6 Things Every Title Holder Should Do Once She's Crowned

Crowning Moment of McKenzie Reznicek

Winning a title is exciting and rewarding. It may seem as if the long journey to the crown is finally over. But in reality, this is where the road traveled of service and scholarship becomes even more of a whirlwind.

Honestly, a title-holder should be doing exactly the things that led her to the crown in the first place.  Serving others. That's one of the reasons she was chosen as queen. But here is a more comprehensive list of items of what every title holder should be doing once she's crowned.

1. Community Service. Duh. This one is a no-brainer. In fact, a title holder should already have a platform of which she's developed over time that she'll continue to promote throughout her reign.

Sofia donates art supplies

Miss Texas promoting her project at her city's back to school event

2. Build community relationships. If you haven't done so already, visit your local businesses, charities, schools, and organizations and let them know who you are and what you stand for. Extend a hand of partnership that you intend to grow throughout your reign.

Elizabeth Merriam meets her local fire department

3. Get a professional photoshoot. You'll want to update your look for social media images, comp cards, press releases, business cards, and your sponsorship portfolio. You'll want a variety of shots from dressy to casual and of course head shots in the crown and banner.

Hannahlaura Schuchhardt poses in a casual headshot

4. Get your media kit together. See tip number three? You'll be promoting a platform locally, across your state, and hopefully nation-wide! So you'll need a professional looking package (media kit) that includes your comp card complete with your social media and other contact information, sponsorship letter, and one or two news clippings that show examples of your work in the community. You'll present this to potential sponsors, members of congress, news outlets, small or large businesses, community organizations, schools...everyone. So you'll want it to look professional and neat. You may even want to secure a graphic designer who can customize and brand for a consistent look across all of your material. Once you have your kit together you can start promoting yourself around your community.

Georgia State Title Holders Meet Governor Deal at the State Capitol

5. Update your wardrobe. With all the attention you'll attract through your work in the community, you'll need outfits to make appearances in. Your regular pageant wardrobe should be fine to start you off with, but you'll eventually need a whole year's worth of seasonally appropriate attire that will make you look like the queen you are. You also want a variety of items to include anything from red carpet appearances, to "down on the floor with school children during story time" outfits.

6. Make a plan. What do you intend to accomplish this year? Set goals. Map it out, plan the details, set deadlines and stay optimistic that your new year of reign will be the best one yet.

Envision your reign.