Everyone has a story to tell – but not everyone knows how to tell it.

In the ever blurring fields of communication where marketing, advertising, PR and the new media make it hard to distinguish who does what, we have one simple objective.

To help you tell your story.

Most people know us as a public relations firm. In fact it’s the term we use to best describe ourselves when asked.

But we think there’s more to it than that – we’re storytellers.

So why should you place so much emphasis on the art of narration?

Well, like everybody else you can say your products or services are better, or that you are different in some way or another.

But it’s your story that is the one thing that really differentiates your business from your competitors.

Your story can be told through the media, investor communication, newsletter, web, in fact any communication medium.

Whichever way you choose to tell your story, we can help craft it in a clear and succinct manner, so the right people know you for who you are and what you do, and ultimately why you’re different.

Have a look around our website – you’ll see examples of how we’ve helped companies tell their stories and our thoughts and ideas on the communication landscape.

What is Zakazukha?

Zakazukha is a Russian word coined to describe the practice of payment for favourable editorial comment.

Now don’t get us wrong, we’d never advocate the idea of cash for comment, but it’s an interesting word and it has a story.

When Western Europe and the Eastern Bloc reconciled back in 1998, the image of the Berlin Wall tumbling down was not the only media opportunity that was reported around the world.

The opening up of former communist countries to western ideals also created a zeal for new opportunities, and none more so than in the world of media and advertising.

What evolved was an industry based around placing paid articles in newspapers and magazines, a practice called zakazukha, a Russian word meaning payment for favourable editorial coverage.

In 2001 a Russian public relations agency exposed the practice by offering a number of Moscow newspapers cash in exchange for editorial coverage of a store opening. Sixteen publications entered into negotiations, with 13 running the story. The agency later revealed that no store actually existed.

We think Zakazukha works on a number of levels – after all someone has to get paid to generate stories, and it also gives us an opportunity to tell our story.

Who is Zakazukha?

Zakazukha’s business model is based on client focused communications project management, ensuring the best in each discipline is called upon as and when needed, resulting in the most appropriate advice and lower consultation fees.

We draw upon an Australia-wide network of highly respected and qualified creative and technical minds to implement communications programs drawing on specialist local knowledge to ensure effective delivery and results.

Bruce Nelson

The company was founded in 2004 by Bruce, an experienced communications practitioner who has provided strategic communications and pubic relations advice to the not-for-profit, government and private sectors over the past 20 years.

He has assisted with marketing and communication campaigns to a wide range of businesses including QANTAS Airways, the NSW and Queensland State Governments and numerous private and publicly listed companies, and has consulted to a number of well-known public relations firms.

Bruce has also worked extensively in the Indigenous and ethnic media sectors in remote, regional and capital city markets.

He has lectured at both Bond and Griffith Universities in public relations, communications and journalism courses and holds a Graduate Diploma in Journalism and a Masters of Arts in Mass Communications and Journalism.

James Blaxland

James brings to Zakazukha extensive experience in the retail and customer service fields as well as practical insights about consumer behaviour and arts and culture.

During his studies at Griffith University he completed a Bachelor of Communications degree, in which he majored in Public Relations, Journalism and International Relations. He has also completed courses in both legal and psychological studies, and was recognised as being in the top fifth percentile of his degree.

James has helped numerous businesses and organisations to improve their overall communications strategies to reach vital target audiences, and has a proven track record of achieving national and local media exposure.