On the Case with Arik Hanson, APR

November 2, 2010

Arik Hanson, APR, is the principal of Minneapolis-based ACH Communications, a digital communications consultancy. He is also the co-founder of Help a PR Pro Out (HAPPO) Day, a Twitter-based initiative to help PR professionals who are struggling to find work in a difficult economy. Hanson has more than 14 years of experience in public relations and marketing, and is a member of PRSA’s Minnesota Chapter.

Name: Arik Hanson,APR

Childhood ambition:
To be a writer, in some form or another

Current livelihood:
Principal of ACH Communications

What changed (i.e., how you became interested in public relations):
I didn’t know what I wanted to do after college. I worked in media and then for a manufacturing company where I found out about PRSA and public relations.

First public relations job:
I managed customer-focused publications for a national accounting firm.

What you know now that you wish you’d know then:
The power of relationships. I’ve learned more through working with people in PRSA and professional organizations than from any educational experience.

Best piece of advice ever received:
Work smarter — not longer

Greatest professional accomplishment:
Starting my own communications firm. It was something I always wanted to do, and it’s gratifying to accomplish my goals and make the firm successful.

If you weren’t in public relations, you’d be:
Either coaching or teaching in an elementary school, or teaching college courses on communications

Desired legacy:
That I helped companies and organizations reach and influence audiences in a meaningful and measurable manner, and continue to give back to the profession

Make a “business case” for public relations:
Companies continue to invest in PR because of its ability to build trust with key audiences.