managing pr - keys to running an effective in-house pr firm

Managing PR

5 Keys to Running an Effective

In-house Agency

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He has managed communications teams of all sizes and provided support to client organizations from small businesses and nonprofits to Fortune 100 companies.

These tips are from Tim O’Brien, APR.

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Know how a client service team works.

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Know how a client service team works.Every team needs a single leader for decision-making. Each member of the team has a specific role or value. The team may be structured rigidly or flexibly, but it must be structured to meet the constantly changing demands of the client. Client teams are judged on responsiveness, quality, results, and an attitude that contributes to a positive work experience.

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Create a Service Culture.

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Create a Service Culture.Meet with the client at the outset to establish project parameters, identify a definition for success, and identify any particular challenges or obstacles to success. Create an initial scope of the project that includes a budget, timeline, and a built-in process for keeping both the client and service team engaged and on track. Make responsiveness Rule #1.

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Anticipate & Manage Work Flow.

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Anticipate & Manage Work Flow.The team leader’s primary job is to assign roles and manage work flow so that it’s delivered on time and on budget. This requires a well-organized work plan, a timetable, and constant two-way communication within the team and with the client. Individual team members must identify potential problems and notify the team leader so they can be addressed to avoid client service problems.

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Meet Expectations.

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Meet Expectations.Clients expect responsiveness, openness, honesty, respect, loyalty, a focus on details, an ability to see the big picture, a commitment to the client’s interests, creativity in problem-solving, flexibility, and initiative.

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Allocate Internal & External Resources.

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Allocate Internal & External Resources.Build teams around client needs. Assign team members based on availability and skillsets. Smaller teams hold fewer meetings and are more efficient. Larger teams can handle big projects in less time. You can use internal and external resources. Internal resources tend to have greater institutional knowledge but may not always have the right skillsets. External resources can be used ad hoc with skillsets matching client needs.

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Find me on Twitter:

@OBrienPR

or at

OBrienCommunications.com

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