How to Treat Your PR Firm to Get the Best Results
This week was a challenging one. After only two weeks into a PR (media relations) project, the pressure questions starting rolling in from my client. Before I take on ANY PR project, I always advise my client up-front that this is going to take time. It’s not instant. Results cannot be expected in only a few weeks’ time. While I wish I could wave my magic wand and make all my clients’ dreams come true, the truth is I can only help my client formulate a strong story and then get that story in front of the right contacts at the right media sources. I can follow up and try different angles, but it will typically take a few months before an editor or blogger will respond to a pitch, if at all.
Instead of putting the tight squeeze or enormous pressure on your PR firm, here are three positive ways a client can ensure the job gets done:
Inspire Your PR Firm: Your PR firm wants to work hard for you. Red Jeweled Media Associates are a competitive breed. We’re hard on ourselves and always want to “win”. We desperately want to achieve results for our clients – not just because we want to help our clients, but we love the glory of it all too. Inspire us with story angles and business insights that will help us get the job done – it works!
Cheer on Your PR Firm: Your PR firm is your #1 champion. No one is going to pitch your story with the same gusto as they will do. They put their names and reputations behind you. They use their contacts to get you a story. There is a lot on the line. What can you do? Cheer them on the WHOLE time! Think positive. Give lots of encouragement and positive energy. Give them a reason to want to work hard for you – to go above and beyond the call of duty for you. The more you cheer them on, the harder they will work for you because the more they become emotionally invested.
Treat Your PR Firm Like a Partner: Remember, you are in this together. It’s not you against them. It’s a partnership and a meeting of the minds. Your PR firm wants to know you’re on their team – that you’re cheering them on, inspiring them, supporting them, etc. Drop the pressure tactics (they don’t work) and instead pull out the pom-poms and give them your full support. They are your partner, team member and confidant in this process!
These tips are meant to inspire our clients to be better clients – just as we strive to be better PR people. Together we are strong. Together we can get the job done. Remember, you want your PR firm to work hard for you – show them you’re on their side, not against them.
Just a thought… perhaps this post proves why PR is the 7th most stressful occupation.