Research plays a key role in any public relations or marketing communications program, and independent practitioners can face special considerations. During this week’s #solopr Twitter chat, we discussed these issues:

1. When you get a new client, what kinds of research do you do first as you prepare to work with them?

2. Do you bill for research (client background, target lists, etc.)? How do you handle?

3.  In addition to #solopr, which Twitter chats do you regularly participate in, and why? Master list of chats: http://bit.ly/bJ4RCU)

4.  Do you have any other general researching tips/tricks to share?

Download the full chat transcript in PDF for advice from top pros around the world. What are your favorite tricks, and how do you handle these issues? 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!