It's the New Year.... It's time to revamp your image and get the media exposure you need in order to strive....
Finding the right public relations firm is not easy. Here are some steps to help you along the way....
First, define your organization's needs. Your main objective is to identify background information about your organization - What do you want to achieve, what are your goals, and how will you achieve these goals?
1. Look at background information of your company. Identify who your stakeholders are, what your successes/failures have been, and what resources you have, need, and want to develop and calculate a budget.
2.Identify a PR Firm or Individual counselor with the help of several agents. Peers/clients/employees
Internet , Media - newspaper, television, radio
3. Once you identify a firm, review credentials and credibility and then contact via e-mail or telephone.
Review general background
Have they received accreditation/awards/honors?
Are they members of associations?
Do they possess specialized skills?
What is their range of services?
4.Meet with a short list of potentials to decide which firm is the best match for your organization. Discuss your goals so the PR firm has a good understanding of what you want and need.
5. If your organization agrees on a firm let them know as quickly as possibly and by phone, not informally through mail.
Once the selection process is over, start to develop a successful relationship with the PR firm and meet with them continuously to make sure your goals are being met. A good working relationship is built on trust and respect. All parties should be aware of the overall plan and strategy towards a successful organization. If this not the case, the client and public relations firms relationship should be evaluated.
The right PR firm will help you get visibility and awareness, stregthen your community relations, provide an objective point of view and help in times of crisis.
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(c) January 2005