An update on where we've been

It's been a while since we last posted here on the communicate.bh blog.
A LOT has been happening since October last year. I'm really excited to say that we've evolved and are now a fully-fledged PR and communication business known as Exalt Public Relations.

You'll find us online at:

• www.exaltpr.com.au
• www.facebook.com/ExaltPublicRelations
• www.twitter.com/ExaltPR

We provide high-quality, results-drive PR and communication solutions that are practical and manageable for small business.

What we do is equip you with the skills and advice you need to be strong and effective communicators.

If you're looking to achieve your communication goals, remember to contact the Exalt PR team - we'll help you get there.

We have a new blog and it's built into the website so check in regularly to read about what's been going on, as well as industry trends and other news.

I'm really excited about what lies ahead. We have worked with some great people so far and I'm sure we'll be working with more soon.

Have a great day.

bh.

Business education: a life-long learning process

As I am tackling my business development at the moment (exciting news to come soon) I am realising more and more the need for, and benefit of, ongoing business education. It takes many forms; you might be attending a training course or practising different techniques within your business, or even adopting similar behaviours to your business/entrepreneurial 'crushes'.

Whatever you do, don't stop. Keep learning all the time.

My own experiences have been a combination of formal training, establishing mentor relationships and self-directed learning activities.

Currently, I am learning from the very successful Richard Branson by reading his latest book. It had been a good read so far, and I must say his advice is very practical and can be adopted by all business owners. He'll also tell you that hard work and loving what you do are big drivers behind your success. I am only half way through the book but have learned a lot already and will share some key points with you in a later blog post.

Keep living, loving and learning.

bh.

New client: Mia Patsy Shoes and Accessories

Very excited to be working with the lovely Alisha from Mia Patsy Shoes and Accessories.

This amazing collection of shoes and accessories was launched in 2010 by Gold Coast designer Alisha Harrison. It is a brand that with delight the fashion-savvy. Every piece is made with the utmost attention to detail.

Mia Patsy is for the woman with effortless style.

Visit the website, www.miapatsy.com.au, to preview the range and find out more about this great label.

bh.

When your ability to communicate easily is taken away

I'm a talker, I love it. It's great to have a good chat to family and friends, as well as being able to passionately communicate my views, opinion or vision to a given audience.

This week, I have been struck with Laryngitis and I have lost my voice - completely! Thankfully it is slowly coming back but it's wildly hoarse and I'm not great at getting sentence out without my voice breaking and my audience looking at me with a furrowed brow. I can't even get enough of a sound out to reprimand the dog...

It has made me realise how much I (and I'm sure, many others) rely on having a voice to communicate and get their message across. Trust me, text email and gesticulation doesn't always cut it.

Value your ability to communicate, it's challenging when it is taken away. I've also learned (having only a few hoarse words) to use your words carefully and get straight to the point. Know what you need to say, and say it.

bh.

Interning and networking: what I learned

I am back from Sydney and ready to get stuck into all the great things soon to be happening in Brisbane!

As you know, I ventured down south to expand my PR experiences and see how some of the fashion/beauty/lifestyle PRs work in Sydney.

Overall, it was a good and cost effective way to sample a new city and different aspect of the communications and PR field. It helped me to realise where my strengths and weaknesses lie, as well as identify areas that I want to develop.

What I found of most benefit was the networking and meeting new people in my industry. It's nice to know that there a plenty of people in the world who are still happy to meet with a stranger, share their story (and a bit of their experience and wisdom), and let you add them to your little black book of contacts. Don't underestimate the power of proactively approaching similar people (or people that you aspire to be like) and introducing yourself. The worst they can say is 'no'. Hearing 'no' a few times is good experience and resilience-building in itself.

If I can tell you anything, it's this: go and do it, it's fun, a good way to learn and meet people, and helps you to fine tune your goals.

Time and money well spent.

bh.

Sydney - work and play

I am in Sydney at the moment to enjoy the city but also meet with and spend some time learning from a couple of fashion/lifestyle agencies. I'm excited! It will be good to see what goes on outside of corporate communications, and see how PR is applied to more creative content and industries. I'll keep you updated on my learnings as well as any tips and tricks I come across. I'll be sure to post a few pix too.

Watch this space.

bh.

Planning v. Execution

Funny how what we plan for isn't what we end up doing. Things evolve. Embrace it.