PR is essential

Through my degree course so far, we have learnt about PR and when it is used by companies or individuals. We have looked at the theory behind PR, it's background and what we are looking to achieve. I have enjoyed learning about all of these aspects but it has only ben very recently that I have realised just how essential PR is in the organising of so many things.

Don't get me wrong, I understood that it is a necessary function in business, but it has really struck me that it is the smaller companies and charities that really need PR at the moment. I mean, the big coperations like the banks are relying on PR everyday but I , wrongly, assumed it was more a comodity for large organisations.

Over the last few weeks I have been talking to a good fmily friend who, along with a number of other ladies, is planning to climb the immense Machu Picchu, to rasie money for Together in West Essex. This is a relatively small charity helping provide facilities and help for those with breast cancer.

They have to each raise a substantial amount of money and esspecially in the current financhial climate, this is no easy task. They have all been organising events left, right and centre to try and get as many people involved as possible to suppot his fantasic cause but they have reached a wall. They have already been to all family and friends to get involved and sponsor thm and donate so are needing to look further a field.

This is why I was talking to my friend. I suggested that I could put out a press release to the local papers to help promote a certain event, which would widen the audience. I have subsequently done so, and we are now awaiting pulication.

This is the moment my eyes were opened. It is these smaller charity events that need publisising the most. They need people just to know they exsist.

Portfolio!

It is getting to that time when the deadlines are coming closer and the panic starts to set in!

I have two portfolios to do; one for PACE which is a reflective one and one for PPE which is a presenation of the practical work I have done. I am panicing now. These both have to be handed in straight after easter and I am extremely concerned that they will not be complete. It is not that I have left everything to the last minute. It is that I am waiting on things being published and this is extremely nerve racking!

The reflective portfolio I have found quite interesting to get to grips with. The aim of it is to assess your own skills in different areas such as IT, numeracy, team work etc and reflect on how you can improve on them. This forces you to be extremely critical and honest with yourself and to be honest I have learnt a lot so far.

The one which I am finding more challenging and worrying is the PACE portfolio which comprises of 10 items of work which are to be carried out on behalf of clients. I have done work placements to do this but they have not necessarily produced the necessary work, more valuable work experience. I have completed a number of the items already but I just have a niggling feeling which I will not shake until I have finished it up to a high standard.

I must crack on!