Smart Free Internet an asset to gov't relations and campaigns firm
When Malou Tiquia and Lilibet Amatong founded PUBLiCUS Asia, Inc. in 2003, they positioned it as a legitimate lobby firm. After being asked to handle a senator's election campaign, they included campaigns management in their service portfolio.
As elections are seasonal, they eventually decided to further expand into a full- service government relations and campaigns management firm.
Besides basic PR services, the firm conducts research, assists clients in direct and indirect lobbying, rebranding, image enhancement, reputation management, strategic communication, and fundraising.
"PR is one tool we strategically use to service our clients. In effect, we elevate technical issues to public discourse; hence, we also educate the public. We study policies and how they can benefit our clients and the public at large," says Lilibet.
Their clients include politicians, CEOs, government officials, NGOs, advocacy groups, professional organizations, multinational companies, academe, banking institutions and the religious.
"Our clients are usually corporations affected by certain government regulations or policies. They hire us to make their concerns known to Congress and other government entities and key members in society with the hope of influencing policy directions," she explains.
The expansion meant continuous work, instead of having three-to-six year intervals between election seasons. Their staff became a lot busier, especially with corporate accounts.
The need to keep in touch with clients, the people within their team and their partners around the country makes mobile internet a must-have for everyone in PUBLiCUS. As such, the company has tapped Smart Communications, Inc. for their team's communication needs.
"Based on our experience, Smart has been reliable in our nationwide operations because of its extensive network coverage," said Lilibet. "This gives us the assurance of being able to connect to each other constantly, keeping everyone aligned in whatever work we are pursuing."
As expected, the team welcomed Smart's groundbreaking Free Internet offer, which greatly helps their team at no extra cost.
Initially available to prepaid subscribers, the promo, which runs till January 5, 2015, now also covers postpaid and broadband subscribers.
Mobile internet keeps the PUBLiCUS team up-to-date with the news, in real time - which is a must, given that many clients are often in the news.
"Mobile internet is critical when servicing our clients during an ongoing crisis," says Lilibet, who is in charge of messaging, branding and grassroots organizing.
Her staff also monitors goings-on in Congress and gives her detailed updates.
"We refer to our smartphones for traffic reports, weather updates, and Google maps," she adds. "On a personal note, since my sons are always online, I have a better chance of keeping tabs on them or getting replies to my messages via FB or Twitter."
For Malou, who is in charge of overall strategizing, mobile Internet ensures that she gets important email in real time, even when she's not in a WiFi zone.
"I can check social media platforms and post messages," she says Malou. "I am updated as an event happens, and I get immediate pulse on the issue. I can be in sync with the office and do work even while I am away from my desk."
For a staff that needs to be connected 24/7, mobile Internet serves as a tool not only for news monitoring but also for research and coordination. Besides staying connected, some also find mobile Internet useful for updating apps on their phones.
As Lilibet remarks, "I don't think our team can function properly and fully without it."
To avail of Smart's free mobile Internet offer, subscribers have to maintain an airtime balance of at least P1, or be subscribed to any load bucket/promo/plan. They can register each day for free by simply texting "FREE" to 9999. Once registered, subscribers can enjoy free data volume package of up to 30MB per day.
On top of this, subscribers can also enjoy "unli" all-day Facebook including viewing of embedded videos and use of Facebook Messenger.
For more information, visit www.smart.com.ph.