Cybersecurity and telecommuting are two separate lanes for PR firm owners to manage. But they’re certainly not independent of one another. As the so-called dark web rears its ugly head, PR agency owners and C-level executives are increasingly responsible for protecting their digital and online assets soup to nuts. At the same time, owners must…
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Category: Business Advice
With more than 30 years of experience helping firms navigate the complex world of mergers and acquisitions, Gould + Partners has developed an arsenal of business strategies that can help public relations, media and creative agencies in any stage of their M&A journey.
Here, you’ll find expert business advice tailored to PR firms, including insight related to growth strategies, client acquisition, pricing, and improving agency profitability.
For more personalized business advice and help that’s specific to your firm, we encourage you to connect with Gould + Partners directly. Get in touch by contacting Rick Gould or calling (212) 896-1909 to get the conversation started.
Is Cry for PR Diversity Different This Time?
(This article originally appeared on odwyerpr.com.) It happens every few years, just like a Swiss watch. Cries are heard regarding the general lack of diversity within the creative services field and how it’s costing agencies and firms dearly. There are a few rounds of self-flagellation within the four walls, as the media trades run agonizing…
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3 PR M&A Trends to Watch in 2018
It’s just a few weeks into the new year, but the media M&A field is starting to percolate already. There were two deals in early January alone. Highwire PR, one of the fastest growing tech independent firms, acquired Inner Circle Labs and merged the two San Francisco-based agencies, while the Association of National Advertisers (ANA)…
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Empathy at Heart of Co-Mentoring Programs
Several years ago I worked at an online media production company whose aspirations unfortunately exceeded its budget. Nonetheless, I was eager to get more experience producing online video content. I was assigned to work with Susan (her name has been changed), a millennial. She seemed to be a real whiz with video equipment and knew…
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3 Ways Female PR Execs Pursue C-Suite Seat
It’s a start. When Barri Rafferty in late November was named Ketchum’s next global CEO, she became the first woman to lead a top-five PR agency. It’s fitting that Ketchum has taken the lead when it comes to promoting female PR executives. A recent survey released by the global PR agency and the Holmes Report…
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VIDEO: Millennial PR Firm Owners Carve New Niche
We were chatting with a top PR executive recently when we mentioned the proliferating number of PR firms owned by millennials, or people born between the early 1980s and 2000. The executive—a real pro—expressed skepticism. That’s fine, we said. But we also stressed to this executive to keep a close eye on the space. While…
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PR Profession Rides Some Rough Waves
It’s not a pretty picture for the PR industry. Among a wide swath of firms, growth is down and profitability is flat. Adding insult to injury, PR firm owners are failing to boost their billing rates in order to compensate for increases in salaries and other expenses. Whether it’s the large holding companies or smaller…
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Lippe: Incumbent Upon PR Industry to Promote More Women
Maureen Lippe, founder-CEO of Lippe Taylor, recalls a series of dinner meetings she initiated with other female leaders in the PR industry. “What was astonishing to me is that most of these women had competed for years in business, but had never really met each other,” says Lippe, who since founding her PR firm in…
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Webinar: Millennials Eager to Lead, Willing to Learn
Millennials and older PR executives have a great deal to learn from one another. By collaborating more effectively they can bolster the value of their firm, break into emerging markets and land new clients. They just need to put their suspicions of one another aside and not let stereotypical thinking get the better of them….
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Millennial PR Firm Owners Destined to Shake Up Industry
(This article originally ran on odwyerpr.com.) Millennial communicators can’t catch a break. As they occupy a growing part of the PR field, this demographic bears the brunt of withering criticism from some of their elders regarding their work ethic and general attitude. We frequently hear from older PR firm owners about the challenges of both…
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VIDEO: The ‘Build to Sell’ Mindset
Clients are satisfied with your firm’s work. You’re on the short list to land a new (and prestigious) account. The staff is growing nicely. They’re all positive indices for creative services firm owners. But, in order to maximize the profitability and overall value of their firm, owners need to adopt a ‘Build to Sell‘ mentality….
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PR Agency Spotlight: 3 Ways to Meet Millennials Halfway
PR Agency Spotlight: Kate Finley, CEO, Belle Communications PR Firm Owners Need to Be More Willing to Adapt to Millennials but Not Bend Over Backward Kate Finley, CEO of Belle Communications, was about to start her presentation at a work session at the PRSA’s Counselors Academy spring meeting titled “The Marvelous and Mysterious World of…
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