Showing posts with label career. Show all posts
Showing posts with label career. Show all posts
It's like my blog was reciting the famous words from Take That, 'Whatever I said, whatever I did I didn't mean it, I just want you back for good' in the back of my head, niggling away and making me feel bad for leaving it behind.
If this year has taught me anything, it's that for me, having a creative outlet is an essential. I really do feel guilty if I don't have one. I think I get that from my parents, one an enthusiastic crafter and now candle maker, one a frequent voice on my local radio and now podcast host, both with demanding day jobs.
There's always something more I have to be doing to for my own self-development. Perhaps it's the Virgo in me, I am very self critical. I guess that's normal for your mid-twenties? (Ok I'm 27) With a little extra time to think, disposable income and even more curiosity for who you really are, and what you want your character to be made up of.
From the age of five or six, I've always had a diary, which turned into an online blog early on, a craft on the go, or a new random hobby (like that time I did Roller Derby). Yet when I launched into the world of PR...specifically fashion and beauty PR a few years back, I had combined my hobby and day job all-in-one. The long hours, manic events and round the clock absorption in the world of social media, meant that I didn't really have the time or energy to pursue other things, or even think outside of that bubble.
 |
| Me in 2020 |
A few months back I took the plunge into the corporate PR world, oh and into a global pandemic. It hasn't been an easy transition, my lifestyle completely flipped on it's head. Just like it has for most.
I went from never without a spare pair of heels, a guest list or cocktail in hand, to never without a cup of tea, candle lit or a foot away from a pair of fur-lined slippers.
SO what am I saying? I'm back and blogging baby.
Inspired by a few of my favourites, Chloe Plumstead, Sade, and Anna, I don't feel the need to be bound my product reviews or Insta baddie images, it's just not my vibe. I'm here to have a creative outlet to write, muse and memo...
..or whatever.
It's like my blog was reciting the famous words from Take That, 'Whatever I said, whatever I did I didn't mean it, I just want you back for good' in the back of my head, niggling away and making me feel bad for leaving it behind.
If this year has taught me anything, it's that for me, having a creative outlet is an essential. I really do feel guilty if I don't have one. I think I get that from my parents, one an enthusiastic crafter and now candle maker, one a frequent voice on my local radio and now podcast host, both with demanding day jobs.
There's always something more I have to be doing to for my own self-development. Perhaps it's the Virgo in me, I am very self critical. I guess that's normal for your mid-twenties? (Ok I'm 27) With a little extra time to think, disposable income and even more curiosity for who you really are, and what you want your character to be made up of.
From the age of five or six, I've always had a diary, which turned into an online blog early on, a craft on the go, or a new random hobby (like that time I did Roller Derby). Yet when I launched into the world of PR...specifically fashion and beauty PR a few years back, I had combined my hobby and day job all-in-one. The long hours, manic events and round the clock absorption in the world of social media, meant that I didn't really have the time or energy to pursue other things, or even think outside of that bubble.
|
| Me in 2020 |
A few months back I took the plunge into the corporate PR world, oh and into a global pandemic. It hasn't been an easy transition, my lifestyle completely flipped on it's head. Just like it has for most.
I went from never without a spare pair of heels, a guest list or cocktail in hand, to never without a cup of tea, candle lit or a foot away from a pair of fur-lined slippers.
SO what am I saying? I'm back and blogging baby.
Inspired by a few of my favourites, Chloe Plumstead, Sade, and Anna, I don't feel the need to be bound my product reviews or Insta baddie images, it's just not my vibe. I'm here to have a creative outlet to write, muse and memo...
..or whatever.
Happy New Year!
I turned 21 in September 2014, and it was a funny age, you're definitely not a teenager anymore, but you still feel like you can ask for help with everyday life decisions.. such as 'Mum will I die if I drink milk a day after the best before date?'
Most of the changes stem from my placement year which came to an end on the 31st July, in which I had a lot of major ups and downs. But overall, I do think it was an experience that toughened me up and truly taught me the meaning of independence.
I lived alone for the first time,
Flew alone for the first time,
Took on work important work tasks alone for the first time..
Pretty big stuff!
It was also the first year where I thought that decisions I start to make now will most likely effect my life, particularly long term decisions such as relationships, new friendships, career decisions and I also entered my final (EVER) year in education.
So although some of those things may not be important for some, it was a bit of an awakening for me.
Goals for 2016...
I am a little apprehensive when it comes to setting New Year Resolutions as I hate failure, so I have the tendency to avoid certain things altogether if I can't see a quick, or good result.
However, this year I would like to:
Work on my health and fitness
Make more time and effort for certain friends & family
Achieve a 2:1 Grade or higher in my degree
Get a graduate job
Blog more
Learn how to drive
Use less heat on my hair
Wish me luck!
Happy New Year!
I turned 21 in September 2014, and it was a funny age, you're definitely not a teenager anymore, but you still feel like you can ask for help with everyday life decisions.. such as 'Mum will I die if I drink milk a day after the best before date?'
Most of the changes stem from my placement year which came to an end on the 31st July, in which I had a lot of major ups and downs. But overall, I do think it was an experience that toughened me up and truly taught me the meaning of independence.
I lived alone for the first time,
Flew alone for the first time,
Took on work important work tasks alone for the first time..
Pretty big stuff!
It was also the first year where I thought that decisions I start to make now will most likely effect my life, particularly long term decisions such as relationships, new friendships, career decisions and I also entered my final (EVER) year in education.
So although some of those things may not be important for some, it was a bit of an awakening for me.
Goals for 2016...
I am a little apprehensive when it comes to setting New Year Resolutions as I hate failure, so I have the tendency to avoid certain things altogether if I can't see a quick, or good result.
However, this year I would like to:
Work on my health and fitness
Make more time and effort for certain friends & family
Achieve a 2:1 Grade or higher in my degree
Get a graduate job
Blog more
Learn how to drive
Use less heat on my hair
Wish me luck!
Friday
The preparation for a good start on a Monday starts on Friday. Try and complete all of your tasks at work an hour before you leave the office so that you can organise yourself for Monday morning!
Make sure you have replied to any emails by Friday afternoon, so that you don't have to worry about remembering what that person wanted on Monday and so that you don't forget to reply once your inbox is flooded again on Monday morning. You can also expect a reply on Monday morning, which will hopefully help you get on with the job.
Tidy your desk before you leave so that you have a clear mind. A tidy desk is a tidy mind and its awful when you start your day feeling all over the place!
Make a to-do-list before you leave work, I have been doing this religiously and it saves you trying to remember what that urgent thing was off the top of your head. It also leaves you a bit of time to grab a cup of tea in the morning and not feel so stressed.
Sunday
Make a nice lunch to take to work. This will give you something to look forward to on Monday and also saves time and money which means you spend less of your time on Monday lunch time queueing up for food! It can also contribute towards a healthier diet, because we all know its easy to pick up that sandwich and crisps... and chocolate.
Have a pamper session and pick out your outfit the night before. This will give you some extra time in the morning and ensure a smooth start to a new week. You may also want to pack your handbag and put a few rollers in so that your hair is full of life, without the hassle in the morning. My fellow naturalistas will agree with me that wearing a silk bonnet at night is a godsend, silky smooth hair that is easy to manage is guaranteed. Check out my sunday night pamper tips here.
Have an early night. Right now I am contradicting myself as its nearly midnight and I am up writing this post! Read a few pages of that book you can't put down and try and get 8 hours of sleep so that getting up isn't soooo bad.
Monday
Leave out a few minutes earlier. Getting to work just 10 minutes before you have to be there gives you a bit of extra time to grab a drink and not feel rushed to do things as soon as you have sat down. You may even want to put on a bit of makeup or something to make a monday morning not feel so drab!
Have breakfast. I am not to great on the breakfast front, but lately I have been having a banana for breakfast everyday and I can feel the difference. It doesn't seem much but with a yoghurt I stay full until around 12! I have recently been enjoying the Muller vitality yoghurt drinks.
Read the news. Sometimes it may feel like life revolves around work and that can be quite de-motivating. Reading the Metro on the bus/train or reading the news online when you get to work can remind you that there is a lot going on in the world! It will also help you to avoid any awkward 'faux pas' if there has been a particularly controversial crisis.
How do you prepare for a new week? Thanks for reading!
Friday
The preparation for a good start on a Monday starts on Friday. Try and complete all of your tasks at work an hour before you leave the office so that you can organise yourself for Monday morning!
Make sure you have replied to any emails by Friday afternoon, so that you don't have to worry about remembering what that person wanted on Monday and so that you don't forget to reply once your inbox is flooded again on Monday morning. You can also expect a reply on Monday morning, which will hopefully help you get on with the job.
Tidy your desk before you leave so that you have a clear mind. A tidy desk is a tidy mind and its awful when you start your day feeling all over the place!
Make a to-do-list before you leave work, I have been doing this religiously and it saves you trying to remember what that urgent thing was off the top of your head. It also leaves you a bit of time to grab a cup of tea in the morning and not feel so stressed.
Sunday
Make a nice lunch to take to work. This will give you something to look forward to on Monday and also saves time and money which means you spend less of your time on Monday lunch time queueing up for food! It can also contribute towards a healthier diet, because we all know its easy to pick up that sandwich and crisps... and chocolate.
Have a pamper session and pick out your outfit the night before. This will give you some extra time in the morning and ensure a smooth start to a new week. You may also want to pack your handbag and put a few rollers in so that your hair is full of life, without the hassle in the morning. My fellow naturalistas will agree with me that wearing a silk bonnet at night is a godsend, silky smooth hair that is easy to manage is guaranteed. Check out my sunday night pamper tips here.
Have an early night. Right now I am contradicting myself as its nearly midnight and I am up writing this post! Read a few pages of that book you can't put down and try and get 8 hours of sleep so that getting up isn't soooo bad.
Monday
Leave out a few minutes earlier. Getting to work just 10 minutes before you have to be there gives you a bit of extra time to grab a drink and not feel rushed to do things as soon as you have sat down. You may even want to put on a bit of makeup or something to make a monday morning not feel so drab!
Have breakfast. I am not to great on the breakfast front, but lately I have been having a banana for breakfast everyday and I can feel the difference. It doesn't seem much but with a yoghurt I stay full until around 12! I have recently been enjoying the Muller vitality yoghurt drinks.
Read the news. Sometimes it may feel like life revolves around work and that can be quite de-motivating. Reading the Metro on the bus/train or reading the news online when you get to work can remind you that there is a lot going on in the world! It will also help you to avoid any awkward 'faux pas' if there has been a particularly controversial crisis.
How do you prepare for a new week? Thanks for reading!
Recently the ASA (Advertising Standards Authority) released a 'reminder' (more like a disguised telling off) to Bloggers reminding them of the rules surrounding sponsored content, advertised youtube posts and paid for blog posts. This has caused a massive fuss in the blogger community and it seems that all of the 'big' bloggers are on their tip toes, reminding their followers that most of their posts aren't actually sponsored and that they basically, need to do some sponsored content to keep the blog alive.
Why Now?
With the rise of bloggers seemingly taking over the world, such as Zoella who has over 6 million followers, Tanya Burr who has released a constantly sold out beauty range and Pixiwoo who created the (amazing) Real Technique Brushes , the youtube and blogging world is in the national media at least once a week. Check out this recent article in Stylist for a recent example and more info. So understandably its more important than ever for them to have their legal stuff in line!
The ASA have said that its because they have been inundated with emails from bloggers asking them to clear up what the standards are for blog posts and Youtube posts. They now have to put on the post whether it is a paid for advertorial or if they have been gifted the products. Here is an example of an advertorial.
From A Bloggers Perspective...
Sponsored content is crucial to full time bloggers to keep their blog alive, advertisers place relevant links to be placed in the sidebars of the blogs and in turn, bloggers receive money per click and also a small fee for any items sold through the link on their page.
It also helps bloggers to come up with new and interesting content that their readers will enjoy and it gets pretty expensive buying products to write about each week, so of course if your favourite store offers you a sample for free it makes sense to accept it and write a post you were going to do anyway!
This also doesn't mean that bloggers are forced to write a positive review so it can be a win/win situation for bloggers that want to make money from blogging and for brands that want to reach out to that particular bloggers readers, and get coverage on their product.
From a Brand/Advertiser's/PRs Perspective...
As a PR myself, the whole point is to get coverage for your brand without paying people to talk about. This makes the brand more credible, gets honest feedback and people are more likely to want go for a product that people haven't been paid to write about. a PR will send a sample to a blogger they admire and this gets coverage for the product and this is instead of forking out thousands for advertising.
Why do the bigger bloggers get all the free stuff? you might ask... Well as a PR it is all about return on investment, so the more followers you have, the more coverage your product/brand will get and this in turn proves to the owner of the product that they have invested well in a PR rather than an advertiser!
How to get PRs to notice you? - To avoid this being a super long post I'll do this separately, grab a piece of paper and pen!
image source: http://www.stylist.co.uk/life/how-to-start-a-vlog-yourself-youtube-tips-advice-zoella-anna-saccone-joly-tanya-burr-louise-sprinkleofglitter
http://emuprssa.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/pduuwib7nddmrjn6fv1r1.jpg
http://entouraaj.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Piggy-bank-isolated-on-white-background-e1345028023798.jpg
Recently the ASA (Advertising Standards Authority) released a 'reminder' (more like a disguised telling off) to Bloggers reminding them of the rules surrounding sponsored content, advertised youtube posts and paid for blog posts. This has caused a massive fuss in the blogger community and it seems that all of the 'big' bloggers are on their tip toes, reminding their followers that most of their posts aren't actually sponsored and that they basically, need to do some sponsored content to keep the blog alive.
Why Now?
With the rise of bloggers seemingly taking over the world, such as Zoella who has over 6 million followers, Tanya Burr who has released a constantly sold out beauty range and Pixiwoo who created the (amazing) Real Technique Brushes , the youtube and blogging world is in the national media at least once a week. Check out this recent article in Stylist for a recent example and more info. So understandably its more important than ever for them to have their legal stuff in line!
The ASA have said that its because they have been inundated with emails from bloggers asking them to clear up what the standards are for blog posts and Youtube posts. They now have to put on the post whether it is a paid for advertorial or if they have been gifted the products. Here is an example of an advertorial.
From A Bloggers Perspective...
Sponsored content is crucial to full time bloggers to keep their blog alive, advertisers place relevant links to be placed in the sidebars of the blogs and in turn, bloggers receive money per click and also a small fee for any items sold through the link on their page.
It also helps bloggers to come up with new and interesting content that their readers will enjoy and it gets pretty expensive buying products to write about each week, so of course if your favourite store offers you a sample for free it makes sense to accept it and write a post you were going to do anyway!
This also doesn't mean that bloggers are forced to write a positive review so it can be a win/win situation for bloggers that want to make money from blogging and for brands that want to reach out to that particular bloggers readers, and get coverage on their product.
From a Brand/Advertiser's/PRs Perspective...
As a PR myself, the whole point is to get coverage for your brand without paying people to talk about. This makes the brand more credible, gets honest feedback and people are more likely to want go for a product that people haven't been paid to write about. a PR will send a sample to a blogger they admire and this gets coverage for the product and this is instead of forking out thousands for advertising.
Why do the bigger bloggers get all the free stuff? you might ask... Well as a PR it is all about return on investment, so the more followers you have, the more coverage your product/brand will get and this in turn proves to the owner of the product that they have invested well in a PR rather than an advertiser!
How to get PRs to notice you? - To avoid this being a super long post I'll do this separately, grab a piece of paper and pen!
image source: http://www.stylist.co.uk/life/how-to-start-a-vlog-yourself-youtube-tips-advice-zoella-anna-saccone-joly-tanya-burr-louise-sprinkleofglitter
http://emuprssa.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/pduuwib7nddmrjn6fv1r1.jpg
http://entouraaj.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Piggy-bank-isolated-on-white-background-e1345028023798.jpg
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