Net.Mentor gets in on the Oscars act

Nobody likes a show-off, but sometimes is nice for the backroom team in the PR and communications world to gain a bit of recognition.

And so it was that I set off for the Xchangeteam South West 2012 Freelancer of the Year Awards with few expectations but that nagging "what if I win?" question in the back of my mind.

OK, it wasn't quite the Oscars, but then I'm neither good looking enough, nor an accomplished enough actor to be walking Hollywood's red carpet.

However, run by the Bristol Media Group and the South West division of recruitment specialists Xchangeteam, the evening brought together a group of talented freelancers from a range of marketing and communications disciplines.

It was certainly a very nice surprise to receive a Highly Commended in the PR and Communications category, but in many ways that wasn't the point.  Without coming over all luvvie about it, the reality is that these Awards recognise the collaborative approach that I, and many other freelancers and small agencies, take in content creation and communication.

In my case, the collaboration between Net.Mentor and David Pippett at DWPPR has developed a strong working relationship between media relations expert and content writer which, in turn, has led to national and specialist media coverage beyond the expectations of our clients.

But we're certainly not unique in this.  All of the Award winners on the night had their stories to tell about creative thinking, hard work and delighted clients; all richly deserve the applause and congratulations.

As a freelance or small agency, particularly in PR or content writiting, it's often necessary to stay in the background and let the client take the glory.  It's fine; it's what we're paid for and, certainly in the case of Net.Mentor's clients, they appreciate what we achieve for them and with them.

But once in a while it's nice to be asked to step into the limelight and take a bow on behalf of the unsung heros and heroines that manage other people's reputations and develop and communicate their messages.

So, let's hear it one more time for PR, communications, content and marketing Freelancers!  Job satisfaction is certainly reward in itself, but something shiny once in a while sure helps too.

Published 2nd March, 2012

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