Tag: Brooke Simmons Sydney

The lessons from 2019

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I’m writing this on a Sunday morning leading up to Christmas – thinking about everything this year has taught me. What a teacher of the year 2019 has been for me.

2019 was very much the year of priorities – and the major priority for me this year was my health.

I heard a podcast this year that used the saying “Your health is your wealth” and that really resonated with me.

In case you missed it (or you’re new to the blog) I had a few health issues this year that made me hit the “pause” button on both businesses for a substantial amount of time. (You can read more here)

The benefit of this?

I realised where my priorities needed to lie with both businesses. It was in taking a step back, I was actually taking a step forward. It wasn’t easy, as someone who is happiest when her laptop is open, keys tapping away, radio /music playing softly in the background and the cat is purring away on “her” chair, resting and listening to my body was a huge lesson for me.

But it’s enabled me to make some changes and plans for the next 12 months and I’m excited about that.

The next priority lesson I learned was in relation to my time. While I was resting and recovering knowing that I had to let this process take its time. It was on its own schedule and I had to adhere to it.

I’m now working on building a better “timetable” which allows me to focus equally on both businesses, while also giving myself the much-needed rest my body still needs.

Finally, the priority of people in your life. Notifying my clients immediately what was going on and being completely transparent really did help build stronger relationships with them.

My family supported me, cared for me and got me through what was a rollercoaster of a year and I can’t thank them enough.

My friends – you know who you are – your support, words of encouragement and visits were appreciated beyond belief.

So, here’s to a better year in 2020, using these lessons from 2019 and creating more success for my clients, my business, and most importantly a happy and healthy life.

Podcasts: What I’m currently listening to

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Whether you’re in the car, commuting to work on the train or bus or hitting the gym and need some distraction, Podcasts are a fabulous way to be entertained, informed and educated.

Below I’ve shared my list of my favourite podcasts (in no particular order!)

The Squiz – These girls are my WAKE-UP crew. After I listen to local news, I’m straight into this podcast and their daily email. You won’t regret adding this to your must-listen list, you’ll be kept up-to-date with current news and events in an instant, so you can impress your work colleagues with how very informed you are!

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Seize The Yay – If you read our post about Gary V, then you’ll know I’m pretty darn keen on Sarah and her Podcast Seize The Yay. What I love about this podcast is Sarah’s interviewing style, it’s very natural, I feel like I’m sitting with friends, having a conversation. Added bonus – the show notes – are BANG. ON. Always great if you’re keen to learn more about a guest.

Screen Shot 2019-10-03 at 6.04.44 pmLauren Conrad – Asking For a Friend – Okay, so for anyone who has known me for more than 15 years will know, that I have an absolute girl-crush on  Lauren Conrad aka LC. So much so that a friend bought me an authentic LC autographed picture one Christmas. What’s so fabulous about Lauren’s podcast? The topics are varied but so relevant to any young woman. Her guests (often friends of Lauren’s) offer great bits of advice that’s achievable, in any particular area. It’s the honesty, but also the support network that’s clearly a reflection of what an absolute gem Lauren is inside and out.

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Socialette: Bite-Sized Online Marketing Podcast – This is the perfect quick listen after a meeting or whenever you’ve got less than 10 minutes. Steph’s podcasts and short, sharp and to the point. I love the frequency of the Socialette podcasts and the variety of guests.

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I’d love to be guest on a podcast, in fact, it’s a goal on my vision board for 2020. In the meantime, I’ll keep listening to these podcasts and hoping that I get closer to that goal day by day.

Tell me, what are YOU listening to? Any recommendations would be gratefully appreciated.

 

Featured image via Unsplash

An intern’s perspective

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As we look for a new Intern (click here more details about applying!), we’ve asked Jordyn Rankin our most recent Intern, to reflect on her experience.

 

So Jordyn, what did you expect from your internship & what was the reality of your internship experience?

I honestly didn’t know what to expect from interning with Pursuit Communications, I guess that’s because this was my first ever intern experience. So, I went into this with an open mind and an eagerness to learn, even though I knew it would be challenging, yet it would also be very valuable for my future in the PR industry.  

The PR industry is definitely portrayed in a glamorous light and I thought that I would step into this internship with an abundance of knowledge from everything I have learned at University so far. I was quick to realise that a lot of what we are taught in the classroom plays only a small part in this fast-paced industry.

Jordyn, under 100 words – describe your interning experience… 

The reality of my experience, over the 10 months I was with Pursuit proved that practical experience in the PR industry is so important whilst studying at University. I got to see first hand all the time, effort and hard work that goes into having a PR business in order to be successful. I know I have a lot more to learn, however interning with Pursuit has confirmed my passion for PR!

 

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Jordyn Rankin

 

With this in mind, do you think Intern experiences should count towards university credit points?

I think that every University should encourage more students to undertake internships because the benefits are endless. However, in my opinion, the most important benefit is that it gets your foot in the door, gets your name out there and is a way of networking and forming relationships, which is so important to do.

Real-life experience has personally given me a lot more confidence and motivation to succeed and now I’m able to add an internship on my resume, which is also a huge bonus. Brooke (Founder of Pursuit Communications and Central Coast Chronicle) has been an amazing mentor and from day one, I always felt supported in my work and my ideas. With her help, I can now go into my next internship or job interview with some real industry examples and knowledge that will set me apart from the rest.

Where do you see the PR industry moving in the next three to five years?

This is a very hard one to predict because of how fast the industry is evolving and how much the web and social media revolutionises the way the PR industry operates. Having also studied Marketing at Tafe I can definitely see both PR and Marketing complimenting each other and becoming more integrated. Utilising both of these disciplines is definitely proving the overall success of businesses today in reaching its target markets. As a result, I think there will always be a demand for experienced, result driven PR practitioners.

 

How so?

The PR industry is a lot more than just press releases and getting the word out to journalists. (If you’re still thinking that it’s just media releases, you really need to chat to Pursuit – some of the ideas Brooke comes up with for her clients are absolute “WOW-factor!”)

So following this line of thinking, PR is becoming more popular for businesses (well I think so!) because of the multitude of ways a message can be executed. PR isn’t advertising, nor is it like marketing. It’s all about storytelling and shaping an image of a certain product, service, event, or organisation. Therefore, PR gives businesses an exciting way to stay connected with their customers (both existing and potential) and an opportunity to educate the general public about what it is they do – in (perhaps) an unconventional way. 

Any tips for those considering starting an internship program?

The sooner you start interning the more you will get out of your degree and the more experienced you’ll be entering the workforce after University. You will learn so much more by gaining practical experience, so step out of your comfort zone, ask questions (there are no right or wrong questions) and make your resume stand out above the rest. 

Finally, interning is also a lot more than just showing up and doing what you’ve got to do. It’s about being proactive in the office, anticipating what might be happening and asking if you can help (go above and beyond!) it’s also about getting to know what other PR agencies are out there and what they’re all about so I highly recommend researching, talking to people and attending networking events!! It will hugely benefit you and your future as a PR practitioner during your time at University and also when you step foot into the real world.

Brooke’s note: Jordyn, thank you for what you added to Pursuit and to the launch of Central Coast Chronicle. You were here at a critical time for both businesses and your ability to adapt and “switch gears” from “PC” to “CCC” at a moment’s notice was very much appreciated. I wish you continued success with your studies and entering the workforce.

Top tips for WHAT TO DO at work Christmas parties

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As event organisers, we’re in a good position to offer our opinion as to the “do’s” and “don’ts” of Christmas party behaviour!
It’s been a long year for the business and now it’s time to organise that well deserved Christmas party and celebrate the team’s successes.

While this is still a celebration, it is still an extension of the workplace and an opportunity for some team bonding with your colleagues and supervisors. So, keep in mind that good behaviour also goes a long way at these sort of events, otherwise it can result in being overlooked for promotions, or being the office gossip going into the New Year or even worse – losing your job!
Remember, you’re your own PR – so make sure the “news” is good when it comes to your post-party report.

Here are some tips to make sure you stay on the “nice” list at your Christmas party this year:

  • Dress appropriately: Remember this is still a work event, so make sure you are aware of the dress code expectations beforehand. Be sure to avoid anything too casual or revealing.  If in doubt, ask the event organiser or your supervisor.
    Watch your alcohol consumption: Reputation lasts a lot longer than a hangover does – as does anything captured on social media.
  • Stay in control of how much you’re drinking, you don’t want to be known as “the one who takes advantage of the free drinks” over engaging with others.
  • Make an effort: be sure to ‘mingle and jingle’ with as many people possible, not just the ones you speak to on a daily basis at work. Consider this as a networking opportunity.
  • Have fun! Christmas parties can still be a chance to have a great time, so don’t be dull – you don’t have to be a wallflower, you can have a great time while remaining sensible.

Keeping these tips in mind, it will also give you that rare chance to get to know those around the office who you don’t normally work with and develop good impressions which could also benefit you later on.

It’s all about that personal branding!

Launch of my FREE Consultation

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On the PURSUIT COMMUNICATIONS Instagram account this morning I announced the LAUNCH of my FREE 10-minute consultation offering.

I’ve created this for those of you out there who aren’t quite sure if PR is right for your business, but you’re hesitant to speak to someone because you think you may be corralled into a campaign.

Perhaps you’ve tried PR before but it didn’t quite achieve what it was your were after and you know you have to do something to get your business out there, but how? Social media? PR? A combination?

Ask Pursuit.

So what are you waiting for?

It’s obligation free and you’ll get some great tips to take with you to drive your business to the next level.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK 

La La Land & Public Relations

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n the 2016 film La La Land, one of the first songs is “Someone in the Crowd”. If you haven’t seen the film or heard the song, do yourself a favour, and have a quick listen. (Note: link opens Spotify)

While listening to the song on my way to a meeting, I found some very clear comparisons between the song and public relations and it’s not hard to see some of the connections.
You got the invitation You got the right address
If you’re on the guest list, you’re well on your way to connecting with those who will help you get to where you want. You may think at that particular point “what am I doing here?”, you never know, in the future, you may just thank your “past self”!

A little chance encounter
Could be the one you’ve waited for

We’ve all been at events where we meet that one person, who is exactly who we needed to meet. Whether it’s someone who can connect you with someone else or indeed the person you’ve tried to track down, that “Someone in the crowd” could be at that party, business event or even at your local coffee shop!

Tonight we’re on a mission
Tonight’s the casting call
If this is the real audition
Oh, God, help us all

Everyone has a goal at every event they attend. It might be as simple as having a good time, however in the business world, attending an event usually has a purpose. If you’re there to network, catch-up with some business associates or to introduce a new contact to some of your contacts, there’s a goal to meet and it’s always “the real audition” so it’s vital you present your best self!

You make the right impression
Then everybody knows your name
We’re in the fast lane

This is relatively easy to “translate”. If you present your best self, the word of mouth recommendations will “speak for themselves”. (sorry bad pun!) Once you’ve made that great first impression, you’ll be on your way to success.

Someone in the crowd could be the one you need to know
The one to finally lift you off the ground
Someone in the crowd could take you where you wanna go

Finally, that someone in the crowd could be the person you’ve been looking to meet. If you see someone standing on their own at an event, go and talk to them, you never know how they might be able to help you in taking you to where you want to go!

Key takeaway points:

*GO to that event, you may not feel like, but you never know who you’ll meet and how they might be able to help.

*Always present your BEST self. Just because you may be seeing some of the same faces, it’s no excuse to slack off in your appearance.

*Don’t forget the incredible value of word-of-mouth referrals. You make the right impression one, that one person has the potential to increase your business ten-fold. Don’t be afraid to ask for referrals or indeed a recommendation on LinkedIn.

If you’re thinking about GROWING your profile look at my “Grow with PR” session  it could be the next best step you make for your business. 

 

Hello 2017!

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2017 – full of promise and potential. 

A new year equals new opportunities. 

With this in mind, Pursuit is now taking on NEW CLIENTS. So if you’ve been considering PR, Social Media or increasing your personal brand, please give me a call.


We can discuss your thoughts and I’ll make initial recommendations and if you’d like to explore the possibility of a proposal then we can take that next step. 

There are lots of exciting developments on the horizon at Pursuit HQ, I’ve spent this past week planning and I’m looking forward to sharing the excitement with you in due course. 

-Brooke 

Why I might switch to a Google phone

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Last week Google released their PIXEL phone. I’ve been reading various blogs about the benefits of the phone.

While THIS BLOG is specifically targeting PR professionals, the reasons for switching to a Pixel could be applied to anyone really.

I really like the idea of being able to search specifically for photos and while you can do this (in limited capacity) with the iPhone, it would appear on the surface that the Pixel takes searching to the next level. (Shouldn’t be a surprise coming from Google).

What features would you like from a mobile device?

-Brooke