Tag: Sydney PR

Two PR Courses coming SOON!

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If you’ve been following us over on Instagram, then you may have heard that I’m launching not one but TWO – yes TWO PR courses in 2019.

Why?

Because I have a tonne of knowledge and want to share it. Simple as that. If I can help you with your PR activities, then fan-bloody-tastic.

So, what will the courses look like? Well, I’m glad you asked!

There will be a course for beginners, this is for those of you no PR experience whatsoever. Don’t know the definition of PR? Awesome! Don’t know the difference between PR, advertising and marketing? Sit right down.

The beginner’s course will cover the basics of PR and give you that very gentle nudge to start you on your PR adventure.

The second course is set at an intermediate level. So you may have dabbled in PR either with an agency, or by yourself, but the results have been… how can we put this gently… Lackluster? Shambolic? A right mess? Then pull up a chair, because we’ll cover some of the common areas where mistakes can (and often are made). We’ll also dissect a media release in the course to get you ready and raring.

I’m currently putting the finishing touches on both courses.

The beauty of both courses is that they’ll be available face-to-face in solo sessions and groups AND online for individuals and groups!

So, if you’re interested in either course I’m encouraging you to sign up to the relevant mailing list.

Why? Well if you do so now, you’ll receive an early-bird discount and all the details before ANYONE ELSE.

So if you’re interested in the beginner’s course SIGN UP HERE

If you’re interested in the intermediate course SIGN UP HERE

Looking forward to sharing details with you soon!

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.

Why we offer freebies

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Did you know we have a freebie page?

We do!

Right now, we’re offering a New Year’s hashtag cheatsheet. A complete list and thought-starter document for your social media needs.

Go and check it out. 

We offer freebies to build rapport with our existing audience and to build on that audience.

Our content changes frequently because we know our audience’s needs changes as frequently as our own!

We’re currently working on ideas for 2019 for our freebie content and we’re excited about the offerings you’ll be able to download.

 

Welcome Usain Bolt

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Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you would know that Olympic champion Usain Bolt has arrived on the NSW Central Coast (where we’re based!) for an indefinite training period with our local football team, the Central Coast Mariners.

This is a fabulous opportunity for businesses large and small to capitalise on Usain’s stay here on the Coast – here we share a few ways to do just that.

 

  1. Highlight the speed of service – We know how fast Usain is, why not highlight how fast your delivery process is, or perhaps how quickly your product or service cuts time down for customers.
  2. If you’re based on Coast – “Welcome Usain” – think of the creative ways you could invite Usain to your venue
  3. Send a gift to Usain – take images of what you’re sending and share on social media
  4. New service offering – just like Usain – expanding his capabilities, now’s the perfect time to share the new offerings from your business. Speaking of which have you seen OUR new business? Central Coast Chronicle is our new business, it’s the perfect platform to connect with businesses, share event details (to avoid diary clashes) and promote your business all in one convenient location.

 

Productivity tips

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Over on the Pursuit Communications Instagram account recently I shared tips on how I stay productive. (LINK)

  1. Don’t let the “E-mail Monster” control your day I prioritise emails – with categories /importance /urgency. 📧
    It keeps me on track (most of the time!) and the “email anxiety” levels to a minimum. I use different tags and then work through these according to the level of priority
  2. Pop it on silent – face down and get to work! Turning your mobile on to silent will help get the work done.
    If it helps, consider changing your voicemail message. State in your message the time you expect to return the call. Most people will understand!
  3. I 🧡 a good “to do” list
    It makes me feel organised and I can see at a glance what needs to be done.
    I break my lists down into clients and then prioritise. I highlight super important tasks and cross them off first!
    My lists are in my Kikki K planner, which goes EVERYWHERE with me.
  4.  Get up and move – your health comes first. I’m guilty of not doing this enough. I’ve recently bought a Fitbit to make sure I do move enough. Being sedentary is one of the “hazards” of my job. More often than not, I’m sitting looking at my laptop for hours on end. My Fitbit really has made a huge difference in reminding me to get up and move and achieve my daily goals. What do you do to get moving?
  5. I’m a calendar girl… 📆
    Not *that* sort of calendar girl 😝 – I put everything on my wall calendar and in my planner. No matter where I am I’ll always be able to plan and make appointments with a quick glance.

    I also colour code Birthdays,🎂 personal activities,🍾 and work duties.📝

 

So there you have it, my top five tips for productivity.

Remember to join me on Instagram to follow the #B2BPC (Back to Basics with Pursuit Communications) series! 

5+ Ways to Improve your Instagram

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The most recent #b2bpc series on our Instagram we covered “Five ways to improve your Instagram.”

So lets jump in to the tips;

  1. Plan. It’s one of our favourite four letter words!
    ✔️
    There are sooo many resources out there to help you schedule your posts, stories – that there’s really NO excuse not to have a strategy for your Insta. ✔️
    Many scheduling tools will allow you to move your posts until you have a layout that suits! ✔️
    If you need assistance with this – Contact US! 

  2. Your Audience – or YOU yes this is about YOU! Yes YOU reading this right now.
    You are the reason I’m offering these tips. I write these to benefit your business.
    Your feedback, comments, likes tells me what you’re enjoying & what’s not so good.
    Ultimately it all plays a part in what you’re looking at right now. My feed. So in fact it shouldn’t be “my” feed, it’s yours.

  3. Your biography is your story. 🏈
    It’s your “30-second” commercial.
    Just like the #superbowl commercials, it’s priceless and the best ones always stand out!🥇
    Check out the @pursuitcommunications bio for an example. 🏆

  4. post at the right time 🕰
    What’s the right time?
    🤷🏼‍♀️
    If you have a business account you’ll be able to explore your insights and get this data. ⏰
    So make time every day to check your insights, write down the best times and post when you have the highest level of engagement!
    💁🏼‍♀️
    Remember to check your engagement times regularly to keep the momentum.

  5. It’s all about the #hashtag !
    If you aren’t following hashtags in your account- you’re missing out on connecting with likeminded businesses and potential clients!🙋🏾‍♀️
    Think for a minute like a customer. 🤷🏼‍♀️
    What would you search to find your business?? 🤷🏻‍♂️Use those terms as hashtags and follow them!

  6. TURN. IT. ON. BABE! 😉
    Your notifications that is!
    Turn on notifications for businesses in your local area, businesses within your industry and comment, connect and watch your network blossom. 🌸🌺

If you need assistance with your social media channels – check our services to meet your needs here.

Branding Basics

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Recently we offered our tips on branding basics via our Instagram account

Here’s a breakdown of the tips we shared.

  1. Don’t paint yourself into a corner – choose a name and colour scheme that will allow you to grow!

    Research online and check if anyone has registered any of your shortlisted business names.
    Look at different colour schemes of other businesses online and see how it might work for your business.

  2. Do your research into branding and #ip (intellectual property) legal obligations. 📝
    Speak to industry experts about your obligations and rights in relation to branding. 🖊
    By taking these steps you’re well on the path to MAKING IT HAPPEN!
  3. EXPERIMENT! 🌈
    Hold a focus group with close family and friends.
    📝
    Get their thoughts on logos, tag-lines and your short list of brand names.
    🙏🏻
    Take the feedback into consideration and use this to move forward.
    If you’re able, try and ask potential customers.
  4. Whatever you decide for your branding, make sure there’s an obvious synergy between it and your business. 💬
    You don’t want to spend time explaining your branding name or choices when you could be working on securing new opportunities!
  5. Think of your brand as a person – Blonde 👱🏼‍♀️brunette or👨🏽 older👴🏻?? 👲🏾👳🏾👩🏻‍🎤👨🏼‍🍳
    Who would purchase from you?
    What’s their job title, their family situation? Additionally, think about the future and the implications of selling a business and handing your name over to someone else.
  6. Once you’ve chosen a name, colour scheme and have a #branding guideline document (if you don’t have one of these we have some fabulous contacts who can help!) you’re on the way to building your business! 🖊
    But where to next??
    🙋🏼
    That’s where a public relations campaign will help generate awareness of your business, your products and/or services. 📌
  7. Make sure your workspace reflects your values. 🖊
    Especially if you intend on hosting clients, make it a welcoming place. If you’re working from home choose a cafe or restaurant that sets the standard you want your business to reflect.
  8. Is your name readable? Choose a font that’s easy for people to understand and decipher. There are few things worse than trying to spell or explain your brand name to someone. 🖊
    Another reason why it’s important to get feedback on your final version of your logo.
  9. When you think about Sydney as a “brand” what do you think of?
    The harbour?
    The coat hanger – our iconic bridge?
    The Opera House?
    〰
    When you’re developing your business brand, consider the elements you want to be remembered. ➰
    Try and work these into your brand name, tagline, colour scheme! ⤵️
  10. Never underestimate the value of a professional!
    They’ll help define and “shape” your brand logo, any graphics and documents you require. 🖊
    We have a range of graphic designers that we call on for our own work and that of our clients. 🖊
    If you need a referral, let us know. We’re always happy to connect you with one of our fabulous service providers.

Contact us today to see how we can help your branding needs

Guest blog interview: Sandy Cummins

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Today’s Guest blog interview is with a past client of Pursuit’s – Sandy Cummins. We worked with Sandy and her team when they launched a business in the beautiful Daylesford region of Victoria, Australia.

We’ve stayed in contact over the years and I was thrilled to have Sandy’s contribution towards our guest blog series.

So, Sandy, tell me a bit about your new venture.

Sandy: We are floral artisans, embracing the perfect imperfections of nature to bring the scents, colours and wayward stems of naturally grown old-fashioned fragrant roses, herbs and foliage. With nearly 2000 rose bushes we supply cut roses to others and produce our own lavish arrangements.  Our arrangements tell a story through the secret language of flowers sourced, foraged and grown locally, ethically and sustainably on our picturesque property in Victoria’s pretty little country village of Trentham, in regional Victoria.

Oh my goodness, that sounds like the perfect way to tell a story! Can you tell me a bit more about the process?

Sandy: Our heritage roses are garden grown with minimal intervention with the help of bees, compost, sunshine and rain. Our full romantic blooms show the true colours of gentle natural agriculture and have heady scents, twisting stems and the occasional spot. As nature intended.

How very eco-friendly and what a great selling point!

For those who don’t know, how did you use PR for your previous business?

Sandy: In a prior floral business, we used PR for a product launch to create brand awareness.

So I’d love to hear, what do you believe are the benefits of PR?

Sandy: Integrated PR strategies provide both short and long-term opportunities.

I think this is so true, so many time, people are only aware of the results that come via securing media coverage, however deeper than this, is the relationships with media contacts and the long-term benefits of this relationship. Anything else? 

Sandy: Building brand/product awareness is crucial and takes time. The investment in PR v. traditional advertising provides much more value for money.

I agree Public Relations is one that takes time and is all about building brand awareness over time. 

If a mentee walked up to you and asked for your advice and you only had a few minutes to give ‘em your best tip, what would it be?

Always have an integrated strategy, continuously innovated and reinvent yourself and be true to your brand,  walk the talk – as authenticism is pivotal.

Define “Success”

The realisation of a dream which can be happily shared with others.

With “Success” in mind, what’s on your “work-plate” now?

A while ago, I stumbled upon an inspiring and informative book by investigative journalist Amy Stewart called Flower Confidential. It described the global floral industry today and the perils to both humanity and the land of the large-scale commercial flower industry.  Amy’s book was to floristry a little like what the film “Food Inc”  was to the food industry. So, in my mind, the seed was sown; a vision to establish a “slow” flower movement in Australia – local, seasonal, heritage varieties, grown collaboratively by local land-owners with a similar philosophy using sustainable practices. A flower farm consortium – was the ultimate dream!  “Consortium Botanicus” is now the reality. Consortium Botanicus encourages flower farmers, farmer-florists, and florist-designers right across Australia to join via their website www.consortiumbotanicus.com.au Membership is free and the momentum is building!

Well done! That sounds fab, lets hope others follow suit, do keep us updated!

Sandy, is there anything you’d like to share with us about upcoming projects (even a hint?)

Sandy: Our new bespoke accommodation launches very soon which provides guests with an immersive spa style experience combining our rose, herb and flower beds, local artisanal culinary delights and a level of comfort and style enabling true relaxation and rejuvenation.

Finally,  if you wouldn’t mind indulging us here, how did Pursuit Communications benefit your business?

Sandy: Pursuit Communications provided extensive media opportunities as well as assisted in the strategy and execution of a major launch event in regional Victoria. Compiling goody-bags, assisting with speeches and media relations – the activities Pursuit undertook assisted with the launch activity.

Thank you, Sandy, for your time and I’m thrilled that we’ve stayed in touch long after the campaign we worked on with you finished. 

Interested in finding out how Pursuit can assist your business in 2018?

Contact us TODAY.

We have FREE 20 minute consultations, where we’ll offer our insights and best recommendations for your business.

 

Casting Call – Central Coast NSW

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We’re looking for eight (8) people to audition for an upcoming video shoot for a client of ours.

We need 4 males aged late 20’s-early 30’s

and

4 females aged late 20’s early 30’s

Ideally healthy looking, with some modelling /video experience.

Please e-mail brooke@pursuitcommunications.com.au with the following details.

Name:

Age:

Contact number:

Current photo

We will review images and reply within 24-48 hours.

Shoot date is October 18, 2017, from 7.30am in Gosford.  You MUST be available for at least 3-4 hours

Please feel free to share this with friends, family and workmates!

Not a cookie cutter approach

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I was talking to a potential client recently and mentioned that Pursuit’s core value is that Pursuit doesn’t offer a “cookie cutter approach” service agency. (I have noticed the irony that every time I mention this to a potential client, it’s the only element that is a “cookie cutter” approach!)

This value was the very reason why I started Pursuit. It’s my belief and experience that if you work with a business to deliver a service they need, the relationship will stand the test of time.

What works for one company, won’t work for another.

It’s that simple.

Budgets are different, values are different, goals are different, therefore the service I’m offering should be different and ultimately, the cost for our services will be different.

That’s why I’ve created a few offerings that will help guide businesses into making the right decision.

“What is Public Relations? How will it benefit me?” is a one-on-one consultation with me (Pursuit Founder, Brooke Simmons). I will ask you key questions to help you decide if indeed it is Public Relations that you need, and if it is, how it can help your business.

You’ll walk away with three Public Relations tactics that will help your business and a summary of consultation notes.  45-minute session.

The next offering “Which Social Media Channel is for me?” We understand that with so many options available for businesses, it can be a daunting decision.

I will help YOU select the social media channel that will deliver maximum results for your business.

I will also provide tips on how to integrate social media into your current marketing plan.

PLUS I will make recommendations for next best steps and materials you’ll need to get up and running. 60-minute session.

I created these services, with our core value in mind and to guide businesses of all sizes through the minefield that can be Public Relations and Social Media.

Tell me – what do you like about personalised service?

I’d love to hear in the comments below.