Conor Nolan, bringing PR buzz back!

I was beginning to think that I would be better off swapping over to journalism instead of continuing with the public relations course, as I thought I may get more out of it in regards to improving on my writing. However, after Friday’s lecture with Conor Nolan my mind has been changed. I am now, officially excited about the world of public relations again.

Although he had the ability to make it sound easy to get to the top of the game he is obviously in, Conor is definitely coming from a place I inspire to be part of.

Conor told us how he believed in the age old advice of keeping things simple, working out the who, what, why, where, and when was half the struggle in using PR as a tool, which, if used correctly has the ability to effectively manipulate the world of press.

We went on to look at some of the main masters and players in the worlds of pr and press. I was ashamed to admit that although I knew some of the names, I didn’t really know what they did. I realise I need to look into such people in more depth to keep up to date with people and the circles they move in.

I am going to check out some of the music magazines that Conor suggested such as Music Week, as I am very interested in music related pr. After Conors talk I would also like to learn more about celebrity endorsements and advertising pr.

Conor talked a bit about his background and the fact he has now chosen to settle in Cornwall, working as an editorial consultant for the Daily Mirror, as well as writing for Cornwall and Devon media group and PR Adviser to Cornwall Film, a far cry from some of the more colourful jobs he has undertaken.

Conor shared with us a few case studies to demonstrate some of his past work. These included the classical group Bond ,and the campaign that was used to spice up their part in what Conor described as a “saturated market.” Conor explained how the photographer, Bob Carlos Clarke, notorious for his sex sells erotic photography, was commissioned to take pictures worthy of getting the girls back in the papers, success was evident in, among others, a double page spread in the Sunday Express.

Conor, who is also a director for Concept nightclubs, which includes The Embassy in London. The club is a favourite haunt for many footballers and wanna-be footballer’s wife. It’s also a favourite with the Royals. Conor explained the lengths he would go to get the club named checked in papers, whether it be tagged with drunken photos, or named as hospitality caters at events such as Live Earth or Party In The Park. This is evidence to suggest that the biggest successes in pr, are those that find their way in to the press.

One of Conors other successes came in the form of his time working for Harrods. Harrods, which is a Mecca for bargain hunters when it comes to their twice yearly sale, is always opened by a well known personality, these have in the past included Enrique Igesias, Holly Valance, Lucy Lui and Brittany Murphy amongst others. Conor was responsible for securing these people, as well as over seeing the pr of the event, which always saw press coverage reach as globally as Asia, Australian and Japan.

Since 2002 Conor has been personal publicist to ex Neighbours actress and singer Holly Valance.Conor admitted to it not being the easiest job with someone he describes as “hard work’’ but a success non the less. Conor went on the explain how he mounted a campaign to get Ms valance,an actress who openly admits to hating showbiz bashes, back into the limelight. The campaign included restyling her from bikini babe to vintage sophisticate, as well as a cleverly executed appearance at the Edinburgh Film Festival.

Conor concluded by telling us that pr is the art of managing people, this can include the media or the public. It is a matter of transactions, and giving someone something they desire, or possibly making them want something they didn’t know they wanted. The relationships and contacts you develop along the way are vital to secure successful public relation campaigns.

I am not one of those people who is impressed easily, but I have to admit Mr Nolan did a might fine job of inspiring me to get to the top of the pr ladder, and I for one really don’t mind starting at the bottom step to get there.