Sunday, 5 February 2012
January
So
January…
This month was a little quiet…so I took a week off for holiday, I thought I would share with you some pictures from my time here in
Dubai J I have been very lucky to have got this placement!
Press samples for 2012! Yay new clothes,
new shoes J This month we received the
new collections for 2012 for all brands and they are
amazing if only I wasn’t a student and had hundreds to spend on clothes. This
also means new products for the beauty brands here in the office so I got a lot
of free makeup this month!
With the new samples it was then my job to
put together a press sample report for journalists and for us to keep a
track on what is in the office and what is out on shoot. Organisation skills
were tried and tested here!
With the new samples I attended a photo
shoot, the photo shoot was with an Arabic singer who is very famous
(platinum selling) concert filling singer! This shoot went on for hours….
The celebrity was so impressed
with our samples she is now going to wear the brand for every photo shoot and
event she attends across the globe J Great success and coverage for the brand.
With February events and tasks in talk now
it was time to put together a budget presentation for an event we have
coming up…this event I will be overseeing by myself on the day and on the lead
up so a lot of responsibility here! The event is a children’s collection so the
theme of the event is a children’s party so we have magicians, balloon
benders, puppet show the lot booked. Every last detail has to be approved by
the client- and when I say every last detail I’m talking about what
sweets are allowed at the event, what shape bowls and what colour balloons.
All is booked for the event so I’m really
looking forward to the day it should be a lot of fun J Will post photos next time.
I had the task this month to research external
events coming up in Dubai for the next 6 months so they can be added to the
calendar for the whole Euro office. This is so our events don’t clash- but to
also keep an eye out for any possible sponsorship opportunities for the
brands we handle.
Getting coverage for an event
Well this task was a challenging one
as the event was in two weeks so I could only contact certain
publications…there was an event and I had to ensure 3 pieces of coverage either
on radio, in a weekly magazine or online. So I created a media list and got
phoning and emailing…I managed to get the 5 pieces of coverage in the end but
it was a struggle to get that.
This month was also a busy one for venue
searching…Visiting venues- is a must when planning any events so I was
given the task of finding a venue for a fragrance launch. I
had to compile a list of possible venues that fit the brief of what he client
wanted and get phoning and booking visits. Once at the venues it was picture
time …the suites/hotels that I looked around were incredible I also got to look
around The Atlantis J WOW....
I would upload some pictures but I was told
I would get into trouble by the hotel L sorry about
this but the rooms were amazing take my word for it.
There were lots of meetings this month with
clients to talk over targets, events, and new magazines and opportunities. This
month I held my own meeting with a new magazine, I arranged for the magazine to
come in and talk to the Euro office about what the magazine was, its
distribution etc so this was helpful for everyone.
Love is in the air…
Valentine’s Day Eshots, press releases, news flashes were all sent out this month,
I had to put my creative hat on to try and make each press release suited to
the brands and different so it would stand out. All in all it was helpful as I
know I lack confidence in my writing skills.
Tuesday, 3 January 2012
Happy 2012!
Happy New Year,
These last few weeks have been BUSY!
I have over looked my colleagues brands whilst she was away hence the lack of blogging this month-
So the colleague I had been working with for the past two and a half months was flying to Paris for a press trip that we had pitched a few weeks ago and then she was on vacation. So in her place was me
I have over looked my colleagues brands whilst she was away hence the lack of blogging this month-
So the colleague I had been working with for the past two and a half months was flying to Paris for a press trip that we had pitched a few weeks ago and then she was on vacation. So in her place was me
I overlooked the brands and accounts for
the month that she was away, I handled the press kits, press requests, press
samples and overall end of year tasks. This month was the busiest but most
productive and educational I have had in PR.
I was thrown in the deep end and this is
definitely the best way to learn.
My first day by myself was a complete
disaster… I had been left to follow up with an advertorial arranged in a
magazine. So my first day back I followed up on this thinking that everything would be okay and sorted. Oh how I was so wrong i phoned the magazine only to find that the information
that was sent to the magazine for them to use needed to be in Arabic… Something so small
but created so much problems and drama in one day. So after a long afternoon of
trying to find someone to translate and get it resolved I had to explain to the client that what he had paid for he might not get. As you can imagine he wasn't happy and neither was i. My colleague was flying this day so i couldn't ask her for information that i needed so i had to turn to one of the girls in the office who was very helpful.
It wouldn't have been so stressful if there wasn't a deadline that day as the magazine was going t print. However after many phone calls to the magazine we came to a agreement and we managed to get the article in the magazine after all!
– Lesson learnt- always expect mistakes, allow time for these mistakes, fix them quickly but most importantly learn from them.
It wouldn't have been so stressful if there wasn't a deadline that day as the magazine was going t print. However after many phone calls to the magazine we came to a agreement and we managed to get the article in the magazine after all!
– Lesson learnt- always expect mistakes, allow time for these mistakes, fix them quickly but most importantly learn from them.
So the world of press samples is a stressful one, for the brand Longchamp and Lanvin they have invested thousands into press samples, so its my job to look after these samples :/
The press samples i was in charge of looking after were expensive dresses, shoes and bags.
I had to send different samples to photo shoots, and for editors to wear to events.
All was going well until a bag went 'missing' there was panic and mad rushing to find this bag...the studio where it was being shot looked and couldn't find it and couldn't remember receiving it, i had to check with our drivers who had taken it there...i checked in our offices in case it hadn't been sent. So i decided to go and look my self at the studio...within 10 minutes of being there I found the bag...along with it two pairs of shoes that the studio didn't realise they had...so if i hadn't of turned up to look for the bag there would have been a bag and two pairs of shoes missing resulting in well over two thousands pounds worth gone.
I had to send different samples to photo shoots, and for editors to wear to events.
All was going well until a bag went 'missing' there was panic and mad rushing to find this bag...the studio where it was being shot looked and couldn't find it and couldn't remember receiving it, i had to check with our drivers who had taken it there...i checked in our offices in case it hadn't been sent. So i decided to go and look my self at the studio...within 10 minutes of being there I found the bag...along with it two pairs of shoes that the studio didn't realise they had...so if i hadn't of turned up to look for the bag there would have been a bag and two pairs of shoes missing resulting in well over two thousands pounds worth gone.
- Lesson learnt...always double check yourself
Press Kit dispatch for SS12
With 4
different brands having SS12 press kits to go out in the same week all to
different media was a challenge for me considering I had never dispatched a press
kit before. Each press kit was different one being very simple burn the CD’s
burn the CD labels and send in a cardboard coloured envelope. Where others had
6 press releases to them and needed to be printed in both English and Arabic on
headed paper along with two CD’s and all put into folders with gifts. Needless
to say the extra 15 hours I put into this week to ensure that they were all
dispatched in time was worth it.
-The reality and lesson that week was overtime is a must in PR!
-The reality and lesson that week was overtime is a must in PR!
Follow up calls
My new pet hate but a vital part in rounding up the media for an event. I helped the girls out with follow up calls this month for their events…with over 200 press for each event I'm sure they were sick of my voice as much as I was. Not only do you have to follow up but also pitching the event to press who may not have received (or not bothered to open) the email invitation to create hype.
My new pet hate but a vital part in rounding up the media for an event. I helped the girls out with follow up calls this month for their events…with over 200 press for each event I'm sure they were sick of my voice as much as I was. Not only do you have to follow up but also pitching the event to press who may not have received (or not bothered to open) the email invitation to create hype.
Christmas and new year gifts/competitionsObviously
the main point of PR is to gain that all important coverage so again this month
I attended photo shoots to overlook our press samples, I carried out a lot of media
monitoring in the magazines, but I also came across a great opportunity for one of the brands. The brand doesn't have a huge budget so they focus their
PR on products and giveaways as this is what they have a lot of. So when I came
across a television competition looking for products for their viewers I
immediately got the brand involved. The television show broadcasts to millions as well as being posted on to You tube and other social media benefits….I am waiting for the results/feedback next month.
Event planning for SS12 In 2012 there are
a few events sketched into the diary one of which is the children's collection
being launched by Lanvin. This happening in February so planning has begun. We
were given an event brief from the client regarding décor, what they wanted
from the agency and we then have to deliver a budget presentation to them. So I
had to come up with ideas and find entertainers, caterers and get quotes from
in house for invitation printing, lighting etc the list really does goes on.
This was a great task as I had done this in
lesson before but this time is was for real and for a great event.
Overall this month has taught me how hard you have to work in PR to be successful, it was hard and stressful but I learnt so much and enjoyed seeing the results. I'm sure next month will have more for me to learn.
Overall this month has taught me how hard you have to work in PR to be successful, it was hard and stressful but I learnt so much and enjoyed seeing the results. I'm sure next month will have more for me to learn.
Happy blogging,
Hannah
Hannah
Saturday, 19 November 2011
Here in Dubai
Hello...I must first apologise for not blogging sooner I was waiting for my first month to be finished here in Dubai before I blogged again...a month had been and gone and I came to blog about my time here so far and found that everything was in Arabic....and I have only just got someone to change it to English.
So my first month in Dubai:
I flew from London Heathrow on October 4th, a said my farewells to friends and family
:( emotional...
Once I arrived in Dubai I had a few days to un-pack, get things ready for my first day of work and of course a few days to relax and enjoy myself by the pool :)
On my first day I arrived for an introduction talk, shown around the building which was newly built...complete with a table tennis table, table football and some cool chill out rooms.
There are two PR teams consumer and corporate that made up of over 25 people, a marketing team and a creative team is also present in the offices along with accounting.
The PR agency works for another company who handle luxury lifestyle in the Middle Eastand have done for over 55 years. So brands that the PR agency where I will be working will include top designers, beauty ranges and gifts.
My first month was a busy one, I was paired up with one of the consumer PR girls where I was thrown in the deep end (as I was warned) she had two big events coming up, one was a new store opening for Hackett in Dubai Mall, the other was an event to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the first Paul Smith store opening in the UAE. Both the events had the designers flying in to Dubai and would be present for the events and interviews.
So this month, I had an insight and input into the events:
The list really does go on I have learnt so much by being involved in events which will help me for the next months events...
Working with fashion brands means press samples are sent out so I have had to not only send the very expensive clothes out, but also do the media monitoring in magazines for all the brands to ensure we are getting coverage and most importantly ensuring that the samples come back!!
Press Releases
What PR job wouldn't include a few press releases....of course I have written a few press releases this month both pre- and post event releases. These are then sent out to all the publications, newspapers, online, magazines etc and used which we then monitor using a database and media monitoring team.
E-shots
These are reminders for the press about upcoming events, celebrities in a brand/clothing or new collections; these are sent out weekly via email and include a picture and a small paragraph...I have sent alot of these out to press followed by images or press releases the next few weeks....another way of creating awareness that I didn't even think of before...
Perks of the job...
Not only is being in Dubai amazing but the job has a few perks as well...
People- I have met alot of lovely people this month and have had the honor in meeting some of the worlds best designers
Events- Not only great coverage for the brand, its a good day out and I got o meet a lot of the journalists
Food tasting- Its our job in PR to check what the food is like for events
Venues- I get to visit some of the most luxurious and most expensive hotels and venues in Dubai
Limo- I managed to get a free limo ride home with my colleague after an event
Clothes- Clothes clothes clothes.....for any girl that loves clothes and shopping... this job is amazing!!
My first month of this placement has already taught me so much about PR, I already feel that I have improved and its only the first few weeks into the placement. It has also reminded me of why I wanted to do PR in the first place, not only am I enjoying myself and making friends along the way, I am learning how to be a PR professional.
I will be back soon enough to tell you what else I have been up to :)
Happy blogging
Hannah
So my first month in Dubai:
I flew from London Heathrow on October 4th, a said my farewells to friends and family
:( emotional...
Once I arrived in Dubai I had a few days to un-pack, get things ready for my first day of work and of course a few days to relax and enjoy myself by the pool :)
On my first day I arrived for an introduction talk, shown around the building which was newly built...complete with a table tennis table, table football and some cool chill out rooms.
There are two PR teams consumer and corporate that made up of over 25 people, a marketing team and a creative team is also present in the offices along with accounting.
The PR agency works for another company who handle luxury lifestyle in the Middle Eastand have done for over 55 years. So brands that the PR agency where I will be working will include top designers, beauty ranges and gifts.
My first month was a busy one, I was paired up with one of the consumer PR girls where I was thrown in the deep end (as I was warned) she had two big events coming up, one was a new store opening for Hackett in Dubai Mall, the other was an event to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the first Paul Smith store opening in the UAE. Both the events had the designers flying in to Dubai and would be present for the events and interviews.
So this month, I had an insight and input into the events:
- Inviting the media and guests to the events
- Learning the processes of planning events
- Knowing the key media
- Knowing how to budget
- How cost sheets work
- Securing coverage in magazines before the event
- Ensuring the magazines have interview questions ready and that they are checked by the client
- Catering processes and contacts
- Venue selection
- Learning about the Arabic media/magazines
- Learning about the company and brands
The list really does go on I have learnt so much by being involved in events which will help me for the next months events...
Working with fashion brands means press samples are sent out so I have had to not only send the very expensive clothes out, but also do the media monitoring in magazines for all the brands to ensure we are getting coverage and most importantly ensuring that the samples come back!!
Press Releases
What PR job wouldn't include a few press releases....of course I have written a few press releases this month both pre- and post event releases. These are then sent out to all the publications, newspapers, online, magazines etc and used which we then monitor using a database and media monitoring team.
E-shots
These are reminders for the press about upcoming events, celebrities in a brand/clothing or new collections; these are sent out weekly via email and include a picture and a small paragraph...I have sent alot of these out to press followed by images or press releases the next few weeks....another way of creating awareness that I didn't even think of before...
Perks of the job...
Not only is being in Dubai amazing but the job has a few perks as well...
People- I have met alot of lovely people this month and have had the honor in meeting some of the worlds best designers
Events- Not only great coverage for the brand, its a good day out and I got o meet a lot of the journalists
Food tasting- Its our job in PR to check what the food is like for events
Venues- I get to visit some of the most luxurious and most expensive hotels and venues in Dubai
Limo- I managed to get a free limo ride home with my colleague after an event
Clothes- Clothes clothes clothes.....for any girl that loves clothes and shopping... this job is amazing!!
My first month of this placement has already taught me so much about PR, I already feel that I have improved and its only the first few weeks into the placement. It has also reminded me of why I wanted to do PR in the first place, not only am I enjoying myself and making friends along the way, I am learning how to be a PR professional.
I will be back soon enough to tell you what else I have been up to :)
Happy blogging
Hannah
Friday, 23 September 2011
16 days to go...
So only 16 days to go until my first day in Dubai. Each day I have different feelings towards going over there, some times I'm nervous and think to myself what if I really don't like it what will I do? Then the other times I'm so excited and can't wait to get over there.
So at the moment I'm trying to get my head around being organised and making sure that I have all I need for over there and things are sorted at this side for when I leave and return. Next weekend is my last here in the UK so I know it will be a busy and emotional one with family and friends :(
Tutor Visit
Yesterday I had my first tutor visit, I spoke to my tutor about what I had been doing and showed him the work I had done which I had printed beforehand. My tutor was impressed with what I had accomplished in the 3 months I had been here. I explained that the Heart team here in Exeter had made me feel very welcome and were always there to help me. I spoke to my tutor for about an hour and a half, then it was my supervisor's turn to talk to my tutor.
So I left my supervisor and tutor to talk about me...which I was a tad nervous about because this would be the first time my supervisor here at Heart would have judged and commented on my performance.
Once my supervisor had spoken to my tutor, I returned to find out what had been said... All was positive feedback from my supervisor with the only improvement I could make would to be more proactive in the work place which I agree I could improve on. I shouldn't wait to be told or ask what to do next I should come up with things to do and get on and do it by myself.
I will take what my supervisor said as a guideline to improve on in Dubai and not as a negative comment because like my tutor said, no-one is perfect.
Once all the formalities had been done, I showed my tutor around the studios and buildings here at Heart.
I hope that your tutor visit will be as supportive and useful to what mine was and use the information to improve on not to put you down.
Happy blogging,
Hannah
So at the moment I'm trying to get my head around being organised and making sure that I have all I need for over there and things are sorted at this side for when I leave and return. Next weekend is my last here in the UK so I know it will be a busy and emotional one with family and friends :(
Tutor Visit
Yesterday I had my first tutor visit, I spoke to my tutor about what I had been doing and showed him the work I had done which I had printed beforehand. My tutor was impressed with what I had accomplished in the 3 months I had been here. I explained that the Heart team here in Exeter had made me feel very welcome and were always there to help me. I spoke to my tutor for about an hour and a half, then it was my supervisor's turn to talk to my tutor.
So I left my supervisor and tutor to talk about me...which I was a tad nervous about because this would be the first time my supervisor here at Heart would have judged and commented on my performance.
Once my supervisor had spoken to my tutor, I returned to find out what had been said... All was positive feedback from my supervisor with the only improvement I could make would to be more proactive in the work place which I agree I could improve on. I shouldn't wait to be told or ask what to do next I should come up with things to do and get on and do it by myself.
I will take what my supervisor said as a guideline to improve on in Dubai and not as a negative comment because like my tutor said, no-one is perfect.
Once all the formalities had been done, I showed my tutor around the studios and buildings here at Heart.
I hope that your tutor visit will be as supportive and useful to what mine was and use the information to improve on not to put you down.
Happy blogging,
Hannah
Friday, 26 August 2011
Thursday, 25 August 2011
Getting organised for Dubai
So here I am with little to do in the office today so I thought I wouldn't waste any time and get my self organised for October when I will be heading to Dubai for 6 months!!!
So first things first....clothes shopping :) As you may or may not know Dubai dress wear is slightly different and people including the brits must be some what covered up.
Luckily for me the autumn and winter clothes are coming into shops now resulting in summer clothes going on sale :) So cheap clothes for me to take to Dubai!!!
When working abroad for your placement be sure to know their religion and religious beliefs as you don't want to offend. Also be aware of the weather although working in a place of sun may make it sound like a holiday, just think you will be there for a while and you will be working and travelling to work so take this into consideration. Will you adapt well to the climate change hot or cold?
Do a risk assessment...
Go onto http://www.crg-online.com/Summaries.aspx?ap=5 and carry out a risk assessment of where you are heading of to and make the university aware of the results. Never put your self in danger.
Get in contact
I managed to find an email contact online of an intern who has worked in the same office in Dubai where I will be working. I emailed her asking her all sorts of questions like what sort of work I would be doing, what is the uniform or dress code like over there?
She said that they don't treat you like an intern and that they throw you into the deep end :/ it sounds scary but a good experience none the less. Her internship in Dubai helped her to gain the job she has now, working in another country makes you stand out from others so it's a fantastic experience she said.
I suggest when you do find a placement to try and get a contact from an intern who has worked there or try and find a blog, it gives you a more realistic view of what you will be doing and it's a great source if you are unsure of what to expect.
Insurance
When it comes to insurance for a placement abroad I would suggest going to the university and getting the insurance that they have for students working abroad. I went through the necessary paper work with my parents and it covers everything.
Just to double check I went onto one of those compare websites and the university insurance was cheapest so I will be taking this insurance out.
For me it cost £60= £10 a month
I have been fortunate enough to have the company sort flights and my Visa out for me so this is all taken care of, the one thing I am looking into sorting though is a laptop so I can Skype and do work over there.
I haven't yet decided what I'm getting so suggestions are open please :)
Happy blogging,
Hannah
So first things first....clothes shopping :) As you may or may not know Dubai dress wear is slightly different and people including the brits must be some what covered up.
Luckily for me the autumn and winter clothes are coming into shops now resulting in summer clothes going on sale :) So cheap clothes for me to take to Dubai!!!
When working abroad for your placement be sure to know their religion and religious beliefs as you don't want to offend. Also be aware of the weather although working in a place of sun may make it sound like a holiday, just think you will be there for a while and you will be working and travelling to work so take this into consideration. Will you adapt well to the climate change hot or cold?
Do a risk assessment...
Go onto http://www.crg-online.com/Summaries.aspx?ap=5 and carry out a risk assessment of where you are heading of to and make the university aware of the results. Never put your self in danger.
Get in contact
I managed to find an email contact online of an intern who has worked in the same office in Dubai where I will be working. I emailed her asking her all sorts of questions like what sort of work I would be doing, what is the uniform or dress code like over there?
She said that they don't treat you like an intern and that they throw you into the deep end :/ it sounds scary but a good experience none the less. Her internship in Dubai helped her to gain the job she has now, working in another country makes you stand out from others so it's a fantastic experience she said.
I suggest when you do find a placement to try and get a contact from an intern who has worked there or try and find a blog, it gives you a more realistic view of what you will be doing and it's a great source if you are unsure of what to expect.
Insurance
When it comes to insurance for a placement abroad I would suggest going to the university and getting the insurance that they have for students working abroad. I went through the necessary paper work with my parents and it covers everything.
Just to double check I went onto one of those compare websites and the university insurance was cheapest so I will be taking this insurance out.
For me it cost £60= £10 a month
I have been fortunate enough to have the company sort flights and my Visa out for me so this is all taken care of, the one thing I am looking into sorting though is a laptop so I can Skype and do work over there.
I haven't yet decided what I'm getting so suggestions are open please :)
Happy blogging,
Hannah
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)