Solo PR Pro Blog
I think simple tips are often the best (hopefully you agree). One of my favorite discoveries is to use the word “INSERT” in draft documents, any time information is still to come. So instead of using random placeholders like “Add information about X” or “Joe, please...
My first accountant drilled into me an important lesson, using the expression “live the tax life.” This means, always consider ways you can integrate business into your personal life, so you can write-off expenses whenever possible. As an example, I’m on a plane right...
This is not a “pro tip” per se, but rather a Solo PR Pro lifestyle tip: this time of year -- while our traditionally employed colleagues are having office holiday parties and distracting themselves in the break room with towers of treats – take a moment to enjoy one...
Who is your backup? If you don’t have a ready answer to this question, give it some careful thought and then find a fellow consultant (or subcontractor) you trust to fill this role. We never know when a personal emergency might strike, and having someone in place who...
At most organizations, 2012 budget planning is in full swing. If you'd like to negotiate higher rates or seek additional work for next year, now is the time to initiate these conversations with your clients. If you're seeking new work, it's also a good time to reach...
We all have clients from time-to-time who are all over the place. You can’t get them to focus, their priorities seem to be continually shifting, and sometimes even their internal roles and responsibilities are a moving target. It may seem counter-intuitive, but it’s...
When communicating with clients and others, whenever possible consider using “we” versus “I.” Beyond being a “royal we,” the truth is we rarely operate completely alone and this language puts us on par with other agencies and companies the client deals with. For...
Do some of your best ideas come while you’re in the car or out in public? Me too! Today, most cellphones come with a voice memo capability, so take advantage of this as a way to capture those unexpected brainstorms without having to search for pens and paper (which,...
Here’s a secret: clients and colleagues can’t see you when you’re working remotely. OK, maybe that’s not a secret, but it’s a good thing to keep in mind to prevent over-sharing. Often, there’s no need to say “I can’t do a call at that time, I’m taking my daughter to...
The word "retainer" has a negative connotation to many clients (it raises fears that they will be billed for services they don't receive). Using alternative wording, such as "minimum monthly budget," "monthly allotment," or "monthly commitment" is often helpful during...
Networking doesn’t stop with potential clients. Put effort into meeting professionals with skills that are complementary to yours, so you can tap them when needed. It’s also beneficial to have a list of Solo PR Pros with expertise in industries you know nothing about...
It's a good idea to observe corporate email etiquette when emailing clients. This includes using a short but descriptive subject line (e.g., “Acme Product Newsletter Copy Attached”) and listing the recipients in order of their rank in the "to" and "cc" lines (for...