WESTERN AUSTRALIA
NEWSBRIEF
December 2005/January 2006
In this edition:
PRIA (WA) Christmas Party – a wrap
Professional Development Calendar of events for 2006
A Crisis is Coming (Crisis Communications) February
Notices
Employment Opportunities
Student Chapters
The Scene
From the Editor’s Desk
May the New Year be safe, happy, prosperousfilled with stellar
PR opportunities!
A cool Yule by the pool
The 2005 PRIA (WA) Christmas Party was held on 20 Decemberby the pool at Burswood Entertainment Complex. A fabulous time was had by all and everyone went home with a lovely goodie bag (including a little taste of Bollywood with some Bombay Sapphire)!
Congratulations to our professional placement winners – make the most of this great opportunity! More details next year.
When you get your new diaries for 2006 make a note in it for next year's bash! It is THE event for PR professionals and a night not to be missed.
PRIA (WA) 2005 Christmas Party
Professional Development
Program for 2006
Planning is under way for thesePRIA WA professional developmentevents in 2006:
- Crisis communication/management – late February
- Media relations – early April
- WA Marketing and Business Networking Congress – 7-8 June
- Community relations/stakeholder engagement – July
A crisis is coming!
PRIA (WA) is planning a major workshop on crisis communication and management in February.
Crises and security issues have loomed large in the Australian community in recent years, and new crisis communication strategies have been developed to in responseto the new circumstances.
We have secured two top speakers to talk on the latest techniques for dealing with crises and are finalising discussions with other speakers.
Peter Mahon, Managing Director of Royce Communications in Melbourne,managed the dramatic Kraft Peanut Butter crisis and product recall, which is a classic "how to do it" case study.
Peterhas managed some of the highest profile crisis communication projects in Australia including Cardinal Pell and the Roman Catholic Church in Australia; Cathy Freeman; General Motors Holden; several companyliquidators; the Australian Sports Drugs Agency;the City of Melbourne; the2006Commonwealth Games organising committee; and the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne.
Chadd McLisky of Indo Pacific Reputation Management Consultants, Jakarta, is also a seasoned crisis communication professional who was one of the star speakers at the PRIA national conference in Brisbane this year, andhas agreed to speak at the workshop.
More details in the next issue of Newsbrief.
Notices
Casting a wider net
Are you looking for a way to get jobs in front of PRIA members? The PRIA National website offers the opportunity to advertise job positions. For more information, please contact Karen at .
Welcome to new members
PRIA (WA) is pleased to welcome aboard Dr Panizza Allmark, Jill Thomas and Kathy Jonesas Provisional Associates. Chiemene Richardson, Lana Nelligan, Sarah Jackson, Tara Morris and Daniella Kenney are new student members.
Employment Opportunities
Community and Economic Development Officer – EPRA
The East Perth Redevelopment Authority is looking to appoint a Community and Economic Development Officer in the Communications and Marketing Branch. The role coordinates and implements promotional initiatives, activities and events relating to the place activation strategies for each of EPRA project. The position would suit a recent graduate with 2-3 years experience.
Enquiries should be made to: Zanda Cameron, Economic and Community Development, East Perth Redevelopment Authority on telephone 9222 8018 or email .
Student Chapters
PRSC – a year in review
Curtin University's student chapter of the PRIA has a stellar year. Currently there are 201 students from Curtin and 6 students from ECU. This number will be reduced by March 2006 after 50-60 students graduate from their studies.
In 2005 the PRSC staged a number of events: Networking You – Sundowner;Packaging You – Career Lunch;PR In Fashion – Career Lunch;PRSC Cocktail Party –social event;PR in the Wine Industry – academic seminar;Universal Business Seminar – academic seminar; PRSC Birthday Party – social event; O’day and Guild Day – University organised events; andthey took part in PR 393 info seminar – organised By Karen Kerlin. PRSC also secured sponsorship for a number of these events with a value of $5920. Congratulations to all involved.
Graduating and New Committee:
After two years of hard work to make the PRSC what it is today, most of the original committee (from 2004) will be finally saying goodbye to Curtin and handing over the reins to the new PRSC team as elected by members at the 2005 AGM. Leaving committee members include: Lidia Sakarapani – President; Michelle Dix – Vice-President; Alissa Sharples – Secretary; Bernice Thompson – Treasurer; Eryn Bicker – Events; Saschelle Trinke – Events; and Claire Hall – 3rd Year Rep. New committee members for 2006: Pina Compagnone – President;Anu Malaviya – Vice-President; Emma Langoulant – Secretary; George Armstrong – Treasurer; Michelle Mok – Events; Thomazs Machnik – Events; Paul Adams – 3rd Year Rep; Emily Cameron – 2nd Year Rep; Kate Bickley – 1st Year Rep; and Ciel Jolley – general committee member.
We are sure all PRIA (WA) members will join the Board in thanking the outgoing committee for their wonderful contribution and wish them all the best in their future PR careers. The Board also looks forward to meeting the new committee and supporting their efforts to assist PR students in their professional endeavours.
The Scene
A Bigger Brand
Perth-based The Brand Agency has announced its intention to partner Melbourne firm Badjar and Sydney's Fame Advertising to establish a major new agency brand. The brand will be based in Sydney with The Brand Agency and Badjar acquiring equity stakes in Fame Advertising.
The Brand Agency is a top WA agency whose clients include BankWest, Bunnings Building Supplies, Burswood Entertainment Complex, Fremantle Football Club, Rottnest Island Authority, RAC of WA and WA Salvage.
The name of the new agency will be announced in the New Year and Peter McAuliffe, currently MD of Fame, will be the initial Executive Chairman. A search is under way to fill the Managing Director role. Monty Noble, current CD of Fame will assume the role of Executive Creative Director in the new agency.
From the Editor’s Desk
Should old [new] acquaintance be forgot?
It's that time of the year when parties are aplenty and you're in a whirl – socially, professionally and personally. Don't let prime networking opportunities pass you by over the Festive Season and into the New Year – it's a time to meet lots of new contacts, reaffirm old relationships and generally get your face out there (preferably not 'plastered' all over the social pages though!).
Here are a few tips from the networking masters to capitalise on those social situations. So enjoy your cocktails and revelry, but keep an eye out for golden opportunities to see and be seen.
Andrea Nierenberg offers up these two networking tool kits.
Intangible Tool Kit – It weighs the least and has the greatest value. These are the items that reflect your overall demeanour at events or anywhere.
1. A positive attitude—Attend relaxed, optimistic, and prepared.
2. An open mind—Give and learn without any expectations.
3. Your presence—Focus on people and be in the moment.
4. Ears—Pay attention. Be prepared to talk less, listen more, and learn plenty.
5. Eyes—Be observant. Assure people that they have your full attention and interest.
6. A smile—Come across genuine and warm. Smiling is a key approachability factor.
7. A firm handshake—Extend a confident greeting. It can be a memorable trait.
8. Self-Confidence—Share your expertise. Recognise your ability to help someone and learn.
Tangible Tool Kit – These items will prepare you to meet, connect, and follow up with ease. Using them can dramatically improve your image with people you meet.
1. Breath mints—It's polite. Talking a lot makes your mouth dry and breath deteriorate.
2. Hand Sanitizer—You'll shake lots of hands. It's a great item to prevent passing germs. (Discretion is the key!)
3. Business Cards—Take an adequate supply. Offer cards in good condition.
4. Business card case(s)—Carry two. Take one for your cards and one for your contacts.
5. A nice pen—Accessorise your image. Always carry two nice pens.
6. A small notepad—Take notes. Write about each person to remember and follow up.
7. Highlighter—Stand out. Highlight your name on your nametag.
8. Name tag—Wear it noticeably. Place it on your right side for a better view when shaking hands.
9. Mirror—Check your appearance. Be sure you are well groomed before entering.
10. Note cards and stamps—Follow-up immediately. Send a note as a follow up and to show your interest.
Keeping these tool kits handy will ensure that all of your interactions and follow-ups appear seamless and natural. Apply the best that work for you and integrate a few new ideas that will show your "networking personality". As you enjoy the holiday season, remember to greet, meet, and build long-term business relationships.
Thomas Murrell MBA CSP, International Business Speaker has 9 networking tips for your next Christmas event. For monthly tips subscribe to the Media Motivators newsletter at
This time of year is ideal for sharpening and honing your networking skills. There is not a better time to start building long-term business relationships. Christmas offers a chance to meet new people in a relaxed and social atmosphere whilst maintaining a professional relationship level.
However it is important to uphold your professionalism to make optimum use of the networking opportunities.
Nine common mistakes people make when networking over the festive season include:
1. Not Planning Prior To The Event
Work out what you want to achieve from going to the festive event. Is it just to relax, have fun and unwind after a busy year? Is it to say thank you to your clients, meet new people or build long-term relationships? Your approach will differ in all these situations. Have a plan prior to attending the event and try to reach set goals. An example might be to obtain three new key contacts or to reaffirm an existing relationship.
2. Running Out Of Business Cards
There is nothing more embarrassing or unprofessional than when someone asks you for a business card and you can't produce one. Always carry too many rather than too few. Being prepared gives you more confidence and entrusts confidence when developing new relationships.
3. Making A Beeline For People You Know
Most people have a great fear of walking into a room full of people they don't know. See this as a challenge rather than a handicap and avoid going for the easy option of meeting people you know well first. Certainly acknowledge these people but leave them until the end of the function to catch up with. This will maximise your chances of meeting new people.
Make a goal to meet five new people at an event. Don't try and meet everyone of the 100 or so people at an event. Making a lasting impression with a few, rather than a shallow interaction with many, is far more beneficial.
4. Talking Too Much
Avoid talking too much about yourself. This is probably the biggest turn-off for prospective clients or alliance partners.
5. Not Listening
Business is all about providing solutions to people's problems. How can you understand their problems if you don't ask questions and listen? Use active listening skills to build rapport and gain a true understanding of their issues and concerns.
6. Hard Sell
Networking events are your opportunity to develop relationships. Avoid the hard-sell and get to know the person you are speaking with. Once the relationship has been established the business will come. Initial hard selling may have the opposite effect and drive the person away.
7. Lack Of Clarity
Research shows that 95 per cent of business people are often asked, particularly at a networking function "what do you do?"
Many have difficulty articulating what they do, particularly in conveying the benefits of their position to a prospective client. Having a 'personal branding statement' (PBS) really helps in this situation. It helps to clarify how you or your business can solve their problems and takes all the stress out of answering this question!
8. Over Indulgence
As with all things in life, moderation is key. In this context it includes limiting consumption of alcohol to an acceptable level and being mindful when introducing yourself to people. Remember you are a professional regardless of the situation or time of year. Respect those around you and your personal and professional responsibilities.
9. Not Following Up
Many people simply fail to follow-up on the prospects or business leads they meet at festive networking events. Put in place a system to follow-up, otherwise many of your networking efforts will be wasted. This can be as simple as an email or phone call to acknowledge your interaction and does not have to be business related. A relationship which might not seem to be initially good for your business may lead to you being referred on, one of the strongest marketing tools used to generate more business.
Good luck networking and building your social capital!
© 2005 8M Media & Communications. All rights reserved worldwide.
Newsbrief is edited by Natalie Greaves, Principal of Victor Publishing & Communications Consultants. I am available to provide communications expertise (materials and strategy for PR, advertising and marketing) and can be contracted to provide copy-editorial and proof-reading services (for annual reports, prospectuses etc.). I can be contacted on 0403 338 490 or 9271 5154 and via email at .