PR Advice

[paula g]

Hi there,
Gary has very kindly asked me to come along and contribute to the forum. I've been running www.doyourownpr.com for over 2 years now, teaching businesses how to do their own PR - anyone from solopreneurs to growing corporates. I'd like to say that I'm more than happy to try to answer any burning PR or marketing questions that have been bothering you, either here on the forum or personally via mail@doyourownpr.com.

Meanwhile, I do produce a weekly newsletter, Get Noticed, that is packed full of PR advice, actions to undertake, strategy ideas, media requests and helpful info. If you'd like to sign up for that just drop me a line at mail@doyourownpr.com with subscribe in the subject line.

[kerryn]

Hi Paula

Sounds good but what about folks like me who are everything head cook and bottle washer and dont actaully have the time to do PR?

I had someone doing some for me but down side was she was pricing herself too cheaply so that everyone who knew her used her services - result - too many clients looking to be placed in the same market place/media.

Ive been fortunate enough to get the contacts list from her - a parting gift - but dont have the time to use it properly.

Is there another solution? at this time Im not prepared to release the day to day running of the business but willing to pay for PR work. Is there a list of folks freelancing in this field?

Kerry

[paula g]

Hi there, the best way to find a freelancer is by word of mouth, especially at networking events. But ask around for referrals to a good local PR freelancer, rather than taking on any old freelancer who presents themselves. Good rule of thumb is to find out who their other clients are so you don't compete with them.

Another alternative is to find a VA (virtual assistant) and use them to do a lot of the PR donkey work (sending out press releases, compiling press lists etc) while you do the important bits -.i.e. strategy and responding to the press to build up relationships. You'd need a VA who was willing and able to do a bit more than administrative work, and one that you would be happy to let represent you and your company long term. But this can work out a really effective solution, especially as you already have the contacts.

Hope that helps!