In Your Shoes - Karen Slupinski

Communications Consultant, ThinkPR

Come along to Think PR's Training Academy: "No airkissing...?" The PR Reality on 15 September

Stilettos or Slippers?

Life in PR is never dull! One day is not the same as the next and deciding on what shoes to wear is the first decision of the day!  I’m joking, of course, but seriously we need to be able to move at a considerable speed in the world of PR…

Every day we review all of the morning’s newspapers and online media to circulate relevant coverage to our clients. If we are issuing a news release, we would aim to do this first thing in the morning, so it’s important that I have all of my priorities in order by Friday evening so I can hit the ground running on Monday – maybe trainers should be a footwear consideration?

Blowing the Trumpet

Entering for a business award is an effective way to increase your business profile and brand.

Being shortlisted for an award is a fantastic opportunity for media exposure and is an ideal way to encourage others to sing your praises. I enjoy drafting award submissions for my clients as gathering the information gives me a great insight to the notable achievements of the companies I look after. 

Getting your ducks in a row

Offering a joined-up approach to communications is essential.

My background is internal communications and I believe staff are your biggest brand ambassadors. What you tell your customers and the media should be aligned to what your staff already know. I can happily spend a day working strategically with a client to develop their messaging with senior management teams, or drafting engaging content for a company newsletter. 

From Dundee to Dubai

The world is my PR oyster!

I work hard to be available for my clients to add real value when they need it, regardless of location. I can spend time on conference or video calls with clients in Dubai, South Africa and Indonesia, just as easily driving down the A90 from my Aberdeen office to support my clients in Dundee.  My clients in Dubai have their weekend on a Friday and Saturday, it’s important to be mindful of cultural differences and work according to their needs. 

Fun Friday

Cake or cocktails? – it’s a tough decision

We have a wonderful team of 16 ladies at ThinkPR  - and one gent (don’t feel sorry for him!)  We have regular birthday celebrations which involve a lunchtime cake break, or after-work cocktails. We try to have fun whenever we can, and I hope that this comes across in the passion and enthusiasm we have for our business. Last year we raised £10k for Alfie Milne Trust through fun fundraising events, and this year we are committed to helping social enterprise, Glencraft, raise its business profile.