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Media Release: The Dubs launches Australia’s only veterinary forum for Bayer Animal Health

Catriona Pollard - Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Digital engagement agency, The Dubs have developed Australia’s only online social media hub for the veterinary industry, www.baytril.com.au for Bayer Animal Health.

The Dubs have created a social media campaign based completely on content rather than traditional advertising that aims to provide people working within the veterinary industry with a place to discuss topical issues, trade ideas and swap advice.

A 24 part interview series has been solely produced by The Dubs which features interviews conducted by Technical Service Veterinarian for Bayer Health, Bob Rees with key opinion leaders from the veterinarian industry discussing topical issues affecting the industry.

One interview a week will be released and vets are encouraged to comment and become involved in the discussion surrounding the issues discussed.

Justin Buckwell, Partner at The Dubs said “We have created a campaign for Bayer Health completely focusing on using content.”

“We are using social media to create Australia’s only veterinary online forum that encourages vets and people in the industry to comment on issues and get involved by voicing their opinions.”

“Notifications are sent out to a vet database via EDM encouraging these people to visit the site and become involved.”

“The campaign soft launched two weeks ago and has already received high levels of engagement. Of the 30 percent that are clicking through from the EDM almost 100 percent are watching the interviews all the way through,” said Mr Buckwell. 

Leandro Posteraro, Brand Manager Bayer Animal Health said, “We chose to work with The Dubs on this campaign as they bring a unique expertise in content lead social media marketing.”

“We are impressed with the work they do with television broadcasters and applying the same principles to target niche audiences - in our case the veterinary industry.”

“The initial engagement levels are impressive and suggest the campaign will be a great success,” said Mr Posteraro. 

The Dubs have been solely responsible for producing content, distribution of the content and the seeding strategy of the campaign.

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The Dubs is a digital engagement agency which creates environments that inspire audiences to interact with brands by connecting them with the brand’s story and each other. The agency has 15 years experience working with brands, content producers and their audiences such as ING Direct, AMP Capital and Bayer Animal Health in Australia and media groups such as the BBC, ITV and FremantleMedia in the United Kingdom.
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PR and Media Releases that get results, a one day seminar with Catriona Pollard. Book now!

Catriona Pollard - Monday, August 30, 2010

The Director of CP Communications, Catriona Pollard, will be running, 'PR and Media Releases that get results,'  a one day seminar at the Sydney Writers' Centre on Thursday, 14 October 2010.

Book now at Sydney Writers' Centre.

Do you want to get free publicity for your business? Don’t know where to start? Have you sent out media releases and received no response? When you get the right media coverage, your sales can double (or triple), you gain new customers and you can position yourself as a leader in the market place.

However, if you don't know the tactics of a publicity/public relations (PR) strategy or how to write an effective media release, you won’t get the results that will make a difference.

You'll learn the science behind an effective PR strategy including writing media releases that get results, how to approach journalists, how to write articles and case studies for the media as well as clever online tactics.

In one day, you'll discover the secrets to getting good publicity that you can use for your own business.

This seminar will cover:
• What are the elements of a typical PR strategy
• How to determine your target audiences
• How to structure media releases and what you must include
• Who you should quote and what they should say
• How to deal with journalists
• Online distribution strategies
• Contributing articles to publications
• How to approach bloggers as part of your PR strategy

This seminar is ideal for:
• Business owners, coaches, speakers, entrepreneurs who want to promote their business.
• Professionals who have been given PR or marketing responsibilities but who may not have had formal training in this area
• People who are relatively new to a public relations role

This seminar covers all the issues you need to consider before you even put pen to paper - or fingers to the keyboard! Once you have these issues covered, you will have a strong framework that will guide how you write the release.

Catriona Pollard
Catriona has 17 years experience in developing and managing public relations and marketing programs.

Prior to establishing CP Communications in 2001, Catriona set up the marketing communications department for a leading software company and managed a diverse range of accounts within PR agencies. She also has extensive experience in managing public affairs and marketing in federal and state governments.

Catriona has won an award in the Public Relations Institute Association Awards for Excellence and holds a BA and a Graduate Diploma in Professional Communication.

Catriona's blog Public Relations Sydney was shortlisted for Mumbrella's media & marketing blog of the year 2009. She is a co-founder of Social Media Women, a formal online & in person networking group that encourages and assists women to participate more prominently in social media.

Workshop Details:
Time: 9:00am - 5:00pm
When: Thursday 14 October 2010
Where: Sydney Writers' Centre, 3-5/ 55 Lavender Street Milsons Point, NSW, 2061

Book now at Sydney Writers' Centre. 

 

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Join the CPC team! We are looking for a PR Coordinator.

Catriona Pollard - Thursday, August 26, 2010

Are you a new graduate or perhaps you already have some PR experience and you’re looking to get a foot in the door of the PR industry? At CP Communications we have an exciting opportunity for a PR coordinator to join our team.

Working with us, you will be doing interesting work in an environment where you can learn from the best in a dynamic boutique agency.

You will provide coordination level work including researching media lists, following up journalists and updating the website. You will also assist in public relations and social media work including assisting in media campaigns and writing PR material.

Our new team member will have an understanding of public relations, excellent writing skills, and be motivated to learn. This role requires fantastic communication skills, attention to detail and a positive outlook!

Responsibilities including
As directed:
• To support the development of PR campaigns and the coordination of media opportunities.
• Coordinate and manage media monitoring.
• Research media contacts and maintain media distribution lists.
• Update the website and blog.
• Researching and pitching in speaking opportunities.
• Assisting in social media campaigns and activities.
• Assist with CPC PR & marketing i.e. contributing to blog and newsletter.
• Write and edit public relations material including media releases and articles.
• Assisting with media liaison including generating story ideas and pitching stories.
• Undertake admin duties such as answering the phone, watering plants, coffee & tea for visitors and database updating.

If this sounds like you send your CV and a covering letter to info@cpcommunications.com.au

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Media Release:Yamba Surf Motel exceeds reserve price through SOLDONLINE.COM.AU

Catriona Pollard - Thursday, August 26, 2010
The Surf Motel, Yamba has attracted over 1,500 online visitors from all around Australia selling above the reserved price using SOLDONLINE.COM.AU.

SOLDONLINE.COM.AU is Australia’s premier online property auction provider that provides simple, secure and stress free online property auctions for residential, commercial and rural properties. 

The Surf Motel was marketed by Garry Strudwick Real Estate to potential buyers using the online auction campaign with bidding starting on 13 August and selling for a price of $1,922,000 on 23 August 2010.

Director of SOLDONLINE.COM.AU and Licensed Real Estate Auctioneer, David Scholes said, “SOLDONLINE.COM.AU allows prospective buyers to bid from anywhere in the world allowing for a greater variety of bidders.”

“The process gives buyers more control in the bidding process allowing decisions to be made in their own time wherever they are.”

“The property was visited in excess of 1,500 times over a ten day period and 23 contracts were downloaded with 8 registered bidders from Western Australia, the New England area, the Hunter Valley and Queensland.”

“The Yamba Surf Motel was a wonderful opportunity to buy a prime piece of Yamba real estate with an already high occupancy rate and a zone 2 (t) tourism allowing for future redevelopment options,” said Mr Scholes.

Owner of The Surf Motel, Yamba, Jan Dampney said, “I am delighted with the results achieved through SOLDONLINE.COM.AU. An extraordinary 27 bids were received during the bidding time leading to an excellent result.”

“SOLDONLINE.COM.AU allows interested parties to bid online from the comfort of their homes or offices.”

“Bidders did not need to make a return journey to Yamba in order to place their bids, erasing much of the hassle usually associated with traditional auctions.”

“Agents all over Australia could use this excellent method of auction to achieve similar results,” said Mr Dampney.

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SOLDONLINE.COM.AU run simple, secure and stress free online property auctions for residential, commercial and rural properties. The online system allows for increased flexibility in the traditional auction system allowing bidders from anywhere in the world to take part, 24/7. The extended bidding period removes the pressure normally associated with traditional auctions. 
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CP Communications win three new accounts

Catriona Pollard - Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Sydney public relations & social media agency, CP Communications, has won three new accounts:  Women on Boards; Reed Business Information’s online vertical business directories; and Macquarie University’s Faculty of Business and Economics.

CP Communications will be responsible for managing strategic public relations for Reed Business Information’s vertical online directories (Infolink, Ferret, GoHospitality & FatCow) and the PR and social media for Women on Boards, and Macquarie University’s Faculty of Business and Economics. 

Director of CP Communications, Catriona Pollard said, “We are absolutely thrilled to win these new accounts.”

“Each client presents a diverse range of PR and social media opportunities that we’re excited to creatively and strategically pursue. We’re really looking forward to working with these companies and achieving some great results,” said Ms Pollard.

About CP Communications
CP Communications was established in 2001 by Catriona Pollard and focuses on new technology mixed with traditional PR techniques. CP Communications works on amazing campaigns, offering clients truly strategic and creative solutions helping them to achieve their business objectives through strategic PR programs and social media.

CP Communications works with a variety of clients from listed companies, to the City of Sydney, Macquarie University and small businesses in aged care, digital advertising, film festivals, human resources consultancies, online media, and recruitment agencies.

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Media Release: Exploding career myths: How to set yourself up to succeed. ThinkWomen National Breakfast Series

Catriona Pollard - Monday, August 23, 2010
Tactics to assist women achieve better outcomes from salary negotiations are just one of the topics discussed at a nationwide breakfast series, which is coming to Adelaide this week. 

Claire Braund, Executive Director of Women on Boards, said that with a nationwide gender pay gap of 18 per cent it is important that women know what they are worth in the marketplace and how to negotiate a salary on par with men who are doing the same job. 

"Unfortunately there are many areas where women are discriminated against in the workplace, but being informed is the key to navigating a successful career," Ms Braund said. 

"For this reason, the Think Women National Breakfast Series focuses on delivering 'how to strategies' and take-away actions that will empower women to better negotiate their workplaces and achieve senior roles."

The breakfast and follow-on three hour workshop is particularly targeted towards younger women and men in the earlier stages of their career.

"Many younger women - and men of all ages - do not think gender is a factor in developing a career. This is despite research, statistics and case studies which show it to be the case."

Hosted by Women on Boards and sponsored exclusively by Commonwealth Bank Australia, the ThinkWomen 2010 National Breakfast Series puts career gender issues that we often don’t like to discuss firmly on the agenda. 

As one woman who attended the sell out session in Brisbane said:

“The speakers were fabulous, the content was very informative and thought-provoking …I'm really happy that I was able to attend such a high quality event, which has really inspired me to get myself into gear and push onward and upward!"

The breakfast is followed by an optional three hour workshop, Getting Started: Recognising Your Career Potential and a light networking lunch. 

When: Thursday 26 August 2010 from 7am
Where: The Intercontinental, North Terrace Adelaide SA 
Cost:  $88 breakfast, $330 workshop and breakfast, $275 workshop only
How to Register: Click here

Additional seminars:
Perth
When: Thursday 2 September 2010 from 7am
Where: Parmelia Hilton Perth, Mill Street, Argyle Ballroom, Perth
Cost:  $88 breakfast, $330 workshop and breakfast, $275 workshop only
How to Register: Click here

Canberra
When: Tuesday 21 September 2010
Where:  Hotel Realm, 18 National Circuit Barton ACT, 2600
Time: 7am – 1:45pm
Cost:  $88
How to register: Click here

Women on Boards is a social enterprise to improve the gender balance on Australian company boards. Women on Boards brokers women into board roles, offers professional development and mentoring programs, hosts excellent events and ensures a high level of dynamic interaction across its large and influential network.

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Tony's Black Dog Ride Private Fundraising Event

Catriona Pollard - Monday, August 23, 2010

Next month our CPC friend, Tony Hollingsworth, is joining Steve Andrews on The Black Dog Ride to raise community awareness of depression across Australia and funds for The Black Dog Institute.

He will be combining two of his passions: riding motorcycles and connected media to join over 70 other riders travelling over 6000kms in 15 days, staying in 14 different country towns across 4 states in Australia. He has committed to raising $5000 for The Black Dog Institute, using his Tony Black Dog Ride Fundraising Page


From Tony:

How you can help me

Buy a ticket for $30 to my launch event on Monday 23rd August 2010 at 6pm, Vivo Cafe .  Ticket holders can win great prizes being raffled and auctioned on the night.  Proceeds from ticket sales and prizes will help me cover my costs for The Black Dog Ride awareness-raising campaign.  All surplus funds raised will be donated via my Tony Black Dog Ride Fundraising Page.

 

Why I can make a difference

Connected media such as Twitter, Facebook and blogs can be used for social good.  If you know me, you'll know that I value relationships, community, connecting, sharing, learning & helping others.  I am skilled at reaching out to others, building community and connecting people for business or social benefit. I will put these skills to work and amplify awareness for this cause using my dedicated blog - Tony's Black Dog Ride.  This collaborative blog is open to everyone to share their stories. Contributions have started appearing and many more are coming.  With the support of the community we are going to post, share, "retweet", learn, comment and discuss.  Together we will raise awareness of depression (and funds) for the The Black Dog Institute.

 

How will the success of this of this be measured?

We will see an increase in donations for all participants in the The Black Dog Ride as each participant has their own fundraising page, like mine.

 

We will see an increase in subscribers to my Tony Black Dog Ride collaborative blog and numbers of shared stories (posts) as I work to raise awareness.  Already people have come forward privately (after I sent this tweet) to tell their stories and I will post these shortly.  I will provide regular updates to the community, sharing posts, tweets and reporting number of subscribers and comments to the blog.

 

Why I want to help raise awareness and funds

Depression has for many years been an illness close to my heart.  It has affected my family and friends, and has presented serious life challenges for me and my community.  In the process of overcoming these challenges I have learnt much about depressive illness.  I feel compelled to share these experiences in order to help others who may be facing similar challenges. The way that I know I can help is by getting involved in "the Ride to the Red Centre"

 

Summary

Buy a ticket for $30 to my launch event on Monday 23rd August 2010 at 6pm, Vivo Cafe.  I look forward to seeing you there.  If you can't be there, you can still buy a ticket and a chance to win.

 

Would you like to donate a prize for my event?  If you or your company would like to donate products or services to be raffled or auctioned at my event, contact me (scroll to bottom of page for details).  I'd be happy to support you and add you to my Supporters Page.

Use our mutual connections and your own across connected media to support the cause.  Retweet, link and share to raise awareness.  Here is the link to the The Black Dog Institute.

If you have any experiences with depression you would like to share, post them straight to the blog, contact me via email, or phone 0410 665 832

 

Tony's Black Dog Ride #TonyBlackDogRide on Twitter

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Media Release: Women the losers from 2010 Election

Catriona Pollard - Monday, August 23, 2010
The hidden outcome of the 2010 Federal Election is a sharp drop in the number of women in the House of Representatives to below 25 per cent.

Claire Braund, Executive Director Women on Boards, said there is likely to be just 36 women (24 per cent) in the House of Representatives compared with 41 women (28 per cent) in the last Parliament.

"This is a disappointing outcome that will have consequences for Government policies across all portfolios."

"Unless the Government looks like the society it seeks to govern, then there will be an imbalance in the decision making process." 

There are two key reasons for the fall in the number of women:
• Nine of the 20 sitting members who did not seek re-election were women.
• The Liberal National Party (LNP) of Queensland that won back the most seats from Labor has just three female members out of 21.

"It was somewhat dispiriting to watch television on Saturday night and keep seeing seat after seat in Queensland where the winning LHP candidate was male." 

"At 14.3 per cent women, the LNP is on par with the boards of ASX200 companies in the numbers of women in decision making roles."

"The two bright lights were Jane Prentice in Ryan and Women on Boards member, Therese Gambaro in Brisbane - whose seat is still not declared."

Ms Braund said the overwhelming male candidature of the LNP was something the party needed to address if it was to continue as a major force in Australian politics.

"In most cases people tend to vote for parties, not individuals, so it is important that parties exercise responsible leadership and actively encourage and support women to stand for pre-selection...and then ensure they select them in safe seats."

The fact that few women stand for pre-selection has more to do with the culture of political parties than it does with a lack of interest in politics on behalf of women."

Many men do not realise how difficult it can be for women to break into - and then feel comfortable in - a club of men whose interactions and by-plays have little resonance with their norms and behaviours," she said.

Ms Braund also noted that none of the 10 seats won by the Nationals and country independents were held by a woman. 

"The National Party has been a poor performer in relation to gender diversity in its elected members, which is somewhat anomalous given the large proportion of smart, engaged, tertiary educated businesswomen living in rural Australia."

 

Women on Boards is a social enterprise to improve the gender balance on Australian company boards. Women on Boards brokers women into board roles, offers professional development and mentoring programs, hosts excellent events and ensures a high level of dynamic interaction across its large and influential network.
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