Those of us who work at PR agencies tend to thrive in fast-paced environments. We like to be busy. We’re multi-taskers. We’d rather be expressing our creativity and strategic thinking on behalf of our clients than perusing the Internet all day, watching the clock and waiting for it to strike 5:30 p.m. so we can go home and do it all again the next day. But, this kind of work can be taxing, and it seems everyone I talk to these days is just as busy. Trust me, I’m not complaining. I love my job and I love being busy, but amid the chaos and deadlines it’s important to take a vacation or “time out” every now and again.  We have personal time off (PTO)/vacation time – it’s meant to be used.

As I write this, I’m thrilled that a fellow vacation time accruer, NST president Bill Trumpfheller, is in Spain right now enjoying a little PTO with his family.  I, too, am planning for a little PTO next week. I’m taking a trip to Zion and Bryce national parks where I’ll be camping, hiking and eating over a campfire.  It’s a needed time out, where I hope to re-charge my battery. At NST, we strive for a work/life balance, and taking time for yourself is part of that. Even if you can’t vacation, a local staycation or day off to relax can often do the trick and can make your time in the office more productive and enjoyable.  Happy summer vacationing!

We’ve had fun celebrating National Physical Fitness & Sports Month throughout May. Although, our NSTers really don’t need a month designated to healthy activity and sports: we live it.

If you haven’t seen our many posts about Major League Baseball, check out Opening Day … It’s Like Christmas at Nuffer, Smith, Tucker to see how baseball is celebrated by CEO Kerry Tucker.

Baseball is also Michelle’s favorite sport. “I played softball from age 9 to age 26 and the tradition continues with my daughter Trista playing Little League now. She is great at first base and has about an .800 batting average!”

Even though workouts at Crossfit Invictus can get competitive, that doesn't stop Price from mastering kettle bell swings.

Some NSTers, like Price, follow a more regimented workout routine. Price has been doing crossfit since January 2010 and it has completely changed her outlook on fitness. “It’s not just about looking good, but also feeling good and helping your body do what it is designed to do,” says Price. “Crossfit Invictus has allowed me to push myself mentally and physically further than I ever thought and increase my confidence and mental toughness.”

For other NSTers, being active outside is a preference.

She's conquered Half Dome in Yosemite, where will Teresa's hiking take her next?

“My favorite exercise by far is hiking, and I’m still surprised by how many hidden hiking trails there are in San Diego County – if you know where to look,” says Teresa. “I love exploring new places and would love to visit as many national parks as possible. I go to Yosemite almost annually, and this year I will be exploring two new national parks: Zion and Bryce.”

Katie (left) and her friend enjoying an afternoon of kayaking on Mission Bay.

For Katie, it’s the location of her apartment that makes it easy for her to stay active. “I live about one block away from Mission Bay, meaning I’m just steps from a bike path, sand and cool bay breezes – the perfect elements for training for my first half marathon.” Good luck, Katie!

We’ve said it before, and Mary will say it again: being fit isn’t just a benefit for our bodies, but also for our minds. “I feel off balance when I don’t exercise, so that’s why I do it at least five times a week. Even when it means waking up at 5 a.m. to get a workout in before my daughters wake up.”

Becky agrees, but adds that a nighttime workout is a great way for her to unwind after work. “Besides actually making me feel better, working out on a regular basis helps me de-stress and relax.” Becky’s workout of choice includes TRX, Pilates and yoga with some spinning mixed in for fun.

And that seems to be the key for us all of us at NST – fun! We balance working hard and playing hard, which for most of us means being active in our personal lives.

As for me, here’s the spectator information to catch me (if you can) at the San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll ½ Marathon on June 5!

What’s your favorite way to keep active?

If you weren’t aware, May is National Physical Fitness & Sports Month, as designated by the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition. The purpose of National Physical Fitness & Sports Month is to encourage Americans to get active and play…and we couldn’t be more excited here at NST!

We truly believe in the benefits of living an active and healthy lifestyle and we work hard to support healthy habits in our workplace.

You may have seen our previous blog post about NST’s “Corporate Walking” program, but we’ve outdone ourselves this time.

In celebration of National Physical Fitness & Sports Month, today, May 18, is National Employee Health and Fitness Day and we proudly present to you “C.W. – The Video”. It’s an inside look into the NST C.W. program – rules, routes and why C.W.ing is important to our employees.

Enjoy…and don’t forget to get out there and be active! Also, check back throughout the month for more on how NSTers are celebrating National Physical Fitness & Sports Month.

C.W. – The Video: http://vimeo.com/nstpr/cdub

As part of LEAD’s EMBARK San Diego program, the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Doug Holman talked to us about something that many people were never taught how to do, but yet are often expected to do — networking.

We’ve all been at an event where we’ve tried to dodge the obnoxious guy trying to pitch his services and gather as many business cards as possible. “That guy” is what has given the concept of networking and networking events a bad name.

“Networking is different than selling,” said Holman. If that’s true, then what is networking really about?

Holman maintains that the best way to network is to make yourself a resource and ask yourself how you can help the other person. “But 90 percent of the population refuses to do this,” he said. This means understanding the needs of others, demonstrating concern and finding ways to help. And if you don’t know what other people may need, ask them, and do it in a way that is engaging. Have enthusiasm and empathy when appropriate. Show you care and this will make others in turn care about you too.

This change in perspective, from “what can I get out of networking?” to “how can I help someone else?” will change the result of your efforts. While building a strong professional network can take time, doing so is a worthwhile effort that can lead to mutually beneficial relationships for all.

A few other words of advice from Holman:

• Networking is marketing yourself as likeable.
• We’re all narcissists – we’re wired that way. Ask about other people, what they do, what their interests are and how you can help.
• Not everyone is going to be your cup of tea – and that’s OK.
• You are making a first impression all the time.

Keep these tips top of mind next time you are at an event.

EMBARK San Diego helps participants develop and hone skill sets in the areas of leadership development. Participants engage in a personalized leadership assessment diagnostic, dynamic team-building experiences and learn the art of building a professional network, among other skills. For more on EMBARK and other LEAD programs, visit leadsandiego.org.

A merger of traditional and virtual tools aimed at bringing the shopping or dining experience to life from home, phone or in-store is emerging with the potential to dramatically expand the scope and impact of consumer marketing.

The “paths to purchase” are multiplying with consumer touch points expanding tenfold. Access to engage and get reactions from consumers is much more cost effective than it used to be. No matter how you slice it, success is about reaching audiences important to you by integrating a mix of new and traditional tactics.  How well are you leveraging this new source of influence?