I am surprising myself by writing this on Friday morning but it’s 6am, I woke early and rather than toss and turn until the light peaked through the ‘not black out blinds’, in true Mel Robbins style I counted 5,4,3,2,1, threw back the sheets and my day was started. Coffee with my dogs and two episodes of Emmerdale saw me right.
With the arrival of my new car (whole learning curve right there with an automatic boot and changing of plates), a college open evening for my eldest son, and adventures in lasting power of attorney for our never-ending Alzheimer’s adventure, it’s been a busy one for me. How you?
So, what did I learn?
No Reply, Is a Reply
Right now, the world is bumpy, lumpy and downright difficult to navigate, so I am trying to adopt a new policy to ensure I don’t make it even harder for myself. From keyboard warriors on social media to self-appointed ‘know it alls’ in general life, to me it feels like a lot of people think they can give their opinion and throw their toys out of their pram without a thought of those on the receiving end of their actions. In the past, I will admit this would trigger me into reacting and ‘sticking up for myself, however, this would lead to things getting heated and me looking like the bad person, being exhausted by confrontation or being seen as a troublemaker. No more my friend, no more. From now on, my reply is going to be no reply and I will let you know how that works out for me in the coming weeks.
Being told the outdoor pool at the gym is closing sucks
Back in May, I joined our local David Lloyd. I said in the past never again when it came to this but this one was special – it has an outdoor pool. While I live by the sea, getting in and swimming isn’t fun for me as I just hate not knowing how deep the water is, but I love swimming outside, so this was perfect. It also comes with classes, a spa and a quiet zone (well of sorts as it’s near the hell that is a mini soft play area) and a coffee shop. “Is the pool open all year” I clearly remember asking after the sales reps at the club hounded me the moment I passed on my details, “yes, it certainly is” she said, and I clearly remember the polished smile as she said it with her perfect ponytail swishing from one side to another. Five months in we are sent a cheery email to tell us in four days the pool will close until spring. Hmmmmm. Yes, I know, a first-world problem and not entirely surprising, but if I wrote and told the chain, in a cheery, ponytail swishing kinda way that my payments would cease in four days, would they be happy? No. Two emails in and they are less keen to communicate with me about my options, other than suspending my membership but still at a cost of 25% per month and with a vague mention of the pool opening in spring, it could see me being tied in for a long time.
My point here is that when it comes to comms and PR, you must look after people at every stage of their journey with you, not just when you want them to buy. I am still yet to hear back from them and doubt there will be any concession for fact the reason I joined the club is now gone, and the likely hood of staying at the end of my 12 months is pretty low.
When I Set My Mind To It, It Happens
Druuuuummm roll!
The doors to The PR Sanctuary will open on Monday 7th November.
I decided last week that one of the missing pieces in my business was the lack of teaching and mentoring business owners to do their PR and so just like that the membership I had planned to start this month back in May before life admin took over, is actually happening. The sales page is nearly written, and one of my team kindly reminded me that not only had I drafted this already but there is also a 12-week course sitting in drafts and now ready to roll-out in the new year. I love my work and my clients, but I know that not everyone wants their PR to be done for them, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a part of the comms activity. I also know that understanding what PR is and what it isn’t, knowing how to use it and the best way to maximise results can be a messy muddle and that’s what this membership is about.
PR is not ER and it’s not rocket science, but it is a powerful art that can take you from the world’s best-kept secret to a major player on the global media map
Watch this space for more news about the PR Sanctuary and next week I will also be talking about a new product, book, coffee or app I learned about that I think you might like too.
If you got to the end of the newsletter, not only thank you for reading, but I will admit I am finishing it on Saturday morning as once again I just caught up in other things. I am off to pack my bags before heading to the Pharmacy Show in Birmingham this weekend with my client Simone Thomas and I am sure I will not only learn a lot when I am there but clock up some impressive steps as we network with pharmacy leaders and the press.
Have a great week and if you learned something this week, why not get in touch and tell me all about it?
Natalie