| *Huge promotions Ltd - Blog x2* |
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Diary of Huge Promotions Ltd:
Bethanie Lunn, Managing Director of Huge Promotions Ltd aka ‘Huge PR’ speaks to Fashion Capital about her role in managing an innovative fashion and lifestyle PR Company and how to boost your company profile the way she does… I often get asked what PR is and what it involves and there are many answers to this complex question. Mine? PR is about thinking on your feet, selling ideas and making things happen. PR is opinion management and creating positive publicity, creating a recognized name and image for brands, products, people and services. PR is the difference between a brand being ‘known’ and ‘unknown’. My role as MD for Huge Promotions Ltd is a very varied one, involving an awful lot of multi tasking. Being based between office and on location, my role involves a lot of traveling and no day is ever the same! My responsibilities include business development, managing clients and staff, creating and implementing memorable stunts, composing new angles to attract publicity for our clients and making all of this (and more) happen smoothly and consistently. I also teach part time and promote my company, attracting both business and new work experience candidates –and even future employees! I teach at four different universities across the UK in the areas of fashion forecasting, marketing, fashion in society and ‘My Story’ where I share the successes and pitfalls of having set up my own business, offering transferable skills for any other budding entrepreneurs.
Offering yourself for lecturing will promote your company as well as spread word of mouth – it is a great form of advertising. The more people you meet, the more contacts you make – which is a must for an individual or brand that wants to be seen and heard. I also advise that you go to as many networking events as possible – you never know who you will meet who will prove to be a useful contact. The best networking is natural, and just requires some planning, the ability to hold a conversation, and the goodwill and manners to put others first. Seize the moment: Don't leave a gathering without speaking to the person you need to talk to. Rather than making a pitch there and then, exchange business cards and suggest that you follow up with a call or email within the next few days, and importantly – keep to that promise! Most of all, for a raised company profile – the media can make or break you – so get them on side. A PR Company will offer you specialist expertise in approaching and handling the media in order to maximise the exposure and coverage of your company. Give me a call to find out how we can help you, or follow these bite size tips: • The best PRs have all the information at their fingertips, and are ready to back-up-photos and more information. • Research the market - read the paper you are targeting, watch the TV programme. • Read the section of the newspaper you are trying to target a press release at - a clever PR will know what a particular editor will pick up. • PRs need to think of a good news angle, of something that will make a good picture. Know what you are speaking about, and why it will be useful for them specifically! • What’s Your Angle? Why should a publication write about you? Know this, and remember key details to make the relationship between PR and journalist more genuine and effective. Finally, good luck!
Diary of Huge Promotions Ltd:
If you want to feature in these magazines, you have to think like journalists too! It is pointless sending a gift or press release on your spring/ summer collection to consumer press now, as they stopped writing about that season around February! If you think ahead, you are more likely to get featured in the press. Here are some other top tips to get ahead: Guide to media types: • Consumers – the leading glossy nags out each month, like Glamour, Instyle, Red, Eve, New Woman etc (long lead times). Handling the calls to press: You will go through to reception; you need to ask for the specific name of the journalist and the name of the magazine, unless you have a direct line. Having the right contact name is crucial – journalists will ignore your calls or emails if it is not relevant to them, so find out if it is before you target them! There is a format to most media conversations as follows: State who you are where you’re calling from. State why you are calling and make it relevant. It is imperative that we keep up to date with current affairs and use this as ammunition in your call. I suggest familiarising yourself with magazines and taking note of the regular features and sections they do i.e. Glamour do a careers section called ‘work work work’ – you could use this to create an idea for them to follow i.e. Anything to make them listen and interested! However, please bear in mind that consumer magazines work at least six months in advance, where as others work fairly last minute. Always think about what type of mag they are and what they will be working on. Journalists don’t usually have time to talk, they get hundred of releases, invitations to shows, emails and letters every single day. The best option is to call them, sell in the idea, take their email address and send them a press release by email, and then chase it up with another phone call to remind them. Always state when you will send the email so they can look out for it, and when you will call them back to discuss, and stick to it. The objective of these calls is for them to feature our clients / your brand and get coverage, and also find out what they are working on so you can appeal to them more directly. You can use your press releases or summaries to give a very brief description by phone if you like. I suggest having a brief script ready or a list of key points to remember. For further information, or if you have any queries – simply drop us a line-we’re all ears and happy to help! We would enjoy telling you how we can get the press talking about you too!
Diary of Huge Promotions Ltd: Week 41 Accessorise, accessorise, accessorise! This week accessories is the hot topic from jewellery , shoes and bling to emerging trends such as hats and the ever hot favourite…handbags! Every where this week from newspapers to glossy magazines, the return of the accessories is back, and this time there is no particular theme or trend as long as its practical, functional and looks good!
The cold freeze of February is setting on us and all we can see in magazines is winter woollies from wool scarves, chunky knits to fake fur separates. Whether you want to look like a country bumpkin or a diva in the making, there is style to suit! Why not check out Designer Clothing 4 U’s magic scarf which can be worn in eight different ways!
The rise of the heel has been predicted as the biggest change in direction for accessories, out goes slim, small and kitten heels and in for summer and autumn is platform heels - from small wedges to chunky platforms. So girls, practice your wiggle for this summer as you saunter sexily in stilettos!
Diary of Huge Promotions Ltd: Week 39- Oriental inspirations Using events to your advantage to strengthen promotion is a useful tool, keeping you and your clients up to date and relevant to current affairs. At ‘Huge’ we always keep ahead of the game. This week we have all truly been inspired by the release of hit movie, Memoirs of a Geisha, this exotic film introduces international appeal to all things of the orient from food, interiors to colours and clothing.
For further information, or if you have any queries – simply drop us a line-we’re all ears and happy to help! Also, if you have missed any of the past weeks and would like to know if we have covered your queries, please contact
and she would be glad to send you some information and advice.
Huge Promotions Ltd
Week 38- Translating trends into press coverage After a fabulous Christmas rest (which went too quickly!), we at Huge towers are back into the buzzy atmosphere of PR. This week we have been focusing on new and emerging trends to ensure we are well equipped with new ideas and features to approach the press with.
For further information, or if you have any queries – simply drop us a line-we’re all ears and happy to help! Also, if you have missed any of the past weeks and would like to know if we have covered your queries, please contact
and she would be glad to send you some information and advice. Huge Promotions Ltd
Diary of Huge Promotions Ltd:
Hello all, Happy New Year! It’s going to be another busy year for Huge Promotions, as we are currently working on the Creative Industry Awards Ceremony which will be taking place spring 2006, along with various other projects. The Creative Industry Awards (CIA) will allow businesses and individuals to be awarded for their work and contribution within the creative industry. As we are organising the CIA, this week’s diary will be looking at creative industries and what comes under the creative industries umbrella. What businesses are classified as being in the creative industries? According to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), they view creative industries as ‘those industries which have their origin in individual creativity, skill and talent and which have a potential for wealth and job creation through the generation and exploitation of intellectual property’. This includes advertising, architecture, the art and antiques market, crafts, design, designer fashion, film and video, interactive leisure software, music, the performing arts, publishing, software and computer games, television and radio’.
There are many organisations that are investing into the creative industries. Universities have developed courses to educate those wishing to understand the industry more and learn more about how to be successful with in it. Other organisations provide help and advice for those wanting to set up their own company within the creative industry. Others simply show how they have achieved within the industry and how they continue to be successful in this field. Huge Promotions fall under the creative industry sector, and we can proudly say it’s an enjoyable, fun working environment, which gives people an opportunity to share and express individuality within their work to make it unique to others.
We at Huge Promotions offer such a diverse range of services not only public relations, but marketing, events, styling, trend predicting, media liaison - to name but a few. Due to having such a wide variety of clients wanting different and diverse publicity is what stretches our talents and our range of services. The beauty of ‘Huge’ is that we perfectly cater to each individual client; each service is an optional extra and effective communications with clients, press and media is what we specialise in!
Diary of Huge Promotions Ltd:
At Huge when we take on mew clients many of them are new businesses which means that we at Huge have to organise and plan launches, this can include events like press launches and fashion shows to exciting parties! However planning is essential to ensure that the launch of the client runs as smoothly and successfully as possible! When dealing with the launch of many clients, a great consideration of planning, scheduling and timing has to be considered for effective results, this is normally the first stage of a launch and includes many meetings to make sure all the clients needs are met. The second stage includes a great deal of forward planning and actually putting thought on paper - the best way to plan a plan, so to speak. Compose a time line, this not only helps the personnel involved calculate timings, deadlines and necessities, but is very useful for the client - who will be kept aware of any changes that can and will be made. Having a time line is very helpful as it means that each stage of the line can be achieved and evaluated. For example, a new client of ours, Dranella a European fashion label, is launching in Spring 06 and we have been planning the launch since Summer 05. When launching a fashion brand it is very important that the name is well known before the launch - that way when the client does launch, the media are enticed which results in coverage. With Dranella we approached a variety of media to get them interested in the brand, which included trade media - to get recognition in the industry, and then national coverage for consumers.
Diary of Huge Promotions Ltd:
Working with the press means that we need to make sure that we have full knowledge of how and when certain magazines are published. Long lead magazines, are those which are being worked on three to four months in advance like Essentials and Vogue. Short leads are usually magazines that are produced monthly or weekly, like Now magazine. It is imperative that you are aware of current affairs, such as the Oscars, or even monthly occasions such as Mother’s Day and Easter. For long lead magazines, you indefinitely need to work in advance - that means when it’s Christmas time for us, long lead magazines are working on spring and summer ideas. Samples need to be ready and features should be brainstormed so you can be armed and ready to approach media! -Insert image closer magazine reader offer-
As there is a vast selection of magazines available, it is important that you are clued up about regular features that run through each magazine. It is equally important to know the clients that you are representing and be fully knowledgeable about the products that they have, and pick out those that are likely to be featured or those that emulate the current fashion trend. Short lead
Long lead press
As long as you have spring and summer press releases covered then you can be as flexible and prepared to target as many different press as possible as some long leads could be working on Valentines Day and some as far as July. Therefore it does pay to be on top of things-literally! Thus just proving how much hard work PR really can be but the features and awareness created makes the whole process much more rewarding, and creates more enthusiasm and better relationships to carry on successful public relations!
Diary of Huge Promotions Ltd:
Diary of Huge Promotions Ltd:
As a fashion, beauty and Lifestyle PR agency we find it is important to recruit work experience candidates on a regular basis, we as an agency know how hard it is to succeed in the fashion and beauty industry and offering your voluntary services is usually the best way to gain experience and a foot in the door of a competitive industry. Some of the staff at ‘Huge’ have entered via the work experience route and have found it a successful and comfortable transition!
Work experience is a highly credited aspect of any industry, having practical experience today is just as important as having academic experience; the most important aspect is being able to put in to practice what you learn. Not to mention the skills that you can only achieve in practical work experience such as confidence, communication skills as well as networking and multi tasking!
At Huge we try and encourage work experience candidates to partake in all activities that we set day to day, we ask all candidates to set out objectives so we can try and hand out tasks to fulfil these objectives. Every day, an agenda is set out so each candidate knows what to do and it is easier for staff to monitor the progress. Candidates get to do a variety of work related to all our clients from press calls, press releases, researching, dealing with press call ins and chasing up magazine call ins. We at Huge believe that the more a candidate experiences the better prepared they are for the real world of work and have a variety of skills.
The type of qualities that a work experience candidates have vary greatly from having purely academic backgrounds to just PR or just fashion to those with just vocational experiences. However the qualities that all work experience candidates should have is an aptitude for hard work, flexibility and the ability and drive to want to learn about all that is happening. All candidates should try and make sure that they get chance to have their input even it is just brainstorming for ideas or helping out on a shoot, all and any kind of experience is vital. The type of work that we offer work experience candidates is similar to what the rest of the staff work on, time is taken to make sure that candidates are also taught skills for majority of the tasks from how to make press calls to templates on how to write press releases. We also incorporate a fun element for work experience candidates. As we are a fashion and beauty PR company we aim to get candidates to do fashion research, from magazine observations to mood boards. We also have a very strong base with journalist and celebrity agents from Victoria Beckham to Lady Sovereign and we encourage these relationships with work experience candidates, once they have been trained and are accustomed to media liaison. That means that the advantages benefit both the company and the candidate who not only learn vital skills but develop a good portfolio and contacts, ready and armed to work in the fashion industry.
Huge are always scouring for work experience candidates, especially as Christmas time approaches, magazines are in a rush to finish shoots and are sending out emails for all sorts of call ins for all sorts of things from clothes accessories to food recipes! Christmas does create a very busy and hectic schedule here at Huge, but the fast pace does not stop us from having fun, from planning our Christmas do to decorating the office we try and make every day of the working day fun and fabulous! So if you think you have the right skills or the just want to learn more about the industry then email your CV and covering letter to the email address below!
Week 33: Looking at Asian Fashion Trends We at Huge Promotions offer such a diverse range of services not only public relations, but marketing, events, styling, trend predicting, media liaison to name but a few. Due to having such a wide variety of clients wanting different and diverse publicity is what stretches our talents and our range of services. The beauty of Huge is that we perfectly cater to each individual client; each service is an optional extra and effective communications with clients, press and media is what we specialise in! As we at Huge Promotions are currently working on launching Imaan Collections, a new Islamic clothing label that is being launched in spring 2006 we thought that this weeks diary should look at Asian fashion trends and that have appeared over this year and are likely to appear over spring/summer 2006 and the launch of Imaan Collections.
Indian fashion has always been big, and the industry continues to boom even more as designers creatively mix the essence of the eastern style with the western, creating eye catching garments that are literally to ‘die for’. These Garments consist of lavish fabrics with beautiful embroidery and the most beautiful cuts making each garment unique to one another. Bollywood also has a major impact on the latest trends as everyone wants to dress like a Bollywood star…well a girl can dream can’t she? However, Imaan Collections is also inspired by the eastern and western cultures of the Middle East, with a concentration in beautiful colours and delicate features aimed at the Islamic community. Their first fashion label will be launched at an exclusive and luxurious event in spring 2006. The event will be very sophisticated and enjoyable and will include a catwalk presenting her collections exclusively for the VIP guests. There will be fashion advice, make-up artists, fruity cocktails and tasty food. Imaan Collections show how women in particular feel the need to look good whatever the occasion. Asian clothing is designed to allow women to remain respectful of their religion and at the same time be able to fluent their individual style by being comfortable and well suited to the right occasion.
As you take a stroll along Leicester’s famous Belgrave Road, you can see all the glamorous designs and various colours that have set the displays in each window across the whole road. These all reflect on the latest trends for autumn and winter 2005. Colours such as reds, pinks and oranges, have all been popular this year. As for styles of clothing, designer saris, lengha’s and churidars have all had a space in the windows of each shop as they have set the trends for this year. The traditional Bandini pattern has also had a big come back this year and has been spotted at Navratri and Diwali. It’s a cool trend which has been around for years! However, the trends for 2006 are not that different from the embellished designs and colours seen this year, they just get better. For the spring and summer, luscious colours such as blues, aubergine and pinks are likely to be used for both traditional Indian garments and the new contemporary outfits such as designer saris and lengha suits. Autumn and winter for 2006 again reflects similar to the styles seen this year. The colour palette for the collection will include earthen browns, cinnamon, green, orange and reds. For the Islamic community, the modest clothing is a loose fitting garment worn over clothes, it won’t show any curves of the body but still looks great. The clothing is designed for all occasions. Knitwear to keep you warm throughout autumn/winter and linens for the spring/summer sizzling season. The outfits are all uniquely designed and tailored to suit the practicalities of everyday lives. The garments will be designed and manufactured just like any other garment is; with trend forecasting and customer research before hand. Each season will be a new collection, each suiting the current trends, themes, fabrics and colours. I think that the director of Imaan Collection, Sophia Kara, has devised a fantastic concept of fashionable clothing opportunity for women within the Islamic community. No matter what journey the Asian fashion industry takes us on, we can be assured that designers will continue to introduce lavish and exquisite clothing to suit both our appetites and religion, helping us to make a lasting impression by not only looking good but feeling good wherever we go.
Diary of Huge Promotions Ltd: Week 30 Mood boards and trend predictions Working in the fashion industry media means that you are surrounded by information and sources like:
Mood boards and fashion boards are another way of exploring the creative side of the office and is useful for all your fashion clients, regardless of whether it’s a maternity label, an Asian fashion company or sports wear, mood boards can inspire as colours materials and themes can influence all in the clothing industry.
We would enjoy telling you how we can get the press talking about you too!
Diary of Huge Promotions Ltd: Week 29: Getting the right trends for press feature Ok, so being in the fashion industry may sound glamorous and fun, yes it is indeed, however there is also a value and importance to working in fashion. At the end of the day if it wasn’t for fashion forecasters, designers, buyers, merchandisers, PR’s, journalists we would still be wearing plain brown rags. It is these industry bodies that put the inspiration into fashion, and that help the consumer follow trends without having to attend every single designer fashion show. There are several ways that the consumer finds out current and future trends, two being: o high street stores o magazines Where would we be without those trends pages? If you’re anything like us you just can’t get enough of glossy mags. Each day we flick, we read and we digest! It may sound like an easy job, so the tasty and challenging part is getting our clients featured on these juicy fashion forecasting pages!
AW 05/06 As a PR company we are ahead of the game, we know exactly what the coming seasons trends are right up until Autumn/Winter 2007. Our main reasons for knowing this is because glossy magazines such as Glamour, Cosmopolitan and Vogue are about six months ahead of each season so it is vital for us to identify what features and themes they are working on. Knowing what issue each magazine is working on is very important, if you don’t know just ask, they will actually pay more attention to you because you can get straight to the point instead of wasting their time talking about Christmas when they might be working on the March issue!
AW 05/06 Once you know which issue it is, you must be quick to come up with an idea otherwise they will loose interest, so plan before you phone. For example one of our clients is currently launching their brand new leisure wear label, so we are currently liaising with the long lead time consumer press who are working on February/March issues and also the short lead nationals who are working towards Christmas and New Year. With our huge publication database we know each week what issues the magazines are working on, every day we will call the press and sell in features from product placement to full page spreads. We don’t just ask if they would like to call in samples for their magazine, we actually ‘drip feed’ them with amazing feature ideas. For example for our new leisure wear label, we would phone short lead press and explain how women crave to get in shape for Christmas, so having the right clothing is essential (looking good during exercise is a crucial to looking great after). The journalists love it when you help them out, they are constant deadlines, writing a number of features every day so they are very grateful when you can help them out, it will also benefit you and your client too because they will be more likely to want to feature them.
AW 05/06 So you now know why knowing trends is just as important as wearing trends! If you are selling a product you can now sell, sell, sell for feature space!
Diary of Huge Promotions Ltd:
Yes, we all love those glossy gossip magazines. Now, Heat, OK! But do you realise that subtle messages embedded in some of those sneaky snapshots are having an unconscious effect on your wardrobe! Fashion brands are renowned for relying heavily on celebrity endorsement. Celebrities and their agents are bombarded everyday with free sample items of clothing by all sorts of names-Gucci, Prada, Diesel, and from all types of ranges: summer, winter and evening. The method behind this non-profit madness? Exposure. Celebs are cool, they have status and respect, and people aspire to be them. As the vast majority are good looking (the first step on many ladders to fame) people aspire to look like them. The first basic level of imitation is easily achievable through simply wearing what they wear. “Getting the look!” is what fashion magazines call the imitation of celeb wardrobes so from the readers side it is simple, see the items, look up stockist, and go out and buy! For the brands themselves, the task is a little trickier. First there is the search for the perfect celeb. Brand image needs to be taken very seriously when choosing your celeb. First you need to decide on your target market, next, look to who they are exposed to on televison, in magazines, on the radio, in there CD collection, posters on their wall…..
image of Javine Huge Promotions client press cuttings The way we work is; for each client we identify their target market and then research both UK and International celebrities. Once we have a list of celebrities we then research (if we don’t have them already) their agents or managers. This can be a tricky job and does take time, however if you have a large budget there are packages you can register with to get free celebrity listings. If you don’t have a small budget there are websites that you can search for, try using www.google.com search engine for this. Once we have the contact details we approach them with an offer, for example we will offer them an outfit of their choice in exchange for a quote for our clients website. This also gives the celebrity great PR, so they are usually very interested to offer a quote. We do have A-list celebrities who will only give a quote if we pay them, so if you have a high budget you can buy the quote. Another effective way is to offer them an outfit for a TV appearance they may be on. Don’t be afraid to ask their Manager what they are doing at the moment and in the future, this shows that you are interested in them and you may even get chatting about personal things like holidays etc. We are currently liaising with Amanda Holden’s agent as we have offered her an outfit of her choice from Picchu Maternity wear. She is currently looking at the online boutique, www.picchumaternity.com, and then letting us know her decision. She has agreed to give us a quote of what she thinks about the range for their website. PR Assistant Kate Mitchell has a great relationship with Amanda’s agent, having recently talked to her about Amanda’s pregnancy and other news. TV actress and comedian, Meera Syal is also pregnant and recently accepted a Picchu Maternity dress from us as a gift in exchange for a quote for their website. Meera described the collection as; "Stylish, sensual and best of all, versatile enough to wear after birth.." Meera was on the Paul O’Grady Show on Thursday 20th October where she wore the ‘Classic Black Wrap Dress’ by Picchu Maternity, she looked gorgeous, its amazing how stylish you can look while you are pregnant. Picchu Classic wrap dress here Picchu Maternity Classic Black Wrap Dress as seen worn by Meera Syal.
We have a great track record for gaining celebrity status for our clients, by liaising with media and agents to have our client’s products worn by celebrities and featured on television. Credentials include: Strictly Dance Fever, Fame Academy, Celebrity Love Island, Natasha Bedingfield in the Telegraph, Girls Aloud in Arena Magazine, Javine in Celebs on Sunday (The Mirror).
Cheryl from Girls Aloud here ‘Huge Promotions client press cuttings
Diary of Huge Promotions Ltd: Week 27: Branding design; logos, business cards and look books Hi everyone! Its been another creative and exciting time in the Huge offices this week. As we have a large range of clients with a very wide spectrum, the work load is very different and exciting each day. We have a number of start up businesses that we are helping with their branding. As you probably already know we are an all inclusive company, so we can help with design as well as PR and events. More information on us and contact details are at the foot of this article. Ok, back to branding, and a real life example. We have recently designed the logo for a new Islamic fashion label; Imaan Collections, which is being launched in March 2006, (watch this space for more information). The logo obviously plays a big part in the brands image. To build up a brief (description of what’s needed) we first identified the target market. Take a look at the logo and see if you can identify who the clothes are aimed at;
Did you guess it? The clothing label, and therefore the logo, has been created with modern day, independent Muslin / Islamic women in mind. The next step involves sketch after sketch being shown to the client. First drafts, seconds thirds and fourths, tweaking and adapting bits here and there, picking out elements of the proposed logo they like best and making any necessary amendments. Decisions start to be made on colouring and type face. Other factors that need to be considered during this time is how and where the logo is going to be used, packaging, price tags, business cards etc. All the time we and the client are corresponding constantly. The end product is something the client is happy with, that truly represents their brand and appeals to their future customers. Another of our newer clients for whom we are doing some design work is; Funk2Funk. Launching in 2006. Funk2Funk has its finger on the pulse of young fashion, providing urban casual wear for young streetwise people. At the moment we’re helping develop their brand image, mainly their business card and website. We’ll keep you posted and will give you a sneak preview of the end result! Any design work that is not done in house we contract outside businesses or freelancers to carry out the work, we do not charge you commission for this. Websites, look books, photography and other creative elements needed can always be sourced outside the office walls and we only use sub contractors that follow the Huge Promotions ethos of being friendly, professional and excellent at what they do! It pays to build relationships with people in the relevant industries. Networking at events is a great way of getting names, collecting phones numbers and business cards. Get to know those around you. You can often find yourself in a ‘you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours’ situation.
For further information, or if you have any queries – simply drop us a line-we’re all ears and happy to help! Also, if you have missed any of the past weeks and would like to know if we have covered your queries, please contact
and she would be glad to send you some information and advice.
Diary of Huge Promotions Ltd:
Hello All! The Huge Promotions team has been extremely busy this week especially with the press. They just can’t get enough of our amazing client’s products. Consumer press such as Cosmopolitan and Red are currently planning photo shoots for one of our sportswear clients. As a team, Huge Promotions work very hard with press liaison, everyday we speak to the press and most often they contact us for ‘call ins’. Sending our press releases and following them up with a phone call is an effective method, however we like to go one step further and actually visit the press face to face, with samples and gifts. Journalists receive around 50 press releases each day so ours must stand out!
Every month our London freelancer, Vickey Dove visits key journalists from top magazines such as; Cosmopolitan, Glamour and Red for meetings to present samples from our clients. We get very positive results from this as the journalists can see the quality of the products in life rather than by image. We create press packages for them which include; press releases, look books, samples and gifts. Depending on the brand and the market level you can be as creative as you like with press release distribution. To make yours more unique you may want to send them some samples with it or a gift. Have a brainstorm about your product and decide what would make it stand out from all the other samples.
If you would like help with media liaison please contact us for a free proposal and tailor made quote. Our services are as little as £25.00 for a press release. In the mean time we are happy to share a few little secrets about impressing the press but with our help this can be expanded in to something more positive with better results. Top 5 gifts and press packages to give to key journalists; (the key to this is to use a tangible and useful item) 1. A bottle of water or a fizzy drink with your logo on
For further information, please do not hesitate to call us.
Diary of Huge Promotions Ltd: Week 25: The importance of market research continued If you missed last weeks and would like more information please email Kate Mitchell; Is there a market for your business?
Clare Bloomfield Your potential customers… • Who are they? There could be several identifiable groups, depending on your services or products. List them all. • Where and how (e.g. trade magazines, trade shows, directories, agents) will you identify potential customers? • What are your customers’ needs ? • How much will they spend? • How often will they purchase? • Where do they purchase? • Where do they go to purchase their existing services/products? • How do they find out about new services/products? • How do they choose? What criteria do they use to select the work or service that they require? Are their decisions based on price or on quality?
• What are the likely types of customer for your business? • Are the customers wholesalers, retailers or end-users (e.g. individuals, other businesses, institutions)? • Where are the customers (local, regional, national or overseas)? • How do you get access to the customers (directly through a personal visit, or through an agent, trade shows, shops, galleries, etc.)? • How do your customers trade (through trade shows, buying trips, annually or seasonally; where and when, or other)?
Bethanie Loom
• Who are your competitors? • How established are they? • What do they sell? • Where do they sell? • How do they market their products/services? • How do they present themselves? Create a competitors dossier of, e.g., advertising material, direct mail, PR materials. • How are they positioned, and what is their philosophy? • How do they operate - do they compete directly? • Where are they based? • Who are their customers? • What do they want? Try to identify their likely long-term strategies and business philosophies / mission statements. • What is the size of their market? • Why is your product/service better than theirs? • What are their strengths? • What are their weaknesses? • What are their opportunities? • What are the threats to their businesses?
Kate Mitchell
• What are your projected sales? • How will you get new business? • How much time each week / month will you allocate to sales and marketing? • How much time will you allocate to administration and sales follow-up? • What are the most appropriate marketing activities for your business? • What future is there in the market that you have chosen? Is it growing or declining?
• Attend a one-day training course for an introduction to market research. • Contact The Prince’s Trust (for England and Wales) or The Prince’s Scottish Business Trust (for Scotland) for start-up information and advice. • Speak to professionals about your product and service, and get feedback. • Visit the shops and see what sells.
Diary of Huge Promotions Ltd: The all inclusive fashion and lifestyle PR and events agency. Week 24: The importance of market research
Why do market research? Just because friends and family have bought your work from degree shows does not mean that you have suitable products to start up in business. You need to talk to potential customers, who will ask specific questions about the quality and prices of your work and - hopefully - will buy your work all year round. You, like every other start-up business, must carry out market research so as to identify the following basic market information: · To know whether your business is feasible. · To know how and where you are going to trade. · To understand the size and the potential of your market. · To identify your customers. · To determine the most appropriate promotion and marketing methods. · To identify your competition. · To create a pricing strategy. · To estimate sales income.
Getting started What is your business idea? Try to explain it in 20 words. What are you trying to achieve, in both personal and business terms? Try to explain this, in one short paragraph. How do you think you will meet your objectives? Think of yourself and your business as a single entity. Carry out a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats), and list the following: · Your personal and business strengths (e.g. self-confidence, organisational skills, personal commitment, the strengths of your products or services) · Your weaknesses (e.g. lack of business knowledge and experience, lack of premises, lack of contacts) · Opportunities that will help your business (e.g. awards, exhibitions, contacts, successes) · Threats (e.g. competition, declining markets, interest rates, other external factors). How does your SWOT analysis compare with your business idea statement (above) and with what you want to achieve? How can you use strengths and opportunities to overcome weaknesses and threats? If the weaknesses and threats outweigh your strengths and opportunities, then you need to do more research into how you could develop your business idea or change your products and services. What specific areas are causing problems, and what actions do you need to take? What training needs have you identified (e.g. business planning, book-keeping, presentation skills)?
- How to do your market research Think how you could sell your work. If that involves dealing with retailers or galleries, speak to the buyers and value their opinions. When presenting your work, try to take actual samples that are relevant to your current work. If you get a positive response from a number of contacts, then you can have the confidence to start selling. It is important to take note of all comments, including the criticisms; the fact that a business is taking interest in your work is a really positive part of your market research. Observe other designers’ and competitors' activities to see how they operate. Monitor current trends in fashion and lifestyles, and keep an eye out for predicted trends by regularly visiting a range of trade fairs and exhibitions. The following are some sources of market information. Select a few that are the most relevant to your business idea, and start to collect market information:
· Designers who have set up their own businesses. · Established businessmen; do you have a rich uncle or a helpful one? · Trade organisations and directories. · Professional bodies and associations. · Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). · Libraries, both local and central. · Newspapers and trade magazines. · Market reports. · The internet. · Competitors. · Universities and colleges. This will continue next week, so if you would like to know about the following please come back next week! Next week we will discuss; is there a market for your business?, the competition and sales.
For further information, please do not hesitate to call us. We’re happy to help, if you have any queries – simply drop us a line and we’re all ears. We would enjoy telling you how we can get the press talking about you too! About us: Huge Promotions Ltd LCB Depot 31 Rutland Street Leicester LE1 1RE T: 0116 253 3418
Kate Mitchell PR Assistant Huge Promotions Ltd
Huge Promotions, LCB Depot, 31 Rutland Street, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE1 1RE
T: +44 (0) 116 253 3418 E:
Diary of Huge Promotions Ltd: The all inclusive fashion and lifestyle PR and events agency. Week 23: Networking with the press The Huge Promotions team is always networking with the press, either by telephone or even face to face! Talking to the press may seem terrifying at first, but as long as you are prepared and know your stuff you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. Journalists are usually very busy with tight deadlines each day, but as long as you get to the point straight away as to why you are calling you will probably have more success. Sometimes they are happy that you call because you could have supplied them with the product/information that they need – so always have a clear and relevant reason for the conversation.
Huge are experts at dealing with the press, but below are methods of how you can speak to the press in the most effective ways: Know Your Journalist
· Read the section of the newspaper you are trying to target a press release at - a clever PR will know what a particular editor will pick up. Journalists rely heavily on PR’s and the good ones provide excellent service - they know their material and understand what journalists need. Focus, Focus, Focus
· PR’s need to think of a good news angle, of something that will make a good picture. Poor releases that are too long, garbled, and not clear or worse - a good story sent too late for a deadline – know what you are speaking about, and why it will be useful for them specifically! What’s Your Angle?
Why should the publication you are targeting write about you? Know this, and remember key details to make the relationship between PR and journalist more genuine and effective.
For further information, please do not hesitate to call us. We’re happy to help, if you have any queries – simply drop us a line and we’re all ears. We would enjoy telling you how we can get the press talking about you too! About us: LCB Depot LE1 1RE T: 0116 253 3418 E :
Huge Promotions Ltd is an all inclusive creative public relations consultancy, with a difference. Inspiring and funky, ‘Huge’ offers original expertise in four main areas:
Each area has its own designated team of experts to assist with your queries, based under one roof for a uniform but innovative approach to your complete publicity needs. These areas pull together to create the all inclusive consultancy that is Huge Promotions Ltd. · As you get all these services under one roof, you save time and money. · The skilled diversity of Huge Promotions enables them to organise and manage an array of services from: fashion shows, press attention, copy writing, photography shoots and more. · Huge has ‘creative team’ of in-house stylists, project and event coordinators, photographers, models and designers for your convenience. · We can provide all personnel for a cost effective package. · Media relations and contacts are one of the areas that we specialise in. · We offer flexible terms and services to suit your individual aims and budget, and are all ears on listening to your ideas - offering solutions to turn them into a reality. · We listen, we create and we deliver. Visit our website at: www.hugepromotions.co.uk |
