Final Blog For Now

Cert 4 in PR has taught me determination, hard work, STRESS and how to work in a group situation...well how I should work.

I have seen that PR is not for everybody – so to the last of us that have made it to the end WOOHOO....... we did it!!

Studying PR has taught me copious amounts of coffee during the day will keep me going and a few wines after getting home helps to wind down.

I’ve learnt not to take everything so seriously all of the time, sometimes it is okay to let go and let others run with the ball, (as long as I don’t get lobbed in the head with it).

I have learnt to persevere even when I felt inadequate (publisher) sorry Rebel, I am still not a fan.

What is the spin?

http://www.perthnow.com.au/entertainment/perth-confidential/gallery-e6frg343-1226073048151?page=1

At first glance you may think this article is about the ever eccentric English actress Helena Bonham Carter and another of her unconventional career decisions; however it’s rather plain to see that the publicist working behind the scenes at the Marc Jacobs fashion empire is trying to generate more buzz and publicity in being associated with an oddball actress better known for her fashion don’ts.

The spin is obviously that Marc Jacobs went down the unconventional route and didn’t choose a typical supermodel type. Hmmm maybe Mark Jacobs Company Inc is trying to give Alexander McQueen a dose of healthy competition??

I think the PR officer wants all the fashion folk to be sitting up and taking notice, they’d want them waiting, discussing and writing about Marc Jacobs and his up and coming collection and campaign.

Social Media – Friend or Foe?

I believe social media in this day and age is a necessary evil. Personally speaking I can admit to many a wasted day spent on facebook – not doing much at all…………….. okay okay so I was doing the facebook stalk, checking out what the ex's are up to, spying on what others have been doing lately or having a laugh at clearly over posed awkward lean style posted photos - you know the ones the “aren’t I great” and “I am having such a fabulous time” photos.

In the hands of others social media has become a flashing neon billboard sized advertisement for their entire life. Did I really need to know that your ex is now sleeping with your now ex best friend, that you’re doing your grocery shop for the week or even worse that you’ve been up all night coz your kids been sick? At both ends........HELL NO!!!

I have a lot of trouble relating to these kinds of people who broadcast every single mundane event on the internet... Why do they do it? What motivates them, I have no idea.

Used in the right way social media can be a fantastic tool for a Public Practitioner to put out their clients/company’s view out into the world, though it’s essential to be completely transparent ......people are able to see through the bullshit.

For the most part Social Media used by the right people in the right way can be extremely advantageous.

Australia’s Next Top Model Season 6 – Stunt or Gaffe?

Looking back at footage, it appears to ME from the look of embarrassment and discomfort Sarah Murdoch appears genuinely horrified that she was

1) told the incorrect information and 2) just announced to Australia and to the world the incorrect winner.

So what do I know really? Cynics out there would more than likely disagree with my view and they’re probably right.

It probably was a P.R. stunt to garner headlines and to guarantee A.N.T.M season 7!!

All's right that ends right, right? At least the loser Kelsey of the competition got to go to New York and try her luck at modelling and more importantly the $25,000.

So, how would I promote the Cert IV in Public Relations?

From my own personal experience in participating in the cert IV course, I feel it is very important to tackle head on with the wannabes, the people who enrol in the course but have no real idea what P.R. is and what a P.R. practitioner really does!

I think Central should advertise on their enrolment website and deal with the misconception that P.R. is a trivial, frivolous, never-ending party circuit but rather that it involves a lot of hard work, lots of writing and that it can be a hard slog, yet so worthwhile for the right person. Though in saying this, I can admit that some of the industries, that P.R. practitioners may be interested in going into, may involve some out-of-office hours, schmoozing, canapés and champagne.

If I were to promote this course for a career expo at a exhibition centre, I would definitely get online and start to reach out to the target demographic of year twelve school leavers and begin advertising on facebook by setting up a like page, getting on twitter and getting it out there, that a career expo was going to be held. I would of course include all activities, prizes and things of interest that would be happening during the course of the day at the expo.

On the actual day of the expo at the display stand, I would reiterate what P.R. is really about, that it’s not for the faint hearted and if they’re afraid of hard work – Do not bother enrolling!!! I think it’s important to steer the right people into this course and ultimately the right people into this industry.

One way I think would be great to get interest and traffic flow, to the display stand would be to run a flash mob at random times of the day. (Perhaps twice in the day)

Can you imagine the buzz generated by the chaos and fun of a mob scene!

Expectations...Inspirations...Aspirations...

So what do I really want to do once I finish this course? Well first things first I will be jumping on the first available flight direct to Sydney. Both to chill out on a 2 week break and to catch up with my brother, whom I love more than chocolate!!!

FAST FORWARD TO TWO WEEKS!
 (Less said, the better)

Right after arriving back in Perth, I’ll be on the hunt, for a job in P.R. with an agency. Using the contacts I already have, trying to wrangle a job with either of my two mentors (who are already in the industry) proving to them that I would be a fantastic asset, both to them and to their companies. If they are not able to take me on a full time basis, maybe I could freelance for them while working elsewhere? Or even just straight out freelance Public Relations all over Perth. Whilst working I am hoping to also attend university (part-time; only doing a couple of units) and complete a Communication degree.

I definitely think the universe is pushing me towards fashion P.R. Every day I am meeting more and more of the who’s who of the fashion crowd of Perth, making valuable connections. That will prove invaluable for my future P.R. career.

One of my mentors Caitlin, has told me the first 2 years in the industry, my life will no longer be my mine; it will instead belong to my future boss! Dramatic much?  It very well may be the case but I say “Bring it on”. I can’t wait to get out in the P.R. world to use all I’ve learnt at Central and to put it into practice, to actually start working, to develop campaigns and to work on promotions, WOOHOO I can’t wait to start working!!

Looking into the future at what I wish for myself in the long term; say in 5 to 10 years. I am hoping that my brothers wanderlust has waned somewhat and he decides to return to Perth to live. So both of us can join forces, and start a company combining both of our talents, His super amazing styling skills and by then my finely tuned awesome P.R. know-how.

Six word story

Jobs mean money, Money means debts!!!