After spending 20 plus years in the Public Relations industry, it is always nice to sit back and reflect on the decisions that got me to where I am. This insight is very valuable to those beginning a career in PR in 2015, because they can seek answers to problems they do not have to go through. I wanted to lament several things that I believe will set you a part from your peers and help you excel within the industry. Here are my six secrets to success:

Stop Being Fake

Just get out there and do the right thing and be who you are. Make it natural. he right thing is not relative to whether or not you believe you have “what it takes” to make it. It’s all about seeing an issue and making the right decision.

Surround Yourself with Successful People

There is no better way to get the best opportunities than to be around the best people. Learn what they will teach you, and offer to help them in their tasks. In this way, you will learn more. Learn from the people you want to surpass.

Shut up and Listen

You are not perfect. Understand that and all it entails. Mistakes are not unforgivable. However, a lack of curiosity and an inability to take criticism definitely is. You will get nowhere if you cannot improve.

Take Sensible Risks

Don’t just leap off the ledge and hope you can fly. Look at where you might land, strap on the best flying device you have at your disposal, and THEN jump. In other words, be willing to take risks, but calculate the costs of both success and failure.

Prepare for Success

Nothing stings quite so bad as becoming overwhelmed with success, and having that screw up your career – and your life. Success can weigh you down. It can be suffocating and detrimental if you are not prepared for it. So, prepare. Watch and learn from people who are where you would like to be. Don’t let short-term success ruin your chances of long-term success.

Be Honest and Dependable

You might think this one is a no-brainer, but it wouldn’t be on the list if it didn’t bear saying. Far too many people play fast and loose with their commitments. Don’t be one of these people. Ever. For any reason.

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Ronn Torossian is the Founder & Chairman of 5W Public Relations, one of the largest independently owned PR firms in the United States. Since founding 5WPR in 2003, he has led the company's growth and vision, with the agency earning accolades including being named a Top 50 Global PR Agency by PRovoke Media, a top three NYC PR agency by O'Dwyers, one of Inc. Magazine's Best Workplaces and being awarded multiple American Business Awards, including a Stevie Award for PR Agency of the Year. With over 25 years of experience crafting and executing powerful narratives, Torossian is one of America's most prolific and well-respected public relations executives. Throughout his career he has advised leading and high-growth businesses, organizations, leaders and boards across corporate, technology and consumer industries. Torossian is known as one of the country's foremost experts on crisis communications. He has lectured on crisis PR at Harvard Business School, appears regularly in the media and has authored two editions of his book, "For Immediate Release: Shape Minds, Build Brands, and Deliver Results With Game-Changing Public Relations," which is an industry best-seller. Torossian's strategic, resourceful approach has been recognized with numerous awards including being named the Stevie American Business Awards Entrepreneur of the Year, the American Business Awards PR Executive of the Year, twice over, an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year semi-finalist, a Top Crisis Communications Professional by Business Insider, Metropolitan Magazine's Most Influential New Yorker, and a recipient of Crain's New York Most Notable in Marketing & PR. Outside of 5W, Torossian serves as a business advisor to and investor in multiple early stage businesses across the media, B2B and B2C landscape. Torossian is the proud father of two daughters. He is an active member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and a board member of multiple not for profit organizations.