The Cadets

Gordon's blog - Part three

This has been a busy time with pieces being written for the press on joint ventures undertaken with the NHS and an article written directly for the local press. Both pieces have been published. The second piece was seized upon by one of the Sunday Papers and also by a press agency that wanted to go national. This resulted in many photographs being taken and a large feature spot on page three of the Scottish Record and a column in the Sun newspaper as well appearances in other local papers.

Contacts have been established with the press and they now know my name and face. I intend continuing writing articles and sending these to the contacts established to maintain an ongoing relationship with them.

The connection with the local charity has been established and as they intend holding a "fete" in the summer at which I can assist have left things in their court to take up my offer of assistance since I do not want to be seen as being desperate to become involved.

My experience with PR has been an enlightened one and one which does work. The challenge is to continue to work with the media and keep them informed of all relevant stories as and when they occur. I now know that newspapers read other newspapers looking for "interesting" stories and that they in fact find the story rather than me having to chase them. I shall continue working with my contacts meantime in the hope/ expectation that the "glossies" will pick up on stories of interest to them. At Paula’s suggestion I have set up a matrix to ensure that I cover all aspects on an ongoing basis and intend to spend at least half a day exploring ways to maintain my PR presence.

Interestingly one of my original stories was changed quite considerably as each newspaper re-wrote my article putting a slightly different slant to the story. I also had to laugh at some of the comments attributed to me as I never said them.

I used to think that I had nothing of note to tell the press. Now I see opportunities all the time. So a tremendous thank you to Paula for all your guidance and assistance. Well done.

To view part one of Gordon's blog click here

To view part two of Gordon's blog click here