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“A clueless blonde…” and other stories: Thursdays with Tushar
By Tushar Panchal on Mar 27, 2008 in Indian PR industry, PR professionals, PReducation, education
“One Black Coffee”“
I spent 20 years in PR agencies before moving to corporate communication” claimed a fragile looking lady with a proud voice as she tried to sink her body in black leather sofa.
“I completely understand what is possible and what is not possible in PR and I never pressurise my agency” another claim slipped from her lips as she sipped coffee from a large green cup.
“I respect my agencies and professionals associated with it. After all, I know what value people like you bring to the table, especially when we are all immersed in myopic views of corporate world filled with inside views” the overdoes of claims continued as the server tried to unsuccessfully stop the overflow of coffee he was pouring in her cup.
“I am utterly disappointed with my existing agency” sigh!
“Last time when we organised a huge event for donating an ambulance van to a hospital in Chennai, only four journalists turned up!”
“When we issued a very important release of a key general manager level appointment made by our company, I haven’t got a single clip from Bombay and Delhi!”
“I am looking for a professional agency, which understands our requirement and do a justice to the news created by us”
“When I was in an agency, I got these huge bunches of clips for all my clients for each and every news they gave it to me. My media relations are excellent. Across the country I know almost every journalist. They are always after my life to give them stories”
It seemed as if the meeting was never going to end with continued monologues.
And presto! My cup of black coffee just got over.
“Good. The Black coffee was really nice” my first and last words before paying the bill and saying good bye.
“A clueless Blonde”
“I’m stuck in a mental blizzard here. Am a newbie, and was recommended this site – I have questions – I don’t see a link where I can contact someone… I feel like a doofus and need help… SERIOUSLY!!!
I’ve been convinced and am convinced that this is the place for me, however when I tried to go through the content of the website- I did not know where to start. I am joining a PR company- it’s my first, they said they liked the fact that I have good interpersonal skills and that I can write well. I am writing a book, have written articles.
You see, I use simple words, which are easily understood by everyone. But after going through your site - I’ve completely lost all confidence. I don’t want to be the clueless blonde in the company. I need serious help.”
The mail landed sometime earlier this week in my inbox. I liked the honesty with which the lady in a mail acknowledges a situation many of us would have experienced at various stages of our lives. We all pass through similar situations. First day at school, first day at college, first job interview, first date, first movie with friends bunking the chemistry lecture, first marriage(oops!?) - having thousands of flying butterflies in a stomach is quite common.
You know what, Ms. Clueless? The problem is not with you but it’s with how you are looking at a situation.
Okay, let’s understand where the problem is?
Are they expecting you to know everything about PR from the day one? Are they expecting you to start talking to clients and pitching stories to media from the day one just because you have good interpersonal skills? Are they expecting you to start writing press releases and other material from the day one because you are a good writer? If the answer is YES, please steer clear of that agency. And if the answer is NO, so where’s the problem.
The learning is not a pack of Maggie Noodles (sorry Top Ramen and others. But you don’t have TOM recall yet!)
Take your own time. Go step by step. Get into the agency. Understand the culture. See how they work. Read. Learn from seniors. Ask questions - however stupid it may sound. Understand the business. Make mistakes – never repeat them. Be open to ideas. Contribute and share your views openly. Enter into a healthy competition. Stay away from office politics. Eat. Work. Maintain professional approach with all your colleagues, clients and media. Play and maintain a work-life balance.
And, I am sure you will become one successful PR professional and who knows one fine day you would be answering a similar query on our blog!
However, if you are not satisfied with the suggested roadmap – please feel free to write and we will talk. All the best!
“Two Minutes Noodles”
“The concept I am talking about is amazing. It took the world by storm. Since the last 25 years this brand has been the most recognised brand in over 20 different countries. We are launching it in India. People are eagerly waiting for it here.”
“No…No…No…Our brand is big. We don’t need continuous PR. Just announce the launch through a Press Conference, that’s enough. My global CEO is visiting to announce the launch and it has to be a gala event.”
After a successful press conference and decent coverage across the country – a mail lands in my inbox.
“The PR has not been successful. Despite our news being there in many newspapers so many people I am talking to are telling me that they have never heard of this brand before. The brand building has to be done through PR, which has not happened. Please explain”
The person who wrote this mail has spent many years in advertising and branding. I am planning to send him a pack of ‘Two Minutes Noodles’
With a Taste Maker, of course!
On Mar 27, 2008, Palin Ningthoujam said:
Good one
Few posts I would recommend for PR freshers:
First month in Public Relations
http://snipurl.com/22oop
10 things you should learn before you complete your PR internship
http://snipurl.com/22op3
What they don’t teach you at PR schools
http://snipurl.com/22op9
Growth path of a PR professional
http://snipurl.com/22opn
Many more that one can look out for in the ‘categories’ section in the header above….
On Mar 27, 2008, Tushar said:
Thank you Palin for sharing the list of useful posts from the past. This would be really helpful.
Take care.
Tushar
On Mar 27, 2008, himanshu kapadia said:
once upon a time, i remember , inspite of getting good coverage and pictures of the appointment of a manger appointment, the person called me and informed me why times of india had not put his picture and i was of no use, i said sure they will put your picture and it would cost less than my fees- he was pleased and said which page will they carry it, i replied pg 2 ( page 2 in earlier days carried an obituary column). I remember the the moment often and smile
On Mar 27, 2008, Anil Sharma said:
I think all of us go thru this everyday. Despite our years of experience in PR, we are still at the nascent stage of PR. Our industry growing up fast- probably a question mark. We are yet to position ourselves as business solution providers rather than media coverage providers. Guess its time for a collective action.
On Mar 27, 2008, Shashank Jaitely said:
Soemtime stories come with a surprise twist. It is rarely heard that the corp comm manager of the company is fired because the agency screwed up badly on a project. And surprise surprise, the agency is still on and expecting a bonus retainer. The account manager of the agency must have been a shrewd fox to escape the fire and put the mud on the client contact only.
On Mar 27, 2008, Tushar said:
Dear Himanshu:
Page 2 is indeed a nice page to suggest for such people!
On Mar 27, 2008, Tushar said:
HI, Anil.
This is something which has been spoken so many times. We lost out completely on positioning and as you said its time now to do some PR for PR!! Wish us luck…
Take care.
On Mar 27, 2008, Tushar said:
Dear Shashank:
I really liked the twist you mentioned. And I have seen such instances happening in the past but honestly believe you me, it is not a healthy practice and it will surely create more bad blood within the community. We PR people, whether in the agency or in corporate belong to the same family and there is a need for cohesive existence. I am sure the agency account manager must have looked at this as a short term solution - if you look at longterm, it is a loss for everyone involved. What say you, my friend??
Take care.
On Mar 28, 2008, Shashank Jaitely said:
Yes Tushar, it is a great loss. Indian PR is still a small community and you cannot escape and run too far before bumping into the blasts of your past. Think about it, the life can take full circle when the agency account manager shifts to a corp comm role and finds the fired corp-comm person as his line manager…Ha ha, it will be a thriller story of vengence and bloodbath…! So, as you said, the existence should be cohesive and friendly.
Bests
On Mar 28, 2008, Tushar said:
oh yes, Shashank.
As We hear SRK saying, Picture abhi baaki hain mere dost!!
Om Shanti Om!!
On Mar 29, 2008, nikhil said:
whats a good time line for your first press release for a fresher ? 1st week into the job or a month
On Mar 30, 2008, Carmelo Lisciotto said:
Great points!
Carmelo Lisciotto
On Mar 31, 2008, Bhawna said:
Hi Tushar,
Full of fun and information post as ever! Your post filled up my mind with the reminiscence of some such incidents I have experienced with my (Ex) clients. Well, at that time I was highly depressed. But after reading your post those same incidents made me laugh on those foolish expectations of my clients and their inability to understand or listen.
On Mar 31, 2008, Tushar said:
Dear Nikhil:
Any product before it hits the market has to undergo various tests - internal and external. The best way is to start writing releases the moment you want to write one - bounce it off to your seniors, your friends in the agency, outside the agency and check with them whether they understand what you are trying to say without going through the dictionary!
or send it to me…
Take care and all the best!!
Tushar
On Mar 31, 2008, Tushar said:
thank you Carmelo!
See you around!
On Mar 31, 2008, Tushar said:
Hey, Bhawna.
Thank you for your appreciation. We the PR Wallahs are the most blessed people on this earth where God gives us an opportunity to find fun even in such sad situations! Well, when I will receive a booker prize for the book I am going to write some day, I will surely thank each of such wonderful and wandering fools people in my interviews!
Wish me luck!
Take care and keep writing…
On Apr 2, 2008, sp said:
The story is same with everyone - the grass looks greener on the other side. Its attitude that matters and ofcourse conviction in what you do. Sales guys blame the marketing fellas, marketing fellas crib about finance chaps, Finance talks rubbish about HR and finally everyone likes to kick butt of the top man - ofcourse behind his back.
Every great enterprise in any field - PR included too is built on insinuations, insults, smirks and cat call to the founders at one time. But they did it because they believed in it. They did it because they dared to dream. And they did it becuase they didnot crib but found a solution to the problem.
Think Nike gave a great headstart with JUST DO IT - go for it.