Just today, I had lunch with a music industry executive at which we discussed the complexities associated with music’s booming digital landscape as well the challenges I face as a new employee at one of Nashville’s top PR firms.

Needless to say, the conversation was passionate – filled with all of the emotion one would expect when human beings navigate unchartered waters.

As I sat there listening to someone whose walls are decorated with “Top Selling Album” awards; it was interesting to hear the angst coupled with excitement about what lies ahead.

Looking within, I recognized this as our connection – the human connection.

No matter our level of individual success, our commonality is an undetermined tomorrow.

Public relations practitioners are masterful “connectors – relationship builders” or whatever you wish to term it. It is our job to connect with our audience, not so we can spin our clients’ needs to a successful outcome, but instead, so we can “serve the public interest as responsible advocates for those we represent” (PRSA Code of Ethics).

Written more concisely, our job . . . is to remember that we are all connected.

Our job . . . is to be mindful of the fact our actions and our words affect real people.

Our job . . . is to be a beacon to those needing comfort and answers.

Our job . . . is to remain human.