Iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit's Chriiiiiistmas!!

Just in case anyone hadn't noticed. I mean, the Christmas adverts that hit the TV screens in what seemed like July were a dead giveaway that the festive season was soon to be upon us. But does it really feel like Christmas?

The weather outside isn't particularly frightful so I don't feel like I need to go into full hibernation mode. Everyone at Target Towers is still very busy so there's no sign of the mythical slow down we all allegedly experience at this time of year, and more so than ever the world news is full of utterly despicable deeds, suggesting there's very little goodwill among men.

Bah humbug indeed.

With the shops full of everything Christmas from October, Christmas ads repeating for months on end to get return on the huge budgets they've spent, Christmas jumpers and Christmas hats sported as soon as the weather hits 12 degrees, it's little wonder most of us are sick of it by the time it gets here.

But then finally, when it does, after the long wait, when all the Christmas shopping is done and the fridge is full. It feels SO good. And we're not sick of it at all, not one little bit.

I LOVE Christmas but when it IS Christmas and not a minute before.

Happy Christmas everyone.

Rachel Meagher
Account Director

What is PR?

Recently whilst I have been studying for my CIPR Foundation Award, I have been looking at textbook definitions of Public Relations.

The Chartered Institute of Public Relations defines PR as:

"Public relations is about reputation - the result of what you do, what you say and what others say about you."

This week I have put the textbooks aside, I've been thinking about what PR is and what PR people do from an agency perspective.

Based on my first few days working with Target PR, these are my observations on PR outside the classroom.

Good relationships

Put simply, PR is about people and your relationships with those people. Good working relationships can help get things done quickly.

Good writing

PR is about producing copy people will want to read. Press releases are short, snappy and newsworthy.

Good causes

There's interest in how local businesses are supporting the local community. Companies that have been going the extra mile and holding quirky fundraising events that support local charities get great coverage.

Good timekeeping

PR is about thinking ahead and being aware of internal, external and your client's deadlines. PR involves careful planning and effective time keeping.

Good tea

And perhaps my most astute observation of the week is that PR is fuelled by copious amounts of tea. Whether the PG Tips, or the Earl Grey variety - its official - tea makes the PR world go round.

Charlotte Sanville
Freelance Account Executive