e27 has been fostering a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs since its establishment. The Contributor Programme provides a platform for sharing unique insights.

As part of the ‘Contributor Spotlight’ series, we highlight an exceptional contributor and delve into their vast knowledge and expertise.

This episode features Ivy Nhi Chau, the CEO and Founder of Ivy+Partners, a culture-focused PR firm in Vietnam. With nearly ten years of experience, she leads a team that delivers integrated communication campaigns for local and international brands.

Thoughts, goals, and journey

Prior to founding Ivy+Partners, Chau held leadership positions in PR at leading media publications in Vietnam, such as YAN, Vietcetera, and other regional PR firms, where she gained extensive experience in media engagement and partnerships. She noticed a recurring challenge among Vietnamese startups and foreign businesses – the need for accessible, affordable, and tailored PR solutions for market entry and expansion, which inspired her to establish Ivy+Partners.

“My professional goal is to establish Ivy+Partners as the preferred PR partner for a diverse range of clients, from established corporations to emerging startups, from business leaders to creative artists,” she said. “We aim to make PR more accessible, offer customized packages, and, most importantly, dispel common misconceptions that PR is complex, expensive, and manipulative. Our goal is to help brands create real impact in their community and business through the power of PR.”

“On a personal level, I’m motivated to change how the traditional PR landscape operates by fostering a deeper understanding of communication’s power. My vision is to support as many people in need of PR as possible, creating shared value for all stakeholders involved,” she added.

Chau’s expertise lies in Communications. In recent years, she has observed a rapidly growing ecosystem of startups in Southeast Asia, along with an increasing demand for effective communication strategies. Traditionally, many believe that PR is only necessary at specific stages of business growth – such as launching a business, entering a new market, or reaching maturity. However, Chau emphasizes that startups need PR at every stage, as communication is a continuous and evolving process.

She remarked, “The field of Communications has become incredibly diverse, encompassing online and offline strategies, social campaigns, PR initiatives, influencer marketing, video production, personal branding, and many more. With the rise of tools like AI or virtual events, the industry is constantly evolving, requiring professionals to continually update their skills and adapt to the new landscape.”

The driving force

“My passion for reading and writing runs deep,” she said. “You might be surprised to know that one of my first jobs was as a Content Writer at a media company and an Editor Intern at a fashion magazine. Over time, I’ve become more connected to the tech startup community, and I understand the critical need for accessible and practical industry news and information. By contributing to e27, I aim to connect with like-minded individuals to share, learn, and spread valuable insights to the community.”

Advice for budding thought leaders

Juggling too many things?

Chau believes that balancing requires reflecting, breaking down, and rewarding:

• Focus on working smarter, not harder. Identify areas for improvement.
• When faced with a huge goal or a demanding plan, break it down into manageable pieces.
• Spend 30 minutes at the beginning of the day to organize your to-do list; it will save you hours of struggle later. She usually breaks it into: urgent tasks, tasks that need focus-time work by herself, teamwork tasks, new ideas… And once the plan is set, try to stick to it without delay or compromise.
• Give yourself small rewards to stay motivated.

Staying in the loop

“As a communicator, staying informed about my industry is essential to my daily routine,” Chau said. “I regularly follow relevant media outlets, social media channels, and key opinion leaders to keep my knowledge current. It’s crucial to view issues from multiple perspectives and listen to other audiences and the community. In today’s world, anyone can be a valuable source of information and inspiration.”

For staying informed, she recommends:

• PRWeek: Offers comprehensive coverage of PR trends, campaigns, and best practices.
• The Drum: Provides news, opinion pieces, and case studies on PR, digital marketing, and brand strategy.
• Marketing Interactive: Focuses on news and insights in marketing, including PR, within the Asia-Pacific region.
• For additional industry insights, she suggests checking reports by DecisionLab.

“Everything is content, and everyone can be a content creator!” Chau concluded. “We’re living in a golden age of content creation where every experience or idea has the potential to engage others. You don’t need to be a professional to create meaningful content; your unique perspective is valuable. With the tools and platforms available, don’t be afraid to share your voice and connect with others – you never know who you might inspire.”

Take a look at her articles here for more information and perspectives on her expertise.

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Join the e27 Contributor Programme and become a valuable voice in our ecosystem.

The post Ivy Nhi Chau: The CEO making PR accessible and impactful in Vietnam and beyond appeared first on e27.