Weekend Homework

Once upon at time, I loathed the idea of taking work home. When 6 p.m. on Friday arrived, my weekend began and that was it. Work was the last thing on my mind until my Monday blues sets in around 9 p.m. on Sunday. However, I’m learning quickly that on The Strip not all take home assignments are bad; may be bad for my waistline but not bad.

Our team learned that the press coverage for one of our long-standing restaurants had been low for some time. Therefore, I was given the task of developing a new publicity plan for the restaurant. However, before I could start pitching to the journalists, I was going to have to do some homework myself as a food critic. When I tried to explain the purpose of my assignment to my mother, who was visiting me this particular weekend, she laughed and asked if this was really my job. The simple answer was YES!

According to an article from Entrepreneur.com and my experience in public relations, the first step is to assess the matter. After all, how was I going to pitch anything about a restaurant that I had never been to? My visit was going to help me learn the following: What makes this restaurant unique? What is the purpose of the décor? What is going to be the hook for this place? To aid in this process, I was able to try some very delicious menu items including an Heirloom Tomato Salad, Blackened Swordfish and a few cocktails. I took notes, interviewed staff, and wrote drafted several plans while sitting at the table. After watching me work and enjoying a decadent chocolate soufflé, my mother had to agree that I had a pretty interesting job.

Now, that the initial step is complete I can move forward with media outreach and social media development for this restaurant. I look forward to posting about my success with this restaurant.