Internships during Covid19

Finishing college and entering the workforce is a difficult time in general. Throw in a global pandemic, widespread job cuts and you’ve got yourself the Month of June for over 225,000 third-level graduates!

Trying to seek employment is tough, regardless of qualifications or stage of life.

I spent four years in college, writing reports, working on projects and completing modules with a lecturer always on hand to help. Then, all of a sudden on some sunny, yet wet day in mid-March, I get told to leave the college and go home.

Just like that, I felt robbed of my last year in college.

What I had been working towards for the past four years no longer seemed important. Online lectures, shared Google Docs, hours of sitting in the sun feeling guilty for not sitting in front of the laptop, was the reality of my last few months of education. The focus then was on getting it done. Getting my degree, which I had been so set on. The notion of finding a job only filled my body with anxiety, so I put my focus into doing the best I could to finish my course.

Having completed two previous internships, I am pretty familiar with expectations of the intern and the company. I think they are such a great opportunity, both for the student to get insight into the running of a business and for the business to seek and train new talent as well as getting some fresh insights and enthusiasm.

Throughout my time in CIT lecturers always mentioned Fuzion Communications, a full service PR agency with offices in Dublin and Cork. It wasn’t until the end of July that it really clicked with me – Get a job you love, put some confidence into yourself and your abilities and email them!

My mam always told me growing up that I should pick a place I really want to work in and get a job there, easy as that she said!

I have been interning with Fuzion Communications for almost a month now. Time flies when you’re having fun! Initially I thought it would be difficult working from home without being able to ask someone at the desk behind a quick question. However, fortunately for me I work in a communications company and the team here are more helpful and available to talk throughout the day.

Zoom has become my best friend!

Only having to wear office wear from the hips up is a joy. I couldn’t be happier with my first job after college. I’m learning more than I ever thought I could as an intern, and I’m really getting a taste of what a career in PR would be like.

Safe to say I’m very excited for what the future holds.

Heather

Heather Lordan is a PR intern with Fuzion Communications, a full service PR, Graphic Design and Digital Marketing agency with offices in both Dublin and Cork.

No better time to learn a new skill – no excuses!

We always say to ourselves, “Oh, I don’t have time for that”, “I am too busy”, but we can all honestly say that over the last few months we all have had much more time on our hands. Even those of us who are working from home, we do not have the commute to the office, so that itself is time saving.

I have always loved technology and being a curious person, loved knowing how new gadgets and equipment work, so when I was asked by Greg if I was interested in helping him to edit his many podcasts, of course I said I would be delighted to.

I have listened to the #WinHappy podcasts for a while now, even before I commenced working with Fuzion and I was always impressed how great the quality of them was and ignorantly I didn’t realise that there were many hours of editing these behind the scenes prior to the finished polished product!

The software we use is Adobe Audition 2020. I have never used any type of voice editing software before and I have found it fascinating looking at the different sound waves on screen and that they transcribed to sound. Editing my first hour long podcast took me almost an entire day. Thankfully since my first podcast edit that time has drastically reduced as I get more used to the software.

Another learning when you listen closely is how many times all of use  “emmmms”, “aaaaaas”, “likes” and “you knows” in our normal conversations!

I spend time removing many of these to ensure the conversation flows smoothly, which in turn will give you that finished polished product. I have even become much more conscious of myself when speaking as it has made me realise, we all sneak these words into our sentences in every conversation, a strange habit in my opinion.

The few that I have edited these past few weeks have been with different people from different walks of life and very different businesses. Each conversation makes you feel that you are in the room with the speakers. After each one you genuinely feel you know them so much more than you did before listening to the podcast.

When I see these people and their businesses on various social media platforms, I have a sense of pride knowing that I helped to get their chats with Greg out to the public domain.

These are some of our recent episodes (they are all great but if you have the time check out 11 Year old MC Tiny..he is a ticket!):

Tales from the top floor and much more with singer songwriter Jack O’Rourke

 

Talking Food Glorious Food with food writer and activist, Joe McNamee

 

Early Communications is Queen and Transparency is King – A pan European review of communications by experts during the Covid crisis

 

The unique role of social media throughout the COVID19 crisis

 

Helping the vulnerable as well as Sales and Leadership with Ian Hannon of Activate Training

 

Legal issues arising from Covid19 and much more with Robert Bourke, Partner in Charge with HOMS Assist

 

11 Year Old Rapper, MC Tiny says he nearly had a “meltdown” the first time he entered The Kabin

 

There is no hurling on the ditch with Paula Cogan, President of Cork Chamber

 

“When you let the light in, it makes all the difference” says the positive Gina Murphy of Hugo’s Restaurant as she prepares to reopen

 

I always thought to learn a new skill like this that you would have to be technically trained but alas that is not the case – you just need someone who is happy to show you the ropes!

That is something for me that stands out with Fuzion from any company I worked with in the past, Greg and Dee are very open to the entire team always learning new skills and not just the role you were hired for.

So, for those of you who have ever thought about learning a new skill but thought you couldn’t, wouldn’t or merely thought there was no time – there are no excuses, even for an elder lemon like me….!

Or even better, if you wanted to chat to us about being a guest or even us producing a show for your business feel free to contact me olivia@fuzion.ie or Greg greg@fuzion.ie .

Olivia 

Olivia Trought is the Office Manager with Fuzion Communications, a full service agency providing Marketing, PR, Graphic Design and Digital Marketing services from offices in Dublin and Cork.

 

Remote Meetings – Rules of Engagement

Over the past few weeks from toddlers to elder lemons, we have all had a baptism of fire when it comes to remote meetings.  

While we are well used to them at this stage you can see already an A to Z of how people are great or not so great using them so I thought it was worth writing this as we can all get a little bit better – it’s all about Communications!

Love them or hate them, they are here to stay, so I have some tips that have helped me through this new way of working and could help you as well.

For us at Fuzion, it gives us the opportunity to say that we are very much open for business, sleeves up and ready to help. And it’s working for us – we even have won new business for the first time ever without ever having met the client face to face!

When the lockdown was announced first, we thought that was the end of all of our Social Media and Media Training as well as our Brand and Communications Workshops, but we quickly adapted and we have been busier than ever thanks to Zoom.

Remote meetings will never replace the valuable face to face connectivity but if we can get remote meetings right, think of the time we can save, not to mind the benefits to the environment and our pockets. 

It could mean that when the world “reboots” if we embrace remote meetings we will be far more productive and effective as individuals and as organisations and we might even win back some more quality of life.

Here are some of my learnings since conquering the fear of my laptop camera!!

1. Be mindful of your image

Treat remote meetings as if you are all in the same room.

Wear work appropriate clothing and be mindful of your backdrop. If you have a home office, how about using one of your company’s pop ups, or if that’s not feasible either have a blank wall, or a backdrop that is clutter free.

The first week I just wore my gym gear – who cared…. It turns out I did. 

Part of my ability to thrive and not just survive during this time is keeping to my rituals and that includes giving myself time to look well every day – that way, if there is a last minute meeting – well I’m ready for my closeup!!!

2. Turn your camera on – don’t hide

Pre Covid the majority of people kept their camera off and blamed the wifi! Now it’s becoming less acceptable to have your camera turned off.  

Now most people almost resent it where people leave their camera off.  You almost feel that they are hiding something, or that they don’t want to engage with you fully.

In most cases no one will say anything but they will see you (or not at all!) in a different light if you are the hidden one.

3. Have the right light

Don’t sit with your back to the window or to strong lighting – all people will see is your silhouette. Use soft natural light to illuminate you in front or to the side. 

If you don’t have good lighting, invest in an LED Ring Light – They are great value, can plug into your laptop and offer a variety of lights and strengths depending on the natural light in the room.

In my room, I work with the light behind me, so I have positioned my laptop on books to the side with one of these LED lights behind the camera, so when I’m on a Zoom call, I turn the light on and it really softens the lighting.  

4. Frame the camera correctly

Try out a number of positions/locations for the camera – which may also change during the day depending on light. 

Show all of your face. Place the camera at eye level or higher. Looking up at the camera makes you look more engaged (so they say!!)  And look into the lens, not at the screen. That’s where the people are, and that is how you make eye contact.

I have been on one or two meetings, where the other person’s camera was pointed at the ceiling, which is definitely worse than not having the camera on at all!!!

5. Drown out noise

If you are in an environment where there are other people working near you, or there might be other distracting sounds you might consider using headsets. They could be the typical ones that come with your phone.

I’m working in an office on my own so I find the mic and the speakers on my laptop work fine, however some colleagues that run workshops and webinars prefer to use headphones or a headset with a mic.

Click this link that I found on the Zoom help resources on best cameras and headsets. 

6. Sit up straight and proud

Don’t slouch, sit on a chair, rather than a couch if possible, so it feels more like a meeting setting. Don’t move as much as you might during an in-person meeting, and stay within the camera frame.

Saying that, I work from a couch, with cushions supporting my back as I work. 

I have my laptop to my side, connected to a big screen on a coffee table in front of me and my cordless keyboard on a tray on my lap. Very comfy as as it makes room for my new work colleagues – my dogs Honey and Bert either side of me!!! 

When it comes to meetings, I lean toward the edge of the couch, sit up straight, turn towards the camera which is to the side, so that the backdrop is the wall rather than all the cushions surrounding me. It keeps me focused sitting at the edge of the couch and I have my cordless keyboard and mouse on a tray, so I am able to access the screen if I need to.

7. Look engaged

Remember it’s not a mirror, so don’t go fidgeting with your hair, or don’t click away on your computer keyboard while someone is talking. If you really have to click away or if there is any external noise like the dogs (or the kids) acting up, then mute when you are not speaking.

I was at a meeting the other day, where one of the ladies kept on tying her hair up and then down. She forgot that everyone could see her.

I think I preferred her hair down lol!!!

8. Be on time

And that means joining the meeting a few minutes before the start time, to make sure your connection is working OK.

It’s sort of like getting the meeting room ready for the meeting. When I worked in the office, I’d always make sure the room was in order before the meeting and this is my way of making sure I create the best possible impression by being on time and that everything is working properly.

9. Keep Meetings Short

Some people find remote meetings more draining than face to face meetings. So try and keep them to less than an hour. After the meeting walk around for a few minutes, grab a coffee or give the dog (or kid) a treat for behaving during the meeting!!

I find that I have to focus much more during remote meetings. I want to be sure I hear what everyone is saying and that I’m 100% engaged. So afterwards I feel really drained, but I find it helps keeping them to under an hour if at all possible.

10. Go Zoom

I know there were some security issues regarding Zoom during the first week or so of the lockdown, but we find this platform really reliable and the quality of audio, visual and screen sharing functionality really good. 

It’s free to use to host meetings if they are under 40 minutes and it’s also free to use if you are just joining in on a meeting. You just need to download the app the first time you use it.

Their website is really great as well for tips on how to use the platform as well as general help with organising webinars, meetings or just working from home. Click here for a blog post from them I found really useful – tips on how to meet like a pro while working from home.

The biggest reason for using Zoom at this stage, is that it is quickly becoming the standard. People are becoming very familiar with it and if it is a meeting, a training session or a webinar make it as easy as possible for them and don’t place any barriers to entry, such as another platform they may not know.

So, that’s all from me – I hope you find these simple tips really useful, and you never know I could be meeting you soon, on Zoom or even better in person!  

Deirdre 

Deirdre Waldron is the founding partner of Fuzion Communications, a Marketing, PR, Graphic Design and Digital Marketing agency with offices in Dublin and Cork, Ireland

 

Supports are available for your Business

What a hard to believe, crazy time that we are all knee deep in! For some it is incredibly busy, coping with fulfilling unprecedented demand in difficult circumstances, for some it is somewhat damaging and messy and for others this “pause” is devastating and real solutions are needed for immediate survival and to plan for a much needed return to some type of normal. The Local Enterprise Office network has implemented a suite of support services to assist businesses at this time. We would urge you to look carefully at these valuable supports, not only to assist you right now, but also to make your business stronger going into the future. There are 31 Local Enterprise Offices around the country, all offering these additional supports: A support we have found to be hugely beneficial for businesses throughout the years is the Trading Online Voucher Scheme.  A second voucher is now available for businesses that have previously availed of this support over the years. Having a strong online presence has never been more important, so whether it’s improving your website and online shop to creating an app, we strongly advise you to check this out. The Trading Online Voucher can also be used to support the below: Website Creation Digital Marketing Social Media for Business Search Engine Optimisation To find more about the online trading voucher and the eligibility criteria visit www.localenterprise.ie and contact your local office. If we can assist you to put a practical plan together in any of these areas give us a call and we will do everything we can to help. As well as the Trading Online Voucher, there is a range of different supports available to businesses impacted by COVID-19. An overview of all supports available: Trading Online Voucher Scheme Second voucher available

Can you do more business online? The expanded Trading Online Voucher Scheme helps small businesses with up to 10 employees to trade more online, boost sales and reach new markets. There is up to €2,500 available through the Local Enterprise Offices, with co-funding of 10% from the business. Funding can be used towards adding payment facilities or booking systems to your website or developing new apps for your customers. The voucher can also be used towards subscriptions to low cost online retail platform solutions, to help companies quickly establish a retailing presence online.

Business Continuity Vouchers  Apply for €2,500 in consultancy

The new Business Continuity Voucher is designed for businesses across every sector that employ up to 50 people. The voucher is worth up to €2,500 in third party consultancy costs (at no cost to the company) and can be used by companies and sole traders to develop short-term and long-term strategies to respond to the business challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal is to help companies make informed decisions about what immediate measures and remedial actions should be taken, to protect staff and sales. If we can be of assistance, please contact us and we will talk through the challenges you are facing. LEO Financial Supports  Grants for new and established businesses

COVID-19 Business Loans   First 6 months are interest & repayment free New low rate of 4.5% through the Local Enterprise Offices

The COVID-19 Business Loan from Microfinance Ireland (MFI), in partnership with Local Enterprise Offices, is a Government-funded initiative to support small businesses. It’s designed for micro-enterprises that are a) having difficulty accessing Bank finance and b) impacted, or may be impacted negatively, by COVID-19 resulting in a reduction of 15% or more in turnover or profit. To view loan features click here.

Lean for Micro Become a Leaner business

LEAN for Micro is available to LEO clients to help build resilience within small companies. Under this programme, clients can avail of consultancy support with a LEAN Expert (a qualified practitioner), who will work with the company to introduce lean principles, undertake a specific cost savings project and assist the company in benchmarking its performance. LEAN for Micro can also be used to help implement new remote working and physical distancing guidelines.

Mentoring Advice and guidance Now free of charge  Grants for new and established businesses

Under the Local Enterprise Office Mentor Programme, clients work with an experienced mentor to identify solutions to areas of exposure within their business. With advice and guidance from their mentor, clients develop strategies that are more robust, which address issues and maximise potential opportunities when the COVID-19 crisis comes to an end.

Training and Webinars  Upskill and network remotely, for free

Local Enterprise Offices have moved training programmes, workshops and networking meet-ups online, covering areas such as cash management in a crisis, leading your business through COVID-19 and advice for employers impacted by the crisis. Training programmes are free of charge and places can be booked online, through your Local Enterprise Office.

LEO Financial Supports  Grants for new and established businesses

For existing companies and potential start-ups that meet eligibility criteria (such as employing 10 or fewer people with the potential for growth and job creation), Local Enterprise Offices can also offer financial supports to help manage current market challenges: Business Priming Grants Business Expansion Grants Feasibility Study Grants Technical Assistance for Micro-Exporters Grant To view the full details on the supports available to your business and the criteria visit: www.localenterprise.ie/Response. Depending on how the situation evolves, criteria may change so please refer to the above website for updates.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can offer you advice during these difficult times – and try to stay positive and seriously think about using these supports, for today and a much better tomorrow….it will come! Best wishes from all at Fuzion. Greg (086) 8311156 greg@fuzion.ie   Greg Canty is the Managing Partner of Fuzion Communications, Marketing, PR, Graphic Design and Digital Marketing, Dublin and Cork offices

Have you lost your MoJo?

There is no doubt that the web is one of the most accessible ways for brands to tell their story.

The internet has made business promotion more accessible price-wise because of social media and the brand’s “shop window”, their website.

And if you know how to do it well, using the internet to get the word out there about your brand story can pay serious dividends.That’s why we here at Fuzion concentrate so much of our effort on internet-based story-telling. And today, we’re going to give you some pro tips on one aspect of how to get the most out of the internet for your brand.

Content Creation is everything, as great content is the way to grab someone’s attention, to get them to stop scrolling and to pay attention to your message…for just a moment at least, and hopefully remember you because you gave them something to smile about or to think about.

There’s a reason why content is the new buzzword for all things digital, including social media and websites. Content is King (or Queen!), and good content can tell your brand’s story in a natural and effective way. But content creation can be complicated and expensive, right?

It doesn’t have to be… (phew!)

You can create really good and engaging content for your social media channels, website and other channels using something that you have to hand right now: your mobile phone.

MoJo or Mobile Journalism, also known as mobile content creation, is an excellent way to create content that looks professional but also creates quick, easy and affordable content for you to tell your brand story.

RTÉ’s Phillp Bromwell is one of the biggest advocates for mobile content creation– check out this fantastic video he created using an iPhone.

So how do you create high-quality, attention grabbing content using your phone? 

Here are former journalist, MoJo advocate, lecturer and Fuzion Account Director, Ciara Jordan’s top tips for creating content with your phone:

Don’t be afraid

People just like you are creating amazing content every single day using just their phone. If they can do it, so can you, so don’t be afraid to grab your phone and start experimenting with mobile content creation.

Clean your lens

Phones are always put in pockets and a dirty lens can ruin a photo or video – clean it before you start!

Use the magic square

All modern mobile phones- both Android and iPhone have the ability to put grid lines (check your photo settings) on the photo screen. This will let you take pictures like a professional. Always have your subject in the “magic square”  or the middle square – this will make your photos engaging and balanced

Shoot horizontal video

Hold your phone horizontal if you are creating video – it is very difficult to edit video content created vertically – except if it is a post for Instagram.

Keep your phone in airplane mode

Disturbing an interview or footage to take a call can really destroy the mood and that can be hard to recreate.

Walk, don’t zoom!

Zooming with your phone will pixelate the image and won’t be high enough quality. So, it is best to move closer to the subject rather than zooming towards them

Creating content on your phone is very rewarding and easy. Before long, you’ll be on your way to creating great content that engages your audience in ways that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago.

Good luck!

If you would like to find out more on mobile content creation or to find out about Fuzion’s Mojo training workshop, from our offices in Dublin and Cork: contact Ciara Jordan or visit our website www.fuzion.ie

3 Ways LinkedIn Learning can help your career

LinkedIn Learning is the ‘new thing’ in terms of building professional skills.

After its acquisition of “Lynda.com” in 2015, LinkedIn Learning has become one of the biggest online educational platforms that nobody seems to know about.

From business to creative to technology, the website has over 15,000 courses available to help individuals build their personal knowledge and professional skills.

Here’s 3 ways in which this learning solution can help your career:

1.Learn New Skills

LinkedIn Learning is a great tool for upskilling as it has an extensive library of videos that can help you in all areas of business and technology. 

The platform customises your experience by making recommendations based on your interests, skills and job role. It also showcases trending, most liked and newly released videos. 

Providing you with a course description, information on the instructor and some courses offer a preview option to give more insight into the course before you fully invest in it.

LinkedIn focuses hugely on skills and helps highlight the essential skills that you may be missing. From tutorials on the latest software updates to tips on personal development, LinkedIn Learning covers all areas to ensure success in your career, including a feature which allows you to set weekly goals and track progression.

2. Looks Good For Employers. 

LinkedIn Learning is perfect for those on the job hunt or looking to further their career.

These courses offer the opportunity to earn a badge or certificate at the end of it, which is great for your LinkedIn profile or CV.

While it’s technically not third party recognised and does not have the same credibility as a third level degree or an educational institution’s certificate, Employers will love the fact that you are eager to learn and are taking the initiative to improve your skill set.

This will also eliminate ‘imposter syndrome’ that most people feel when starting a new job as you’ll already have a knowledge or at least some insight into the industry or role you’ll be working in. 

3. More positive work environment. 

In a 2018 study by Talent Works International, there was a 31% higher productivity rate by employees who are happy. Confidence and Innovation has also been proven higher in happier employees. 

LinkedIn Learning includes videos that offer advice on workplace practices, ethics, improving industrial relations and resolving conflicts. By offering solutions to problems in the workplace or how you deal with them LinkedIn Learning can help create a more positive work environment and happier employees. 

This platform will offer you the tools that will help you use your time effectively, more healthily and ensure you carry out your work in the best way possible, whether you are looking to develop in your current job role or for the job you want, LinkedIn Learning has endless videos and courses available to assist you in your career.

Happy learning!

Niamh 

Niamh Lawlor is a PR intern with Fuzion Communications, a full service PR, Graphic Design and Digital Marketing agency with offices in Dublin and Cork.

Social Media Update – July 2019, What’s new?

In Fuzion every month I deliver an update to the team about social media and what the latest trends and changes are.

Here is my update for July:

Selfie in a Swimsuit!

Have we reached the peak age of influencers?

The newest trend in Siberia is taking their Instagram shots next to a toxic lake… because the colouring of it is such a great background!!

According to Buzzfeed News, “Some show up in swimsuits; one couple took wedding pictures there, and at least a handful have ventured into the dreamlike, but toxic, waters on paddle boards or pool floats.”

The water is not poisonous but the Siberian Generating Company have had to announce to the fans of this lake that getting their skin in contact with the lake could react in an allergic reaction.

How far would you go for that perfect selfie?

 

Facebook Top Fans

Facebook is now allowing business pages to target their “top fans” in organic posts.

By targeting your “top fans” it could give you another way to create more engagement with the people that react most and value your content.

This is a great way to build and foster a stronger connection with those fans by creating content solely for them, whether it’s thanking them for their support or a reward for their engagement.

 

Chat Stickers on Instagram 

In Instagram Stories news, they have now introduced a “chat sticker” which can be added to your images.

It lets users invite followers to join a group chat, but only the original poster can select who’s allowed in. It’ll be interesting to see how brands can use this tool, maybe as a focus group to test out new product ideas or even as a competition tool. Maybe they could create a quiz within the group for the followers who get there quick enough?

 

Facebook morphing into Instagram..see more

Facebook’s mobile view is now getting a lot more similar to Instagram!

Normally when you post on Facebook, the mobile view shows all the text that was in the post. However, from August 19th, all Facebook mobile posts will display three lines of text before cutting the rest off and prompting with the “see more” link.

As I say to clients when I’m doing Instagram training, make sure your message is in the first sentence before it gets lost!

What the hell is TikToK.?

Who uses TikTok?

Apparently, everyone under 25! TikTok is a social media platform which allows users to upload and edit 15-second videos, with fun voice-overs or music (similar to Vine).

It is now booming with the younger generation and was the third most installed app worldwide in the first quarter of 2019.

It’s claimed it has 1.2 billion users globally, which makes it more popular than Instagram. How can businesses use this to their advantage? The best way, for now, seems to be partnering up with creators on the platform and using them to promote their products.

It looks like the influencer economy is here to stay!

Alma

Alma Brosnan is part of the Digital Marketing team providing Social Media Consultancy and Training services at Fuzion Communications from our offices in Dublin and Cork, Ireland

 

 

Media Training Tips

So you’ve been asked to take part in a press interview…

Interviews, be it on radio, TV or with a journalist face to face for a print article, can be very daunting.

Even for those who are very experienced, nerves are normal – you are human after all!! Often it can feel like you have no control and could be entering the lion’s den but with some simple techniques, you can master any interview and even better come across believable and communicate your key messages.

Here are five simple media training techniques that I use to prepare and calm clients for an interview:

 

1.Remember; You are “the” expert

Remember you might not know the questions, but you definitely know the answer.

A journalist is interviewing you because you know something they don’t, you are the expert so remind yourself of this before any interview.

 

2.Never say no comment!

No comment is like a red flag to a journalist.

It makes them think you are hiding something if you don’t have anything to say. More importantly it makes your audience think you are hiding something if you are quoted saying “no comment”.

 

3.Silence is golden

It is best to keep your tone steady and also keep your sentences short.

Don’t feel like you have to fill silence as silence shows confidence and credibility – don’t be afraid to have the confidence to stop talking!

 

4 Watch your body language

Body language can often show you are nervous.

Everyone has little habits they do subconsciously. This can be a dead giveaway for nerves, so I recommend that you record yourself on camera or get someone else to record you, and try to correct your body language. 

 

5. Breathe!

It might sound silly, but remind yourself to take a moment to breathe to calm yourself down!

Training..

If you would like to find out more techniques for controlling and preparing for press interviews, we provide media training services from our offices in Dublin and Cork.

Our training is very practical and we always prepare thoroughly in advance to ensure that the sessions are relevant to you and your sector and that you are given tips to keep you on message and in control of the interview, even when it could be a pressurised situation.

I lead the media training team at Fuzion and my experience as a former journalist will help to carefully support you and your team in those interview situations, allowing you to achieve best results for you and your organisation.

With our help, you will learn how to speak authentically and memorably, making you a more polished spokesperson, business leader or elected official. You will learn how to plan and prepare your media strategy and once “live” we will show you how to stay on message, how to turn a hostile interview into a positive outcome and how to rise above the white noise of everything else.

Whether on-camera or on radio you will become calmer, confident, engaging, personable and most importantly believable.

As part of our training we will digitally record you in front of a live camera for immediate feedback and help you to skill-up faster than you ever thought possible.

Our media training includes;

• Interview techniques for in-studio, and telephone interviews, familiarisation with the interviewer
• Interviewing methods to stay ahead of all journalistic approaches
• Simulated interviews with hard hitting questions and helping to analyse answer direction
• Introducing an opponent for interview and hone your combat technique

If you are interested in our Media Training services please contact us and we can create a bespoke training solution for your needs.

Ciara

Ciara Jordan is an Account Director with Fuzion Communications and she leads the media training team, from our offices in Dublin and Cork.

Positive Vibes Only…

Starting a new job can be daunting, especially as an intern!

You are at the bottom of the food chain, or so they say, but here, that is most certainly NOT the case.

First week. New faces. New names. Is there anything more frightening? (Well apart from snakes and spiders and birds – weird, I know!).

From the moment I walked in the door, I’ve never had a warmer welcome. Greeted by a beautiful, smiling face, I already feel like part of the team.

The first thing I was told was that Fuzion is ONE BIG TEAM.

Even though there are two offices at two different ends of the country, Dublin and Cork, “How is this going to work? Cork is so far away” were the first thoughts that popped into my head.

However, this thought was quickly wiped away when I received a call from EVERYONE in the Cork office. Yes, I most certainly feel like part of this team (well family) now.

How lovely would it be if every company treated their employees this way? Wouldn’t we all be so much happier in our jobs and happier in ourselves for that matter?

Our work is acknowledged on a regular basis- and honestly, there is nothing nicer than to hear that you’re doing a great job!

You feel valued.

When you are valued and appreciated, it automatically reflects in the work that you do, and when this is acknowledged, there honestly is no better feeling!

Having colleagues who are so passionate about what they do, really drives and motivates you to grow and learn so much more, as an individual and as part of the team.

Even though I am (technically) bottom of the food chain here, I do not feel that way at all.

Being treated as an equal, I believe, is the most important thing about having a successful team and having that special bond, that not a lot of companies have.

So here’s to all of the positive vibes only!

Abigail 

Abigail Shaw is a PR Intern with Fuzion Communications who have offices in Dublin and Cork, Ireland

From building sites in the UK to teaching 1.3 million young people in Africa to code

If you want to get anything done you should ask a busy person!

This must be the big lesson that I picked up when I sat down to record an episode of the Fuzion Win Happy podcast with the CEO of Camden Education Trust and Co-Founder of Africa Code Week,  Bernard Kirk.

An early experience on building sites in the UK set off a powerful light bulb moment for Bernard – without education you will struggle, as he witnessed so many Irishmen slogging their way through life until they could no longer manage the physical toil that was required to do that job.

Bernard is a teacher who progressed to teaching teachers and then got involved in a myriad of events and initiatives that encouraged our youth to advance themselves.

When a Minister asked him to organise a Science and Technology Festival in the West of Ireland this sparked an endless involvement in other projects and initiatives all with the same goal of advancing the potential of young people through education.

Running Africa Code Week, which brings together 1.3 million young people in 35 different countries is a colossal, mind bending achievement.

Where would you even start to organise such an event – Bernard says you pick up the phone, you bring people together, you leverage connections and so on and so on.

Nothing is ever that easy and it is clear that this passionate man doesn’t see roadblocks, he sees opportunities.

Bernard reckons his Irishness is one of his Superpowers and it gives him the unique ability to open doors everywhere.

Click below to listen to the podcast and hear about how this very busy man does it!!

Fuzion Win Happy Podcast – Education is the key to everything

Enjoy the show!

Greg 

Greg Canty is a Partner of Fuzion Communications who offer Social Media Consultancy Services from our offices in Dublin and Cork, Ireland