PR and the city

How many people out there can honestly say that they love thier job? What about people who love the work they do but hate where they work?

Well, I am happy to say that I am not one of those people. I felt extremely privileged to intern with Hill & Knowlton knowing that it would be great experience and a fantastic name to have on my resume. My experiences up until this day have far exceeded my expectations.

So what makes H&K so special you might ask? Well, it’s a number of things. Here is my list of things which have enhanced my experience and made my internship so fulfilling. This list also offers some helpful hints as to how employers can make the little people happy.

1. Be supportive

One of my favourite things about working at H&K is that I am encouraged to ask questions. The more I ask the better because they want me to learn and they want to help. I can ask anyone from an assistant consultant to an account director and everyone will take the time to make sure I understand. I never feel stupid and this stops me from making silly mistakes. I ask a LOT of questions.
Helpful hint: Management or senior staff, make yourself available to junior staff members and if they are not asking you the questions, you should be asking them the questions.

2. Treat everyone as equals

In my fours months here I have never felt like an intern. Since day one I as treated as an equal member of the team and was given the same privileges and expectations as everyone else. This made me feel like I was a contributing member, not someone just there to watch and learn.
Helpful hint: Don’t centre out or ignore your intern. If you are going for a staff meeting or maybe out of after work drinks, invite everyone. Client meetings are great learning experiences too so it helps to being the junior people as well.

3. Give constructive criticism - every time

When I am asked to work on something new I’ll work really hard on it and make it perfect before sending it off to be reviewed by someone else. 90 per cent of the time that work is returned to me with the proper corrections and suggestions as to what I could do in the future to make it better. It is a great way to learn and improve my skills.
Helpful hint: Give feedback every time and give explanations as to why changes were made or where the mistakes were.

4. Make work fun

At H&K we work hard and play hard. I frequently laugh throughout my day and it just makes things more enjoyable. A happy worker is a productive worker.
Helpful hint: Offer incentive programs or take your staff to lunch once in a while. A small token of appreciation really goes a long way

5. Acknowledge good work

When I get acknowledgement that I have done something well it actually makes my day and makes me want to work harder. It boosts my self-esteem and inspires me to do better on all my assignments.
Helpful hint: Appreciate your staff and the work they do.

It’s hard being a junior member of a team because it is easy to feel neglected and unappreciated. People often forget that junior people are the ones who become senior people, and by investing your time in them can be truly beneficial.

That being said, my internship has offically come to an end I am thrilled to have landed a full time job here at Hill and & Knowlton. I turly thank my co-workers for their support and encouragment and am honoured to be a memeber of the team.

I really want the iPhone. Its got music, Internet and a nice touch screen; it’s trendy and right now its the biggest thing to have. And it’s not even that expensive. Apple is selling them for $199 (with plan - obviously) and if you ask me that is quite a steal. It does everything a blackberry does (which usually sell for hundreds more) but has music as well. What else could you want out of a phone?

Unfortunately, big corporate Rogers is taking everything it can out of consumers and is charging ridiculous amounts for cell phone plans. Apparently Pricing information was leaked and people went crazy with anti-Rogers campaigns. Now there are debates that this information is false! How can I keep up?

Not to mention the outrage that was caused by this disastrous announcement. A petition is circulating online at a site called fuckyourogers.com encouraging people to boycott the iPhone and cancel your Rogers plans. They have even created videos on YouTube!

Will they succeed? Doubtful. I’m sure millions will still buy the iPhone and subdue to Rogers schemes. Will I? Considering my previous phone plan is still under contract probably not, but that doesn’t make me want it any less.

So, Friday, July 11 keep your eyes open for the iPhone, and the supposed protests that are to take place outside of Rogers stores. It should be an exciting day.

Update: Due to overwhelming consumer response Rogers is revamping thier 3G phone plans. Check out this article from the Globe and Mail which outlines the details of the new plan.

I get bored very easily with the way I look. I almost never wear my hair the same way twice in a row and I am often changing my image through jewelry, accessories, haircuts and colours. I honestly just got tired of the green (for new people my blog was once a green theme, my favourite colour) and wanted a new look. Having grown up a little since PR school I went with something simple and classic.

New, informative and interesting posts to follow soon.

For all my loyal readers, this has nothing to do with PR, but I GOT A PUPPY!!!

My boyfriend and I have been debating getting one for a while and then this past weekend we just decided to do it. We wanted a French bulldog x beagle or x pug but we got the number of breeder from a friend of a friend and decided to go check out some of her puppies. We drove to a small town called Queensville (north of Newmarket) and after almost driving away due to the fact that she had an evil Doberman who we thought was going to eat us. After standing beside the car for a while we notice there was an electrical fence and then proceeded towards the puppies.

We told the breeder that we were interested in bulldog mix breeds and she showed us a puppy that we feel in love with instantly. She was part Olde English Bulldog and part pug and she was the only one left from her litter. My boyfriend picked her up and shit instantly clung to his body and didn’t want to let go. We knew we had to get her.

So, here she is, the newest addition to our family, Zoey.

UPDATE: Zoey is now 10 weeks old and she is a MONSTER! Damn, puppies are more work then babies. She bites everything (including us) and always wants to play. She can’t hold her bladder for more then a couple of hours (and cannot wear diapers - like babies) and she wakes up in the middle of the night! I love her, but geez!

I recently accomplished a personal best as I reached 2,000 hits to my blog. A fairly cheesy feat to many, but sort of exciting for me. I’m sure a good 100 or so of those hits are my own, but it’s still a pretty big thing. I was a little excited after reaching 1,000 hits but that was when I was still in school and colleagues were posting on my site because they had to reach a minimum as oppose to posting because they liked what I said. After a recent post about how I didn’t think I had any fans I received an alarming amount of responses. People actually like what I have to say. This led me to think about the future of my blog. I am not a student any more and although I am still very new to the world of PR, I really want my blog to be a place where people actually learn something rather then just hearing about my experiences.

I truly believe that you learn something everyday, especially in this industry. I do struggle however when decided what is confidential and what is public information. In pretty much any business there are confidentiality agreements and therefore I don’t know what key learning’s I am able to share outside of my co-workers. So as someone who focuses on sharing her personal experiences with others through her blog, it has come to the point where I really don’t know what I can share. Do other bloggers feel they face similar challenges? How do you get around not giving away too much when sharing your experiences with others?

One experience I feel confident in sharing occurred just the other day as I gave my first speaking presentation at a monthly staff meeting. I was nervous about the topic I was presenting on as I really did not contribute greatly to the project, but I figured I was more or less asked to see where my presentation skills really were rather then for my expertise. I am not an incredibly nervous speaker and I actually like the attention. Before any speaking publically in most situations I’d say I’m pretty calm, and then the second I open my month the nerves take over and I talk a as fast as I can (which normally is pretty fast - so I’m talking super-speed here). I know I am doing it but cannot slow myself down. So during my first speaking opportunity in front of my colleagues I was fairly confident that I was going to spit out the words of my nicely prepared presentation as fast as I could.

Now I’m not going to say I rocked it, but I think I did a pretty good job. I maintained decent eye contact and said every key point I had prepared. I think my pace was decent compared to previous experiences and I only stumbled over a few words. People told me afterwards that I did a good job (they were probably just being nice), but overall I’d say for a first time it was pretty damn good.

I should probably clear up for the record that I was only speaking for approximately 1-2 minutes.

So, why do I think I did better then other public presentations? Well firstly I think I was well prepared. Being as nervous as I was I spent a fair amount of time writing and re-writing my notes. Practice really does make perfect. Secondly, I rehearsed. I rehearsed out loud many times and made it flow as best I could. I made edits each time and really focused on making it right. Finally, my own personal touch, I highlighted key works. I’m sure I am not the first to think of this phenomenon, but I think it really works. Like most people I write my notes out in point form, and then I highlight one or two words in the point that are really the focus of what I am trying to say. For example, one of my bullet points read:

“We wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to engage consumers and build brand awareness of the *** program.”

It is not an incredibly challenging point to remember, but I simply highlighted the words ‘engage’ and ‘brand awareness’ so if I happen to glance down at my page my eyes are drawn to the focus of the point. Even if I get the other words wrong I managed to get the key words out. Or if I forget the point altogether my eyes will recognize those words therefore remembering the rest.

Again, I’m no genesis or revolutionary in using this technique, but for anything who struggles with public speaking or having to remember lines - give it a try.

This last month I have taken the challenge of riding my bike to work everyday. This is a challenge because my bike is a piece of crap that was handed down to my by my boyfriend’s mother, I have never been a big bike rider before, and my physical condition I’d say is only so-so. Here is what I have discovered: I love to ride! I live in the King and Bathurst area and work at Bloor and Church. I did the appropriate mapquest calculations and found it is about a 5km ride - not too bad if you ask me.

Biking is great in a city like Toronto because it is relatively flat, some streets have bike lanes and biking is encourage as the city attempts to be “green”. I’ve noticed that as the weather gets warmers the streets become more and more populated with riders (who are usually zooming past me) who share a common bond.

In my month of bike riding I have almost been hit twice (one really close call) and I’ve seen a bike accident once. The girl was not very hurt and it appeared the mirror of the car smacked her elbow, but still!!!

Yes, it can be dangerous, but no more then driving in a car. Many people use that excuse but it’s probably one of the safer ways to travel. . I may be bias but I don’t think there are bad bike riders, just bad car drivers. Thank God for that little bell on my bike because I swear, some drivers just don’t see me.

On one occasion, a driver flew by me so fast and so close I could feel his van braise my arm. I speed up and caught up to him just to tell him to slow down and watch out. My tone was a little harsher then it could have been, but then when I was riding away he honked at me and gave me a dirty look. WTF!

I may not be the most experienced rider, but here are a few pointers to drivers looking to make a biker’s life a little easier.

1. Please look before opening your door when parked on the side of the road.

2. Please do not hug the curb when driving, waiting for a light to change or making a right-hand turn. Please leave room for me and my bike.

3. Please don’t make me ride over potholes (Bloor Street is a disaster). They hurt.

4. Play your music loud enough so I can hear. I like to jam when I ride but find putting headphones on is pretty dangerous.

5. Please do not give me a dirty look if I cut you off you am moving too slow. I’m on a bike - cut me some slack!

Thanks and happy riding.

During school it was easy to post as my 30 or 40 school chums were also posting and writing about things that I directly related with. Since we have been out of school for eight weeks, I say a maximum of five people from my PR class still blog. I debated giving it up too as I figured there was no point to blog now that I had entered the workforce and am working at my ideal agency. The truth is, I like posting even if no one reads it. It is fun to get my random thoughts out and just write about whatever I want. In school we had a mandate to write and comment on six PR based posts by the end of the term. It was easy and fun as I hosted one of the most popular sites. The challenge now is to continue what we started.

I hope to start posting more frequently writing about anything and everything. Will that populate my site? Probably not. Like I said, it is rare for someone to come across your site by mistake. I once made a comment on the Inside PR podcast and instantly my blog was a happening place. Now I no longer do any blog promoting and my audience (aka classmates) no longer blog, making my site one lonely place.

I still read blogs and check my bloglines at least once a week, but just don’t invest the time in it to really make it work. To be a successful blogger required commitment and dedication and time I just don’t have.

So the point of this blog is:

If you want others to read and comment on your blog, you have to read and comment on other blogs.

My Dad and Grandparents still read my blog - I guess that counts for something. Thanks, Guys!

Now that I have spent a solid seven weeks working at a PR agency I have the experience required to write a post about something I have wanted to write about for a while: PR myths.

Let me first explain to what I am referring to. The world has a lot of misconceptions about what public relations is, mainly due to the media and TV shows. Being in PR and having gone to school for it and having done plenty of research beforehand, I had the general idea of what I was getting in to. The general public on the other hand, not so much. I just want to set the record straight.

1. Being in PR is not like being Samantha Jones from Sex and the City (I wish it was….).
Most movies and TV programs take the best out of every job and make it look so fantastic just to jazz up the characters. Now that I actually have a job in PR, I get so mad when I see movies where people have these glamourous jobs and they claim to work PR. I recently saw some stupid Lindsey Lohan movie called Just my luck and she was like in some junior position at a PR agency and when her boss got stuck in an elevator, she had to make a pitch to this big shot celebrity all by herself. She of course, made up some totally innovative ideas and got the client. NOT LIKE REAL LIFE AT ALL!!!

2. It’s not all about celebrities.
Every campaign does not involve a celebrity, in fact, most don’t. If you want to work in PR because you think you will get to meet Brittney Spears, think again.

3. It’s not all about free stuff.
Now even I was expecting something. A little promotional stuff, some perks. I know a girl who got a free phone, that’s about it. Clients aren’t handing out free stuff to their consultants, they’re already paying you! If you want free stuff, PR may not be for you. I am not getting designer handbags, and neither will you.

4. Drinks with clients rarely happens.
Again, another media misconception, but I was under the impression I would get to go to fancy restaurants and have martinis with clients after work. As an intern, this of course would never happen, but even the highly skilled employees don’t have drinks. First, you shouldn’t really mix business with alcohol…it’s a recipe for disaster. Second, who wants to go out after business hours. After 5 p.m. I want to go home, watch America’s Next Top Model, not do more work. Third, business meetings take place in conferences rooms, not at bars.

5. I do not compromise my integrity at work.
A lot of people think of PR and think of lobbying. Now I can’t speak for every person and every agency, but I am not doing unethical work. Most people wouldn’t stand for it these days with new social media technologies and the whole trend of transparencies. I’m not lying either, or stretching the truth to sell a story. The media are too smart for that. I’m not withholding information or doing anything sketchy. I am simply a relayer of information.

6. The media hate PR people
In my six weeks here I have made a lot of media calls, and never have I met anyone rude. There are some people who are writing to deadline so they do not have time to talk to me, but no one is mean. I’ve heard horror stories but if you are polite and courteous, then you’re fine.

7. All PR people do is push releases over the wire.
My god I wish that was true. I do MUCH more than that; news releases are just a part of it - a very small part. PR campaigns are complex and require a lot of work and a lot of planning.

I’m sure there are many more myths to explore, these are only some I could think of while sitting at my desk, taking a much needed break from my media list.

The point is, PR is not what you think it is. It’s not glamourous, not even a little. It’s not about media relations or brand management or event planning or crisis communications. It’s about all of it. It’s hard work and it’s not always fun. Some of it is tedious and boring, but what job isn’t. It is challenging, it is never the same and it is a job that required dedication.

Now it’s almost 5 and I have to get going. If you are considering PR, let me know what you think it is If you are in PR, share with me some of the myths you have encountered either through personal experience, or the public’s misconceptions.

Let’s face it, social media is in and everyone wants a piece of it. Big companies are taking stabs at using social media as a way to connect with audiences, but few are being successful at doing so.

Facebook is one of the most popular web 2.0 tools, which only makes sense as to why so many organizations are using it to sell products, raise awareness, build brand recognition, etc, etc. Facebook has over 70 million active users, is the 6th most-trafficked website in the world and is the 2nd most-trafficked social media site in the world (comScore). 

What is the purpose of facebook? Is it to keep in touch with friends or is it an online marketing tool just like everything else is the world is becoming? Facebook was a seemingly harmless and fun way to connect with friends, until applications began to take over my profile page. Applications exsist as marketing tools used to attack users. Get this, there are over 20,000 applications which have been built on the Facebook Platform. There are 140 new applications added per day and more than 95 per cent of Facebook members have used at least one of these applications. Sounds like a pretty extensive audience outreach to me.

I am just a victim as I have signed up for many of these applications falling into the trap of curiousity. My facebook page has games, horoscopes, maps of where I’ve travelled, my blog, a zombie war, surveys and even a social profile which tells me how I am ranked among my friends. Go facebook.

Don’t even get me started on those gifts. Who would pay $1 for something so ridiculous!

Now although I have lost my train of thought and carried on about how facebook is really an outlet to sell me crap I don’t need, there are some companies who are using it successfully. I recently clicked on a sponsored link by Subway (the sanwiches) and was pleasantly surprised.

Subway has a sponsored ad on facebook and when you click on it a small video pops up and you can watch a 20 second or so ad from Subway. It is not the best ad but is similar to what they have showing on TV right now with the monkey not fitting into a healthy lifestyle.

If you then click on the actual link (not the sponsored video), it takes you to a memory game. Now who doesn’t love memory?

The game only has 20 or so cards which have pictures of vegetables on them that you match up and then get points. However, there are also two monkeys in the mix and if you match them you lose points. I don’t think the points get you anything (even though it would be better if you did), but you can register for promotions and coupons and stuff and then if you play enough, you name will get added on the high scores list. The page also contains links to Subway locations and other crap., but focuses on how eating subway is a part of a healthy lifestyle (like Cheerios is part of a complete breakfast).

I mean, its not overly innovative or original, but a neat concept to get the idea across. Check it out and let me know what you think. In the meantime, next time you log into facebook, take a look at all the subliminal ads and marketing gizmos that are targeting you. It’s sad and scary.

Week four in PR career and I finally feel like I am settling in and getting used to things. My first week was spent reading and doing orientations. My office is huge and there are too many people to remember. I love my team and although I probably have a bias I think they are the best bunch in the group.

There is quite an adjustment between school and work that really takes getting used to. Firstly, the whole 9-5 thing. Most people my age have worked at least one 9-5er in their life, but not me. I find that some nights I am going to bed at 10, and sometimes earlier (like last Thursday, after a few drinks after work). I’m exhausted much of the time, and even on weekends it’s hard to sleep in. I have to dress up, which isn’t a big deal, but owning one pair of dress pants is. I really have to go shopping. But really, everything else is a learning process just like every other big step in my life.

To be honest, I was weary and unsure about how prepared I was for this job after leaving school. I think everyone is nervous coming into a new job, but this is something I am meant to have the skills to do, and what if I wasn’t good enough?

Well, thankfully I am. I find that even if I don’t understand something all I have to do is ask and someone will explain. I often get complimented for asking so many questions. A lot of the words and tools are the same as we were taught in school. Communications plan’s are WAY different (and not as complicated, thank God) and although I am doing basic level tasks, I am given more responsibility each day and am learning so much.

So how did school help? My social media experience definitely gives me an advantage. I love del.icio.us and use it for everything. I know how to ask questions and to make sure I am asking the right ones. I always take the assertive approach and will e-mail my colleagues and ask them for stuff to do when I have finished my work. My CP books sit on my desk at all times and I am very careful when writing anything (except my blog).

Most importantly, I mesh well with my team. Everyone likes me (I hope) and the fact that we all get along makes it much easier to approach people when I need help.

There are also lots of other exciting things that take place that are totally not school or PR related. Things that make me feel special and important. The exciting first big job perks:

I get business cards. Very professional
My outlook invites me to meetings and stuff, and then reminds me of them! (hotmail lifetime user here)
I am having a bio photo and write up done
I have my own cubicle with a name plate thing and all the office supplies I want
Beercart (need I say more?)
Coffee, pop, juice, snacks; it’s like a buffet in here (It’s called the H&K 10 for a reason)
My own phone and extension, oh and e-mail signature
Responsibility, people tell me to do things and I get them done
Confidentially, people trust me, great feeling
Training sessions
My desk can be as messy as I’d like and no one can say anything

So there is no message to be told or lesson to be learn in this post. Just an update of me and how exciting my job is.

P.S. I just heard my AD sing the words to Brittney Spears “I’m not a girl”. Ya, doesn’t get much better than this.