Tag: Brooke Simmons

My morning routine since the COVID-19 pandemic hit

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If you’ve read any of my Instagram posts in the past or indeed blog posts here detailing what an “average” morning is like for me, you’ll see it’s pretty busy from the minute I open my eyes. (Not unlike anyone else really!!)

COVID has completely changed that and I thought I’d share how important time management has become since lock-down.

While I wish I woke up looking like this….

via GIPHY

After running a brush through my hair and all that “business” I’m up and out of bed anytime between 5.50am and 6.30am while listening to hourly news headlines, I make my bed and I organise my clothes (definitely not the corporate /smart casual attire of pre-COVID). Once I’m organised, I then head to the kitchen for breakfast with my phone /laptop or iPad in hand.

While eating breakfast I’ll review the capital city newspapers, it’s at a more leisurely pace now with the TV on in the background and monitor what the breakfast programs are reporting. I have more time to actually digest (no pun intended!) what’s being said and listening to the tone of the presenters.

Depending on what the morning holds, I’ll either jump into a couple of emails (I set a timer for 20 minutes) then exercise and listen to updated podcasts.

As I’m on my way to any meetings I’ll listen to other podcasts and a bit of morning radio (oh and there’ll definitely be a sing-a-long in there too!)

via GIPHY

 

HOT TIP: Want to know the songs getting me through my WFH work-day? Click here for the ultimate playlist.

It’s all about a good sense of time management and prioritising. Some mornings I’ll have to forgo the tv monitoring and others I’ll catch up on newspaper headlines later in the day.

So what can you take away from my morning routine? 

  1. Even in these times, a routine can really help. It’s definitely been of benefit for me when things weren’t very rosy.
  2. Create priorities that will help you throughout the day. For me, it’s knowing what’s going on in the world so I can do the very best for my clients.
  3. Music can really help – a big ballad, a pop-tune… Whatever your taste pop it on in the car or connect your earphones and immerse yourself in the music for a few minutes.

As an example, this morning I noticed a new campaign for a competitor of one of my clients. I’ve since set-up some alerts and will be monitoring this campaign on their behalf. What benefit will this be for my client? We’ll be able to watch (in almost real time) the effectiveness of their campaign.

Want to have a chat about how I can assist your business?

Send me an email to discuss the best options for your business.

COVID media coverage shrinks so what’s the story now?

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As reported in AdNews*, COVID-19 news coverage has been declining for the first time in nearly 3 months due to US protests, the return of NRL and impending start of AFL, so what will the story be in a week or so’s time?

The answer?

It could be YOUR business... Why shouldn’t it?

If you’ve pivoted, if you’ve changed direction completely, found a niche in your community or reached a milestone, this is the time to let the media know.

We’re entering yet another phase of the recovery process and as such, positive stories are in hot demand.

Especially those stories that can illustrate a direct connection between Government initiatives.

Why?

Because it boosts morale and it creates a sense of positivity within the community something that we all need right now.

So where do you start?

Just start thinking about the positives for your business, jot them down.

Have you been able to stay open? Have you hired extra staff? Are you starting that small business you always dreamed of starting? Have you created a product or service that’s really meeting the needs of your community?

Now you have your positive points down, I want you to think about what it took for you to get there.

Was it years of business experience? Perhaps it happened overnight?

With these two starting points I can assist your business secure the media exposure it deserves.

Now, finally, I want you click here and email us. Pop those points in the email and I will be in touch with the best media outlets to contact with your story.

 

-Brooke Simmons, Founder Pursuit Communications

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Story here

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!

Wrap-up of my FriYAY Instagram LIVE session

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If you didn’t see yesterday afternoon’s FriYAY chat over on Instagram never fear, I’ll be hosting another FRIYAY chat on the 28th at 5.00 PM!

Here’s a summary of what you missed from yesterday.

PURSUIT LAUNCHES ONLINE OFFERINGS!
That’s right, here on this very website I’ve now listed 11, yes 11, different services for you to choose online and book.

If you’ve been asked to improve the awareness of your company’s brand, build a social channel or you’re looking for an engaging speaker, there’s something there for you!

Click here to see the offerings, book a session and see how your business can benefit.

Blogs / podcasts:

Next up I covered just some of the podcasts and blogs I listened to or read this week.
*I’m purchasing Mark Schaefer’s book KNOWN after listening to his talk from #SMMW17. It had that much of an impact on me. I shared my key takeaway points about his presentation.

* Guy Kawasaki is an evangelist who also spoke at SMMW17, if you can listen to any of his previous talks I highly recommend it.

*The podcast regarding Instagram advertising is from Social Media Examiner – featuring Jenn’s Trends.

General news:

Finally, I covered three hot topics
*See my post on the Pursuit Facebook page about Mindy Kaling’s non-brand advertisement. I think it’s a winner.
*475 Visas and PR and marketing space, I shared my thoughts on this topic.
*LOGIES Weekend! Watch out #Melbourne I talked about who might nab the TV WEEK Gold Logie.

That’s a wrap – have a great weekend!
See you all next week at 5 PM FRIDAY on INSTAGRAM

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