Tag Archives: PR

My interview with Ben Cotton

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Posted by Amy on April 6, 2010 – 1:49 pm
Filed under Public Relations

I recently did a Q&A with Ben Cotton advising graduates on how to break into the PR industry. I met Ben a few months ago when I interviewed him for a placement with Wolfstar. He’s since been offered a fantastic job at Edelman Digital and we’ve stayed in touch. As a graduate of the PR degree at Leeds Met I can empathise with students looking to get into PR, it was competitive five years ago and it’s even more so now.

I think I was very lucky when it came to gettng a job after Uni. For starters, I was lucky enough to get my work placement with Citypress. They were my number one choice for my year out because they had fantastic clients and were based in Manchester where I’d always fancied working. The team there were brilliant and gace me so many opportunities to get hands-on experience. If it hadn’t been for this, I wouldn’t have got my subsequent jobs at Waterside (Now Realm) and Morrisons, and finally Wolfstar.

It seems strange to be giving advice to other graduates.. it seems only five minutes ago I was doing the Otley Run in fancy dress and panicking about my dissertation in the library until 3am! Four years has gone extremely quickly but I’m really happy where I’ve ended up. Hopefully a couple of people will find what I said useful! You can read the interview on Ben’s blog.

PR and Journalism - the same thing?

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Posted by Amy Johnston on March 5, 2009 – 3:38 pm
Filed under General, Public Relations

My colleague Jed said today that journalists and PR people do the same job. This started some heated debate between Chris, Becca and I. We all totally disagreed with him and said the two professions were completely different.

Although they both utilise the same skills - writing, communication, relationships, storytelling - they are very different. Journalism is independent publishing with an aim to sell papers. PR is telling a story on behalf of a client in order to create a certain perception.

Wikipedia defines public relations as:

  • Public relations is the practice of managing the flow of information between an organization and its publics.

And journalism as:

  • Journalism is the craft of conveying news, descriptive material and comment via a widening spectrum of media.

I suppose it goes without saying that Jed’s statement has created some healthy debate on Twitter. What are your thoughts?

Barry Islands in the stream…. Proper tidy!

0
Posted by Amy Johnston on February 10, 2009 – 4:59 pm
Filed under General

I won’t lie to you, I’m a massive Gavin and Stacey fan (said in Nessa style accent) so I’m v excited to find out they’re releasing Islands in the Stream for Comic Relief!

This should raise loads of money for charity, but more importantly, give Rob Brydon (Bryn) and Ruth Jones (Nessa) a chance to mock up a faux-music video… I’m just praying they keep the rest of the cast line dancing!

Don’t forget Valentine’s Day or else

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Posted by Amy Johnston on February 10, 2009 – 3:15 pm
Filed under Consumer Social Media

Agent Provocateur has recently launched this raunchy video on their website to promote their Valentine’s Day range. It is quite funny and definitely plays up the ‘girl power’ feeling that is evident in most of their communications strategy.

The ad stars ‘the next big thing’ in modeling, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and shows her punching her boyfriend for cancelling on Valentine’s Day. A little extreme but fun all the same.

I have to also say at this point that I’m not a huge fan of Valentine’s Day. It seems if you’re single you feel lonely and sad and if you’re in a couple you’re forced to be extra ‘in love’ just because it’s the 14th of February. However, I don’t think any men in their right mind would be cancelling on Rosie looking like this, the guys in my office certainly agree!

This web-based ad campaign was coupled with an exclusive male screening of the new collection for high flyers in the City. High-earning men were invited to private lingerie shows where they could find out exactly what women wanted for Valentine’s Day.

I think this is a good idea and is especially timely because of the press coverage about the banker’s bonuses. The events and advert address both of the key target audiences -men with money and women who love their products - engaging both groups with the brand, whilst creating conversation, word of mouth and some great PR.

The timing is perfect, so it creates a call to action for consumers and also encourages people to forget about the credit crunch - if you can’t splurge on Valentine’s Day, when can you?

Just don’t expect a visit from Rosie if you don’t.

My first meme

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Posted by Amy Johnston on February 6, 2009 – 10:07 am
Filed under General

I’ve never done a meme before, and my lovely colleague Jed Hallam has tagged me my first. So here goes!

When were you happiest?

Probably on holiday last year. Two relaxing weeks in the Dominican Republic with my boyfriend, Dave. Crystal sea, gorgeous beaches and free cocktails!

What is your earliest memory?

My brother being born. My Dad had to dress me and I was put in a velvet dress in the middle of a hot March! I was not a happy three-year-old!

Which living person do you most admire?

My parents really inspire me. We’ve had a hard few years after losing my brother and their positivity and love inspires me every day.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Being a bit dramatic.. I can over react sometimes!

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Being rude and nasty to other people simply because they’re not as high up the food chain as them.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

A certain news release I sent out at my old job regarding Christmas stuffing balls. My old colleagues will know what I mean!

Aside from property, what’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought?

My car, which has incidentally cost me a lot of money every year since!

What would your super power be?

Flying.

What makes you depressed?

My friends and family being hurt or upset.

If you could bring something extinct back to life, what would it be?

The Pterodactyl… not sure why…just liked it in Jurassic Park.

What is your most unappealing habit?

Biting my nails.

What is your favourite word?

Gravitas - I throw it out a lot at work

What is your favourite book?

The Time Traveller’s Wife.

What would be your fancy dress costume of choice?

Tinkerbell - I already have it in my wardrobe!

What is the worst thing anyone has ever said to you?

A delightful ex-boyfriend once referred to me as a hamster. Suffice to say we didn’t last long after that!

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

Listening to Britney Spears, really loud.

What do you owe your parents?

Too much to write down.

To whom would you like to say sorry to most, and why?

My cat Milo… he ran away so I must have done something to be sorry for!

What does love feel like?

Happy and fun.

Have you ever said ‘I love you’ and not meant it?

Yes.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Clive Owen (for something to look at), Christian Bale (for entertainment), Ricky Gervais and James Corden (for comedy value).

What is the worst job you have ever done?

Packing sandwiches in plastic containers (the ones you get in garages). I lasted 3 hours.

When did you last cry, and why?

Last week, watching Seven Pounds.

How do you relax?

Big bubble bath, glass of wine, Vogue and lots of Galaxy chocolate!

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Buying my first house by myself!

What song would you liked played at your funeral?

One by U2.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

Make the most of every day, you never know what’s round the corner.

Tell us a joke.

Knock knock. Who’s there? Doctor. Doctor Who?

I now tag Becca Caddy, Natalie Smith and Chris Norton (if they can be bothered!)