I was delighted to learn recently that I had been nominated for a Media Innovator Award, and even more delighted to learn that I won my category – Best Freelance Copywriter & Editor.
(more…)News
Making The News
I am so focused on helping my clients make the news, it is often a surprise when I do it myself! And, last month was one such time when I was absolutely amazed to learn that my music show, CATtales podcast, had been featured in the international music press recently.
The one with Motörhead’s Phil Campbell got the scoop on Lemmy’s latest days and, unbeknown to me, was shared to Motörhead’s fans worldwide by Blabbermouth, Loudwire, Metal Addicts, Metalhead Zone and Tone Deaf, amongst other titles.
But, of course, listeners to the show heard it there first!
(more…)
Journey Backstage with CATtales Book
Over the years I have been the editor and contributor to a number of publications but now, finally, I am able to announce that my own book, CATtales, has been published.
Listeners of my CATtales podcast series will be familiar with the interviews I have done in the world of music and entertainment but, before technology advanced to a stage of broadcast, these conversations were published in printed magazines and online media. (more…)
Chatting About The Media
Occasionally I am asked to talk in the broadcast media about the communications industry and developments in the media so was really pleased to guest on award-winning radio station Siren 107.3 FM on earlier this month.
I chatted on Alex Lewczuk’s Midweek Drive with award-winning author Abigail Tarttelin about some dark themes in her 3rd novel Dead Girls and how the media has responsibility around mental health.
Making The News
I’m more used to creating news for my clients than making the news myself, but there was a lovely story about my CIPR award nomination in Iceni Magazine this month that I thought would be nice to share. (more…)
CAT Nominated For National Award!
EXCITING NEWS!
After years of being part of award-winning campaigns for clients and agencies, I’ve been nominated for a CIPR Excellence Award myself as an Outstanding Independent Practitioner and I’m absolutely thrilled about it!
The CIPR Excellence Awards are considered the PR industry’s most established celebration of creativity and professionalism, and recognise talent from all corners of the country, so to be considered amongst the very best in the UK is an enormous accolade. (more…)
A Nation of Shopkeepers
freelancer n : A person hired to do specific assignments, not employed continuously
The world of the freelancer is a stressful place to be.
In my career as a Communications Specialist I have worked with many different clients, in many different business sectors and have often been approached by marketing, advertising and PR agencies to provide freelance support.
Kicking The Business Bucket
I often chat with fellow business owners and self-employed people during the course of my working day and there’s a challenge which appears to be facing everyone – how do you manage to make your finances go further in Britain today?
It seems that most small businesses and, let’s be honest, individuals are struggling to balance the books, as a recent Which? poll revealed. (more…)
Two Fingers Of Red Eye Please
I often have a date with Mr P Grigio. He’s cool and strong and visits me regularly. Oh, we have such fun together.
He’s enormously good company and has been a constant companion through many a crisis, being completely relied upon to provide just the perfect level of support when needed. Even on the most difficult of journeys he has been right by my side. (more…)
The Road Less Travelled
I find myself at a crossroads. I’ve been here for some time, in need of a compass to guide me in the right direction.
Fortunately, I have not been alone. Over the last three months, the universe has been speaking to me, constantly whispering in my ear and revealing glimpses of the best way to go.
The latest message came in the form of a magnificent owl that appeared in its full glory on a quiet country road as I travelled to cover a music gig one evening. (more…)
Even Butterflies Can Cause Chaos
Thoughts are like butterflies that flutter through your mind, fragile and fleeting.
So incredibly ethereal are they, that to capture every detail of their delicate creation is almost an impossibility.
Three of these gorgeous ‘butterflies’ visited me in quick succession last month, perfectly formed as complete, utterly brilliant ideas, emerging from their chrysalises ready to reveal their immense beauty to the world.
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that they would have changed my life dramatically if, and this is a very big ‘if’, I could have possibly remembered what they were. Distracted at the crucial moment of recall, the little ‘creatures’ dissolved into the recesses of my mind and the details were lost forever. (more…)
You Have To Kiss A Lot Of Frogs
Once upon a time there was a girl who wanted to tell stories about as many people as possible to the world. Not nasty stories, but nice stories about happy events and good news.
Telling stories is the cornerstone of any good communications strategy but the world of business rarely resembles a fairy tale. I was reminded of this recently when I was interviewed by an undergraduate as part of her final dissertation for her PR degree. (more…)
Higgity, Haggity, Hoggety, High
A couple of weeks ago, a fellow self-employed PR professional and I were discussing a client who owed them a great deal of money and was constantly avoiding payment.
The usual excuses of “we haven’t received your invoice”, “it’s in our system for processing” and “the cheque’s in the post” were made.
A situation that every self-employed individual has probably faced at some point or another and, rather disappointingly, will more than likely face again.
CAT On Wire
Working for yourself is no easy task. No, honestly. It is not an easy thing.
That may come as a bit of a surprise to those of you who receive their income from an employer and gaze jealously on the perceived lifestyle of their self-employed counterparts – shorter working hours, higher earnings, no boss.
12
CAT ~ Communications by Allison Thomas 