What Durban can learn from Jozi

So often, in various circles in the Durban scene the same conversation always emerges… why is Durban so slack?, wish Durban was more like Joburg, everything is so delayed in Durban…

We have a beautiful city, a destination that has and can host international events on a huge scale and we have proved it by hosting successful FIFA matches or the massive  COP17 as examples.

The truth is this – Durban is not Joburg – it never will be… We should never strive to be a JHB -  – we are cool in our own right but I do believe we have many things to learn from Joburgers (and Capetonians for that matter – but that’s a whole other blog post).  These are things we can learn that can make our city so much hipper  (than we already are).   I absolutely love JHB and CPT and of course I am totally in love with Durban and all its wonders – but I do think we have much to improve.

I’ve put together a very brief list – and if anyone has anything to add – I would be most grateful – of course I speak generally – but I’m sure you will get the gist.

1. Stop leaving things to the last minute – ACT NOW! In my industry I have noticed the general trend of the “last minute”.  So often, no matter how much pre planning one can do – there are always the majority who act late.  If you get an invite, want to RSVP, or attend an event, show, etc – don’t print out the email and leave on your desk till the last Milli-second – RSVP and GO! Joburgers always keep their social lives packed – and don’tt waste time if they want to do something – they just do it!
2. If you RSVP – have the decency of going – even if you’re sick, tired or just don’t feel like it – go or send a relevant replacement.  Companies spend a lot of money paying for catering; décor, drinks, entertainment – and contrary to what you may believe, they DO NOT get their money back – if you just don’t feel like coming anymore.  It’s not good etiquette – so have a little consideration.  Joburgers get this.  By the same token – you can’t just pitch at an event if you haven’t RSVP’ed – it just causes the planner undue and unnecessary hassle that can easily be avoided.  And don’t pitch just to be embarrassed by the fact that there is no seat or nametag ready for you – its not a nice feeling!  Nobody wants to feel like that.
3. Try something new, don’t be afraid.  Go to a fun food market, a funky fair or a cocktail event with flair – stop  sticking the same mundane routine.  Joburgers are not afraid to try new things.
4. Dress for success.  Dress up for an event rather than down.  Stick to the relevant dress code – note below blog post Dress Codes – Decoded. Take the time to put effort into what you wear – it will make you feel good too!  Joburgers – know how to take that extra 30 minutes to look fabulous.
5. Feel positive about your City.  Stop complaining if you aren’t doing anything about it.  Joburgers have a sense of pride about their city – and they love their lives.  You can feel that pride in the City!  We have so much to be proud of in DBN – let’s share this pride with anyone who will listen!
6. Be open-minded, mingle and mix with a new crowd – go to a new bar, restaurant and stop sticking so tightly to the people you know.  Be open to the unfamiliar and take the time to learn and meet people of different faiths, colours, genders… it will give you a better outlook on life.

That’s my 2 cents people… until next time – GO DURBAN, GO DURBAN!

DRESS CODES – DECODED

Let me set the scene…

You have been invited to a grand event – a gala banquet with a list of Ministers attending…

Great – you’re excited!  You get to mingle and hob nob – time to make some excellent contacts…

You examine the invite… diarize the details and immediately confirm your attendance.

You scroll down and in big bold print you read:

DRESS CODE: FORMAL

Your mind races – what is formal – a suit, a ball gown, is a knee-length dress adequate???

It can be confusing and I have noticed (from the hundereds of events I have attended and managed) that more often than not – guests DO NOT dress accordingly to the required dress code.

Before we get into what the dress code entails – remember to note the following important details:

* WHERE is the event being held – if it is in a 5 star hotel then logic will dictate that walking into the event with flip flops and a bolero are probably not going to work.  Whereas if the event is on the beach – then flat shoes would be most ideal.

* TIME.  If the event is held in the evening – your outfit automatically needs to be more formal than if it was for example a lunch time event.

* WHAT is the event?  Keep this in mind to determining how formal the event is.  Is it an annual fundraiser, a corporate ball, or a networking cocktail?

Once you have an understanding of the event – you will find it so much easier – to decode the dress code:

1. Casual: Often functions that state casual mean exactly that – the function is a casual event and guests will have the opportunity to mingle with each other and generally there are few/no formal proceedings or formalities.  Depending on the venue – basically you can wear whatever you feel comfortable in.

2. Smart Casual: This is a mixture between casual and business attire.  If you are wearing a casual bottom like jeans – make sure the jeans are dark and you wear a more formal top with a coat jacket.  Slops/Shorts are a no-no.  Ideally the perfect outfit for a woman would be a floaty summer dress with a nice print and high sandals.  For men casual work pants with a shirt (no tie needed) and blazer are adequate.

3. Smart/Semi Formal: Generally refers to smart business attire – what you would wear to a really important business meeting.  Coat jackets for men (with or without tie depending on how formal the shirt is, is acceptable today).  Absolutely no jeans! Women should wear more tailored dresses or suits (power suits).

4. Cocktail Attire: To keep it simple you can wear what you wear to Smart/Semi Formal with a hint of sexiness and more pizazz – so you keep it business – but more playful – perhaps a slinky top or chunky accessories.

5. Formal/Black Tie:  For women – long dresses are most appropriate or very formal suits.  Women should wear dresses that are well below their knees (to the floor) and their sexiest shoes.  For men – your very best suit with tie/bow tie.  A tux is suitable. Make an appointment at your hairdresser for a blow wave and take some time to do your make up.

6. Traditional: Often the invite states Formal/Traditional meaning that traditional, cultural clothing are accepted as long as within the boundaries of formality.  Saris for example are adequate for women.

The above list should be a good guide – and don’t ever shy away from the correct dress code or be afraid to wear your favourite ball gown because you are worried no one else will dress up!  When deciding what to wear to an event – I always prefer to be MORE dressed up than too casual.  If after reading this list you are still confused – call your host to query what would be most adequate There is no harm in that.

Until next time… dress for success…cheers!

NO SECOND CHANCES AT A FIRST IMPRESSION

If you are studying or have studied PR and events management you know how hard it is to get given the opportunity to get a foot in the door.  The job market for this industry is hardly abundant with fantastic offers, premium perdiums or fat-cat packages.  So, when you’re lucky enough to even come across an ad for an event management position – you still have the daunting task of beating your way through the hordes of potential candidates.

Truth be told I have interviewed hundreds of potential candidates… seriously… hundreds.  From the moment the ad hits the paper – the calls start, the CVs come flooding in and the migraine throbs.  But truth be told from the huge response, almost always, there ends up being only about 2 that end up making the shortlist.

What sets one apart from the herd? In my opinion – its the the age-old FIRST IMPRESSION.

EVERY relationship begins with a first impression… that initial judgement of someone that makes the world of difference.  Now hear me out – I consider myself to be an independent woman, maybe even a liberal feminist of sorts – Im not expecting any young aspiring eventer to step out in her highest heels and reddest lipstick to get the job – but lets be honest – PRESENTATION MATTERS.

Remember when you were a little kid, come Christmas morning running down the stairs to the Christmas tree – which was the first gift you pounced on to open?  I went straight to the shiniest, most colourful, big-ribboned box.

My point? Eventing and Public Relations is a form of communication – somehow you are communicating a message to the outside world.  Likewise – your style, your dress, your presentation – you are communicating yourself to the outside world – to a client or to a potential employee.

Neuroscientists at Harvard and New York University found that people make accurate and persistent evaluations of people based on observations of less than a minute.  Participants in the study were given profiles and descriptions of people and immediately while studying their brain activity – impulses in the brain showed either negative or positive feedback.  The areas in the brain that were affected – the same areas that are important in forming evaluations.

Less than a minute – Daunting – I know… its tough being on constant alert about every aspect of your character – let alone finding a good outfit to wear… so in my opinion if you can grapple these FIVE simple steps – you’re more than halfway there:

1. SMILE – its unbelievable what a smile can do. Ever had that moment when walking in a shopping centre a stranger smiles at you – and your initial reaction is to automatically smile back (before the usual “Do I know him?” reaction) - well – its true – Smiles are seriously contagious and a great, big, honest smile – no matter how chipped your tooth is - automatically creates a good first impression.

2. BE NEAT – Who needs designer labels, caked on make-up and GHD’ed hair if its not your preference or in your budget?  Not everyone can afford a Jenny Button suit – style is not money – its 50% the ability to mix and match well and 50% clean, neat clothing.  Its really that simple – make sure your hair is brushed, put a little bit of lip gloss on and ensure your clothes are ironed and clean.  My rule when unsure what to wear – WHEN IN DOUBT – WEAR BLACK – it never fails to impress AND its slimming!

3.  A FIRM HANDSHAKE - I have an issue with women who dont give a good, firm handshake.  I must admit – as fickle as this is – I immediately assume the woman who gives me the half-bent, stroke rehabilitation handshake is a push over.  Now dont get extreme and give the WWE wrestler handshake in turn to prove your tough, “Im a bitch in the boardroom” approach – just keep it firm and make eye contact and RULE ONE – SMILE!!!

4. BE ON TIME - Need I say more – its pretty obvious.  Understandably – you cannot be on time ALL the time – and sometimes things outside our control do happen – so when you are running late – CALL PRIOR to your stated arrival time and advise the person that you will be running late. Manners. Just good manners.

5. MAKE SMALL TALK – the infamous breaker-of-the-ice.  Just say something – even if its about the weather – say it! This will allow you to open up the conversation and create a relationship with the person you are talking to. Maybe you can find something in common with them?  What are their likes/dislikes?  Its amazing what you can learn about someone and then in turn determine how to gauge them.

Life people, life… It is one big sales pitch.  You sell yourself everyday, you sell your talents, your creativity, your personality, your business… you sell your event.  Trust me – when I see an interviewee with grubby shoes, unkept hair and half a mid-drift showing - I’d be a bit hesitant to give you my corporate banquet to manage – Lets be honest – if you can barely put together your ponytail – how could you put together my function… Get my drift?

I thought so.