(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…
KEEP READING
Category: CEO Consulting
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)…
KEEP READING
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…
KEEP READING
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…
KEEP READING
VIDEO: PR Benefits of the Bolt-on Acquisition
Expand your firm’s talent pool. Diversify your PR services and boost the agency’s appeal among both existing clients and prospects. Find new cost efficiencies. These are just a few of the PR benefits of the bolt-on acquisition. Unlike a full-blown acquisition, bolt-on buys are relatively small and won’t break the bank. However, similar to larger…
KEEP READING
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…
KEEP READING
Online Video: Take Your Best Shot
PR firm owners know the scene. They land a new account and sit down with the buyer(s) for an initial strategy session. After exchanging niceties PR firm owners reach into their portfolio and offer a package of services that would best align with the client’s goals and/or financial objectives. Assuming budget is available PR executives…
KEEP READING
Agency M&A: Big Decision, Vital Questions
I had the privilege of speaking at the Public Relations Global Network‘s (PRGN) annual conference, which took place in Dallas, in late April. The presentation, titled “Agency Mergers and Acquisitions: What Works, What Doesn’t,” was well-received among the PR firm owners and C-level communications executives attending. During my presentation and afterward—when I had the opportunity…
KEEP READING
Making Sense of Your Balance Sheet
For many PR firm owners and C-suite executives it’s often considered the management equivalent of getting root canal: Reading their balance sheet. While a growing number of PR firm owners have gotten more comfortable with reading their balance sheet, there’s still a lot to be desired in terms of owners having a solid grasp for…
KEEP READING
G+P Part-Time CFO Division Looks to Fill Void in PR
The positive reaction in the marketplace to our new Part Time CFO division has exceeded our expectations—and it’s little wonder. Gould+Partners launched the division because we see a huge void in the marketplace among PR firm owners to hire a CFO and get a better grip on their financial operations. Checklist for CFO Effectiveness and…
KEEP READING
The Value of Business Valuations
In the current business climate agency owners and top managers must prioritize like nobody’s business. And the top priority in a hypercompetitive marketplace is making sure your firm’s valuation is at a maximum. As the brand creates goodwill, goodwill creates value. But how many agency owners know the inherent value of their pr firm? There…
KEEP READING
Looking for a Court and Spark
You’re eager for a spark. You hope there’s good chemistry and scintillating conversation. If things go well during the first meeting a second meeting may hold promise for both the present and, perhaps most important, the future. It’s a fair description of dating. But it’s also an apt description of the courtship between prospective buyers…
KEEP READING