Jolen Consulting

With over 200 brands under our belt, Jolen Consulting has proven that size doesn't matter. As a boutique agency, we offer unique advantages.

1. Personalised attention
Our small team means dedicated focus and tailored solutions for each client. Our agile approach allows us to adapt quickly to changing market conditions and client needs.

2. Niche approach
We specialise in creating targeted campaigns that resonate with your specific audience. By leveraging innovative strategies, we deliver measurable results and build strong brand recognition and awareness.

3. Deep-rooted local expertise
Our in-depth understanding of Vietnamese culture, consumer behavior, and media landscape gives us a unique advantage. Our extensive network of local influencers, journalists, and industry experts allows us to create tailored strategies, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach.

🎯 Interested in learning how our boutique approach can benefit your business? We're just a message away.

Last quarter of 2024 is right around the corner, which means planning for holiday season campaigns, company's year-end parties and budgeting for 2025.

⏳ Now's the perfect time to reflect, plan, and achieve. Let's ! This month, we'll share practical planning tools and valuable resources, as well as inspiring stories to help you make the most of the rest of the year. Stay tuned!

Looking to build a PR strategy that's as unique as your business?

🎯 Our industry-specific dos and don'ts guide can help you navigate the PR landscape with confidence. Whether you're in finance, real estate, tech, or want to highlight your ESG commitments, we've got you covered.

Check out our post for helpful tips: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7234418782360801280

Jolen Consulting on LinkedIn: PR Dos and Don'ts PR Dos and Don'ts PR can be a gamechanger for businesses. But it's not one-size-fits-all! It's a tailored strategy that needs to align perfectly with your…

PR for Tech

The tech industry thrives on constant innovation, and so should the PR approach. Capturing media attention and building brand awareness in this dynamic environment requires a strategic and well-defined plan. Here at Jolen, we've honed our expertise in crafting impactful campaigns of an array of tech clients, from established brands to new startups. Let's explore the essential elements that form the foundation for success 🚀.

1️⃣ Know your products
Firstly, the tech world is rife with jargons and tech terms that are not terribly relatable to your average consumer. It is, therefore, essential to make sure, you, as the PR expert, learn your craft well before you go about discussing it a language your audience understands.

2️⃣ Develop a compelling story
In tech, very often, you'll be communicating about a brand new product not specifically on the market yet. This is where tech PR differs from other types of PR. You'll need to generate a compelling narrative to turn heads and show people how you are solving their pain points.

3️⃣ Build relationship with industry experts
Tech PR is quite specific in that you must explicitly communicate the values, features, and innovation of your offering. And who is better to help convey these messages than someone who’s well versed with the industry ins and outs, as well as someone the audience will trust. Tech experts are, sometimes, the best endorsers you need to increase credibility for your campaign.

Stay tuned for more tips 🙌!

For the past 16 years, Jolen has been the dedicated PR and communications partner of hundreds of brands in Vietnam and across the region. Media relations is a cornerstone of our services.

Unveiling our media footprint! 🚀 Discover how we have made waves for our clients in the Vietnamese media headlines during the first half of 2024.

[Meet our team]

Please join us in giving a warm welcome Tú My, our newest member to the Jolen account team!

“It's my very first time working as an account team member in an agency, more particularly, a PR agency like Jolen. This alone has always been my dream job and position. Not to mention, there's a whole spectacular journey awaiting me with lots of amazing things to learn. So, all in all, cheers to that!”

Welcome to the team, My! We're thrilled to have you onboard. 🎉

"

: Where Every Step Counts

At Jolen, we believe an impactful journey is marked by dedicated footsteps. Over the past 16 years, as trusted partners in PR and communications, we’ve crafted narratives that resonate, campaigns that launch, and brands that soar. Our work has provided our clients the visibility they need, and the vision for both personal and professional growth in our Joleners.

Join us this month as we trace back some of the our recent milestone footprints in the "Footprints of Jolen" series. Discover the people, the campaigns, and the moments that have inspired and shaped us. 🖐️

[My Thoughts Exactly]

By Nguyễn Thu Trang, Junior Executive Intern, Jolen Consulting

As a senior student balancing between academic pursuits and a career in an agency, remote work has proven invaluable. Traditional office-based roles often clashed with my school schedule, making it challenging to secure a suitable position. However, Jolen's remote working model has been a game-changer, allowing me to excel in both areas by optimizing time and location. I can work like I did recently, finishing tasks on a train from Hanoi to Hai Phong.

For me, working remotely is special, but working remotely in an agency is even more so. Normally, agency life is inherently full of surprises, but remote working double-intensifies this thrill. I will never forget my very first retainer account intro session, just 15 minutes after the onboarding session on my first day, or the urgent calls for media data reporting in the morning. To be honest, I am still getting used to them all 🙂

I believe the art of being lies in the stark contrasts: the flexibility of time vs the urgency of the tasks, the comfort of the work setup vs the challenge of unexpected tasks. All of this creates a unique experience.

Do you have interesting experience? Let’s swap notes 📝

[My Thoughts Exactly]

By Joyce Phuong Nguyen, General Manager, Jolen Consulting

Does remote working work?

It’s been almost 10 months since Jolen team fully shifted to remote work arrangement. Prior to this, our account team had experienced a short period with hybrid model, like many companies did after COVID-19.

Has it worked for us? A big YES.

Clearly, flexibility and work-life balance have been the top-of-mind benefits when it comes to WFH or working at a location of choice for many of our team members, as well as those we asked during a pocket survey before making the decision to shift. Other pros include creativity boost, more freedom, reduced commute time, and the ability to customise a workspace that suits one’s needs.

That is not to say it goes without the cons such as no face-to-face connection, decreased collaboration, and from a management viewpoint - how to bridge the communication gap and ensure there’s still a company culture in place.

We regularly checked in with everyone, conducted monthly online workshop on various topics to enhance soft skills or simply just to chit chat, and sent bubble tea via food delivery apps for Friday happy hours. After the first 6 months, the team thrived on task management and ownership, with some of our new juniors even taking on whole new projects by themselves after just the first few weeks. Team members reported that they now have more time and fewer distractions, which lead to increased productivity, which is music to the ears for Jolen management.

As for me, with the support of several productivity management softwares, I’ve been able to jump on weekly meetings with clients, brainstorm for proposal concept with team, and launch new campaigns while , be it a 30-hour train ride from Hanoi to HCMC, a hike somewhere in the mountainous area of Bali, or most recently, while watching a football match in Berlin during Euro 2024 ⚽

While there’re still both advantages and disadvantages to remote work, especially depending on which field of work and industry you’re in, when done right, remote work allows employees and companies to focus on what really matters - performance. Which am sure Jolen clients appreciate.

Until next time…

As our team has been adapting (and thriving) to the new work arrangement, we noted down a few tips which have helped keeping us on top of our work while being at separate locations.

1. Master the art of communication
Embrace video calls for brainstorming, quick updates, and even casual catch-ups. Supplement email with project management tools and instant messaging to keep everyone informed and connected.

2. Craft your ideal workspace
Even if you're at the beach, at the coffee or just in the comfort of your home, don't forget to designate a specific area as your work zone. This separation helps maintain focus and establish a clear work-life boundary.

3. Embrace structure and schedule
Plan your day with clear deadlines and to-do lists. Utilise time management techniques to maximise focus and minimise distractions.

4. Stay connected - Stay sharp
Schedule virtual coffee breaks or lunches with your team on a regular basis to foster team spirit. Participate in online team-building activities to maintain a sense of camaraderie.

5. Manage expectation and request clarification
As remote work thrives on clear communication, don't be afraid to ask questions! Proactively reach out for clarification and keep everyone updated on your progress.

[Meet our team]

Let's hear from Nguyễn Thu Trang - our new Jolener who recently joined Jolen as the new Junior Executive.

"Ownership, empowering, and “a little bit overwhelming” are my 3 keywords for this past month after onboarding. I've learned so much, with the biggest takeaways being setting expectation and communicating. I feel excited for the next journey!"

Welcome, Trang! We are delighted to have you in the team!

: Work from ANYWHERE with Joleners

💡At Jolen, we believe your best work can happen anywhere! Since late last year, most of our team have shifted to remote working. As the team adapts and thrives in the new arrangement, we have figured out that sometimes a change of scenery could spark innovative ideas and fuel creativity. No matter the distance and space, we aim to always ensure productive and organised work.

🖐️Stay tuned for the series "Jolen on the Go" this month, where we will take you on exciting remote work adventures.

📰 From Pitch to Published: 5 tips for pitching to the media like a pro 📰

1. Be the right source 🆕

As journalists get bombarded with pitches daily, don't waste time with a generic message. Instead, try to research specific journalists who cover your industry or niche and tailor your pitch accordingly to showcase how your story aligns with their audience's interests.

💡For example: Let's say you launched a new cold brew coffee company that uses ethically sourced beans and focuses on sustainable practices. You should find a journalist who is specialised in F&B and consumerism, and start with writing an email that highlight the differences of your product without being too commercialised.

2. Be newsworthy, not salesy

Remember: News is not a sales pitch! Focus on how can it benefit readers and emphasize the value your story offers to the audience accordingly.

💡For example: Instead of saying, "We offer the best cold brew on the market," highlight the unique selling proposition.

3. Keep it short & sweet

Journalists are busy! Keep your pitch email straight to the point – two to three paragraphs max. Highlight the key details that make your story irresistible.

💡For example: Instead of a long explanation about your brewing process, focus on the benefits.

4. Package it right

Don't just rely on text, include images or specific datas to grab attention and make your pitch more engaging.

💡For example: Attach a high-resolution photo of your beautifully packaged cold brew bottles alongside some vibrant coffee beans.

5. Follow up (but not too much)

A polite follow-up call/ email a few days after your initial pitch is okay. But if you don't hear back, it might be best to move on and try another contact.

Do you have any other tips to ace media pitching, share with us in the comment below 👇

Chúc mừng Ngày Báo chí Cách mạng Việt Nam lần thứ 99!

Nhân kỷ niệm 99 năm Ngày Báo chí Cách mạng Việt Nam, Jolen xin gửi lời tri ân các anh chị phóng viên đã luôn đồng hành cùng chúng tôi trên chặng đường 16 năm qua. Sự tận tâm và nhiệt tình của các anh chị đã góp phần đáng kể vào hành trình phát triển của Jolen và các đối tác khách hàng.

Xin kính chúc các nhà báo sức khỏe dồi dào và thật nhiều nhiệt huyết để tiếp tục đi xa hơn nữa với nghề.

🥁Drumroll please... Our brand new website is LIVE!

We're thrilled to unveil our new website - a sleek and simple one-page design to provide you all the basics you need to know about Jolen. Head over to https://jolenconsulting.com/ and let us know what you think!

💡Media relations is so much more than just media placement! It's about building TRUST with journalists and the public. Traditionally, media relations focused on pitching stories to get "free" coverage. But today, it's more of a long-term investment, not a quick win. We provide journalists with valuable information, and they'll share our story with the target audience in a credible way.

📰 At Jolen, we consider media relations mutually beneficial relationships with lasting credibility.

[Fast & Curious]

Our Fast & Curious: PR work-life balance edition is on air again, featuring our dynamic Jolener Ph this week. Let's get right into this!

❓Fuel your day: coffee or creativity?
🔹Definitely creativity! I love the coffee scent but I don’t usually drink it.

❓Friday night: pitch perfect or perfectly chilled?
🔹Well, a perfectly chilled night is essential for recharging for the next week.

❓Team player with late-night brainstorming or solo strategist with quiet mornings?
🔹Why not both? I thrive in a collaborative environment with late-night brainstorming sessions, but quiet mornings are key for focused strategising.

❓ Would you rather: work remotely and chase inspiration on your own schedule or collaborate closely with colleagues in a dynamic office environment?
🔹I believe in a flexible approach! Working remotely allows for chasing inspiration, but brainstorming with colleagues in a dynamic office brings a whole new spark.

❓Jump from project to project with constant deadlines or predictable workload with well-defined tasks?
🔹I’m agile and love the variety that comes with jumping between projects, but well-defined tasks are essential for keeping everything on track.

❓If your email inbox could talk, what would it say about your work-life balance?
🔹My inbox would probably say I am passionate and dedicated! I always strive for a healthy work-life balance.

Until next time...

[𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭 & 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬]
Our Fast & Curious series is back! For this special edition in May, let's have a chat with Chau Guo on work-life balance, especially in the context of working in a fast-paced industry like PR.

❓Do you consider yourself a team player with outings or more of a productivity pro in a quiet zone?
🔹I'm a part-time introvert. For creative work, I love collaboration, but for repetitive tasks, I think I'm more productive in a quiet zone.

❓Team with a bunch of extroverts or a group of hilarious introverts?
🔹Hilarious introverts are my tribe. They keep things fun without overwhelming my energy.

❓Dress code: pajamas or power suit?
🔹Pajamas are my go-to.

❓Flexible schedule with weekend hustle or fixed hours and forget it?
🔹I'm all about that flexible schedule with a weekend hustle. Routine is fine, but flexibility is freedom.

❓Big-name clients with crazy deadlines or chill projects with more free time?
🔹Crazy deadlines with big-name clients get my adrenaline pumping because high stakes make work exciting, right?

❓High-pressure pitch or chill press release?
🔹I perform best under pressure, preferring to get things done quickly. So, a high-pressure pitch is right up my alley.

Until next time... for another round of Fast & Curious with another Jolener!

☕ We recently sat down with Phuong Nguyen who we had the pleasure of working with during her recent internship at Jolen as a Junior Executive, and listened to her sharing about her experience!

❓ What surprised you the most about your internship at Jolen?
What surprised me the most about my internship at Jolen Consulting was the level of mentorship and guidance I received from the general manager. Having the manager directly involved in mentoring me was a pleasant surprise. This not only enhanced my skills but also gave me a broader perspective on the professional world, making my internship at Jolen truly enriching and rewarding.

❓ What project or task did you find most rewarding during your internship? Why?
The most rewarding project during my internship at Jolen was a rebranding project for an airline. Being entrusted with such a significant task and seeing it through to completion within a short time frame was incredibly fulfilling. We had to work collaboratively to meet the client's expectations while adhering to tight deadlines. This project allowed me to enhance my project management skills in a real-world scenario and boosted my confidence in handling challenging tasks in the future.

❓ What skills did you gain from your internship that will be valuable in your future endeavors?
Working on various projects taught me the importance of taking ownership of my tasks and seeing them through to completion. This experience helped me learn to independently handle responsibilities, drive projects forward, and effectively deliver results, which will definitely serve me well in my future career endeavors.

❓ What did you enjoy the most at Jolen?
What I found most enjoyable about Jolen was its empowering environment. The company cultivates a culture that encourages individuals to share ideas and contribute meaningfully to project outcomes. Being trusted and empowered to make decisions and drive initiatives forward made my experience at Jolen exceptionally encouraging. It provided me with opportunities to grow professionally, tackle challenges with confidence, and feel valued as an integral part of the team.

❓ What advice would you give to someone considering an internship at Jolen?
My advice for someone starting an internship at Jolen would be to prioritize taking initiative in their work and maintaining strong connections with clients through a client-centered approach. Staying connected with clients, understanding their needs, and maintaining clear communication fosters trust and strengthens relationships, which is essential for progress in an agency environment.

💡Contact us to learn more about internship opportunities at Jolen!

💡Fun fact: Studies show spending time in nature can boost creativity by up to 40%!
That's why we at Jolen encourage small breaks to walk the dog, explore a park, or simply just for a breath of fresh air. A recharged PR pro is a brilliant PR pro!

After the International Labour Day, we go back to the real labour day... 🎈

[Meet our team]

Join us in extending a warm welcome to Phương - our newest team member who has recently joined Jolen's account team this April.

"I'm just fresh out of university and thrilled to embark on this exciting journey with Jolen. This is my first time working at an PR agency, there's so much to learn that got me excited. Bracing myself for the journey ahead!"

Welcome onboard, Mai Phuong! We all look forward to a fun time working together at Jolen! 🎉

💢In today's dynamic world, standing out in the crowded PR landscape requires fresh thinking. That's where innovation comes in, to capture attention, build stronger connection, and achieve communication goals by incorporating creative approaches.

But how do we infuse fresh thinking into PR strategies?

✳️ Here are our top 5 tips:

1️⃣ Think beyond the press release: Press release is a still valuable tool, but don't stop there. Explore interactive formats like quizzes, polls, or infographics to encourage engagement from target audiences.

2️⃣ Embrace new channels: There are other non-traditional outlets you can tap into that can in some cases be easier to make happen. Think social media, event calendar listting, community/ industry associations.

3️⃣ Partner with influencers: Micro-influencers with engaged communities can be powerful advocates for a brand. Find partners who align with values and can creatively communicate the brand's message.

4️⃣ Storytelling is king: People connect with stories. Use captivating narratives to showcase your brand's impact and humanise your message.

5️⃣ Utilise data-driven decisions: Don't just guess what work! Track results and leverage data to refine your approach and measure the success of your innovative campaigns.

We hope some of the above will help elevate your PR strategies 🎯. Stay tuned for more tips!

[My Thoughts Exactly]

By Joyce Phuong Nguyen, General Manager, Jolen Consulting

Innovation in PR - How, what and where

In an age where attention spans are fleeting and the digital landscape is ever-evolving, PR practitioners must constantly innovate to capture and retain audience interest. Innovation in PR is not just about using new technologies or tools, but also about coming up with creative and strategic ways to communicate a brand's story that can captivate and engage the audience.

In a world where there’s constant noise from everyone shouting to be heard, how do we stand out? Innovation is about staying savvy. PR practitioners should utilize the tools of media monitoring and social listening, so we are staying ahead of what is newsworthy and what can create buzz.

Finding the messages that resonate with the right audience is only as good as identifying the right medium to effectively communicate with them. Innovation should be about where the messages are delivered.

Until next time…

💡 In the field of public relations, ""innovation"" is not just about creativity.

🚀 At Jolen, we see innovation as the driving force behind perfecting relationships with our key stakeholders such as journalists, vendors, and partners, to catch on to what might resonate with the public. And from there, we craft compelling narratives to create meaningful connections with our target audiences.✨

As the very first quarter of 2024 draws to a close, we think it's a good time to check in with our 2024 checklist and see where we are with either personal or professional goal, or both. Whether it's making progress on a project, or simply learning something new, we want to celebrate with you!

Share with us your proudest achievement of 2024 so far, with a number from 0-99, in the comment section below⬇, and stand a chance to win a refreshing drink from Jolen team.

🚨 Deadline to submit your answer: 10.59AM, 30 March 2024

Three lucky winners will be randomly selected via random.org, and announced at 11AM, 01 April 2024.

What are you waiting for? And don't forget to tag and share with your friends to join! 💙

We are thrilled to share that Jolen Consulting has been awarded
“Best Boutique PR & Communications Agency 2024 - Vietnam" at Acquisition International’s Business Excellence Awards 2024. 🌟

As a boutique agency, our goal has never been to increase the size of our business, but rather to continue working with compelling brands that inspire us. We certainly look forward to expanding our portfolio with more exciting projects and campaigns.

Thank you to the team at Acquisition International for this honour 🥂

Honouring great women of PR & Communications ✨

As we dedicate this month to recognising the diverse contribution of women worldwide to our community, join us in highlight their amazing achievements💡

Kara Swisher - A prominent figure in tech journalism, Kara Swisher is renowned for fearlessly covering the male-dominated tech industry. Her rise to prominence is a testament to her unwavering dedication and insightful reporting.

Betsy Plank - Known as the “First Lady of Public Relations,” Betsy Plank's visionary leadership inspired generations in the PR industry. Her founding role in establishing the PRSSA underscores her enduring legacy of advancement and empowerment.

Inez Yeargan Kaiser - Breaking barriers as the first black woman to own a PR firm, Inez Yeargan Kaiser's journey highlighted the importance of inspiration and perseverance in paving the way for future generations.

Judy Smith - Renowned crisis manager and the real-life inspiration behind ""Olivia Pope"" from the TV series Scandal, Judy Smith's expertise in communication and crisis management serves as a guiding beacon for professionals in the industry, offering invaluable lessons in effective leadership.

No doubt these female figures still continue to empower those of us in the PR industry, and young professional women in general. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable future. 💫