Whilst I worked at Microsoft UK I often stared in disbelief how interns were allowed to take full control over official Microsoft Twitter account presences. Most interns had no prior PR knowledge and there was no social media code of conduct which was readily enforced. One meeting I even raised the point of the CIPR’s Social Media Code of Conduct – I doubt any interns bothered reading it. In my... 

A social internet revolution is happening right now but it’s not the usual diet of Facebook or Twitter. This revolution is concerned with an internet user’s privacy rights. On the 26th October the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) was introduced to the House of Representatives in America as a bill to, “promote prosperity, creativity, entrepreneurship, and innovation by combating the theft of... 

Writing a dissertation first requires a question, some sort of academic line of enquiry which can be backed up with enough research, debate and modern relevance. The natural instinct of a writer is two-fold. Find a topic in line with the PR industry which could drive an effective rant Reflect on personal experiences in the industry which could lead to a recommendation to how things could change Fortunately... 

When studying the theoretical ideals of any industry it is easy to get caught into a reasonable train of thought which is unjust to real-world case studies. This is the impression I received when reading the book by Laura Ries and Al Ries entitled, “The Fall of Advertising and the Rise of PR” (Amazon Affiliate Link). It is a book based on ideals and bias which, in my view, is poorly interpreted... 

Yesterday marked the end of my internship at Microsoft as a Multinational Account Manager for Microsoft Advertising. Over the last year and 3 months I have been fortunate enough to work with high profile clients across EMEA, APAC, US and Latin America. Microsoft has refined me professionally and has positively impacted me personally. I could not have hoped for a better internship. What Next? In the... 

The new social network on the scene, Google+, marks a significant shift with how people communicate across the internet, engage with services and communicate with businesses. Let me explain why… Google has been attempting to penetrate the social networking scene for the last couple of years. Unfortunately past attempts have failed but now Google+ is making progress. Yet this is not just an attempt... 

Transitioning to manage a digital campaign is a task many of us “dyed in the wool” marketers do not appreciate – it is difficult. In London you would be hard pushed to find an agency who has never run any online activity but that doesn’t necessarily mean that all the individuals who work at that agency understand digital branding, online promotion (Public Relations, Social Media & Advertising). In... 

Each day as a Multinational Account Manager it is important for me to manage client expectations. In terms of online advertising campaign this forms itself to be revenue and campaign performance commitments. Commitment Setting at the Beginning All campaigns (PR included) must appreciate the clients ROI goals. These must be set before a campaign has even started. It requires research which sets out... 

In a recent interview with Ben Cotton (will be published at the beginning of August) I expressed how I could see myself working for Microsoft for the next few years. Yet a door closed firmly today with the news that my Microsoft Graduate Scheme has not been successful. Returning to Microsoft as a graduate is the most direct path after having been an intern at the company for over a year. Hearing the... 

Back in April I mentioned the Young Britain Works project set up by Microsoft to assist 16 – 24 year olds find a job during the recession. This is a project which has involved current Microsoft UK interns who have assisted with a number of activities. The Britain Works Facebook page has grown considerably since the project began.   Young Britain Works Facebook Page Activities have not just been... 

As of the beginning of this month Microsoft launched their official UK intern and graduate blog Be Your Future. The project is being managed by a current intern called Lillian Hiscox and will be updated daily-ish with new content. The main aim of the blog is to show prospective Microsoft interns and graduates what it is like working for Microsoft and the lifestyle which comes with it. Already from... 

A little while ago I explained my involvement with The Clink Restaurant. The task was simply to renovate the charity’s website ahead of the scheduled BBC Documentary, The Prison Restaurant, which will be shown on BBC 1, 26th April 2011, 10:35pm. The Clink Restaurant: New Website The Clink Charity has a new website design! Although I can’t boast that the design is mine. Microsoft was extremely...