My business spent a very long time looking for the right PR company before we finally settled on the amazing team at Interdependence PR, who have completely transformed our business with their expertise. During that search we learned an awful lot about PR companies and how they go about their business, and we also sat through many meetings with companies who just weren’t the right fit for us. We learned during this stage that there are many red flags to watch out for when looking to get the perfect company for your particular business. Owing to this experience I wanted to give you the skinny on a few things which you need to watch out for during your meeting with a potential public relations company.
Track Record of Success
Let’s just get one thing clear, almost every PR company who you speak to is going to be able to talk a good game, why? Because this is what industry they are in, in fact it is the least that you should expect from them. Unfortunately however there are many who can’t quite back up their words with actions and this is why you have to focus on the track record of a company. If a PR firm can show you evidence of their past successes then great, if they cannot then it may be time to look elsewhere.
Results Driven
My team and I are incredibly passionate about our company and we are absolutely committed to delivering results for the company. Understandably then we also expect the same thing from any company who will be working on our behalf, especially if that company is one which specializes in public relations. During the meeting you need to feel this from the guys sitting across the table, that they are just as committed to delivering results as you are, if you don’t feel it, you won’t do well working with this company.
Customer Service
Something which we learned after meeting with many of these companies is that many of them really lack customer service skills. Quite why this happens I am not sure, perhaps they think that we need them more than they need us. Ultimately however this is a service industry and by virtue of that you must feel a strong level of customer service towards you. If they cant get that right, how well do you think they can help your business?
Jack of All Trades
Sometimes being great at many things is beneficial, when it comes to PR however you want a company who is specialized on your industry. They need to know how to speak to your market and how to strategize within it, if a PR company says that they can turn their hand to any market then you may wish to look elsewhere for a company which really specializes in what your business does.
Keep an eye out for these items when you have a meeting with a PR firm.
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