The Importance of Talking About Yourself and Having Opinions

The picture is a blast back to a really proud moment in 2012 with Dr Neville Brown and Dr Daryl Brown from Maple Hayes Dyslexia School with their TES

In the world of PR, there's one strategy that never goes out of style: the importance of talking about yourself and having strong, clear opinions. At Reeves, we’ve embraced this approach wholeheartedly, particularly with the relaunch of our newsletter, Fluffless. This time one article in particular, has resonated with our audience, highlighting the significance of trade awards in the UK, and why they matter.

Why Self-Promotion Matters

On "Have I Got News for You," there's a recurring gag about the obscurity and triviality of trade magazines and their awards. It’s all well and good when you’re sitting in a studio, hoping to be nominated for a BAFTA for witty repartee, but what about the people who’ve put far more effort into designing the chair you’re sitting on than you have with amusing chat? Trade publications and their awards are crucial to their respective sectors.

Self-promotion in any industry isn’t about bragging. It’s about confidently showcasing your expertise, achievements, and unique value propositions. For a boutique agency like ours, self-promotion helps us stand out in a crowded market, attracting potential clients and demonstrating our relevance and authority. It's like standing up at a party and saying, "this is who we are, and this is why we matter" without being the one who pins someone against the kitchen sink to talk at them. Fine line.

Crafting Your Narrative

Talking about yourself isn’t just about listing your accomplishments; it’s about crafting a compelling narrative that resonates with your audience. This involves sharing stories that highlight your journey, challenges, and successes. We believe in the power of storytelling to create a genuine connection with audiences, which in turn builds trust and loyalty.

Take our excitement when clients are nominated for a H&V News Award or a Construction News Award. Or any of the others. We’re just as thrilled when they win as they are. These awards might not capture public imagination like an International Racing Driver of the Year award, but for us and our clients, they hold immense value. They represent hard work, dedication, and excellence in their fields.

The Power of Opinions

Having and sharing strong opinions positions you as a thought leader. It shows that you’re not just following trends but are actively shaping the conversation. Our Fluffless newsletter exemplifies this approach by tackling relevant and sometimes controversial topics. If you’ve ever read Clive’s Goat, the popular rant in previous issues of Fluffless, you’ll know.

One of our standout articles discussed the Highways Heroes Awards, shortlisting construction workers at one of our clients for their compassionate actions in averting self-harm or suicidal behaviour on sites. These individuals won’t be knighted or awarded an MBE, but their recognition through trade awards is vital. It’s how we publicly acknowledge their significant contributions to their workplace and wider society. We hope that their shortlisting turns into a win.

We have to say that if you’re experiencing any problems, help is available, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123.

Why It Resonates

The positive reception of our article on trade awards underscores the value of sharing informed opinions. Thank you to Tom Cullen at I Choose Birmingham, the region’s leading lifestyle publication, for flagging it up.

Here’s some of what we said: So, Have I Got News For You panel, consider whose efforts you’re diminishing with jokes about the Annual Paperclip Excellence Awards—without their innovation, your script would be strewn all over the floor.

Conclusion

In business, talking about yourself and having strong opinions are not just beneficial—they're essential. They help you carve out a niche, establish authority, and build a loyal following. At Reeves, we leverage our storytelling prowess and media connections to ensure our voice and the voices we represent are heard and respected.

Let’s embrace the power of self-promotion and strong opinions to drive success and make meaningful connections. Because at the end of the day, visibility leads to promotion, and it’s not just what you know, but who knows you.

Remember, the key to successful PR isn’t just being seen; it’s being heard. And at Reeves, we’ve got plenty to say.

If you want to subscribe to Fluffless, you can here: https://reeves.eo.page/fluffless