Media Motivators

The Metrics of Sales and Marketing

2011-10-12T16:10:00.003+08:00

How do you measure marketing?

It is an age old question.

The common thought .... half your marketing efforts are wasted ... but what half?

Sales is an obvious metric to measure?

What about measuring conversion rates? Especially sales conversions.

Here are five tips from Mark Ryski.

1. Understand why people don't buy: one of the most important things a marketer can do to improve conversion rates is to understand why people don’t buy. Long till line ups, can’t find sales help, out-of-stocks, poor merchandising, the list goes on. There are reasons why people visit your store and don’t buy and you need to understand it. Every store manager should spend some time observing visitors in his/her store. Resist the temptation to help; just observe the behaviors. Watch customers as they move through your store, and it won’t take long for you to identify some actions you can take to turn more visitors into buyers.

2. Align your staff to traffic not transactions: Sounds simple enough, but one many retailers overlook. Staff scheduling is tricky at the best of times, but aligning your staff resources to when prospects are in your store will help you maximize your chances of converting more of them into buyers. Pay particular attention to lunch time, when store traffic can be way up, but staff lunch breaks can seriously drag down conversion rates. Associates need to eat, but customers need to be served. Matching staff schedules to traffic volume and timing in your store will help improve your chances of converting more.

3. Look for conversion leaks and plug the holes: Traffic volume and conversion rates tend to be inversely related. That is, when traffic is high, conversion tends to go down or sag. When traffic levels are low, conversion rates tend to go up. It’s not hard to understand why this happens. When the store is busy, till lines are longer and it’s harder to get help from an associate. The opposite is true when the store isn’t as busy. So, if you want to improve conversion rates, look at the traffic and conversion patterns in your store by day of week and by hour to look for when conversion rates are sagging – these sags represent the times when sales are being lost.

4. Set conversion targets by store: having goals and targets are important if you want to improve results. If you don’t have a conversion target for your store, you need to set one. It’s important to remember that every store is unique and conversion targets should be set uniquely by store. One store might be doing well with a 15% conversion rate while another may be underperforming even though it has a 30% conversion rate. The trick is to move your own conversion rate up relative to your store’s performance.

5. Make conversion a team sport: it takes the collective effort of all staff to help turn prospects into buyers. From the cashiers and sales associates to the merchandisers – everyone in the store plays a role. So don’t think of conversion as merely some business metric, but rather a simple measure of how well the whole store is doing at helping people buy. A good way to help improve conversion is to ensure all your staff understands what conversion is and that each of them helps influence it. Ask your staff about why they think people don’t buy and what the store can do to improve conversion rate. Discuss targets, get them to buy-in and share results. Get them excited about moving the conversion needle and you will significantly improve your chances of actually doing it.

Looking for a speaker on marketing, a marketing mentor or help with marketing? Enquire here.

Leadership Lessons in Dealing with Difficult Employees

2011-10-11T09:31:00.002+08:00

Leadership is about getting the best out of people.

How do you deal with difficult employees then?

Here's some tips on leadership from a recent media release.

"Every manager knows the frustration of a difficult employee in the workplace – from the late starter to the incessant whinger to the non-deliverer. While diversity in a workplace can bring the best set of skills to the business, managers need to be alert to any behaviour which can harm the business and its culture, says a leading workplace communications expert.

Dr Mary Casey (Doctorate of Psychology) is CEO of leading health and education organisation, Casey Centre, with over 200 employees. She says most CEOs and managers, at some point, have had to deal with an employee who has soured the workplace culture, reduced productivity, wasted time or discredited co-workers.
When dealing with a difficult employee, what works for one may not work for another. “As no employee is the same, you need specific strategies to most effectively deal with their personalities,” says Dr Casey, who is author of How to Deal with Master Manipulators. “Unfortunately, difficult people can’t be changed – we can only learn strategies to ensure we aren’t their targets.”
“The most beneficial action a boss can do when dealing with any employee’s behaviour is giving them feedback on it immediately and holding them accountable. Ensure you keep communication open and flowing.
Dr Mary Casey’s strategies for dealing with 7 difficult employee types

1. The Seducer: Strategic friendships and allegiances is the goal for these types – they pick and choose their networks to benefit their careers. “These relationships are self-serving and damaging to business,” says Dr Casey. “They praise you, compliment you and may even buy you small gifts in order to manipulate and seduce. Being aware of this type of behaviour is the first skill employers require, because we all love praise and compliments and we therefore easily get caught up with this kind of manipulation. Set strong boundaries for acceptable behaviour with other employees.”

2. The Back-stabber: These employees discredit their co-workers and take credit for more work than they have done. Dr Casey advises: “This kind of behaviour highlights a deep insecurity in these employees. An employer’s best strategy is to be open to feedback from other employees and confront the employee with what they have said or done – let them know their behaviour is unacceptable. Be aware they will often try to turn what you are saying into an over-reaction from you, however stand your ground and repeat what they have said or done and that you will take it further if they don’t stop. Be unemotional. It is a good idea to speak to them in private because, being insecure, they don’t cope with confrontation or assertiveness.”

3. The Social Networker: Do you see the flicking of screens from Facebook to their work whenever you walk past their desk? An addiction to Facebook, Twitter or mobile phones will have significant effects on the productivity of any employee. “Set a strong policy for internet usage, specifically outlining boundaries on social networking as it is a new phenomenon. Ensure it outlines consequences for abusing the policy. With a strong policy, you can hold your employee accountable when they are caught online,” Dr Casey says. “In worst-case scenarios, you would disable employee access to social networking sites.”

4. The Martyr: These people blame everything and everyone rather than take responsibility for something that they have or haven’t done. They have a “poor me” attitude and try to make those around them feel sorry for them. “They use this behaviour to manipulate. Keep these people responsible by putting the onus back onto them. It is important to remain unemotional and stick to the issue at hand, rather than being pulled into their “story”. Put your concerns in writing, outlining the exact details of their behaviour and how it negatively affects the company culture,” Dr Casey says.

5. The Iceberg: Cold and non-communicative, these employees rarely keep you or their team up to date on their work, don’t contribute in meeting, and keep to themselves along with any information they may have. “Dealing with these types takes courage and assertiveness,” says Dr Casey. “Communicate via notes or emails to encourage their involvement. Ask open-ended questions so that they are forced to give you information. If they often answer ‘I don’t know’, a good tactic is to ask ‘What if you had to guess?’ or ‘What if you did know?’”

6. The Tardy Employee: These employees keep to their own clock: they might arrive at work late, take long lunchbreaks, and leave right on time. They may even make regular personal appointments during work hours. “Tardiness should be addressed in a professional manner,” says Dr Casey. “When discussing the issue, explain that their behaviour shows lack of commitment and hurts the morale of the office by letting co-workers see that they are breaking the rules, while the rest are doing their part to obey them. It’d be a good idea to get to the heart of the matter by discussing with them whether they feel committed to the job and devising a solution from there. If they have a good reason for coming in late – such getting their young children off to school or study commitments - find a compromise between their schedule and their work that won’t affect the business or their productivity that is seen to be fair by everyone.”

7. The Offloader: They ensure they have very little work on their plate while making themselves look very busy and important in front of their managers. When given a brief, they quickly make it someone else’s responsibility by briefing a junior or bringing another employee to each briefing. When asked about the project by management, they often refer to the junior. “Often these employees are not confident in themselves to do the job, although they can be very confident communicators,” says Dr Casey. “It’s important that a clear and detailed job description and specific KPIs form the basis of their performance appraisals. Being confident, they can paint a very convincing picture in front on management even in a performance appraisal, for instance shifting the blame for poor performance to other employees. It is important for managers to keep the appraisal focussed on the responsibilities of their role.”

Looking for more ideas, coaching or a speaker on leadership, enquire here.

Video Production Perth for BNI Bamboo - Voiceover by Thomas Murrell

2011-09-28T12:23:00.004+08:00

Video production and voice over for BNI Bamboo video.

Pictured with Peter McIntosh from Phillips McIntosh.

.BNI-Bamboo West
POSITIONING STATEMENT

• We are a group of like-minded people who provide premium services/products.

• Meet weekly to network and gain a better understanding of each others businesses, so as to generate more referrals for each other.

• We adopt a ‘Givers Gain’ mentality to best help other group members with referrals. We look to bring into the group members who display;
- Enthusiasm,
- Team focus,
- Commitment, &
- Consistency in providing quality high end services/products,

• BNI – Bamboo is based on the Chinese Guanxi principle. Guanxi refers to interpersonal relationships/connections (networks) and Bamboo symbolises this principle of Guanxi. Bamboo will initially spread beneath the surface (like a core member base) and once established, results will be evident through the breakthrough of shoots (referral generation) which will be enduring, resilient and fast growing.

• BNI – Bamboo is built around establishing long term strategic relationships to promote cross referrals between our own businesses, whilst having some fun in meantime.

I was involved in writing the script and doing the voice over.

Need video production. Book here.

Media Training Perth - Office of Crime Prevention August 2nd 2011 Perth

2011-09-28T10:32:00.003+08:00

Pictured with delegates.

Feedback from participants:

"The presentation was very structured and informative. The feedback was excellent for all participants." Christine Armstrong, Project Officer, WA Police Graffiti Team, Perth

"I liked the engagement of the participants." Keryn Reid, Project Manager, WA Police Graffiti Team, Perth

"Sharing his experiences and honesty." Stephanie Celizic, WA Police Graffiti Team, Perth

"Experience, content knowledge, likable and believable." Ian Westmore, Project Co-ordinator, WA Police, Perth

Need media training? Book here.

Leadership Lessons from the World's Largest Miner and Sam Walsh AO

2011-09-28T09:26:00.007+08:00

Rio Tinto is one of the world's largest mining companies, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London listed public company headquartered in the UK, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange.

The two companies are joined in a dual listed companies (DLC) structure as a single economic entity, called the Rio Tinto Group.

Sam Walsh was appointed chief executive of the Iron Ore group in December 2004, with responsibilities for operations and projects in Australia, Canada, Guinea and India, as well as for Dampier Salt and Rio Tinto Marine. Sam is also chief executive of Rio Tinto Australia and chairman of Rio Tinto China.

He recently spoke at the Graduate Management Association dinner (Pictured with Dr Michael Chaney - patron, Thomas Murrell Vice President and Paul McCann President).

He is also heavily involved in the Arts and was a Queen Scout, adult Scout leader and President, Western Australian Branch of Scouts Australia.

So how did Scouts influence his leadership style?

1. Focus
The experiences help you focus on a vision and task you want to do.

2. Teamwork
Scouting helps you learn skills working in a team.

3. Culture
Scouts is known for it's ritualised symbolism and is a learning platform for creating the right environment where people are empowered.

4. Support
Scouts is well known for nurturing, encouraging and fostering those you are leading so they can deliver.

5. Value Creation
How to deliver value is a critical skill. You can be good technically but the contribution of people is how you create value.

Here is a podcast interview with Sam Walsh.

Or download the link:

Click here to download…

Need a speaker on leadership for your next event? Enquire here.

Media Training Perth - Department of Fisheries July 28th 2011 Mandurah

2011-08-24T10:11:00.002+08:00

Pictured with delegates.

Feedback from participants:

"Professional and hands on learning." Dan Oswald, District Manager, Department of Fisheries

"Very interesting to learn how radio, TV and print media works. The psyche of media journalists and how to use the media to best advantage." Sarah Dixon, Supervising Fisheries and Marine Officer, Department of Fisheries, Mandurah

"Very interesting and thought provoking on how to get your message across." Darren Schofield, Fisheries Officer, Department of Fisheries, South Metro

"His knowledge base in media. Very good delivery technique." Graeme Hall, Supervising Fisheries and Marine Officer, Department of Fisheries, Bunbury

"Personable, friendly and good knowledge." Brett Hopley, Fisheries and Marine Officer, Department of Fisheries, Southern Region

Need media training? Our next program is September 13th 2011. Book here.

Reputation Management Article by Thomas Murrell published in the Singapore Marketer

2011-08-11T22:06:00.006+08:00

Article on Reputation Management by Thomas Murrell published in the Singapore Marketer July-September 2010

Reputation Management Article

Need help with crisis planning and crisis training? Make contact here.

Media Training Perth - Department of Fisheries July 27th 2011 Hillarys Research Centre

2011-08-09T09:13:00.004+08:00

Pictured with delegates.

Feedback from participants:

"Genuinely informative, allowed me to identify my strengths and weaknesses for media interviews." Dr Karen Dowd, Biosecurity Section Unit, Department of Fisheries, Hillarys

"Likable and precise." Mark Butler, Fisheries and Marine Officer, Department of Fisheries, Hillarys

"I liked the chance to have a go and not just having Tom talking at the group." Edith O'Meara, Senior Fisheries Officer, Department of Fisheries, Jurien Bay

"Very experienced" Michael Dunne, Supervising Fisheries and Marine Officer, Department of Fisheries, Karratha

"His experience in the media showed with a very enjoyable and relaxed presenting style and great knowledge of the subject." Ben Doncon, Fisheries and Marine Officer, Department of Fisheries, Geraldton

"Knowledgeable, examples and engages the audience." Robert Bogumil, Compliance Officer, Department of Fisheries, Geraldton

"The work shopping of practical exercises. Radio and TV interviews and discussions surrounding them." Ryan Parker, Supervising Fisheries and Marine Officer, Department of Fisheries, Karratha

"Experience and knowledge presented in a relaxed style." Dr Kim Walshe, Principal Management Officer SW Bioregion, Department of Fisheries, Perth

Corporate MC Perth Thomas Murrell Jaz Creative Rebrand Launch June 23 2011 Northbridge Perth

2011-07-06T13:40:00.005+08:00

Pictured with client:
Tim Langford-Smith Managing Director jaz

Client Testimonial

“After nearly 20 years in an industry that has undergone major technological changes we decided it was time at a recently held a launch to reposition in the market place from graphic designers to a visual communication company.

At the launch we had long time clients, family and key supporters and I had invested heavily in the event. This was a “moment of truth” and I wanted to maximize the moment from a speech giving perspective.

As a result, I attend Thomas Murrell’s speech building and speech writing workshop, which I found excellent for structuring and crafting messages for a speech.

I then had Tom review and rewrite my speech, which added more power and structure. Tom had turned my speech from a good one to a great one.

The whole experience with Tom provided me with a new found respect for speechwriters!
I also engaged Tom to be the corporate MC for the event and his polish and professionalism really took the event to a whole new level.

I highly recommend Tom’s courses, his one on one speech coaching and his services as a corporate MC.”

Tim Langford-Smith Managing Director jaz, Northbridge, Perth

Our next speech building and writing course is August 16th 2011. Book here.

10 Leadership Lessons From Australia’s Wealthiest Man – Andrew Forrest

2011-07-05T07:59:00.004+08:00

By Thomas Murrell MBA, CSP International Business Speaker

Andrew Forrest, Chief Executive of Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) (Pictured with GMA President Paul McCann, GMA Vice President Thomas Murrell and GMA Councillor Phillip Hirschberg) has been named one of Australia’s richest men.

Based on his experiences creating two major Australian resource houses from scratch, now major suppliers of nickel, cobalt and iron ore to the world’s steel industries, he told 30 guests to a Graduate Management Association Up Close and Personal lunch at the University Club of his passion for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Growing up jackerooing on sheep and cattle stations before graduating from the University of Western Australia with an Economics Degree, he raised $4 billion to fund and oversee the implementation, project construction and commissioning in record time of a world-scale port, railway lines and iron ore mines in the Pilbara in Western Australia’s North West.

As the corporate MC of the event in Perth, I was able to observe firsthand his critical success factors in growing the company from start-up to major powerhouse.
Here are 10 leadership lessons from Australia’s wealthiest man.

1. Set a Vision

A strong clear vision is critical for any company. For Fortescue it was to be the New Force in Iron Ore.

Simple, strong and compelling.

He was equally enthusiastic about having a vision bigger than you would expect to achieve and work backwards to achieve it. A case study of having Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAGs).

2. Create A Strong Culture

Creating a positive and motivated workforce is essential for any organisation.
Forrest has been dedicated to developing other leaders built from empowerment and encouragement.

He believes it is not about the CEO or the Leader of the company but the people who grow and build the business.

This was especially important for a challenger brand and company such as Fortescue.

3. Never Give Up

Great advice, especially when faced with setbacks and adversity.

4. Eliminate Waste

Forrest is big on using innovation to drive efficiencies and ways of working smarter and more productively.

5. Focus on Deliverables

Forrest is not big on red tape and the bureaucracy of Government.

He believes success is all about delivering outcomes.

6. Seek Offshore Capital

Forrest believes the competition amongst institutional investors in offshore markets such as the US and Europe makes raising capital for early stage ventures easier than in Australia.

7. Understand Your Customers

Forrest highlighted the importance of getting to know your customers, in his case Chinese steel mill operators who are the buyers of FMG’s iron ore.

8. Give Back Forrest is a big believer in giving back to the community and his latest cause is Generation One which aims to employ more indigenous Australians.

9. Invest in Training and Education

Forrest believes education and training are critical for the success of any organisation.

Again using the big vision (BHAG) of providing “jobs” and “work”, the community and family have something to look towards.

Education and training alone won’t necessarily fulfil the void but these strategies combined with the vision of something to gain (ie jobs and a future) are really important according to Forrest.

10. Have Faith

Forrest is a spiritual man and relies on his Christian faith to make the right decisions within a business context.

Thomas Murrell – Tel: +618 9388 6888 - is an international business speaker, author and Managing Director of 8M Media & Communications. Understanding Influence For Leaders At All Levels released by McGraw-Hill (co-author, 2006) is his latest book. You can sign up for his free eZine Media Motivators read by 8,000 professionals in 36 different countries and book Tom as a conference speaker or corporate MC by visiting Tom’s website.

Security Holder Engagement with Greg Dooley from Computershare

2011-06-29T16:45:00.003+08:00

You'll be surprised to learn that less than 0.25 per cent of shareholders attend an AGM, 90 per cent don't want to get an Annual report and 23.15 per cent of shareholders get ASX announcements via email.

In this podcast, the foremost authority on security-holder engagement talks about how to better communicate with shareholders.

He is currently the Managing Director of Computershare's Investor Services division in Australia, responsible for the provision of registry services to over 50 per cent of all listed companies as well as a large number of non-listed entities.

Joining Computershare in 2001 as the New South Wales General Manager, he has successfully managed a number of key registry areas including client relations and corporate actions for some of Australia's leading corporations.

Prior to commencing with Computershare, he spent 11 years at Bankers Trust where he held a variety of senior management roles spanning share registry, IT and funds management.

Learn how to avoid investor communications mistakes in this podcast with Greg Dooley, Managing Director, Computershare Investor Services (pictured).

This podcast will take 18 minutes and 57 seconds to listen to.

Click here to download…

Need help with investor relations? Contact us today.

How to Become An Entrepreneur: Case Study Freelancer.com

2011-06-27T16:10:00.003+08:00

Are entrepreneurs born or made? An age old question.

How do you become a successful entrepreneur?

Here's a good case study on freelancer.com

CEO Matt Barrie wins Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year - Eastern Region
SYDNEY, June 27, 2011: Ernst & Young have announced Matt Barrie, Founder and CEO of Freelancer.com, as the Technology Category winner of the 2011 Entrepreneur of the Year for the Eastern Region.

The award marks the second time this year that Mr Barrie has taken this title, having been announced inaugural BRW Entrepreneur of the Year back in March.

The six criteria for selection were entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, personal integrity and influence, financial performance, strategic direction and national and global impact. Mr Barrie was selected as the winner by the Eastern Region panel of esteemed judges, which included Doug Flynn, Non Executive Director of Seven West Media Limited.

Freelancer.com is the world’s largest online outsourcing marketplace that Mr. Barrie founded 2 years ago. To date, Freelancer.com has provided work to over 2.6 million people who have earned $US95m working on over 1.1 million projects.

The award follows a string of successes including winning the Employment Category of the Webby Awards last month. The Webby Awards are based out of the United States, where Mr Barrie is at present, having traveled to accept the award.

Finalists of the 2011 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year – Eastern Region were:

Matt Barrie – Freelancer.com – Technology Winner
David Brown – Trixan
Valerie Duncan – Energy Action
Brendan Green – Hire a Hubby
Nikki Hager – PeepToe
Dr Miles Jakeman – The Citadel Group
David James – Brasserie Bread
Helen Logas - Tavelcorp
Anthony Moorhouse – Dynamiq Pty Ltd
Paul Munten – Ocean & Earth International
Dr David Penn – Southern Cross Dental Laboratories – Services Winner
Jeff Phillips – Varley Group
Mark Rutherford – Ilum-a-Lite
Brian Siemsen – Siemsen Group – Emerging Winner
Naomi Simson – RedBalloon – Industry Winner

View the Ernst & Young Display Article on Matt Barrie here: http://www.eoy.ey.com.au/www/595/1001127/displayarticle/1605025.html
About Freelancer.com
Webby award winning Freelancer.com is the largest outsourcing marketplace in the world. Freelancer.com connects small business owners and entrepreneurs with over 2.6 million freelancers to get just about any job done. Through Freelancer.com, employers can hire freelancers to work in areas such as software, writing, data entry and design right through to engineering and the sciences. The average job is under US$200, making Freelancer.com extremely cost effective for small businesses, which often need a wide variety of jobs done, but cannot justify the expense of hiring full time.

Public Speaking Course Perth June 14th 2011

2011-06-15T11:12:00.004+08:00

Pictured with delegates.

Feedback from delegates:

"Clear structure, easy to follow, variety of models." Tim Langford-Smith, Managing Director Jaz Creative

"Building humour, good will and positive reactions." Cameron Gibbs, Managing Director Openii

"I liked the information." Nigel Gibbs, Positiva Building, Hilton

Next course Thursday July 7th 2011 Subiaco, book here.

Exploding the Social Media Myth - Chartered Secretaries Australia 2011 Annual Corporate Update

2011-06-15T10:46:00.004+08:00

I recently keynoted at this conference.

Pictured with Helen Fernihough Rio Tinto (centre), David Woolfe Co-operative Bulk Handling (Chairman left).

Key messages from some of the other speakers:

The economy - we're saving more, concerned about inflation and consumer spending is down. The markets are uncertain, flighty and directionless. Virginia Christie, Reserve Bank of Australia.

Strategy - Get the basics right, keep it simple and don't be overwhelmed by complexity - Sue Wilson, Bankwest

Strategy - Its hard to get a helicopter view when you're chained to the wheel - Diane Smith-Gander, Wesfarmers

Crisis - In every crisis there is the seed of an opportunity. John Pease Western Power.

Here is my intro and slides.

"How can you engage with shareholders via social media whilst being ASX compliant?
More importantly, how can you maximize the benefits and minimize the risks?

The final bookend presenter at the conference is an International Business Speaker, author and investor relations specialist.

He is recognized by his peers as a Certified Speaking Professional or CSP, this is the industry’s highest award.

His latest book Understanding Influence for Leaders at All Levels published by McGraw-Hill is sold in nine countries including the US and UK.

In a former life he was a radio & TV presenter, executive producer and Senior Media Executive … describing his 12 years at the ABC as an "apprenticeship".
A graduate of three Australian Universities, he gained his MBA in marketing from the University of Western Australia and is a former National Junior Hammer Throw Champion!

To talk about "Exploding the Social Media Myth – Essential Communications Tool or Complete Waste of Time” here's CEO of 8M Media and Communications Tom Murrell."

Social Media for Company Secretaries

View more presentations from 8M Media and Communications.

Institutional Investors Become More Sophisticated

2011-06-15T07:41:00.006+08:00

Within the investor relations field for publicly listed companies institutional investors are becoming more sophisticated.

In terms of investor relations advice they are turning to investor relations specialists and experts who understand the complexities of financial markets.

Here is a recent media statement that highlights this trend.

"Russell Investment Consulting expands due to insto demand for advice in complex environment

Dr Jerome Lander appointed director of consulting

Russell Investments anticipates doubling investment consulting business

SYDNEY, JUNE 15, 2011 - Global investment solutions firm Russell Investments is anticipating a doubling of its investment consulting business over the next three years with the announcement today of two new hires in response to institutional investors' growing demand for sophisticated investment advice.

Russell Consulting provides investment advice on more than $2 trillion worth of assets globally. Amongst its client base are many of the world's most prominent investment institutions including AT&T, Toyota and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Head of consulting and advisory services in Australia for Russell Investments, Greg Liddell, said the growing complexity of the investment environment has seen institutional investors demand more from their investment consultants.

"Over time institutional investors have built up in-house expertise. Many of the investment processes on which they previously sought consulting advice have now become business as usual. The services where they do engage consultants are becoming increasingly complex and specialised. To remain relevant to sophisticated clients in a post-GFC world, consultants need to continually broaden and deepen their pool of intellectual property."

Russell has appointed Dr Jerome Lander, former chief investment officer of Workcover NSW, as director of consulting. Dr Lander will be based in the Sydney office and will be responsible for providing investment strategy and implementation services to Russell's consulting clients.

"Dr Lander has experience as both an advisor and implementer of investment strategies. He is one of the most highly regarded professionals in the industry. His appointment is entirely consistent with Russell's preference for consultants with practical experience in implementation," Mr Liddell said.

As CIO at Workcover NSW, Dr Lander was responsible for the management of a $12 billion institutional investment portfolio. He has also served as the head of international equities and diversified assets at Credit Suisse Asset Management and head of research at Van Eyk Research.

Russell has also appointed Migara Alles as an addition to its team of investment consulting analysts. Mr Alles will be based in Melbourne and joins Russell from the wholesale banking division of National Australia Bank.

The new hires bring Russell's Australian consulting and advisory team to 18 and the global team to 82 associates. They follow a string of new hires including generalist consultants as well as specialist consultants in the areas of alternatives, after tax investing, risk and operational due diligence, over the last 12 months.

About Russell Investments

Russell Investments is an independent, global financial services firm that provides strategic advice, investment solutions, implementation services and global performance benchmarks that are customised to meet the unique needs of institutional investors, financial advisors and individuals.

Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2011, and 25 years in Australia, Russell has pioneered innovations that have come to define many of the practices that are standard in the investment world today, and has four decades of experience researching and selecting money managers globally.

Russell has about US$161 billion in assets under management (as of 3/31/11) and works with 2,300 institutional clients, 530 independent distribution partners and millions of individual investors globally. As a consultant to some of the largest pools of capital in the world, Russell has $2 trillion in assets under advisement (as of 12/31/2010) and traded $1.5 trillion last year through its implementation services business. Russell provides leading administration and member services to over 220,000 individuals through its Australian Member Administration Centre. The Russell Global Indexes calculate over 50,000 benchmarks daily covering 63 countries and more than 10,000 securities.

Founded in 1936, Russell is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, USA and has offices in Amsterdam, Auckland, Chicago, London, Melbourne, Milan, New York, Paris, San Francisco, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo and Toronto."

Looking for an investor relations professional in Perth. Please contact us.

Women Entrepreneurs Make Their Mark

2011-06-07T09:07:00.002+08:00

First woman to win the award in 11th year of the competition

Olivia Lum, Group CEO and president of Hyflux Limited, from Singapore, has been named the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year 2011 at an awards ceremony held in Monte Carlo’s Salle des Etoiles. Olivia was picked from among the 49 country finalists vying for the title, each of whom had already been named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year in their home countries. This year saw more female finalists - six in total – than ever before.

Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year 2011 Olivia Lum, Group CEO and President of Hyflux Ltd, Singapore. (Photo: Business Wire)
Olivia founded Hyflux in 1989 with two staff and start-up capital of $US15,000. Today, Hyflux has become one of the world’s leading desalination suppliers. It is publicly traded with revenues of US$450m, employing more than 2,300 people in operations and projects in Southeast Asia, China, India, the Middle East and North Africa.

Tan Sri Francis Yeoh Sock Ping, Managing Director, YTL Group of Companies and Chairman of the judging panel said, “Olivia’s entrepreneurial spirit and the immense social and health benefits her work brings make her an exceptional winner of World Entrepreneur Of The Year 2011.”

“I’m very happy to accept this award on behalf of all the employees at Hyflux. For me, this reinforces there are no difficulties you can’t overcome when you have faced the challenges of hunger and poverty,” said Olivia. “It is a great honor to have been selected from among such a fantastic group of entrepreneurs.”

“As the first female World Entrepreneur Of The Year, Olivia is a wonderful role model for entrepreneurs and for women across Asia and the world. This can only accelerate the growing global trend of more and more women building great businesses,” said Maria Pinelli, Ernst & Young’s Global Vice Chair for Strategic Growth Markets.

Jim Turley, Global Chairman and CEO of Ernst & Young said, “This year marks a quarter of a century since the very first Entrepreneur Of The Year award, which took place in a single US city in 1986. Over the past 25 years, entrepreneurs have done more than any other group to stimulate innovation, job creation and prosperity during both periods of growth and in challenging economic conditions. Olivia demonstrates the vision and determination that set entrepreneurs apart and is very worthy of the title Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year 2011.”

About Olivia Lum, the Group CEO and President of Hyflux

Olivia Lum founded Hylux in 1989 with two staff and start-up capital of $US15,000. Today Hyflux has become one of the world’s leading desalination suppliers. It is publicly traded with revenues of about US$450m employing more than 2,300 people in operations and projects in Southeast Asia, China, India, the Middle East and North Africa.

Hyflux is strategically positioned for the uptrend in the water industry and to capture growth opportunities in key markets. Its spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship drives its technological advancements in membranes, commercialization of applications, project management, operations and maintenance. Hyflux was recently selected as “preferred bidder” by PUB, Singapore’s national water agency, for the country’s second and largest desalination plant.

Under the leadership of Lum, Hyflux has sponsored and spearheaded many corporate citizen projects, focusing on the environment, education, entrepreneurship and community relations. In 2010, Hyflux contributed to fund-raising events, which benefited wildlife conservation, eldercare, rehabilitation and knowledge and skills development. The company also supplied its portable track membrane water filters to aid humanitarian efforts for disaster relief in Qinghai and Haiti. Hyflux staff in Algeria organized a “Beach cleaning Day”, while its Singapore employees brought cheer to youth from less privileged backgrounds through Christmas lunch celebrations.

A former Nominated Member of the Singapore Parliament, Lum sits on the board of various organizations. She is a member of the Singapore-Tianjin Economic & Trade Council and the Singapore - Jiangu Cooperation Council as well as the President of the Singapore Compact for Corporate Social Responsibility.

Are Entrepreneurs Born or Made?

2011-06-02T22:32:00.003+08:00

It is the age old nurture versus nature argument. What do you think?

Here's a recent view:

Entrepreneurs Are Made, Not Born According to Ernst & Young .....

"Nearly 60% have worked in a corporate environment and 33% of entrepreneurs say working in a corporate environment was key to the success of their business
45% of entrepreneurs start their first business after the age of 30
10% of entrepreneurs have started ten or more companies

An Ernst & Young report released today, Nature or nurture: Decoding the entrepreneur, based on survey of 685 entrepreneurs worldwide and in-depth interviews with winners of the Entrepreneur Of the Year award, provides insights into the shared characteristics, frustrations and career goals of some of the world’s leading entrepreneurs.

The research challenges the stereotype that all entrepreneurs start their companies without completing a formal education and without any experience of corporate life. Although many of the entrepreneurs that were surveyed started at a young age, 45% of the respondents said they did not start their business until they were 30 or more. And nearly 60% described themselves as “transitioned” entrepreneurs, who have previously worked in a corporate environment before setting out on their own.

When asked what was the most important source of learning in terms of their career, one third of all entrepreneurs (the highest ranking) said it was their experience as an employee. Thirty per cent highlighted higher education and 26% mentors.

Maria Pinelli, the new Global Vice Chair Strategic Growth Markets for Ernst & Young explains, “Entrepreneurial leaders are defined as much by their early business experience, cultural background and external environment as they are by any innate personal characteristics. Nurture not nature does appear to be more important in shaping the entrepreneurial mindset.”

Entrepreneurship is rarely a one-off decision

For the majority of entrepreneurs launching only one business venture is clearly not enough. Sixty per cent had started three or more companies, 20% six or more and 10% said they had founded more than ten companies in their career to date.

That doesn’t mean that having created these companies they automatically cut all ties with their previous interests. Among the survey respondents, 45% say that they have retained some ownership in each of their previous ventures, and 28% say that they have retained a stake in some of them.

Funding, people and know-how are the biggest barriers to entrepreneurial success

Among the 6 out of 10 respondents who experienced obstacles in their ventures, the most common barrier to future growth cited (33%) is the lack of funding or finance. This reflects the current environment, where many entrepreneurs said they continued to experience problems with accessing finance, despite a gradual easing of credit conditions in many countries. The two other most-cited obstacles are recruiting the right people with appropriate expertise.

Entrepreneurs share common traits

While our research suggests that Entrepreneurs are made, rather than born, the survey did find entrepreneurs will typically exhibit a combination of behaviors and attitudes that are likely to be different from many of their peers in more well established corporate organizations. When asked what the top three most important qualities of an entrepreneurial leader are, over three quarters of the entrepreneurs identified ‘having a vision’, 73% ‘passion’ and 64% ‘drive’. The scores for flexibility (33%), relentless focus on quality (18%) and loyalty (14%) were much lower.

Maria concludes: “These findings highlight that most successful entrepreneurs share a unique combination of seeing opportunity where others see only risk. And they tend to be optimists and believe they can succeed despite the fact that everyone else is telling them they cannot.”

Need help? Why not consider oru mentor program. Contact us for more details.

How Social Media Shapes Corporate Reputations

2011-05-24T07:25:00.006+08:00

By Thomas Murrell International Business Speaker, Author and Investor Relations Specialist

Social media has turned consumers into producers of media.

This means every corporate action by a company, individual or supplier can be recorded and shared with the world.

Take this recent example of a Qantas flight from Sydney to Los Angeles.

The flight turned back because of a medical emergency and was re-routed to Brisbane.

This was how it unfolded.

"Qantas fuel dump medical emergency" was the title of the email with the following movie attached.

Then another email.

"You can send this on if you want. The plane was on route Syd LA two hours plus we went back to Brisbane 5 mins ago to help a passenger in premium to hospital @ cost to Qantas $500,000. Might be interesting"

And the following photos.

So did the actions of Qantas enhance or detract from its corporate reputation?

Well, that doesn't matter what is important is that this case study highlights the risks of social media.

There are two types of risk those that are generated internally or those that are inflicted by others.

In the Qantas case it is an internal risk because they initiated and controlled their actions.

Was this in a manual? Yes.

Does this enhance their flawless safety record? Yes.

Has it enhanced their reputation for dealing with emergencies? Yes, especially if you are a family member of the critically ill person.

Is this more important than the cost of $500,000? Yes, reputations take years to build up and can be lost in seconds.

Here's some lessons on social media and risk.

1. Always have a clear social media policy to drive decision making at all levels of your organisation.

2. Be Honest

3. Be Respectful

Remember the world is watching your corporate actions.

Need help on social media? Contact us for a free initial discussion.

Top 10 Marketing and PR Lessons from the Royal Wedding

2011-05-05T16:02:00.002+08:00

By Thomas Murrell MBA, CSP International Business Speaker

Whether you are a Royalist or not, you have to admire the flawless execution of the recent Royal Wedding, the global media frenzy surrounding it and the generally positive buzz it created.

The Royal Wedding (Photo by Max Nash - WPA Pool/Getty Images) was a Marketing and PR masterstroke that has reinvented Brand Windsor at a time when support for monarchies globally is generally dwindling.

Estimates put a world-wide television audience at three billion viewers. Given there's around seven billion people in the world that's just under one in two people watching.

Research also shows internet traffic was down by a tenth on the Royal Wedding day because people were glued to their TV screens.

That's a lot of people interested in a couple who met at University and got married.

Of course it was a magnificent event made for live TV and choreographed every second of the way.

But from a marketing and PR perspective what are the lessons to be learnt for business? Here are my Top 10 tips:

1. Relentless Planning
As every bride knows they want the big day to go flawlessly.

The planning involved was breathtaking in its detail - even to how they would move the crowds.

Just the transportation logistics alone within the strict security, protocol and timing required around the event took months of meticulous planning.

How can you better plan your marketing and PR efforts?

2. Visuals
The visuals before, during and after the event were stunning.

Always invest in good visuals for your business and brand.

The image of the bride and groom leaving the reception in his father's blue Aston Martin was very staged and clever in providing a great picture opportunity that was also warm, authentic, down to earth and fun.

This was unexpected and a good alternative to all the more formal visuals.

3. Breakdown into a Tagline
The most effective messages are the simplest.

"Wedding of the century" is a simple tagline to describe the event and while you could argue you can never prove this it is a line that sticks with the public.

What is your tagline in five words or less?

4. Provide a Platform to Share Expertise
Smart marketers use the media momentum created by topical events such as the wedding as a way of positioning themselves as experts.

Every business involved in the wedding industry could have used the event as a platform to share their expertise.

Everyone from wedding planners, to florists and photographers could have used the wedding as a way of gaining visibility and credibility.

There was a wedding feeding frenzy for current content and anyone involved in this industry could have offered their views to current and potential customers using the Royal Wedding as a reason to share their knowledge and expertise.

What topical, upcoming or seasonal events are happening around you which you can build your expertise and thought leadership platform?

5. Media Access
Some 8,000 media were officially accredited to cover the wedding.

If you want positive media coverage make it as easy for the media as possible to do their job.

Be available, be accessible and be prepared to deliver your message in a professional way.

Media training and rehearsal prior to media engagement is essential!

6. Media Control
Releasing information to the media in a controlled way stops speculation.

This is how the media was controlled at the all important service at Westminster Abbey.

TV: Footage provided by the BBC and ITN was pooled to other global broadcasters who took a live feed and then did their own commentary.

Pictures: There were fixed positions inside the Abbey and directly outside on Broad Sanctuary with images taken and distributed by major national and international agencies. There were no facilities for individual newspapers or independent photographers inside the Abbey or on Broad Sanctuary.

Journalists: There were extremely limited seats for media to attend the service. Media centres were established elsewhere.

7. The Pageantry of the Event
Events are great ways to control the messages, images and values of your brand.

It provides a focus in a time sensitive way for your marketing efforts.

How can you create a dramatic event to showcase your business, product or service?

8. The Emotional Hook
Every brand needs an emotional hook. There's a saying that facts tell and emotions sell.

The kiss on the balcony (picture source News) was the emotional hook and defining moment of the wedding.

How can you create an emotional hook or "kiss moment" with your customers?

9. The Fairytale

Fairytales, myths, legends and stories help connect customers to your brand or business at a very deep level.

What stories about your company, products and brands can you tell? How can they be unique to your business?

What history, legends, hardship or attributes can you use to make your story memorable?

10. Social Media
This was the wedding that really embraced social media.

The official photographs were shared on Flickr.

There was an official website, rss feed, Facebook Page, page to offer gifts and an official twitter feed. There was even an official channel on YouTube.

The use of social media signified a generational change in the way "the firm" engages with its subjects.

Do you need media training, speech coaching or a keynote speaker for your next event? Call Thomas today.

Investor Relations Trends with AIRA CEO Ian Matheson

2011-04-29T16:15:00.005+08:00

What are the trends for investor relations?

Research shows an effective investor relations (IR) strategy can increase the share price of a publicly listed company by between ten and 15 per cent.

Learn key investor relations tips to increase your share price in this podcast.

Ian Matheson (pictured) CEO of the Australasian Investor Relations Association (AIRA) is a long term friend and I recently caught up with him on a visit to Perth.

This podcast will take 23 minute and 12 seconds to listen.

Click here to download…

Need an investor relations consultant in Perth. Enquire here.

12 Ways To Increase Brand Loyalty

2011-04-27T11:57:00.003+08:00

By Thomas Murrell MBA, CSP International Business Speaker

Imagine being picked up by your loyal driver who has bought you a freshly baked warm muffin and your favourite hot beverage.

The radio is tuned to your station of choice and the morning's newspaper is on the seat.

You have a permanently packed bag with business suit, casual change, running gear, swim goggles and toiletries all in a small walk on cabin bag.

At the airport you swipe your life member status frequent flyer card to check in and it automatically books your preferred seat allocation, meal and movie preferences.

Your ticket is printed and you're checked in efficiently and quickly all without human contact and you make a mental note how much better the customer service is without people!

At the airport of your destination you're met by a friendly and familiar face of another loyal driver holding up a white sign with your name on it in handwritten black ink. He's wearing a dark suit, white shirt and chauffeur cap.

He takes you to a hotel you've never stayed at before and on check in they enrol you in their rewards program.

With the program you can earn up to five nights free, book a romantic getaway, or donate points to the Japanese relief fund.

Sound fanciful and far fetched? Well this was my experience on a recent road trip for a series of speaking engagements.

The loyalty programs reminded me of that scene in the 2009 movie Up In The Air with George Clooney playing Ryan Bingham where he meets romantic interest Alex Goran for the first time at a hotel bar and they are comparing loyalty cards. Here's how the scene goes:

"Alex Goran: Oh, my God. I wasn't sure this actually existed. This is the American Airlines...
Ryan Bingham: It's a Concierge Key, yeah.
Alex Goran: What is that, carbon fibre?
Ryan Bingham: Graphite.
Alex Goran: Oh, I love the weight.
Ryan Bingham: I was pretty excited the day that bad boy came in.
Alex Goran: I'll say. I put up pretty pedestrian numbers. 60 thousand a year, domestic.
Ryan Bingham: That's not bad.
Alex Goran: Don't patronize me. What's your total?
Ryan Bingham: It's a personal question.
Alex Goran: Please.
Ryan Bingham: And we hardly know each other.
Alex Goran: Come on, show some hubris. Come on, impress me. I bet it's huge.
Ryan Bingham: You have no idea.
Alex Goran: How big? What is it, this big? This big?
Ryan Bingham: I don't want to brag.
Alex Goran: Oh, come on! Come on.
Ryan Bingham: Let's just say I have a number in mind and I haven't hit it yet.
Alex Goran: This is pretty .... sexy.
Ryan Bingham: Hope it doesn't cheapen our relationship.
Alex Goran: We're two people who get turned on by elite status. I think cheap is our starting point.
Ryan Bingham: There's nothing cheap about loyalty."

So what's the point of the story and movie example?

Well, customers are more likely to recommend a product, service or brand if they have good experiences with customer reward programs, according to a new study.

The Colloquy study, "Measuring Word-of-Mouth Activity Among Reward Program Members", reveals that customers who have good experiences with customer reward programs are 70 per cent more likely to recommend that product.

Of the 7000 respondents who participated in customer reward programs, 55 per cent describe themselves as "brand champions". A huge 68 per cent of these "brand champions" say they will recommend a program sponsor's brand during the year.

The survey also shows 73 per cent of respondents enter loyalty programs to tell manufacturers what they think, 68 per cent to "get smart about products", 63 per cent to get free product samples, and 61 per cent to share their opinions.

So smart marketers are using these loyalty-marketing techniques to expand their business.

According to the study, businesses "should find brand champions buried within their program memberships, and build relationships that reward them for positive WOM (word-of-mouth) activity.

So here are 12 ways to build brand loyalty.

1. Start with a Great Product or Service
Basic but fundamental.

Get your product mix or service offering absolutely spot on.

Get this wrong and any brand loyalty will disappear into thin air.

Change it without research and consultation and you may also lose brand loyalty.

2. Provide Great Customer Service
Break down customer service into three simple A, B, and C steps:

A) Pre-purchase customer service to qualify the buyer. A good website as an example if they are researching your brand online prior to purchasing.
B) Customer service during the purchase or service delivery, and
C) Post purchase customer service, such as a warranty, guarantee or post purchase follow-up.

3. Provide a Platform to Share Experiences
You need to get advocates and brand loyalists talking about your brand.

Find a platform for this. It could be via social media such as Twitter or LinkedIn or through the use of testimonials in marketing materials.

Even more powerful is a face to face recommendation or referral.

Look at systems that facilitate this such as a VIP area.

4. Build A Sense of Community Like the scene in Up In The Air brand loyal customers love to hang out together and share stories.

Look at how you can create an event or cause related activity that can create a sense of community, belonging and togetherness.

5. Reward Systems
Obviously as the research indicates loyalty systems based on rewards work.

It doesn't have to be expensive - just something that makes life a little easier and makes people feel special.

Valet parking, a free car wash, free wireless access as an example.

6. Segment the Market
Think of market segmentation as like peeling off the outer astringent and protective layer of an orange to get the juicy and tasty flesh inside.

Instead of eating the orange, carefully separate the fleshy segments and lay them out on the table.

Do this with your database of customers.

Provide tiered loyalty reward programs based on how much they spend and consumer behaviour or other segmentation variables.

7. Track and Measure
Always track and measure key metrics. Data mining can provide some interesting trends. This is where all future revenue is going to be generated.

Remember the 80/20 rule. Eighty per cent of your revenue is going to be generated by the top 20 per cent of your customers.

8. Educate
Always focus on education rather than selling.

9. High Frequency Always reward those with the highest frequency of purchases.

Think of George Clooney on the plane when he reaches his miles target and is presented with the card by the pilot with the cap and bushy moustache.

10. Keep in Touch
Plan regular and personal communications. Phone calls, newsletters and special events.

11. Understand Touch Points
What are the hot buttons for your brand loyalists? Food, travel or entertainment?

12. Follow-Up
Always follow-up on feedback, requests, constructive criticism.

Think of feedback as a gift.

Need a speaker on brand loyalty for your next event? Consider Thomas Murrell and contact here.

Thomas Murrell's photostream - Leagues Clubs Australia 2011 opening keynote presentation “Changing Your Marketing Game”

2011-04-21T17:28:00.002+08:00

Thomas Murrell's photostream on Flickr.

Some action shots thanks to Philip Crossie of Philip Raymond Custom Photography.

And a testimonial from a happy client.

“Dear Thomas

Thank you for your opening keynote presentation “Changing Your Marketing Game” delivered to our 180 delegates on Wednesday 13th April 2011 at our annual gaming conference held at the Marriott Hotel on the Gold Coast.

We were impressed with the amount of research you did for your presentation, the way you customised the message and importantly the way you engaged, entertained and educated the audience about the importance of marketing, branding and building member loyalty.

This is the Club Industry’s premier gaming conference and the customisation of your slides incorporating topical trends impacting on our industry was both insightful and enlightening.

I liked the way you used audience interaction, music to highlight marketing trends and personal stories to emphasise key points during your speech.

Our delegates can certainly now see the major benefits of market segmentation to build brand loyalty, mining data to better profile members and ways to measure marketing return on investment.

Without doubt the presentation was a highlight of the two-day conference and contributed significantly to the success of the event.

Thank you for sharing your expertise in such an engaging and eloquent way.

Kind regards

Peter Turnbull
Chief Executive Officer
Leagues Clubs Australia”

Book Thomas for your next conference.

How Can Public Relations (PR) Make You Money and Increase Sales?

2011-04-20T09:18:00.003+08:00

High quality vintage bicycles like the British-made Pashley (pictured right) are making a big comeback.

A story in my local newspaper highlighted the impact of PR on bicycle sales for a local bicycle shop owner.

Public Relations or PR is largely misunderstood as a marketing tool.

Public relations has a key part to play in the marketing mix because the reputation of a brand, service, person or organisation affects marketing.

Effective PR thus can have a significant impact on a company's competitiveness and overall market position.

PR is about reputation with the aim of influencing opinion and behaviour in a positive way so that consumers and potential customers buy more of your products and services.

Based on a front page story in the local newspaper of a student riding a red Pashley the local bicycle shop owner said in the three days since the article he had sold six of these bikes.

Given that each bicycle sells for between A$1350 and A$1650 each that is a great return on investment for a zero marketing outlay.

The article didn't cost the shop owner a cent and returned him nearly a thousand dollars in extra sales.

The owner was quoted in a follow-up interview saying the buyers all said it was because of the article.

One customer even arrived in a taxi and rode her new bike home not even asking or checking about the price.

Imagine if your customers were making purchasing decisions like this.

Another study published by the Institute For Public Relations refers to the case study of a beverage brand that measured the impact of PR versus other forms of marketing.

The data showed that every dollar spent on TV advertising delivered $1.10 in sales.

Trade advertising delivered a return of roughly $2.20 for every dollar spent.

But PR delivered an incredible $8.00 for every $1.00 invested - the best results of any form of marketing tested.

In fact, 4 per cent of all incremental sales were attributed to PR.

For a fast moving consumer good like a beverage this represented tens of millions of dollars.

PR is the only marketing tactic that impacts all other forms of marketing in a positive way.

That is why I call PR a **marketing accelerant**.

When media coverage about a product, brand, organisation or person is positive and prominent, every other form of marketing has been shown to be more effective, thus creating a beneficial accelerating effect across all marketing efforts.

Add to this that PR usually costs far less to achieve than paid advertising and that editorial based publicity has a much greater readership impact than traditional advertising and you can see why PR has one of the best marketing return on investments (MROI).

Unfortunately business owners and accountants tend to look inwards when budgeting for marketing.

They might have a formula something like 3 per cent of sales or not more than 5 per cent of overheads and rarely see PR as the external investment that it is.

Another client of mine has made his business more profitable and pleasurable by using PR and public speaking to increase his visibility and credibility as well as share his passion for what he does.

He has also increased his fees considerably by positioning himself at the premium end of the market and as the "go to expert and authority" in his field of business.

Another client of mine working in the real estate industry was marketing a multi-million dollar property.

Using PR, he was able to get a whopping return of $100 for every $1 spent on marketing.

So as high end bicycle manufacturer Pashley knows, a high profile reputation enhances your ability to charge premium prices, regardless of the economy.

If you want to accelerate your marketing efforts with a customised PR campaign, please make contact.

2011 Gaming Conference Leagues Clubs Australia Marriott Hotel Gold Coast April 13th

2011-04-19T11:34:00.007+08:00

Opening keynote presentation “Changing Your Marketing Game” delivered to 180 delegates on Wednesday 13th April 2011 at 2011 Gaming Conference held at the Marriott Hotel on the Gold Coast by Leagues Clubs Australia.

Pictured with Anthony Ball - CEO Clubs NSW, Stephen Byfield - CEO Diggers@TheEntrance, MC Sofie Formica at the Conference.

Pictured with Leagues Clubs Australia CEO Peter Turnbull.

Copy of my presentation slides here:

Changing Your Marketing Game

View more presentations from 8M Media and Communications

Conference brochure here:
LCA_ConfSChangingGame2011

Writing SGX Announcements and Media Releases Singapore March 29th Singapore Association of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators

2011-04-05T09:08:00.005+08:00

Feedback from delegates (pictured).

"It was a very "resourceful" seminar where the speaker has prepared a series of useful and practical materials that attendees can bring back for further learning and digesting. A writing approach was provided as a guidance. This 2-way communication through real-life workshop and examples further enhanced the understanding."
Ho PingLing, Singapore

"A very interesting and engaging session on media release and announcements. A few examples of interactive session with attendees and the presenter is very clear and knowledgeable."
Jasmine Chia, Singapore

"Clear and concise seminar and the practical exercises were practical and relevant."
Kenneth Ong, The Amicorp Group, Singapore

"Enriching"
Zalili Yunus, TMF Group, Singapore

"Interesting perspective on writing media releases."
Khuza Suparto, SGX Singapore Exchange Limited

10 Presentation Tips from The King's Speech

2011-03-15T15:06:00.002+08:00

The King's Speech, the inspiring 2010 Oscar Best Film contains many lessons on public speaking.

Based on the true story of the Duke of Windsor struggling to overcome a speech impediment it is full of public speaking tips for anyone who aspires to be a better speaker or a great leader.

The movie plot revolves around the challenges in public speaking as actor Colin Firth assumes the throne as King George VI. There are many lessons on overcoming a fear of public speaking.

The script highlights the challenge of how to give a great speech during a time of crisis.

It is a great movie, but what are the lessons for public speaking? Here are 10 presentation tips from the movie.

1. Believe in Yourself
Poor self-image, an internalized negative belief system, and an overall perception of not achieving potential greatness can sabotage a speech.

"Lionel Logue: Do you know any jokes?
King George VI: ...Timing isn't my strong suit."

2. Find Your Voice
In a crisis or during a challenge or major change, leaders need to be visible and strong.

Here's a pivotal scene from the movie when they are rehearsing for the coronation and the soon to be crowned King finds his voice.

"King George VI: Sees Logue is sitting on the coronation throne: What are you doing? Get up! You can't sit there! GET UP!
Lionel Logue: Why not? It's a chair.
King George VI: No, that. It is not a chair. T-that... that is Saint Edward's chair.
Lionel Logue: People have carved their names on it.
King George VI: - Simultaneously - That... chair... is the seat on which every king and queen has... That is the Stone of Scone you ah-are trivializing everything. You trivialize...
Lionel Logue: - Simultaneously - It's held in place by a large rock. I don't care about how many royal xxx have sat in this chair.
King George VI: Listen to me. Listen to me!
Lionel Logue: Listen to you? By what right?
King George VI: By divine right if you must, I am your king.
Lionel Logue: No you're not, you told me so yourself. You didn't want it. Why should I waste my time listening?
King George VI: Because I have a right to be heard. I have a voice!
Lionel Logue: - pauses - Yes, you do. - Longer pause -
Lionel Logue: You have such perseverance Bertie, you're the bravest man I know."

3. Have a Purpose
Every speech needs to have an objective, a goal and a purpose.

For the King, times were changing:

"King George V: In the past all a King had to do was look respectable in uniform and not fall off his horse. Now we must invade people's homes and ingratiate ourselves with them. This family is reduced to those lowest, basest of all creatures, we've become actors!"

4. Admit You Need Help
The first step to becoming a better speaker is by learning and looking at feedback as a gift.

"Lionel Logue: What was your earliest memory?
King George VI: I'm not... -here to discuss... -personal matters.
Lionel Logue: Why are you here then?
King George VI: Because I bloody well stammer!"

5. Physical Fitness

Being at top physical condition is critical for delivering a great speech.

Avoid anything that will impact of your physical performance.

"Lionel Logue: - as George "Bertie" is lighting up a cigarette - Please don't do that.
King George VI: I'm sorry?
Lionel Logue: I believe sucking smoke into your lungs will kill you.
King George VI: My physicians say it relaxes the throat.
Lionel Logue: They're idiots.
King George VI: They've all been knighted.
Lionel Logue: Makes it official then."

6. Warm up Your Voice and Muscles Involved in Delivery
A warm up is essential.

"Lionel Logue: - Bertie is lying on the floor, and Elizabeth is sitting on his chest - Take a good deep breath... - Bertie inhales -
Lionel Logue: And up goes Her Royal Highness... Now exhale slowly... - Bertie exhales -
Lionel Logue: And down goes Her Royal Highness...
Queen Elizabeth: This is actually quite good fun, Bertie."

7. Record Your Speech
Always record your speech for review and analysis.

There is a great scene in the movie when Bertie listens back to his recorded speech that is a tipping point in his relationship with Logue.

8. Practice
It takes 10,000 hours to master a new skill.

The more pressure, the more the need to practice.

"- watching a clip of Hitler speaking - Lilibet: What's he saying?
King George VI: I don't know but... he seems to be saying it rather well."

9. Microphone Technique
There are some great scenes in the movie of broadcasters working on the positioning of the microphone.

These small changes make a big difference to the speech quality.

10. Seek Outside Help
A speech coach, course or mentor can significantly improve performance.

"Lionel Logue: You still stammered on the 'W'.
King George VI: Well I had to throw in a few so they knew it was me."

Please consider:

Tuesday May 17th 2011, Subiaco Arts Centre, Perth, Australia
Powerful and Persuasive Speechwriting. Book here.

Top 10 Investor Relations Trends for 2011

2011-02-22T12:15:00.001+08:00

By Thomas Murrell MBA, CSP International Business Speaker

Investor relations is an inexact science. Unlike an accounting balance sheet there is no right or wrong answer. It is a balancing act.

The new dynamics of continuous disclosure, greater compliance, second by second share market analysis and increasingly demanding shareholders make the role of an investor relations professional a challenging one.

In Australia we're seeing many high profile cases over the concept of continuous disclosure and whether information that will have a material effect on the share price is disclosed to the market.

This is a serious law and you can go to jail for not keeping the market fully informed over company activities.

Out of the approximately 1.5 million companies registered in Australia, more than 2,200 are listed and traded on Australia's national stock exchange, the ASX.

Out of these 2,200 stocks, as an investor which ones do you monitor, trade or buy and sell?

Finding a fair value for a stock is the challenge and the goal is to manage reasonable market expectations. This is what we call the investor relations balancing act.

But in terms of size, the top five listed companies in Australia represent about 80 per cent of the capitalisation of all listed stocks.

So the big companies dominate and smaller stocks have trouble getting noticed.

This causes frustration and because they get ignored they don't spend much time, money or effort informing shareholders about their business.

But this has all changed with these latest high profile court cases.

So what are the essential investor relations trends for 2011 that every company director, employee of a publicly listed company and investor needs to know.

**1. Continuous Disclosure Matters**
The regulators have made it clear that they are serious in both prosecution and education.

Expect to see more high profile cases and educational road shows explaining to listed company employees and Boards the finer details of what has been a fuzzy area in making announcements to the stock exchange.

**2. Stock Exchanges Merging**
The proposed merger between the Australian and Singaporean stock exchanges is just the tip of the iceberg.

In 2011 we will see more consolidation of share exchanges around the world.

What does this mean in a practical sense?

Get ready for having to understand cultural differences at both an executive Board level and with shareholders.

Professionals should prepare to have their announcements translated into other languages, especially Mandarin as China takes a bigger role in global financial markets.

**3. Changing Ownership Structures**
Share registries of listed companies are going to see a dramatic change in 2011 because of changes in superannuation regulations.

Retail or mum and dad investors are going to be further squeezed out by the big institutional investors.

Laws around increasing super contributions means all that extra money has to go somewhere and we will see more superannuation funds take a bigger slice of listed companies.

This will have a major impact on capital raising and the mum and dad investor opportunities in big companies like Telstra and the Commonwealth Bank of the last decade will be a thing of the past.

Communicating with institutional investors, who come in a range of sizes and shapes, will be a challenge in 2011.

**4. Power to the Few**
Share register diversity will be diluted as the big super funds dominate the market.

Share ownership will become more concentrated giving more power to fewer decision makers.

So in effect, companies will have to deal with fewer but more influential shareholders.

And these shareholders are not your normal mum and dad retail investors who turn up at the AGM for a free cup of tea and a biscuit, they are serious, well educated, well paid and sophisticated investors who invest in the stock market big time, every day.

They are rewarded for their performance.

**5. The Bear Scares Off Investors**
The GFC, volatility in the sharemarket, flat returns, uncertainty and the rise of other investment opportunities has scared off many small and part time mum and dad investors.

They are trying to save more and pay off the mortgage because of tighter economic conditions and the constant worry of rising interest rates.

The decline in retail or mum and dad investors will continue in 2011 as the masses hang onto their money or plough it into their mortgage.

**6. The Champion Chairman**
Chairman of publicly listed companies will play a bigger role in building trust with shareholders.

They will expect to be both visible and credible.

Expect them to do more investor communications like road show presentations and financial media interviews.

The Chairman is the champion of the company, the brand and articulating the investment value proposition for shareholders.

**7. Increased Shareholder Activism**
Despite declining shareholder numbers, expect small shareholders to become more vocal, agitated and aggressive.

Social media has given anyone with a cause a platform and a voice.

Expect more monitoring of social media sites by listed companies.

In 2011, listed companies will put in place stricter social media policies for employees to protect their online reputations and avoid continuous disclosure issues.

**8. More Customised Communication**
The old days of just sending an announcement to the ASX and hoping it would be picked up by the financial media are well and truly so 1990s.

It is all about customisation of the message to different audiences.

Relationships are so much more complex now, so in 2011 expect customised communication to different target audiences on the buy and sell side as well as other important stakeholders.

**9. Online Communications**
Expect to see more communication through online and social media.

CEO interviews on a listed companies own YouTube Channel, messages to investor groups on LinkedIn, real time communication via webcasts.

A well-written electronic investor newsletter will be a standard investor communication tool for most listed companies in 2011.

**10. The Rise of the Investor Relations Professional**
With this increased complexity, the role of the profession will be elevated.

In 2011, expect to see more investor relations professionals be elected to Boards.

Expect to see pay rises in the industry and strong jobs growth. The value proposition of a well executed investor relations plan will be more broadly accepted as one which can add dramatically to the wealth and value of a company.

Need investor relations advice? Contact Tom for a one-hour no obligation consultation.

Top 10 Marketing Trends for 2011

2011-02-01T10:25:00.002+08:00

Top 10 Marketing Trends for 2011
By Thomas Murrell MBA, CSP International Business Speaker

1. The Rise and Rise of Social Media
When a trend becomes a Hollywood Movie you know it has become mainstream.

Facebook movie The Social Network even looks set to dominate Oscar nominations.

Blockbuster movie means mainstream exposure.

2. LinkedIn
News that LinkedIn is going to list on the Stock Exchange validates its status as the number one professional social networking site.

This will explode, especially for setting up groups of like minded individuals.

3. Recognised Authority Status
With tighter marketing budgets, this will be the year to specialise in a specific niche.

Gone are the days of being all things to all people.

Expect to see a rise in smart marketers going deep within a category or niche and servicing them well rather than servicing a broad market poorly.

4. Fruganomics
Being frugal is the new chic.

Rampant consumerism is dead.

Long live the minimalists and a return to simplicity.

5. Integrity Marketing

Demanding consumers want to know the producers and providers of goods and services.

Expect more marketing messages featuring real people in ads giving a more authentic feel.

Think Bunnings, Coles, and Woolworths in Australia.

6. Cause Driven Marketing
Consumers want information, transparency and a feel good factor that they are supporting a good cause when they buy.

Expect the trend started by the late Dame Anita Roddick of the Body Shop to go to a new level.

7. Event Marketing
This is the year we will see more resources in the already expanding events management or events marketing industry.

It is all about creating a positive experience for consumers and associating that experience with your brand, product or service.

For more see my last article on Catalyst Events. Read the article here.

8. Repeat Business With Those You Know Well
There is a backlash to the concept of having shallow and meaningless relationships with tens of thousands of Twitter followers, blog subscribers, LinkedIn connections or Facebook friends.

It is all about quality relationships with those who are loyal to the product, service, business and the brand.

Any activity that builds this relationship will be hot in 2011.

Online content, educational seminars, white papers, face to face networking and getting to know your customers better will all be a high priority for smart marketers in 2011.

9. Collarketing
Expect to see more partnering with complementary products and services.

This is an easy way to immediately double your marketing budget when funds are tight.

Collaboration will be king in 2011.

10. Mobarketing
Consumers will be more mobile than ever. The ipad revolution has just begun.

Apps will take over the world. Anytime, anywhere now is the new distribution mantra.

Need a speaker on marketing for your next event? Book Tom now.

Legal Issues Involved in Social Media - Guy Provan

2011-01-31T08:45:00.004+08:00

Listen to this podcast with legal expert and intellectual property lawyer Guy Provan.

Click here to download…

How to Write a Press Release - Praise for our latest training course

2011-01-18T15:38:00.006+08:00

Writing and Pitching Winning Media Releases course held in Bunbury for Jobs South West on December 6th 2010. Pictured with delegates. Feedback from delegates.

"I liked the information" Jules Pick, Web/Graphic Designer and elearning developer

"I liked the energy and knowledge". Gemma Backshall, Office Manager

"I liked the manner in which he explained - very clear and thorough" Colleen Cass, Project Officer

"Very interesting and interactive. I feel as though I am well on my way to writing great media releases." Lauren Higgins, Executive Assistant

"Entertaining, well structured, useful, well paced, energising, great refresher for me. I really enjoyed it thank you!" Mary Cameron, Training Manager

"Great, engaging, like the use of practical real life examples, nice presentation manner" Robyn Barratt, Training Manager

"Relaxed friendly" Sharon Herd, Receptionist

Creating Catalyst Events

2010-11-30T08:31:00.004+08:00

Creating Catalyst Events

By Thomas Murrell MBA, CSP International Business Speaker

I recently attended two business events.

One was with a large national retail chain and featured guest speaker, financial commentator Michael Pascoe (pictured).

It was well organised, well attended and you were encouraged to network.

You even left with a show bag full of free goodies. It was excellent for building goodwill with stakeholders and in this case customers.

They have even reorganised their retail outlet to provide a free meeting space for business owners.

The other event was poorly attended, the guest speaker turned up more than half an hour late and the organisers failed to provide any business cards or marketing collateral.

It was a real lost opportunity.

These events are called catalyst events.

The aim of such events is to bring people together in situations conducive to forming symbiotic relationships.

Here are five tips on creating a great catalyst event to help grow your business through referrals.

**1. Invite the right people**
Invite people who would benefit from a deeper relationship with each other within a business context.

People who could benefit from referring business to each other for example.

An architect and a builder, an accountant and a lawyer and a printer and a graphic designer for example.

**2. Keep Them Exclusive**
Catalyst events should not be open to the public. They should be exclusive and be invitation only.

Remember people are investing their time, effort and social capital by attending.

Exclusive business clubs, golf clubs or special screenings of movies all work well.

I've even been involved in events where an exclusive group of people, mainly sponsors and other influencers, were able to have exclusive pre-event access to the keynote speaker at an event by meeting at the venue early.

**3. Hold them regularly**
Catalyst events should be held regularly and be part of your marketing mix and budget.

**4. Repeat them**
Once you have invested time, money and effort in holding a catalyst event, you should repeat them.

You need to leverage the effort you have put into the logistics of organising the event.

**5. Have An Attractor Factor**
One of my clients when they were in start up phase organised a chartered fishing trip.

This was a fantastic catalyst event that provided a thankyou to all their investors, supporters and suppliers that had helped establish the business in the early start up phase.

Another attractor factor could be a great guest speaker or a free sample or give away.

If you're looking for a guest speaker at a catalyst event, please email and I would be happy to help plan your next event to make it a great success.

If you have to give a short presentation at a catalyst event, please consider our last public program for 2010:

**Tuesday December 7th 2010, Subiaco Arts Centre, Perth, Australia**
__Powerful and Persuasive Speechwriting__
Numbers limited so book here].

How to Use LinkedIn as a Marketing Tool

2010-11-30T08:00:00.005+08:00

Listen to this podcast with Peter Taliangis.

Click here to download…

Don't Eat Cookies in TV Interviews

2010-11-26T11:35:00.004+08:00

Here's a lesson in dealing with the media and how to handle a TV news interview.

If you want media training, and be better at dealing with the media then avoid this kind of blatant mistake!

Here's the story from ABC news online:

*Cookie crumbles for Australian health bureaucrat*

A incident involving a cookie has caused a top Australian health bureaucrat to lose his job fixing the Alberta Health System in Canada.

Stephen Duckett was hired last year to reduce Alberta's long hospital waiting lists, but when he was doorstopped by journalists a few days ago he did not want to talk about the problem.

"Isn't it ridiculous that the media are not prepared to go to the media scrum, and I'm eating my cookie," he said.

When one journalist said: "I think people are interested in hearing from you sir", Dr Duckett replied: "I'm interested in eating my cookie".

Footage of the encounter in which Dr Ducket repeatedly uses the cookie reply has gone viral on the internet.

He apologised the next day, but the Alberta Heath Services Board has since announced his departure, saying there was mutual agreement it was time for him to move on.

Dr Duckett was previously in charge of fixing Queensland's health system and has been secretary of the Australian Health Department."

Here's the video:

Lessons learnt:

1. Always respect the media
2. Don't make silly and flippant comments - once recorded they live forever on the internet
3. Stay on message

Need more help dealing with the media. Our next Perth course is March 22 2011. Book here.

Why China Will Continue to Power Our Economy

2010-11-17T14:51:00.000+08:00

Why China Will Continue to Power Our Economy
By Thomas Murrell MBA, CSP International Business Speaker

China is driving the world's economy.

Why?

Because of massive demographic shifts and this is good news for anyone living in the Asia Pacific region.

This was the main message in a business trends presentation from business commentator Michael Pascoe.

Here's his compelling argument:

1. History
China is the middle kingdom.

Historically it has been a world powerhouse for trade, commerce and innovation.

There was a dip during the communist revolution but they will build on history and their sense of destiny in the world.

2. Growth
China is building a city the size of Perth every month. This will drive demand for raw materials.

3. Ambition and Aspiration Driving this growth is ambition and a dream to fulfil their potential.

Like "a mothers desire for their child to have a better life".

4. Skills Shortage
This growth in China will mean growth in Australia but lead to a skills shortage.

5. Perspective
Most of the media presents a very American-centric view of the world.

Scary headlines, a crisis in confidence and people lose perspective.

The growth in China is rarely reported.

Need to refine your message for the media?

Please consider: Tuesday November 23rd 2010, Subiaco Arts Centre, Perth, Australia
Winning the Media Game
Numbers are strictly limited so book here.

Cloud Computing Podcast with Justin Davies from Emergination

2010-11-17T09:16:00.003+08:00

What is cloud computing and how will it impact on your business?

Listen to this interview with expert Justin Davies from Emergination.

This will take 19 minutes and 57 seconds to listen to.

Click here to download…

Media Training Geraldton November 5th - City of Geraldton-Greenough

2010-11-17T08:47:00.004+08:00

Feedback from delegates pictured:

"Tom really knew his topic. He used very current examples" Andrea Selvey, Director Creative Communities

"Comprehensive for a 1-dayer" Andy Darbyshire, Fire Chief

"Mix of theory, frameworks and real practical experience. Some good case-in-point examples. Appreciate coaching, frank approach." Andrew Outhwaite, Coordinator Environment, Health and Sustainability

"Real life questioning and experiences" Craig Wing, Senior Ranger and Deputy Chief Bushfire Control Officer

"Relaxed and comfortable. Great tips. Made me feel at ease." Sue Chiera, Public Relations Officer

"Professionalism. Knowledge of the industry, engaging manner and good advice." Susan Smith, City Librarian

Why The Chilean Miners Received Media Training

2010-11-04T13:13:00.003+08:00

Why The Chilean Miners Received Media Training
By Thomas Murrell MBA, CSP International Business Speaker

It has been one of the world's biggest stories.

It created a media frenzy and was watched by billions.

Before being rescued, the trapped miners in Chile were given media training.

Why?

They were taught interview techniques to help them cope with the inevitable media onslaught that came with their rescue.

Because of the news values of the story, the 33 workers became instant celebrities after surviving seven weeks in a collapsed mine.

This intensified when they were finally freed.

To help prepare them for the glare of the world's media, experts piped down instructional videos on how to handle TV and newspaper reporters.

They were instructed on "remaining poised during an interview, asking the interviewer to repeat the question if they don't understand it, and how to say that they prefer not to answer" a given question, according to Alberto Iturra, a psychologist involved in the miners' mental and emotional well-being.

So what made this the news story of the year and why was media training so important prior to the event?

Miners are good at being miners. They're not good at handling the world's media attention. Media training was essential.

They had time to learn and they had the technology to learn.

The story had seven critical news values that made media training essential.

1. Timeliness and Currency
There was a deadline to rescue. After rescue there would be mayhem with the media.

Working to this timely deadline was critical.

Do you have a deadline to a media critical event you are working towards? A new product launch, an investor announcement or any newsworthy event?

2. Consequence
The bigger the consequence, the bigger the news story. When people's lives are at stake, the consequences are always high.

3. Drama
The more dramatic the story, the more newsworthy.

This story was big on drama.

4. Proximity
This story resonated with everyone. Perhaps because it is every one's worst fear to be trapped miles underground not knowing whether you are going to live or die.

5. Prominence

Before the story the miners were nobodies. Today they are celebrities.

In fact, the first and last miner out are the most famous because people remember the first and last.

The involvement of Chile's most prominent citizen, President Sebastian Pinera, who stayed throughout the rescue operation and welcomed each miner personally to the surface added gravitas and drama.

6. Conflict and Danger
The story had it all. A possible tragedy with a fairytale ending.

7. Sex
Sex and scandal always create news.

When the story broke that the 21st miner to be rescued, had both a wife and a mistress the media went crazy over who would greet him at the surface. Many of them even got it wrong.

Need to refine your message for the media?

Please consider: Tuesday November 23rd 2010, Subiaco Arts Centre, Perth, Australia
Winning the Media Game

The Seven PR Secrets Every Business Owner Needs to Know But Was Afraid to Ask

2010-11-01T16:25:00.003+08:00

Listen to this presentation on "The Seven PR Secrets Every Business Owner Needs to Know But Was Afraid to Ask"

Delivered to members on BNI Bamboo West on 21/10/2010

Click here to download…

Chile mine rescue: lessons in newsworthiness

2010-10-14T22:31:00.001+08:00

A great analysis on the newsvalue of this story.

Chile mine rescue: lessons in newsworthiness

Need media training. Next course November 23rd. Book here.

Viva los Chilenos: Leadership Lessons from the Chilean Mine Rescue

2010-10-14T16:29:00.002+08:00

Viva los Chilenos: Leadership Lessons from the Chilean Mine RescueBy Thomas Murrell MBA, CSP International Business Speaker

"Viva los Chilenos" was scrawled in black texta on a piece of white paper and taped to the back of a four wheel drive at eye height.

I wondered who owned the vehicle as I passed it this morning on my way back from a networking breakfast in my hometown suburb of Subiaco in Perth, the world's most isolated city?

What motivated them to write such a slogan, put it on public display and what did it mean?

Then the radio news came on, "the last of the 33 miners in Chile had been rescued" and the penny dropped.

This was a message of hope.

The August 5th accident which occurred when the San José copper-gold mine, near Copiapó, Chile, collapsed, leaving 33 men trapped deep below ground, and their dramatic rescue 69 days later has captured the world's attention.

It is the news story of the year with its long, drawn out drama and fairytale ending.

So what are the lessons of leadership we can learn from the disaster?

What does this mean in terms of leading and motivating others? under stressful, difficult and trying circumstances

1. Leadership is about optimism and setting direction
Having a focus and being future-orientated is a critical leadership trait.

Optimism is a learned skill. This skill is critical during a disaster.

Survival would be the first direction with the trapped miners.

2. Leadership is about purpose
"We're trapped, we're lucky to be alive so what are we going to do now?" would be the next common thread going through the minds of the miners after the first survival shock.

To counteract boredom, the miners organised themselves into three groups of eleven.

These groups then set about performing tasks and chores. An example was clearing the rubble coming through the shaft during the rescue.

A sense of purpose is important for morale.

In the case of the miners it was important that they were doing something because it would have taken their mind off being trapped underground.

4. Leadership is about maintaining energy and effort
It is important to break tasks up into manageable activities and maintain momentum.

In the case of the miners, tasks were important to break up the boredom, create routines and to have practical outcomes.

In the Chilean example, this included making latrines, requesting items from above such as antiseptic for their hands, washing and disinfecting, and organising a schedule for making contact with families.

Because there was no natural light, turning lights on during the day and off at night helped reinforce this cycle.

5. Leadership is about being visible
During a disaster, we turn around and look for our leaders.

That is why we saw the Chilean President so involved and even the President of the United States made a statement when the miners were rescued.

"Chile is not the same country any more. Chile is more united and stronger than ever and I think that Chile today will have more respect and be valued by the whole world," said the Chilean President as the miners were rescued.

6. Leadership is about showing empathy and compassion
Society expects leaders to be most concerned with the welfare of those affected by the disaster.

Always focus on the human side of any disaster first.

7. Leadership is about taking control and communication

When a crisis strikes many people are scared and confused.

Leaders need to mirror the feelings of the broader community and act in the best interests of society. We want them to be in control and be decisive.

In a crisis, leaders are judged by what they say and what they do.

What they say is important because the words and messages have a huge amount of impact in that moment of time.

The content is critical to match the serious context of the message.

Symbolic acts by leaders mean a lot.

It's not a "merely symbolic" act when the President hugs the first miner to be rescued.

It's a powerful act because it communicates importance and concern.

"This was a blessing from God. But it had started as possible tragedy. But the unity, the faith, the commitment, the loyalty, solidarity expressed by the Chileans during these 69 days filled us with pride."

Need to refine your message for a speech?

Please consider: Tuesday October 26th 2010, Subiaco Arts Centre, Perth, Australia
Powerful and Persuasive Speechwriting
Numbers limited so book here.

Is sponsorship worth it?

2010-09-08T22:03:00.004+08:00

An age old question.

It is when you get a letter like this back!

THANK YOU

On behalf of the Subiaco Primary School Year 1 Fundraising Committee, we would like to express our sincere thanks for your contribution to our Cocktail Party held on Friday 20 August at the Subiaco Church of Christ.

The event was hugely successful and we are thrilled with the result – total funds raised were approximately $50,000.

These funds will be put to good use by the P&C Association and will go towards, for example, air conditioning new classrooms currently under construction, upgrading the oval, purchasing electronic white boards and computers for the school.

Fundraising of this nature has an enduring legacy as the benefits will be enjoyed by children currently enrolled at the school and those in future years.

A total of 340 tickets were sold to the school community and beyond. The silent and main auctions raised $30,000 and the raffle raised in excess of $3,000.

It was a truly memorable evening that brought the community together while raising much needed money for the school.

Thank you whole heartedly for your contribution. We would not have been able to reach our goal had it not been for the generosity and the willingness to be involved on the part of the Subiaco business and retail community.

Your donation was acknowledged on the night and in several editions of the school newsletter. We are confident your involvement will have gone someway, whether large or small, to increase your business’s exposure as the event was very well attended and every effort was made to promote donors and sponsors where possible.

Thank you again from the Year 1 Fundraising Committee.

Marina Hogan and Justine Oxley
Year 1 Fundraising Committee Organisers
September 2010

The value? Priceless!

Need help with your marketing and sponsorship - try our Mentor program. Contact us via our web.

People Want News Now!

2010-09-01T12:07:00.003+08:00

The immediacy of news just got quicker.

News cycles just got shorter.

Dealing with the media and staying on message just got harder.

For example in an ABC Media Release: "The month of August saw unprecedented audience figures across the ABC’s mobile offering – and that’s before taking into account the record-breaking audiences that accessed ABC Mobile content on Election Day.

ABC Mobile applications for iPhone, iPad and Android devices have all broken significant download milestones in the last week. To date there have been:

· 1 million downloads of the ABC iPhone app in 17 months*

· 200,000 downloads of the triple j Unearthed iPhone app in 7 months*

· 100,000 downloads of the ABC iPad app in 2.5 months*

· 10,000 downloads of the ABC Android app in 17 months^"

Expect the trend to continue.

Need help with dealing with the media. Our next course is September 21st 2010. Book here.

Custodian of the Culture Podcast with Dr Bob Every

2010-08-31T09:07:00.005+08:00

Dr Bob Every (pictured right), Chairman of Wesfarmers Ltd a Metallurgist by profession having completed a Bachelor’s Degree in 1968 and a Doctorate in 1971. In 1995 he completed a senior management course in Switzerland held by the University of Michigan and the University of Nawarra IESE. In 2000 he was awarded a Centenary Medal for service to Australian society in Metallurgy.

After a very brief time in Industrial Research he pursued a management career predominantly with Tubemakers of Australia Ltd, Australia’s largest steel pipe and tube manufacturer and distributor.

From 1982 onwards he held various senior executive positions with Tubemakers of Australia Limited, including Chief Executive Officer of Steel & Tube Holdings Limited in New Zealand from 1988-91. In 1995 he was appointed Managing Director of Tubemakers.

After the takeover of Tubemakers by BHP in mid-1996, he worked on for BHP and held a number of senior roles before becoming President of BHP Steel in early 1999.

His first role with BHP was as Group General Manager International Division (Steel) and here he gained considerable experience as the executive responsible for the construction, commissioning, ramp-up and business development of steel mills, steelmaking and processing plants in the USA, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Saudi Arabia – all up an investment program amounting to some US$1.5b.

When he became President of BHP Steel, the then Managing Director (Paul Anderson) asked him to come up with a strategic plan for BHP Steel that would generate cash and downsize BHP’s exposure to Steel. It was from this study that the spin-out of OneSteel originated.

The Board asked him to consider heading up OneSteel through the public listing and then become Managing Director & CEO of the public company. Dr Every took up this role in February 2000 and remained in that role until 1 May 2005 when he retired from that position.

Since that time he has pursued a career as a non executive director and is Chairman of Wesfarmers Limited and Chairman of Boral Limited.

BOARD EXPERIENCE

His first experience as a director of a public company was in 1988 when he joined the Board of Steel & Tube Holdings in New Zealand as an Executive Director. He became Chairman of Steel & Tube in 1996 and retired from that position in May 2005.

He became a Managing Director of Tubemakers of Australia Limited in 1995 prior to the takeover by BHP in May 1996.

As a member of the Policy Committee of BHP he attended all the BHP Board Meetings from 1999 until he took up the role of MD & CEO of OneSteel when that company listed in October 2000.

Listen to this podcast with Dr Bob Every on his topic of "Custodian of the Culture" and he will be keynote speaker at a Graduate Management Association Dinner on September 11th in Perth and I will be MC of this event.

This will take 19 minutes and 40 seconds to listen to.

Click here to download…

Need a podcast or MC for you event? Contact us.

More on "Psychic" Animals That Make Headlines

2010-08-19T15:45:00.003+08:00

After my recent post on Paul the octopus making headlines, I couldn't resist this story (Source ABC Online)

*'Psychic' croc predicts Gillard victory*

An enormous saltwater crocodile named Harry picked Julia Gillard as the winner of the federal election in Darwin this afternoon.

Harry weighs about 720 kilograms and is nearly five metres long.

He lives in an enclosure at a popular tourist attraction on one of Darwin's busiest streets.

And this afternoon, two chickens were held over his enclosure. One had a photo of Prime Minister Julia Gillard; the other a photo of Opposition Leader Tony Abbott.

Harry took five minutes to make up his mind, but eventually decided to chomp on Ms Gillard's chicken.

Last month, Harry correctly picked Spain to win the soccer World Cup.

Another crocodile at the enclosure, Bert, picked the winner of the Darwin Cup from a field of 12 horses earlier this month.

For decades, handlers have used the crocodiles to settle a range of issues, from who should do the chores to which lotto numbers to pick.

If you want media attention - consider our media writing, media interview and public speaking courses on September 7th and 21st and October 26th. More here.

Investing in Innovation with David Shelton

2010-08-18T14:21:00.003+08:00

Investing in Innovation with David Shelton (pictured) from Transition Capital.

Listen to this podcast of his speech.

Click here to download…

Why Paul the Octopus Made World Headlines

2010-08-18T11:39:00.001+08:00

=== Why Paul the Octopus Made World Headlines ===

By Thomas Murrell MBA, CSP International Business Speaker

According to online reports Paul the Octopus (reportedly hatched January 2008) is a common octopus living in a tank at a Sea Life Centre in Oberhausen, Germany.

The sea creature became internationally famous for correctly "predicting" the winner of Germany's seven matches at the 2010 World Cup, as well as the final.

During the divinations, Paul was presented with two boxes containing food in the form of a mussel, each box marked on the outside with the flag of a national football team in an upcoming match.

Paul ate the mussel from the box with the flag of the winning team in four of Germany's six Euro 2008 matches, and in all seven of their matches in the 2010 World Cup. He correctly selected a win for Spain against the Netherlands in the World Cup final on 11 July by eating the mussel in the box with the Spanish flag on it.

With all the media attention he has been subject to death threats, song dedications and Iranian dissent.

On July 12, 2010, Paul was retired from making predictions.

"He won't give any more oracle predictions – either in football, or in politics, lifestyle or economy. Paul will get back to his former job, namely making children laugh," according to his keepers.

So we won't see him make a prediction for the Australian Federal election.

As a reward for his accurate predictions, aquarium staff presented him with his very own replica World Cup trophy garnished with his favourite food – mussels.

He made all the big news channels, BBC and CNN for example and made media headlines around the world.

Why was it such a big news story and what can we learn from it?

**1. Quirky and Unusual**

"Dog bites man is not a story, but man bites dog is" is a common phrase used to describe news.

An octopus predicting 8/8 wins in the world cup is quirky.

What quirky and unusual stories can you pitch to the media?

**2. New Benchmark and Perfect Record**

His predictions were 100 per cent (8/8) correct for the 2010 World Cup.

Paul's apparent success was considered to be comparable to a run of luck when tossing a coin.

University research has shown that under the hypothesis that Paul was equally likely to choose the winner or the loser of a match, and neglecting the possibility of a draw, he had a 1/2 chance of predicting any single result and a 1/256 chance of predicting eight in a row.

So this perfect record is very newsworthy. If he predicted six out of eight wins it would not be as newsworthy.

What records or new benchmarks are you setting that can be newsworthy?

**3. Controversy**

Iranian president **Mahmoud Ahmadinejad** criticized Paul several times during a speech in Tehran, which took place in the weekend of 24–25 July 2010. Ahmedinejad accused the West of using the octopus to spread "western propaganda and superstition."

This controversy just added to the news value.

What controversial issue can you make a comment on as an expert?

**4. Conflict**

A local businessmen in O Carballiño a town in Galicia, Spain collectively raised around A$60,000 as a "transfer fee" to have Paul as the main attraction of the local Festa do Polbo festival.

**Manuel Pazo**, a fisherman and head of the local business club made assurances that Paul would be presented alive in a tank and not on the menu. Sea Life Centres rejected the offer nonetheless.

After accusations of betrayal by the German newspaper Westfälische Rundschau, the Spanish prime minister **José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero** promised to send a team of bodyguards to protect Paul, while the environment minister Elena Espinosa said she would give Paul protection under conservation laws so that Germans do not eat him.

What is the conflict angle for your story pitch?

**5. Comedy**

Paul and his predictions have been spoofed by various segments of the media from across the world.

On the web, applications and websites exist that support and spoof Paul. A website called Paul Predicts went online soon after the 2010 World Cup.

Another popular application called Pulpo Paul went online soon after the World Cup. A song for Paul was made on YouTube and was used on CNN when they did a report on Paul.

The media loves humour. How can you find a comedy angle in your next story pitch to the media?

**6. Sex**

Like advertising, sex sells a story in the media.

The latest story on Paul is that he is going to be a father.

How can you make your story sexier to the media?

**7. Visual**

Visual media like TV loved the story because of the moving pictures.

The flags were critical to the packaging of the story.

**Matthew Fuller**, a senior aquarist believes it was more than luck and the flag shapes and colours may have influenced the outcome.

"[Octopuses] are the most intelligent of all the invertebrates and studies have shown they are able to distinguish shapes and patterns so maybe he’s able to recognise flags," he was quoted as saying.

**Vyacheslav Bisikov**, a Russian biologist, agrees that it is possible for an octopus to become attracted to a striped flag like the Spanish one.

How can you make your story visually appealing to the media?

(Source Wikipedia)

Please consider: Tuesday September 7th 2010, Subiaco Arts Centre, Perth, Australia
Writing and Pitching Winning Media Releases
Numbers are strictly limited so book here.

Wild Child - The Leanne Preston Story

2010-08-18T11:33:00.002+08:00

Thursday 15 July, 11.45am-2pm. Graduate Management Association Professional Series - Up Close and Personal Lunch With Leanne Preston, CEO Wild Child Pty Ltd, Formal Dining Room, University Club, Hackett Drive
Celebrating Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Pictured with Leanne Preston and Paul McCann GMA President.

Is Your Reputation Worth $37 Million?

2010-08-02T21:28:00.003+08:00

What is the price of reputation?

$37 million dollars in the case of Australian retailer David Jones.

Here's the story:

"A female publicist whose complaints led to the resignation of David Jones chief executive Mark McInnes is suing him and the department store company for more than $37 million.

In her statement of claim filed in the Federal Court, Kristy Anne Fraser-Kirk says Mr McInnes made unwelcome sexual advances and comments to her at a May 23, 2010 lunch and at a June 7, 2010 function.

She is claiming punitive damages of about $37 million, being five per cent of Mr McInnes' salary and five per cent of the store's profits during the time he worked there.

If successful in her claim, she wants the money to go a charity, nominated by her, helping people in the area of sexual harassment and bullying.

Mr McInnes resigned on June 18, after he admitted to behaving "in a manner unbecoming of a chief executive to a female staff member" at two recent company functions.

In her statement of claim, Ms Fraser-Kirk alleged Mr McInnes placed his hand under her clothing to the point where it touched her bra strap.

As well as the store and Mr McInnes, Ms Fraser-Kirk is suing nine David Jones directors.

She claims the company took no action to address the inappropriate behaviour."

Source: WA Business News.

Need help with yoour reputation? Contact us via our website.

Culture and Share Value - Is There a Link? BP Case Study For Investor Relations Professionals

2010-07-28T21:51:00.004+08:00

Is there a link between share price and a company's culture?

What is the role of the investor relations professional in communicating culture to investors?

Where did BP go wrong?

Why is culture now so important?

What are your thoughts on BP's latest move announced in the media?

*BP's new boss vows 'change of culture'*

BP's new boss Bob Dudley has vowed to "change the culture" of how the company tackles safety issues following the oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.

Outgoing chief executive Tony Hayward will step down from his job in October, and will be replaced by Mr Dudley, who has been in charge of BP's clean-up operations in the Gulf.

Mr Hayward told a conference call that he has been "demonised and vilified" over the oil spill, and the company cannot move on in the US with him as leader.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs says the departure of the BP boss does not mean the company is abandoning its responsibilities in the Gulf.

"I don't think a lot of people in any country are feeling overly sorry for the former CEO of BP," he said.

Mr Dudley says the oil spill has been a "wake-up call" for his company.

"Sometimes events like this shake you to the core, the foundation, and you have two responses," Mr Dudley told America's ABC News.

"One is to run away and hide. The other is to respond and really change the culture of the company and make sure all the checks and balances are there, just to make sure this does not happen again."

Mr Dudley says his top priority is to permanently seal the Gulf well, contain the crude spill and to clean up and restore the area's beaches.

"We'll be doing that for a long time and that is my number one focus, particularly over the next month-and-a-half," he said.

Mr Dudley praised Mr Hayward, whose PR gaffes handling the oil spill made him a target of fury in the US, for laying "the foundations for a strong focus on safe and reliable operations" at BP.

US congressman Bart Stupak, one of the leading congressional investigators into the Gulf spill, says he worries that Mr Dudley is not a true reformer.

He says he fears BP board members are "playing a high stakes game of musical chairs and simply rotating top leadership into different high-level posts."

- Source: ABC/AFP

Need help with investor relations and culture? Our specialist skills can help. Enquire now here.

Wesfarmers Results Positive For Investor Relations Message

2010-07-26T16:12:00.006+08:00

Investor relations tips are hard to come by.

But if you're planning an investor relations strategy or looking for investor relations advice or an investor relations consultant, Wesfarmers, a listed Australian company with its head office in Perth, is one Australian company setting high standards.

Investor confidence and a fair price for a stock is a balancing act in terms of how much information you release to investors.

This is called the investor relations balancing act. Yes, you have to be compliant and meet the regulators laws on materiality and continuous disclosure.

Wesfarmers certainly has reached "best practice investor relations" with its latest efforts.

Investor confidence is driven by positive numbers (sales, revenue etc) but also by execution of strategy and quality of strategy.

Wesfarmers has the numbers but its implementation of strategy is the standout from an investor relations perspective.

Wesfarmers results are impressive after increasing sales by 4.3 per cent at its Coles supermarket business over the past year in a turbulent market.

For example, sales at Coles for the 12 months to June 27, 2010 totaled $29.77 billion compared with $28.55 billion a year earlier.

More importantly, Coles' sales for the fourth quarter to June 27 totaled $7.448 billion, up 5.5 per cent.

The company in its investor communications said the retail division's sales performance for the year was solid overall, especially given the positive impact of the government's stimulus payments on sales in the prior corresponding period, which had now worn off.

"Good progress continues to be made on growth strategies across the group's retail businesses, with customers responding well to improvements in product range, value and service," Wesfarmers chief executive Richard Goyder said in the statement.

Great detail on strategy.

"Over the last 12 months, our retail businesses have established or reinforced sound business platforms and have strategies in place to further improve the customer experience."

This is a great example of communicating a message that the results highlight excellent strategy implementation.

Need help with investor relations strategy, advice and implementation? Contact us now.

Tough Times For Investor Relations Professionals At Nokia

2010-07-23T18:10:00.003+08:00

Spare a though for investor relations professionals at Nokia trying to implement an investor relations plan.

How do you find a fair price for your stock if your CEO says to the Board "Back me or sack me!".

This is exactly the investor relations challenge at Nokia, the only company outside the US that is consistently listed in the world's Top 10 brands.

What is going wrong at Nokia that has investors in a crisis of confidence?

Well there is speculation about the future of CEO Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo of the Finnish-based company.

Nokia is the world's biggest mobile phone producer but is struggling to compete against the so called "smart phones" of Apple and Google.

Shares in Nokia have falled 66 per cent since Apple launched its iPhone in June 2007.

This is an investor relations nightmare and add to this speculation about the future of the CEO and this creates a very uncertain time for Nokia's fragile investor confidence.

What investors look for is:

1. Execution of strategy
2. Quality of strategy
3. Credibility of management
4. Experience of management

It appears Nokia is failing on all of these fronts.

Want help with your investor relations strategy? Contact us now?

Investor Relations Professionals Hit By Turn In Investor Sentiment

2010-07-15T09:59:00.003+08:00

Investor relations professionals are doing it tough at the moment.

An investor relations professional or investor relations consultant who provides investor relations advice to publicly listed companies is facing multiple challenges because of the volatility in the marketplace at the moment.

This is an ideal time to fine tune your investor relations strategy and invest in investor relations activities.

The more uncertain the market, the more negative the market sentiment the more important it is to reassure and communicate with investors about your vision, mission and business strategy.

Within larger companies the typical investor relations professional provides advice to the CEO and Board. In smaller organisations this may be outsourced to investor relations consultants or the role is taken on by the company secretary.

Their job description is to be responsible for the monitoring, investigation and management of all the company’s current and potential investor relations activities including managing relationships with shareholders, prospective investors and associated entities.

Specific responsibilities may include:

• Analysis of a company’s share registry
• Analysis of trends relating to the industry sector
• Actively develop the company’s corporate profile
• Establishing and maintaining a clear line of communication with investors and stakeholder enquiries
• Management of investor relations activities including developing and maintaining relationships with shareholders, stock exchange, media, regulatory bodies, industry associations and appropriate community organisations
• Oversee the distribution of company reports, analysis and information to investors, prospective investors and stakeholders
• Advisory on and management of investor and ASX compliance issues: and
• Advisory to the CEO of trends, significant changes and analysis of the broader market.

So a recent survey has found investor sentiment has turned negative and this is a big challenge for investor relations professionals.

Here's the full release.

Australian investor sentiment turns negative as investment returns drop sharply

· Appetite for Australian shares hardest hit

· Investors continue to view US economic recovery with caution

Australian investor sentiment has plummeted according to the quarterly ING Investor Dashboard Sentiment Index released today, as investors reel from poor investment performance and look for safe haven assets. The shift sees Australia fall to second-last of 12 countries in the Asia Pacific region in June 2010 - a stark contrast from its equal second positive sentiment position held in March.

The survey measures investor sentiment across 12 countries in the Asia Pacific region, focusing on changes in market sentiment, investment attitudes, investment performance and the financial situation of 3,792 investors. These factors are quantified and averaged resulting in a sentiment score. The Australian portion of the survey was conducted amongst 307 investors with liquid assets of US$100,000 or above.

Expectations for poor investment returns weighed heavily on sentiment with only 46% of Australian investors expecting higher returns over the coming quarter, compared to three months ago when 75% of investors expected positive performance. This outlook reflects immediate past experience with only 35% of investors reporting positive returns for Q2, compared to Q1 when 72% of investors achieved a positive performance from their investments.

Investors believe higher interest rates are bad for the economy

The outlook for higher interest rates also contributed to falling sentiment with 82% of investors expecting domestic interest rates to rise further during 2010 and 70% believing any rate hike would have a negative impact on the economy.

"Clearly the expectation of further rate rises is a concern to investors and this is likely to impact their future investment decisions," said Martin Donnelly, Head of Distribution and Deputy CEO of INGIM.

Fears of ongoing troubles in global markets remain. The majority of Australian investors continued to view a US economic recovery with caution and 88% are not anticipating a return to pre-GFC levels for another two or three years. However, Mr Donnelly warned of the downside of being too cautious. "Investors with an overly bearish outlook for the US economy run the risk of missing out on return upside from Australian companies which are leveraged to a US recovery which is our expectation," said Mr Donnelly.

INGIM expect that US economic recovery will take centre stage and be the biggest positive in the world this year. US productivity is improving; corporate profits are up; industrial production is growing; and US manufacturing is expanding. Consumption is also strong and restocking is also beginning to take place while interest rates remain low. The stimulus packages of last year coupled with a resumption in the flow of credit has begun to translate into economic growth and the cost cutting story of 2009 is translating into a positive earnings story for 2010.

Europe was less of a concern in the short term with 64% of Australian investors believing the European debt crisis will not affect their investment strategy. However 57% expect Europe's ongoing woes will have some impact on global economic growth in the long term.

Australian investors, along with those in Indonesia, were the most upbeat about China's future prospects with the rest of the surveyed countries believing there is a higher chance China's economy will overheat. "Interestingly, Australia and Indonesia are the two countries that would be most affected by a slowdown and so have a vested interest in its continued economic boom," Mr Donnelly added.

Safety reigns as appetite for riskier assets drops

Australian investors are flocking to cash deposits, gold and bonds with bonds at their most popular level since the GFC. This flight to safety is further reinforced by over a third (35%) of investors expecting further share market falls and looking ahead six months, only 33% of investors considering investing in high growth stocks - down from 54% last quarter.

"The ongoing volatility in the Australian equity market has had a big effect on investor confidence and we expect many to retreat to the sidelines for the remainder of the year", Mr Donnelly said. "However, we believe that despite the recent pullback, the upward trajectory of the Australian equity market remains intact driven by fundamental value reflected in the one year forward Price/Earnings of all companies which are at 11 times versus a long run average of 14 times. Last year was a beta year. 2010 is shaping up to be an alpha year where true stock selection will be paramount."

Need investor relations advice, investor relations education, investor relations training for your CEO, Board or Executive leadership team. Contact Thomas Murrell, investor relations business educator and consultant.

The Three R's of Crisis Communications

2010-07-09T10:42:00.004+08:00

If you have a crisis how do you handle it? What are the best crisis communication strategies and crisis management tools?

Here's a simple way of communicating:

Regret - The spokesperson should show sincere regret that it has happened. You can release a media statement to apologise, but nothing is more sincere than to the words coming out of a real person as opposed to have the apology coming from a text.

Reason - Your spokesperson should take this opportunity to clarify through the result of the investigation to clarify these questions with reason.

Remedy - What is the solution?

Need help dealing with a crisis? Consider our bespoke crisis management programs and crisis training and consulting services. Enquire here.

Mining Tax Backflip Improves Investor Relations

2010-07-02T10:56:00.003+08:00

Prime Minister Julia Gillard's back flip on the super resources mining tax is an effective public relations strategy.

As predicted in this blog weeks ago, there was a 90 per cent chance this tax wasn't going to go ahead because it was a very bad public relations campaign and changed Australian politics in the most dramatic way.

Effective public relations use is a fine art.

In this case investor relations is the winner because share prices have increased and hundreds of millions of dollars worth of stalled investments will be going ahead.

This will bring much joy to investor relations professionals who seek to find a "fair price" for their stock in the investor relations balancing act.

Investor relations professionals with Rio Tinto, Xstrata and BHP Billiton will be delighted as the new policy cuts the headline rate of the tax from 40 per cent to 30 per cent and includes a raft other measures to placate mining bosses.

In a master public relations tactic it has been rebranded as the Minerals Resources Rent Tax.

New name and new message will help in public relations writing and the sell to the Australian public.

It doesn't matter the new tax will only apply to iron ore and coal because this is a public relations strategy winner as the general public don't care about detail.

They're just interested in their investments in the share price and their super portfolio. Again more joy that will add gloss to investor relations strategies for the mining sector.

Need help with public relations, public relations training, public relations writing, public relations strategy, public relations plan, public relations tips, public relations resources, public relations courses, media relations, media influence and investor relations?

Enquire here.

PR War Hots Up In Kimberley Over Gas Hub

2010-07-01T10:42:00.008+08:00

The public relations war is hotting up in the Kimberley region in Western Australia over the proposed multi-billion dollar gas hub.

Premier Colin Barnett (picture ABC) in Perth is pulling out all of his 30 plus years of public relations training when he said he was disappointed the Kimberley Land Council (KLC) was not able to sign the Indigenous land-use agreement by today’s deadline.

His public relations strategy has taken a hard line approach when he added the government would not give an extension for talks.

The public relations plan takes a new twist because a native title lawyer has warned the State Government will have to continue negotiating with opponents of the Kimberley gas hub even if it tries to compulsorily acquire land for the project.

What public relations tips will the Premier use to win public and stakeholder support in planning to take a proposal to resume the land to cabinet within weeks?

He's already on the front foot with this grab on ABC TV last night.

"The core amount of land is very small. Someone said if the whole of the Kimberley where the equivalent of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, we are just taking one seat."

In terms of public relations writing, this is a brilliant metaphor to describe a very complex issue.

In terms of public relations resources and public monies, the State Government has spent $16 million over the past two years funding negotiations and geotechnical studies at the proposed hub site to be located at James Price Point. This is a huge amount in any body's books.

And, this is just in the lead up negotiations.

It had also extended the deadline three times before and this is a key plank in the public relations campaign.

The KLC had failed to reach an agreement with various Aboriginal groups that are claiming native title over the gas hub area.

“I’m disappointed that the Kimberley Land Council has not been able to sign the indigenous land use agreement particularly as agreement has been reached on the site and on the whole detail of the $1.5 billion benefits of economic and social and housing and other matters for people in the area,” Mr Barnett said.

Again, clear messaging in the public relations strategy.

Mr Barnett said he will talk to the KLC before making a decision on what the next step is, and anticipates that a decision will be taken to cabinet in the next few weeks.

He added that compulsory land acquisition is not a long process, saying that it could take 18 months.

Woodside Petroleum is looking to use the Kimberley gas hub for its $20 billion Browse gas project, however a final decision between all the partners in the project has yet to be made.

Watch this space because this is just the beginning a major PR campaign to win public support for a massive resources project.

Need help with your public relations strategy within the resources sector? Contact us for a free initial consultation.

CCI Resource Conference: WA's Resource Landscape - Projects on the Horizon 24th June 2010 Burswood Perth

2010-06-30T10:05:00.005+08:00

It was great to MC this event with 375 delegates.

Key take aways:

1. There is a huge volume of resource projects on the horizon in WA
2. This will lead to skills shortages
3. The impact of these projects will happen November 2010

Pictured with keynote speaker Feisal Ahmed, Executive Vice President - project development, Woodside Energy.

Need an MC for your next event? Make an enquiry here.

Praise for Media Writing Master Class June 29th 2010 Subiaco

2010-06-29T17:00:00.005+08:00

Public relations, public relations training, public relations campaign, public relations writing, public relations strategy, public relations plan, public relations tips, public relations resources, public relations courses, and media relations is all hard work unless you have the skills.

Here's praise from my Media Writing Master Class held in Perth on June 29th 2010.

"Content rich in a succinct format. Work book good to go back and highlight key points. Liked that there wasn't many (PowerPoint) slides!" Sarah Grove, Publications and Education Officer, REBA - Department of Commerce, St George's Tce, Perth.

"Interaction" David Shelton, Transition Capital

"Comprehensive and addressed my own goals, e-Commerce very informative" Sandra Doick, Director Community Relations, Trinity College, East Perth

Please consider our next course on September 7th 2010. Book here.

Tension Between Lawyers and PR During a Crisis

2010-06-28T09:26:00.005+08:00

During a crisis there is always going to be tension between lawyers and PR people.

For PR people during a crisis the strategy is:

1. Tell the facts
2. Tell it early
3. Tell it all

For Lawyers it is:

1. Don't say anything
2. Deny everything
3. Don't admit anything

So you can see the natural tension on communications.

Both should be striving for the same goal - protecting the brand and reputation.

In the BP Gulf of Mexico Oil spill we can see this being played out.

Here's a link to a full article.

Want help in crisis training and crisis communications advice? Visit our website.

Analysis of Julia Gillard's First Speech As Prime Minister

2010-06-25T15:48:00.008+08:00

How did Julia Gillard (pictured - source mirror.com.uk) go in her first speech as prime minister after Kevin Rudd was forced to step aside?

Well, pretty impressive. Most of us have a fear of public speaking and public speaking doesn't come easily.

What are the public speaking tips, public speaking training, and public speaking ideas we can learn from with Julia Gillard's First speech as Prime Minister.

This is a case study on how to give a speech because you may not be able to go to any public speaking training Perth based courses of mine.

She has some solid speechwriters and advisers behind her.

At some time in your career you may have to make a speech when you take over a new role.

This could be to staff when you get a new job, it could be to a committee if you get elected to a new role for a not for profit or it could be to shareholders as a new Chairman or CEO.

We can all learn from others. So I wanted to analyse this speech not from a political perspective but from a methodology and content point of view.

Here is my analysis.

1. Hair and Make Up

Ok, if you are Kevin Rudd this is pretty simple. But for women it is more complex because women are judged by their appearance more by both men and women.

She has obviously employed a great stylist who has worked wonders.

If you look at archival photos and footage hair has always been an issue for the redhead. Her style works and has just been done for the big moment. She realises this is an important part of the image and package.

2. Wardrobe

Conservative, powerful and understated. This wins many votes as her wardrobe gives her personal power but doesn't detract from her message. Again, you can see the value in having a good stylist. The dark suit works well. The jewellery is subtle and classy. With the gold and metal theme there is a subtle message of support and empathy with the mining industry.

3. Opening

Sensational opening - really worked some magic in terms of language and the understated sense of history and occasion.

Humble and authentic in the words. Folksy, passionate and down to earth in the delivery style. Good match of content with context.

"Thank you for joining me in this jam packed room and can I say Australians one and all, it's with the greatest humility, resolve and enthusiasm that I sought the endorsement of my colleagues to be the Labor leader and to be the Prime Minister of this country. I have accepted that endorsement. I am truly honoured to lead this country which I love."

4. The Power of the Personal Story

The reflection back to South Australia and values was really impressive.

"I'm utterly committed to the service of our people. I grew up in the great state of South Australia. I grew up in a home of hardworking parents. They taught me the value of hard work. They taught me the value of respect. They taught me the value of doing your bit for the community and it is these values that will guide me as Australia's Prime Minister. I believe in a government that rewards those who work the hardest, not those who complain the loudest. I believe in a government that rewards those that day in, day out, work in our factories and on our farms, in our mines and in our mills, in our classrooms and in our hospitals, that rewards that hard work, decency and effort. The people that play by the rules, set their alarms early, get their kids off to school, stand by their neighbours and love their country."

5. The Key Theme - Leadership

Simple, compelling theme about leadership.

"I also believe that leadership is about the authority that grows from mutual respect shared by colleagues, from teamwork and from hard work, team work and spirit.

It is these beliefs that have been my compass during the 3.5 years of the most loyal service I could offer to my colleague, Kevin Rudd. I asked my colleagues to make a leadership change because I believed that a good government was losing its way. And because I believed, fundamentally, that the basic education and health services that Australians rely on and their decent treatment at work is at risk at the next election."

6. The Second Key Point - Taking Action

The second theme in the speech is about taking action. Also passion comes through.

"I love this country and I was not going to sit idly by and watch an incoming opposition cut education, cut health and smash rights at work. My values and my beliefs have driven me to step forward to take this position as Prime Minister. Today I want to make some commitments to the Australian people. I want to make firstly a commitment that I will lead a strong and responsible government that will take control of our future. A strong and responsible government improving and protecting the essential public services and basic rights our people depend on, including so importantly, their rights at work."

7. The Third Key Point - Acknowledgement

When taking over a new role - new management role, new leadership role, always acknowledge others. Even those you are competing against. All class in this area.

"I wish to make two acknowledgments. I take my full share of responsibility for the Rudd Government's record, for our important achievements, and for the errors made. I also certainly acknowledge I have not been elected Prime Minister by the Australian people. And in the coming months, I will ask the Governor General to call a general election so that the Australian people can exercise their birth right and choose their prime minister. Between now and this election, I seek their consideration and their support. And I seek that consideration and support as we emerge from the biggest financial crisis the world has faced since the Great Depression, with the lowest debt, amongst the lowest unemployment rates and the highest growth of the world's economies. This is an achievement we should be proud of. The working people, the employers, the employees, the trade unions, the small and big businesses, the employer associations who all made this possible. I give credit to every hard working Australian for what has been achieved during these difficult economic days. I give credit to the Labour giants, Bob Hawke and Paul Keating, as the architects of today's modern prosperity. I give credit to John Howard and Peter Costello for continuing these reforms and I particularly give credit to Kevin Rudd for leading the nation in such difficult times and keeping people in work. And today, I can assure every Australian that their budget will be back in surplus in 2013."

8. The Opportunity

It is always good to be positive about the future.

"So, having seen the global financial crisis and how our nation has responded, it has reinforced my belief that when this nation pulls together, we can do great things.

It's my intention to lead a government that uses that spirit and that will to do even more to harness the talents of all of our people. To do even more to make sure that every child gets a fair go in life and a great education. It's my intention to lead a government that does more to harness the wind and the sun and the new emerging technologies. I will do this because I believe in climate change. I believe human beings contribute to climate change and it is most disappointing to me, as it is to millions of Australians, that we do not have a price on carbon, and in the future we will need one. If elected as Prime Minister, I will re-prosecute the case for a carbon price at home and abroad. I will do that as global economic conditions improve and as our economy continues to strengthen."

9. The Elephant in The Room

It is always good to address the big issue in a speech. In this case it is the Resources Super Profits Tax.

"There's another question on which I will seek consensus and that is the proposed resources super profits tax. Australians are entitled to a fairer share of our inheritance, the mineral wealth that lies in our ground. They are entitled to that fairer share. But to reach a consensus, we need to do more than consult, we need to negotiate. And we must end this uncertainty which is not good for this nation. That's why today I am throwing open the government's door to the mining industry and I ask that in return, the mining industry throws opens its mind. And today, I will ensure that the mining advertisements paid for by the government are cancelled. And in return for this, I ask the mining industry to cease their advertising campaign as a show of good faith and mutual respect. Negotiations will occur with the mining industry, they will be led by the Treasurer and new Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister Martin Ferguson."

10. The Emotional Hook

Always build in an emotional hook - in this case war.

"Can I say as well as dealing with these issues, I want to say something to our troops. To our men and women at home and abroad, we're a grateful country and we acknowledge your sacrifice. Our country relies on you to keep us safe, to keep the peace and to honour the United States and the other alliances that are so important for our nation. The most recent loss of lives of brave Australian soldiers in Afghanistan and the injuries that have befallen our troops remind us all of the depth of the sacrifice that our serving men and women are called on to make. Our thoughts are certainly with the grieving families."

11. The Tribute

Always thank those you are taking over from.

"Finally, I want to pay a tribute to Kevin Rudd. Ultimately Kevin Rudd and I disagreed about the direction of the government. I believed that we needed to do better. But Kevin Rudd is a man of remarkable achievement. He made wonderful history for this nation by saying sorry to indigenous Australians, wonderful history. He was the leader who withdrew our troops from Iraq and had the foresight to reinforce our commitment in Afghanistan. He was the leader who saw us through the global financial crisis, the leader who turned his intelligence and determination to health reform, combating homelessness and closing the gap between indigenous Australians.And he came within a breath of brokering an international agreement on climate change, truly remarkable. Of course, I will be talking to Kevin Rudd about his future in the parliamentary Labor Party. I am also delighted to be standing here with the new Deputy Prime Minister, Wayne Swan. Wayne guided us through the very difficult waters of the global financial crisis, now he's guiding us back into surplus, getting the budget back into black. Wayne is an outstanding Treasurer of this country and I know he will make an outstanding Deputy Prime Minister. Of course there will need to be some consequential changes in our cabinet ministerial arrangements and I will announce them at an appropriate time."

12. The Call to Action

Always end a speech with a call to action.

"In conclusion can I say to my colleagues assembled, to the men and women of the press, I will dedicate my abilities to what I believe in: a nation where hard work is rewarded and where the dignity of work is respected; a nation that prides itself on the excellence of its education system; where the government can be relied on to provide high quality services for all Australians; an Australia that can achieve even greater things in the future.We should not be afraid of the future: a strong Australia, respected as a global force for progress, for peace and for tolerance; bright democracy for the world to admire and a sanctuary for all of our people.

Can I say to the Australian people — there will be some days I delight you, there may be some days I disappoint you, on every day I will be working my absolute hardest for you."

In summary, experience, practice, good advice and a love of language honed as a lawyer came through.

Want help building, writing and delivering a speech. Come to our next course on August 17th or join our mentor program. More details here.

Analysis of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's Last Speech

2010-06-24T16:19:00.004+08:00

What a day in Australian politics.

An historic moment as Kevin Rudd steps down (picture AAP). It was the equivalent of having to deliver your own eulogy at your own funeral. Very difficult.

What can we learn about his last speech?

1. Wardrobe and the Blue tie

Dark suit, white shirt, blue tie. The blue tie is significant and planned.
Why? Pure blue is the color of inspiration, sincerity and spirituality. Blue is the calming color for soothing, moderation and listening. Totally opposite to red.

2. Rudd the List Maker

His list of achievements - was it 28 in all? Shows him as the process driven policy maker and not the orator.

4. Control the Environment

Everything was controlled - who was there, how long, setting. For example having his family behind him and exit door. Flanked by family and Australian flags.

5. Some Spin

"Unfinished business, beginning of new business" - sounded good as a sound bite but meant nothing.

6. Emotion

Big impact - cancer, personal story about aorta and organ donations going up.

7. Personal story

Saying sorry to indigenous people - recounting exact place, time and feelings. Very powerful and highlight of speech.

8. Humour Circuit Breaker

Admission of not blubbering made everyone laugh. Genuine, warm, authentic, vulnerable not the spin Rudd.

9. Family

Support from wife Therese - powerful in the background.

10. Rudd the Geek

Poor ending "we've got to zip" just reinforced the complex, corny and geeky character that reminds of George out of the Jetson's cartoon character. Well meaning but always a bit dorky.

In the end, the downfall was swift, a product of his own Spin.

Want help with speeches? Our next course is August 17th or try our mentor program. More details here.

Words That Hurt

2010-06-23T10:25:00.003+08:00

There's been a lot in the media in Australia about racist comments recently - all with very negative consequences. Here's three examples:

1. In Rugby League, coach, TV presenter and former great Andrew Johns, described a Queensland player as a "black c---". Dropped from coaching position and public apology.

2. Former AFL player and West Australian, Mal Brown has been hounded by the media for giving a joking speech in which he referred to Aborigines he once played with as "cannibals". Forced to publicly apologise.

3. Robert DiPierdomenico, Hawthorn AFL Legend and popular ambassador for the AFL's Auskick program in an admiring reference to Gavin Wanganeen, in which he detailed the fellow Brownlow winner's honours, he added: "Not bad for an Abo." Now dumped from the job.

So what went wrong and why are their reputations of these sporting legends now tarnished for their public comments?

Well in a media statement today, the head of one of sport’s premier ‘fair play’ programs is concerned the problem runs far deeper than a few wisecracks.

Steve Rossingh, Executive Director of the Northern Territory Department of Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts and Sport and co-chair of Play by the Rules, a national initiative to encourage fair play in sport, says racism in any form is just that: racism.

“Any comment that is derogatory, insulting or offensive is disrespectful and saying it as a joke is no defence. I fear that racist comments like those we’ve heard recently are really symptoms of an underlying prejudice.”

But Rossingh was quick to point out that racism isn’t just evident in elite sport and that everyone in sport has a responsibility to see that their sport is welcoming and inclusive..

“Club sport lies at the heart of our communities and, although the elite sports stars can provide important role models, it’s the parents, coaches, players and administrators in clubs all over the country who must also play a role in addressing racism.

“Racism is hurtful and damaging and pointless – it can also be unlawful. There’s no place for it in sport. In fact, sport offers a wonderful opportunity to put our differences aside and engage in friendly and sometimes fierce competition with people regardless of their backgrounds, skin colours or the language they speak. Sport can be a great leveller.”

Rossingh believes the current debate provides an opportunity for all sports to consider the culture of their clubs and what they can do to promote fair and inclusive environments for participation.

“It’s disappointing to hear people we respect using racist language but, if we can acknowledge that racism exists, rather than laughing it off, we can start to actually do something about it.”

Play By The Rules offers online training, information and resources for clubs and sporting organisations to ensure everyone involved in sport can do so in enjoyable, safe environments, free from discrimination or harassment.

Play by the Rules is a unique partnership between the Australian Sports Commission, Australian Human Rights Commission and all state and territory sport and recreation and anti-discrimination agencies.

Want to avoid this happening to you in a speech.

Here are some options:

1. Never swear in a speech or near a microphone
2. Never make racist comments

Please consider our next Speechwriter and Speech building seminar in Perth on August 17th 2010 or our personal mentor program. More details here.

Name Change for BP?

2010-06-22T09:14:00.002+08:00

By Thomas Murrell MBA, CSP International Business Speaker

Imagine you are the CEO of BP.

At the outset of the crisis you say "it's just a drop in the ocean" and will cause “minimal damage”.

Later you say to reporters "I want my life back", forgetting about the 11 people who were killed.

BP's reputation in the oil and gas world and the wider community is now damaged forever and the once proud British company becomes the butt of jokes:

"British Petroleum said that if this spill gets worse, they may soon have to start drilling for water." -- Jay Leno.

“When I went to lunch and ordered the sea bass, they asked if I wanted it regular or unleaded," David Letterman quipped recently on his CBS show.

How do we know when a crisis is a crisis? When the media tell us it is a crisis.

On Twitter the tweets for “What does BP stand for?” come back – “Bad PR”, “Bloody Pathetic” and “Bad People”.

Reputations take years to build through carefully crafted marketing campaigns but they can be lost in seconds during a crisis like the one BP has experienced.

ExxonMobil has revealed at a hearing in Washington its emergency response plan includes 40 pages on dealing with the media and only nine on dealing with an oil spill.

What message does this send about their priorities?

There's even speculation BP might be bought by a rival such as ExxonMobil or Shell.

As a strategy, should BP change it's name following the US Gulf of Mexico oil spill?

BP's name now is inextricably linked with the worst man-made environmental disaster in U.S. history.

No amount of PR spin can change that reality.

A name change for companies facing negative public opinion is nothing new.

In the US, ValuJet, never recovered from a 1996 air crash. It is now AirTran.

Philip Morris tobacco became Altria in 2003.

In 1991, Kentucky Fried chicken announced that it was officially changing its name to "KFC".

The public relations reason given for the name change was that health-conscious consumers associated the word "fried" with "unhealthy" and "high cholesterol," but it was actually the trade marking of the name Kentucky that forced the name change plus a general trend towards a shortening of names.

Myths surround name changes and there is a misconception that the name change from Andersen Consulting to Accenture was the consulting firm's attempt to "hide" from the Enron scandal. This is not accurate given the timing of events.

Besides a name change, what else should BP do now from a PR perspective?

Here's some suggestions from various media articles:

**1. Set up a compensation fund.**

This needs to be a quick process to compensate those whose lives and livelihoods the oil spill has damaged and this is already being talked about in Washington and implemented.

**2. Go ultra-green.**

Some argue BP should become the oil industry's pro-environment leader with a number of substantive, concrete actions.

**3. Offer free product**

Free offers always work in trying to placate unhappy customers. Free BP product could go to churches, schools and charities in affected areas, and steep discounts could go to area residents for a specific time period.

**4. Assemble a panel.**

An independent panel of experts should take the long view of the crisis although this is happening as the heads of some of the world's biggest oil companies are being currently grilled in Washington.

**5. Listen to residents.**

The best way to build credibility is by listening instead of talking. BP should host regular town meetings with community members.

**6. Personalize BP.**

We saw this tactic implemented by Western Power after a power crisis on a hot, sticky February 2003 day in Western Australia.

This was a classic case of what can go wrong when a public utility fails to communicate with the community. Known as “Black Wednesday” the problems started when Perth residents and businesses were asked to swelter out forty-plus degree heat without their air conditioners and fridges or risk fines of up to $10,000.

Western Power apologised for its “inadequate and incomplete communication” over the power crisis and then spent millions on expensive TV commercials in an attempt to rebuild its reputation, trust and goodwill with the community of Perth.

It tried to make public heroes of community members and Western Power workers. BP could try the same although I doubt a cynical public would believe the ads.

**7. Fire the culprit.**

Certainly President Obama is mad and wants to sack the person judged ultimately responsible for the leak, whether it's the head of deepwater drilling or the CEO.

**8. Poll the public.**

Regular, in-depth public polling should take place now and for months to come to find out what actions the public supports and what actions it doesn't.

**9. Share the data.**

All that BP learns should be shared with government officials, academics and rivals.

Although this could backfire as ExxonMobil in particular was ridiculed at a hearing in Washington recently for including plans to deal with walruses - an animal whose range is confined to the Arctic - in its plans for a Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

**10. Be humble.**

After the oil leak stops, don't brag.

Here are 5 lessons all leaders should be aware of when dealing with the community over a public issue:

1. Plan for a crisis in advance.
2. Clarify your communication objectives.
3. Determine your spokesperson and road test their skills prior to a crisis.
4. Stick to the facts. Show empathy with those affected.
5. Develop an open and honest relationship with the media, avoid "No Comment" and be proactive.

Please consider:
Tuesday August 3rd 2010, Subiaco Arts Centre, Perth, Australia
Winning the Media Game
Numbers are strictly limited so book here].

CEOs Behaving Badly - DJ's Share Price Falls 4% After Inappropriate Behaviour Towards Female Staff Member

2010-06-18T09:01:00.004+08:00

What happens when the CEO of ASX publicly listed upmarket department store David Jones resigns after a female staff member makes allegations about inappropriate behaviour towards her?

The termination of the contract of Mark McInnes as CEO and board member would be effective immediately, Sydney-based David Jones said in a statement to the ASX.

Mr McInnes admitted to behaving "in a manner unbecoming of a chief executive to a female staff member" at two recent company functions.

Under the circumstances, the board and Mr McInnes agreed that it was in the best interest of shareholders and the company for his employment to be mutually terminated, the company statement said.

Mr McInnes's settlement payment will be less than his contractual entitlement after working for 13 years at David Jones and seven as CEO.

Well, the retailer's shares fell 3.76 per cent to $4.34 at 1027 AEST, against a 0.16 per cent in the benchmark index.

Appointed CEO on December 10, 2002, Mr McInnes oversaw a significant rise in the company's share price.

From $1.06 shortly before his appointment, the share price peaked at $5.91 during his tenure and was $4.51 when the market closed on Thursday.

Mr McInnes has succeeded in improving the profitability of David Jones. In the last full year of his tenure, David Jones reported profit after tax of $156.5 million and sales of $1.99 billion. That was an increase from the $25.5 million net loss from sales of $1.71 billion for the 52 weeks to July 27, 2002.

So by any standards his performance as CEO has been good for shareholders.

What went wrong?

Well, CEOs are the custodians of culture and an organisation is driven by its vision, mission and values. The values are an organisation's moral compass and the CEO is the custodian and visible and tangible walking talking embodiment of these values.

When the CEO behaves badly it reflects of the whole company. This is especially important for a retailer where customer service is critical.

The Board acted correctly in the interests of shareholders and acted quickly. In a case like this swift action is needed and it is important to be proactive and make a public statement and hold a media conference.

The lessons here for leaders and CEOs, when you are in a leadership role your behaviour is under the spotlight 24/7. You are in public life 24/7. There is no off switch. If you can't handle this you are not up to becoming CEO of a listed company and the responsibilities that this involves.

Want more help on how values impact on leadership and the share performance of your publicly listed company? Book Tom for a Boardroom presentation for your Directors. Enquire here.

Can You Predict the Stockmarket?

2010-06-16T09:14:00.005+08:00

Predicting future movements in the stock market is the holy grail for any investor or investor relations professional.

Investor relations advice, investor relations training, investor relations courses and investor relations consultants are all good ways to get a better understanding of how share investors behave.

But a new report in journal New Scientist (19th June) argues that analysing blogs and tweets can provide insights into how the stock market may move.

Google has discovered how the volume of searches for certain products such as homes, cars and other products fell in line with monthly sales figures.

They believe this is a better and instantaneous forecasting tool compared to analysing past sales figures.

Other researchers according to the article have found terms like "job search engine" are a good indicator of coming changes in the unemployment rate.

My good friend Charlie Gunningham at aussiehome.com always said their real estate portal was always three months ahead of any residential sales trends.

The bottom line is that blogs provide a sample of what is going on in society and especially for capturing the economic mood of society.

I predict we will see more research in this area and this will relate to investor relations advice, investor relations training, investor relations courses and investor relations consultants.

Looking for help in investor relations advice, investor relations training, investor relations courses and investor relations consultants?

Please contact us through our website.

Wesfarmers Warns Super Tax Woeful

2010-06-15T17:14:00.004+08:00

Wesfarmers has played the dividend card in its criticism of the federal government's resources super profits tax

It told shareholders the tax could dent dividends paid to shareholders.

Wesfarmers, a top 100 ASX listed diversified conglomerate warns its shareholders the tax could have significant flow-on effects for the broader economy and society.

It is concerned about the impact on its retail chains including Coles that is being paid off by the cash generated by it's coal division.

"This (coal) division has been very important to Wesfarmers since we first acquired the now Premier Coal business in 1989," Wesfarmers said in a letter to shareholders.

"Cashflows from the division during periods of high export coal prices have enabled us to undertake expansions at group level (much of the acquisition of Coles Group in 2007) with confidence.

"They have also supported Wesfarmers paying a significant component of our after-tax profits in dividends to our shareholders.

"Any threat to earnings is clearly a threat to the level of dividend we can pay you, our shareholders."

"That flow-on effect on a broadly based conglomerate like ours might be seen as analogous to the potential impact of the tax, not just on the resources industry, but on the wider national economy."

Wesfarmers said its resources division paid an effective tax rate of 41 per cent last year, comprising state royalties plus company tax.

This is a great example of effective shareholder communications.

Want to learn more about investor relations and stakeholder communications? Enquire now about how we can help.

What Makes A Good Annual Report?

2010-06-14T09:22:00.004+08:00

It's coming up to the end of the financial year. So it's Annual report writing season.

Whether you are a not for profit or a large multi-national, writing annual reports is a specialised skill.

So how do you write a good annual report?

Here are three tips and a case study.

1. Write clearly - remember clear writing is a sign of clear thinking.

2. Write for your specific audience - is it investors, volunteers or staff?

3. Good structure - this is the key to a good report - an outstanding and logical structure.

Case Study: Gladstone Ports Receives Report of the Year Award in Australasian Reporting Awards (ARA) 60th Anniversary

Gladstone Ports Corporation was the clear-cut winner of the 2010 Report of the Year Award in a year highlighted by very high standards of reporting.

The ARA judges commented that the Gladstone Ports annual report is an excellent example of reporting. “It skilfully accommodates the information needs of its various readers: government ministers, industry and business groups, port users, employees and the local community.”

“From high-level overviews through to the details, the report links Gladstone Ports’ activities and outcomes with its commitment to pursuing its mission and upholding its values. The tone strongly underpins the organisation’s dedication to achieving its commercial aims while providing best practice outcomes for the local community and the environment.”

The Awards were presented at the 60th Anniversary ARA Awards Presentation Dinner held at the Hilton Sydney on Thursday, 11 June attended by senior executives of major corporate, government and not-for-profit organisations from around Australia, and from New Zealand.

The ARA Awards are essentially a benchmarking activity - not a competition. They were introduced 60 years ago to help improve the quality of annual reports. Reports are assessed against the ARA criteria which are based on world best practice and updated regularly as statutory requirements and stakeholder expectations change. Organisations that satisfy the ARA criteria to different extents receive a Gold, Silver or Bronze Award.

The ARA also presents Special Awards for reporting in areas that are critical to the performance and accountability of an organisation. These include Electronic (Online) Reporting, Communication, Governance, Knowledge Capital, Occupational Health and Safety, and Sustainability.

ARA Chairman Tim Sheehy said, “That 40 organisations received Gold Awards and 84 others received Silver Awards indicates many organisations in Australia and New Zealand are very concerned about the quality of their reporting, and that the quality of the best reports in Australia and New Zealand is very high by world standards.”

“It also indicates the ARA and its strong supporters, such as the professional associations CPA Australia and Chartered Secretaries Australia, have been very effective in promoting the need for high quality reporting and in helping organisations to improve their performance.”

The ARA sets criteria to guide report preparation (and adjudication); holds an annual seminar on how to prepare an effective annual report; reviews reports and rewards the organisations that satisfy the Criteria with an Award. The ARA also offers constructive feedback to the people responsible for preparing reports entered in the Awards on what was done well, what could be done better and how to do it in their next report.

Interested in writing more clearly for specific audiences? Come to our Media Writing Masterclass on Tuesday June 29th at the Subiaco Arts Centre in Perth from 9am to 12.30pm. Book here.

Why Kevin Wore A Blue Tie in Perth?

2010-06-11T09:49:00.006+08:00

PRIME Minister Kevin Rudd (pictured photo source ABC News) wore a blue tie when he addressed the Perth Press Club this week to defend his resource super-profits tax.

Why?

Because blue is the colour of conciliation. Of compromise. It sends the subtle message - I'm listening, I'm with you, I'm not battling against you.

The mining tax is dominating the media in the resource rich and wild West.

During the speech and in media interviews afterwards he was right on message with his words matching his blue tie.

His message; he was in Perth to listen, to consult, and to consider, but all the same, he believed the tax was “about right”.

Pictures are compelling because a photo of Australia’s billionaire, mining magnate Andrew Forrest, in warm embrace with Deputy Opposition Leader Julie Bishop, on the front page of The West Australian and Australian Financial Review newspapers was a telling example of how the mood is changing.

There is a very strong perception that Mr Rudd has miscalculated public opinion over the mining industry tax and is working really hard to change that public opinion.

The master of spin and his advisors understand the subtle power of colour.

What colours do you wear during an important presentation? What subtle message do you want to send to your audience? Think carefully about your personal brand matching your message when you appear on television or in front of an audience.

Pay attention to the small details to make a big impression.

Learn more at our speech writing and speech building seminar in Perth on Tuesday 15th June 2010. Book here.

How's Business?

2010-06-10T10:06:00.004+08:00

How's Business? This is the most common question I get asked by friends, family and colleagues?

So how do you answer?

Do you remain positive and smile?

Or do you open up and pour your heart out about how tough business conditions are?

Or do you pass off the question with a pleasantry?

Well how about answering with some facts! That will blow away your competitors and embed you in the mind of your prospects.

So what are the facts on business at the moment? Well, do some research for your country, geographical area or industry niche.

For those in Australia here are the facts according to the latest survey:

Record slump in Australian business confidence

Australia has experienced a record fall in business confidence during the quarter, surpassing the declines experienced during the height of the Global Financial Crisis, according to the Sensis® Business Index released today.

The quarterly survey began in 1993 and provides the latest snapshot of small and medium enterprise (up to 199 employees) business activity in Australia. It is based on a sample size of approximately 1,800 from metropolitan and regional areas, interviewed between 6 May and 3 June 2010.

Report author Ms Christena Singh said business confidence had plummeted on the back of soft demand, low profitability and weakening economic conditions.

“The substantial fall in business confidence this quarter has negated the healthy results we had been seeing during the last half of 2009.

“We now have more businesses worried about their prospects than we had this time last year.

“Nevertheless, business confidence, overall, remains much stronger than the record low level seen in March 2009,” Ms Singh explained.

The report shows businesses are also expecting trading and economic conditions to deteriorate further during the next 12 months.

Sales fell strongly during the quarter and the indicator is now trending near the low levels experienced 12 months ago.

“Businesses are not expecting demand to improve in either the coming quarter or in the year ahead,” she said.

Profitability also declined sharply, although remains stronger than it was 12 months ago.

Employment by small businesses did improve during the quarter, but from last quarter’s low level. “We are still seeing a landscape where more businesses are shedding staff than hiring, and lack of work remains the key barrier to employment.”

To add to business’ woes, Ms Singh said there had been a further tightening in the availability of credit during the quarter.

Business support for the government also fell strongly during the quarter, taking it to the lowest level since August 2008.

Key reasons for disapproval include perceptions the government does not provide incentives for small businesses, that taxation is too high, and there is too much bureaucracy and government interference.

Want help getting out of a slump? Consider our 3-month small business mentor package. Visit our website for contact details.

Reaching the Unreachable Customer Through Social Media With Tom Abbott

2010-06-02T12:30:00.005+08:00

Reaching the Unreachable Customer Through Social Media with Tom Abbott

Pictured with Tom Abbott, fellow speaker at the Optimise Your Online Performance ST701 Seminar on Digital Marketing Strategies held at the Singapore Press Holdings Auditorium, SPH News Centre, Singapore on Tuesday 25th May 2010.

Listen to this podcast of an interview with Tom.

Download the link.
Click here to download…

DBS Leadership and Learn Lunch Presentation Singapore May 2010

2010-06-01T20:01:00.008+08:00

Pictured with delegates and Keith Sng, DBS Learning & Development, Group HR - Talent Management, DBS Bank, Singapore.

Topic: Reputational Capital – How to Build, Brand and Sustain Your Corporate, Professional or Personal Reputation

How to Attract, Win and Retain Even More Profitable Customers through the gravity effect of a Strong Reputation

Like financial capital – reputational capital flows to where it’s wanted and stays where it’s well looked after. Reputations take years to build and you can be lost in seconds. You can buy a logo or an image, but you have to earn a reputation. Those organizations with the strongest internal values have the most powerful external reputations. Organizations with the strongest reputations are the most profitable. Reputations are forged during difficult times. There has never been a better time to invest in your corporate, professional or personal reputation.

Explore how to use reputation building strategies to make you and your organization more profitable. Learn the powerful secrets of the new concept of “Reputational Capital”

Key Takeaways:

Understand the simple yet powerful formula for building reputation: VISIBILITY + CREDIBILITY = PROFITABILITY
Learn techniques to harness the “Gravity Effect” of a strong reputation
Gain insights into the differences between core, built and perceived reputations
Define your unique reputational point of difference (RPOD)

About The Presenter:

Thomas Murrell MBA CSP is a multi-award winning broadcaster, international business speaker, author and advisor who is recognised globally as the number one authority on how to build, brand and sustain reputational capital. Described by the Australian Institute of Management as "one of Australia’s leading management thinkers and practitioners" he has more than 26 years experience in media, marketing and management. His latest book, Understanding Influence for Leaders at All Levels (co-author McGraw-Hill) is published in seven countries including the USA and UK.

Book Tom to speak at your next event. Make an enquiry here.

Maximising Digital Marketing Effort Singapore May 26th 2010 Organised by ST710

2010-05-31T17:18:00.011+08:00

Feedback from participants:

“Very clear, practical and doable on his digital marketing training workshop. Can’t wait to test it out!” Lazarus Soeharto, Ir., Director Business Development, Ecoprintlution, Surabaya, Jatim, Indonesia

“I came to this course hoping to learn more on online marketing and I am very happy that Tom actually showed me how to use online marketing more effectively. And I also learnt the how and ways to convince my clients in applying digital marketing in their business and complementing it together with their traditional marketing to reach a wider audience.” Steve Wee, Executive Director Saxxom, Suntec Tower Singapore and Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

“Thank you for an extremely useful workshop that is highly valued. What I really enjoyed about the workshop were the hands-on marketing exercises, making me rethink some aspects of my digital marketing plan and last but not least, the opportunity to gain valuable insights, mentoring and guidance from you. Once again, thank you very much for the workshop!” Gareth Phua, Design Director, three visual communication, Laguna Park, Singapore

“The course was helpful and applicable to practising digital marketing with the great tips provided. It will certainly enhance my existing marketing efforts and has highlighted the “dos” I should continue and “don’ts” that I should stop and avoid.” Lynn Hee, Account Manager – Training, Oil Spill Response Limited, Jalan Samulun, Singapore

“Thomas epitomises the culmination of digital marketing ideas of various industries of the new age.” Cherry Khoo, Manager Operations and Administration, National University Health System, National University Hospital, Singapore

“Thomas knows his stuff well and is an interactive and engaging trainer. The workshop was great fun.” Pauline Leong, Marketing and Communications Manager, rednano.sg Singapore Press Holdings, News Centre, Singapore

“The course provided tips and pointers, “dos” and “don’ts”, and networking opportunities to learn from each other. It forced us to exercise the basic thinking leading to devising a plan. A very fruitful day!” Aileen Chua, Regional Marketing Director, Global Beauty International Pte Limited, Orchard Road, Singapore

“Great digital marketing strategies especially with regards to authentic relationship building.” Marian Jacob MBA, Manager Corporate Communications, BDO International Limited, Jit Poh Building, Singapore

“Tom’s personal experience in the field of digital marketing offered me a first person’s perspective of the challenges and critical details of online marketing. I feel more equipped now to plan and implement a digital marketing plan for my company.” Lee Cheh Hsien, EZRA Holdings Limited, Tower Fifteen, Singapore

“Tom’s course is very practical, the knowledge and resources that he shared are something I can use in the office tomorrow!” Adrian Koh, Director, Corporate Visions Pte Limited, Jalan Bukit Ho Swee, Singapore

Pictured with the winner of the raffle: Ms LEE Swee Heng, Head, Reputation Management, Corporate Communications, SERC Shared Services, Science and Engineering Institutes, Nanyang Drive, Singapore

Want to know more about digital marketing strategy? Book Tom to run a course for your organisation now.

What's Your View on Referrals?

2010-05-23T21:11:00.001+08:00

What do you think of marketing guru Seth Godin's view on referrals?

He says:
"On finding referrals
The people who work the hardest to get referrals, it seems to me, are the people who least deserve them.

If you make average stuff for average people, why exactly will someone refer you? If you are busy selling standard insurance policies to standard insurance clients, why will someone refer you? Because you're good at golf?

In fact, the best way to get referrals is to change what you do, what you sell, how you act when times are difficult, how generous you are when you don't need to be.

Yes, you should make it easy for people to refer you. Yes you should be aware that asking for referrals can help. But no, all the tactics in the world won't help you get the referrals you want. The only thing that will make you remarkable is being worth remarking about."

What are your views on this?

Why not see how we can help you implement a referral strategy for your business. Ask here.

BP's Reputation On The Line

2010-05-22T18:29:00.004+08:00

There's increasing anger and negative public opinion over the huge oil slick hitting US shores because of the month-long clean-up happening in the Gulf of Mexico.

Is this the worst US oil spill, eclipsing the 1989 Exxon Valdez accident in Alaska?

The Case Against BP

"Lost all credibility," according to Democratic congressman Ed Markey.

"We're beginning to understand that we cannot trust BP. People do not trust the experts any longer," he said.

"It's obvious they are trying to limit information to protect their economic liability."

"It's very clear that BP has not been telling the truth," Massachusetts Democrat Ed Markey told CNN.

The case for BP:

"We've mounted the largest response ever done in the world. We put 20,000 people at this," BP's chief operating officer, Doug Suttles said.

"I understand the anger. But I can tell you, I don't know of anything, absolutely anything we could be doing that we're not doing."

The Political Spin:

"We are facing a disaster, the magnitude of which we likely have never seen before, in terms of a blowout in the Gulf of Mexico," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs told reporters.

"And we're doing everything humanly possible and technologically possible to deal with that."

President Barack Obama has named two men to head a bipartisan commission to investigate the massive oil spill.

They are former senator Bob Graham and former Environmental Protection Agency chief William Reilly.

Even at the lowest estimates, more than 6 million gallons of crude have flowed into the water since the disaster.

Independent experts have warned the flow could be at least 10 times higher than the current estimates.

Watch this space and learn.

If you are BP, how do you build credibility? Well through a new concept called Reputational Capital.

Like financial capital – reputational capital flows to where it’s wanted and stays where it’s well looked after. Reputations take years to build and can be lost in seconds. You can buy a logo or an image, but you have to earn a reputation.

My premise is that those organizations with the strongest internal values have the most powerful external reputations. Organizations with the strongest reputations are the most profitable.

Reputations are forged during difficult times. Given the recent global financial crisis, there has never been a better time to invest in your reputational capital.

What is reputation? Well firstly it’s intangible. Here are three definitions:

• The general opinion of the public towards a person, a group of people, or an organization (Wikipedia)
• “goodwill”
• The strategic standing of the organisation in the eyes of its customers

There are nine perspectives on reputation:

1. Marketing: +ve associations = supportive behavior
2. Economics: key strengths & competitive advantage
3. Strategic management: attract and retain customers, staff and shareholders
4. Sociology: impression management
5. Organisational science: sense making and sense giving through storytelling
6. Accounting: intangible asset that measures the difference between book value and market value
7. Legal: compliant and not breaking the law
8. Governance: being ethical and transparent
9. Synergistic: All of the above working together

Want to learn more. Book Tom as a keynote speaker for your next event or road test your crisis plan with a hypothetical crisis. Book here.

What Makes a Great Leader?

2010-05-21T14:15:00.004+08:00

What makes a good leader, especially in the political world?

IBISWorld created an Economic Health Index (EHI) in the early 1990s to assess the then 72 leaders of Australia from 1788. These included Governors up until parliaments emerged in the middle of the 19th Century, then Premiers of NSW and Victoria (the states that dominated the national economy), then Prime Ministers from 1901.

So, what characterized these successful leaders, these rare one in four heads of the Australian nation? IBISWorld found a dozen common traits as shown in the list below:

I would add to this the ability to manage the media.

Want help managing the media? Come to our next course on June 1st 2010. Book here.

Industry Consultation Missed in Resources Super Tax

2010-05-20T17:28:00.004+08:00

There's a lot of debate about the Rudd Government's planned 40 per cent super tax for big mining companies in Australia.

It now appears to be the big issue in the looming Federal election.

The idea of resources rents have been around since the 1960s and I even remember studying the concept in my postgraduate Diploma of Agricultural Economics in the mid80s.

So what went so wrong for the Rudd Government?

They failed to adhere toseven critical public relations and change management rules:

1. Always consult widely before you introduce new policy. Inclusiveness, accessibility and diversity are critical.

Rio Tinto Ltd.'s managing director in Australia, David Peever, claims the consultation process isn't broad enough, with the mining industry unable to raise key concerns.

2. Provide lots of information - this avoids uncertainty. Make the information confidential. Private not public debate.

3. Provide mechanisms for feedback - in private not in the media.

Here's a view from Australia's richest person, mining magnate Andrew Forrest (pictured):

He told the Australian Mines and Metals Association national conference that consultation with the government over the tax had been futile.

"They said to us we can't change the tax, the 40 per cent rate, the six per cent, the retrospectivity, we can't change it," he said in Perth.

"They said `if you want to get rid of this tax, you have to change the government'.

"And that doesn't really suit me at all."

Media reports claim the West Australian billionaire and Mr Rudd have become close friends during the past three years through their work in promoting indigenous employment and welfare but recent policy was testing their relationship.

"Having a policy which pits me against some of the people I deeply admire is placing me in a very difficult position."

The news report said Mr Rudd would not return his calls and the only people he was prepared to speak to was the media.

4. Evaluate feedback.

5. Report and publish feedback.

6: Timing - try and avoid an election year. If it is negative - do it early in your term of office. And not after the announcement.

"We're having a mature discussion with the business community, with mining companies about these matters, and we'll continue to do that," Australian Treasurer Wayne Swan said the government is consulting in a genuine way with the mining industry and taking their views on board. But after the announcement not before and certainly not played out in the media.

7. Responsiveness - if you are going to make changes, deliver the quickly not over a long period like five years for the planned new Resource Super Profits Tax.

Professor Neville Norman at an Institute of A Chartered Accountants breakfast believes there is a 90 per cent chance the Rudd Government will not introduce the Super Tax.

Praise for Media Writing Skills Masterclass May 18th 2010 Subiaco

2010-05-19T11:21:00.005+08:00

Feedback from participants:

"Well structured, informative and beneficial. Tom's years of experience in the field pay dividends"

Jennifer McVeigh, Communications Officer, Department of Rgional Development and Lands, Pedrth

"I liked the small group and easy to converse"

Lou Smith, PA to GM Public Relations, Burswood Entertainment Complex, Burswood

"Practical guidelines and planning methods. Key points to check when writing a media release"

Dr Nicole Meyers, Research Officer, Office of Peter Abetz MLA, Thornlie

"Clear, informative, entertaining and highly practical"

Gerard Goiran, Research Officer, Office of Peter Abetz MLA, Thornlie

Listen to part of seminar here:

Please consider:

Media Writing Masterclass: Write Better News Releases That Get Published In Less Time - Tuesday June 29th 2010, Subiaco Arts Centre, Perth

Want to get editorial coverage in the media? This intensive media writing session will take your news releases to a whole new level.

Also please consider:

Media Skills Masterclass: Winning the Media Game - Tuesday June 1st 2010, Subiaco Arts Centre, Perth

Want to get your message across in the media? This intensive media skills session will take your media performance for TV, radio and print to a whole new level.

Suitable for both new and experienced professionals.

Includes comprehensive workbook, case studies, examples of media message framing and templates, mock TV and radio interviews, unlimited second by second feedback on your media performance, ongoing email tips, delicious morning tea and lunch.

Use your West Australian State Government training voucher to receive $220 off the cost of this seminar.

Tuesday June 1st 2010, Subiaco Arts Centre, Perth, Australia
Winning the Media Game
Numbers are strictly limited so book here.

Abbott Wishes Microphone Was Not On After "Gospel Truth" Gaffe on TV Interview

2010-05-19T09:04:00.005+08:00

The opposition Leader in Australia, Tony Abbott, a relative newbie to the position is another high profile politician to make a gaffe in front of the microphone.

He was asked on the ABC's 7.30 Report recently about his promise this year not to propose any new taxes, which he reneged on a month later by announcing a levy to fund paid parental leave.

Mr Abbott said his scripted remarks could be taken as "gospel truth" but, "in the heat of discussion you go a little bit further".

So he's fessed up that he's a liar and of course the media and Rudd Government have had a field day - again a major focus for the media with the "Phoney Tony" tagline.

"I know politicians are going to be judged on everything they say but sometimes in the heat of discussion you go a little bit further than you would if it was an absolutely calm, considered, prepared, scripted remark.

"The statements that need to be taken absolutely as gospel truth are those carefully prepared scripted remarks."

Abbott's other gaffe came in the heat of the last election when he turned up to a media debate with Labor's Nicola Roxon. He was caught out being rude to her when he thought the interview was over and the microphone wasn't on.

This issue is about trust. Was Abbott too honest and is he trying to distance himself from the consummate spin of Rudd?

There's no doubt the Rudd Government have been masters of managing the news cycle and that is starting to unravel.

The key takeaways from this for leaders are that always be disciplined in media interviews and learn to "block and bridge" tough questions.

This is basic politics 101.

Want to learn how to deal with the media? Come to our next Winning the Media Game course on June 1 in Subiaco Perth. Book here.

Microphone Technique 101 with Gordon Brown Former PM UK

2010-05-13T06:51:00.010+08:00

28 April: With six days to polling day, UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown (picture courtesy PA) left is caught on microphone calling Gillian Duffy, 65, a "bigoted woman" following a conversation with her in Rochdale. Media chaos ensues when he visits her to apologise.

It is common practice when politicians are doing “walkabouts” for them to be fitted with a radio microphone supplied by one of the broadcasters, in this case Sky News.

One of his PR minders forgot to turn the microphone off.

According to reports a small microphone would have been clipped to Mr Brown’s lapel, with a wire running to a battery pack on his belt, which in turn transmitted the audio back to the camera crew.

The alternative is to use a large boom microphone, but this requires an additional technician to carry it around and results in patchier sound quality.

Sky News said that Mr Brown left in his car before the microphone could be removed and switched off.

Did this incident cause Gordon Brown to lose the UK election?

It certainly had an impact. Why?

1. He lost his credibility

2. It caused mistrust amongst voters

3. It distracted from his key policy and election messages

4. It impacted negatively on his reputation

5. He was forced to apologise

6. It was covered in media all around the world and dominated media coverage and was "the defining moment and image of the election"

7. It was played over and over again

8. It was an uncontrolled message

9. It came at a critical time in the election phase

10. It was what people will remember about him

The key learning - always assume any microphone is on, for leaders there is no "off" and never be critical of anyone - always be gracious and respectful.

Here's how the story unfolded.

Want to be better at dealing with the media, be more comfortable in front of microphones and learn how to turn them off? Come to our next media training course on June 1, 2010. Book here.

Great Story on Denial Coming Out In New Scientist Magazine

2010-05-12T12:36:00.005+08:00

Anyone involved in dealing with change, changing public opinion or dealing with community activist groups should read this article.

Highlights according to the Magazine include:

"SPECIAL REPORT: STATE OF DENIAL

Why do so many people refuse to accept what the evidence tells them? Denial is a phenomenon that spreads rapidly and encompasses any number of issues. New Scientist’s special report explores the causes and characteristics of denial and ways to challenge the denialist movement.

· I am a sceptic, but I am no denier: What is denial and how is it different from scepticism?

· Whose conspiracy?: All denial is essentially the same, regardless of whether it’s about tobacco, AIDS, climate change or vaccines.

· Giving life to a lie: What makes people accept a lie as truth?"

The three takeaways for me:

1. Denial is often from an ideological or religious point of view
2. The Internet has allowed denialist ideas to be given visibility and credibility
3. Professionals in PR, marketing, persuasion and influence should be studying this areas because it gives many insights into managing stakeholder expectations.

Do you need to manage your reputation because of false rumours? Our experienced team can help. Contact us here.

How To Release Negative News

2010-05-06T11:06:00.001+08:00

How To Release Negative News
By Thomas Murrell MBA, CSP International Business Speaker

In Australia at the moment you can't miss the release of the Henry Tax Review.

It has been described as one of the most significant tax reforms.

In headline speak, the media are calling it "Henry 2010" and most are analysing how it affects your income, your savings, your property and your business.

Is there an angle they haven't covered?

Well, now the dust has settled I want to look at the timing of the release.

Everyone knows it is an election year and "Henry 2010" will be a major shaper of public opinion.

It is also clear that the logic of tax reform is clouded by political decisions.

For a resource rich State where I live in Western Australia, global mining companies have been hit with a 40 per cent "super tax".

As a result of being taxed more, this will erode profits, reducing dividends to shareholders.

This has had an immediate negative impact on the share price of mining stocks.

In fact some commentators say the wealth wiped from private Australian shareholders by the decision is more than the value of the benefits delivered to tax payers! But that's another story.

The point I want to explore is how do you release news that you know is going to be negative to your reputation, image or share price.

Well it is all about timing.

Why was the "Henry 2010" released on a Sunday morning?

Here are five reasons:

1. The Market Was Closed
Stock markets rely on rules and regulations around continuous disclosure.

"Once an entity is or becomes aware of any information concerning it that a reasonable person would expect to have a material effect on the price or value of the entity's securities, the entity must immediately tell the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) that information." (Refer: ASX Rules and Regulations Chapter 3)

What would be the mayhem on mining stocks if "Henry 2010" was released while the markets were open?

If you have significantly market sensitive information consider the timing of its release in terms of impact on the market.

2. Media Competition

Sunday is a day when there is less news being created.

So a benefit is less competition from other news stories and hence a greater chance of your story getting in the news if its positive.

3. Time For Analysis

On a big story like "Henry 2010" the media want time to analyse the story.

Make sure information is released well before media deadlines to allow media to analyse and craft their stories.

What about social or digital media that has no deadlines and runs 24/7 I hear you ask?

Again look at your strategy and who you are trying to target to guide your decision making on using the most appropriate and effective media channel.

4. Media Cycle

Sunday is often chosen for political announcements because it sets the agenda for media coverage for the rest of the week.

As the story unfolds, it will gain momentum with different angles.

5. Messaging is Critical

For bad or negative news, messaging is critical because every word and phrase will be hyper analysed by the media.

A good technique is: COMPLEX -> SIMPLE -> COMPELLING

Take the current US oil spill for example. Bad news for BP. How do they communicate this?

BP America's chairman, Lamar McKay told a media conference attempts to cap the well, activate the cut-off valves known as the blowout protector were like carrying out "open heart surgery at 5,000 feet in the dark with robot-controlled submarines".

Interesting messaging and choice of metaphor.

If you want to release information always consider its timing with the media.

Want to know more about message framing and timing of information to the media?

Please consider: Tuesday May 18th 2010, Subiaco Arts Centre, Perth, Australia
Writing and Pitching Winning Media Releases
Numbers are strictly limited so book here.

Under 30 Years of Age and Want to Make it in Business?

2010-04-27T12:18:00.004+08:00

What does it take to make it in business if you are under 30 years of age?

This is a great article from Smart Company:

"The businesses run by this group of rising entrepreneurs aged 30 years and under have more than $100 million in combined revenue. They employ well over 600 people. On average, their start up costs were under $100,000 and in most cases their companies have been in operation for less than five years.

And after breezing through the GFC, this group of young guns is looking to really ramp up their growth as the economy heads back towards top speed.

There were two main criteria for this year‘s list – entrepreneurs had to be 30 years or under and their business had to have at least $1 million in annual sales.

So how are they doing it? Here are 10 strategy secrets from the Hot 30:

Live to serve
As in the wider Australian economy, the clear trend from the list is the shift towards services – 18 of the 30 businesses on the list are service companies riding the outsourcing trend, typically in a very specific niche.

Leverage your tech edge
What sets these younger entrepreneurs apart is their ability to use technology in different ways to give themselves an edge by cutting out costs, connecting with customers and staff and delivering services faster and more cheaply.

Your idea doesn't need to be revolutionary
Many entrepreneurs think they need a completely original idea or a brilliant new product to succeed. Not true – simply delivering a better product or service than currently exists is enough to build a strong business.

Look overseas for great ideas
Getting ahead of the local market by looking overseas is not a guarantee of success, but it can provide a strong building block.

The younger you are, the less you've got to lose
Starting a business when you are young can be tough, particularly when you're trying to scrape together start up funds. But a number of entrepreneurs on the Hot 30 say this is also an advantage – the less you've got, the less you've got to lose.

Get advice – and plenty of it
Whether it is a mentor, a board or directors, an accountant, a legal adviser or an industry expert, soaking up as much advice as possible is crucial to success.

Hire well
Entrepreneurs of all ages will tell you that good staff are one of the most important ingredients for success. For young and less experienced business owners, this is especially true.

Fight to persuade suppliers to work with you
One of the biggest challenges the Hot 30 talk about is convincing suppliers that young entrepreneurs should be taken seriously. The experience of the Hot 30 shows that it doesn't get any easier, although success has a funny way of opening doors.

Systemise it
The explosive growth of a young business can be difficult for an entrepreneur to manage and the implementation of strong financial, HR and administrative systems is crucial to coping with grow.

Listen to the market
Perhaps it's their ability to tap into social networks or maybe it's just because they have grown up as big consumers of information. Whatever the case, the Hot 30 concentrate heavily on listening to customers and gathering market intelligence."

Source: The Hot 30 Under 30 - 30 entrepreneurs making more than $1 million a year, Media release APRIL 27, 2010.

Need help? Why not consider our mentor program. Contact us via our web.

Great Feedback For Essentials of Investor, Media and Stakeholder Relations Tuesday 13th April 2010, Chartered Secretaries Australia, Perth, Australia

2010-04-23T18:14:00.004+08:00

One of the elements I love about this organisation is that they rigorously test and measure the effectiveness of all their seminars.

What a delight it was to get this quantitative feedback about the program:

100% of delegates rated knowledge of subject matter Excellent (highest rating)
100% of delegates rated practical application of the visuals and handouts Excellent (highest rating)
100% of delegates rated ability to answer questions Excellent (highest rating)
96% of delegates rated the speaker overall Excellent (highest rating)

Some qualitative feedback:

"Interactive presentation, flexibility and personal approach"
"Practical examples and sharing experiences"
"Tom was personable and very good at getting us back onto the topic. He has good chairperson skills"

"Feedback from this program was very positive, and both your content and presentation were rated highly from participants" Leigh Grant, Manager Western Australia

Why don't you consider hiring Tom to speak on Essentials of Investor, Media and Stakeholder Relations to your senior executives or Borad of your public company? Enquire here.

How To Do 10 Presentations in 10 Days - Part Two

2010-04-22T15:55:00.002+08:00

How To Do 10 Presentations in 10 Days - Part Two
By Thomas Murrell MBA, CSP International Business Speaker

This article is based on the premise: Visibility + Credibility = Profitability.

Giving a speech is one of the best ways of implementing this formula.

You may remember I set myself the personal goal of giving 10 presentations in 10 days and getting my name, face, brand and message in front of as many people as possible.

I also tried to give the speeches in as many different contexts as possible.

I also tried many different types of methodology - as a personal stretch.

By writing this article, I'm not trying to IMPRESS you, but EXPRESS to you that there are many ways to give a speech and lots of opportunities available.

Here are my second set of insights into what I did and how you can achieve the same success for your career, business and life.

6. Give a Breakfast Keynote to a Private Business Club Where You Are A Member

Day 6 - was to give a breakfast keynote Brands, Beliefs and the Bottomline as part of the Triple B Breakfast Series at the prestigious Western Australian Club where I am a member.
Methodology - Keynote.
Outcomes - Challenge and change the thinking of a small but influential group.
Key Learnings - leverage the marketing budget, channels and distribution of a business club. They included the event with photo and biography in their regular glossy magazine mailed to all members, in their electronic newsletter, on their website and on the screens at their venue. I even had a meeting with a prospect at the Club weeks prior to the event and my name and face was on the big TV screen and this was a point of conversation and a good first impression when I met them. What you need: Good structure, props and narrative. Lots of personal stories.
ACTION: Leverage the moment with a photograph of the most influential and prominent people in the audience. Follow-up with an article or podcast for those that couldn't make it!

7. Facilitate and Host a Forum

Day 7 - was to facilitate The Way Forward Forum at The University of Western Australia Business School, Crawley, Perth.
Methodology - Facilitate, act as MC, keep the event running smoothly, ensure a process for engagement and input for all audience members.
Outcomes - Application of information into a framework and what it means in the context of the audience.
Key Learnings - Focus on a Process that facilitates Capturing & Building Ideas. Allow Space & time to facilitate discussion.
ACTION: Use tried and tested facilitation skills such as breaking into groups, setting tasks within a framework, reporting back and using expert panel for feedback. Make sure you capture the moment and gather a testimonial (see my earlier blog post). Use LinkedIn as a simple way to capture and share testimonials.

8. Present a 1-minute Pitch To A Regular Breakfast Networking Group such as Business Network International (BNI)

Day 8 - was to give a one minute speech to a regular networking group I'm a member of.
Methodology - Elevator sales pitch in concise format
Outcomes - Because you deliver to this group every week - make it different each week. Use concrete examples and highlight your point of difference compared to competitors. Have a strong call to action at the end.
Key Learnings - spend the time preparing.
ACTION: There is an extra buzz when you go to a breakfast meeting with your bags packed, finish a speech, then jump in a cab and go straight to the airport to fly to your next speaking enagagement.

9. Run a Seminar for An Industry Association But in a Different Location

Day 9 - was to run a repeat half day workshop for an Industry Association but in Sydney instead of Perth
Methodology - Seminar Style Training
Outcomes - Skills transfer to small group
Key Learnings - leverage off the existing database and relationship the industry organisation has with its members. What you need: Exceptional content, outstanding delivery, take away materials and a strong personal brand in the marketplace. Remember the industry association is risking their reputation and relationship with their members based on your abilities. You better be good. Get good by practising on more forgiving audiences such as Rotary before you take the risk with Industry Associations. Do some shorter "teaser" presentations to build visibility and write some articles for their newsletter to get known and create interest.
ACTION: What industry associations are you a member of where you could give a speech? This is true leverage - you have already developed the content and delivered the program and ironed out any wrinkles. Now is the time to capitalise on all that time and effort by leveraging the relationship with the organisation by delivering to their membership in a different geographical location.

10. Give a Speech At A Family Celebration

Day 10 - OK, I'll spill the beans and confess I was asked to give a speech at my brother's 50th Birthday in Sydney.
Methodology - Humour/War Stories (eg memorable moments in brother/brother relationship), Light & Sweet, Witty & Charming Complementary to Birthday theme, high emotional story engagement, strong structure, celebration, honour and mention the important relationships - spouse, children and significant others. Go with the moment. Keep it short because alcohol was being served. Smile. High energy. Memorise structure and stories and deliver without notes.
Outcomes - Overwhelming response. Hey, my big brother gave me a genuine giant hug straight afterwards and many in the audience had a tear in their eye.
Key Learnings - this is one of the most difficult speeches to give. I had to manage my personal energy levels because I had given nine speeches in a row. Avoid drinking alcohol, exercise, eat well. Get to know the MC, the mike and the venue layout. Have a running sheet and the order of events and who else may be speaking. It is easier to give a speech to a group of strangers because higher expectations from all family members because of emotion involved. At the end of the day be genuine and authentic and enjoy the moment!

Please consider our next speechwriting and speechbuilding course on May 4th 2010 in Subiaco, Perth. Book here.

Triple B Breakfast - Brands, Beliefs and the Bottomline at the WA Club on March 16th

2010-04-21T08:47:00.004+08:00

Pictured with Bruce Land CA (right), President of the WA Club and Rick Hart (centre), former Chairman Fremantle Dockers AFL Club.

2010 Media Trend Predictions Come True

2010-04-14T14:57:00.007+08:00

You may remember my article “Top 10 Media Trends for 2010” Wednesday, March 03 2010, where I predicted Fetch TV would be delivered via smaller internet providers.

One of my delegates at the recent Essentials of Investor, Media and Stakeholder Relations seminar on April 13th in Perth for Company Secretaries Association, Chris Brown, Company Secretariat for iinet updated me on their latest ASX Announcement, Media Release and media coverage.

It is interesting to compare - 1. ASX Announcement - simple, concise and compliant

IinetASXAnn

2. With media release - more detail, hype and quotes,

IInetpressrelease

3. With the final media coverage - range of angles, sizes and photos.

Iinetmediacoverage

Lessons learnt - it is worth the extra effort, time and money to turn an ASX Announcement into a media release.

Margie Baldock from Alchemy interviews Tom Murrell

2010-04-12T15:15:00.005+08:00

Thomas Murrell was interviewed by Margie Baldock in the studios of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) - pictured. The Alchemy Interviews are available at the Alchemy Masters Members Only website but I have been given permission for you to listen to this interview.

It will take 1 hour, 13 minutes, 6 seconds to listen to.

Click here to download…

Professional Facilitator Tuesday 16th March 2010, "The Way Forward Forum" The University of Western Australia Business School, Crawley, Perth

2010-04-09T07:54:00.006+08:00

Pictured with (from left to Right: Angus Jaffrey, Boston Consulting Group, Tracy Deveugle-Frink, Graduate Management Association, Professor Renu Burr, University of Western Australia Business School

Client Testimonial: Tracy Deveugle-Frink, Event organiser, Graduate Management Association:
“I worked with Thomas in facilitating a debate at the UWA Business School and found him to be professional, intelligent, and talented. He was a great asset to the evening and aided us in keeping everyone engaged, energized and moving forward in one direction; no small feat in a debate! I would be please to recommend Thomas in this role to anyone and look forward to working with him again in the future.” March 16, 2010

How To Do 10 Presentations in 10 Days - Part One

2010-04-08T21:41:00.001+08:00

How To Do 10 Presentations in 10 Days - Part One
By Thomas Murrell MBA, CSP International Business Speaker

I'm a big fan of the formula: Visibility + Credibility = Profitability.

Giving a speech is one of the best ways of implementing this formula.

I set myself the personal goal of giving 10 presentations in 10 days and getting my name, face, brand and message in front of as many people as possible.

I also tried to give the speeches in as many different contexts as possible.

I also tried many different types of methodology - as a personal stretch.

By writing this article, I'm not trying to IMPRESS you, but EXPRESS to you that there are many ways to give a speech and lots of opportunities available.

Here are my insights into what I did and how you can achieve the same success for your career, business and life.

1. Run a Public Workshop

Day 1 - was to run a half day Master Class on Writing and Pitching Winning Media Releases.
Methodology - Seminar Style Training.
Outcomes - Skills transfer to small group.
Key Learnings - to run a public workshop on your own is an easy way to get in front of an audience. What you need: Good venue, catering, good content, value for money, take away materials and a distribution list to market to. I've been running public seminars for the past 12 years. The hardest step - deciding to run the first one!
ACTION: What topic could you run a public workshop on and do you have a database to market to?

2. Give A Celebration Speech

Day 2 - was to give a five minute speech at a graduation ceremony for MBA and Masters Graduates from the University of Western Australia Business School. Large and influential audience. Pressure to perform - high expectations from audience (especially those graduating and event organisers)!
Methodology - Motivational/Inspirational/Celebration Keynote
Outcomes - Recognise and acknowledge the hard work, achievements and success of graduates.
Key Learnings - giving a five-minute speech is the hardest in terms of duration. It is easier to present for two-days compared to five minutes. Every word has to count.
ACTION: Use relevant and meaningful personal stories (because I've been there before as an MBA graduate) to build emotional connection with the audience. Structure is critical! Be positive and upbeat - smile a lot and enjoy the moment. It is about the audience not the speaker.

3. Run a Seminar for An Industry Association

Day 3 - was to run a half day workshop for an Industry Association
Methodology - Seminar Style Training
Outcomes - Skills transfer to small group
Key Learnings - leverage off the existing database and relationship the industry organisation has with its members. What you need: Exceptional content, outstanding delivery, take away materials and a strong personal brand in the marketplace. Remember the industry association is risking their reputation and relationship with their members based on your abilities. You better be good. Get good by practising on more forgiving audiences such as Rotary before you take the risk with Industry Associations. Do some shorter "teaser" presentations to build visibility and write some articles for their newsletter to get known and create interest.
ACTION: What industry associations are you a member of where you could give a speech?

4. Present To A Not for Profit Group

Day 4 - was to give a ten minute speech at the AGM of a not for profit group I've just become Chairman of.
Methodology - Motivational/Inspirational/Forward looking Keynote
Outcomes - Recognise and acknowledge the hard work, achievements and success of the previous Chair and other volunteer committee members. Present outcomes from Board's strategic planning process and way forward.
Key Learnings - giving a ten-minute speech is still a challenge in terms of duration.
ACTION: Structure is critical! Be warm and friendly. Strong opening and closing. Clear call to action.

5. Be Part of An Industry Panel

Day 5 - was to give a five minute scene setting speech at an industry panel and then take part in a moderated panel forum discussion.
Methodology - Good panellists need to be Thought Provoking/Opinionated/Bounce Off Other Panel Members
Outcomes - Research and deliver three key industry trends that relate to theme of panel discussion. Use concrete case studies, facts and research to back up views.
Key Learnings - being a panellist involves less effort and stress than giving a speech. High impact and high return on investment for effort.
ACTION: Build content expertise and profile so event managers putting together panel discussions consider you as a "thought leader". Make sure you capture the moment and gather a testimonial (see The Buzz section below). Use LinkedIn as a simple way to capture and share testimonials.
Note to self: I'd forgotten how much fun it is to be a panellist, I should do more of these.

In the next edition, How To Do 10 Presentations in 10 Days - Part Two

CFO Gateway Seminar Series Continuous Disclosure and Managing Broker Communications

2010-04-07T09:06:00.005+08:00

Monday 15th March 2010, The Institute of Chartered Accountants, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, 240 St Georges Tce, Perth
CFO Gateway Seminar Series Continuous Disclosure and Managing Broker Communications

Pictured with panellists (from left to right) Gary Arcus, State Manager The Institute of Chartered Accountants, Stefan Pfeifle, Senior Lawyer ASIC, Peter Rupp, Partner Deloitte, Ashok Desai, Managing Director Henley Securities, Paul Evans, CFO Imdex.

Tstimonial from client: Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Creative

“Tom is an excellent business speaker and recently spoke as a panelist at one of our CFO events. Tom's ability to think outside of the box, combined with his considerable presentation skills made him an excellent asset. We are looking forward to continuing our relationship with him in the future.” March 25, 2010
Brian Martin
Relationship Manager, Business Solutions
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia
BGC Centre, 28 The Esplanade

Crisis and Issues Management BASF PETRONAS Chemicals Sdn Bhd In-House Training dated 10th Feb 2010 Malaysia

2010-04-06T10:19:00.006+08:00

Innovation with John Jacob

2010-04-01T17:13:00.004+08:00

Listen to this interview with John Jacob, an expert on innovation.

He was a delegate at my media training workshop recently and is in my mentor program. Listen for the countdown, the way the media uses the camera as a notebook by getting him to state his name and title and watch for the use of key phrases and concrete examples to explain a complex topic like innovation.

Media Motivators

The Metrics of Sales and Marketing

Leadership Lessons in Dealing with Difficult Employees

Video Production Perth for BNI Bamboo - Voiceover by Thomas Murrell

Media Training Perth - Office of Crime Prevention August 2nd 2011 Perth

Leadership Lessons from the World's Largest Miner and Sam Walsh AO

Media Training Perth - Department of Fisheries July 28th 2011 Mandurah

Reputation Management Article by Thomas Murrell published in the Singapore Marketer

Media Training Perth - Department of Fisheries July 27th 2011 Hillarys Research Centre

Corporate MC Perth Thomas Murrell Jaz Creative Rebrand Launch June 23 2011 Northbridge Perth

10 Leadership Lessons From Australia’s Wealthiest Man – Andrew Forrest

Security Holder Engagement with Greg Dooley from Computershare

How to Become An Entrepreneur: Case Study Freelancer.com

Public Speaking Course Perth June 14th 2011

Exploding the Social Media Myth - Chartered Secretaries Australia 2011 Annual Corporate Update

Institutional Investors Become More Sophisticated

Women Entrepreneurs Make Their Mark

Are Entrepreneurs Born or Made?

How Social Media Shapes Corporate Reputations

Top 10 Marketing and PR Lessons from the Royal Wedding

Investor Relations Trends with AIRA CEO Ian Matheson

12 Ways To Increase Brand Loyalty

Thomas Murrell's photostream - Leagues Clubs Australia 2011 opening keynote presentation “Changing Your Marketing Game”

How Can Public Relations (PR) Make You Money and Increase Sales?

2011 Gaming Conference Leagues Clubs Australia Marriott Hotel Gold Coast April 13th

Writing SGX Announcements and Media Releases Singapore March 29th Singapore Association of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators

10 Presentation Tips from The King's Speech

Top 10 Investor Relations Trends for 2011

Top 10 Marketing Trends for 2011

Legal Issues Involved in Social Media - Guy Provan

How to Write a Press Release - Praise for our latest training course

Creating Catalyst Events

How to Use LinkedIn as a Marketing Tool

Don't Eat Cookies in TV Interviews

Why China Will Continue to Power Our Economy

Cloud Computing Podcast with Justin Davies from Emergination

Media Training Geraldton November 5th - City of Geraldton-Greenough

Why The Chilean Miners Received Media Training

The Seven PR Secrets Every Business Owner Needs to Know But Was Afraid to Ask

Chile mine rescue: lessons in newsworthiness

Viva los Chilenos: Leadership Lessons from the Chilean Mine Rescue

Is sponsorship worth it?

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Custodian of the Culture Podcast with Dr Bob Every

More on "Psychic" Animals That Make Headlines

Investing in Innovation with David Shelton

Why Paul the Octopus Made World Headlines

Wild Child - The Leanne Preston Story

Is Your Reputation Worth $37 Million?

Culture and Share Value - Is There a Link? BP Case Study For Investor Relations Professionals

Wesfarmers Results Positive For Investor Relations Message

Tough Times For Investor Relations Professionals At Nokia

Investor Relations Professionals Hit By Turn In Investor Sentiment

The Three R's of Crisis Communications

Mining Tax Backflip Improves Investor Relations

PR War Hots Up In Kimberley Over Gas Hub

CCI Resource Conference: WA's Resource Landscape - Projects on the Horizon 24th June 2010 Burswood Perth

Praise for Media Writing Master Class June 29th 2010 Subiaco

Tension Between Lawyers and PR During a Crisis

Analysis of Julia Gillard's First Speech As Prime Minister

Analysis of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's Last Speech

Words That Hurt

Name Change for BP?

More PR Problems With Perceptions for BP Boss

CEOs Behaving Badly - DJ's Share Price Falls 4% After Inappropriate Behaviour Towards Female Staff Member

Can You Predict the Stockmarket?

Wesfarmers Warns Super Tax Woeful

What Makes A Good Annual Report?

Why Kevin Wore A Blue Tie in Perth?

How's Business?

Reaching the Unreachable Customer Through Social Media With Tom Abbott

DBS Leadership and Learn Lunch Presentation Singapore May 2010

Maximising Digital Marketing Effort Singapore May 26th 2010 Organised by ST710

What's Your View on Referrals?

BP's Reputation On The Line

What Makes a Great Leader?

Industry Consultation Missed in Resources Super Tax

Praise for Media Writing Skills Masterclass May 18th 2010 Subiaco

Abbott Wishes Microphone Was Not On After "Gospel Truth" Gaffe on TV Interview

Microphone Technique 101 with Gordon Brown Former PM UK