My head is continuously spinning (pardon the pun) when I do my internship work for Spyn Marketing Communications.
Every time I meet up with Nicki she has so many new and exciting events and projects that she is working on. Something that astounds me even more is her seemingly never ending list of contacts. There is not a name thrown around that Nicki is not somehow personally familiar with. This leads me to one of the most important things she has taught me so far; don't burn your bridges.
All of these people, Nicki has worked with at some point or other over her career and she amazingly remain in touch with quite a few of them. The things is, I didn't necessarily think that the event manager at a certain venue will end up being much to you. I was wrong.
While doing some research and getting some quotes for an upcoming event I was calling around to some restaurants and other venues in order to find a suitable location. My typical opening line was, "Good morning. My name is Jamie and I am working with Nicki Williams on an event we are planning for this date.". To my amazement the mention of her name instantly gave us revised prices including discounts and freebies. These things could be something as small as a free upgrade to a better quality cutlery to a complete waver of the venue hire. The main reason for this is because she is one of those people who will not just acquire a quote and be done with it. I've been taught to follow up on these correspondences and try to help out the person or company in some different way.
The result of this will be a contact who will remember you for the great work you have done on their behalf and who will continually reward you in their own way. If that specific quote isn't quite what you are after, I've learned to not be sorry and not feel bad. This person is a part of a business and part of that is not being able to please everyone. No matter, keep that person in mind for future events and projects. Don't alienate them (for lack of a better word), and make sure you will remain in contact with them so they will remember you.
5 comments:
I completely concur with this post! In PR, and in business in general, especially in a city as small as Perth, a good working reputation could be the most vital tool you have! I have seen what it is like in the business world when people have burnt bridges and it gets ugly. You never know when you will need to call on someone to assist you with a job, or when you yourself will be called on and this will be a reflection on you. Excellent post!
Hi Jamie,
This is a fantastic point, especially because we are in Perth where everyone seems to know everyone. I have been told numerous times not to "burn my bridges" however it was not until I started my internship I realised just how important that is and how often things come around to 'bite you on the bum'! How you act (whether it be at work or not) is incredibly important and people you befriend and know will most likely be able to help you sometime in the near future.
You have made some fantastic points and it sounds like your having a great time at your internship!
Jamie you nailed it! I think it is so important and something we rarely get reminded of at uni! You never know who you'll end up working for or with! I believe in our industry more so than others personality can really get you a long way which is why I have no doubt you'll be very successful!
Hope the head has stopped spinning; sounds like a lot of fast-paced fun!
Hi Jamie,
I couldn't agree more with the issues you have brought up here!
As Lydia said Perth is such a small city and a good reputation can go a long way.
Most importantly I find it great that you are learning to not feel bad about the 'nature of business'. I find I am still learning this and sometimes we as professionals need to be slightly ruthless (yet still considerate) to get the results we need.
I guess it's all about finding the happy medium between character strength and charisma. Lets hope we all nail it!
Amy
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