PR Courses For A Global Market  

I've just started to rewrite my original PR course.  There are a few reasons.  It's been going a while now and needs an update. When I first wrote it I seem to remember that Facebook was hardly going, let alone Twitter or Linked In.

My other reason for giving the PR course a freshen up is that my audience and clients are fast becoming more global and I'd like to create a product that truly helps everybody, wherever they may be on the globe. It's an interesting project for me, as all my PR courses are very special to me, kickstarting my business as they did.

It's also come at an interesting time, as the fact that I have to take some time out, sit and think and write is just perfect for me, right now. Six or even two months ago it would feel like a bind, but right now it's perfect.

Watch this space and I will keep you up to date with how my updated PR course is going, but I hope to announce a relaunch very soon!

The Pitch

This week I had the pleasure to sit in the audience of the UK part of The Pitch 2001, held at Nesta HQ in London. We had an interesting keynote speech from MP Mark Prisk who talked about a new government scheme for mentoring, which is about to be unveiled, followed by an interview with Mark Pearson from http://www.myvouchercodes.co.uk. I am sure it makes me sound so old to say it, but I can't get over how young he looked. The millionaires are looking younger and younger.

Anyway, to more serious things. Mark talked about how the Secret Millionaire episode that he recorded was a poignant time...now he has piqued my interest I will just have to watch it.

So, the shortlisted entrepreneurs we watched were:

Cara Sayer of www.snoozeshade.com
Bruce Balmer of www.ultramo-engines.com
Jon Rathbone of www.pourty.com
Christer Holloman of www.attyr.com and Chrispin Busk of http://www.kabutonoodles.com who came in at the last minute as another participant dropped out.

All the pitches were well thought out and professional. Cara in particular was very impressive with what she had achieved so far, without any previous business experience. My own personal favourite was the Kabuton noodles, as I loved the posh Pot Noodle concept, and always have a soft spot for any food and drinks business.

The judges deliberated as we networked over cakes and coffee, and I have to say it was a very smooth professional event in every sense, at a great venue.

Finally, after a very enlightening interview with Kate Bull, co-founder of The People's Supermarket, the winner was announced at Cara Sayer.

Cara and I had a chat afterwards - after all I am donating some PR coaching to the overall winner so I was keen to meet her in person. With a PR and marketing background herself, Cara bowled me over with her ideas and enthusiasm. Well done to Cara on the English Heat!

 

I just loved this picture. My theme for the moment is stepping out of the shadows, both professionally and personally, and this just symbolises that for me.