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November 30th, 2012 by

Speed crowned best PR Agency at Mobile Entertainment Awards

Over the years we’ve been no stranger to the Mobile Entertainment Awards, usually sitting with clients and cheering them on as they pick up awards or purely for the fun of the evening and the valuable networking it provides. This year was a different story though. This year there was a PR award at stake.

It’s the first time that Mobile Entertainment introduced the ‘Best PR Agency’ category  in the awards and we’re absolutely delighted to have scooped the big prize last night and be crowned the Best PR agency!

The award was made extra special by the fact that winners were decided by industry voters, not just one or two influential people. It’s a fantastic feeling and the team here is absolutely humbled to have won it.

Although our acceptance speech was short and sweet (rabbit in the headlights springs to mind), we wanted to take more time today to deliver something a little more comprehensive and thought out.

Firstly, it’s fantastic that Mobile Entertainment has recognised the role that PR agencies play in the industry, in connecting them to companies, people and relevant and bespoke content. It was an absolute honour to share the room with so many influential industry people, let alone the stage.

It’s also important to recognise the other agencies we were up against as there was some fantastic talent in the room, delivering brilliant work across the board and helping to ensure UK PR agencies have a great reputation in mobile.

Last, but by no means least, without the amazing clients we have in the sector, we simply wouldn’t be able to do the work we do. They are the reason we get up in the morning and they’re the reason why we’ll continue to deliver the best results possible. The mobile industry moves at an incredible pace and if you take your eye off the ball, even for a second, you’re likely to miss something.

It’s incredibly cliché to say this but hopefully you’ll forgive me this time when I say that here at Speed we live and breathe mobile. It’s what we do. It’s who we are. If you share our passion for mobile and want to talk more about how PR would be able to help your business, we’d love to chat over a cup of tea.

Thank you.

Neil

P.S. If you haven’t seen the video from the awards last night, it’s well worth a watch.

 

Photo courtesy of Mobile Entertainment: ME’s Zen Terrelonge with Nicole and Neil from Speed

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August 17th, 2012 by

Olympics cast a light on impending mobile data headache

You might have heard of an event that’s just taken place in east London. No, not Sharon returning to EastEnders, the Olympics. Aside from dominating newspapers, TV screens, advertising billboards, these Games are set to be remembered as the ‘first social Olympics’. #Stagetaken indeed.

It marks a significant landmark in how we interact with content, and how we are consuming it. So popular has our habit of commenting online become that we’re now migrating from our telly boxes to watching sport online, flicking a tab, and immediately commenting on what we’ve just seen. It’s remarkable to learn the BBC announced the Games attracted a bigger web audience in one day than the entire 2010 football World Cup. That’s simply astonishing.

Facebook too was bombarded with posts about the fastest man on the planet after Usain Bolt grabbed the gold in the 200ms. But it was a retiring Olympian, Michael Phelps, who saw his popularity increase most significantly, adding 747,300 new digital fans. Twitter too saw huge spikes in traffic. At one point, people were asked to limit the amount of tweets they were sending as networks struggled to cope.

Whilst we all recover from the drama and the excitement, it raises a few questions. For mobile network operators (MNOs), how are they going to cope if this growth in demand continues to rise? More connected devices, an increasing number of posts, the impending 4G licenses – it all adds up to a huge dilemma for MNOs. How do they keep people happy, but also find a way of making a profit from mobile data?

The busiest day for the BBC saw 2.8 petabytes, the equivalent of 700,000 DVDs full of information, gobbled up by sports fans hungry for content. Someone has to provide this capacity and currently we’re all getting very comfy with our ‘all you can eat’ data packages.

Whilst there were points when networks showed the strain from the demand for data, we haven’t yet hit a tipping point. However, as we stand four years away from Rio 2016, MNOs are going to have to get their house in order or face dropping the baton.

 

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August 10th, 2012 by

Friday Insight – Social Media

Social Media according to a hack and a flack…

A number of us in the technology team at Speed recently attended the PRCA’s Future of Tech Media event. The event got me thinking about how Social Media has changed the way in which we consume the news and how this new medium is changing our habits. Duncan Geere of Wired talked a lot about how readers have less time than they used to and how social networks such as Twitter have become a great platform on which publications can meet the demand for shorter content. Veteran of the tech media scene Bryan Glick (editor of Computer Weekly) told us that a massive 30-40% of all traffic on their website now comes from the likes of Facebook and Twitter. There’s no denying the fact that Social Media has changed the media landscape dramatically.

This week I’ve caught up with TechRadar’s Marcus Austin and Speed’s very own Becci Price to hear their thoughts on the impact of Social Media and to find out about their preferred social media destinations…

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marcus Austin – Editor, TechRadar Business Centre

How do you think social media has changed the way we consume news?

I think businesses are still looking for the same sort of news and I don’t think Social Media has really changed that – although at one point I think rumour had started to replace actual news for a time, but I think that trend is starting to decline. What has changed is the time between news happening, and it being reported, we’re now down to seconds from days and weeks just ten years ago. I also think that the ‘citizen-journalist’ on Social Media has now become the de-facto news gatherer, but there’s still a real need to read an edited and considered story that puts the Social Media news in context.

What’s your favourite social network and why?

Twitter, it’s easy to dip in and out of, and it’s simple to use.

 

 

 

 

 

Rebecca Price – Account Executive, Speed Communications

How do you think social media has changed the way we consume news?

Social Media allows us to get up to the minute news that is relevant to us and our interests, which is something that can’t be achieved through traditional media. By also giving us a platform to voice our own opinions, comment directly on news, and the ability to share news ourselves, Social Media has resulted in news becoming more of a conversation rather than simply broadcasted information.

What’s your favourite social network and why?

Youtube – it has such a wide range of content, and is a great platform for consuming news and expressing opinion on pretty much anything, whether through commenting on a video or uploading one yourself. The official London 2012 channel for the Olympics has been such a great way of keeping up and catching up with Games-related content in the past few weeks.

Thank you to Marcus and Becci for taking part.

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February 2nd, 2012 by

Video killed the radio star

This week a group of us at Speed undertook a task to make a video in two and a half hours (including editing!). So they’re not going to win any Oscars, but we’re pretty pleased with our video tips in ‘Video PR: How To’ and search engine optimisation tips in ‘Speed’s SEO kitchen’.

Our task highlighted just what you can do with video content and how you can make your message more memorable.  If a picture is worth a thousand words then video has the potential to pack an impressive punch.

According to recent research by Google’s DoubleClick, rich media generates somewhere between a 400% and 700% increase in viewer engagement and response rates compared to static content. It’s no surprise when you can condense pages of text into a short snappy video of a minute or so.

Not only this, but it can also help cultivate your online community. The number of online video users is expected to double to more than 1 billion people by 2015. So, there’s certainly a captive audience, looking to consume and engage with video content. And with video is becoming increasingly favourable in the search engine rankings, it’s well worth investing in some eye-catching videos for your website or blog.

TMIM has featured a video series looking at using video beyond conventional public relations so that it generates leads as well.  In terms of PR, video can really bring company to life and set your company apart from the crowd. Overall it gives you license to deliver your content in a much more creative way.

But the smart thing to do is create videos that both enhance your reputation and generate leads. Existing and new audiences can be reached through a medium that has engagement at its heart, so why not make the most of it and deliver compelling content that features real life case studies that demonstrate the benefits your business brings, with personable spokespeople that can deliver the key messages?

Engaging video content presents a more credible view of your company and customer endorsements will boost your reputation and result the all-important sales.

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November 25th, 2011 by

Speed Budapest 2011: Being the best at business in Budapest

Speed are currently in Budapest, Hungary where we’re battling it out in teams to achieve the best optimised blog content possible, competing for the crowning spot at the top of Google’s ranking for the search ‘Speed Budapest’.

Aside from the thermal bathing and goulash sampling punctuating this challenge, we’ve been keen to take into consideration the native business etiquette to ensure that we’re at our very best at all times. Well, I can only speak for the boys team here! When being the best for business in Budapest, it’s good to keep the following guidelines in mind:

1) Do not remove your suit jacket without asking permission
The boys at Speed are a highly refined bunch of gents, so this comes naturally to us.

2) Business is conducted slowly, Hungarians are skilled negotiators
Slowly? But we’re called Speed! Negotiation, however, is all part and parcel of communications, which is right up our street.

3) Business cards should have one side translated into Hungarian
Yep, and last names should come before first names, you should include your degree details and the year your company was founded. Just like this!

Evans Sámuel
Kapcsolatszervezési Szaktanácsadó
Tanulmányi végzettség: Angol nyelv és irodalom
Gyorsasági Kommunikáció, London, Egyesült Királyság
2009
2011 novemberében látogatást tett Budapesten.

4) Hungarians are very detail-oriented and want to understand everything before reaching an agreement
Speed came to Budapest armed with information packs compiled by the incredible Sonia. Maps, flight details, the lot. Not a detail was missed.

5) Deals in Hungary cannot be finalised without a lot of eating, drinking and entertaining
I can’t see this being too much of a problem…

20111125-155349.jpg

Check out some of our other blogs from this trip – here, here and here.
You can follow our Budapest trip on Twitter at #speedbudapest
Hajrá fiúk csapata! (Boys team to win!)

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November 25th, 2011 by

Speed Budapest 2011: a Hungarian adventure

Speed are in Budapest, the Hungarian capital city, this weekend for our annual away day. We’ve been placed into two teams – girls vs boys – and challenged to optimise blog content so that it ranks highly in a Google search for ‘Speed Budapest’. The boys team started early with Dan Howe posting the first blog of the day just after midnight. A few blogs, tweets and a thermal bath later and we were starting to get a bit hungry – in Hungary.

Here’s a pic of a few members of the Speed boys team waiting for some delicious Hungarian food in the Replay Cafe in Budapest.

Speed Budapest 2011

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November 25th, 2011 by

Speed Budapest: Team Wadds or Team Earl? #speedbudapest

It’s Christmas party time, this year it’ Speed Budapest’. Normally the question on everyone’s lips after a few glasses of vino is “if you had to, who would it be…?” But being a refined PR agency, the question on our lips this festive season is: who is your favourite Speed MD – Earl or Wadds? It’s time to cast your vote people, so in true Twilight style – are you Team Earl or are you Team Wadds?

Anything can sway your vote – it might be one of their blog posts that inspired you (or made you choke on your morning latte), contributions to social media and PR, or just general gobbiness. Here are some vital stats and pics of our lovely MDs to jog your memories:

Wadds – vital stats:

1. @Wadds Twitter: 7,341 followers. 16,561 tweets

2. Social media and PR guru

3. Member of @CIPR_UK Council

4. Northern eater of pies and eco-warrior

5. Early adopter of everything

6. Geo-caching expert

7. Lover of the great outdoors (check out his outdoor swimming)

8. Makes tea & coffee for his pod (and neighbouring pod)

9. Highest read blog of the year: Campaigns spotlight broadband access issues in Northumberland

10. Co-Author of soon to be launched book Brand Anarchy

Earl – vital stats:

1. @mynameisearl Twitter: 1,177 followers. 3,842 tweets

2. Social media and PR guru

3. Athletic prowess: Cycled from London to Paris – a 300-mile trip saw him raise more than £3,500 for Great Ormond Street Hospital and the Alzheimer’s Society.

4. PR Whisperer: Time sheet, punctuality and grammar expert

5. Vegetarian and wine connoisseur

6. PR heart of gold who doesn’t like to blow his own trumpet: pro bono work for Phil Packer, BRIT

7. Holds the world record for heart-attack inducing sneezing

8. Never makes tea & coffee for his pod, or neighbouring pod

9. Highest read blog of the year: Little pain in the Arras

10. Co-Author of soon to be launched book Brand Anarchy
To cast your vote, please comment on this blog using #speedbudapest, stating your preference and tweet the following:

I vote @Wadds #speedbudapest

I vote @mynameisearl #speedbudapest

Whoever gets the most votes on the blog wins! The winner gets a prize. The loser a booby prize. Both to be awarded during our Christmas meal in Budapest on Friday evening – pics will follow.

We’re in Budapest, Hungary, for our annual company meeting which involves a one-day Speed Budapest digital training challenge.


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November 25th, 2011 by

#SpeedBudapest: How to business travel without any luggage

Today Speed sent us to Budapest. When travelling for business, luggage is a bore. Airlines charge you extra, you have to wait around at carousels and it is a pain to lug about.

There is a solution. For the Speed trip, I’m bringing all the gear I need for Budapest on my back. Take that, budget airline.

How to travel without luggage - Speed Budapest

1. Budapest is famous for its baths and spas. The first layer should be swimwear and undergarments.
2. Layer on top casual wear for lounging around the fancy hotel Speed got us. Shorts and three t-shirts work for me.
3. Speed company meetings are happening in Budapest, and it is best to look sharp, so suit up.
4. Overtop of that throw on some outwear, like jeans and a jumper.
5. Top it off with a parka, toque and gloves as it is cold this time of year in Hungary.
6. Fly in style.

This blog post is a part of Speed’s Budapest digital challenge. Follow us on Twitter #SpeedBudapest and help me win by sharing and linking to this post.

Speed Budapest Speed Budapest Speed Budapest Speed Budapest Speed Budapest

Dan Howe for the Speed Budapest win

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November 19th, 2010 by

Discounted admission to ‘Networking for People Who Hate Networking Events’

You may have read in my blog, last week, about Devora Zack’s bestselling book – ‘Networking for People Who Hate Networking’. This week, McGraw-Hill Professional and Open University Press have been in touch to inform me that Devora is hosting an event on 30 November from 6pm – 8.30pm and have offered a discount of £5 on tickets if you book via this link.  The discounted ticket price is £20 and the event is taking place at McGraw-Hill, Canada Square.

Proud introvert – and enthusiastic networker, Zack, promises that this event is for anyone that traditional networking advice is written in a foreign language and  says ‘networking enables you to accomplish the things that are important to you. But you can’t adopt a style that goes against who you are—and you don’t have to. I have never met a person who did not benefit tremendously from learning how to network—on his or her own terms. You do not succeed by denying your natural temperament; you succeed by working with your strengths.’

The cost includes a copy of the book, drinks and canapés (and of course a great networking opportunity!). Follow this link for further details or to book.

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November 17th, 2010 by

Businesses need to look back, to look forward

It might just be me, but the onset of the chilly weather has me realising that Christmas is just around the corner – and with it, a New Year.

Speed has begun the planning process for 2011 with earnest, this week. With clients – and indeed, about our plans and ambitions as an agency, next year.

As Speed launched in 2009, at this point in time, last year, we had very little reference from the past year to guide in developing our 2010 strategy.  Put simply, we’ve been working hard and doing our best, but largely entering the unknown. So, it felt like a real luxury, this year, to be able to audit our development, identify our strengths and more importantly – our weaknesses.

I won’t go into all the areas we’ve scrutinised, but for any agency, I would say that taking time out to examine the following will allow for the development of a good strategy for growth.

- Client audit; what do your clients think about your strengths and areas that you could improve?
- How many new clients have you won
- Where did the referrals for the opportunities come from?
- What was the average amount of each new contract secured?
- Where is your organically generated additional revenue coming from?
- What is your pitch : new business win ratio?
- What is your opportunity : pitch ratio?
- Who are your real competitors in the eyes of your prospects?

Finally, once you have all the answers to the above, the crucial question that must be answered honestly, is whether the facts match up to the agency’s current expectations for the year ahead.  And if they don’t, what strategy needs to be implemented to close this gap?

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