How to Be a PR Professional Even When You're Unemployed

The truth? I haven't had a full-time PR job in 5 years! Also true? Each year I've been unemployed I have facilitated significant PR projects that I can be proud of (and can add to my resume). Not working in the industry I love and feeling as if I am getting left behind was frustrating and had begun to get the better of me. Lucky for me, I realized that there were a few solid ways for me to maintain my PR pro status although I was not working in PR full-time.

1. Become your own client: Although I was fortunate to maintain paying PR work pretty consistently, there was a lot of downtime. There were weeks when I didn't have a project and I risked falling in to a space of true unemployment. During those times, I became my own client. I updated my own website, created content for myself, and pitched myself. I actually landed a patch.com article for myself. Visit my website, like my Facebook page, or follow me on twitter.
2. Create Content: Whether or not you have a client the one thing all PR pros need to do is create content. How you choose to do it doesn't matter. Tweet, update your Facebook, blog, make a video or write an op-ed. What matters is that you're creating content that's compelling, informed, honest, and that you're sharing that content in the appropriate context.
3. Update your toolkit: There's always something new to learn. Read a new book (right now I'm reading WTF Business by Brian Solis), master a new social media tool or learn html. When I have downtime in between jobs and/or clients I've spent that time learning something new. I even taught myself SEO and used it to land a new client.
4. Be with other PR pros: The best part of not having a client to worry about was that it gave me time to attend networking events, workshops, and conferences. Being in the same room with PR pros who are doing great work is priceless. I recently attended events co-sponsored by PRWeek and MSL Group. I met freelancers, entrepreneurs, hiring managers, and even media moguls. Check me out with Arianna Huffington!
   
   
   
   
   
   It's tough being an unemployed PR professional. This industry changes so fast and if you're not careful, you can be left behind. I've used these tips to keep me inspired, motivated, and truly connected to my industry. What tips have you used when you're in between clients and/or unemployed?