Communications
8 essential placement interview tips for students

Last month I spent the day at Lancaster University, helping first year students in the management school with interview practice for their placements. I did this as part of my contribution as an Honorary Teaching Fellow for the university. I interviewed 14 students during the day – and spotted a number of themes. I’ve used … 8 essential placement interview tips for students
Is the PR/comms industry dying while we still discuss press releases?

Over the last year, I have increasingly felt the traditional PR and comms industry is dying – I believe our sector must recognise this and help practitioners to adapt. Ten years ago, we were at a similar cross-roads as social media invaded the PR space. Then, our industry lost out big time. Swathes of PR … Is the PR/comms industry dying while we still discuss press releases?
The 4 risks of mergers & acquisitions: can you avoid them?

This blog first appeared on influenceonline.co.uk Mergers and acquisitions are typified by power games – everyone wants to be on the ‘winning’ side – and excitability about the potential for increased profits. In this blog I want to look at the issues of mergers and acquisitions – these insights have been gained from years of … The 4 risks of mergers & acquisitions: can you avoid them?
7 tips for “one of the best” webinars

Last night I watched a webinar about using LinkedIn to build your networks and business. Even though I deliver something very similar, you can always learn more. Despite having a keen interest in the subject, I nearly abandoned it after just five minutes. Why? Because the presenters went on and on ….and on about themselves … 7 tips for “one of the best” webinars
Leaders are failing their PR teams – agencies and corporates alike

Over the years, I have trained communications teams and professionals in everything from internal and crisis comms to social media and presentation skills. I must have trained hundreds in the last few years – and gosh, what insights. My big conclusion? Business leaders don’t talk business to their teams. And this means the quality of … Leaders are failing their PR teams – agencies and corporates alike
How to write a winning award entry

This blog first appeared on PRCA Mena. I have been helping a number of clients to write award entries recently and noticed one area where everyone seems to have a block. Passion and excitement over-rides results. It’s not that they don’t mention achievements at all, but they don’t link closely enough to what the client … How to write a winning award entry
9 steps for successful podcasting

Podcasts are on the rise as a tool for businesses and organisations, and they can be a great way of delivering insights and drawing in clients or consumers to your brand or company. Listenership of podcasts has grown steadily in recent years with focusbiz quoting research from leading podcasting company RawVoice that shows the number … 9 steps for successful podcasting
The BBC gender pay gap – can women negotiate as well as men?

Last week the BBC published its list of ‘star salaries’ and caused a furore on the shocking gender pay gap. In all the discussions, however, no-one is looking at one aspect of women at work – their ability to negotiate pay and believe in their worth. I have a sneaky feeling this has a lot … The BBC gender pay gap – can women negotiate as well as men?