Planning Local Appearances

Hi All,

First off I owe all you readers a massive apology for a serious lapse in regular blogging. I have been majorly busy with a new job that involves a lot of hard work from the get go, as well as a horrific 5.15am wake up on weekdays. Plus I went on holiday and had an Internet ban imposed.

Anyways, it got me thinking about how terrible my absence was, and how easy it is to do. The same goes unfortunately, for duties during a reign within the beauty pageant/competition world.

I have definitely had a few weeks off (it was the summer, okay!) because my personal life was overtaking. However, now I have succumbed to that back-to-school feeling that we get around September.

With lots planned and happening, including the search for Mr and Miss Hampshire 2015 launch (stay tuned!) I thought it might be wise to come up with some ideas on how to gain publicity and how to attend events. It is something I have struggled with; the numerous emails and phone calls met with rejection can be disheartening, but rest assured, there are organisations, especially local charities, that would love your help and a bit of extra PR.

A case in point would be my recent charity Rainbow Run for Naomi House and Jacksplace, a children’s hospice in Hampshire that critically needs funds to develop its facilities, named The Caterpillar Appeal. Besides being a charity close to my heart (growing up in Hampshire classmates and I would at school baked cakes to raise money for them back in the day) they were delighted when Miss Southampton showed up adorned in her sash and crown and happily took lots of snaps.

While the local newspaper didn’t cover my appearance, they did do lots for the Rainbow Run, including picture taking, interviewing and even running one of the paint stations. I think I am in a few of their pictures on the website. I have sent requests to be a regular columnist to them, and quite a few press releases, but alas, I am not quite there yet. Coverage before the final of Miss England 2014 was really good however. By associating myself with the charity event, I hope I have raised awareness of Naomi House, but also what the Miss England organisation and national finalists are all about, not just in the run up to the final, but importantly, what we do with our titles 24/7, 365 days a year.  Hopefully by continuing with the hard work, the papers and local companies pick up on my presence and want to get involved, and then I can tell even more people about the wonderful work Miss England does.

So, to get some interest in appearances and press, firstly have an email draft to hand. It will save time and you can send it out to lots of companies that may be potentially interested. Obviously always change names and make it personal, but having a template will make the process much speedier.

Explain the benefits of what you can do for them. A free spokesperson, advocate, model, spare pair of hands; whatever you can do really. I am working on a few wedding fairs coming up because wedding dresses sell better at fairs if they have something wearing them.

One great place to approach is local fairs and fetes. A lot of the time local, smaller events need better coverage, and it will really help to get to know the people you are technically representing. You can give out raffle prizes, present on stage and tell your followers about your escapades on a blog.

There is also the option of simply turning up to an event, and asking if you can have a picture taken in your sash and crown (this is what I am planning to do at the Southampton Boat Show and possibly at an upcoming vintage fair). This means you’ll still be the paying (or not) public, but suddenly pulling out a blingy tiara from your handbag and posing like a superstar might create a bit of buzz in the vicinity and you may have the organisers asking you for some pictures etc. This is a risky thing though; they could ask you to remove your crown and kick you out, but then this really does depend on the event and its tone. The worst thing however is not doing anything and accepting the rejections.

These are all little pieces of advice from myself, and are not advocated by the Miss England organisation, but they are something to bear in mind I’d say when it comes to using your title locally for good causes, and getting people to know you and what you are all about.

Happy event hopping. I hope you are now inundated with appearance requests