http://www.a-propos.co.uk à propos is an independent PR and marketing communications consultancy in west London Tue, 16 Feb 2010 11:16:40 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Unless we're very unlucky, we're all more family-focussed at this time of year. Even if we're merely reconnecting by sending a card, our extended families are in our thoughts. To a certain extendt the tradition of following one's parents' footsteps into the family business has disappeared, though it still gladdens ... http://www.a-propos.co.uk/blog/a-family-affair Am enthusiastically reading Guy Clapperton's book "This is social media" which reminds me only too forcefully to keep this blog up to date! So far the book is impressive - so much so that I sat engrossed in it during my visit to the hairdresser today, rather than reading 'Heat' ... http://www.a-propos.co.uk/blog/this-is-social-media Off to the Midlands last weekend for a family party.  During the journey we realised that there must be some serious identity  problems amongst the residents of West Mercia - plainly something in the air means that they are incapable of remembering their own names or initials.  At least two cars in every three sported ... http://www.a-propos.co.uk/blog/who-am-i Having noticed from idly glancing at my daughter's 'Heat' magazine from time to time, I couldn't fail to be aware of something called a Power Plate which is, it seems, the exercise accessory de nos jours for celebs with toned arms, tums and bums.  So imagine my excitement when two Power ... http://www.a-propos.co.uk/blog/power-plate Sometimes, it's gratifying to note, one's optimism is well-founded.  After my last post the client who whom I used to work some seven or so years ago has confirmed he'd like me to launch an excellent home insulation product direct to the consumer.  I got the confirmatory call today - ... http://www.a-propos.co.uk/blog/a-glass-half-full-indeed ...that things are looking up.  I went away last Friday leaving an office with my Inbox almost empty, a silent phone and nothing more exciting than PR Week in the in tray. What a difference a week makes!  The phone has scarcely stopped since I got back in yesterday lunchtime with ... http://www.a-propos.co.uk/blog/todays-the-day Whoever coined this new (to me) phrase has revolutionised my social life recently!  I've been to pop up drinks, and been to eat in a pop up restaurant (or two). All highly agreeable and certain to become a bad habit! There's something extremely attractive about spontenaiety - and it's something that,  in ... http://www.a-propos.co.uk/blog/carpe-diem  On Tuesday I had a day off and a trip to the National Gallery to see the Sisley exhibition. Small, but delightful. Then to a lovely lunch at Le Caprice – one of my very favourite 'occasion' restaurants in London. Food and wine both excellent. Service patchy though charming. But why doesn't ... http://www.a-propos.co.uk/blog/clean-your-shoes   To PR Newswire's 'Meet the Media' event in SW1 last night. Guest speaker was Matthew Bishop of The Economist who, in between plugging his just-published book, offered some useful insight into the workings of this excellent publication. Hospitality was generous and following the Q&A session we were all invited to ... http://www.a-propos.co.uk/blog/at-la-galeria That's PR The jury is out on the sagacity of spending our way out of a recession. No matter which view you take, there are some smart moves for your money which will put you ahead by a country mile when the climate improves. Public relations grew up in the shadow of ... http://www.a-propos.co.uk/whitepapers/44