Communication is the intangible thread of connection between one person and another. It is essential for every area of life and crucially indispensable for public relations. My time with Exa Web Solutions has taught me that the art of communication is the language of leadership and sustainable relationships.
Interview Testimonials
On the subject of relationships, Christina and I visitedPerth Facial Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery and Aussie Crates to create videotestimonials and strengthen existing relationships for Exa with our clients. Wakingup at 6am to be at the office by 7am was no easy feat but when we visited ourclients, it was such an insightful day that it was worth it! Christina interviewed Exa’s clients while Ben, our professional camera man, filmed our clients on why they chose Exa’s web design services. I met Dr Tuan Pham, a prestigious plastic surgeon who spoke about how he valued Exa in his testimonial. I also met Roz who is Aussie Crates Marketing Manager. She has such a bubbly personality and an eloquent way of speaking in which she engages your attention every time she talks. During our interviews, it was interesting to hear about our client’s perspective of Exa and gain an external stakeholder view on the company.
Networkingover Breakfast
This morning, I had a marketing breakfast event at The Beaufort Street Merchant with marketing and PR managers to share our industry experience. Our guests included:
Christina,State Manager for Exa Web Solutions
Roz, Marketing Manager for Aussie Crates
Sarah, Media and Communications Manager for the government agency, ChemCentre
Rio, Marketing and Communications Manager for Scott Print
These ladies were all in managerial communication positions andChristina explained how I may find myself ‘working in their shoes’ in a fewyears. This reminded me that in our present day, women are gaining more powerin the work place and successfully attaining managerial and professional positions. It was such a great breakfast and I was soaking in every word and tips these ladies were sharing. The networking breakfast was truly a learning experience as I gained insight into the working lives of Communications and Marketing Managers.
Communicating the Value of Public Relations in the Workplace
One of the topics we discussed was how measuring the valueof PR and marketing is still a difficult task when CEOs have little understanding of what PR and communications means to their business. One of the ladies even joked that we should conduct a presentation to our bosses to help them understand what we do. There is a misconception that marketing and public relations is a supporting role rather than an essential role in the work place. CEO’s can sometimes undermine the value of PR and communications because they cannot see the exact return on investment. The ladies from the breakfast said that communication can be difficult but with the right words, gestures and learning about the idiosyncrasies of people, you can change people’s attitudes, perspectives and motivate them.
I have learnt that communication is really the epitomising tool of successful public relations.
Until next time,
Evelyn
