And so it continues...

My main project at Spyn (the BGC family fun day) might be done and dusted but work carries on as with everything.

Currently Nicki is working on more projects that you could poke a stick at. One of these projects is the revamp of the Bayswater Hotel and Motel.

The venue is set for a major overhaul with new hotel rooms having been built, new flooring for the entire premises and new decor and furniture throughout.

Nicki was lucky enough to be the consultant chosen to head the revamp. I attended a meeting with the owner of the Hotel last week and was astounded at the work that had been put in in the last few months. More astounding was Nicki's proposal to Bayswater which I got to see before she submitted it. 

This was the first time I had seen a proper complete PR/Marketing proposal to a client and it was wonderful to see so many aspects of class work were present in the prop. There was mention of social media usage, and press releases and new collateral material. I had used all of these concepts in university projects that required a brief or proposal, but it was something different all together to see them used in a  real life context.

It gives me hope that all those uni assignments weren't completed in vain and that the things we write and the ideas we generate can be applied, word for word in a real life example.

I know my time at Spyn has to come to an end at some point and I will be sad when that day comes. But I will be happy to know that I have learned so much in such a short space of time. I feel incredibly privileged to have worked with Nicki over the last few months and I am sure what I have learned can be applied to my future.

Don't burn your bridges!

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.