Month: May 2013

AR / QR codes serving a real purpose

Posted on May 30, 2013 by

Working with the creative industries can be challenging at times because although the technologies and tools that we have access to are exciting and in many instances revolutionary it is important that we do our job, and that means recommending that clients invest in new innovations for the right reasons.

 

AR (augmented reality) can be a very testing example. Using Blippar, AR codes bring a product or service ‘to life’ creating an interactive visual for consumers to watch and engage with. This technology was a real triumph for the UK, after launching in 2011 it has become a subject that is regularly debated around agency and client boardrooms.

 

The same can be said for QR (quick response) codes, which are more frequently cropping up on posters, marketing materials, packaging and even business cards! Consumers are used to seeing these codes now and I don’t argue that they are attracting attention but how successful a campaign will be as a result of a QR code featuring on pack remains to be seen.

 

Turning this theory completely on its head, I read a piece recently about Mercedes Benz who have clearly thought long and hard about how this technology can be used to massive benefit, and are now featuring QR codes on all of their vehicles.

 

The reason they are doing this is to help to save car crash victims. When the QR code is scanned it will take the viewer to a webpage which will give details of how to cut into each vehicle to save those trapped inside as a result of a road traffic accident.

 

What’s even more commendable about this story is that Daimler have waivered the right to patent the innovation and are actually encouraging other manufacturers to include QR codes on their vehicles. 

 

Now this is a campaign that uses QR codes and I can completely understand why. Equally however those responsible for choosing to use this technological innovation in this way have sat down and thought about objectives – how can this technology add value to our customers and make life easier for others.

 

All they now have to rely on is police, firemen and paramedics carrying around SmartPhones but perhaps this is an opportunity for forces, brigades and NHS services to ensure that their employees are equipped with the tools that they need to do the job. Better still, perhaps one of the leading phone brands could commit to providing a number of Smart enabled devices per force, brigade and service?

 

There is no doubt that times continue to change and if ever there was a PR stunt ready for the taking it’s right here. So come on West Yorkshire police force, fire service and NHS Trust, step forward, I know a good PR agency who will support you with this investment story!

I’m not down with the kids but…

Posted on May 23, 2013 by

 

…I do know the importance of keeping it real! I’ve been in a number of meetings lately and it always surprises me when people commend the fact that what you see is what you get with Open Communications.

We’ve been going for nearly five years now (phew – where did that time go?) and we’ve always done the same. The business has evolved but our values have remained the same – if you want a PR agency that can do the job and do it well then our number is on the contact page, if however you want air kissing and champagne then we’re not for you.

It’s not that we aren’t friendly, far from it. I’d like to think that many of our clients have become friends over the years and that this has meant that we have genuinely long standing relationships, which mean we work as an extension of their teams – as if we were internal. This in turn makes it easier to provide honest advice that will help them to develop creative campaigns that meet with their objectives.

We’ve never been a PR agency that goes along with something we don’t believe in, we don’t say ‘yes’ to a contract because it’s there, we feel that being passionate about what we work on is really important and is another reason we are able to do a good job. Our accountant may not agree but there have been times when we have turned work down because although the contract would have been lucrative it didn’t fit with our values or we simply couldn’t see the campaign meeting with the clients expectations.

There has been a lot of news lately about the reputation that the PR industry has and I’ve always been very honest in that I feel many agencies offer the world and deliver very little. The unfortunate situation here is that brands have a bad experience with one agency and then never commission an agency again – and that’s not just the agency who handled the account badly in the first place, it’s any agency!

So for all those who want to work with an agency that DOES delivery and WILL work hard to achieve the results that have been promised, we are here and the kettle is on.

In all seriousness it shouldn’t be surprising to find a PR agency that is open, honest and willing to offer advice and guidance that makes sense. Until our industry realises that then ‘we’ will go on having a reputation that in some cases is very much undeserved.

 

National Accolades for Yorkshire Attractions

Posted on May 23, 2013 by

 

Once again key attractions and visitor destinations from across Yorkshire have put the region on the map after winning a handful of awards at this week’s Visit England Excellence Awards.

 

Yorkshire was recognised in eight categories, from Whitby’s Captain Cook Memorial Museum picking up a gold award for best Small Visitor Attraction of the Year through to Samuel’s at Swinton Park in Masham receiving a Gold accolade for the taste of England category.

 

It was great to see Eureka, the National Children’s Museum recognised too; they collected an award within the Access for All category. My children, who are 9 and 7, have grown up with the attraction and never tire of dropping in to check out their latest exhibition, each time enjoying a new experience and getting something different from the trip as they grow and look at things differently.

 

It’s a well-deserved accolade. We have also recently worked with the Eureka team, during a seasonal campaign for one of our clients, and we were able to see first-hand how hard the team work as well as the outstanding results that they achieve.

 

Closer to home Wakefield Visitor Centre took home a silver award for Visitor Information Provider of the Year, a fab achievement and icing on the cake for the City Centre following the first ever Retailer Awards, which took place last weekend.


Awards create natural opportunities for individuals and organisations to shout about their experience and expertise. They are a fantastic platform for showcasing best practice and shouting about the things that you are doing really well.

 

It’s great seeing people rewarded for their hard work and the pride of those that get on the stage to pick up the accolade. If you’re doing great things, you’re proud of your team and your organisation’s achievements then awards are an excellent way to celebrate what you do. 

 

As a PR agency, we help many of our clients identify awards that would be relevant to them, integrating local and sector award opportunities into their annual communications plan.

 

Why not think about your award potential, it costs nothing to check them out and who knows you could be picking up an accolade too. Not only is it a great boost for your team but gives credibility and acknowledgement of the great work that you are doing. Awards also show that you are confident and proud of what you have achieved.

 

Well done to all of the Visit England winners, especially those for the Yorkshire Region!

Stepping Into PR

Posted on May 22, 2013 by

Over 4½ years ago Open Communications launched into the market, two ambitious PR professionals looking to do things a little differently when it came to delivering outstanding public relations.

We’re pleased to say that we have never looked back and have built an enviable client list, while also working in one of the most idyllic locations within Wakefield.

It’s hard work but equally exciting.

We also have a great team which we’re looking to expand.

Following a number of new account wins we’re looking for someone that shares our passion for PR, someone ambitious and eager to learn whilst working with some of the UK’s leading brands.

The successful candidate will be a good communicator, have excellent writing skills and a good working knowledge of social media.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is just starting out in their career. If you’re interested in joining our team simply send your CV to emma.lupton@opencomms.co.uk or lindsey.davies@opencomms.co.uk and tell us why you’re passionate about PR.

Feeling the ‘Press’ure

Posted on May 21, 2013 by

There is no doubt that the PR and marketing industry has changed over recent years and will never be the same again. This, in my opinion, is primarily down to people having less time and a shift in media consumption.

Once upon a time you would buy a paper, read it and pass it on. You may watch some TV and listen to the radio too, whereby you were likely to come across some strategically placed advertisements suggesting that you buy this or that.

Press advertising and outdoor displays have been around for as long as I can remember but the use of digital has taken consumer engagement to a completely new level and this is what has impacted on traditional media sales.

As more publications become available online, a greater number of commuters, business men and women, choose to read the press before they get into work – usually on their smart phones or iPads meaning that there is no need or desire for them to purchase a paper, never mind read it during work hours.

As a result of these changes printed media are having to do more to engage with their audience and showcase why they are different and what value a person can gain from both reading in print and online versions of their publications.

Many printed business press have chosen to hold round table events, which bring together market leaders – this gives them the time to debate current industry topics, while also providing the journalist with the chance to sit in a room full of potential content and if they time it right an exclusive or two!

Most publications now have online versions as well as printed options so it’s a balancing act between having what the consumer wants and still showcasing the value of print.

As an agency that has worked within the print market for more than 10 years, we know the value and benefit of print, not least the tangible aspect of a creatively designed, full colour piece. There is no doubt that there is still a place for print and The Drum, a marketing trade publication, has gone one step further.

I received an email yesterday with the subject: ‘My Big Mistake’. Naturally I wondered what that mistake would be – there can be some interesting #fails when you work in our industry. Never did I think this ‘mistake’ would be one of the most insightful, challenging and intriguing ideas I’ve come across.

The Drum have decided to complete an edition of the magazine in front of a live audience – yes, live! Those who attend the event on 3 July will see the team plan the publication layout, make decisions about the front cover story plus what other news will and won’t make the cut. In addition interviews will take place there and then with questions asked about the angles that should be chosen for feature pieces that will appear within the final piece.

Not only is this brave but it’s an incredible way of getting people to understand The Drum and how it works. It will give people a genuine insight into what makes good copy and what questions the team ask before submitting a final piece to go to print.

Unfortunately I won’t be in a position to attend the event but I can’t wait to read the final piece. Everyone attending will get an editorial credit – again, a very good ideas and just one way to get people to really buy in to the publication.

Well done to The Drum – a huge thumbs up! They are taking print to the masses, getting them involved, engaging with their audience, building brand loyalty and injecting some genuine creativity and excitement into what they do – nice work.

What impression do you make?

Posted on May 15, 2013 by

 

We work with lots of local businesses across a range of sectors – not just those who are looking for PR but also suppliers who can provide us with products and services as and when we need them. Where possible we try to work locally as it makes sense to us – why go anywhere else when what you really need is on your doorstep.

And this is how we came across a very good friend and business colleague, Keith Williams. Many of the people reading this blog will already know who Keith is. As a very well networked individual and character, Keith is not shy and imparts his knowledge whenever we meet.

I was therefore intrigued when I received an email from Keith providing the following insights:

“As animals we are programmed to use all our four senses to gain a first impression. This is known to take around 10 seconds. On the telephone you rely on just one sense, hearing, to form an impression so if you take the 10 seconds and divide it by the 4 senses this gives the caller 2.5 seconds to form a favourable impression.

Once the impression has been made, research tells us, it will take a further 7 meetings or conversations before that impression is altered. If you need to form a relationship with a stranger, by telephone, you have 2.5 seconds to establish the basis for a favourable relationship.  If you fail; that contact has been lost to you.”

Now I don’t know about anyone else but I can think of a number of conversations where I have known this to be the case – not just with people I have called but those who have called me. The conversations where I close down usually involve the words ‘synergy’ and ‘can you give me the contact for’.  

So why would I be passing this information on? Well, Keith has a business called the Yes Project and he works with companies of all sizes to build relationships and put processes in place which deliver results. I guess for all intents and purpose this blog is a bit of a plug but with some good theory to back it up.

Keith is currently working with people who want to make a better first impression on the telephone. So, the question is do you believe that your telephone effectiveness is worth more than £35 to you?

 Yes?  Then email Keith at keith@keith-williams.co.uk and arrange to be part of the 60 minute workshop on securing favourable first impressions by telephone.

And if you don’t think it’s worth bothering with, just spend one day considering how many people could have secured your business, or worse how many prospects you could be working with if you took the time to consider what impression you were making EVERY time you used the phone.

Who wants to be a millionaire?

Posted on May 10, 2013 by

Well, how exciting. Hold on to your hats people, we are all going to rolling it in, wadded, busting with cash, minted – rich! Yes rich!

Get your resignation letters at the ready and pack your bags – according to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Yorkshire is one of the luckiest places in the country as a result of the number of lottery winners there have been from the region.

Now, I would take this news with a pinch of salt as it seems to be a press release which I’m guessing has been sent out to all counties to provide a variation on the number of winners in particular postcodes. The good news however is that if you live in Doncaster or Wakefield your chances would appear to be higher than others in the Yorkshire region – so still good news by comparison.

So come on then. How many people will be running to their local corner shop or supermarket this evening to get their lines on? Let’s all hope that lady luck is shining on us this weekend and that we can celebrate a bumper number of millionaires from the region following Saturday’s draw.

The Skypes the limit

Posted on May 9, 2013 by

 

We have recently secured our first international client and they just happen to be at the other side of the world! As you would expect we have had to take into account time differences but more importantly how we choose to communicate with the team.

 

We could have chosen to ring them and to hold regular conference calls but it is difficult to build a relationship with clients without putting a face to a name, which is why we always hold regular on site monthly meetings with the brands we work with.

 

In this instance a monthly meeting was obviously out of the question – mores the pity – however the wonder of modern technology has come to the rescue with the well-known social tool Skype.  Not only are we able to see the team but we can build a relationship with them and our calls can include the usual banter you would expect from our monthly meetings.

 

The fact that Skype is a cost effective option for business makes it all the more appealing and an obvious choice for those who want to work with clients that are based across the globe. Better still you don’t feel that you have to keep the calls short, or that you can’t engage with some general chatter as well as the business you have to deal with.

 

Of course this is not the first time we have used Skype for business, we have had calls with suppliers in Croatia who use it as a common tool to connect with prospects and brands in the UK. I have to admit that at first it was a little strange but now it’s just an alternative to the standard telephone call and if I’m honest a far more appealing option.

 

For all those considering Skype for business I would suggest that you try it out. Not only are you able to connect and communicate with your clients but the system also gives you the option to widen your scope, after all if your prospect list could span the globe as opposed to the UK then why not?

 

We are currently looking at other ways that we can use Skype to benefit our clients so if anyone has any examples or suggestions please feel free to comment.

Open goes global and announces expansion plans

Posted on May 7, 2013 by

 


Open Communications, the straight talking PR agency based at Nostell Priory in Wakefield, has secured its first international contract after it was appointed as preferred PR and social media provider for Print Media Group (PMG) in Australia. 

Securing the contract to supply an on-going press office facility for PMG, which is one of the largest print specialist organisations in Australia with sites throughout the country, Open will also support the business to implement a social media strategy, alongside training and guidance.

With a focus on improving the profile of the business throughout Australia, PMG has appointed Open Communications to assist the marketing team with extending its offering into new markets and territories. In addition the business will work with Open to share its successes with current and prospective customers, while growing its sales revenues over the next twelve months.

 “We’re delighted to be working with Lindsey and the team at Open Comms, they will become a valued extension of the marketing team at PMG. We’ll be drawing on their expertise to raise the company’s profile in select markets here in Australia,” says PMG Marketing Communications Manager, Cathie Agg.

Director of Open Communications, Emma Lupton said: “With the technology and communications channels that are now available to business, we are able to operate in a truly global market and our appointment by PMG is an excellent example of this.

She adds: “We are confident with the service and results that we are able to deliver to our clients and this is without doubt one of the reasons PMG were attracted to us in the first place. We are really looking forward to working with the team and to showing them how PR can support the growth and on-going success of an organisation.”

As a result of the PMG contract win, plus two further appointments over recent months, Open Communications is looking to expand its team. The agency now has vacancies for an administrator and Account Executive.

For more details about Open Communications and the vacancies on offer please visit www.opencomms.co.uk or call Emma or Lindsey on tel. 01924 862477.

No regrets

Posted on May 2, 2013 by

 

There was a surprising article in today’s Yorkshire Evening Post saying that one third of all small business owners and managing directors in Yorkshire say that they not only regret starting their own venture, but would not go through the pain of launching a business again.

I find this really hard to believe, particularly as less than a week ago more than 4,000 businesses from the region spent two days sharing their success and giving advice and guidance to others during the Buy Yorkshire Conference. Not a single person I met on either of these two days said that they regret launching a company, in fact many of them quite the opposite.

This update came from the Viking Small Business Barometer, but interestingly there is no indication to the size of sample that was used to make these assumptions, nor any specific reference to the companies that were involved.

As a small business owner I am absolutely aware of the difficulties that people face when trying to get a venture off the ground and then the struggles that you come across in trying to keep it going – it’s not easy or for the faint hearted, but do I regret it? Not a single second.

I network with a lot of local businesses and we often natter about the different challenges that we are facing and then offer advice on how to overcome them and I think it is this that some small businesses are missing. It can be quite lonely when you work in a small organisation – particularly if you’ve come from a large corporate or agency environment – and so it’s essential to surround yourself with a network of people that you can trust.

Like making friends you need to be careful but if you have a couple of reliable people that you can call upon when you feel like pulling your hair out it makes life so much easier. There have been times when I’ve been close to throttling someone or myself but after sitting down with a business colleague for a coffee or something stronger the world makes more sense and I can get excited about the good things that are around the corner.

It would be ridiculous to say that every day you skip into work with a smile a mile wide but I have to admit that I’m happier in my career now than I have ever been, regardless of the longer working hours and added pressure.

I don’t profess that running a company is easy, far from it, but I don’t think that surveys like this encourage people to give it a go. Looking back at what we have achieved as a business and the challenges that we have overcome at Open Communications I am really proud to say that I am the owner of an agency and there isn’t a single thing that would make me regret the decision that I made to launch back in 2008.

So anyone out there who is considering launching a new start up, remember, what makes you unique is what will also make you a success, so as long as you truly believe in the product or service that you have to offer your clients then all you have to do is give it a go. No one will ever fault you for trying.