How long have you worked at Taylor Alden?
Almost 10 years!
What are your most memorable moments or highlights at Taylor Alden?
I love seeing the smaller start-up companies we work with bringing their ideas and products to market. The passion and enthusiasm is contagious! Being able to share a new invention with editors, promoting a company’s first exhibition and sharing our ideas with them is really exciting.
What do you like most about working in the PR industry?
The people! Journalists, editors, clients, salespeople, architects, builders, event organisers, web designers….I’ve met some fascinating people and built up some great working relationships. I love the variety too! Everyone says “no two days are ever the same” and, in our line of work, that’s definitely true because no two clients are the same. From the minute we meet a new client, we are learning about them and that never stops, no matter how long we know them! The needs of the client change as the markets change and their products and services evolve and therefore the service we provide evolves. Of course, in PR, you also have to keep up-to-date with what the media expects and, ultimately, how the audience wants to receive information. Gone are the days of typing a press release, stuffing it in an envelope and taking it to the post office!
What was your first job?
I had a (very) early morning paper-round when I was 12 years old and a Saturday job in Woolworths, followed by various waitressing, cloakroom attendant and bar jobs to see me through my studies. My first “real” job was as an import/export manager arranging the transportation of frozen food around the world. I negotiated transportation rates with hauliers, liaised with packing plants, scheduled collections and deliveries, and generally made sure everything ran smoothly and the customer was happy at the end of the day, and all that on a landline and a telex machine! I even learnt the different grades of a frozen pea – who knew?!
Where is your dream holiday destination?
I love to travel, so anywhere I’ve not been before would be on my list. I love New York, but getting lost in Harlem isn’t something I’d want to do again in a hurry!
Tipple of choice?
I’m partial to a nice Rioja (red, of course!)
If you had to choose another career, what would it be?
I’d love to manage a rock band so, if anyone has Dave Grohl’s number, drop me an email!
And finally, who’s your dream client?
All of my clients are a dream!