within the company and my role with clients, strategy, pitching, and managing other team members. I am now the PR Manager and oversee the entire PR branch of the company and all of our PR clients. It’s pretty crazy to look back at where I started and see where the company is now. I feel very honored that I have been a part of Be Social’s success – I’ve grown right alongside the company!
My responsibility first and foremost is to ensure all of our clients are getting placed in top media outlets for continued buzz and exposure. Other responsibilities include crafting quarterly strategy guides for our clients, drafting pitches, building media lists, securing coverage for our clients, and overseeing the PR team as a whole. Managing the PR team entails coming up with methods/strategies to work together smarter not harder, brainstorming new ideas, events or pitch concepts, and ensuring everyone on the team feels they are equipped for success.
Be Social is structured in four different departments: PR, Social Media, Influencer Relations and Be Social Talent. Each department has a lead team member to be the driving force behind each division to keep things streamlined and successful.
Being at a boutique agency, you quickly learn how to wear a lot of hats to accomplish all that needs to get done and how to take on a “just do it” attitude.
It always feels great when you get kudos from clients for the work you’ve done. Recently, our client Bzees told us they saw a significant spike in sales as a result from the recent placements we secured and were super excited for the coverage — that’s the goal!
I think the most meaningful moment would have to be receiving recognition and validation from Ali Grant (Be Social Founder) for my contribution and work. Be Social is her creation so it means a lot that she trusts my judgement to be a leading member of the team.
Most glamorous would probably be getting to travel to New York a few times a year. Any chance I get to visit that amazing city — sign me up. The energy is at a whole other level out there. I always love getting to meet with editors face to face on their turf.
Easy: showing up for early morning news segments. 6am call times are not pretty.
PR is not cut and dry. Every day is different and the media landscape is constantly changing. There are so many factors that come into play when coming up with a successful strategy for clients. You have to take into account timely happenings, competitors, marketing budgets, branding, etc. There isn’t one black and white solution for everyone. It takes time, creativity and experience to understand what works and what just doesn’t.
I’m excited to see the convergence of influencers and media. Influencers have earned a lot more respect (remember when “blogger” was almost a bad word?) and are being utilized as resources. At Be Social, we work with influencers and media on a regular basis so I love being able to learn both sides of the spectrum.
Relax! Student loans will get paid in time, you will find a job in your field. Everything always works out when you work for it.
Never be too proud or afraid to ask for help. If I am feeling overwhelmed or stressed out, I tell my co-workers! The point of having a team is to be able to lean on one another. I always feel better after I talk it out, and bounce ideas off each other to come up with a solution. Also, you must always keep your sense of humor. Sometimes when things are extra crazy or seem out of control, it always cuts the tension to have a laugh, then get back to it.
2. Google Calendar organizes my life (work and personal). I put everything in my calendar – even down to time blocking out tasks I need to get done.
3. Our client EyeBuyDirect’s digital protection glasses. I am at my computer or on my phone constantly. These glasses have a protective lens to protect your eyes from the harsh effects of blue light that come off screens. I can honestly say, my eyes are not killing me at the end of the day anymore with these guys (plus, they look really cute on my desk – bonus).
The media landscape is undergoing major changes lately. Publishing houses are trying to figure out how to cut budgets and still produce engaging content. Editors are BUSY and are expected to produce a lot of content quickly, so being able to cut through the noise and grab their attention is getting more difficult. Not to mention video content and podcasts are on the rise, so understanding and staying on top of all areas of multimedia platforms is very important.
Relax! Student loans will get paid in time, you will find a job in your field of study and everything always works out when you work for it. I spent way too many nights freaking out over money and wondering where I was going to end up.
Our office in San Diego is always looking for interns! If you’re a college student wanting to dive in, email terra@besocialpr.com.
Thanks, Kate!
