Since launching my own business after working within the formalized structure of a global PR agency five years ago, I’ve found golden nuggets of information that have helped shape the vision, processes and structure of how I conduct business. 

One of those is nuggets is this: it is important for independent PR agencies to get outside perspective to support the business overall and the professional growth of the individuals within the firm.  Ultimately, a business coach can provide guidance that supports (1) existing goal achievement and (2) enlightenment to create new visions.  They are there to ask you critical questions about where you’re heading, and then help you determine how you’re going to get there. 

With many type-A personalities in the PR profession, this can also serve as a useful resource to get feedback that might be in line with a year-end review provided within the traditional PR agency model.  It gives us a chance to ask, would I give myself a promotion?  Or, is it time to hunker down, get back to basics and fine tune our team’s client relations skill set?  Whatever the case may be – every PR team is unique and has its own set of objectives.  And, there’s a host of business coaches out there that may be the perfect fit.  Here’s a run-down of a few business resources and blogs worth checking out:

For entrepreneurs in the formulation stage or seeking to refine your path, check out MyBlastOff by Allison Maslan, a life, career and business success coach.  I believe whole-heartedly in her philosophy and particularly like her articles that ask us to review the “soul” of our business.   One of my colleagues and friends, Betsy Bracken had this to say about her experience with Maslan, “Through our one-on-one coaching sessions, Allison has given me the tools to uncover my passion and is now guiding me through the process of growing that passion into a fulfilling, soulful and prosperous career.  It’s incredible what we discover when we eliminate fear and move boldly in the direction of our dreams.” She’s had a host of notable clients including a San Diego favorite, “Sam the Cooking Guy.” 

For inspired and thoughtful discussion, check out LeaderChat, a forum created by Ken Blanchard to discuss leadership and management issues.  One of my favorite tips includes this one from the post, “Making the Shift from Knowing to Doing” posted by David Witt. It says. “Avoid Negative Filtering. While it is important to evaluate an idea from different perspectives, make sure that you are not letting a “why that won’t work” mentality keep you from moving forward.  What’s easier for you?  Seeing the reasons why something will work, or the reasons why something won’t work?  If you tend to see the negative first, practice seeing the positive side as well.  It will help you get started with taking action.”

For well-rounded coaching, check out this testimonial from Jennifer Borba von Stauffenberg, president of Olive PR Solutions on her business coach, Leah Grant. “Before meeting Leah, I thought of business coaches as a luxury. Now I realize that they are a necessity… The best part is that Leah believes that how you do the little things is how you do the big things, so I started to experience major shifts in my personal life too. I launched my business on May 1, 2009 and it only took me about six months to get my business up to full speed, working with amazing clients like Susan G. Komen for the Cure San Diego, Art San Diego (formerly Beyond the Border International Contemporary Art Fair), The Art of Photography Show, and San Diego Fine Art Society to name a few. One of my favorite experiences with her was her one-day intensive where you review every aspect of your personal life and your business to create a strategic plan for the future. Things haven’t been the same since and for that, I am grateful.”

Terrific for PR client relations and new business skills: I you work in PR in southern California, you’ve probably heard the name Henry DeVries.  Check out his blog, Marketing with a Book.  He’s one I’ve had the pleasure to learn from through a Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) workshop as well as the PRSA International Conference.

Whether a business coach, a self-created advisory board or a personal mentor, ask for real input and you will get it.  Have you had a business coach make a positive impact for your firm – and your own professional growth?  If so, tell us about it!   

Lauren Walsh is lead publicist of Citrus Public Relations in San Diego.  She is also a founding editor of SoCalPR Blog.

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