eDM's are my new best friend

Guess who learnt how to write eDM's? I did! 

xx S

I'm baaaaaack!

Oh my beloved blog, why did I neglect you? Oh, that's right I landed a sweet gig at YGAP as Polished Man Digital Co-ordinator!

It's really nice knowing your contributions are going towards a good cause, not to mention, this role has provided me new skills and 'polished' (sorry couldn't help it) my existing ones.

This role is completely voluntary, meaning I have pulled some 13 hour days working at Maccas and YGAP. You never feel tired when you do what you love, and I love YGAP.

I thought I would share some stuff to show what I have been doing. One night, I was asked to write media responses for YGAP's wonderful CEO Elliot Costello. This was extremely exciting for me as I stepped up to the challenge. The messaging had to be crafted carefully, as the campaign supports preventative measures of violence against children.

My communications manager commended my efforts on the responses and said I had done an amazing job! YAY!

Till next time,

S xx

But Daddy, I want it na-oow!

You know you desperately want something when you feel your eyes well up just thinking about it. My poor boyfriend Jack just had to comfort me, as I bellowed at him "I JUST WANT A JOB IN COMMUNICATIONS SO BAD! I WANT IT NOW!" It kind of went something like this...

I wish my Daddy could get me this NOOOOOW!

Till next time,

 (The next post will be constructive I do promise)

xxS 

Ain't life Gra(n)d....

I am extremely apologetic for my lack of posts! I have started back up at uni and my perfectionist self is in overdrive. I have also been busy throwing myself 100% into finishing my beautifully constructed graduate CV and cover letter. (If you are a potential employer, pleeeeeease do know a lot of sweat and tears have been put into the two items. They are also not generic). I must say, I can usually boast that I am the greatest person to walk this Earth (apart from the oh so great Bill Murray of course). But to summarise it and do so in a convincing manner is not so easy! When I spoke to my best friend who is now 2 years out of uni with a fantastic marketing job, I told her I wanted to put "zombie movies" in my interests. This was responded with a swift "no"... followed by this face :|. Point taken.

I hope this blog proves to be another avenue for everyone to see that I am not just "another graduate". I did not do this degree because of the potential lucrative pay check or perks. I genuinely do love communicating to people, whether it be verbal, written or even body language (I am rather theatrical but extremely loveable). So if you do read this, and you believe that I do not translate well on paper - give me a shot. I do not know how to do anything below 100% (and I can supply you with an endless amount of cat memes)

xx S

Just a note on timing....

So the 2014 AFL season has kicked off with the spotlight being thrown onto Essendon - yet again. We are all aware of the saying 'let sleeping dogs lie' - one which Tania Hird should take note of. Since the drug scandal first arose last year, it has utterly saturated the Australian media... And now it's time to let go.

Photo source: news.com.au

Tania Hird strongly asserts husband James, was 'bullied' into accepting a 12 month ban from the club. "I definitely think James was a scapegoat, in fact, we were told that James being the scapegoat was a non-negotiable..." (Le Grand, C. 2014).

Coming from a PR viewpoint, the comments made by Tania have casted unnecessary attention to a club whose morale was constantly tested throughout 2013. It is unfair on the players, stand in coach Bomber Thompson and even the supporters. The focus should be on moving forward from a damaging year. Not potentially causing further harm.  

Tania believes she has her husband's best interests at heart, albeit her approach (and more importantly timing) is absolutely incorrect. It may be seen to some as attention seeking. To bring up once dormant issues is risky. The 'PR snowball' of sequential stories could be catastrophic for James Hird's return next year .

So please Tania, listen to the Essendon PR gurus. I'm hoping they're offering the same advice... (if not, call me) 04...



Sources: 

Le Grand, C. 2014, Hird tipped off over drug investigation: wife, The Australian, March 21 2014. <http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/afl/hird-tipped-off-over-drug-investigation-wife/story-fnca0u4y-1226860645345#>

Oh bless the power of social media...

Put a link to my blog on facebook, and these are the number of  views today! Was originally at 30.... Oh bless you social media! And thanks to those who have read my blog!

xx S

Reddit said it

In my opinion, one of the most under appreciated/missed social mediums is reddit. It is after all, 'the front page of the internet' (www.reddit.com). My boyfriend is an avid user of it and the person responsible for getting me hooked. He calls it, "facebook is the reddit of yesterday" (meaning a lot of the memes/other items that were on reddit the week before, then gain popularity on facebook).

As a communications student, I appreciate the communal vibe Reddit has. Sure you can like posts, downgrade posts like other mediums... but it's one of a kind. Something that sets Reddit apart from the rest. I have read stories of Redditors (as they are called), helping others in times of crisis etc. (there are copious amounts of examples). The sub reddits can be compared to maps of a fantasy land, the lists are endless and take you on journey's you never anticipated to go on.

  To me, you have to wear a mask on facebook. You are still recognisable by your photograph and whom you associate with. However, on Reddit you can be as crude, honest and inquisitive as you like. You don't just hide behind a username, you almost use it as your "profile pic". The ELI5 (explain like I'm 5) subreddit, permits users to ask what would be assumed "stupid" questions. I have read about why men cheat on their wives, what illegal activities individuals have got away with. Some answers have truly shocked me and opened my eyes (makes me feel like I sook about having to get up at 6.30 am).

Furthermore, through Reddit I have learnt more about the current up rises in the Ukraine than any other news source. It is like having Al Jazeera, SBS, ABC etc. all at your fingertips. Today I read an interesting post asking you to take the police into consideration, rather than just view the riots through the eyes of the protesters. They too are human and have families.

I can see Redditors highly opposing any commercialism infiltrating their community, but we cannot ignore the underrated power this social medium has.

xx S

I'm published!

Horrah!

I published my first set of facebook ads today for Genesis Fitness (even designed them myself! with some guidance from Michael). Have learnt heaps about conversions, sales per click, targeted audiences. how conversions are costed  etc. Have become a bit of a nerd and been checking the campaign from home!

Created the headline and subheadlines.

Did not create image

Created the "Have you signed up yet?"

and subheadlines

*please note the headline spelling error in the title was not mine. It was made after the ad went live by another.

Created the entire ad (was given a stock photo), even used a sylus for the "yummo!" Was cool

Created the entire ad (was given a stock photo) - as above.

So yes this was a great experience learning this at Media Saints (www.mediasaints.com). I hope I can further develop these skills! 

Feeling so grown up, cannot wait to get my hands dirty in a media role!

Till next post my dear bloggers!

xx S