Context Public Relations

If you are considering using a PR agency one of the key things we recommend is that you have a clear set of objectives. This means that when you put together the initial brief the agency cannot be under any misconception about what their role is and they are also able to put together a plan that will best suit your business objectives.

For example, I recently met a client who clearly stated they wanted to sell their business in two years time but to achieve this they needed to double their turnover and profitability every year.

When we sat down to plan the PR this enabled us to look at each stage of the media communications chain and advise the best way in which we can help the company achieve this objective. The final plan encompassed a number of steps including:

• Developing awareness of the business with key vertical market media
• Establishing the company and staff as experts
• Profiling the directors and business with likely investors for the future

We are now implementing the programme with a very clear strategy that reduces time wasted in the early stages of awareness building and will mean that the PR programme is cost effective going forwards.

So what does this mean for you?

By setting clear objectives you get a plan that is best suited to your needs. Your public relations agency will know the best way to achieve the objectives and will guide you along every step reducing costs and also helping you develop your business without wasting your time.

Next time you are looking for an agency remember - What are your objectives? - An open approach at the start can help you save money and get the results you are after.

Tags: Public Relations by Rob
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It may be the countdown to the summer holidays, but there seem to be a growing number of opportunities for business out there.  The June sunshine seems to have got us all in the spirit for barbecues, picnics and Pimm’s, and perhaps this feel good factor is rubbing off on our approach to work.

I’ve spoken to several freelance journalists recently, all of who have said they are seeing commissions pick up.  While newspapers and magazines were holding back to see what the recession would hold for them, they now seem to be ready to commit to new story ideas and features.

As a result we’re getting some great opportunities for clients – everything from national TV competitions to lead feature interviews and marketing tie-ups.  Companies who were maintaining a limited profile are now looking to up it, and we’ve been busy developing new ideas for them.

We’re hoping it’s the start of a cheerier summer than the economic gloom of winter – why not let us know your experiences?

Tags: Marketing Mix, Public Relations by Rachel
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Ok, so I might be going back a couple of years to when I was a carefree, procrastinating student, but during breaks for ‘This Morning’ and ‘Loose Women’ there was certainly no shortage of ‘Consolidate your debts’ adverts. And bearing in mind the current climate - and if you are fortunate to catch a spot of daytime TV - I’m sure these low-budget treats still have the monopoly on ad-breaks.

I suppose it makes sense, a single payment a month rather than forking out to five different companies. Agreed, these are often pretty dodgy companies to trust your money with but the concept is a good idea.

What I’m finding hard to get my head round is, if they can avoid it, why do businesses choose to pay out to multiple service providers when they could get a lot more - and for a lot less - by exploring current relationships first?

For example, if you’re thinking about doing a series of e-shots or would like some advice on how to improve business strategy it is always worth asking your current agencies if they can help you first.

There may be an additional cost yes but expanding existing partnerships will certainly be a lot cheaper than hiring a whole new company to do a simple task that a current provider could offer for a days work.

Of course, shop around and make sure you’ve got the right deal but if you could consolidate payments to fewer companies, at a lower cost and receive increased and improved services – surely that’s worth looking into.

Tags: Marketing Mix by Megan
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National newspaper preference is a funny old thing. Some may choose their paper because it has the biggest sports section, others might be more of a fan of the detailed TV guide that’s included on a Saturday, while quite often you might just be intrigued by a headline. But whatever your reason for choosing a national paper, one thing is for certain – those of us who have time to religiously read daily issues from cover to cover, are few and far between.

I tend to read whatever I can get my hands on in the office. However, one paper I always read is the local paper. Not because it has the latest breaking news on the political situation in Iraq, but because it is local news that is relevant to me, talking about places, and sometimes people, that I know.

My point being is that despite whatever preference people may have for a national newspaper, one title that people always tend to read is their ‘local rag’.

Never underestimate regional coverage – these newspapers have a very loyal following and you’d be surprised at how many people you are actually reaching.

Tags: Public Relations by Debbie
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You may have heard the news the other week that The Bullring shopping centre in Birmingham had closed for a couple of days because of a chemical leak. This led to  angry reactions from shoppers, shop owners and market traders as they weren’t initially told why they were being evacuated. The general consensus seems to be that more could have been done to keep them informed of what was happening and why it was happening.

Communication is key for any business looking to keep their customers, partners and staff happy. Unavoidably bad things can and do happen, but if handled correctly a bad thing doesn’t have to turn into a disaster. 

Crisis management is one of the things we talk to our clients about when discussing PR, and it’s something all businesses need to think about and prepare for when things don’t quite go to plan.

Many businesses may feel that opening up could mean exposing the business, but this needn’t be the case. On the contrary, by using PR effectively businesses can turn a negative into a neutral and a neutral into a positive.  To help keep the channels of communication open your PR agency can work with you to draft statements and news releases to distribute internally and to the press.

By keeping them in the loop with a steady stream of updates and news stories you can demonstrate to your customers, partners and staff that as well as taking measures to resolve the issue, you are also thinking of their interests. This not only helps to keep the people you work and do business with, in the know, but also helps build confidence in you and your company!

Tags: Public Relations by Priya
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