If you have decided that it’s time to take that first step in your planned exit strategy of selling the firm, you may have questions regarding what your next steps should be. The next steps you should think through as you move to sell your public relations agency are: 1. Do you know your true…
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M&A Articles and Blogs
Public Relations’ Renewed Call for Diversity
Rick Gould and Robert Udowitz co-authored this article Those of us who’ve worked in public relations for many years know that calls for greater diversity in the industry are nothing new. The absence of multicultural leadership within the ranks and the absence of women in top management role are two conspicuous measures of what’s not…
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PPP Lesson Learned: Build a Solid Banking Relationship
Our three surveys on the financial impact of the coronavirus crisis made one insight clear. Whether it be a global, national or regional bank is not what matters. What matters is that it be with a bank and banker that knows you, that knows your firm, that understands the cash needs and seasonal flows of your…
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Surviving the New Recession
The U.S. business world is facing a plunge into unchartered waters. None of us can foresee the bottom or estimate the number of months it will take to rebound. As the PR industry decides the best course ahead, I’ll offer some suggestions based on benchmarking the industry for the past three decades of good times…
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Managing Employees Working Remotely
With the coronavirus pandemic, many employers are having their staff work remotely to avoid spread of the virus. Managing remote employees is a new phenomenon for some, so here are some guidelines that may be helpful. Be certain that your team understands that their role remains unchanged, and the same metrics of success still apply….
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You’re Interested in Selling Your PR Firm. What Are Your Next Steps?
If you’ve owned a public relations firm for several years and have decided that it’s time to take that first step in your planned exit strategy of selling the firm, you may have questions regarding what your next steps will/should be. The next steps you should think through as you move to sell your PR…
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Post-Merger Integration Plan Critical for Long-Term Success
The PR transaction has closed. The buyer wires a multi-million-dollar transfer into the seller’s bank account. The staff members of both buyer and seller are notified. The press release announcing the deal has been distributed across the business wires online, sprinkled with quotes regarding a “win-win” for both firms, and, naturally, “new digital and marketing…
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Because of 4 a.m. – The Excellence of Kobe Bryant
This blog was posted by my friend & colleague, Dr. Aerial Ellis, regarding the tragic helicopter crash death of Kobe Bryant and his 13 year old daughter, Gianna. I believe Dr. Ellis sends a valuable message to all of us.- Rick Gould Excellence is the result of a prosperous, well-lived and fulfilled life. The excellence…
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PR Predictions for 2020: Handicapping M&As, Valuations, Profitability and Utilization
The PR M&A field continues to roll right along. Here’s a few areas where agency owners and managers should keep their eyes peeled this year when it comes to the M&A landscape. M&A Transactions PR M&As, quite active in 2019, show no sign of slowing down this year. Expect a surge in new deals, as…
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What PR Firms Can Learn From the WeWork Debacle
Several years ago, I was a guest speaker at two WeWork “Lunch & Learn” seminars, discussing mergers and acquisitions and strategic planning to a diverse group of businesses gathered at the office-sharing company. I was impressed with the WeWork model. It was a collaborative, fun environment, encouraging people to network and cross-refer business opportunities. The…
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PR Agency Valuations are Worth the Investment Now More than Ever
Some things never change. Almost five years ago there was chatter in the PR space that agency valuations are not worth the time and money. At the time, I vigorously disputed the notion and explained in great detail why that’s a bad idea. Unfortunately, those comments by the same individual have reemerged, and I feel…
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3 Reasons Why PR Firms Should Hire a Financial Watchdog
The news that a former PR executive has been arrested and charged with defrauding his last two firms in excess of $2 million should serve as an alert for PR agency owners who want to get a better grip on their internal control & expense reimbursement practices and avoid becoming victims of employees who cross…
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