Namita Nayyar:
How do you feel about self-promotion through social media: for example, via Instagram?
Valentina Gurova:
Not only does self-promotion through social media and YouTube have the right to exist, but it is the future of PR. Of course, as long as it is not organized in a frantic way with the sole goal of quickly making money on any hype. The print media is getting replaced by online publications, and during the pandemic, all aspects of our lives have moved to the Internet: communication, healthcare, shopping, work, studying, and training.
Naturally, content should be original and, generally, there is entire team of professionals behind it: from the writer to the creative producer. We help to fill channels and blogs with high-quality material and do it quickly and efficiently, with knowledge and experience. Where others need inspiration, we just work.
Namita Nayyar:
Over more than 20 years of working in PR, you are probably already familiar with all the distinguished directors, photographers, stylists, make-up artists and you prefer to work with them. What does, for example, a young photographer need to do for you to notice them and invite them for a shoot? Would it be a risk to you?
Valentina Gurova:
We are always in search of young talents with fresh views and ideas: photographers, stylists, make-up artists and decorators submit their work to us all the time. I keep an eye on the work of my colleagues in the top glossy magazines and enjoy discovering new names for myself. You don’t need much to be able to collaborate with our agency: talent, initiative, readiness to work with irregular scheduling and high stress resistance – sometimes it happens that we need to organize a high-quality shooting in just a couple of days or need to film everything in a single take between the client’s tours with no room for mistakes, so as not to make the client miss their flight. Shooting on the street at night and in bad weather is not unusual for us.
And, of course, the clients themselves are not always in a good mood: they can be tired, moody, and indecisive – you need to be able to deal with all this and keep working. So, we invite many, but only the best stay!
Namita Nayyar:
What are the three top qualities without which you would not have been able to become a successful PR agent?
Valentina Gurova:
I try to be the best at everything; I always keep learning and never look down on beginners. More specifically, these qualities are perfectionism, thirst for knowledge and the lack of a superiority complex.
Namita Nayyar:
What is the most inspiring part of your job?
Valentina Gurova:
The most inspiring part of my job, just like of any other, is to see happiness in my clients’ eyes and to hear their appreciative ‘thank you’. Needless to say, such emotions act as a very powerful fuel in our difficult but exciting profession!
Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you may wish to share?
Valentina Gurova:
I do Pilates online with my trainer; our complex involves muscles warming up, stretching, spine flexibility and face fitness.
Namita Nayyar:
Do you take a special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Valentina Gurova:
I’ve eliminated flour and sweets and eat in proportion to my physical activity.
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
