What do you mean the importance of social media still goes unnoticed!?

While at the agency I was asked to help them with their instagram account. I was surprised to see that still to this day there are companies which don’t realize the benefits social media can bring them! 

The importance of social media has been drilled into us for three straight years, we’ve made our own twitter accounts and blogs in order to get familiar with all the technologies available to organisations. However there are companies which still are unaware of how important it is, Jett themselves have no clear strategy for social media. They have an instagram account but no twitter or facebook page and their personal website has little to no information available to the public. However their instagram account has a much higher following rate compared to its follower rate which some will put down to having no clear strategy.

Jett agency instagram account (@jettfashionagency)

Everyone go follow!!

I found it very unusual that they didn’t have a facebook or twitter page but as my internship continued I realized why. The girls at Jett are extremely busy and social media just isn’t a priority. As part of my internship I took on the duty to manage their instagram which was a really beneficial as I was able to incorporate what I have learnt over the course of my degree into practice. 

When posting on the agency account I had to make sure I was always researching before every post was made, ensure I noted where the photos were from as well as mentioning the particular style or collection the clothes came from. I made sure I was posting consistently as well as posting around the times social media traffic is know to be at its highest. So far the Jett instagram is growing at a much faster rate than before I took on this role and this has helped show the agency how important it is to be consistent on social media in order to really reap the benefits. Although it will take time to really increase the followers to the point where it overtakes the number of accounts the agency is currently following, it will happen over time.

What are your social media experiences? And what are some of your techniques you have used to gain a larger social media following? 

There are positives and there are negatives

There was one thing I was certain I didn’t want in an internship. I didn’t want to be sitting down in an office all day doing computer related tasks. I wanted balance and I wanted to make sure I would enjoy my internship which is why I searched for so long, until I found Jett Fashion Agency.

Lucky for me my internship gave me that balance and I am doing both computer tasks as well as physical tasks. However there are still positives and negatives to this, of course the positive to having a balance is I’m never bored and there’s always something different for me to do. However the main struggle I found was it was often challenging to stay public relations focused. This is an issue I knew I would encounter from the beginning, I mean it’s a fashion agency not a public relations agency and there is a significant difference between the two. Its always very crazy at Jett and as they say time really is of the essence. I often wouldn’t have time to do many pr related tasks because there were so many other jobs that were placed much higher on the list of priorities.

Now despite the challenge I face in terms of applying my degree to my internship there are days when I am able to incorporate what I have learnt with ease. Producing flyers, managing social media and communicating with publics were my main public relations related tasks. I was able to use my creativity and put together flyers which would be sent to boutiques and retailers around Perth. Aside from this, managing their social media gave me the experience I needed in terms of managing a company instagram which we all know is very different from managing a personal account. There are procedures to follow, you must ensure the photo original source is noted, the range worn in the photo needs to be mentioned as well, the model/blogger in the photo also needs to be tagged and so on. Then finally communicating with publics, the task I learnt the most from. I think this has really helped me develop an understanding of what is and isn’t acceptable in terms of communication. It has also given me the confidence to communicate efficiently and effectively in the workplace, which is something I knew I had to personally work on.

Ultimately although there are always going to be positives ad negatives in an internship, the positives always outweigh the negatives! Has anyone else struggled to apply their public relations degree to their internship?

Expectations: Coffee Runs; Reality: Irreplaceable Experience

Going into the Inglewood studio of Perth based designer Steph Audino, was the most nerve racking moment I've experienced in a long time. I walked in having few expectations and a whole lot of enthusiasm. 

The expectations I did have included going for coffee runs, helping out on smaller part of bigger tasks where I could and generally just being told to help out in anyway I could. The reality however, was that I would be given a PR role that I could have only hoped for. 

I was doing tasks like...

• Communicating with major newspaper outlets
• Writing media releases
• Organising major events (website launch party, VIP styling night)
• Media liaising
• Contributing to social media (Facebook and Instagram)
• Reaching out to bloggers and prominent Instagram fashionistas 

...and so much more

This position was once in a lifetime, and something I could have only wished for! I can't wait for everything I'm going to continue learning and putting into practice during this internship at Steph Audino.

Intro to my dream internship!

I am completing my PR placement at a Fashion Agency, called Jett in central Perth. Although there is not PR department at the agency a lot of the work the staff do is somewhat related to PR practices. Some of the most common tasks they are found doing include producing flyers, organising events (showings), managing social media and so on. So it may not be a PR specific but there is still a fair amount work which can be linked back to PR practices.

For those who don’t know what a Fashion Agency does, they are basically the middleman between a brand/designer and a store. Jett agency represents over 40 different brands ranging from casual to high fashion and there are both international and Australian based designers. Each season the brands send their new collection to the Agency (before manufacturing and distribution). Its then Jett’s job to organize showings with stores and boutiques in Western Australia and use their sales knowledge and skills to sell the collection to buyers. These buyers choose what they will think is going to sell in their stores and order the colour and quantity they want. The agency sends off their order forms and then when the collection is manufactured its ready for distribution. So ultimately it’s the agency’s job to ensure all the brands are receiving the right exposure and achieving sales, this is where social media and promotion is vital in ensuring Jett achieves its goals.

It gets a bit crazy at Jett Agency, some days busier than other but no less interesting. There is something different to do everyday and it sure does keep you on your toes. I can’t wait to see what else awaits me! Is anyone else working in a non PR specific organization?

The Search for a Placement

29th August 2014 

Have you ever had the time to read J.R. Tolkien’s ‘Lord of The Rings’ series or watch the trilogy film adaptation by Peter Jackson?

Well, if you have not, here’s a quick synopsis:

The story revolves around the main protagonist, Frodo and his endeavor to reach Middle Earth to destroy the One Ring that threatened the fate of mankind. Well definitely, the journey to Middle Earth was an arduous and tedious one -  burdened and fraught with many challenges and setbacks along the way.

But like in all fictional stories, we see the light at the end of the tunnel when the hero manages to overcome any encumbrance with favorable results – sometimes to the point of ridiculousness where we question ourselves, ‘That is too much of a dream come true!’ or ‘Are you sure that is even humanly possible?’

Now, there is an underlying purpose in why I’m sharing the story of ‘The Lord of The Rings’ with you. I’m not a geek or nerd (well some say I am, but I subconsciously deny the obvious fact), I find the story of LOTR akin to my journey in finding a company for my placement – Arduous, tedious and fraught with many setbacks.

Now let me share something with you. Prior to embarking on my educational journey at Curtin, I was employed in Gucci Singapore as a Communications Intern in the Public Relations department – I can only say that I was extremely fortunate for the opportunity for the competition for that position was extremely high – imagine the prestige or ‘wow’ factor in working for a world-renowned company and the fashion industry - the glitz and glamour associated with the fashion industry is enough to blind anyone like pixie dust.

The 11 months that I spent with Gucci was indeed rewarding. I had the chance to coordinate a range of activities from photo-shoots, liaising with the media, pitching stories and even coordinating a large-scale fashion show – activities that are synonymous with the functions of Public Relations. It was indeed a good learning ground for me but I’m sure you would agree that knowledge and experience is never enough for any individual.

So you might ask, if you claim to have that much experience and skills, why was it hard to find a placement? Well I have only myself and my ego to blame for this actually – I’m somewhat like a picky eater, I want a placement that reflects my personal values and ambitions that I have set for myself in my path to a successful career in Public Relations. The standards that I have set for myself are extremely high because I believe that I encompass the necessary experience or expertise in the field. That coupled with the fact that in all the previous internships that I have embarked on – I have never had the experience or chance to work in a consultancy firm. I have always been exposed to working in an in-house public relations role within a dedicated industry, but have never been exposed to working in a firm that deals with multiple industries.

This is why the journey was tough. I wanted that exposure in a consultancy firm, but unfortunately the desire to find a placement in a consultancy did not match positions that are available. It was really a tough and tedious process – at times, I did feel a little depressed with each rejection on the lack of capacity for an internship position.

So what do I do now? Withdraw out of the unit? Try my luck next semester? The answer is no. Drawing back on my experience in PR, especially when dealing with the media – you have to be able to deal with rejection and grow stronger.

Take for instance; you have this amazing story angle that you wish to pitch to the newspapers. You are confident that the angle for the story fits what the editor or writer is looking for. You have drafted out the most detailed press release, you have all your quotes and photo opportunities in place. You pick up the phone and make a call to the editor, pitching the idea in your most enthused voice ever, oozing with confidence that you are going to garner a full-page coverage or at least a half-page. And what does the editor/writer tell you? ‘That sounds like a good angle or story, but we are tight with deadlines and we might have to give the story a miss. Buzz me up the next time you have something along these lines as well.’  You put down the phone, lamenting on the missed opportunity. What a waste, you would think. There’s always that other window of opportunity in the future – you just have to not give up and be resilient in finding that opportunity to get that article published.

The same can be said for me. Coupled with divine intervention through daily night prayers (promising that I’ll be a good boy. I believe that I kept up to that promise) and networking with Curtin tutors on my desire to do my internship in a consultancy for I wanted that much needed exposure, I found a place in Devahsdin Public Relations.

Now this is shaping up to be a fairytale come true. Devashasdin PR? THE Devahasdin PR? The boutique PR consultancy that many tutors have been raving about, that has an excellent reputation as a leading consultancy in Perth?

I really couldn’t believe that I was granted this opportunity – the opportunity to work in a firm that deals with high-profile government and private clients. This is what I was looking for all the time!

Running through the interview process gave me more confidence that Devahasdin is where I want to be and that the organisation is able to arm me with the necessary exposure and skills that I am seeking for in a consultancy firm. I am ready for the challenges that lie ahead and I am motivated for it.

Therefore everyone, wish me luck! I start next week and like I said – the important qualities that all aspiring PR practitioners should always have is patience, endurance and a never-say-die attitude. This mirrors your personality in life as well. Never ever give up.

Like me, what might be impossible will be possible for you if you dedicate enough effort and time in it. In the case of your professional career in PR, it can be said to be the same. Never let the rejection of media coverage pull you down. The more you maintain that relationship with the media and consistent pitching of stories, the higher your chances are with the publishing of your story! You’ll never know! It might just get a front-page cover spread!

So everyone, do stay tuned for more as I share with you my incredible and first-time journey in a consultancy firm - Devahasdin! I’m excited!

Nicholas Cross

Getting CREATIVE!

Hi Everyone,

My name is Chloe Walton and I am in my final semester of my PR and Marketing degree. These last couple of weeks I have been interning at Shelan Creatives, a bespoke graphic design and stationary company, which to date has been amazing! The company is incredibly creative (pun intended) and hands on with its approach to their clients and their work. Everything is handmade and completely unique to the customer, showcasing their fine eye to detail and also the level of effort they put in to every project. This is something that I find incredibly amazing to watch and a service that I too would like to offer for clients when I graduate.

The last couple of weeks have been busy as the company have been working on several upcoming projects from both the graphic design side in creating logos and slogans for other companies to creating stationary and print designs available for sale on their recently relaunched website. As well as these projects,Shelan Creatives has been working on events with Perth based online boutique Hello Parry on their forthcoming Telestra Perth Fashion Festival Event.

One of my main focuses has been running Shelan Creatives blog, helping create media kits to hand out to influential bloggers and media outlets (we've just had photos featured in The Collective Renegade Magazine!) assisting in tasks concerned with the upcoming events and creating a PR plan to focus on both short and long term goals.


If you are ever in need of some inspiration or want to just view some beautiful pictures, please check out Shelan Creatives Instagram and Website. It really is a site (sorry couldn't help myself) for sore eyes. 



Shelan Creatives website: http://www.shelancreatives.com/
Shelan Creatives Instagram: http://instagram.com/shelancreatives


I'll keep you all up to date over the next couple of weeks, but for now I have to go write a blog post about one of Shelan Creatives new projects!

Yours sincerely,

Chloe Walton.

Introductions and catch-ups

Hi Everyone!

My name is Tahlia Manners, I'm a Mass Communications student majoring in PR and Web Communications and, like all of you, am completing my 20 day PR internship at a company called Savvy Creations who specialize in Fashion, Beauty, Lifestyle, Health and Fitness and Travel PR. I started the process to finding a placement way back in January of this year and secured the role as a PR (and now marketing) intern in February...so technically have done a few more than 20 days! The experience so far has been fantastic and have learnt so much on the way.

To get you up to speed, the past 7 months has been focusing on the total re-branding of Savvy Creations. When i first started, my roles included copy-writing for the new SC website to make it sound sophisticated and modern and RESEARCH, research and more research in to what makes a great PR company- from aesthetics to their practices (which is why Savvy Creations later decided to include marketing as part of their services. Clients want a one-stop shop). For this, I spent hours researching many different PR websites, media kits, logos and branding which acted as inspiration. During this time, I helped in providing images for the new website, the content, colour schemes, PR and Marketing packages for businesses and decisions on logo designs. The final logo decision is the one below which embodies the way in which the company wanted to be perceived: contemporary and sophisticated

Now that you are all up to speed on some of the highlights thus far, my last meeting with my boss (meetings occur roughly every 2 weeks where we are assigned the work) I was asked to;

1. Write 2 Press Releases:  
2. Come up with an innovative publicity stunt for a client**
3. Write and draft an advertising campaign for a client**
4. Come up with 30-40 Web Development companies in Perth and write up a generic email to send to them to inform on our services and how we can help
5. Look over a Perth photographer's website and write up some possible content changes.

I'm currently completing all of these tasks with an upcoming meeting this week, which I will update you all on the end results

What i have learnt so far from my internship (in particular this week)

1. Organisation is key: with uni work, part time job and assignments, prioritize and get all the work done before the due date as in the past couple of weeks, my intern boss has needed the work early. That way, you'll never get caught off guard. 
2. Always ask questions: the more you know about a task and the company the better you can complete it. Background research is also vital, so have a look at the company website, their vision and missions.
3. Be enthusiastic and eager: ultimately one of the main reasons I was originally hired was due to my enthusiasm, which as my boss says is something you cant teach. I will always ask my intern boss if there is any more work she is willing to give me to build up my experience and make a lasting impression.

I promise the next post will be shorter..7 months of catch up (in a nutshell) is now done. 

Tahlia 

The Butcher & The Crow

This week the main focus was on a launch produced by The Studio featuring a local designer Elisha Quinta, and her autumn/winter 2014 collection. Her label, The Butcher & The Crow embraces the resurgence of an appreciation for the hand made and its processes. The event was held at the Riverview Hotel on Mount St, and featured a runway showcasing her latest collection.

In the lead up to the event I was advised to research the guest list in order to familiarise myself with the many socialites, company representatives, media and models attending the event. In doing this I made a table with the names of the guests and noted down any information I could find from old articles and the help of social media!

My job for the night was to manage the media pit, this involved guiding a bunch of photographers through the runway routine, pointing out the best position in order to capture the models, and control when the media was allowed to take photographs back stage before the event. I also had to assist the media when taking pictures of the guests, as I was able to inform them who they were and point out guests that should be photographed.

Here a few backstage snaps of the models before the show, taken by stylevoyeur.com

After lots of preparation and planning, the night turned out to be a great success. I’m feeling much more confident in my tasks, and I'm learning new things every week! In the following couple of days I cut out several different articles regarding the event all of which were positive reviews!