Reviewed by Rebecca Wong
I received this book, not having a clue about PR, what it means and how it’s relevant to me. I’m self-employed and run my own business as a sole trader and I’m steadily trying to build it up. In terms of PR for my business, I thought I was doing a lot; I use Facebook, sometimes I Tweet and I’m just starting to learn about Instagram. This book however, is showing me that I can do so much more and that I can make a long-term and solid commitment to the PR of my business.
PR School is a real learning journey. Natalie took my hand and lead me step-by-step through what PR actually means. Using really relevant examples from the real world, from big corporate businesses to small business people like me. It succeeds in getting the message across concisely with no waffle or mind-boggling buzz words. It’s packed with quotes, examples and advice from experts in the field; people who have been there and done that, along with Natalie’s own wealth of experience. Natalie is happy to share the negative along with the positive. Showing how setbacks can be turned into lessons for the future.
Natalie has made PR accessible to all, she’s opened up a world that, as a small business owner can seem so overwhelming and out of reach. She’s broken it down and even provided a step-by-step plan to help the reader to formulate their own PR strategy. She’s delved into the details of finding the right PR platforms for you as well as networking, creating press releases, tracking down and contacting the right journalists and influencers. Not only that but to do it smartly. To not just get your name out there for the sake of it but to do it in a way that will benefit your business and help drive it forward with your reason ‘why’ always as the foundation. In addition, giving advice on being ready when the response really is positive and always having a plan in place to deal with the outcomes and handle the press.
I’ve found this book to be a genuinely fantastic lesson as well as a great reference tool. It’s set up in a way that makes it very easy to read; with short chapters that can be read in 15-20 minutes, and guides for action plans for you to fill in. At the back is an index if you need to look something up quickly as well as references to resources, glossary of terms and a wealth of business tools and contacts that will help you in your PR strategy.
If you’re looking for a gift this Christmas, which is useful for that business person in your life (no matter how big or small their business) or that friend with an entrepreneurial streak, then this would be a truly functional gift that can be used as part of their PR toolbox for years to come.I will be keeping this at hand on my desk to remind me of my plan and different approaches I can take as my business grows and develops. I feel I have had a real master class in the art of PR. I now have lots of ideas and solid actions to help me to drive my business forward in ways I have never done before. I feel like I will be making this PR journey with a true expert at my side
If I hadn’t have read this book already, it would certainly be on my Christmas list! It gets a 5/5 from me.
The book can be purchased for £12.99 from Amazon here and other online suppliers, a great price for a unique and thoughtful gift.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £12.99 (Paperback) / £3.99 (Kindle)
For more information visit www.natalietrice.co.uk Available to buy from Amazon here.
Editor’s note – post updated 4/4/24 to update links.
