Hassan Rizvi is known to throw the wickedest parties in K-town. We might know him as a highly talented PR guru but Hassan is also an established choreographer, dancer, director and event manager. This multifaceted man is also a brother, son and husband to his high school sweetheart Hina. Hassan chats with Sana Zehra about PR, parties, dancing and more
What is so special about the personal relation business?
I feel like socializing is a great part of me and always has been, so this domain automatically grew on me. PR is a clever mix of advertising, creativity and knowledge. All three are ongoing journeys that never cease to exist.
What is your ideal work environment?
A hot cup of coffee, a chilled room and a bunch of crazies (my team) working on a brainstorm session.
When responding to media and public inquiries, what question do you find most difficult to answer?
I believe the most difficult question to answer would be, “Who is your backbone at work?†Considering the fact they all play a big part in all the campaigns we have worked on. Oh, and: “Whose my worst client?†That’s definitely on the top.
How do you use social media to help your clients?
I propose to my clients the marriage between PR and social media and how impactful it could be in this digitized era.
Tell me about a social media campaign you have worked on?
They’ve been plenty, including Knorr Noodles Boriyat Busters, Cornetto Pop Rock, Blue Band – Achai Barhnay Do, Walls Log out for Moms and Shell Drive on Pakistan. These are my top favourites.
What’s the difference between public relations and advertising?
Advertising and PR have a very close relation yet are apart. PR focuses on strategic communications process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organization and the public.
“PR is a clever mix of advertising, creativity and knowledgeâ€
What does public relations mean to you?
Public relations to me is building relations as the word states itself. I focus on communication and building a level of trust with the other party to make them fully understand that their brand is our responsibility. It’s not considered work in my eyes, its building long lasting relationships.
Do you believe there is a communications crisis right now?
Communication crisis. Hmm, to an extent, yes, considering people still tend to mix PR with advertising and overlap the two avenues. As for it ever being a crisis — that’s what we are here for, to save the day! Communication overload is more like it.
How has social media changed the world of PR?
Taking in consideration the modernization and digitization in today’s era, social media is key and acts as a major plus in creating the buzz within a span of a few seconds.
How would you balance advocacy and objectivity in PR?
You have to remain truthful and ethical at all times is all.
If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
I would spend more time with my family, parents, wife, kids and work even harder.
“Politely but sternly call out people who cut lines or who have no sense of personal spaceâ€
What’s your favourite piece of clothing that you own?
My white Dolce & Gabbana trainers that I wear to work everyday. They are super comfortable and match everything.
What job would you be terrible at?
I was terrible at my first job! I’m an economist by profession and started out working with Shell as a data analyst. I felt like the day would never end.
If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you have a good chance at winning medal for?
Dancing for sure!
If you had unlimited funds to build a house that you would live in for the rest of your life, what would the finished house be like?
I would have a pool with a sun deck and a patio. My bathroom would be the size of my current house. It would have remote control walk in closet. I am now drooling just thinking about it.
When people come to you for help, what do they usually want help with?
When they want to be heard, they come to me to vent and discuss their problems.
What would be your first question after waking up from being cryogenically frozen for 100 years?
Am I wrinkled?!
What have you only recently formed an opinion about?
I decided in 2018 that I will politely but sternly call out people who cut lines or who have no sense of personal space. All of us as a nation are very receptive to good change, which initially I thought might be hard.
What is the most annoying question that people ask you?
(Laughs) It has to be: “Can I come to your party?â€
What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?
A lot of things: Philosophy, gender discrimination, race, creativity, PR, future of PR in Pakistan…
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