Wednesday, August 20, 2014

MANAGEMENT.PLANNING.NETWORKING

WOW.

What a week, I know I’m going to like it here.

So! Gtmedia usually specialise in communications and crisis management but as of late have also been assisting some clients with event management. This week was crazy intense, as I got to do exactly that - help plan, and execute an event. (And boy did I do just that and learn a lot of things along the way)

Dampier to Bunbury Pipeline (DBP) are one of the many clients of Gtmedia. Both natural gas and the pipeline play and important role in providing the energy many majoring mining and resource customers need to power their operations. DBP’s main business is the operation, maintenance and expansion of the pipeline.

DBP celebrated its 30th Anniversary, and in order of this, Gtmedia organised a twilight party at the Perth Arena, catering over 200 people. Over the week, I assisted with last minute plans, confirming entertainment, finalising the guest list, running sheet, contact list, and confirmed what audio visual would be required throughout the event to accommodate the guest speakers.

On the night of the event, it was our role to make sure things ran as smooth as possible, by keeping on top of the little things – like ensuring that everyone knew were to go, had a name tag, and making sure that things ran in order. Whilst doing this I had the opportunity to speak to many people. I had the absolute pleasure of talking to DBP’s chief executive officer Stuart Johnston, Alannah MacTiernan, and really all the A-listers of the gas industry. 

The most vital lesson I learnt from this week is that Networking is critical.

“NETWORKING is the single most powerful marketing tactic to accelerate and sustain success for any individual or organisation!” – Adam Small

On a day-to-day basis we are constantly showered with emails, advertisements, status updates etc.  Personal communication and building a rapport with others enable you/and your organisation to stand out. Gemma Tognini (the Director of Gtmedia – and my super awesome boss lady) spoke with me about making connections and building mutually beneficial relationships - and in turn, these types of relationships are a catalyst for success.

Lesson learned. This is something I that I will always refer back to.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Hi Stef,

Thank you for sharing this!

I have organised a lot of events before and I know how intense it is! But I am sure you found it really rewarding in the end when you saw people enjoying themselves at the DBP's 30th anniversary which you helped put together.

I definitely agree with you that networking is critical. Networking is important for any profession as you can find out new opportunities that you would have no other way of knowing. I think networking is especially important for public relations professionals as they depend on their networks to help get the very best for their clients-whether it be organising an event, getting some media coverage, dealing with a crisis etc.

Knowing how to build beneficial relationships is definitely key to growing professional networks as I know some people believe that networking is all about meeting new people, exchanging contact details and never contacting them again. But there is so much more to that as you know.

Thanks again and all the very best!
Michelle Tran
15072735