The PR Dispatch team at home
We’re giving you a peek into what WFH looks like for the PR Dispatch team and what we’ve been up to recently.
Jasmin, Communication & Content Manager
What have you been up to this week?
I am still obsessed with Disney+ so I have been watching lots of old school films and some of the live action remakes. I watched the new Aladdin yesterday as its obviously a favourite thanks to a certain princess and Will Smith!
How do you keep yourself motivated while working from home?
Mini-breaks throughout the day is key. I make sure that for every task I tick of my to-do list I treat my self to a quick mini-break. I pop downstairs, stretch my legs, stand in the garden and get a drink before I go on to my next job.
A to-do list is always a must for me. The team will tell you that I make one every week, but I have found it extra helpful in lockdown to keep me focused and productive.
Do you have any free resources, websites or anything else you’d recommend and which might be helpful for small business owners?
She Can. She Did’s 'We Can We Will' podcast series. Obviously Rosie is on an episode, BUT, I think hearing from so many different business owners and their perspective/experience of Covid-19 both professionally and personally can be really useful from a morale point of view.
I would also say Instagram as a resource. SO many people (brands and experts) are on social media more and giving advice and tips/tricks or insights into their processes that it can be a really useful tool. So if small businesses are following brands they admire and experts in fields they want to learn more about I think Instagram can be great.
Kate, New Members Manager
What have you been up to this week?
This week I celebrated my birthday and one thing I got to do was decorate my house with some amazing new houseplants. I also received a few bunches of flowers and now my house looks like a garden centre and I LOVE IT!
How do you keep yourself motivated while working from home?
As I work from home when we aren’t in lockdown I haven’t found the transition as difficult as some may. The best way to stay motivated is to have a routine. I set an alarm, do my morning routine and open my laptop. I walk Alfie (the dog) around the same time everyday and I do this for two reasons; exercise and fresh air for me which gives me focus throughout the day, but also to exercise Alfie so that he can lie next to me for the rest of the day, snoozing.
Do you have any free resources, websites or anything else you’d recommend and which might be helpful for small business owners?
I recently stumbled across Isolated Talks which encourages creatives to keep sharing their ideas and insights, while inspiring others to do the same.
Also, Sara Dalrymple’s free ‘How to Take Brilliant Headshots at Home’ guide (if you sign up to her newsletter you’ll be sent a downloadable resource) is super useful. It’ll show you how to take great and press-worthy photos at home with the help of a smartphone and some natural light.
Sophie, Community & Press Database Manager
What have you been up to this week?
I’ve been listening to Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs. It’s been a great way to unwind in the evenings and to end the working day. It’s also helped me to step away from my computer and phone screens.
How do you keep yourself motivated while working from home?
I’ve been starting my day with an iced coffee whilst going through my to-do list. This has become my ritual for structuring my day and helps keep me focused. If I’m having a moment where I need some motivation I’m grateful to have a garden where I can get a bit of fresh air to reset myself.
Do you have any free resources, websites or anything else you’d recommend and which might be helpful for small business owners?
Another podcast which I think has been great and I would recommend is ‘Working From Home with Stylist’. It’s been some welcomed light relief and is full of motivational tips. It’s also the perfect length for a lunch break!
Rosie, Founder and Director
What have you been up to this week?
I’ve been reading. Lots and lots. I’m currently reading Oversubscribed by Daniel Priestley, Growth Hacker Marketing by Ryan Holiday and Business Model Generation by Alexander Osterwalder.
How do you keep yourself motivated while working from home?
Music always keep me motivated and going. My current go-to is French radio network FIP which covers genres ranging from jazz to electro. Perfect background music!
Do you have any free resources, websites or anything else you’d recommend and which might be helpful for small business owners?
Watching Startup Expert Fleur Emery’s ‘Brain Biscuit’ IGTV series featuring great founders. They’re brilliantly engaging, valuable, inspirational and interesting. Highly recommend!
Cecilie, Head of Partnerships and Content
What have you been up to this week?
I’ve listened to a lot of podcasts, including my all-time favourite Adam Buxton. I’ve also enjoyed walks in my local park in South East London and had more Zoom catch-ups/socialising than usual including a fun and competitive PR Dispatch team quiz (I didn’t win sadly!).
How do you keep yourself motivated while working from home?
Coffee, coffee and more coffee. I also like getting up early to plan ahead before I start my work day with radio in the background. I’m not a naturally early riser, however, I do love early mornings and enjoying the quiet before everyone else wakes up (it’s probably the introvert in me!). The mornings are also when I tend to be the most productive so making the most out of that time is key.
I’m a bit of a workaholic so switching off when working from home can be a little tricky at times, however, having a dedicated work space, plus, putting my laptop and phone away when I’m finished for the day helps.
Do you have any free resources, websites or anything else you’d recommend and which might be helpful for small business owners?
I’m slightly obsessed with anything copy-related and I always find Really Good Emails , All Good Copy, and Sonder & Tell’s content and newsletters really interesting and inspirational, providing plenty of food for thought.
NEW TO PR? WE ARE HERE TO HELP!
As a small business, we know that where you invest your budget matters.
If you want to learn more about PR Dispatch and see how we support product businesses in pitching to the press, register for one of our monthly membership tours below.