Working in the PR industry, working through lunch was a norm, working late was a norm…BUT…
Now that I’ve done a little career jump I see that lunch hour is time for eating, playing games, being non-existent and just not constructive!
Try and get something out of anyone during lunch and it’s like talking to a wall!
Yes, I know everybody is entitled to lunch and should have the chance to get away from their desk and just relax, but whatever happened to finishing the job and going the extra mile?
I find it quite frustrating coming from an environment where getting the job done was more important than doing nothing during lunch time to an environment where lunch hour means LUNCH!
Some people might disagree with my opinion but that’s okay, I think one’s work ethic differs, depending on your need to succeed and your need to learn more.
To me, if working through my lunch hour means I get to finish a task and take on more responsibility, then that’s okay, because I know, in the long run, it will be worth my while!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Watch this space
I’ve almost completed my studies, im young and the world awaits me!!
There’s so much I would like to do, so much I would like to see!! Where do I start?
With so much opportunity out there, I can’t but help to get excited!
The possibilities are endless! With the stresses of daily life it’s easy to get trapped into the negativity that’s out there and this could make it difficult to rise one’s potential.
Then there’s so much competition out there, many talented people also wanting to make it, with the drive and passion to succeed…
What I can say is that ive got this uncontrollable desire to be happy and succeed and do what I love and feel that nothing or nobody can come in the way of my dreams when I’ve this “fire” inside of me!
So yes people…watch this space!!
There’s so much I would like to do, so much I would like to see!! Where do I start?
With so much opportunity out there, I can’t but help to get excited!
The possibilities are endless! With the stresses of daily life it’s easy to get trapped into the negativity that’s out there and this could make it difficult to rise one’s potential.
Then there’s so much competition out there, many talented people also wanting to make it, with the drive and passion to succeed…
What I can say is that ive got this uncontrollable desire to be happy and succeed and do what I love and feel that nothing or nobody can come in the way of my dreams when I’ve this “fire” inside of me!
So yes people…watch this space!!
FRIENDS
So you get good friends and you get bad friends..
Why do we keep bad friends? There shouldn’t be such a thing as bad friends. Those people should not be a part your life as they have no positive influence on your life.
I find that through the years you’ve had good friends and as time goes by and you as person grow into maturity, discover new things about yourself, set goals and objectives for yourself, you come to realise that there are certain friends that don’t fit the profile of the life you’ve set out for yourself. Some of those good friends now become bad friends because they haven’t taken a similar approach to life. And like my gran always says, “Associate yourself with positive people” and if your friends don’t have any good influence on your life…well…it’s time to move on.
Now this is where the difficult part comes, how do you cut off friends that have been there and now because they no longer have a positive influence on your life you need to part ways? Is it as simple as just saying “cheers, you no longer needed” or do you have to slowly but surely work them out of your life?
Lucky for me I don’t need to answer that question just yet!
Why do we keep bad friends? There shouldn’t be such a thing as bad friends. Those people should not be a part your life as they have no positive influence on your life.
I find that through the years you’ve had good friends and as time goes by and you as person grow into maturity, discover new things about yourself, set goals and objectives for yourself, you come to realise that there are certain friends that don’t fit the profile of the life you’ve set out for yourself. Some of those good friends now become bad friends because they haven’t taken a similar approach to life. And like my gran always says, “Associate yourself with positive people” and if your friends don’t have any good influence on your life…well…it’s time to move on.
Now this is where the difficult part comes, how do you cut off friends that have been there and now because they no longer have a positive influence on your life you need to part ways? Is it as simple as just saying “cheers, you no longer needed” or do you have to slowly but surely work them out of your life?
Lucky for me I don’t need to answer that question just yet!
Conventional is a good fallback position
Conventional is safe AND safe should be the back up plan!
That’s what I think and im sticking to it! Why not do something different? Aren’t people tired of seeing the same things?
Should we not always provide state of the art, innovative, creative and out of this world ideas?
Im not saying that conventional is bad, it’s just not that exciting, and besides you can always fall back on “conventional”, conventional can be your safety net, so why not go ball park on life?
For some, conventional is comfortable and the only way they know, in that case, im sure, doing the unconventional is just no option. Does this mean we are forced to be exposed to the same old “stuff” all the time?
So yes, im tired of conventional BUT conventional in most cases is more cost effective, what consumers know and what company’s want. In my mind, conventional will do no harm but it’s not going to get you ‘WOW’S”. Is that what we need to get use to?? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!
Why should we succumb to the norm when a world of possibility and opportunity is out there?
That’s what I think and im sticking to it! Why not do something different? Aren’t people tired of seeing the same things?
Should we not always provide state of the art, innovative, creative and out of this world ideas?
Im not saying that conventional is bad, it’s just not that exciting, and besides you can always fall back on “conventional”, conventional can be your safety net, so why not go ball park on life?
For some, conventional is comfortable and the only way they know, in that case, im sure, doing the unconventional is just no option. Does this mean we are forced to be exposed to the same old “stuff” all the time?
So yes, im tired of conventional BUT conventional in most cases is more cost effective, what consumers know and what company’s want. In my mind, conventional will do no harm but it’s not going to get you ‘WOW’S”. Is that what we need to get use to?? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!
Why should we succumb to the norm when a world of possibility and opportunity is out there?
Nothing is more dangerous than an idea, when you only have one idea (Alain)
Having an idea is great I think, it gives one the reason to think outside the box, research information, weigh up all options, communicate with various people, take calculated risks, learn new things, possibly make money and just get excited about this idea!!
In my mind, having an idea leads to using one’s time effectively and constructively, using your time to make sure this idea becomes a reality!
Then, on the flipside, having only one idea could be dangerous, focussing all your energy on one idea, knowing that there’s a possibility that idea won’t work, for whatever reason. Investing all your time, all your resources, all your money (please don’t ever do that!!) and all your effort into one idea, could have devastating effects if the idea doesn’t materialise! Putting all your eggs in one basket has both positive and negative effects, depending on whether your idea works out of course!
So this is what I would do, always ensure that you have a back up plan, do as much research as possible, consult experts, DON’T put all your money in one basket and enjoy the learning experience…
USE IT…DON’T USE IT!!!
In my mind, having an idea leads to using one’s time effectively and constructively, using your time to make sure this idea becomes a reality!
Then, on the flipside, having only one idea could be dangerous, focussing all your energy on one idea, knowing that there’s a possibility that idea won’t work, for whatever reason. Investing all your time, all your resources, all your money (please don’t ever do that!!) and all your effort into one idea, could have devastating effects if the idea doesn’t materialise! Putting all your eggs in one basket has both positive and negative effects, depending on whether your idea works out of course!
So this is what I would do, always ensure that you have a back up plan, do as much research as possible, consult experts, DON’T put all your money in one basket and enjoy the learning experience…
USE IT…DON’T USE IT!!!
TURNING 21
I need to know; what is the big fuss about turning 21…before I go any further, let me just say, I LOVED TURNING 21 and all the festivities that went along with it. I also gained more independence in terms of my parents, yes…my parents are old school, but why do people make such a big fuss about turning 21?
I understand the big fuss about turning 18. You are officially legal, you get to consume alchohol (not like you didn’t before), you can get your drivers licence (not like you weren’t driving before without a licence) and you finish high school (in most cases) but that’s it…right? I forgot one privilege…you get to vote.
So what’s so special about turning 21? Besides the big party and all the awesome gifts? Oh yes, not forgetting the 21st key!!!
Does turning 21 mean that you are officially a young adult? Does it mean you are able to make your own decisions and not be questioned? When turning 21, does turning 21 mean you are given that freedom to be your own person?
Turning 21 is also considered a milestone of age? Why is this? Im sure like 100 years, something happened and it was decide that turning 21 would be a special occasion all around the world. That’s the only conclusion that I can come too.
Living in South Africa turning 21 doesn’t mean much in terms of being legal as it does in other countries so why do we still make a big fuss about turning 21?
If anybody knows the answer, feel free to comment on my blog!
I understand the big fuss about turning 18. You are officially legal, you get to consume alchohol (not like you didn’t before), you can get your drivers licence (not like you weren’t driving before without a licence) and you finish high school (in most cases) but that’s it…right? I forgot one privilege…you get to vote.
So what’s so special about turning 21? Besides the big party and all the awesome gifts? Oh yes, not forgetting the 21st key!!!
Does turning 21 mean that you are officially a young adult? Does it mean you are able to make your own decisions and not be questioned? When turning 21, does turning 21 mean you are given that freedom to be your own person?
Turning 21 is also considered a milestone of age? Why is this? Im sure like 100 years, something happened and it was decide that turning 21 would be a special occasion all around the world. That’s the only conclusion that I can come too.
Living in South Africa turning 21 doesn’t mean much in terms of being legal as it does in other countries so why do we still make a big fuss about turning 21?
If anybody knows the answer, feel free to comment on my blog!
Andy Warhol said, In the future everybody will be world famous for fifteen minutes” – You cant choose the 15 minutes but why would you be world famous
Firstly 15 minutes is not a lot, so im thinking that whatever I am famous for should be really profound, something that made a difference, something that touched an individuals life.
I cant think of anything that would stand out for just that 15 minutes, but I would like to be world famous for my effort to make a difference to those less fortunate than me.
Firstly, let me just say, IM NO MOTHER THERESA, but I do believe that I’ve been blessed with many opportunities to live a good life and I believe that one should give back to those less fortunate to say thank you!
I’ve worked on many CSI projects and have seen the difference a small gesture like a hug or toy can make, the smile it brings to those less fortunate is priceless and irreplaceable! It makes life worthwhile! Acts like these make me realise that it’s the small things in life that count!
As cliché and overrated as my next comment might be...it’s the truth…so here it goes; “if everybody can do just that little extra this world we live in would be a much better and happier place!”
I cant think of anything that would stand out for just that 15 minutes, but I would like to be world famous for my effort to make a difference to those less fortunate than me.
Firstly, let me just say, IM NO MOTHER THERESA, but I do believe that I’ve been blessed with many opportunities to live a good life and I believe that one should give back to those less fortunate to say thank you!
I’ve worked on many CSI projects and have seen the difference a small gesture like a hug or toy can make, the smile it brings to those less fortunate is priceless and irreplaceable! It makes life worthwhile! Acts like these make me realise that it’s the small things in life that count!
As cliché and overrated as my next comment might be...it’s the truth…so here it goes; “if everybody can do just that little extra this world we live in would be a much better and happier place!”
PR vs Advertising
Im sure this is an ongoing debate in many peoples minds, especially during these economic times.
Being in the PR industry myself, I find myself constantly defending the weight Public Relations has versus Advertising.
Before I go any further, please note, this is not an attack on Advertising nor PR! I just think PR input needs to get a little more credit than what it’s currently getting.
During these economic times I find that large companies need to cut costs and where do they cut costs? PR, Marketing and Advertising. Why is this? Then it filters down even more, the PR budget gets cut, now this I completely fail to understand as Advertising costs more than what PR does. Im generalising when I say this but we all know advertising is paid for and therefore advertisers can say what they want, because they are paying for it, whereas in PR, only if what you are offering is newsworthy will it be used. Does this not mean more?
Then, on the flipside, I would think that because of these economic times companies would rely more on Public Relations because of the value it can bring and because it’s more cost effective than Advertising, I have yet to see this happen.
In saying this, I do believe that output of both PR and Advertising working together could be great and powerful.
Being in the PR industry myself, I find myself constantly defending the weight Public Relations has versus Advertising.
Before I go any further, please note, this is not an attack on Advertising nor PR! I just think PR input needs to get a little more credit than what it’s currently getting.
During these economic times I find that large companies need to cut costs and where do they cut costs? PR, Marketing and Advertising. Why is this? Then it filters down even more, the PR budget gets cut, now this I completely fail to understand as Advertising costs more than what PR does. Im generalising when I say this but we all know advertising is paid for and therefore advertisers can say what they want, because they are paying for it, whereas in PR, only if what you are offering is newsworthy will it be used. Does this not mean more?
Then, on the flipside, I would think that because of these economic times companies would rely more on Public Relations because of the value it can bring and because it’s more cost effective than Advertising, I have yet to see this happen.
In saying this, I do believe that output of both PR and Advertising working together could be great and powerful.
Tertiary Studies:
It’s come to that time, where I’ve almost completed my studies, but not just yet!! That time where you just cant wait to finish only because there’s only so much assignments, exams, presentations and classes you can take!
I’ve been studying for the past 5 years and have enjoyed it thoroughly. I’ve always strived to do my best and be the best student I could possibly be. BUT…I’ve reached the last two months of my degree and it feels like I’ve reached the end of my drive…it’s just become such a mission to go to class, do presentations, do assignments, etc etc
Although going to class does have a few benefits of which there’s one I’d like to highlight. With studying for five years come relationships with your fellow classmates that have been with you for the past five years. You find yourself growing together within the industry aswell as learning from each other. What I’ve also realised is that these classmates have become a pillar of strength, through all the craziness they are there when you need to vent, get notes from or even just get advice.
What’s been really great is the fact that you are able to network with your classmates, bounce ideas off them aswell as find out what they currently busy with.
But my first degree has almost come to end…and I can honestly say, it’s been an awesome journey.
I’ve been studying for the past 5 years and have enjoyed it thoroughly. I’ve always strived to do my best and be the best student I could possibly be. BUT…I’ve reached the last two months of my degree and it feels like I’ve reached the end of my drive…it’s just become such a mission to go to class, do presentations, do assignments, etc etc
Although going to class does have a few benefits of which there’s one I’d like to highlight. With studying for five years come relationships with your fellow classmates that have been with you for the past five years. You find yourself growing together within the industry aswell as learning from each other. What I’ve also realised is that these classmates have become a pillar of strength, through all the craziness they are there when you need to vent, get notes from or even just get advice.
What’s been really great is the fact that you are able to network with your classmates, bounce ideas off them aswell as find out what they currently busy with.
But my first degree has almost come to end…and I can honestly say, it’s been an awesome journey.
“Rock journalism is people who cant write interviewing people who cant talk for people who cant read” - Frank Zappa
In my mind, critics are suppose to be objective and not subjective. Is this not difficult to do as each individual had a different frame of reference. I say this because, what happens if a critic happens to review a restaurant or album that he/she likes? What then? The critic already has a preconceived critique because of his/her frame of reference.
Then, can critics be bought with free accommodation, free meals, free music albums? Does this influence their critique?
Then to comment on Frank Zappa’s comment “Rock journalism is people who cant write interviewing people who cant talk for people who cant read” I think this comment is depicts the words of an angry person, why else would someone say something like this?
In conclusion, I think being a critic requires great skill and knowledge about whatever is being critiqued. This way, one is able to ensure that the critique is fair and honest without any preconceived ideas and external influences.
Then, can critics be bought with free accommodation, free meals, free music albums? Does this influence their critique?
Then to comment on Frank Zappa’s comment “Rock journalism is people who cant write interviewing people who cant talk for people who cant read” I think this comment is depicts the words of an angry person, why else would someone say something like this?
In conclusion, I think being a critic requires great skill and knowledge about whatever is being critiqued. This way, one is able to ensure that the critique is fair and honest without any preconceived ideas and external influences.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
WORK!!!
Im currently working for a big retail company and my oh my has it been an experience, from learning and development of my personal growth to experiences that have changed my outlook on life. Up until last month, I was working within one department, and now find myself working in another! Only because my contract wasn’t renewed.
My opening comments sounds all good and well but it was actually the opposite of that! For a few months I felt very unsure of my future in terms of my career and felt that one particular person had control of my future, determining whether or not my contract was going to be renewed. To cut a long story short, my contract wasn’t renewed and on the last day of me being at my job at 16:45 (keeping in mind I finish at 16:30) I was told that I got a job I applied for in this other department. SHU…what a relief!
Through this whole experience I learnt that one should not let any individual take control of your future or destiny! I’ve also learnt that my job shouldn’t define the person that I am. As much I loved my job, and love the industry that im in, it still doesn’t define me as a person! It took a very draining experience for me to figure this out but im glad I was able to discover this.
Many people might think that it’s easier said than done due to the implications of not having a job, but believe me..i spent many a nights lying awake, thinking about these implications, putting plans in place to secure myself, and yet, I still didn’t feel the need to control the situation.
I learnt that one’s life is planned out and we just have to live it!
My opening comments sounds all good and well but it was actually the opposite of that! For a few months I felt very unsure of my future in terms of my career and felt that one particular person had control of my future, determining whether or not my contract was going to be renewed. To cut a long story short, my contract wasn’t renewed and on the last day of me being at my job at 16:45 (keeping in mind I finish at 16:30) I was told that I got a job I applied for in this other department. SHU…what a relief!
Through this whole experience I learnt that one should not let any individual take control of your future or destiny! I’ve also learnt that my job shouldn’t define the person that I am. As much I loved my job, and love the industry that im in, it still doesn’t define me as a person! It took a very draining experience for me to figure this out but im glad I was able to discover this.
Many people might think that it’s easier said than done due to the implications of not having a job, but believe me..i spent many a nights lying awake, thinking about these implications, putting plans in place to secure myself, and yet, I still didn’t feel the need to control the situation.
I learnt that one’s life is planned out and we just have to live it!
Personal Autonomy – How does it extend?
Okay, so I googled the meaning of Autonomy and this is what it means:
“Self-government; The capacity to make an informed, uncoerced decision; The capacity of a system to make a decision about its actions without the involvement of another system or operator” en.wiktionary.org/wiki/autonomy
Now, that I know what Autonomy means, I can actually talk about it.
I think the ability of one to make a decision by not being influenced by external factors has decreased especially in this day and age. There are so many factors that influence one’s thinking and why we make the decisions we make.
If I was to make a decision for myself based on nothing else except myself, I don’t think I would be the person I am?
So how far does personal autonomy extend? Does this not depend on the individual? Personal Autonomy, im sure is influenced my experiences, goals, values and morals. These factors are all very different for each individual so I’ve come to the conclusion that one cannot clearly define how far Personal Autonomy extends but that it is dependant on a specific individuals needs.
I do feel that Personal Autonomy will change the way in which you make decisions and think it would be FUN…making decisions for me and only me. Not giving to hoots whether or not it will affect the other person. But that’s not me…so ill stick to my way of making decisions.
“Self-government; The capacity to make an informed, uncoerced decision; The capacity of a system to make a decision about its actions without the involvement of another system or operator” en.wiktionary.org/wiki/autonomy
Now, that I know what Autonomy means, I can actually talk about it.
I think the ability of one to make a decision by not being influenced by external factors has decreased especially in this day and age. There are so many factors that influence one’s thinking and why we make the decisions we make.
If I was to make a decision for myself based on nothing else except myself, I don’t think I would be the person I am?
So how far does personal autonomy extend? Does this not depend on the individual? Personal Autonomy, im sure is influenced my experiences, goals, values and morals. These factors are all very different for each individual so I’ve come to the conclusion that one cannot clearly define how far Personal Autonomy extends but that it is dependant on a specific individuals needs.
I do feel that Personal Autonomy will change the way in which you make decisions and think it would be FUN…making decisions for me and only me. Not giving to hoots whether or not it will affect the other person. But that’s not me…so ill stick to my way of making decisions.
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