PR article - worth a read

[Richard Glynn]

Thought I'd share this with you.

A few of the UKBF PR people in particular might appreciate it as much as I did.

The first 3 paragraphs are hysterical (possibly only for a PR person though!? We've all been there)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/guardian_jobs_and_money/story/0,,1193356,00.html

Enjoy.

[directmarketingadvice]

It's interesting reading.

It shows that, for some PR agencies, it's about extracting as much cash from a client as possible, before the client realises he's not getting much back for his money:

"Agencies treat the client like a bank account. You always have a financial director checking up and saying 'that's not an effective client', which means you have to keep going back to say 'we need more money from you'".

Steve

[Richard Glynn]

It shows that, for some PR agencies, it's about extracting as much cash from a client as possible, before the client realises he's not getting much back for his money:

Hi Steve,

I'd like to say it's not true - but it is.

I for one got well and truly hacked off with that side of it as an Account Director in my last agency - probably why I ended up working for myself. And possibly why I'll never be a millionaire!

The other point worth making is that SMEs currently lose out on good PR advice from agencies because they aren't perceived as 'profitable accounts'.

Some agencies won't look at anyone not prepared to pay at least £3,000 a month retainer (that's low!). And a retainer is then an excuse to go back and blead the client for more cash - even doubling the spend. Ouch.

All this shenanigans promotes the general myth that PR advice is expensive - meaning many of the businesses who have most to benefit from PR advice never even consider it. And that really brasses me off.

Thank goodness there's so many good PR freelancers with integrity around to fill the gap with great value common sense advice.

There's a good bunch right here on UKBF.

[10 Yetis]

how i laughed. :D

Ethics in PR... how dare they. A great article.

Us PR's should start a thread about the most abuse we have ever got from a journo.

My fave was a S,West daily paper that i rang when i was fresh faced and new and the Bus Ed just picked up the phone, did not let me speak, and said "fcuk off" and put the phone down.

And that was how I learnt that researching print deadline days is a good idea!

[Pebble Communications]

I love working with SMEs because it's more challenging to come up with something for a small budget than keep regurgitating all the same old big corporate stuff.

I also love working with SMEs and start-ups because the person you are working with is enthusiastic and passionate and really involved with what they are selling. They also tend to be quite open-minded about trying new things and willing to take a risk.

I also love being my own boss and not having to take on clients or work that I either don't like or don't agree with.

Fiona Bailey
www.pebblecommunications.co.uk