Small firms, what do you expect from and pay for PR?

[lorna111]

Hi, I've posted this in start-ups... am hoping people here can help too! So, I've got about ten years experience in PR, journalism and communications and I'm thinking of setting up my own PR venture. I'd like to target small firms to start with but won't be specialising in any particular industry sector as I'd like to keep things as broad as possible for now. If anybody is currently paying for PR or marketing services, could I please ask what you are paying, and what you receive for your money?
Thanks!

It would be useful for you to join a local networking group. Most groups have 1 person from each industry / professional field (I.e marketing, HR, Accountant, electrician, PR, website design etc etc). You can start by networking and perhaps offering some freebies to see if you can make an impact, which will then help spread the word of your skills and capabilities, rather than how much you cost.

I'm a HR consultant but currently working for a Company, medium sized, and we had a PR person working part time on a consultancy basis. He received £40k per year for 2-3 days work. Unfortunately, when the business was struggling financially, he was the first of the external consultants to be removed, as he wasn't seen to be "adding value" to the business.

Consultancy is in general very tough, and it is all about who recommends you rather than your prices etc. I compete with 3-4 HR consultants, all long established in the area and know many people. I've buddied up with them rather than see them as my competition, we help each other out etc, it's a nice way to do business.

Thanks Dippy, that's very good advice. Yes, I agree referrals are everything these days, I hardly get any work from 'cold' contacts, it's all about who you know. I will have a scout around for networking events, there's loads where I love so it's more a question of weeding out the good ones. Thanks again.