1a. What news release/news wire services get your high ranking? Free or for a fee. What has worked for you? #solopr

1b. Do you ever get inbound media interest solely from an announcement over the wire these days? #solopr

2. How do you handle a client that thinks they can control the media’s coverage (the angle, or picking the shot, for example)? #solopr

3. Does your work slow down at any point in December? If so, when? #solopr

Be sure to check out the transcript in PDF for the full discussion. Note that the transcript is in reverse chronological order.

If you weren’t able to join us this week, please let us know how you’d respond to the chat questions below!

The #solopr chat – held each Wednesday from 1-2 p.m. Eastern – is a weekly ritual for some of the most savvy Solo PR Pros on Twitter. Anyone with a Twitter account is welcome to participate – see Join Us for the #solopr Chat on Twitter to find out how!

Thanks to Jennifer Spivak for compiling this post.

When I resigned from a PR agency to go into business for myself, the company tried to sweeten the deal to keep me on staff. I was offered a $20,000 raise (which was a lot of money in 1995) and a promotion to two positions above the one I held (which would have had me leapfrogging over my boss!). Now, what does that say to you? To me, it told me that I was, in fact, being underpaid and under-appreciated (my previous attempts to get a promotion and a raise were denied). Rather than be tempted by this offer, I was ticked – and more sure than ever that I was doing the right thing.

Many potential Solo PR Pros are in similar situations – building someone else’s business with their sweat. If this is you and you’re dissatisfied, get your house in order, and then take the leap!

You may have heard some of the myths and think, “but I’m not a high-flyer, I’m not a risk taker, I’m [insert self-doubting fear here].” Let’s take a look at a couple common misgivings:

“I’m not a high-flyer”
Here’s a secret: there are many, many companies and organizations – often those with the biggest names, and the largest bank accounts – looking for public relations and marketing communications with substance over style.

For many years (before starting this blog), I flew under the radar. I didn’t go to a million networking events, pressing the flesh and dropping names. I still don’t have a prestigious mailing address or even an extensive fancy wardrobe. What’s more, most of my friends in the business – six-figure earners themselves – operate in a similar fashion.

Of course, there’s a place for the networking-intensive PR folk, especially when helping get a startup off the ground.  The good news is, there’s enough work out there for everyone. You can succeed, regardless of your work style.

In my experience, the clients looking for substance over style are the bread and butter of the independent PR profession. Most clients do not care one iota whether you have a swanky office. All they care about is that they receive better service, at a better value, than they would get from a traditional PR agency.

“I’m not a risk taker”

You don’t have to be a risk taker. Yes, it’s an act of faith to go into business for yourself, but here’s the best part: the most frightening period is right before you take the leap. Once you’ve told your boss you’re going, the fear is lifted almost immediately, and the excitement of what you’re about to do kicks in.

You’ve no doubt heard it said that “a bad day fishing is better than a good day working.” I’ve found that a bad day as a Solo PR Pro still beats working for someone else any day of the week!

Are you in that in-between state of wanting independence, but hesitating to take the leap? What’s holding you back (anonymous comments are welcome below)? If you’re a practicing indie pro, what advice would you offer to those just about to make the jump?

1. Do you work from home, or an off-site office? Pros/cons? #solopr

2. Do you know how much you want to grow? How do you decide? #solopr

3. What’s the best way to find contact info for press that you haven’t work with before? #solopr

4. How do you handle when clients have other priorities, not paying attention to PR program. deadlines etc.? #solopr

Be sure to check out the transcript in PDF for the full discussion. Note that the transcript is in reverse chronological order.

If you weren’t able to join us this week, please let us know how you’d respond to the chat questions below!

The #solopr chat – held each Wednesday from 1-2 p.m. Eastern – is a weekly ritual for some of the most savvy Solo PR Pros on Twitter. Anyone with a Twitter account is welcome to participate – see Join Us for the #solopr Chat on Twitter to find out how!

Thanks to Jennifer Spivak for compiling this post.

This post was originally published on PRSAY, the executive blog of PRSA.

Most PR professionals have done it, whether they admit to it or not: they fantasize about becoming an independent PR consultant. So why haven’t you taken action?

Solo PR Pros have a great life, and I firmly believe that more people would go independent if it weren’t for the following myths:

Myth #1: Being an independent PR consultant isn’t a long-term career path – people just do it between jobs or while building an agency

Starting a solo business is indeed an excellent way to jumpstart the building of a larger agency. It can also be useful for those who are between positions to generate some side income.

However, many thousands of people spend most of their career as an independent PR professional. I’m happy to say I’ve worked successfully as a solo PR pro for more than 15 years.

Myth #2: To begin, you need to have significant startup funds to secure a brick-and-mortar office, marketing materials, and more

Though having some basic promotion in place is beneficial, many PR pros start consulting with a budget of… zero dollars. A good reputation and a healthy professional network are the foundations of an independent consultancy – if you have that, you can begin. Obviously, the more money you have in savings the better off you’ll be long-term, but you don’t need to spend a lot of funds up front to get started.

Further, the days when a home-based business was considered small-time are over. Working from home has become so commonplace in business today, no one will bat an eye.

Myth #3: Solo PR pros are at a disadvantage when it comes to winning clients

While we often refer to ourselves as “solo,” this is a misnomer. We operate our businesses independently, but few of us work in isolation.

Through subcontracting agreements among solos, virtual agencies are commonplace, and many clients are completely used to and comfortable with this model of operation. In fact, these arrangements can be a great advantage in attracting new business. Because there are no set, pre-defined teams, each new business proposal can include the most skilled and experienced professionals specifically for each client.

Myth #4: Independent consultants have limited income

In truth, the US Department of Labor reports that “full-time, independent contractors earn more than average traditional workers.” A 2008 survey by the PRSA Independent Practitioners Alliance showed that those who collaborate with other indies via virtual agencies earn well into the six figures.

Myth #5: You need decades of experience to succeed as a solo

This is probably less of an issue than you think. I started my successful PR consulting business after just four years of working in traditional agencies. I even had a brief stint as a low-end PR freelancer after just two years of experience. While your fees will of course vary based on your background, at virtually every step of your career there are opportunities to freelance and consult.

Myth #6: Independent consultants don’t get to work on exciting projects or contracts

In fact, it’s usually just the opposite. Being an independent consultant means I’m able to seek out the most interesting and challenging projects for me at any given time. I don’t have to worry about boredom or ethical dilemmas, because I have the ability to build my business as I see fit. It also means that I get to work with a large variety of clients and people, which keeps things fresh.

Myth #7: Independents are all competing for the same business – only a handful are successful

This one may seem puzzling to those who aren’t part of the indie ranks, but solo PR pros typically do not view each other as competition. In fact, we offer each other a helping hand on a regular basis. We refer business to each other based on our areas of expertise, and we also provide important moral support. Even for those of us who’ve been doing this a while, there are always new skills to learn and innovative tools to try.

The Solo PR Pro community is one example of this camaraderie. Just reach out to those who have more – or different – experience than your own, and a wealth of knowledge will be opened to you

For many of us, nothing can replace the fun and satisfaction of being your own boss and controlling your own destiny. The key to remember is that Solo PR Pros are not born, they’re made. If you’re interested in this career path, don’t let the myths dissuade you!

If you’re a veteran independent consultant, what are some of the myths you’ve encountered?

Photo credit: victuallers2

A man’s reach should exceed his grasp, or what’s a heaven for?

-Robert Browning

Some days, reaching for what’s beyond our comfort zone feels too difficult. It’s hard to push the boundaries, and often situations outside our control test our patience and willpower.

I remember shortly after college, I went to work at a PR agency that was notorious for riding its junior staff exceptionally hard. While I was slaving away 80 hours a week on a low starting salary, one of my college buddies was off “working” at a ski resort, continuing to live a carefree and fun lifestyle for several years. I had many moments where I questioned myself. Am I a chump? What am I getting out of this? But I persevered, and the rewards did eventually come my way (my friend, on the other hand, found herself unhappily in an entry-level job relatively late in life).

I’ve found myself in similar situations ever since. If you’re a highly motivated independent PR pro, you’ve likely had moments when you question the choice to challenge the status quo. It’s hard when we read on Facebook that a colleague is sitting by the pool drinking margaritas, while we’re slaving away on our newest blog post or reading up on the latest technologies and tactics.

But the rewards are worth it. Not only is it more exciting to keep learning and growing, but this path offers more opportunities and options. Far from being left behind, those who reach for the brass ring are shaping the future of our profession – and many solo PR pros are blazing the trails to do exactly that.

Have you ever had moments of doubt about the course you’ve taken, and how do you shake it? What are the benefits you’ve seen as a result of pushing yourself?

1. How much credibility do you place in recommended “PR blog” lists (are they popularity contests)?

2.  How far does your geographical reach extend, either professionally or personally?

3.  Have you had any clients asking about mobile or geo-location strategies? Are they seeing you as a resource for this?

4.  What conferences will you be at this fall?

5. How important is what you wear when you’re in public (w/clients or networking)? Any tips re: a #solopr wardrobe?

Definitely download the chat transcript in PDF to find out what your colleagues are saying, and let us know your thoughts in the comments!

The #solopr chat – held each Wednesday from 1-2 p.m. Eastern – is a weekly ritual for some of the most savvy Solo PR Pros on Twitter. Anyone with a Twitter account is welcome to participate – see Join Us for the #solopr Chat on Twitter to find out how!

Family emergencies can serve as a reminder that there is much more to life than work – these times can offer an amazing opportunity to pause and reflect on our own priorities.

Unfortunately, even during periods of grief or illness, we tend to measure ourselves against others who appear to have achieved superhero status.

As social media has become a part of our daily lives, we see images of superheroes all around us – their plethora of blog posts, never-ending networking and dizzying schedules are on public display. For the rest of us, those who seem to never slow down (and never fail) often are used as the measuring stick of success.

The Real Deal

Most of us know that when you see someone else’s marriage, you don’t really know what goes on “behind closed doors.” The same is true for professional dynamos – those who seem to have superhero stamina and smarts are actually real people with real problems and real failings.

What’s more, sometimes we assign superhero status to those who would readily admit they are far from it, if asked. Fellow Solo PR Pro, Laura Scholz (whose energy has always been a marvel to me), bravely recounted her struggles on her blog recently.

This is not to say the world isn’t filled with heroes – I’m sure we all have many heroes of the human, mortal variety who inspire us daily and keep life interesting. But superheroes only exist in comic books and movies, and constantly trying to be one will only leave us exhausted, unsatisfied and empty.

I loved it when Stuart Smalley, the old self-help-addicted character on Saturday Night Live, said, “I’m should-ing all over myself.” How often do you catch yourself should-ing? What are your tips for avoiding superhero syndrome?

Image credit: Carla216

In fact, there is no freedom without independence, and those of us who’ve chosen to ply our public relations trade independently know this well. Exempt from external control and empowered to manage our futures without restraint, Solo PR Pros know the true meaning of freedom in our own lives.

So, let’s take a moment to enjoy Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness on your own terms! If you aren’t independent yet, let this be an occasion where you develop a plan for your own declaration of independence.

Last year, I shared my favorite perks of freedom – what are yours?

Image credit: Techhie

1. Are your taxes done? Any surprises?

2) How many years did it take before your business had an actual profit?

2a) How long did it take you to match what you made prior to going solo?

3) Why did you go solo in the first place?

4) What are your clients doing for Earth Day 4-22?

If you weren’t able to make the chat, why did you go solo? Was it a financially profitable experience for you initially? If not, did the non-financial benefits make it worthwhile? Let us know in the comments!

The #solopr chat – held each Wednesday from 1-2 p.m. Eastern – is a weekly ritual for some of the most savvy Solo PR Pros on Twitter. Anyone with a Twitter account is welcome to participate – see Join Us for the #solopr Chat on Twitter to find out how!

For those of you who are active on Twitter, @PRCog needs no introduction. One of the few examples of social media anonymity done right, PR Cog expresses – with trademark humor – many of the frustrations that exist for a mid-level PR pro. These generalized beefs can be with both clients and upper management, and many of his tweets are now on behalf of other annoyed PR tweeters, submitted anonymously to him by Direct Message.

I was happy to electronically interview this popular Twitter character turned blogger, who shares his insights on both PR Cog’s Gear Grindings and PRBreakfastclub (where he serves as Editor and Publisher). But little did I know I was about to be given a worldwide exclusive to the Cog-related story of the year!  Read on…

1. Being a PR Cog sure sounds tough — how’d you come to such a fate?

Well, I became a Cog in a small professional services based shop about 5 years ago after leaving the professional services space.  I became @PRCog on a bad working day almost 18 months ago. I made the account, tweeted a bit, followed some journalists and pros (not in the Law & Order sense) and forgot about it.  I returned a few weeks later to discover I had been re-followed by more than I expected.  I fully expected backlash and have only been told by one person that they know of someone who doesn’t like what I’m doing.  The person who doesn’t like it has yet to grow the brass ones to tell me. More details can be found in Valerie Simon’s interview from a few months back.  But it’s been a very enlightening experience since I started.

2. What’s the most difficult thing about your current state of affairs?

Let’s come back to this one…

3. Do you ever long to escape the grind and become a Solo PR Pro?

Well, this is the first time I’m putting this out there publicly — I already have.  A few months back my old agency and I parted ways.  I wasn’t growing as a professional any longer and had filled all the possible positions / done all the tasks at that agency (we were VERY specialized).  It was all very amicable – I still try to refer them business and they send me work occasionally.

Since then, in addition to looking for new opportunities at an agency and in-house (because we all like the stability of a paycheck, and I’m the first to admit I’ve got plenty to learn – I know if I don’t pursue other opportunities simultaneously I’ll wonder what’s out there), I’ve setup my own shop and have been living the solo life (living room office, kids asking for juice during biz calls, etc. – the whole kit’n'kaboodle).  I’ve worked a few contracts/consultations and am continuing to seek out new business.

4. Is being an independent PR consultant the best way to find freedom? What’s a Cog like you dream of doing?

Unless you can find that perfect agency/company and love everyone you work with (i.e., if PRBC were to form their own agency – xo Cats & Kittens ), it would appear to be.  The experience has been very liberating.

During a recent potential client meeting, who in addition to my normal skillset I discovered was also looking for skills and experience outside my comfort zone, I was able to actually say, “Yes, we can do these things, realize though this part of it isn’t where my background is and it’ll be a learning experience for both of us.”  I disclaimed that if needed we could knock down the tab or I’d bring someone in short term to teach me a few things.  I’m happy to sell myself to the best of my abilities, not make promises I then expect my “staff” to fulfill.

Could it have cost me the contract? Maybe, but that’s better than having a dissatisfied client and not being true to what I can and can’t do. Particularly early on – some of the best clients at my former company came from satisfied client referrals – don’t want to start off on the wrong foot.

So, returning to question 2 — the biggest issue now is the social media side.  Inevitably the question comes up, “Do you have any social media experience?” It’s quite a dance trying to reference my blogging, PRBC activities, and Twitter use without specifically referencing PRCog. Returning back to a normal twitter account will be difficult given the number of people that have actually seen me IRL (most of whom I trust, but there’s too many to depend on it being kept a secret).  Thankfully, I’m having more conversations than snark, so even if I have to go there I can.  Potential clients have no interest in outing me.  Most of the current venom has been archival or ghost tweets (tweets sent on behalf of others [as therapy] that they can’t send because their bosses or clients are following them).

5. Any extra tidbits you can tell us about the man behind the mask?

Oh goodness.  Well, next big projects include an interesting PRBC project and for this summer — Masquertweet, of course .

I’m still the same snark filled, fun loving, optimistic (ok, that one’s only partially true) me.

Actually there are a few odd observations — One of the biggest things that surprises me is the number of people I’ve never tweeted with before whose first question in a dm is ‘What agency are you at?”  I don’t assume everyone in the PR world knows who I am (goodness, I would hope not), but if I was really going to randomly disclose that info wouldn’t I have it in my bio?  Or a real name? Or…something else indicating I want to tie my real self to this identity?  This may be an indication of one of the biggest SM/PR problems — not researching (or reading) before engaging.

The lack of identity seems to put a number of people at ease online – I’ve had numerous people tell me things in confidence I wouldn’t tell others that I do know IRL.  Perhaps there’s a belief (which is true) that I have no incentive to ruin anyone (at least anyone that hasn’t given me reason to), and the credibility of an anonymous person is in question so the risk is minimal.  Maybe others are just more trusting than I am (a definite possibility).

—

So, there’s the bombshell. I had intended to interview a Cog on how he longed to break free – only to find out he already had! Fellow PR pros, do you agree that becoming an independent consultant is the best way to escape life-long Cog status? What advice would you offer to our newly-solo PRCog?

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