***I’m sure this will not be the last blog... sorry to disappoint ;)
Wow, what a rollercoaster ride the last six months have been, personally, socially and professionally. This semester has been jam packed with deadlines, assignments tests, personal issues and it is now coming to an end.
I have experienced so much within the semester and I have encountered many obstacles, at the time I thought it was the worst thing ever, full time study, working and living out of home has proven to be more of a challenge that what I bargained for. But now looking back I feel I have grown, and can walk away from Cert 4 PR knowing that I have learnt a lot.
Next semester I will be studying the Diploma in Event Management, and I feel confident that the skills I have gained from all my units’ time management, stakeholder knowledge, Media Relations, and more will help me in my further studies.
I was hard, but the knowledge I have gain is invaluable.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Press Release to Print
The West Australian
30th May 2011
Elton John to play Sydney
After reading this article it is obvious what the article is about…. Elton John as booked his leg of the Australian tour. The article also states that the performance will be held at the Sydney Lyric Theatre, were you can see the star perform for a $255 ( PLUS).
However after my study’s this semester I think I know what is going on here! The article isn’t really about how John is playing a Sydney show, that is kind of a given when such a huge performer comes to play a tour in OZ.
It is my wild guess that this was a Press Release sent from the PR manager of the newly refurbished, 2000 seater, Lyric Theatre. The article pushes the sale of tickets that are pricey ( $255 +), the article also talks about the atmosphere of the improved Theatre.
The Article plugs the Theatre and the new facility more than a few time s throughout the article, creating a great free promotion before the big event.
30th May 2011
Elton John to play Sydney
After reading this article it is obvious what the article is about…. Elton John as booked his leg of the Australian tour. The article also states that the performance will be held at the Sydney Lyric Theatre, were you can see the star perform for a $255 ( PLUS).
However after my study’s this semester I think I know what is going on here! The article isn’t really about how John is playing a Sydney show, that is kind of a given when such a huge performer comes to play a tour in OZ.
It is my wild guess that this was a Press Release sent from the PR manager of the newly refurbished, 2000 seater, Lyric Theatre. The article pushes the sale of tickets that are pricey ( $255 +), the article also talks about the atmosphere of the improved Theatre.
The Article plugs the Theatre and the new facility more than a few time s throughout the article, creating a great free promotion before the big event.
My friend new Social Media....
Social media has taken the world by storm. There are so many forms of new sensation that is social media, and yes I too have been ‘sucked in’ to the online frenzy.
The more popular forms of social media include Facebook, Twitter, LinkIn, Myspace and blogs…. and again I have an account for each of these.
Since studying Public Relations I have learnt that social media is more than just a handy tool to stalk you friends (and a lot of the time total strangers). Social media can be used in organisations as a channel of communications to their target publics.
The follow are just some valid point that support the social media phenomenon within an organisation.
- It allows organisations to communicate a message directly to the target audience.
- There is a large each
- Cost effective $$$
- It has been proven effective in the past.
- User generated content means, there is two way communications and a relationship can be formed.
- Reach a Gen Y audience, who are other wise unreachable.
Social Media is a huge advance and has also become a challenge for many organisations. It is vital that Social Media is taken seriously, because if it’s used correctly it is a powerful tool.
Social Media is the future, the effectiveness is evident and it is here to stay. If I were you I would jump on the bandwagon and enjoy the ride.
The more popular forms of social media include Facebook, Twitter, LinkIn, Myspace and blogs…. and again I have an account for each of these.
Since studying Public Relations I have learnt that social media is more than just a handy tool to stalk you friends (and a lot of the time total strangers). Social media can be used in organisations as a channel of communications to their target publics.
The follow are just some valid point that support the social media phenomenon within an organisation.
- It allows organisations to communicate a message directly to the target audience.
- There is a large each
- Cost effective $$$
- It has been proven effective in the past.
- User generated content means, there is two way communications and a relationship can be formed.
- Reach a Gen Y audience, who are other wise unreachable.
Social Media is a huge advance and has also become a challenge for many organisations. It is vital that Social Media is taken seriously, because if it’s used correctly it is a powerful tool.
Social Media is the future, the effectiveness is evident and it is here to stay. If I were you I would jump on the bandwagon and enjoy the ride.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
The Future is now...
The Future is now.
What am I going to do with my life? The amount of times have I heard this question. My teachers asked me this teachers throughout high school, my parents seem to ask me every week, having dinner with friends it’s the topic of choice, my last date I went on the guy asks “ so were do you see this going?”. Well I’m not a fortune teller and the truth is I’m totally sure on what my exact plans for 2012 are, hey I’m not sure what I’m doing on the weekend (most likely homework these days).
Currently I’m studying Cert IIII in Public Relations, the course is not exactly what I expected by it is a challenge, and I’m enjoying learning new things. I guess there is a lot of pressure on everyone in this course, only because we have four lecturers ( five if you include Keith) who are all backing us, believing in us and want us to succeed in this industry. It feels like they can see our potential and are trying to push us to reach it, this can be frustrating because it’s hard to know what we are really capable of.
And yes it’s scary to think I’m paving my career path now, what I do in this class may directly impact on my future. I understand that it is lucky, to have so many people behind you, who have faith in you, but it’s confronting when I’m not sure if I have faith in myself. This course has already taught me so much, and not only things about PR. Since living away from home, being a student, and a group member I feel I have grown up a lot, I have learnt to accept everyone. There is still a lot more to learn, my aim is too continue to improve my writing skills and time management.
I have been set on continuing with Diploma next semester, it’s looks to be a fantastic opportunity with a lot of hands on experience (which I feel is the best way to learn). However it seems unsure if there will even be a Diploma class next semester; most students have other plans after Cert IIII which is a shame. In a perfect world I will pass Cert IIII with flying colours, continue with diploma and get work experience at an event company like Sunset Events, or Pound Events. I have already started putting in some ground work with these companies by volunteering for them and a lot of Facebook stalking.
Overall this entire course is eye opening and apart from the stressful times I really do enjoy it, and feel like it is the right industry for me. It’s becoming exciting the more I learn and start to apply, let’s hope my dreams and goals will become my reality next semester.
What am I going to do with my life? The amount of times have I heard this question. My teachers asked me this teachers throughout high school, my parents seem to ask me every week, having dinner with friends it’s the topic of choice, my last date I went on the guy asks “ so were do you see this going?”. Well I’m not a fortune teller and the truth is I’m totally sure on what my exact plans for 2012 are, hey I’m not sure what I’m doing on the weekend (most likely homework these days).
Currently I’m studying Cert IIII in Public Relations, the course is not exactly what I expected by it is a challenge, and I’m enjoying learning new things. I guess there is a lot of pressure on everyone in this course, only because we have four lecturers ( five if you include Keith) who are all backing us, believing in us and want us to succeed in this industry. It feels like they can see our potential and are trying to push us to reach it, this can be frustrating because it’s hard to know what we are really capable of.
And yes it’s scary to think I’m paving my career path now, what I do in this class may directly impact on my future. I understand that it is lucky, to have so many people behind you, who have faith in you, but it’s confronting when I’m not sure if I have faith in myself. This course has already taught me so much, and not only things about PR. Since living away from home, being a student, and a group member I feel I have grown up a lot, I have learnt to accept everyone. There is still a lot more to learn, my aim is too continue to improve my writing skills and time management.
I have been set on continuing with Diploma next semester, it’s looks to be a fantastic opportunity with a lot of hands on experience (which I feel is the best way to learn). However it seems unsure if there will even be a Diploma class next semester; most students have other plans after Cert IIII which is a shame. In a perfect world I will pass Cert IIII with flying colours, continue with diploma and get work experience at an event company like Sunset Events, or Pound Events. I have already started putting in some ground work with these companies by volunteering for them and a lot of Facebook stalking.
Overall this entire course is eye opening and apart from the stressful times I really do enjoy it, and feel like it is the right industry for me. It’s becoming exciting the more I learn and start to apply, let’s hope my dreams and goals will become my reality next semester.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
so the six story word goes...
My six word story. Do you get it?
It hit's close to home, and came to me just the other day.
*Beach, Sand, Waves, Big Fin's, SHIT!
:)
It hit's close to home, and came to me just the other day.
*Beach, Sand, Waves, Big Fin's, SHIT!
:)
Sunday, March 20, 2011
The Press Release, just another part of the job.
This weeks blog topic 'write our own Press Realease'. I have choosen to promote the Great Western Desert's football leauge. This isolated football club has done an amazing job, inspiring players and entire communities, giving players carrer opportunies. So read and enjoy my first ever Press Release...
Desert clubs no longer in a league of their own.
BY SAMANTHA BURKE
The Great Western Deserts, now formalized, football league is setting out to help the youth of the region through the passion of AFL. The changes to league are having positive effects on the 135 registered players.
The league has run a variety of skill development programs and excursions as an incentive for players, to keep out of trouble and improve the league overall.
By changing the contest’s formal structure, with six teams now competing on a league ladder, players are given the opportunity to peruse a football career. Many football clubs run drafting programs, that Great western Desert League can be apart of.
Andrew Krakouer; Sandover Medal winner and Swan Districts star said ‘Some of these players, who dreamed of playing at a professional level, could have opportunities open up in Perth through Swan Districts, which ran a development program in the region.’
The Leagues positive influence has affected surrounding communities, with school attendance increasing along with club memberships.
April 10th will commence the Great Western Deserts season, and there are high hopes the players and the league.
Desert clubs no longer in a league of their own.
BY SAMANTHA BURKE
The Great Western Deserts, now formalized, football league is setting out to help the youth of the region through the passion of AFL. The changes to league are having positive effects on the 135 registered players.
The league has run a variety of skill development programs and excursions as an incentive for players, to keep out of trouble and improve the league overall.
By changing the contest’s formal structure, with six teams now competing on a league ladder, players are given the opportunity to peruse a football career. Many football clubs run drafting programs, that Great western Desert League can be apart of.
Andrew Krakouer; Sandover Medal winner and Swan Districts star said ‘Some of these players, who dreamed of playing at a professional level, could have opportunities open up in Perth through Swan Districts, which ran a development program in the region.’
The Leagues positive influence has affected surrounding communities, with school attendance increasing along with club memberships.
April 10th will commence the Great Western Deserts season, and there are high hopes the players and the league.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
There is no 'I' in team, but there is 'ME"...
Group work is a fantastic way to produce a high quality of work. With group work there are more ideas, opinions, to produce a more thought through final product. Know this is great; however, as I have recently discovered it can be one hell of a challenge. As I have noted group work will produce high standards of work; when done correctly!
With all the different inputs, group members are bound to clash. Not everybody’s ideas can go into the final result; it’s much easier to manage yourself. When there are more people, it can take longer to produce your work, this can be frustrating, as many of us in Public Relations Cert III are discovering.
But as group if there are set guidelines/ rules for everyone to follow, this help everyone involved, to be on the same page, as well as keep everyone sane. Everyone’s ideas are different but I have come up with a few guidelines, for anyone and everyone in a group work situation:
• Respect- Respect others in the group; their opinions, beliefs, ideas ect. ‘Always treat others how you would like to be treated’, is what my mother always told me, and this is especially true in a group work situation. As children we are taught this, but even as adults can forget how important it is to respect others.
• Communication- Communication is such an important part of group work. Always make sure there is an open flow of communication, if everyone in the group especially the group leader.
• Equal Input- Everyone individually has their own strengths and weaknesses, keeping this in mind everyone should put in the same effort, and have equal input to the project.
• Help Each other out- If there is someone in the group that is struggling always help them. I f you can help them yourself, advice them to seek advice from someone else, whether it be another group member, the team leader, or someone of a higher authority (ie your lecturer).
• Attendance and punctually- Always do your best to attend every meetings, and be on time. If you are unable to attend or are going to be late make sure you let somebody / the team leader aware. It comes back to respecting others in the group.
• Ethical responsibilities- Make sure the work you are doing is ethical, and meets your own social responsibilities! If you feel that the work your team is producing in NOT ethical, make sure you speak up. (It may help you sleep at night).
• Deadlines- Always, always make deadlines. Remember it’s not only your mark this will affect.
If you follow these guidelines, this will help make group work more bearable, and help you to produce the best work you can. Remember group work is used constantly in the workforce, team work is a fantastic skill to master.
With all the different inputs, group members are bound to clash. Not everybody’s ideas can go into the final result; it’s much easier to manage yourself. When there are more people, it can take longer to produce your work, this can be frustrating, as many of us in Public Relations Cert III are discovering.
But as group if there are set guidelines/ rules for everyone to follow, this help everyone involved, to be on the same page, as well as keep everyone sane. Everyone’s ideas are different but I have come up with a few guidelines, for anyone and everyone in a group work situation:
• Respect- Respect others in the group; their opinions, beliefs, ideas ect. ‘Always treat others how you would like to be treated’, is what my mother always told me, and this is especially true in a group work situation. As children we are taught this, but even as adults can forget how important it is to respect others.
• Communication- Communication is such an important part of group work. Always make sure there is an open flow of communication, if everyone in the group especially the group leader.
• Equal Input- Everyone individually has their own strengths and weaknesses, keeping this in mind everyone should put in the same effort, and have equal input to the project.
• Help Each other out- If there is someone in the group that is struggling always help them. I f you can help them yourself, advice them to seek advice from someone else, whether it be another group member, the team leader, or someone of a higher authority (ie your lecturer).
• Attendance and punctually- Always do your best to attend every meetings, and be on time. If you are unable to attend or are going to be late make sure you let somebody / the team leader aware. It comes back to respecting others in the group.
• Ethical responsibilities- Make sure the work you are doing is ethical, and meets your own social responsibilities! If you feel that the work your team is producing in NOT ethical, make sure you speak up. (It may help you sleep at night).
• Deadlines- Always, always make deadlines. Remember it’s not only your mark this will affect.
If you follow these guidelines, this will help make group work more bearable, and help you to produce the best work you can. Remember group work is used constantly in the workforce, team work is a fantastic skill to master.
Monday, March 7, 2011
A Moral Issue.?
As children we are told to not to steal, and we cannot take something that isn’t ours. We are also taught that Australia is run be a democracy, we all have a voice that should be heard and respected. Australia is a beautiful country, we are fortunate to live here and have a government that is chosen by the people, with the best intensions for the people. Colin Barnett’s initiation of the compulsory acquisition of James Price Point, has really made me stop and question how important our voices really are? And is it lawful?
Western Australia’s Kimberly region is known worldwide, for its untouched landscape, natural beauty, and being home to many rare/ endangered wildlife. The pristine coast line is resides an abundance of marine species and different corals. The natural splendour of the Kimberly region, James Price Point in particular, makes the area a popular tourist destination, and is a well known recreational fishing spot for locals. There are also registered aboriginal heritage sites in James Price Point vicinity. With all the different environmental and cultural aspects of the James Price Point, it makes this place special to many people for various reasons.
The site has more than natural values, however; James Price Point also home to the browse basin (a large undersea area) that contains gas and oil reserves. Making it very valuable to various company’s and the Australian Governments.
It seems evident that the acquisition of James Price Point doesn’t have much support for the public. Barnett’s sole actions have effect many different people, and Australia as a whole. His dictation is very disrespectful, to the locals of the area, and those who have original land rights. If the gas project goes ahead there will be repercussions for Broome, the residents of Broome, tourism, and not to mention the irreversible environmental effects. There maybe economical benefits of the James Price Point gas project, but we must decide what we as nation feel is most beneficial for us.
I personally feel that the negatives of the project out way any benefits or positives that may come from it. It seems unethical to go ahead with a project which doesn’t have the full support of those it directly affects. What happened to our voices being heard? Maybe in the future this matter will be revisited, we may have better cleaner technology, the effects may have changed, Australia’s opinions may have changed, but for the mean time I feel this choice is unlawful, and the way it has come about is simply wrong. If I were Collin Barnett I would spend less time pushing his own ideas and plans; and spend time more looking at the big picture, the public’s opinions, and worry about the repercussions his actions have brought to his party.
For more interesting infomation on the James Price Point issue; this site sure enlighten me.
Western Australia’s Kimberly region is known worldwide, for its untouched landscape, natural beauty, and being home to many rare/ endangered wildlife. The pristine coast line is resides an abundance of marine species and different corals. The natural splendour of the Kimberly region, James Price Point in particular, makes the area a popular tourist destination, and is a well known recreational fishing spot for locals. There are also registered aboriginal heritage sites in James Price Point vicinity. With all the different environmental and cultural aspects of the James Price Point, it makes this place special to many people for various reasons.
The site has more than natural values, however; James Price Point also home to the browse basin (a large undersea area) that contains gas and oil reserves. Making it very valuable to various company’s and the Australian Governments.
It seems evident that the acquisition of James Price Point doesn’t have much support for the public. Barnett’s sole actions have effect many different people, and Australia as a whole. His dictation is very disrespectful, to the locals of the area, and those who have original land rights. If the gas project goes ahead there will be repercussions for Broome, the residents of Broome, tourism, and not to mention the irreversible environmental effects. There maybe economical benefits of the James Price Point gas project, but we must decide what we as nation feel is most beneficial for us.
I personally feel that the negatives of the project out way any benefits or positives that may come from it. It seems unethical to go ahead with a project which doesn’t have the full support of those it directly affects. What happened to our voices being heard? Maybe in the future this matter will be revisited, we may have better cleaner technology, the effects may have changed, Australia’s opinions may have changed, but for the mean time I feel this choice is unlawful, and the way it has come about is simply wrong. If I were Collin Barnett I would spend less time pushing his own ideas and plans; and spend time more looking at the big picture, the public’s opinions, and worry about the repercussions his actions have brought to his party.
For more interesting infomation on the James Price Point issue; this site sure enlighten me.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
You can teach a girl to fish...
I have had a blessed life, filled with an amazing memories and events that I consider to be special moments. Growing up in the country I was lucky enough to experience many things that others my age did not; I have milked a cow, watched a horse give birth, pushed beached whales back into the ocean, fallen out of many trees and have known a freedom that many children don’t experience these days.
My childhood was amazing, my parents made sure my brother and I had everything we could ever want, and made every moment good ones. Camping and holidays were high our list of priorities, we ventured away from home nearly every second weekend. No matter the weather, it seemed like there was always something to do, or an adventure to be had.
When I turned five, my dad enrolled me in our local boating and angling club, I remember being so excited I was finally old enough to go with dad on a fishing weekend. Mum and my younger brother tom tagged along (as they did), and we headed off once again in to the wilderness. My first fishing trip took us to, Eagles Nest, a beach only known by locals at the time; about 60km’s west of Denmark, there was only way down to the Nest a small 4wd track that even my Dad struggled with.
While my Mum entertained my brother, Dad and I headed off down the beach, to Dads ‘secret ‘spot. He cast our lines and we waited, and waited and waited. Dad caught a few fish before it happened; I got my first bite! Honestly it gave me such a fright I nearly dropped my rod, luckily Dad was right behind me told exactly what to do “plant your feet into the sand, lean back and wind it in slow and steady”. It wasn’t as easy as it looks; it was a fight, the fish was pulling me, rather than me pulling the fish. That’s when dad picked me up, and held me up on the beach while wound that fish in slow and steady.
My first fish, a 22.5cm long Skippy; was the first of many that weekend, it even won me the mini junior weigh-in for the month. Looking back my first catch, was probably my Dads proudest moment, it made our bond even stronger and was the beginning of many father daughter fishing trips to come. Who knew catching a little fish would be such a memorable moment in my life.
My childhood was amazing, my parents made sure my brother and I had everything we could ever want, and made every moment good ones. Camping and holidays were high our list of priorities, we ventured away from home nearly every second weekend. No matter the weather, it seemed like there was always something to do, or an adventure to be had.
When I turned five, my dad enrolled me in our local boating and angling club, I remember being so excited I was finally old enough to go with dad on a fishing weekend. Mum and my younger brother tom tagged along (as they did), and we headed off once again in to the wilderness. My first fishing trip took us to, Eagles Nest, a beach only known by locals at the time; about 60km’s west of Denmark, there was only way down to the Nest a small 4wd track that even my Dad struggled with.
While my Mum entertained my brother, Dad and I headed off down the beach, to Dads ‘secret ‘spot. He cast our lines and we waited, and waited and waited. Dad caught a few fish before it happened; I got my first bite! Honestly it gave me such a fright I nearly dropped my rod, luckily Dad was right behind me told exactly what to do “plant your feet into the sand, lean back and wind it in slow and steady”. It wasn’t as easy as it looks; it was a fight, the fish was pulling me, rather than me pulling the fish. That’s when dad picked me up, and held me up on the beach while wound that fish in slow and steady.
My first fish, a 22.5cm long Skippy; was the first of many that weekend, it even won me the mini junior weigh-in for the month. Looking back my first catch, was probably my Dads proudest moment, it made our bond even stronger and was the beginning of many father daughter fishing trips to come. Who knew catching a little fish would be such a memorable moment in my life.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
to blog; or not to blog?
Hmmm blogging; honestly I thought that people who 'blogged' were a bunch of Internet nerds, with far too much time on there hands. But since I have looked into the subject 'blogs' a little more I have come a great realization, that blogging is now a fantastic tool that anyone with an email address can use to their great advantage.
Just like social media, the blogging world is constantly growing. Many different companies, and persons are now using blogs as a way to promote there businesses, products, and ideas to the public. Blogging is a great tool, its free, and easily available for a wide range of internet users to see, also depending on were a blog is posted it is simple to target a desired demographic. Like anything that you do, its important to blog well, ensuring that the blog is reader friendly, updated at least once a week, and keep it appealing; this way you can keep your readers interested.
Public Relations realises on a range of different media, to communicate, and connect with the public, blogging is now another helpful outlet. I’m now feeling confident in the importance of blogging in this industry, and will be working hard to keep my blog interesting, so all my followers are happy and keep on reading about all the things I have to say...
:) Sam
Sunday, February 13, 2011
New Beginnigs
WOW! What a crazy, amazing, emotional, rollercoaster my last six weeks have been. It’s safe to say that I have reached a turning point in my life, and it’s very exciting. This blog is all about me; Samantha Joanne Burke, 19 years old, born and bred in Denmark ( the town not the country), qualified hairstylist, beach bum, country bumpkin, good friend and family member, and like many of you out there I’m still trying to figured out who I am, or who I’m going to be. Now let me ask, have you ever had your entire life change in a matter of weeks? Well I have.
Last year I was content in my little hometown, was happy at work, spent my time with my friends and family, did what I always did, and lived how I always had lived. When I turned 19, I realized that content was good, but not great (I want my life to be great). Desires of travel, meeting new people, and having different and exciting adventures took over my life. So I made the leap out of the nest, packed up the Suzuki (otherwise known has ‘ZUZU’), and made the five hour trip to Perth. A new home, new friends, new salon, my life had totally changed. After about three weeks of busy city life, it still wasn’t quite right.
I sat on Cottesloe beach for approximately 9 days straight, and did some ‘soul searching’. Now I’m not sure if it was the sun or what? But I did another 360, handed in my scissors for a career change. So here I am now a public relations student at central, living in Perth, and am feeling happier and more motivated than I have felt in a long time.
Keep posted to read more about what I have to say...
J Sam
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