Wikipedia says:
Public Relations (PR) is the practice of managing the flow of information between an organization and its publics. Public relations gains an organization or individual exposure to their audiences using topics of public interest and news items that do not require direct payment. Because public relations places exposure in credible third-party outlets, it offers a third-party legitimacy that advertising does not have. Common activities include speaking at conferences, working with the press, and employee communication. PR can be used to build rapport with employees, customers, investors, voters, or the general public. Almost any organization that has a stake in how it is portrayed in the public arena employs some level of public relations.
How we work:
When contacted for a project, after an assessment of the work involved, a proposal is prepared for review by the potential client. This is an opportunity to ensure that everyone understands the scope of work, the anticipated results, and the fees associated with the project. Due to the nature of our work, proposals are based on a professional estimate of the time it will take to complete each phase of a project.
Often we work with an agreed upon per-month (or per-project) cap to the fees we charge. We realize that marketing and PR budgets vary. Time spent on each project is tracked daily, (in quarter-hour increments) and clients are billed monthly, at the end of each month. Monthly invoices include a detailed breakdown/work record. Clients are requested to please pay invoices within 15 days of receipt.
Strategy & Counsel
To help ensure that we are all on the same page, whatever the project may be, we provide “Strategy & Counsel” to our clients. This is an essential component of successful marketing and promotion. Whether it’s a phone call to talk about a design project or a face to face meeting with a larger group to discuss a full campaign, it’s an opportunity to talk together about the project, the scope of work, and it helps us to “get it right the first time.” It is often beneficial to have a frank discussion about realistic expectations as projects are considered. We will be truthful, and never ask you to engage us for work that we know will not generate results.
Public Relations Planning:
When retained for a Public/Media Relations campaign, we will outline the scope of work, the components relevant to this particular campaign, and the projected time and fees associated with it. This helps eliminate any ‘sticker shock’ when the monthly invoice arrives.
Distribution Lists:
We will often prepare a customized distribution list specifically targeting appropriate media contacts. News Releases are sent to a wide-ranging list that concentrates on the Coachella Valley, and also includes key media outlets throughout California and beyond. When appropriate, we may suggest the use of a fee-based news distribution service to reach specific geographic areas and/or target markets.
News Releases:
News Releases are the main component of any Public Relations campaign, and as such, will be developed and distributed to achieve maximum awareness. Depending on the complexity of the ‘news’ we may interview key people for quotes, research competitors or similar organizations, etc. Messages will be developed with the client to ensure that the information we present is concise, factually accurate, and easily understood. Unlike paid advertising, there is no guarantee a press release will be picked up by the news media. Also unlike paid advertising, we avoid grandiose phrasing and keep the story consistent with how news organizations prefer to receive such information. O’Bayley Communications serves as a resource and liaison, communicating your news to the media.
Media Follow Up – Speaking Engagements & Interviews:
After the distribution of a major News Release, O’Bayley Communications will reach out to key media contacts to ensure that the release is noticed, and encourage them to run a story. At this point, we will also offer to arrange interviews if desired. Of course, part of working with the media on your behalf also includes providing materials, photos, etc. as needed. We will rely on you to provide logos, photos, biographies, etc. to us for distribution to the media. Photographs must have permission/photo credit information as appropriate. We will also respond to inquiries from the media on your behalf, as needed.
Calendar Listings:
When appropriate, we will prepare and distribute to all major Coachella Valley publications and media outlets a Calendar Listing to promote an event. There are several web sites such as Palm Springs Life (.com) that require us to upload data using their interface only. This ensures that the general public is informed.
Special Events Promotion:
To assist you in successful event planning, we offer our expertise to ensure you have a realistic promotional budget and a well-publicized event. In this capacity, Tim is the Associate Producer of AAP – Food Samaritans’ legendary gala, “Evening Under the Stars.”
Graphic Design:
We offer graphic design services for all kinds of advertising and collateral/promotional materials. In addition, we also create unique logos and identity to ‘brand’ your company/business/event.
Printing / Materials Production & Coordination:
We work with many printers and vendors to obtain competitive bids for all printed materials such as brochures, business cards, banners, signs, etc. We also have several contacts that can assist with promotional items such as branded apparel, gifts, etc.
Advertising Planning & Placement:
We will be happy to develop and implement an advertising campaign that reaches your target market and fits your budget. In this ever-changing arena, newer methods of targeting specific demographics using digital advertising is becoming much more common, and we utilize the latest technology to do so.
O'Bayley Communications 