Public relations, online PR, marketing communications and event management

Reflection PR celebrated its 1^st anniversary today by delivering cupcakes and cookies to clients to say thank-you for supporting the Norfolk PR agency in its first year.

It’s often said the first year in business is the hardest.  And setting up a PR agency during a recession was certainly a challenge!  But I’ve worked with some great clients in Norwich, Birmingham and London, was a finalist for the CIPR’s Outstanding Young Communicator of The Year award and even moved house!

So what does the next year have in store?  I’ll continue to work from home so I can still deliver cost-effective PR consultancy in Norfolk and beyond.  And I aim to grow the business from strength to strength by working with clients from different sectors.

It has been one of the most challenging but rewarding years of my career – thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way!

If you’re interested in seeing my recent work, check out the case studies page.  And if you would like an ambitious Norfolk PR agency to work with you, please call us on 01603 465089.

Thanks to these ladies for helping me round

Thank-you to everyone who sponsored my Race For Life efforts at the weekend.  I jogged it in a respectable 37 minutes – not bad for a beginner who added a cold to the list of excuses for not finishing faster!

And for those who want photographic evidence, here’s the proof!

I’ve raised over £160 and donations are still coming in which is great news for Cancer Research UK.  For every £94, this covers the cost of one woman taking part in a clinical trial to test a new way of giving hormone therapy – helping to improve breast cancer treatment.

It was a great day and also a fantastic incentive to get a little fitter.  Roll on next year…  

If you would still like to donate, it’s not too late – simply visit www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/suzyhill2

I was invited to speak to a group of businesses recently about how PR can help promote their companies.

Biz’Share is a local scheme where  business owners meet regularly to support one another and gain advice from Marketing, Finance, Personal Development and Sales experts.

During my session, we chatted about how Public Relations is a great way to raise a company’s profile as the media plays a powerful role in influencing people’s opinions.  And we discussed a simple, yet powerful method of communicating news – the humble press release.

It was a lively meeting and we discussed the dos and don’ts of writing a press release and liaising with the media. 

And we also demystified PR as most people thought they couldn’t afford to hire a PR consultant.  However there are many consultants and freelancers who are happy to work on bespoke, smaller projects.  Good news as it means business owners can concentrate on running their business.

If you’re considering using a PR agency, Business Link’s ‘Should I use a PR agency?’ article  provides tips on what to think about.   And if you’re a Norwich business owner looking to share experiences with other business owners and gain advice, take a look at Biz’Share.

To celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week (16-22 Nov), here are my top tips for anyone setting up in business;

1.                   Think positively!

Setting up a business is no small feat.  Get ready for a roller coaster ride with lots of ups and downs.  Develop a thick skin and expect the unexpected.

2.                  Stand out from the crowd

Create the right impression and get your company known in the right places.  PR is one way of raising your profile and in the words of Bill Gates “If I was down to my last dollar, I’d spend it on public relations.”

3.                  Remember, cash is king…

It’s vital to keep on top of your cash flow, so make sure your customers are paying you and plan ahead for any quiet periods.

4.                  … however, don’t obsess!

Avoid looking at your forecasts every day.  Instead, be proactive, get out there and promote your business and do what you do best.

5.                  Have patience

If you’re setting up on your own, you need to learn the art of patience.  You can’t do everything at once, however hard you try!

6.                  Get the right support

It’s important to have a good support network.  Speak to other people who have set up their own business and appoint professionals for some good advice.

7.                  Reflect on your achievements

Setting up a business takes hard work and time.  Remember how well you’re doing and reflect upon your successes.

You can find lots of great advice at www.businesslink.co.uk.  And if you’re a budding entrepreneur in Norwich, visit www.goforitnorwich.co.uk – it’s a great PR campaign to encourage people in Norwich to set up their own business.

What are your tips for setting up in business?  Please leave your comments…