Nine brilliant moments in a PR day

What’s so great about working in PR? PR experts name nine high points of the day for people with PR jobs that help to make it all worthwhile.

1. The first coffee of the day: “My first coffee, strong, and black kick starts my day … before that my brain is still in neutral. There is something about the smell that says come on, get out there, make it happen and I love the energising impact it has. I have it near Carnaby Street, which must be one of the buzziest parts of London. Walking through the boutiques, many of them young start-up businesses, is a source of energy and by the time I arrive in the office I am ready to hit the ground running.” Phil Hall, chairman of PR agency PHA media.

2. Checking the news: “The best part of the day is flicking though the national newspapers first thing in the morning (although to be honest I do this mostly online nowadays). It’s good to get an overall feel of what the news agenda for the day is going to be in Westminster, in the financial markets or on the big issues like climate change. I like to see what the politicians and the great and the good are saying; what the commentators on the nationals like Simon Jenkins and Steve Richards think about it, and then relay that back to my clients. It not only makes you look up to speed, but can also result in some proactive PR initiatives. It can also provide fodder for blogs as I think it’s important PR people have a view on what is going on in the world and don’t just write yet another blog about reputation.” Tom Leatherbarrow, head of B2B at agency Willoughby Public Relations.

3. Being with other people: “The best thing about my day is the interaction with other people. I just love being part of a team and particularly like working with the young people in the office, which gives the day a spark. It is great fun when we have a bit of social as we always do something a bit different – like we have just had our Christmas party in January – great to have no turkey or silly hats!  I really enjoy a good brainstorm when we can see what is going inside our heads (not always a great thing, mind you) and just being in a team that enjoys itself and does a good job is rewarding. Some years ago, my very short and pathetic attempt at working alone ended quickly when I started talking to myself and I realised that it was the people around me who drive me on.  Long may it last – I love people.” Angela Casey, managing director of agency CM Porter Novelli, Edinburgh.

4. Getting recognition: “The best part of my day is when coverage I’ve secured is not only congratulated by my co-workers, but is noticed by my ex co-workers, close friends and family. The coverage also helps explain to my family what I do, especially to those members who are still baffled at my career choice, my Granddad still thinks I’m a hairdresser!” Pally Kaur, consultant at agency Cherish PR.

5. Winning a pitch: “It’s when you get the phone call following a pitch to say you’ve won. There’s an agonising few seconds when the new client insists on being polite. They ask how you are, etcetera, when all you want to know is DID WE WIN IT OR NOT, JUST TELL ME! You yo-yo between agony and elation for what seems forever. When the answer’s ‘yes’ it’s fantastic!”

6. Gathering coverage and getting thanked for it: “It’s that keystroke moment when you’ve finished collating a shedload of outstanding coverage that you have achieved for a client and off it goes into their inbox. To put the icing on the cake they actually email back and say ‘thank you, well done’. Nice one.”

7.When the Internet helps you out: “It’s great when a Google Alert drops a relevant cutting into your inbox. You send it on to an appreciative contact with an urgent, but friendly comment. They think you are insightful and well connected when you’ve not really done anything – but great CRM.”

8. Only having to make tea for one: “It’s asking your 20 colleagues in the office if they’d like a cup of tea, secretly hoping they all say ‘no’. When they do say no, you only have to do your own but you look great!”

(Thanks to Nigel Pipkin, director at PR agency Seal, who offered the above four top moments as suggested by his team.)

9. The end of the day: As well as the start of the day, Tom Watson, professor of public relations at Bournemouth Unversity, also loves the day’s end: “No Paxman for me. 15 minutes reading and I’m out like a light. I’m no longer an eight-hour sleeper but I go off the land of nod with speed. Both ends of the day are periods of relative calm, with time to muse about the day and relax.”