Cooking recipe for poor (and lazy) students!
June 5, 2008
窮留學生懶人食譜 cooking recipe for poor (& lazy) students…
Recommendation:
(this is very good to drink when freezing in cold weather… or when you are about to fall sick!!! Pls drink ginger soup)
others might not even realize you have 0 cooking skill before this ;)
For those flying this June (2008) - APR2
May 24, 2008
Some of you said didn’t get my email… just in case… now i’m posting it on my friendster’s blog…
.
Oh my oh my oh my….. I’m doing this for three consecutive years… means I’m about to send out the third “generation”… (I’m old! sigh….)
.
Some of you might have received this from your senior, that could be the old list, this is the latest one
(but I came back from .UK. end of 2006… er… so you may find there’s some discrepancies between what you experience & what I mention here)
.
For those flying this June (08) and to whom it may concern.. (again)… here are some info i summarised for .ur. departure… u might wanna have a look for what u should bring to .UK. (coz some are expensive there)…
.
I heard there’s a new ruling, a new category of Student Visitor has been introduced for short-term (6 months or less) students who wish to study in the .UK.. PLS FIND OUT FROM YOUR LJMU PROGRAMME LEADER or pay a visit to UK VISA Office at 19th Floor, Wisma MCA, Jalam Ampang.
.
You may find the info by clicking the link below:
http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/studentvisitorinfo
.
Important Official documents to bring along when you depart to .UK.:
1. Passport
2. Proof of home address (in case u need it to open bank account)
3. Valid driving license (our driving license can be used in .UK., if u seldom drive in M’sia, pls don’t drive there! don’t jeopardise others!)
4. Passport size photos (for NUS student card or any student discount card application)
5. (optional) Medical report (in might help for future treatment if u are allergy to seafood or etc…)
.
* Bring more photocopy of .ur. passport, proof of add & all important documents… just in case…
.
For your study:
1. Laptop (mouse, speaker, mic & webcam if needed)
2. Thumb drive or CD-R/W (MUST save a copy of your work every month/week)
3. Two pin plug (MUST!! .UK. don’t have such thing… ) for laptop and phone charger, rechargeable batteries… (u will have enough power point at hostel, extension cord not needed)
4. Beg, ALL stationeries & pencil case (expensive there!)
5. Digital dictionary (alternatively you can borrow dictionary from library)
.
For your health & living:
1. Basic medicine for flu, cold, cough, headache, gastric etc (very important)
2. Basic first aid (e.g. yoko yoko… in case you clubbing too much!)
3. Nail cutter (there, it cost around 3 pounds = around RM20 each!!!)
4. Toothbrush (toothbrush around RM7+ each in .UK.)
5. Tooth paste (optional, about the same $, in case you die die must use Darlie then bring along lo)
6. Cotton & cotton buds
7. Some small tissue pack
8. .Bath towel.
9. Clothes hanger (just few enough)
10. Clothes brush (pre-paid washing machine is just too expensive! wash urself la!)
11. Slipper (cheapest 3 pounds there!), socks
12. Shaver & cream (for guys)
13. Lingeries, bras, stocking, panty liners & pad (for gals)
14. Pepper spray or personal alarm (expensive there)
15. Rain coat / very strong (folded) umbrella (strong winds + crazy weather in .UK.!)
16. Digital camera & rechargeable batteries (for .ur. sweet memories)
.
* for shower gel, toothpaste, shampoo & lotion, just bring one week supply or travel pack. There, they have cheaper daily use products (such as Tesco, they have their own brand of shampoo and shower gel), it’s really cheap!
.
* Sewing kit, can get a set from 1 pound shop, share with friends.
.
For makan:
i understand u might agree not to cook for .ur. friends… BUT, AS FOR ME… I LUV TO SHARE MY HAPPINESS! (and i cook good food k…. wahaha)
.
(if you still have space for lugg):
1. Special seasoning or dried cooking paste (e.g. curry powder)
2. Some special dried food (e.g. dried chinese mushroom)
(.China. town have almost everything but just a bit expensive, only bring things which is special or hard to find - if you still have space for luggage)
.
* pls DON’T bring your own cutlery, frying pan, cup, mug, plate or whatever… Oxfarm or charity shops have second hand items… (but do bring your own chopstick, coz i suppose u will always cook instand noodle when rushing for assignments…)
.
* rice cooker? not advisable, it took up .ur. lugg space! we usually use microwave to cook rice, or cook in pot by gas (u’ll become an expert after 3 months… wahaha)
.
* oh ya, pls bring along some food container (tupperware la), coz your senior said hard to find. WHY MUST BRING? Coz you gonna cook your own lunch to school / make your own sandwiches, too expensive to eat out!
.
For partying / clubbing (although not encouraging, but i know u will ignore my advise…):
Not sure whether u wanna attend the freshman party or dinner organise by ur uni, they normally organise it during the first month of admission (u might wanna wear tie, coat, leather shoe, high heels… or put on make up) Pls don’t clubbing too much, it’s not safe to travel at nite!
.
For Banking:
* please ask ur uni admin office how to open bank account (some bank need a letter from ur uni to prove ur uk add and overseas add) and go to the nearest bank to queue for appointment ON THE FIRST DAY!!! OR ELSE YOU HAVE TO WAIT FOR AGES TO GET AN APPOINTMENT TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT TO LOAD YOUR MONEY!!!
.
Recommended (they all have international student account):
HSBC (www.hsbc.co.uk)
NatWest Bank (www.natwest.com) they have great students package!!
Barclays Bank (www.barclays.co.uk) (might have monthly charge)
Please read carefully whether you need to pay for monthly/annual admin fee. READ ALL TERMS & CONDITIONS FOR EVERY DOCUMENT IN .UK., BIG LESSON!!!
.
Many of you inquired bout whether to open HSBC bank account here, let me share with you:
- if you ALREADY have HSBC account in M’sia, bring along your proof / statement, it’s (maybe) easier to open an account there (but not guarantee la)
- if you plan to apply a HSBC Malaysia account now, it’s abit too late la, some of your senior were told by HSBC staff that you can open account here and withdraw money in UK… THIS CAN BE DONE EVEN WITH A MAYBANK ACCOUNT / ATM CARD COZ ALL HAVE PLUS/MAPS CASH SERVICES, IF YOU WITHDRAWN MONEY BY USING ANY M’SIA ATM CARD YOU’LL GET CHARGED TRANSACTION FEE.
- Better apply a UK bank account lo (even some of your senior said the don’t mind paying some amount so it’s convenient for their family to bank in to their HSBC M’sia account then they withdrawn from there la… all up to you)
.
For telecommunication:
It’s not easy to get a post-paid mobile phone connection, especially the first month. u can use .ur.
malaysia mobile and get a pre-paid (there: pay-as-you-go) sim pack from any mobile shop to kick off your
If you get the below info from your senior, pls be informed that this service NO LONGER AVAILABLE !! don’t follow!)
Malaysia Out of all networks available, with O2 pay-as-you-go u can call back to
.during weekend for just 5p a minute (2p for all subsequent) to either home phone or mobile…
MalaysiaCalling from ‘O2′ netwrok (to .
.)
malaysiaDial 08445700189, when connected (don’t bother what the operator says, she speaks for few minutes!) start to dial
. number plus country code, e.g.: 006012301xxxx.
Pre-paid O2 (they call it Pay-As-You-Go) 5p first minute, 2p subseq (only during weekend - Sat and Sunday, weekday more expensive)
Post-paid O2, usually if sign up with contract will be given free minutes every month (e.g. 200 free minutes can call anytime to any network), u may use the free minutes to call this number, it’s FOC with free minutes.
.
ADDITIONAL INFO FOR
UK STUDENTS’ LIFE:
.
Map
u can find any destination in .UK. by just type in the .UK. postcode! (try to search for LJMU… fun), even look for places in .Europe. when u travel. (now also available for Malaysia.! Yeah!) from this web: www.multimap.com
u can see the actual satellite image for location map from: http://earth.google.com/ (u can even see .ur. house’s roof in M’sia!)
.
Transportation
.
Rail
www.nationalrail.co.uk (consist of all rail network in .uk., except megatrain)
http://www.trainline.co.uk/ (consist of all rail network in .uk., except megatrain)
Individual train companies:
www.megatrain.co.uk (just 1 pound if book earlier!!!!!)
http://www.centraltrains.co.uk/
* all linked with each other, sometimes have promotional price, usually 4 travel together can get discounted rate, must always check like stock exchange!!
* alternatively, log on to http://www.youngpersons-railcard.co.uk/, if u stay for more than a year there, check this out see whether it’s worth apply for student railcard…
.
Coach
www.megabus.co.uk (only 1 pound if book earlier!!!)
www.nationalexpress.co.uk (always have FUNFAIR for 1 pound only, check it out!)
*and some intercity coach info available in all local tourist info center.
.
Budget airlines
www.skyscanner.net (one stop website for all budget airlines in .uk.!)
www.bmibaby.co.uk / www.flybmi.co.uk
.
Transportation to airport
.
PLEASE PLEASE GO TO KLIA EARLIER:
- check in earlier to get a better seat / to sit with .ur. friends (or else talk to yourself for more then 13hrs!!!)
- pls confirm with your airlines whether you are eligible for 30 kg luggage allowance.
- if your luggages overweight a bit… u may choose check in without carrying .ur. hand luggage… (my own way for solution, u may consider…)
.
* remember to keep all important document in hand luggage and label .ur. big luggage (.ur. name, uni name & .UK. address, contact number) and lock it when aboard. Keep your uni add & contact number handy (for emergency).
.
one last thing, pls double confirm with ur senior, i might lack of some important information bout LJMU, find out more about their experience in Liverpool (coz i never stay in Liverpool before, i was with SHU in Sheffield 2002, then London 2005-6)… all the above mentioned matters are just a guide for u, u should work harder to make it perfect 
.
Bon Voyage!!!
ms lim
Internship Advice to APR1
November 24, 2007
Dear all,
Many of you inquired about internship. I hope this will help to clear the mist:
FAQ: Ms Lim, what types of company we should go for?
From college’s perspective, we hope that you can get a PR internship, which you can learn & expose to the real PR world and see what actually they are doing out there. The most important thing is… you know where you are going! Lets make it a little bit clearer on types of PR we have in our profession.
Diff bet. In-house PR v.s. PR Agency
In-house PR = a PR department, an integral part of an organisation (some companies call them Marketing Comm, Advertising & Promotions, Corporate Comm, etc etc), who’s performing all PR tasks for that particular company. E.g.: TARCollege, our PR is under the Department of External Relations (DER). They only work for one organisation which is TARCollege.
There are many types of in-house PR you can choose from the list, COZ MOST OF THE COMPANIES (medium or bigger size company) HIRE IN-HOUSE PR. (below are just brief idea about what some works performs by in-house PR)
- PR in FMCG (fast moving consumer good) company: write press releases and hire photographer to take good pictures for existing or new products, organise press conference for new product launching, tie up with other media for events, update website info & news, etc etc etc.
- PR in big corporation: (usually work under corporate comm or marketing dept) press releases & newsletter write up, website content updates, consumer relations, handling phone inquiries from press, customers & publics. Organise event for corporation, functions & event tie up. Sponsor for other charity event, or CSR (corporate social responsibility) programme. etc etc.
- PR in Hotel: handle hotel room and F&B promotion write up and take photographs, usually go work and go back on time, seldom stay back unless very big functions (prime minister presents) or crisis occurred, etc etc.
- PR in Shopping Mall: usually under A&P department. Handle shopping mall deco for every festival & functions, members’ day. Deal with other company (usually consumer product) for event tie up, be the venue sponsor for functions / celebrations. Write releases for shopping mall’s event & happening, bigger chance to meet celebrities during events, etc etc.
- PR in Hospital: Get to meet handsome doctors, but usually they are with pretty nurses Handle press queries about serious medical cases follow up (e.g.: the heart transplant issue for the past few months), arrange press request for interview with doctors or specialists, in charge for some simple deco in hospital for festive seasons (X’mas tree deco, greeting cards, arrange Christmas programme for children ward….), arrange meaningful talks for community or patients, organising blood donation campaign tie up with shopping malls or colleges, promote organ donations, etc etc.
- PR in NGO / not-for-profit org.: provide statistics to media (e.g. statistic of reported domestic violent cases for 2007), plan & organise community relations activities, fund raising / donation campaign, exhibition or event to promote & create awareness, e.g. road safety campaign, cancer awareness day, WWF marathon, stop child abuse, stop domestic violent, cultural show, etc etc.
- PR in media: write up & photograph to promote media content, organise event to retain media audiences (e.g. TV or Radio cruisers to interact with viewers / listeners), servicing client (who advertise in their media) to organise event in order to promote the client’s brand & benefit the media audiences (e.g. OGAWA Parents’ Day, media audiences involved in game show), planning, budgeting & source for suppliers & sponsors (venue, prizes, etc) to support the activities, etc etc.
- PR in Bank / Financial Institution: (not every branches have PR officer, those counter customer service not consider as PR, usually financial PR works in bank’s HQ) write up for bank’s promotions on credit cards and banking services, involves in charity campaign for donation or sponsorship, produce newsletter for stakeholders, update websites, prepare annual report for investor relations, organise internal employee programme such as training or talk for staff, organise annual dinner or annual event such as staff day or family day, etc etc.
AND MANY MORE, such as PR in medical / healthcare industry, PR in engineering field, PR in ………. every industry!
PR Agency / Firm = an independent consultancy (not one department under the structure of an organisational chart, but it’s A COMPANY who has their own structure of organisational chart), who at the same time handling many clients. E.g.: Hill & Knowlton is an international PR consultancy, their clients including HP, Motorola, etc etc. They have few teams to handle different clients at the same time. They are those “out-sourced” PR support.
Even some bigger PR agency will have diff specialised PR practitioners for various areas:, Mr XXX handling healthcare PR, Ms XXX handling consumer PR, Mr XXX handling banking & financial PR, etc etc. Agency PRP handle everything from top to toe for an account (e.g.: HSBC is their client, the account manager will have a team of members to handle HSBC account, in charge for all correspondence & events for HSBC, including find sponsors, suppliers, venue, plan for programmes, budgeting, media tie up, etc etc tec)
Don’t be surprised when you see a company has their own PR department, but still hire PR agency to work for them. This usually happened when a company gotto organise something big, or to handle some difficult situation. Their own PR department might not have enough manpower to handle or support such event, thus they outsource for assistant; or their own PR department couldn’t handle sudden crisis, thus outsource PR experts to handle (PR agency has more experiences coz they deal with many diff types & sizes of clients).
Advantages of working in an In-house PR Dept: in-depth knowledge about own company’s business, focus - only one direction (walking with the company towards the same missions), “living” with your company and strong team “membership” (part of the company), convenience & responsive (coz you are IN the company), etc etc. (LESS WORKS OR NOT SO CHALLENGING AS COMPARED TO AGENCY WHO SERVE MANY CLIENTS AT A TIME, BUT MORE TIME TO OBSERVE AND DIGEST.)
Advantages of working for PR Agency: work with team of professionals (everyday handling diff PR tasks for diff types of companies), strong media relations / contacts (work with diff media desk/dept for diff clients, developed strong relationship), wider perspective on the industry (of their client), not pre-fixed by policies, strong network, partnership opportunity, etc etc. (BUT ONE LEG KICKING, LOTS OF WORK TO DO!!! STRESS BUT REALLY LEARN ALOT.)
OK, here’s the most FAQ:
FAQ: Ms Lim, what do we do as an intern?
My dear…. let me find a better way to explain: they will train you from the most basic tasks in PR to strengthen your foundation, such as media monitoring (cut & compile news clipping), media relations (call to media outlets, follow up invitation & press releases), PR technical task (to write press releases, do translation, etc), and some clerical works (ADMIN WORKS - photostat, fax, file, order stationaries, etc.)
the truth: you do all those small jobs for low-communication support that could help them to save their time & cost in order to perform a better / high-level skilled tasks, such as planning, budgeting, creative/critical thinking, etc etc etc. Er.. and of course, they do what a company usually does to accept an intern, they drain “train” you, write your training report & give (+ve or -ve) feedback to TARC about your performance.
FAQ: Ms Lim, then how if they only let us do simple / admin job?
Irregardless of types, sizes & industry of the company you attached with, in-house, “out-house”, agency, consultancy or whatever you wanna call it, these are usually what most of the intern did.
The problem is: students only learn from what they do (blindly - means only get to learn how to use photostat and fax machine), but not what they see (observe).
You are giving an opportunity to infiltrate legally join a company, and to spy observe how they do their PR, and also: (additional & valuable knowledge) how they run their business / market themselves.
Open your eyes & most important: open your mind, to stimulate your brain cells for critical thinking… why at this point the company’s management choose to react in this way? how to practically apply those academic theoritical framework? why they only target at few press? why they wanna tie up with that company? what do their stakeholders think of this?.. etc etc…
Don’t feel inferior of performing basic clerical tasks as an intern (some princess or prince of their parents started to worry, being cynical, complain, or even stress themselves of working as an intern or hoping to find a perfect, high skilled, good pay internship?! and summo… preferably near to their house, or dream of the next door’s office…. HELLLLLOOOOO?!)
A hotel CEO usually started as a waiter/waitress. Reason being so, is because those worked from the bottom (and went thru hardtime) will undertsand the company better. The company wants those who know the company from top to toe, who can work extra miles and yet very positive. A simple news clipping task is so important, coz it’s all about the hardwork of compiling the industry’s news for competitive knowledge. And that’s the best time to gain your industry knowledge! If one failed to complete a basic clerical admin task, what more higher level’s planning & execution?
You may get to handle an event or project, that’s a bonus Don’t expect you will get a great project to handle at the beginning (not that you aren’t capable, but you don’t have enough knowledge about the company /client… yet). In fact (to cheer you up), we do see some of your seniors successfully “shorten” the period of cutting daily newspaper, and being rewarded to engage in planning & handling projects. IT’S ALL DEPENDS ON YOUR PERFORMANCE.
FAQ: Ms Lim, how if the company located far far away from the place that i’m currently staying?
Usually good things happened at last, and good job situated very far.
em… PRP usually travelling here & there for events & projects… just imagine next time your company promoted you to be the regional supervisor and travel to overseas for projects… PR just need to be flexible & overcome the fear of travelling far, usually good jobs are those far and hard to get. But i’m sure it worth your effort explore new things ma…. the world is so BIG! (remember the “far far away” kingdom of SHREK?)
you may wanna refer to my super extreme hard time of internship experience (refer to the journey of traveling to work) .. by clicking HERE! (the blog i posted last year to cheer your seniors up, when they complain about travelling to work… you see you see i woke up at 5.30am!!)
My dear…. DID YOU FOLLOW UP WITH PHONE CALL AFTER YOU SENT THEM YOUR RESUME?
You tot you’ve sent out, but (maybe) they never get your mail… or you’ve addressed to the wrong person! then you waited for 10 years also won’t receive their call…
PLEASE, pls follow up will phone call to the PIC that you’ve just sent them your resume… and ask “when will be the best time to call back & follow up?”
how if they said, “you wait la, we will call you…” 
then you should: “sure no problem… oh ya, just in case if i missed out your calls (maybe having class)… so, i’ll call next week to follow up again, thanx alot.”
FAQ: Ms Lim, how many company can I send my internship request?
Don’t send out many many many at once! It’s not a fish net strategy to catch all and choose which one you favour for! (ok, this is about ethics….. )
Perhaps you may find me too serious, but i’m just trying to be sincere to those companies that I wish to work for.
Scenario: Company A called for interview, you went, story the star the moon the sun with full sincerity to convince them and lastly you’re hired. Manatau sekali another BIGGER BETTER company who even wanna PAY you for internship called you, you went for their interview and decided to take their job… i’m just wondering how you gonna reject the first offer…
To turn down an offer and take up another better offer is not a wrong thing. But if you wanna fish net all and choose one by one (some of you don’t even know where the company located or history / details about the company…), then it’s NOT RIGHT. You should do your homework to study about those companies that you really interested, then only you focus on those companies & send out your internship application.
Don’t regret and feel like wanna “kill” yourself because you’ve accepted company A for internship, then only you realise you actually don’t really like want the job / company (summo Mr Chuan already received the offer letter from company A and sent them confirmation…) …
Please don’t find internship company blindly without doing homework! You think you are choosing them and then decide where to go? In fact, the company also choosing intern among the best.
That’s all at the moment… hope it helps
fingers injured…
ms lim
(9) NOT TIPS, just to share…
September 14, 2007
..
Dear APR1 students, this is NOT TIPS, it’s an email from student. I’m just answer according to questions…
..
Email from student:
..
Date: Fri, 14 Sep 2007 13:13:17 +0100
From: xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: RE: revision
To: sizsquare@hotmail.com
dear Ms.Lim,
.
is me again.i would like to ask the sponsorship proposal is wat we write to the sponsor to clarify n justify wat we hv and the packages for them to chose on and the benefits they would get n the duration of agreement is the contract between sponsor n us for the event is it?
.
i dont quite ustd on the selling sponsorship n costing sponsorship.
…
.
Ms Lim’s reply:
.
Dear Xxxxxx,
.
yes, you are right.
.
selling sponsorship? you are in fact "selling" (in a way la… still) the "opportunities" / sponsor’s benefits to your potential sponsor in exchange for wither money or other form of supports…
.
costing sponsorship? usually means how much the sponsorship will cost… all financial expenditure, including manpower, above the line & below the line publicity & promotions.
.
ok, make it clear… two :
.
1) how much the sponsorship worth?
-in this case, event organiser needs to justify that the exposure of this event or the sponsors’ worth sponsoring (e.g.: media exposure)
.
2) how much the sponsorship will cost?
- include all costs, "sell" your event as a package at a cost (e.g.: Tiger sponsor 100k to a musical event, the event has been named Tiger Power Hitz… this is also naming rights…)
.
usually sponsor look into: how much they have paid (money / in kind sponsorship) & how much they have gained (exposure / benefits).
.
cheers,
ms lim
.
(8) NOT TIPS, just to share…
September 14, 2007
..
Dear APR1 students, this is NOT TIPS, it’s an email from student. I’m just answer according to questions…
..
Date: Fri, 14 Sep 2007
From: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: MARK for me pls…..
To: sizsquare@hotmail.com
Dear Ms Lim,
Sorry for so late onli send you this email…Sorry…
is past year question ( SWOT),just wan to check my style of writing fullfill
ur need or not.
Thx
xxxxxxxxx
.
It is important to conduct a SWOT analysis during a pre-event planning.
.
Q1. Explain how the SWOT analysis can help to establish marketing objectives and strategies for the event.
.
SWOT helps the company to run the event with more smooth flow, to identify the strengthen, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the event. Once the company has facing problem, they also can predict the problem. Beside that, when we know about the threat and weakness, we can make it turn to our opportunities. We can have better result of it.
Yes
.
.
1 b) What are the elements in SWOT analysis? Identity and explain them.
.
In SWOT, there are 4 elements, which are Strengthen, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.
.
For the first element, Strengthen is talk about the internal strength of the organization. Which mean the organization have the own strong management plan to run the event. This strengthen can is the expert person or any other idea of the event. Example like the CEO have almost 30 years experience in manage event, this is strengthen for the organization. Beside that, with enough experience, may have better skill to organize.
Yes.
.
The second element is weakness. This is the external weakness of the organization. This is the thing that we cannot control; let say is the weak and low spirit and management plan. For an example, the management team members is having their own crisis between each other, so they might be lost the team work and close relation. Or the Sponsorship have the dealing problem, we cannot control this kind of weakness.
WRONG!! it should the internal weaknesses of the organisation, for example, the skills and knowledge of the management committee - event team lack of experiences… or their lack of availability for meetings…
.
The third element is opportunities, which mean the external favorable thing that may occur. This is the unexpected things that happen in the event, and the thing is positive for the event. So we see this opportunities as a good element for the event and organization. Example like the event is promote about local food event, then this year is Malaysia 50th independent years, so our event can tie up with this good opportunities to get more attention from public. This is 1 of the unexpected thing that happen in the event, we do not think that when we plan for this event.
your example doesn’t seems strong in illustrating the emphasis of “opportunity” in SWOT, let me give you an example: Nescafe has a new flavour and the company would like to launch this new product…recent news report that road accident increase tremendously … (hope that you still remember, in Media Relations tie in with the current news event is one of the way to make news for your company…. ) thus, in conjunction with Raya holiday, Nescafe will distribute (& introduce) the new flavour of Nescafe to public for free in all petronas station along the North South Highway…
.
The last element is threats. Which mean the external factor that may jeopardize the organization’s image and credibility. This is the negative factors that influence the event. Some factor that may run down the organization or event image. Example, during our event, other college also have the almost same theme or size event, this will influence the public will choose go either 1 of the event. Another point is the media coverage of the event, media won’t cover 2 same type of event, so we might lost the chance to meet the media and get publish the news event.
Yes, it’s a risk or something threatening (must be an external factors), such as competitors, poor publicity, poor crowd behavior, bad weather for outdoor event.
(7) NOT TIPS, just to share…
September 14, 2007
..
Dear APR1 students, this is NOT TIPS, it’s an email from student. I’m just answer according to questions…
..
Email from student:
..
Date: Fri, 14 Sep 2007 04:51:51 -0700
From: xxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: wanna ask few questions.
To: sizsquare@hotmail.com
.
miss lim, i m apr1 student, i have read thru allthe notes, there is few questions i wan to ask
.
first is the hosted event izzit mean that consumer get know about something form the event mean , the evetn is awareness, and no profit making?
.
second is about the topic of staffing and colunteer mgmt the developing recognition stragies izzit mean that staff n volunteer in event can get tangible n intangible reward form the event??
.
thankz
..
Ms Lim’s reply:
..
Dear xxxxxx,
bout your questions:
.
1) hosted event
.
These events are designed from the very beginning to lose money… a good example: university graduation, new product launching, celebration, etc. these events are usually organized for the purpose of promoting a cause or agenda & not designed to break even or generate a profit.
.
2) Staffing & volunteer mgmt
.
About your query on: developing recognition strategies
.
Recognition of the work of event staff will motivate them. Among those rewards include: (tangible) merchandise, tickets, celebration, meals & uniforms of a high standard, etc. and also, (intangible) goal achievement thru individual and tea, targets & competition, job enrichment, meeting athletes stars musicians & so on, working with experts, praise & verbal recognition, etc.
Is not like what you said: staff in event can get tangible and intangible reward from the event, it’s not from the event, it’s from the evet organizer / management.
.
cheers,
ms lim
(6) NOT TIPS, just to share…
September 14, 2007
..
Dear APR1 students, this is NOT TIPS, it’s an email from student. I’m just answer according to questions…
..
Email from student:
..
> From: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> To: sizsquare@hotmail.com
> Subject: not asking for tips…
> Date: Fri, 14 Sep 2007 11:18:22 +0800
>
> ms lim,
>
> Hi ms lim ! xxxxxx here, i got few Q wanna ask u, about the lecture notes, i feel "uncertainty" with those terms and words XD
>
> 1. mutual benefit sought by event & sponsors event
> - marketing &media expertise ( this is indicate wat?)
>
> 2. selling sponsorship
> - sell opportunity
> -provide benefit package that will meet some of their marketing needs
>
> 3. break even point
> - profit = revenue - cost ( fixed cost + variable cost) —- is the break even point?
> - break even point means total cost equal total revenues?
> - if the revenue below the total cost mean loss?
>
> 4. cash flow analysis
> - this analysis is use in wat situation??
> - is it related to event expences?
> - y monthly?
> - during lecture, ms lim gv an example, 7-11, is it the stock can not sell , and the sales decrease coz the loss in business?
>….
..
Ms Lim’s reply:
..
Dear xxxxxx,
.
bout your questions:
.
1) mutual benefit sought by events & sponsors
.
the diagram of "Mutual Benefits Soght by Events & Sponsors" actually shows the relationship between events in terms of benefits exchanged by sponsorship partners.
.
your doubt about:- marketing & media expertise (pls refer to the diagram)
.
e.g.: event organiser tie up with product sponsors & write on their marketing activities for event publicity & exposure
.
case study: Marketing benefits
Jacky Cheung’s concert organiser (Galaxy Entertainment) get marketing benefits from Alliance Bank. How? tie up with Alliance Bank (official credit card) and bringing convenient to event audiences - credit card payment for concert ticket at discounted rate.
.
case study: Media expertise
Jacky Cheung’s concert organiser (Galaxy Entertainment) get benefits from Astro (official TV station) by having media contra (means Astro give discounted rate to Jacky’s tv advertisement), and apart from tv ad, Astro also to package Jacky’s concert promotional activities across their media affiliates (radio stations, magazines, and all media outlets under the same umbrella).
.
.
2) selling sponsorship
.
yes you are right, selling the opportunity & plus… sponsors benefits strategically must prepare a proposal which stess on the sponsor’s benefits & provide benefit package that suits their marketing needs (of course by studying who’s their target audiences, marketing strategy, company mission vision policy, etc etc etc)
.
.
3) break even point
.
as what i’ve mentioned to another students (& posted in my friendster blog: http://sizsquarehotmail.blogs.friendster.com/my_blog/)…
.
An event expenses include both fixed costs and variable costs. Pls refer to the break even chart, once the total revenue is the same as the total expenditure (fixed + variable) then break-even point has been reached. Beyond it, the event is profitable.
* Fixed costs: licensing fee, insurance, admin costs, rental, etc. Fixed cost will not vary even the size of the audience increase. Variable costs: food and beverage, transportation for logistics, etc. Variable costs usually changed according to sizes of audiences.
.
yes, break even point (pls refer to the chart) means when event revenue = total expenses. if revenue below total expenses (costs) = no profit, still haven’t cover the money that have spent, loss $.
.
.
4) cash flow analysis
.
used in all situation, whenever wanna organise an event we need cash, this analysis is vital to know the total income & expenditure to calculate the remaining cash & it’s flow (means those cash available to be used when needed, not those assets like house where you need few months to sell it & get cash for usage… event die liao lo)
.
why monthly? coz account assistant will record every thing on transaction / daily basis, but will only compile once a month to calculate the profit & lost… if an accountant do it day by day means they have to change the data & figures everyday coz event cash flow is fluctuate as compared to normal everyday business… (if you can find such a hardworking accountant who willing to compile event budget & analyse cash flow day by day one pls introduce to me…)
.
for the example of 7-11, i was giving an example for daily business… they can’t afford to keep too much stocks (means slow business) coz cash flow gonna stagnant & affect daily operation (coz they are selling consumer products which the turn over very high… need cash)
.
.
cheers,
ms lim
.
.
(5) NOT TIPS, just to share…
September 14, 2007
..
Dear APR1 students, this is NOT TIPS, it’s an email from student. I’m just answer according to questions…
..
Email from student:
..
> From:xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> To: sizsquare@hotmail.com
> Subject: Ask something i do not understand
> Date: Thu, 13 Sep 2007 23:02:39 +0800
..
hello, miss Lim. sorry for disturbing you! -_-!!! i’m xxxx from APR1 B2, i want to ask you something that is about the passed year question. about the KLCC case study Question 4 (a),the unique characteristic is it something like the "discovery zone", Malaysian mountains and etc?
.
for the question 4 (b) , what is mean by "skills and resources"? is it publicity skills and idea? but how about the resources?
.
for the question 4( c), "step" in identifying potential sponsor is it refer to the lecture note topic-identifying sponsor which is "who has sponsored the event recently?………that one is step?
.
another thing is the lecture note, i have some small thing not understand, which is the 7/6/07 topic-purpose of event, what is ‘financial planning software product" in the example? is it a product only? the next example under this topic, "financial planners" is refer to who? the client?
.
for the 7/6/07 topic- event audience, what is mean by "pushed beyond their limits or break them out of their normal interaction’?
.
hope you can reply me… thank you!
….
..
Ms Lim’s reply:
..
Dear Xxxxxx, about the KLCC case study Q4 (a), the unique characteristics refers to the special event’s unique characteristic… you may develop a concept / special theme such as “Underwater Adventure” – dive with the shark…… kind of concept, then plan a special event and explain how you express this concept thru your event.
.
For Q4 (b), “skills & resources” = the technical skills you need in promoting or market this event. Yes, like what you mentioned, and also:
Knowledge in Event Marketing = able to analyse internal & external business environment, identify target market, planning for distribution system, action plans & budgeting, etc.
Publicity Activities = Creativity, e.g. eye catching copy writing for advertisement, leaflet, brochure, etc.
Personal selling & sales and promotions = people skills to welcome, explore, provide info, close & follow up, etc.
Resource = money & human capital / manpower…
.
For Q4 (c), yes, it is the way how you identify the potential sponsors, e.g. who has sponsored the event recently? Research the sponsors of similar competitor events – who is in the market? What is the geographic reach of your event? Examine what particular companies or products have a fit with your event. Scan trade papers and business news to identify companies and their objectives. Research target companies through annual reposts and the internet. Etc. etc etc…
.
financial planning software refers to a kind of software where you need to input some basic event info and data, the software will the generate estimated budget accordingly… the software is costly and expensive, usually only big event organizer or company will invest (such as Olympic or some other significant mega event). Financial planner is the one who control the budget for events, some event company hire financial expert (in accountancy, not from PR/event background) to control the budget; in some company, event planner also act as financial planner coz they plan for budgeting… so, it all depends on the company and their job scope.
.
For your query bout event audience, "pushed beyond their limits or break them out of their normal interaction”, roughly = usually audiences / public follow their routine for those they are more familiar in every aspects, event organizer needs to take care of the audiences and get the target audiences to experience the excitement as well as to leave a good event experience (impact).
.
Example given: One of the best known former athletes was invited to give a speech at an event attended by approximately 200 people, the venue provider said they were unable to provide a ramp to the stage for her wheelchair and wanted to compromise by asking audiences to lift her wheelchair to the stage. This was clearly unacceptable. The only solution for event coordinator = FIND ONE!
.
Cheers,
Ms lim
.
.
(4) NOT TIPS, just to share…
September 14, 2007
..
Dear APR1 students, this is NOT TIPS, it’s a SMS from student. I’m just answer according to questions…
..
SMS from student:
..
Date: Fri, 14 Sep 2007 14:57
From: xxxxxxxxx
..
Ms Lim, may I ask you when does an event start making profit? Izit total revenue exceed total cost? And break even point meaning is wat?
…
.
Ms Lim’s reply:
.
Dear Xxxxxx, sorry for the late reply, was busy. An event expenses include both fixed costs and variable costs. Pls refer to the break even chart, once the total revenue is the same as the total expenditure (fixed + variable) then break-even point has been reached. Beyond it, the event is profitable.
.
.
SMS from student again:
..
Date: Fri, 14 Sep 2007 19:23
From: xxxxxxxxx
..
Oh thx a lot. Then may I know for the event fixed n variable cost, can u gv me either one example?
..
.
Ms Lim’s reply:
.
Fixed costs: licensing fee, insurance, admin costs, rental, etc. Fixed cost will not vary even the size of the audience increase. Variable costs: food and beverage, transportation for logistics, etc. Variable costs usually changed according to sizes of audiences.
.
.
.
(3) NOT TIPS, just to share…
September 14, 2007
.
Dear APR1 students, this is NOT TIPS, it’s a text msg from student. I’m just answer according to questions…
.
SMS from student:
.
Date: Fri, 14 Sep 2007 13:02
From: xxxxxxxxx
.
Ms Lim, I m Xxxxxxxxx from B2. Event mgnt has text book o not? Risk management we dun hv notes rite? Characteristics of event izit is the venue theme, timing n. etc? the the group development is the p&p, staging, programming, financial, security? Sory to ask u here coz we dun hv internet access…
.
.
Ms Lim’s reply:
.
Hi Xxxxxx, sorry for the late reply. I was having meeting just now. Need not worry bout risk mgmt, due to crossed subject structure between Events Mgmt, Crisis Mgmt & PR Campaign Planning, we are not covering Risk Mgmt now
.
Characteristics of an event based on its uniqueness, such as: it’s often “once in a life time” experience, require long and careful planning, generally expensive to stage an event, involved diff audiences / stakeholders, usually a short time span, etc.
.
Group development means develop / form the event team. Eg. First is like when I asked you all to form in team for diff dept. Then involved storming such as conflict over the control and leadership. Then once the team structure and roles have been defined, the group will tends to adopt a common set of behavioural expectations. Lastly members focus on performing their tasks within the framework of the team.
.
.
