Helping PR Directors/Managers improve PR departmental effectiveness

If you are a PR director or manager, and management of the PR Department, and getting the best out it (and perhaps your PR agency too), are challenges that keep you awake at night then you may benefit from having someone to advise, coach or mentor you (or simply act as a ’sounding board’!).

I’m a senior, independent, corporate PR consultant, based in Sydney, but available to work across Australia (or elsewhere if needed!).  I work exclusively with PR directors and PR managers who are looking for a discrete ‘helping hand’ (in the form of advice) from time-to-time. 

After 30 years in public relations and communication I’m very aware that  PR directors and managers often face a lonely – and challenging- task of trying to balance a multiplicity of internal challenges – creating public relations programs that meet stakeholder needs; keeping the CEO’s confidence in and commitment to PR; showing measureable results and an ROI to management; and maintaining the best departmental structure –people mix and commitment– for the business.

My service is aimed at helping PR directors and managers who want to perform to their maximum potential – and get the kudos for doing so.

I’m independent.  I work exclusively with PR directors and PR managers (i.e. I don’t work for PR agencies, nor do I implement PR or communciations campaigns myself).  I prefer to work on an ad hoc or ‘on call’ basis ( and you may be glad to hear that I’m not into retainers!).

I’m not a threat to, or in conflict with, your PR agency (in fact I may be able to help them do a better job!).  I’m interested in only advising and staying behind the scenes.

During 30 years of PR agency experience I’ve worked extensively within the corporate environment. During the last 10 years I’ve been the most prolific writer on public relations in Australia. In 2001, I established PR Influences which has more than 150 articles in its archives, and I now have my own blog which covers what’s new, or contentious – or just works – in PR. While my heritage is in traditional PR the agency I led was the first to embrace online and social media.

I can help you by auditing your existing objectives and programs

Developing PR programs that meet business objectives and deliver tangible results to management is challenging. I can provide a professional, experienced, independent and private perspective – as limited or far-ranging as you choose – that will help you determine whether your PR strategies are on track and in alignment with the business objectives. The process can also be used when the business is moving in new directions and fresh PR thinking is required. Read more…

I can help you review and evaluate the adequacy of your PR structure

As organisations grow and evolve and the demands on PR/communications increase, those responsible for communications often need guidance on the departments’ structure, function, staffing, resources – and performance. I can provide independent and objective advice from a specialist communications perspective with the aim of improving efficiencies, outputs and results, to help you stay in favour with senior management and your CEO. Read more…

I can help you establish or improve measurement or ROI criteria

Increasingly businesses are putting the pressure on PR departments to set and meet measurement or ROI criteria. I can work in partnership with PR directors to set measurements that are realistic, reasonable and achievable, and based on international best PR practice criteria – and then help set up processes to sell these to management. Read more…

I can help by coaching or mentoring (or simply being a ’sounding board’!).

The PR director’s life can be lonely and isolated, in a management structure that can either be dismissive of PR, or expect miracles. I’ve spent 30 years running teams within PR agencies and helping staff manage clients and their expectations; I’ve also worked extensively with boards, CEO’s and senior management. I can act as a sounding board, or an advisor, or I can actively provide coaching or mentoring support to ensure you keep the confidence and commitment of the CEO in PR; and help win the recognition you deserve with the business.

For more insights into Corporate communications and internal management of PR see the articles I have written in PR Influences.

If you wish to have a no obligation chat about your issues, challenges and vision don’t hesitate to contact me.