When It Hits the Fan

Just the word 'networking' can conjure up images of high-powered people in suits who all seem to be part of the same club - and you have no idea how to get in.But it doesn't have to be like that.In this episode on golden rules, David Yelland and Simon Lewis explain why growing your network is vital to success - and the best time to start is right now.Whatever your background, they look at how you can start to increase your contacts - even if it's just asking for a phone number. And they explain how asking for advice can be a great ice-breaker.And if you still think networking is something that only the rich and powerful can do, follow David's advice - 'Don't mock the elite, copy them'.Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

Loads of money, success and power - great. But what do people actually think of you?In this new, short series, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at some of the golden rules that they come back to time and again on When it Hits the Fan.First up, they explain why reputation really is everything. You might be flying high now but if you fall, you might find it very hard to climb back to the top without having a good reputation.David and Simon explain why it can be very healthy - if not a little daunting - to seek out the dreaded 360 degree feedback.Also, they look at how your social media posts can affect your chances of recruitment - but insist businesses are getting it wrong by only seeking out candidates with a vanilla profile.Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

The idea of a secret meeting is just that - it stays secret. So what happens when that meeting becomes front page news? It's time to call in the PR detectives.This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis examine the curious case of a clandestine meeting between the senior staff of both Prince Harry and the King. Someone tipped off the press. But who - and why?David and Simon sift through the evidence to establish what might have been going on behind-the-scenes and which PR team - if any - has most to gain from the meeting being made public.Also, on the extended edition on BBC Sounds, they'll look at the fallout from all this - and ask where this leaves the attempts at reconciliation between Prince Harry and his father.They'll also take a deep dive into the secret PR world of secret meetings - how to arrange them, where to have them and the awkward moments that can follow if someone gets the wrong end of the stick. Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

We tend to like leaders to appear calm and in control. But we also want them to be human. The problem is, when they show genuine emotion, they often get slated for it - branded as 'weak' or an 'embarrassment'.This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at how people in public life are judged for letting the mask slip - and reveal how much effort goes in to preparing people to show more or less emotion. They'll also examine whether suppressing emotion is the only way to get to the top in business.Also, on the extended edition on BBC Sounds, David and Simon look at a huge fan hitter in the business world that you may not even have heard of - but one that goes to the very heart of reputational risk.And never let the truth get in the way of a good story. It appears the much-loved book and now film, The Salt Path may not be quite what it seems. Does it matter? And if so, who is this a crisis for? Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

Siblings at war, power struggles, a well-earned reputation in need of protection - who doesn't love a family dynasty drama?As Eric Trump hints he could try and run for President, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at how you PR a dynasty, in both business and politics. How do you build momentum and create an inevitability about succession?And on the extended edition on BBC Sounds, why the world of PR loves an anniversary. As Keir Starmer marks a year in power, David and Simon explain why it can be great (not to mention easy and lazy) to celebrate notable dates - but how it can also leave you a total hostage to fortune.Plus whether the PR rules applied to big multinationals can also be used in the smallest of settings.Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

Just be your best authentic self. That's supposedly what we should all be striving for. But is it good advice and in public life, is it even possible?This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at creating the illusion of authenticity and why the public can sniff out a fake a mile off.Also, on the extended edition on BBC Sounds, David and Simon celebrate the PR holy grail that is the word-of-mouth smash. And with new statues being announced for the late Queen and Sir Andy Murray, they'll look at the tricky issue of legacy PR.Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

As Jeff Bezos gears up for his extravagant wedding in Venice, local outrage brews over tourist saturation. The podcast dives into the clash between wealthy visitors and community concerns, spotlighting Airbnb's role in the turmoil. They also explore the curious resilience of social media amidst rumors of decline, particularly X as a platform for public debate. Additionally, the conversation shifts to MI6's new female chief and her impact on the agency's openness and media interactions, highlighting modern PR challenges in politics.

David Yelland and Simon Lewis dive into the intriguing world of public relations and the intricacies of securing honorary titles like knighthoods. They discuss how strategic PR efforts can influence nominations while poking fun at the British honors system. The conversation also explores navigating political U-turns, assessing the impact of social media on public perception, and emphasizing advocacy for dyslexia in education, inspired by Jamie Oliver's campaign. A blend of humor and insight highlights the delicate balance between personal success and public image.

What do you get if the designer of the iPhone teams up with the founder of OpenAI? Unbelievable hype, that's what.This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis examine the huge buzz created by the news that Jony Ive and Sam Altman have joined forces to create 'the coolest bit of tech the world will have ever seen'. The claims don't end there - even though we have no idea what their new product will be. So how do you PR something that doesn't yet exist?Also, on the extended version on BBC Sounds, we all saw it but did it even happen? The bizarre attempt to blame President Macron being shoved by his wife on AI fakery. How the best laid PR plans can dissolve in a moment.And from golden keys to black eyes, Simon and David break down the Trump/Musk press conference.Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

It's that moment when a boss, a CEO or football manager goes all Peggy Mitchell and screams: 'You're Barred'. It might work in EastEnders but is it sensible in the world of PR? In this episode, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at the motivations behind banning journalists. Is a ban just one big power play and does it ever achieve anything? And more importantly, are there darker arts that can be more effectively employed to freeze someone out?Also, in the extended episode on BBC Sounds, they'll be answering your burning PR questions - including how to fight back against cuts and what you should really tell your client in the moments before a big interview.Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4