HELPLINE SERVICE - E-mail: marketing@haynet.com

Street wise

Q Do you have to get authorisation before carrying out promotional

sampling in the street?

A You do not need permission for handing out leaflets or samples as long

as you are not asking for payment. However, the local authority may

intervene if your activities are creating litter or causing an

obstruction to pedestrians or traffic.

Before undertaking sampling in London, Westminster City Council

recommends you get advice from its Special Events Department, on 0171

641 5929.

Virus vandals

Q I have heard that virus writers plan to launch a major attack at the

millennium to cripple computer systems. Is there a risk and what can I

do to protect my data?

A The IT community has, by-and-large, been too concerned about the

millennium bug to worry about viruses. But recently, some have been

voicing concerns that computer vandals may see the start of 2000 as an

ideal time to try to bring the world to a standstill.

The damage viruses can do was demonstrated earlier this year by

’Melissa’, a new type of ’macro-virus’. It choked servers, bringing big

organisations like IBM almost to a standstill.

Other viruses continue to damage hardware and turn files into

garbage.

Experts point out that you are at risk at any time and should not wait

for special anniversaries to start worrying about viruses. Protection

software is effective as long as you do regular updates: suppliers

pounce on new viruses as they appear and aim to write fixes before they

can do serious damage.

Updates can often be supplied over the internet. Do one before you go to

celebrate and another as soon as you come back, and you should be

covered against nasty surprises.

If you haven’t got protection you need to take action quickly. Major

anti-viral software suppliers are Symantec, producer of Norton (01628

592232), and Sophos (01235 544015). Information about viruses can be

found at www.sophos.com.

Seeing stars

QWe are having an annual prize-giving ceremony and would like to hire a

celebrity lookalike to make a speech and hand out the awards.

Who can supply this?

ALookalikes agency Derricks Doubles specialises in this type of

work.

It recently provided a Marilyn Monroe lookalike for a Gordon’s Gin

advert and represents the participants of the Stars In Their Eyes TV

show who imitate famous singers.

The agency says it has 2000 lookalikes on its books. Popular choices are

Del Boy and Rodney from Only Fools and Horses, Joan Collins, Patsy and

Edina from Absolutely Fabulous, Pierce Brosnan and Jack Nicholson. Tony

and Cherie Blair are also favourites.

A typical engagement would cost around pounds 450, plus travel and

accommodation.

A double act, such as Elton John and George Michael doing a duet, could

cost pounds 700. The agency advises that you book a month in advance.

Phone 0181 312 4550 or 0181 311 2129.

Speak up

QI have to make a presentation but am hopeless when it comes to speaking

in public. Is there anyone you can recommend who provides coaching?

ASpeakers tend to have two types of problem: they have stage fright or

they send the audience to sleep. Training can help overcome nerves and

develop a punchy delivery.

Speaking and Presentation Skills suggests two half-day sessions at a

cost of pounds 800. This is its corporate price and covers all the

basics, including vocal presentation, body language and stage

confidence. If necessary, the coach can also assist with organising the

presentation itself.

You will be asked to bring a passage to recite that has particular

meaning for you, as well as a short sample of a presentation. The

training uses video so you can see yourself in action.

Call 07000 773257 or 0181 466 7026. You can find more information at

www.

professionalspeakers.org (go to the members’ directory and look up

Phillip Khan-Panni). Alternatively, try Speaker Skills Training on 0171

359 7419; or Talking Shop on 01945 588707.

Helpline

E-mail enquiries to Susan Moffat at marketing.display@haynet.com.

This article was first published on Marketing