Top PR Tips for 2011

Feeling Snowed Under by PR and Marketing?

Now that the freezing conditions are gone don't get snowed under by your PR and Marketing in 2011.

Many people dread the idea of developing a PR and Marketing Plan envisaging hours spent typing, researching, doing competitor analysis to ultimately abandon the plan as being redundant or running out of budget to keep up the implementation.

Keep it simple - even a one page plan can prove to be more realistic by keeping the following tips in mind.

1. Pick a Market and Stick to it.
Although you might offer your handmade chocolates to everyone because 'everyone loves chocolate', trying to target 'everyone' unless you've an infinite budget, is going to prove exhausting, frustrating and quite possibly ineffective.

Instead choose a niche, and develop your marketing and PR plan directed and tailored to this market. For example a chocolate brand aiming their recent marketing at females aged 25-45, adverts depict a professional lady sharing an apartment with two other girls takes time out to enjoy her hidden chocolate.

Contrary to what you might believe, targeting one particular market will not alienate other markets who will still buy your product but it will help you position yourself and build brand strength.

If you produce a niche product stick to it, for example if you operate an Italian restaurant then exclusively offer Italian food. You might feel tempted to add Fish and Chips to make your menu a more 'something for everyone' type of offering, you will be diluting your brand and then fall into the trap of trying to market to 'everyone'.

Find your market and stick to it, use this as your basis for your Marketing and PR Plan then become very, very good at servicing that market and become known for it. Which brings us on to Top Tip number 2.....

2. Communicate Clearly and Consistently

Once you have decided on the marketing niche you will pursue, or are very clear on your niche offering communicate this throughout all your marketing and PR activities. Develop tag lines that concisely communicates to your market. Develop packages that would appeal to this market i.e. if your market is honeymooning couples don't keep shouting about how child-friendly your resort is. Keep the message consistent and keep the messages frequent.

3. Develop relations with other suppliers or producers targeting a similar market.
Looking at year ahead mark months where a new PR and Marketing campaign will be launched. For a clothing store this could be as simple as an End of Season Sale or something more intense like a Fashion Show.  Then using this as a base look at hooking up with other complimentary suppliers who are aimed at a similar market and join forces for one of your marketing campaigns. For a teenage clothing End Of Season sale perhaps consider working with a music store on discounts and vouchers with each purchase. By aligning yourself with other stores or businesses targeting a similar market will strengthen your positioning and reinforce who and what your target market is.

There are many forms of inexpensive marketing and PR tools at your disposal. Consistent communication with your target market is what will make one business stand out from another. For businesses developing an ongoing plan spending little time often is more effective then high impact one hit campaigns. Get creative, but most of all stay true to your niche.

Best of luck in 2011 and a very Happy New Year.

17 Dec 2010 - Long Range Weather Forecast For Ireland ~ Irish Weather Online

17 Dec 2010 - Long Range Weather Forecast For Ireland ~ Irish Weather Online

Top 10 Careers Damaged by Photographs

Top 10 Careers Damaged by Photographs

A World Of Spanish Wines

Cava Spanish Restaurant and Tapas Bar on Dominick Street in Galway have launched a new extended Wine Menu to include over 140 carefully chosen wines originating throughout Spain. Included on the new wine offering are wines exclusive to Cava Spanish Restaurant and Tapas Bar plus new and exciting cavas and sherries.

For the novice the wine menu has been designed to be easily navigated taking all the hard work out of choosing the right wine. Suggestions for complimentary foods are offered on each. Cavas are catagorised by sweetnesss while the reds and whites are marked according to weight i.e. light, medium or full-bodied.

The region the wine comes from plays a major part in the taste of the wine, ultimately the grape type used making the difference for example the riojas use the tempranillo grape. Cava have illustrated the regions from which each wine originates along with a brief tasting note on each wine.

Jp McMahon, chef-patron explains "The new wine menu represents a journey across Spain, just as our tapas menu showcase over 50 regionally inspired tapas. We wanted to showcase the depth, quality, and regional diversity of Spanish wines. In the last ten years Spain has really found its footing with its own indigenous grapes and has started to produce amazing quality wines and sherries."

The philosophy held at Cava Spanish Restaurant and Tapas Bar is one that promotes the Spanish way of eating, the unique tastes of regional Spain and a sense of introducing people to the colourful culture of Spain.

To view the exciting wine menu at Cava Spanish Restaurant and Tapas Bar see www.cavarestaurant.ie






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Cheers! It’s NovemBeer

 

Cava Spanish Restaurant and Tapas Bar on Dominick Street is christening this month 'NovemBeer' offering enticing beer and tapas promotions to whet your appetite.

For the month of November Cava Spanish Restaurant and Tapas Bar are knocking 10% off all beers. Head chef and owner Jp McMahon has also developed a range of special beer-complimenting tapas to accompany your 'cold one' such as pork fillet with harrisa and local venison sausages with caramelised onion and quince.

Featured beers include Estrella Damm -a favourite in Barcelona; the traditional 1906 Reserva Especial the popular Estrella Galicia and the Spanish non-alcoholic River Sin beer. Cava Spanish Restaurant and Tapas Bar also serve the exclusive Estrella Inedit beer. Developed by the world famous El Bulli chef Ferran Adria, Inedit has a distinctive bottle and is served ice cold in wine glasses. One bottle serves two people so grab yourself a beer buddy and taste the exclusive at Cava Spanish Restaurant and Tapas Bar.

To mark World Beer Festival taking place throughout Galway's West End during weekend of 18^th to 21^st, Cava Spanish Restaurant and Tapas Bar will be running special beer promotions such as an ice bucket of three Estrella Damm's for €10 or two tapas and a bottle of beer for €12.

For more information see www.cavarestaurant.ie or phone 091 539 884.

Last rooms for weekend at Number 7 Cross Street, Galway's newest Boutique Hotel available by booking going to Number7CrossStreet.com

Awesome Autumn

As the long nights draw in and the leaves turn shades of gold and brown, the thought of curling up in bed with a tub of ice cream and good movie might seem just like an ideal night’s entertainment. How about getting in a fresh walk in the woods first, followed by a delicious meal served up by one of Ireland top chefs accompanied by a glass of rich red wine? Sound tempting?

This autumn you can enjoy the delights of the beautiful Connemara countryside for less in the laidback luxury of Lisloughrey Lodge with our special Awesome Autumn break and they’re adding a very special complimentary treat.

This two night break includes accommodation in one of our luxurious deluxe rooms with full Irish breakfast on both mornings and a six-course gourmet dinner on one night in Salt Restaurant.

A complimentary autumn treat is also included in this break – when booking enjoy one of the following options to enjoy during your stay:


Autumn Treat Options:


• Upgrade to a suite (subject to availability) OR


• Bottle of House wine during your dinner OR


• Movie and Munchies Night - includes a movie from the well stocked library, a bowl fresh popcorn, chocolates, chilled beer and a bowl of ice cream for two!


Awesome Autumn is €145 pps. See Lisloughrey.ie for more details.

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Book Your Place Now & Get Intimate With Fine Spanish Food and Wine

“One of the most authentic Spanish restaurants in Ireland at present” (Sebastian Black, Spanish Flavour) “best Tapas in Ireland” Tom Doorley



Spain has the largest area of land dedicated to viticulture (the production of wine) of any country in the world. This winter is something to look forward to for wine and fine food lovers as Cava Spanish Restaurant and Tapas Bar will host a series of tastings evenings with three of Spain’s most dynamic and interesting wine producers. The wines will accompany Michelin star inspired Spanish food freshly prepared by Jp McMahon.


The first of the tasting evenings, September 29th, welcomes acclaimed wine producer Julián Murúa from Bodegas Muriel. The five course menu will include special dishes prepared for the evening highlights include Battered Red Mullet with warm lemon mayonnaise and Foie gras with Peach ice-cream & toasted corn. Each course is accompanied by a complimenting wine by Bodegas Muriel.


20th October will see an evening of biodynamic and organic wines from Mallorcan wine producer ‘Anima Negra’. This highly acclaimed wine producer Anima Negra translated as Black Soul, is run by Miguel Angel Cerda and his brother in law. Their three stunning world class red wines are enjoyed in the finest restaurants of the world including the legendary Catalan restaurant ‘El Bulli’. The food will reflect the Mallorcan heritage of these wines while Miguel Angel Cerda will explain each wine and the production process.


The third of the exclusive wine tasting events will be held 17th November. Guests will enjoy fare from the Madrid region and wine from the vineyards of Bodegas Francisco Casas. Francisco Casas produce Tochuelo, Camparron and Abba wines. Another family affair, Vicente Casas runs the winery and vineyards with his cousin Edwardo. Vicente was once a professional football player with Real Madrid before taking over the running of his father’s winery . Hailed internationally the vineyards are located in the heart of Spain North West of Madrid. Jp promises authentic food inspired by the multitude of superb tapas bars in Madrid.


To book your place at one of these exclusive wine tasting events please phone 091 539884 or email food@cavarestaurant.ie.

For press information contact: Olivia@thosetwogirls.ie

Cava Spanish Restaurant and Tapas Bar Celebrate Spain's World Cup Win

AN INTIMATE AND BEAUTIFUL WEDDING AT LISLOUGHREY LODGE

If special, intimate, tasteful and elegant are words you would use to describe your dream wedding then cupid’s arrow is pointing towards Lisloughrey Lodge, Co Mayo.

Lisloughrey Lodge is a spectacular and romantic wedding setting. Nestled in ten acres of mature woodlands and occupying a dramatic position overlooking Lough Corrib the hotel fuses period features with contemporary design to deliver the quintessentially rural Irish wedding experience.


Intimate & Beautiful Wedding Package (€9,950)

For couples planning an intimate wedding with up to 50 guests the Lisloughrey Lodge Small & Beautiful Wedding Package is an exceptional idea. This price covers it all; exclusivity of the entire hotel, sparkling or mulled wine reception, delicious canapés, a wedding banquet with toast drink, late night bites, photographer and entertainment. The expert and enthusiastic team at Lisloughrey will guide you through every aspect of planning your special day.
Food provenance is the watchword of award winning executive head chef Wade Murphy. Couples work with Wade to create their special banquet menu which comprises soupçon, starter, main course and dessert tasting plate as well as late night bites. The resident sommelier will recommend delicious wines to complement each course of the wedding feast.

Weather-permitting, the party can enjoy canapés and drinks on the picturesque lawn which is also a scenic spot for photos. The Harbour Room, with natural daylight and stunning views of the Corrib, is the stage for the big day. To end newlyweds can retire happy ever after to the luxurious Bridal Suite.

Lisloughrey Lodge is dedicated to the pursuit of pleasure. From golfing, fishing and cruising the Corrib to getting pampered in the spa there is an endless list of thing to keep guests busy before ad after the big day.

For more information and other exclusive packages see www.Lisloughrey.ie or phone 094 9545500

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Life-Enhancing, Life-Inspiring Sleep With Core Natural Sleep

Sleep like you have never slept before on a bed that inspires a sensual deep sleep. This is the simple promise made by Ireland’s only 100 per cent natural mattress-maker, Core Natural Sleep.

The newly launched Core Natural Sleep company is a tale of heart and craft. Galway native, Eric Brennan and his Dutch wife Sabien had a shared vision - to redefine the way we sleep by using nature’s most nurturing organic fibres, to restore balance and vitality while applying the traditional craft of mattress-making with the best orthopaedic know-how. The result: a luxurious bespoke mattress for lifelong beauty sleep.

Eric and Sabien have applied their years of international experience, sourcing materials from around the globe, to develop their unique organic sleeping experience. The Core Natural Sleep mattresses are made of organic cotton, pure new wool, coco-fibre and horsehair, ingredients selected because they regulate temperature and moisture, ensuring a dry, clean and healthy sleeping environment.

The sleep-promoting natural materials are recommended suitable to those suffering with asthma, allergies and skin conditions.

The secret of comfort lies in support. Core Natural Latex perfectly moulds the body shape regardless of your sleeping position and has been orthopedically designed to have posture zones catering for optimal posture and lumbar support.

The Core Natural Sleep workshop and showroom can be found in Galway’s Briarhill Business Park where customers can bed-hop like Goldilocks among the Core Mattress ranges to find their dream bed. Each mattress is handmade and therefore bespoke sizes or shapes are possible for cots, camper vans, yachts or whatever you require.

Prices start from €1,000 and expert help and advice is on hand to guide you through every step of this very important purchase. Visit www.corehomestore.ie for more details.

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For more information please contact:
Isabel Dalton, Those Two Girls PR
Ph: 091 385 600
Direct: 087 2639021

Congratulations To The Team At Mongey's Opticians

Áine Higgins, Optician at Mongey Opticians, Castlebar and Ballinrobe, has been named UK and Irish Optometrist of the Year at the annual Optician Awards 2010.

Mongeys saw off hundreds of optometrists from the whole of the UK and Ireland to achieve this much coveted award. The Optician Awards celebrate excellence in practice and recognise opticians who provide a holistic approach to clinical excellence, quality patient care as well as business innovation.

The judges commented: “It is a wonderful reflection of how an independent optician can compete with multinationals on a local level.”


Speaking about the award Áine says: “Optometrist of the Year is a phenomenal achievement made possible by an outstanding team that continuously delivers excellent care. Team effort combined with testimonials from patients and local healthcare professionals proved to the judges we are the best.”

Mongey Opticians was also shortlisted in three categories including; Independent Practice of the Year (Castlebar) - which acknowledges the independent practitioners who can demonstrate how they provide individualised eye-care and a practice that puts patients first; Family Optician of the Year (Ballinrobe) and Environmental Practice of the Year. Mongey Opticians is the only Irish practice to be shortlisted in both 2009 and 2010.

As Mongey Opticians moves forward in this new decade winning Optometrist of the Year 2010 reinforces their enviable reputation as Ireland’s most progressive and dynamic opticians.

Big Congrats to Áine, Damien and the team.

Rolling on the River with Corrib Princess and Cava Outside Catering

The Corrib Princess is sailing in a new direction opening each Wednesday evening to pleasure-seekers with a penchant for fine food and wine.

From Wednesday 12 May until the end of the summer, two of Galway’s treasures - Corrib Princes and Cava Outside Catering, will host a memorable midweek retreat onboard the luxurious Corrib Princess comprising a cruise, barbeque and entertainment, matched with idyllic waterways views.

The Corrib Princess is an enchanting setting and the four hour trip is just enough time for friends catching up, couples in search of romance or simply lone diners to kick-back and relax while soaking up stunning views of the Corrib, its wildlife and historical landmarks. The voyage concludes with two hours of live entertainment from Galway’s finest musicians – an added benefit to this special outing.

The Corrib Princess is also available for Private Charter and Cava Outside Catering has created a versatile menu, using top-drawer, locally sourced seasonal ingredients to cater for all tastes and price ranges. Sophisticated classics such as organic salmon steak with lemon and fennel dressing sit alongside beef stroganoff with homemade bread all lovingly prepared with Cava’s delicious culinary flair. Cava’s signature tapas selections also feature in the appealing line-up. For afters, perhaps a slice of chocolate cake with vanilla cream will float your boat.

Tickets cost €45 per person and include cruise, barbecue and entertainment and sailing time is 7pm -11pm. To reserve a place please contact Corrib Princess bookings 091 592 447 or email info@corribprincess.ie

Get Away For St. Patrick’s Day

To celebrating its official renaming and rebranding the Mulranny Park Hotel are offering exclusive deals to mark St. Patricks Day this year.

Situated in the picturesque town of Mulranny you will be perfectly placed to marvel at the beauty of Croagh Patrick during a day trip to Westport, only 25 minutes away, and how about spending St. Patricks Day on nearby Achill Island to witness the unique St Patrick's Day Band Festival where five pipe bands collaborate to form one mass band, with the array of pipers and drummers with the sound of the pipes resonating far and wide.

2 nights midweek for bed & breakfast with an evening meal is €119pps. Stay an extra night for only €60pps for dinner, bed & breakfast. This offer is available throughout March for midweek breaks.

For more information or to make a reservation, log onto www.mulrannyparkhotel.com or call 1850 33 6000.

Freelance PR Consultant

Required: Freelance PR Consultant / Executive for ongoing freelance work. Senior PR professionals only please.


Must have access to fully functional office (home office or otherwise) with all full communications abilities i.e. email/phone/landline/skype/pc. Role will involve following PR plans, all PR activities and reporting to director on a regular basis. Travel to west of Ireland fortnightly for progress reports and client meetings.

This role is on flexitime and number of hours each month will be agreed prior to commencement. Consultant however will need to available on email/mobile during normal working hours.

Candidates should apply with cover letter explaining why you feel you are suitable for this position. Experienced, reliable professionals only.

Might suit someone rejoining work force with many years previous experience in PR/Marketing agency roles

Email info@thosetwogirls.com

A Tapas Feast Made For Sharing

Planning a night out in at the weekend? get into a fiesta party mood and grab 8 friends for a Tapas Feast in Cava.

To celebrate the annual Seville Tapas Fair held in Seville every year in February, the much renowned Galway Spanish restaurant, Cava have launched a very special Seville Tapas Fiesta Menu.

The exciting menu offers groups of 8 or more the chance to taste and to share various tapas from different regions throughout Spain including 8 exciting meat, fish and vegetable dishes, such as Sweet Potato & Spanish Goats Cheese Croquettes, Chorizo with Sherry, Prawns in Lemon and Garlic plus dessert and a delicious glass of specially chosen Spanish wine.

The menu is priced at a very reasonable €25 per person based on 8 people or more. Booking is essential.

For more information see www.cavarestaurant.ie or phone 091 539 884.

Finding Room for Romance

Lisloughrey Lodge believe the whole month of February is made for romance and not just Valentine’s weekend, so make room for romance and escape for some couple time to this unique retreat.


Remember the magic by taking an afternoon stroll through the majestic woods, reconnect while sipping a glass of wine by a roaring log fire, become starry eyed while wishing on a star or indulge in a glass of bubbly in the hot tub overlooking Lough Corrib. The mood is set at Lisloughrey Lodge.

The Room For Romance includes two nights accommodation in a deluxe room, with complimentary upgrade to a suite (subject to availability), a bottle of bubbly in your room upon arrival, breakfast in bed and dinner on the night of your choice in the award winning restaurant Salt.

Can’t find anyone to mind the children? Bring them with you and Lisloughrey Lodge will arrange free babysitting while you take your time over a candlelit dinner.

Room For Romance Package is €179 per person sharing for weekends or €140 for mid week with dinner in Malt Brassiere. For more details check out www.lisloughrey.ie

Looking For an Alternative Valentines Experience? Get ‘em Cooking!

Looking for a fun and, dare I say it, more 'practical', longer lasting experience then an expensive bunch of flowers? Take an intimate look behind the scenes at Cava Spanish Restaurant & Tapas Bar and take your beloved for a cooking class.
Hailed as 'the most authentic Spanish restaurant in Ireland' and having 'the best tapas in Ireland' and by top food critics, Cava Spanish Restaurant is offering you the rare chance to get behind the scenes and learn how to bring some Spanish flavour to your table. With a maximum of 2 people in each class this is certainly a cooking lesson with one-on-one attention. Your teacher for the day is restaurant owner and Head Chef JP McMahon.
'Cooking At Cava' is open to individuals and couples and can be tailored to suit your needs and abilities. The classes include breads, deserts, simple and tasty tapas-making as well as a fun introduction to Spanish cooking while also learning how to use seasonal Irish produce in your Spanish culinary masterpieces.
The cooking classes can be booked in advance and generally run from 9am to 1pm mid-week.
Tasting of course is essential, and after your half day in the kitchen relax with lunch served in the restaurant by the professionals. A nifty recipe booklet with a brief history on Spanish Cooking and Cava Restaurant will also be yours to take home.
Cost for this unique experience is €95 p.p. which includes lunch and recipe booklet (€60 for class only), and €150 for couples.
For more information see http://www.cavarestaurant.ie/ or phone 091 539 884 to book your place.


"One of the most authentic Spanish restaurants in Ireland" (Sebastian Black, Spanish Flavour).
"The best Tapas in Ireland" Tom Doorley, Irish Times

Your Marketing Plan For 2010

 

As we collectively breathe a sigh of relief that the dreaded 2009 is over, we can look forward to a 2010 where it's time to take control. If 2009 was a year of reactive knee-jerks then 2010 is a time for getting proactive.


If you already have committed your marketing plan to paper, discussed it with the team that will be involved in its implementation and set some measurable goals then well done, you're in the driving seat of 2010. If you have yet to build your marketing plan, we would strongly encourage you to do so.

You may think it is futile to make a plan in the midst of so much change and who knows what will be happening 12 months from now. But consider the fact that without a plan you are at the mercy of whatever comes along. You can only react to the marketplace. With a plan in place you can steer your company in the direction you have chosen, even if course adjustments need to be made along the way.


Assess how your business has changed

Ask yourself some questions to help develop your direction:

• What are my main objectives for 2010?
• What position does my brand hold in today's economy?
• Is my current target market the same?
• Are there new markets for my product/service?
• What media avenues will best reach my target?
• What message will adequately reflect the benefits of my product/service?

Recession has thrown business’ many curve balls in the last 12 months, so take the take to assess your business and clarify business objectives before embarking on creating your marketing plan. Share these findings with personnel so all your team feel involved and see how the picture has changed.

Plan some time away from your daily business activities to develop your marketing plan and call in professionals for some assistance once you know where it is you’d like the company to be at the end of the year.

Explore various marketing channels

Use multichannel marketing for maximum exposure and business growth. Marketing is more than a brochure, a press release or a website. It is the complete process of defining objectives, exploring the marketplace, finding an audience, creating a strategy and implementing that strategy with gusto. Using every available marketing channel will ensure you reach your target audience.

I encourage you to start on your marketing plan today. It doesn't need to be a fancy document, jot some notes down during your coffee break, think about it while waiting on your next appointment. It deserves serious thought and evaluation. Take the time to gain clarity and purpose for the year ahead.

Need inspiration?

Contact Those Two Girls PR for assistance in identifying unique key selling points, building a plan to maximise these and look at how to develop marketing and PR opportunities.

Phone Olivia on 091 385600 or email olivia@thosetwogirls.com

Visit our website for a full list of services http://www.thosetwogirls.com/

Feeling Foggy? Head West

Looking to clear your head after an over-indulgent Christmas? Get to Westport for some clean air and brisk walks to get your cheeks rosey again.

Take in the breath taking scenery or, if you’re up to it, challenge yourself to a Croagh Patrick climb. From 11th January The Wyatt Hotel in Westport is offering an excellent value room-only rate from €49 for a double or €39 for single room.

The Wyatt Hotel, is a charming boutique style hotel, located at the Octagon in the very heart of Westport town. Steeped in history, the building is over 100 years old, combined with its character and charm make this hotel a very unique venue.

For more information on this and other deals see www.wyatthotel.com