Who's The Boss?

Hi all, today I want to share with you one of an eye opening thing I learned from my internship with Kota Kinabalu City Hall (KKCH).  

As an organisation that held multiple functions that require interactions with VIPs such as government officials and ministers one way or another, it is very important for us to get it right with the official titles and names of these people.  This is very crucial in preparing documents such as invitation letter to the media, press release, program list, and speech.  We have to ensure their official titles and position are correct as a form of respect and acknowledgement.  Also, giving the correct information to the media also means to have the correct information published in newspaper articles later on.

Besides getting the titles and their position correct, I also learned the importance of protocols.  In KKCH or perhaps for Malaysia, we have to follow protocols in seating arrangement and even designing the banners. The more important or high ranking person will be at the right side of the banner itself.  As for the seating arrangement, it is varied with odd number and even number of VIPs present on that day.

For odd number seating arrangement, the highest ranking person will be seated in the middle followed by the second VIP on the right and third VIP on the left, and consequently.

For even number of VIPs, the seating arrangement will be the first VIP will be on the right and followed by the next on his/her left hand side..

I find this important for a PR person to know because later it will produce and ensure the correct information will be provided in various communication tools.

Until the next time,

Easter Lee

Paperwork and Meetings

PR.  We always relate PR with exciting events, great exposures and making new contacts with various people whether it is the media, corporate members, or even celebrities.  Although all of these are true but they are not all of the PR industry.

As I am now in the third week of my internship in Kota Kinabalu City Hall (KKCH), I can say that besides doing on the spot PR tasks such as keeping in touch with the media during events, there are also other "behind the scenes" jobs that were given to me and I find it equally important if not more.  This is because preparation and planning is vital for the success of an event.  What I learned in PR units in semesters before suddenly makes so much sense. 

KKCH organised many events across the city, may it be social events or official governmental events.  This is why we always have a few meetings lined up throughout the day.  At first, I find it a bit overwhelming to go through meetings daily (although I only present when I am given the chance to) but after a while I understand meetings make things clearer between everyone who is working for the event, making sure that the event runs smooth and successful.

Paperwork is also important for PR and often is the key to successful communication and event.  May it be the media invitation letter, budget list, program list or person in charge and their responsibilities.  Although this sounds like a lot of work but they are essential for PR in events.

Though paperwork and meetings are hard work but preparation and planning is the key to make that significant event we had in mind into reality.

Hope everyone will have a great week ahead with their internships.

Until the next post,

Easter Lee Siau Ching