Creative communication strategist, media relations expert and writer. I help great stories get the attention they deserve. Nonprofits and trade associations come to me for bold outreach strategies that get results.
A lot of people think PR professionals only write press releases or are constantly pitching to journalists. While there are definitely PR people who specialize in media relations (including me), the tasks done by PR professionals are often quite broad. A great PR professional is focused on getting a client's messages in front of a key audience - and we use big skill toolboxes. I got this "miracle worker" t-shirt years ago as a joke, but here's a few examples of things I have done in my career: - wrote an e-newsletter 3x a week covering key news for an industry to keep a client informed of major developments. - crafted a multi-pronged strategic outreach plan including PR, advertising, web improvements, community outreach, and social media for a client targeting a specific niche audience. - briefed members/volunteers on how to talk on Capitol Hill about issues. - liaisoned with Congressional or state legislative staff on efforts to move legislation. - come up with a concept, screened people for interviews, sat in on all of the interviews, and worked with a video firm to create a compelling narrative. - arranged for therapists/grief counselors to be available after difficult media interviews. - drafted talking points for someone getting ready to do an interview. - followed-up with a radio producer, tv producer, print journalist about interview scheduling. - talked a client out of a terrible story idea and into a better one. - wrote press releases, congressional testimony, training materials, curriculum, chapters, features, ad copy, a book (!) and exhibit copy. - planned book signings, press conferences, community outreach events, press rooms at a trade show, program announcements, zoom symposiums, a movie premiere, and more. - testified for Congress on key issues and prepared others. - served as spokesperson for an organization or offered information on background to reporters. - weighed in on a website design and looked for usability issues - not to mention 16 type-os. - reviewed a publication design and recommend the logo be in the correct place and the right color. - managed media registration for a major trade show. - drafted social media copy and found images that can be used for posts. - responded to a rapid media request due in 2 hours. - stage managed a fundraising event held by a client for their major donors. - dealt with the publication warehouse, promotional product ordering, t-shirts for an event, staging, catering contracts, tech and video crews, and a zillion other details. - did media interviews while standing in a rickety boat, with painting by kids on my face, and while bribing my toddler with a cupcake. - trained journalists in how to approach and interview trauma survivors.
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CEO & President
2moYes! We carry the weight of others in so many ways. Storytelling is our forte for those who are willing to listen.