SOME FUN FACTS ABOUT PR I DISCOVERED...

Morning all...

So yesterday I was at an interview and for me, I learnt more in this two hour stint then I did when I completed one week at a Magazine Powerhouse. However, both roles were entirely different. One showed an overview of the magazine world, while the interview put me into the hot seat and put my writing skills to work.

Punctuation, Grammer, Spelling. All the basics of English and still during a proof-reading test I failed. Looking at the test again, I can't believe how many simple things I couldn't point out. Maybe it was nerves or maybe I am a little rusty on these basic editing skills?

Anyway, the point is that I went for an interview at a magazine and was asked to read information sent from a Publicist about a new product. The media kit included: The product itself as a complete package i.e. Pretty box with three variety's of this one product inside and a fact sheet. Plus a double-page Press Release. All seemed appropriate, there was information, a postal address, a website....but NO CONTACT NUMBERS.

From a magazine perspective, I learnt that if you want more information about a product, you want it NOW. Magazines run on a deadline and as a PR practitioner, you want the magazine to be able to contact you straight away expressing interest. If you want your product featured, you need to make sure the potential client can reach you ASAP.

Still, I did not discard this product straight away, there was a website address after all. Found it online...go to contact page....no phone numbers! Same info as the pamphlet.

As a result, this product was discarded on this basis. As a studying PR student, this was an eye-opener to reality. If you don't remember to proof-read your articles and make sure all the information is there, you could lose a potential client/press coverage.

Top Three Tips I learnt about PR so far:

1. Proof-read what you write. If you can't be objective, get someone else to read it as well.
2. Make sure a potential client can contact you immediately about a product/service. If they are interested, they will contact you for more information. A simple phone call can help you build a contact/client relationship.
3. Do NOT underestimate the power of an image. Although your Press Release can provide the information, a picture says a thousand words and you should always try to include at least one, to help a client's first impression of your product/service.

WHO I AM...

Hi everyone,

First blog for 2010 and it's only fair that I introduce myself. My name is Catherine..."Cat". I am currently studying full-time at University, majoring in Public Relations. My interests include: fashion, music, celebrity gossip, travelling, reading novels and cooking up a storm in the kitchen. People have always said "You could talk under water", "You're constantly talking" and it's true. There's no point denying these things, so I won't. Instead I embrace this as a positive quality about myself and this blog is dedicated to putting these words to good use.

I have two Diplomas and currently wish to enter the world of Fashion PR/Magazines. I will be posting information on internships, job opportunities, courses and other information that I come across that may be of use for those out there like myself, searching for that "foot in the door". In my case, it's keeping my foot in the door, continuing to promote myself and making contacts in this industry we like to call Communications.

Other posts will include mostly things I'm interested in and from time to time, general comments about life etc.

Feel free to add me if you wish to comment on my posts or simply browse through my page. You can also  follow me on: Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin (for those prospective future employers).