David Baker

A seasoned veteran of Middle East Public Relations - with 30 years industry experience - David Baker has made a career out of working with leading international agencies throughout the region. As Managing Director of Cicero & Bernay, David’s knowledge and understanding of the nuances of the region, is propelling the firm to new heights of service standards while growing the business through expansion into territories outside the UAE. Throughout his tenure in the region, David has covered every industry sector while also discovering a particular penchant for issues and crisis communications.

Management – an art form or learned behaviour?

How to, Public Relations No Responses »

Apr 172012

This week has kicked off with some self-doubt being planted in my mind. It came from a recent article in the Kipp Report, which made me think about my managerial capabilities. It makes interesting reading.

But then I got over the guilt trip and realised that this isn’t necessarily just about me, most of us are managers at varying levels therefore we all need to examine our managerial skills and I think the questions the author asks us to ask ourselves are very pertinent.

It then led me to think what are some of the other attributes that make a good manager? The list is, I am sure, extensive but in my case I’d like to think the following of being high up on the agenda.
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In PR, Presentation is everything

Public Relations, Uncategorized No Responses »

Apr 032012

The 20^th World PR Congress took place recently in Dubai and all credit to Sunil John Sunil John, Chairman of the Organising Committee and his team for pulling together an excellent event.

Forty plus regional and international speakers, including some of the most respected names in the industry graced us with their presence. Some of the highlights can be found here.

Client work meant that I missed one of the highlights of the two days and that was , ‘An Hour with a Living Legend,’ in the form Harold Burson, a pioneer of modern Public Relations and the Founder Chairman of Burson-Marsteller.
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Tieing myself up in knots over dresscodes

Do's and Don'ts, How to, Public Appearances, Public Relations No Responses »

Mar 192012

A recent survey by fashion researchers has revealed that the majority of people surveyed thought that the tie would not be seen around offices within the next 20 years, and a quarter believed it would last less than 10 years.

There are several reasons given for this. Apparently the open-collared shirt is becoming more popular on television and cinema screens, while workplaces are adopting a more relaxed approach when it comes to neck attire.
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A couple of minutes late is too late

Public Relations No Responses »

Mar 062012

As I drove into work one morning battered by wind and sand it made me realise how lucky we are when it comes to commuting each day. Apart from the lunatic driving and disrespect for fellow motorists, which inevitably leads to crashes and subsequent jams (followed thereafter by my other pet hate) queue jumping – there is little else to obstruct our journeys.

What I also thought about was how many people would use the conditions as an excuse to be late for work and that in turn led me to think about the importance of timeliness.

When I look out of my window and think, ‘boy, that’s some crazy weather we’re having,’ I make it a point to try to leave earlier than usual. This is something I have always practiced. I hate being late.
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Fact or fiction

How to, Public Relations No Responses »

Feb 212012

Everyone working in the Emirate of Dubai is acutely aware that despite the global recession things here over the last couple of years have been nowhere near as bad as the rest of the world. It hasn’t all been rosy, but it hasn’t been doom and gloom either.

The recent news that the Dubai’s economy is expected to grow by 4.5 percent in 2012, up from an estimated increase of more than 3 percent in 2011, has helped lift my spirits – and I hope lots of others too. Continue reading »

Are you sure you need a Press Conference for that?

Press Releases, Product Launches, Public Relations No Responses »

Feb 092012

Two letters cropped up again this week that have been the bane of my life in the PR industry.

PC.

Not Politically Correct, nor Personal Computer. No; the PC that I am referring to is the definition most non-PR savvy people use to describe our industry – the Press Conference.
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