Issue Five- March 2021:

By Mercedes Barreto

When did you get started working with Public Relations? Why?

“During college, I majored in marketing and took several public relations classes. I found it all so interesting how brands and careers change in either direction because of publicity. A few years after I graduated, I began my first job in public relations, working with independent films and The Kardashians TV home. What I find most enjoyable about public relations is interacting with so many unique personalities, watching my clients advance in their careers, traveling to new places, and that no day is the same.”

What is the main thing that you will pitch to a client based on their needs and requirements for such publicity? How do you get them hooked on your services, to pick you?

“First, I ask about what they are seeking to accomplish, the projects they are working on, and their social media so I can learn more about them, and think of different angles for the press. Then I develop a strategy to help them achieve their goals. Public relations is about results! I have hundreds of media placements with tv, print, and online outlets, and will send them over to potential clients, as well as a short outline about what we spoke about during our initial conversation. The key is to show how working with you will help take their career or brand to a new dimension.” 

What have been some of your favorite projects that you have taken on and completed so far? Why so?

“In my opinion, each project I am a part of is unique. Every year, one of my clients Wes Iseli visits the Carilion Memorial Hospital where he goes from room to room performing magic for young patients who are unable to spend the holidays at home. I always love working on stories about my clients volunteering, helping build awareness about the charity or cause in addition to their publicity.” 

If you could pick any one person who needed Public Relations, and overall, it would be a good business venture for you, out of anyone, who would that client be if you could pick? Why would you pick such a person?

“Anyone that has a business, brand, or project could use public relations. Whether it’s delivering information to the right audience, building your online presence, managing reputation, or planning an event, public relations is necessary.” 

What is a message to people who need public relations but they don’t know it yet? How can you convey the importance of public relations to a potential client or individual in general?

“Public relations is often the missing link people need to move their careers forward. It doesn’t matter how amazing your project is if others can’t easily find you or your work. To build a business or brand, you need credibility and one way to build that is by having a positive digital footprint. By providing valuable information, being authentic, answering questions, public relations helps you build a positive relationship between you and your customers or fans.”