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Thursday 20 December 2012

Digital Airport Advertising – Creative, Interactive and Useful

Recently JCDecaux Airport conducted Business Traveller research which investigated the activities and views of 500 regular business travellers. The findings showed that these people’s influence within their companies, including purchasing decisions, is significant. The study also revealed that they are early adopters of technology and highly aware of airport media – which is good news for the sector! We should all remember that airport media can be about far more than business travellers so today we are highlighting how one media owner demonstrated “inventing possibilities out of home” in a tie-up with Canon. Eye and Canon Announce a Global First Using New Amplify Platform Eye recently partnered with Canon to promote the EOS 650D camera. Canon is the first advertiser globally to use Eye’s new Amplify product and is using its worldwide network of mobile enabled, digital OOH sites, each of which offers Near Field Communication (NFC), QR and SMS functionality. Initially launched across Gatwick and Stansted airports, passengers are taken directly from a digital OOH unit to the Canon website on their smartphone where they can enjoy an explanation of all the features and benefits of the Canon EOS camera via video. This represents a significant step forward in OOH as it brings both scale and interactivity to outdoor campaigns – but Canon and Eye are not alone. Another recent advance in interactive advertising at airports is Tesco’s virtual grocery store at Gatwick. Following on from the company’s highly successful – and award winning - store in Korea the service provides a mix of browsing, online shopping and home delivery. This means that passengers can order at the airport then ensure their groceries arrive at their home when they do. Not only is this technically impressive, it is a great example of OOH media providing a creative solution to a genuine customer need. As digital out of home (DOOH) evolves technically and sees wider adoption, more and more opportunities become viable. The head of one leading digital agency, Eric Newnham of Talon Outdoor explained ‘‘Paper and paste’ poster advertising is rapidly becoming yesterday’s delivery. Digital is massively exciting not just because it is new but because it offers advertisers the perfectly timed and placed chance to do something very meaningful with their target markets. By talking to a defined market with the right offer, at the right time and in an engaging way, it is an excellent platform to get the results you are seeking.’ Bio Talon Outdoor is the only independently owned out of home media specialist. It offers a fresh approach to the planning and buying of all outdoor media, including poster advertising, bus advertising and tube advertising.

Monday 17 December 2012

Reward Winter Training by Running a Sunny Marathon

If you work hard and train through the winter months then why not reward yourself by running the Limassol Marathon in Cyprus during the beautiful Cypriot Springtime. It can be hard to stay on track with your fitness when the weather is bad but don’t let it detract you from your goals. When the days are shorter and wetter a lot of people are tempted to hide out in the gym for a couple of months clocking up miles on a treadmill. Whilst this is a great option for when the weather is severe, it does not offer the same challenge of running on the open road. When you are training to run an international marathon, make sure that you mix up your treadmill time with at least two outdoor runs a week. One of these should be your weekly long run. If you can, try to take it in the middle of the day, when the weather is warmest and you’ve got the most daylight. Once you hit the last six weeks of training to run your European marathon, do your best to get as many runs as possible done outdoors. For the most part cold days are fine but try to avoid running in the rain or the sleet for more than 45 minutes as it can increase your chances of catching a chill. Staying dry should be one of your main priorities so your running gear plays an important role in your training. It needs to be lightweight and snug in order to maintain your core body temperature. Wear a beanie and gloves to keep your extremities warm, these can always be taken off should you begin to overheat. Ideally your outer layer should be windproof and have pockets; better jackets have zippers on the armpits to allow for good ventilation. After training, your recovery is going to be a bit different when it is cooler. A well-fuelled run is the first step to proper recovery. Being colder doesn’t mean you won’t be losing fluids and at risk of dehydration so you should maintain the intake of food and water that you would after a run in the sun. Instead of doing a recovery run head indoors and try stretching, yoga or Pilates. These activities will keep your muscles limber and allow you to stay warm and dry whilst you do your recovery. If you follow these easy guidelines and look after yourself during the winter months then come March 24th you will have made it through the worst of the weather and be in peak physical condition to run by the sea in beautiful Limassol. Bio run by the sea, Limassol is the host venue for one of the most picturesque international half marathons in Europe. It is popular amongst experts seeking flat marathon courses or novices simply wanting to run abroad.

Five Reasons to Consider Outdoor Digital Advertising

In today’s media-saturated world there are thousands of ways to communicate with consumers - posters, newspapers, television, internet – not only does the list goes on, it evolves constantly. However, today one of the most exciting and effective new forms of advertising is digital outdoor, here’s why 1. Cost Effectiveness – the economic climate means companies are under pressure to make advertising budgets go further – so digital is good news. It is far more cost effective to run a digital ad than one on almost any other platform; companies looking to advertise can buy slots as short as 10 seconds which means lower space and production costs. 2. Time Specific Advertising – Another great thing about digital advertising is that it can be timed in the same way as television advertising. Different demographics ‘self select’ subject to the time of day and digital advertising has the nimbleness to respond to this, allowing advertisers to reach specific target markets. For example, digital ads can be created in a ‘playlist’ that means business people are targeted during the morning commute hours, mums on the school run then older people during the day 3. Quick Lead Time – The production benefits of digital are two-fold; depending on the ad production can be very cost-effect and additionally, lead times are much faster. Not only does this give advertisers the ability to change targeted messages much quicker, it also gives them the chance to test and tweak campaigns so they can tailor the most effective offer or creative. 4. Community Benefits - Small or local businesses are not the only new market who have the chance to benefit from digital advertising, now media owners frequently offer community groups their sites as a low-cost or free resource. This means that these sites have the potential to be this century’s community noticeboard. 5. Environmentally Friendly – Posters are not only looking outdated, they are increasingly off-message environmentally too. Aside from the paper saving, smartscreen technology is powered by LED and uses very little energy. Maxx Media is launching the Brighton big screen at the end of 2012 and for all the reasons listed above this will be a great way for businesses of all sizes to advertise using a form of dynamic media in a regional area. The Brighton Smartscreen will be the first of its kind outside of a major city in Europe making it a truly cutting edge opportunity. Brighton media is taking the lead in regional advertising. Bio Maxx Media creates dynamic media and digital outdoor advertising, changing the face of the media in Brighton and the South Coast with its Brighton big screen.

Losing Weight the Right Way with Nutrilite

The fact that weight loss is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions every year suggests just how big a struggle some people find it. Nutrilite has some helpful advice for you when embarking on a health kick this January. Set a specific goal – Just saying that you want to lose weight isn’t enough; set yourself a number that you want to achieve that is safe and attainable. Use a realistic timetable and set mini targets that you can hit on your way to your final goal weight. Use a food journal – Many people are grazers and consume calories in-between meals that they do not even think about. Writing a log of everything you eat ensures you can keep track of how your diet is going, it will help you see where and when you are coming across problems and it may encourage you to put down the chocolate bar if you know you are going to have to record it later! Stay healthy – Don’t let your hard work become unravelled by getting sick and abandoning your exercise regime. You are up to 80% more likely to get a cold in winter so making sure your immune system is in tip top shape is vital. Garlic has been used for centuries for its health benefits, including strengthening the constitution and improving resistance to illness. If you’d like to avoid the unpleasant odour side effects then try taking Nutrilte Garlic* which is an affordable supplement alternative. Avoid comfort food – Sometimes in winter it is easy to get caught up consuming excessive amounts of food and wine whilst bundled up indoors by the fire. Start small when forming healthy eating habits, cut out a few unhealthy foods at a time and use a nutritionally balanced meal replacement such as Positrim Crème Mix Meal Replacement* to start you off, then gradually replace it with healthy meal options. Keep Your Calories Up – To eat nothing or very little, reduces the intake of essential nutrition, vitamins, minerals, proteins and essential fatty acids. If you cut back too severely on your calorific intake your body can go into starvation mode causing your metabolic rate to drop and your weight loss to slow down. Making sure you are getting an adequate number of calories for your age, weight and gender ensures you will see the best results. Stick to it! – Rome wasn’t built in a day and your fabulous new body won’t be either. The key to success is not expecting results over night. Reward yourself along the way as you meet milestones. Make sure these rewards are not food based, instead reward yourself with a bubble bath or a facial. Relevant Products • Nutrilite Garlic £17.30 for 120 tablets • Nutrilite Positrim Crème Mix Meal Replacement £23.00 for 14 sachets Editor’s Note: Nutrilite is the world’s number one selling vitamin and dietary supplements brand. Part of the Amway Group portfolio, Nutrilite products are enjoyed by millions of customers in over 55 countries, including the athletes at AC Milan. What makes Nutrilite different? • Nutrilite’s products can be traced back to their source as they are grown, harvested and processed on its own certified organic farms. For example, the pomegranates and alfalfa which are in Nutrilite’s Double X product are grown on the 45-hectare Lake View Farm in California • Carl Rhenborg, the founder of Nutrilite, was a pioneer in the vitamins and minerals industry as in 1934 he produced his first plant-based multivitamin product. Nutrilite is now under the careful management of Carl’s son, Dr. Sam Rhenborg • At the Nutrilite Health Institute in California experts conduct over 25,000 products tests a month, ensuring that customers know that what they are buying is safe • Nutrilite products are suitable for all demographics, such as chewable multivitamins to help children get their ‘five-a-day’, iron folic acid for expecting mothers and calcium magnesium to help calm stressed workers The ‘Nutrilite Family Health – Naturally’ campaign aims to encourage people to think of different ways to be healthy, for more information please visit www.facebook.com/nutrilitefamilyhealthnaturally or @nutrilitefamily. Amway has over three million distributors through its direct selling programme, 25,000 of which are based in the UK. For sales information please visit the Nutrilite website (http://www.amway.co.uk/en/our-brands/nutrilite), call +44 (0)1908 629400 or visit the London experience centre at Victoria House, Southampton Row, WC1B 4DA.

Friday 14 December 2012

Healthy Skin, Hair and Nails Tips for the New Year

After the decorations have been packed away, the party season comes to a close and the New Year dawns we often find ourselves in the depths of winter, only to realise we’ve somewhat neglected our health over the past few months. Your skin, hair and nails can be reflections of biochemical imbalances in your body. Taking Nutrilite Biotin C Plus* is a great way to maintain a healthy balance of nutrients and ensure you stay looking your best. Below Nutrilite offers you some more handy tips for starting the New Year feeling great: - Keep Cool - As tempting as it may be to fire up a hot bath on a cold night, it is simply no good for your skin. A very hot bath or shower can break down the lipid barriers in the skin, this can result in a loss of moisture, leaving your skin dry and prone to cracking. Try using a warm temperature instead and moisturize straight after bathing whilst your skin is still moist so that you can trap in some of the water - Eat a Healthy Diet – You’ve heard it a thousand times, but it’s true, fresh fruit and vegetables as well as whole grains are vital to your health. In addition drinking more water enables the kidneys to flush toxins from the body, resulting in healthy skin, hair and nails. Alternatively, supplement use is a great way to get your body what it needs, try Nutrilite Concentrated Fruit and Vegetables* as a handy option for when you don’t have time to eat properly. - Quit stressing and start sweating! – Cortisol is a hormone the body releases when we are stressed. Excess cortisol can result in oily skin and other skin related problems. Try to get in some light to moderate exercise a few days a week, even when you don’t feel like it. - Add some zinc to your diet – A lack of zinc can lead to hair loss, as well as a flaky dry scalp. Zinc helps your body repair itself, boosts immunity levels and fights adult acne. Nutrilite Zinc Mineral Sticks* are a quick and easy way to get your daily fix. - Stay dry – make sure you keep your feet and hands dry, wear 100% cotton socks as they are great for absorption and air out your shoes after you’ve been outside. If you are getting around with damp feet your nails may become infected. Never leave the house with wet hair this leaves it exposed to the elements and more like to become damaged and discoloured. When styling your hair try not to blast it on the highest setting, use a low heat for styling. Relevant Products • Nutrilite Biotin C Plus £15.10 for 90 tablets • Nutrilite Concentrated Fruit and Vegetables £24.20 for 60 tablets • Nutrilite Zinc Mineral Sticks £17.50 for 30 sticks Editor’s Note: Nutrilite is the world’s number one selling vitamin and dietary supplements brand. Part of the Amway Group portfolio, Nutrilite products are enjoyed by millions of customers in over 55 countries, including the athletes at AC Milan. What makes Nutrilite different? • Nutrilite’s products can be traced back to their source as they are grown, harvested and processed on its own certified organic farms. For example, the pomegranates and alfalfa which are in Nutrilite’s Double X product are grown on the 45-hectare Lake View Farm in California • Carl Rhenborg, the founder of Nutrilite, was a pioneer in the vitamins and minerals industry as in 1934 he produced his first plant-based multivitamin product. Nutrilite is now under the careful management of Carl’s son, Dr. Sam Rhenborg • At the Nutrilite Health Institute in California experts conduct over 25,000 products tests a month, ensuring that customers know that what they are buying is safe • Nutrilite products are suitable for all demographics, such as chewable multivitamins to help children get their ‘five-a-day’, iron folic acid for expecting mothers and calcium magnesium to help calm stressed workers The ‘Nutrilite Family Health – Naturally’ campaign aims to encourage people to think of different ways to be healthy, for more information please visit www.facebook.com/nutrilitefamilyhealthnaturally or @nutrilitefamily. Amway has over three million distributors through its direct selling programme, 25,000 of which are based in the UK. For sales information please visit the Nutrilite website (http://www.amway.co.uk/en/our-brands/nutrilite), call +44 (0)1908 629400 or visit the London experience centre at Victoria House, Southampton Row, WC1B 4DA.

Thursday 13 December 2012

Jargon Busting in Advertising – Ten Industry Terms Translated

Talon Outdoor, the leading independent out of home (OOH) specialist, is aware that theirs is a sector full of jargon. Consequently the team has put together a list of commonly used terms and has translated them. So if you want to know your OTS from your PCI read on… 1. OTS/H – This term is used to describe the opportunity to see/hear an advertisement. Online this is similar to a page view. Similarly, LTS is the likelihood to see, this is a media measurement achieved by discounting the total audience to only include those people who in probability will see an outdoor advertising face. 2. PCI Rate – Cost per column inch for print display advertising, usually referencing newsprint. 3. CTA – Call to action is a marketing message that directs visitors to act in some specific manner, such as requesting a brochure, visiting the website or texting a certain word to the listed number. 4. Creative – This is the technology used to create a banner or other type of advertising material. Common creative types include GIF, JPEG, Java, HTML, Flash or streaming audio/visual. 5. Geofencing – One of the newest ideas inout of home advertising it is the idea that a virtual boundary, or "fence" is set up around a particular location. If you enter the geofence area, you may qualify for a discount or promotion, for example, you walk past a store and you receive an SMS with a discount code encouraging you to enter the store and make a purchase. 6. Psychographics – Involves the identification of personality characteristics and attitudes that affect a person's lifestyle and purchasing behaviours. Psychographic data points include opinions, attitudes, and beliefs about various aspects relating to lifestyle and purchasing behaviour. 7. DEC - Daily effective circulation is a measurement of the adult audience that has the opportunity to view the advertising message each day. For OOH it is based on the annual average daily traffic (AADT) count of a location taking into account the average number of persons 18 and over in each vehicle, the visible traffic flow and the hours of illumination of the display. The resulting number is expressed in thousands to facilitate the calculation of the costs per thousand (CPM) impressions per month. 8. EVMS - Electronic variable message sign is a digital out of home (DOOH) sign depicting action, motion, light, or colour changes through full motion video, electrical or mechanical means. Although technologically similar to flashing signs, the animated sign emphasizes graphics and artistic display. 9. Wall Scapes - These signs are murals that are typically painted onto the side of a building or other massive structure. In certain applications, vinyl advertising copy may be applied to or suspended from a wall. These signs may be huge vinyl signs draped down or wrapped around buildings, suspended from construction scaffolding, or other supporting framework. These signs are sometimes referred to as "building warps". 10. Street Furniture – Outdoor media advertising displays, many that provide a public amenity, positioned at close proximity to pedestrians for eye-level viewing or at a curb side to impact vehicular traffic. Street furniture displays include, but are not limited to: transit shelters, newsstands/news racks, kiosks, shopping mall panels, convenience store panels and in-store signage.

AMBER Alerts: The Social Importance of Digital Advertising

Every year around 250,000 people go missing in the United Kingdom alone, that’s enough people to fill the Olympic Stadium three times over. Roughly 140,000 of those who go missing are children, some of whom may never come home. When a child goes missing time is of the essence and this is where great advancements in technology, such as, Amber Alert systems and digital advertising are helping to rapidly raise alarms in those crucial few hours after a disappearance. The AMBER Alert system started in America. It stands for ‘America’s Missing: Broadcasting Emergency Response’, it is a backronym for a little girl named Amber who was abducted and murdered in Texas in 1996. An AMBER Alert is issued when a child is missing and is distributed across radio stations, television channels, email and electronic traffic signal signs and via SMS to people who opt to receive these alerts. This system has since succeeded in seeing more than 300 children returned home to their parents after an alarm has been raised. Since its implementation in the United States different versions of the AMBER Alert have been legislated in countries around the world, including Canada, Australia, France, Ireland, Malaysia and Mexico. In the UK every police force has had an alert system in place since 2005. As of Missing Children’s Day 2010 there has been a nationally co-ordinated system. In July of this year the mother of missing British child, Madeleine McCann, launched a digital billboard campaign in major cities London, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow. These billboards were a follow on from the success of the charity, Missing People’s ‘Big Tweet for Missing Children’ day in May. The big tweet campaign resulted in the safe return of two missing children. Digital advertising offers the unique chance for real time outdoor advertising. If a person goes missing, their picture, description and any other pertinent information may be uploaded to the digital sign almost instantaneously assuring the public is aware and on the look out for such persons. Before now this technology was only available in major cities, Maxx Media is now bringing it to the Brighton big screen, so that the community can have access to one of the fastest forms of alert available. They are offering this dynamic media advertising space for free to the local police and are hoping that their contribution will have a big impact. The Brighton Smart Screen will have a weekly OTS of 360,000 people a week, hopefully one of those people will know something and in 2013 they can help increase the number of missing people who are found.

Wednesday 12 December 2012

The Olympics Inspired Women – Well It’s A Good Start

When Sport England announced last week that 700,000 more people in the UK played sport this summer, the real story was that 500,000 of those people were women. Clearly the Olympics had had an amazing effect on inspiring females in their thousands to get active, which just goes to show that the link between sports broadcasting and sports participation is irrefutable. I appreciate that there is a big dose of ‘well durr’ associated with that last remark. There are always kids using jumpers for goalposts and kicking footballs and rugby balls about (depending on where you are in the country) but anyone who has driven past a sunny tennis court just before, during or after Wimbledon knows that the UK, for one month only, takes to racquet and ball in droves. The sad part is that this enthusiasm usually lasts until the strawberry season fades. Whilst there is a lot good in British sport, there is a lot wrong too and it starts early. Ask any group of adults, especially women and, outside the truly sporty, each one will have a tale of school-sport misery. Whether this is a mean PE teacher, shocking facilities, political team selection, enforced participation of a sport they hate … the list is endless. One of the biggest ironies of sport in schools is that the very time girls need physical education most, ie when they have more independent food choices, feel more tired, need better focus at school and probably discover alcohol, is the time the majority turn off sport. Increased sports broadcasting alone won’t entice women back en masse – the thing that the Olympics did was an excellent sports PR job. Suddenly athletic physiques of all types were more admired than overly spray tanned skeletons with surgically enhanced boobs. Much was made of the years of hard training as opposed to overnight celebrity based on minimal talent. Olympic and Paralympic women were judged by what they achieved not how they looked. In short, suddenly everyone – including the media - was much more sensible and positive, the knock on effect of which is clear. The secret now is to keep this going; funding and interest levels are potentially already dwindling but with the right investment in broadcasting and sports public relations, this incredibly exciting trend can grow. Without this, the Olympics is in danger of being a happy memory rather than the life-changing event it genuinely could have been. Bio ENS Ltd is a sports PR agency based in central London, tasked with promoting and protecting brands in sport. It specializes in rugby PR, football PR and Olympics PR.

Wednesday 5 December 2012

Golden Opportunities?

In hosting the 2012 Olympic Games, it was LOCOG’s vision to create a “real and lasting legacy” that would create economic, social and sporting opportunities for the UK. Following the recent extensive media exposure of our nation’s athletes and the ensuing positive public reaction, The Sports Reputation Group offers some practical advice to British athletes as regards how to take advantage of the commercial opportunities presented by this legacy. Building a Brand The members of Team GB have become familiar faces on our television screens and in the newspapers over the course of the summer, with relatively unknown athletes such as gold-medallist long jumper Greg Rutherford becoming a household name overnight. Many athletes have boosted their media presence further since the games ended with appearances on chat shows, celebrity reality shows and even at London Fashion Week. Whilst such experiences are no doubt enjoyable for the individuals concerned, they should also be viewed as a useful step towards building a personal brand for any athlete who wishes to generate revenue from their success and personality. An athlete's personal brand strategy may, in addition to the methods of publicity generation described above, include personal sponsorship and endorsement deals. Every individual in the UK has the right to prevent unauthorised use of their name, likeness and other personal attributes associated with them such as their nickname and signature. These rights are collectively known as “image rights” which are protected in a slightly piecemeal manner by a number of UK laws. To facilitate profitable exploitation of these rights, athletes can enter into contracts with sponsors whereby the athlete will promise to provide a service in return for money or money's worth (such as sporting equipment) from the sponsor. Typical services provided by sponsored athletes include appearances in advertising campaigns, product endorsement and personal appearances at sponsor events. Athletes who find their image rights being used without consent may be entitled to bring a claim for false endorsement under the law of passing off (as occurred in a case involving Eddie Irvine) or for trade mark infringement if they have a registered trade mark which is being used unlawfully. Injunctions, damages, an account of profits and/or orders to deliver up any offending materials may also be obtained in some circumstances. Various advertising standards codes offer further protection by prohibiting references to people with a public profile without their permission and complaints of inappropriate behaviour can be made to the Advertising Standards Authority. Handling Agents A number of those athletes whose star is on the rise will look to appoint an agent, who will hopefully bring useful knowledge, experience and contacts to the table, to deal with their commercial agreements. Agents operate both nationally and internationally and may be sports specialists or general celebrity agents. When negotiating representation contracts with agents, athletes should consider taking legal advice and should carefully consider the fees payable to the agent, the events that trigger payment and the length of the contract. One need only look at the case concerning Wayne Rooney to witness the effects of an overly restrictive representation agreement with an overly long term. Agents are able to enter contracts on behalf of the individuals they represent, so a relationship of trust and confidence is essential. The activities of sports agents are regulated by UK law and the national and international regulations of various sports. The regulation of football agents is particularly detailed and complex and RFL, cricket and boxing agents are regulated in the UK by their respective National Governing Bodies. Agents must in all cases act in accordance with the terms of their appointment and a number of common law duties set out under UK law (e.g. to use due care and skill, to disclose any conflicts of interest, not to make any secret profit etc.). The Sports Reputation Group is here to assist and advise players, agents and clubs with their reputation management and crisis management. Taxation Revenue (which includes goods such as sports equipment and services received as value in kind) received by an athlete from their sponsors will constitute income for tax purposes. Athletes must therefore plan their finances to prepare for each year’s tax bill and would be well advised to engage a suitably qualified accountant in the event they procure any significant sponsorship deals. To avoid higher rates of income tax, some athletes choose to assign their image rights to a limited company which then licences their use to sponsors. Legal and accountancy advice should be obtained before the formation of such a company, including in relation to VAT implications. Regulatory Issues Special care should be taken in relation to sponsorship deals with organisation selling products considered contrary to the ethos of sport (tobacco, alcohol, fast food or gambling services). This is especially the case as regards youth sports, images of youth athletes, advertising likely to be seen by children and any sensitivities of member athletes. For example, images of individuals aged under 25 of those whose religion prohibits gambling should not feature in adverts for gambling services. Athletes must also check the rules of any applicable national and international governing bodies, including those relating to leagues or competitions in which they participate, for further restrictions on sponsorship. Finally, please take comfort in the fact that The Sports Reputation Group here to help you ensure that your golden opportunities are realised in the best possible way. Bio The Sports Reputation Group is a new and unique entity offering complete media management and reputation management exclusively for clients in sport.

Tuesday 4 December 2012

Talon Outdoor Secure New Business

Talon Outdoor today announced that it has agreed with AMS to manage all its future out-of-home business, which has previously been handled by Kinetic. Talon’s Managing Director, Nick Jarman, said ‘When Eric Newnham joined the business six months ago we were determined to make Talon different from the industry standard; we are proud to be independent as this enables creative, nimble thinking. We are delighted that both clients and industry figures are starting to see this for themselves.’ Duncan Collins, AMS Media Group’s Managing Director, said ‘Talon’s independence and experienced personal coupled with their vision for the future of OOH was a very exciting proposition for us to consider, we have always been a challenger brand among media specialists and we feel Talon are now set to do the same within OOH.’ Jarman added ‘The team at Talon is a strong one with a clear shared vision. We only want to recruit the best in the industry and we have some exciting plans for continued expansion.’ Talon, which hit the news back in the summer when former Kinetic head, Eric Newnham, re-entered the out of home media sector by becoming a shareholder, has seen significant growth over the past few months. Not least of these was when it was announced that Frank Bryant will be joining the business in late February 2013, in the capacity of Director and Shareholder. At the time Newnham explained his rationale for re-entering the sector, he said ‘I have spent quite some time developing my passion and understanding of the latest in digital and mobile communications. Consequently I have a clear vision as to how outdoor can adopt some new technologies and Talon’s size and independence gives us the perfect platform to explore these to the full. The current specialist sector is polarized and we think there is huge potential for an independent agency – such as ours - to introduce some fresh thinking. Clearly traditional outdoor delivery will be a fundamental part of our business but we want to work with new clients and embrace the exciting opportunities technology presents.’ Talon was founded in 2007 by Nick Jarman and is the UK representative of IOOH (International Out of Home), a global network of independently owned outdoor specialists which cover 15 countries and collectively bill over £100m. In a rapidly evolving media and communication landscape, it is determined to remain independent of the large group owned networks in order to offer more flexibility to its customers. Talon’s services include traditional outdoor media, digital, mobile, experiential, poster advertising and event sponsorships communications. Bio Talon Outdoor is the only independently owned out of home media specialist. It offers a fresh approach to the planning and buying of all outdoor media.

Monday 3 December 2012

A Career in Sports Public Relations, Part Two - The Five Biggest Mistakes Job Candidates Make in Interviews

Perhaps you have a polished CV and you are now receiving invites to interviews! However, this is where so many people, many of whom probably could be good employees, let themselves down. Here are just a few of the mistakes we’ve witnessed that were deal breakers… 1. Make a good impression throughout the interview, not just at the start: if you are going to work in public relations then this is your chance to show the interviewer how presentable you are to their clients. Stand up when they come into the room, shake hands, look them in the eye and speak clearly (avoiding ‘you know’, ‘kinda’ and ‘sort of’). On top of this, avoid the following – ALL of which we have witnessed first hand a. Switch off your mobile – oh yes, a candidate once answered his ringing phone during an interview (which finished about 10 seconds after he hung up on his call) b. Present yourself sensibly – sport can be pretty conservative so think about whether this is the place to showcase your tattoos or facial piercings c. Be careful what you choose to share with an interviewer – it is refreshingly honest to admit you slept with your best friend’s partner but may not make the right impression d. Don’t cry – if you are so emotionally vulnerable that talking about school or your parent’s divorce brings you to tears, take time off and do some healing e. Don’t patronize the interviewer – responses like ‘good question’, especially from someone who is applying for their first job, are inappropriate. Assume the interviewer knows what they are doing and can do this without your endorsement of their skills 2. Demonstrate some commitment to the subject: there are two distinct sides to sport and if you want to join a sports PR company it is as well to grasp it early. There are tracksuits and suits, or, to put it another way, playing sport and overseeing the commercial side of it. By all means let the interviewer know that you are a season ticket holder at your favourite club or that a certain star is your hero, but don’t look like a wannabe. Talk about your understanding (and desire to learn more about) brands, sponsorships, fan engagement etc – that’s the type of work you’ll be doing so seem enthusiastic about it 3. Prepare for relevant questions: we aren’t talking about the ‘what are your strengths and weaknesses’ type question here. If you claim to be a huge sports fan ‘of all sports’ then it is not unreasonable for the interviewer to test this out or expect you to have an opinion that goes beyond rugby, cricket or football PR. Typically we ask candidates what sport they would take out of the Olympics and why; there isn’t a right answer but it tells us a lot about the candidate’s true sporting knowledge as well as their ability to think on their feet 4. Read history: if you are applying to an established company the chances are they were a sports PR agency when you were still in nappies. Check what their successes have been and try and get an understanding of what the sports landscape was before you became aware of it. You will look like a serious contender if you can talk about the evolution of commercial partnerships in sport sensibly 5. Read current affairs: go in prepared to talk about things that attracted you to sport beyond your own sporting skills. There are plenty of examples of PR campaigns that you could talk about and it is very impressive to hear a candidate talk intelligently on these sorts of topics ENS Ltd is a sports PR agency based in central London, tasked with promoting and protecting brands in sport. It is one of the best connected sports PR companies globally.