Suzuki

Nationality: Japanese
Hometown: Fukui, Japan

Hello! My name is Suzuki and I’m from Fukui prefecture in Japan. I have experience in new business development and promotional planning for mail-order sales at a wholesale company that specializes in clothing and fashion accessories. Later, I joined an HR tech venture where I was responsible for public relations and marketing. I built both departments from scratch, handling everything from planning and executing strategies to performance analysis.

In 2019, while still employed, I participated in a project called “STARTUP STUDIO”, which was a collaborative initiative where individuals from various companies worked together. During this project, I was involved in platform development and experienced a business exit.

Three years later in2022, I started to work remotely from Osaka as a public relations and marketing professional for a Tokyo-based machine translation platform startup.

In March 2023, I joined ZenGroup,which provides comprehensive cross-border e-commerce support. I handle all activities in public relations.

Schedule

8-9am Checking emails, reviewing industry news, and confirming tasks for the day
10am-5pm
  • Writing and reviewing press releases
  • Conducting case interviews and writing articles
  • Attending business meetings
  • Posting on social media
  • Creating proposals for media outreach
  • Sales proposals
  • Meetings with the business department, etc.

*Tasks and priorities may vary depending on the day.

5pm Wrap up and leave work

Daily Tasks

What are your primary responsibilities as a PR officer?

I manage media relations, press release creation, event planning and management, and social media administration. Since these tasks are closely linked to the company’s overall workflow and the activities of each department, the nature of the work varies depending on business activities.

Which tools and platforms do you use daily?

Generally, I use Slack for internal communication, Asana for task management, and Canva for design creation. Additionally, creating press releases online requires an understanding of analytics and algorithms, so I utilize Google Analytics and Google Search Console.

How do you prioritize your tasks?

Since my tasks cover a wide range of responsibilities, I work backward from each goal to identify the necessary tasks and break them down further. Based on the deadlines for each task, I then set priorities accordingly.

Team Collaboration

Which other departments do you collaborate with at ZenGroup?

I have opportunities to collaborate with members of other divisions. Together, we listen to customer feedback, compile it into case studies, and share it through press releases. Through this process, I learn and grow every day.

Learning and Development

How do you stay updated on the latest trends in your position?

Working in the e-commerce industry requires constant adaptation and quick adjustments! To stay up to date with trends, I regularly follow industry news, check social media, and actively participate in PR study sessions or other media gatherings.

What have you done for self-improvement?

I am studying to improve my skills and address areas where I can grow further by obtaining certifications. Currently, I am deepening my knowledge of decarbonization by preparing for the GX Certification. I have already earned the Basic level and am continuing my studies with the goal of obtaining the Advanced level this spring.

Work-Life Balance

How do you manage your work-life at ZenGroup?

I am currently the only person handling PR-related tasks, but we are looking to add more members to support the company’s growth. As ZenGroup continues to expand, I find myself busy. Until we bring on more team members, I am making an effort to avoid bringing work home and prioritizing quality time with my family on my weekends off.

Do you have any tips for maintaining productivity and avoiding burnout?

I believe it is important to stay fully aware of your own goals and objectives and work strategically toward achieving them. When your goals are clearly defined, your daily tasks become easier to carry out, making it easier to maintain motivation.

Anecdotes or Stories

Are there any memorable experiences or successes in your role that you can share?

I was emotionally moved when a new employee told me the consistent information from the PR team helped them understand ZenGroup more.. It made me realize that my efforts were contributing to a clearer understanding of the company, which gave me a strong sense of fulfillment.

As someone who works in PR, I often have the opportunity to witness new developments in various departments and represent the company in honorable moments. Being able to closely observe the company’s growth and challenges, while sharing these stories both internally and externally, gives me a deep sense of responsibility and accomplishment every day.

Personal Insights

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I have the opportunity to interact with a wide variety of people, both inside and outside the company. Meeting and speaking directly with many people often leads to new discoveries and insights that inspire my work and contribute to my personal growth. As someone responsible for communicating the excitement of ZenGroup and its initiatives, I find it rewarding to share the real voices and activities from the field. Every day, I strengthen my ability to see things from multiple perspectives, which allows me to fully appreciate the fascinating aspects of public relations.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your position?

When working in public relations, it is extremely important to have an objective perspective from outside the company. Remember that you are acting as the “bridge”, communicating information to people outside of the company. Stay well informed about internal developments and activities, while thinking about how to communicate them from an external perspective. This approach will lead to more effective PR results.

Because the role involves interacting with many people inside and outside the company, make it a priority to listen to even the smallest voices and focus on building trust. Public relations is also the face of the company, so I encourage you to embrace both the responsibility and the rewarding nature of the role.

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