What does a typical PR Coaching session “look like”?
Good question. If you’re asking “What can I expect to experience”, you’ll find that information here.
But if you’re asking what my PR Coaching service looks like compared with others, I can tell you that mine looks and feels way different to anything I experienced when I did my own research in 2020 and again each year.
In addition to my 17 years of experience running a PR business, I have a lifelong love of learning and considerable “form” when it comes to experiencing, developing and delivering all kinds of professional development and CPD learning materials. I’ve sat in the audience of many PR webinars and “How to pitch to journalists” Q&A’s, I’ve watched interesting online lectures, presentations and academic masterclasses about the latest marketing theories and The Next Big Thing(s) in PR. I’ve tried out the self-study PR courses with downloadable workbooks. I’ve watched “How to” seminars on building a valuable brand, Communications Strategy and Crisis Communications. I’ve had a go at using various free online templates for media releases and social media content planning.
All the evidence made me conclude that whilst the majority of learners can thrive in a conventional “chalk and talk” group environment, many of us struggle with “cookie cutter” or one-size-fits-all learning. In a one-to-one setting you can ask me as many questions as you like, pause whenever you need to take a break, and deep-dive by instantly getting bespoke, nuanced answers to your very specific PR queries.
Which got me wondering. Could I help other individuals who need to learn how to do their own PR (for a variety of very sensible reasons, which I explain in this short video)? I could help people who want to reach their full PR potential in a one-to-one setting; those who want specific PR advice that’s relevant to their work, those who are fed up with all the generic and theoretical information, self-study tips and templates. Affinity PR Coaching could be a place to learn how to achieve a particular PR goal via an affordable pay-as-you-go service, where you learn from and work with an expert, but at your own pace.
That is when I knew I had pioneered a uniquely accessible and useful PR Coaching experience that would appeal to other unconventional learners, creative thinkers and neurodivergent people. Among them the “chatty introverts” and those who need to apply the PR learning to a project.
Generally, Affinity PR Coaching will be a good match for you if you are a kinaesthetic or visual learner, especially if you are neurodivergent too. I build understanding through storytelling, analogies and visual concepts, preferring to convey facts and information via conversation, mind maps, doodles/sketches, animation/video, mood board or shared stories. Conversation allows us to explore and test ideas.
If you recognise yourself somewhere in my descriptions above, you’ll thrive with Affinity PR Coaching. It took a year to design, pilot, review and perfect the unique process that I now use with clients. Sessions are done via Zoom calls, which enable us to get straight to work wherever you are in the UK. I hear about “Zoom fatigue” and I smile, as that is what has enabled me to work with people one-to-one and maintain such high energy and focus! It offers a pleasant informality too, which stimulates good conversation.
In their testimonials some themes emerge from my clients as outcomes of PR Coaching with me, such as feeling fired up, excited about their next project and finding immense clarity about what they need to do next.
I love doing this work because it helps all kinds of people make progress quickly and affordably. Plus it’s satisfying work, because it unites all the learning and skills I’ve gained throughout my diverse career over 30 years.
Whilst I’ll never say I’ve “seen it all” at work, I have experienced so much, including riding the storm of two major global economic crashes, relocations, and at least 3 times having to “pivot” to work around changes in my health, personal or family circumstances. I’ve campaigned and lobbied, been a media spokesperson, run a 24/7 press office, coached and mentored small and large teams (freelancers and employees). I’ve pitched and won new business for so many organisations, managed PR crises and steered organisations through major operational and strategic changes. I’ve worked closely with all kinds of stakeholders (media, Trustees, Boards of Directors, donors/funders and investors, clients and service users, staff and supporters). On top of that, I’ve managed many budgets, people and projects.
So, back to answer that original question, what will a PR coaching session with me “look like”? An infusion of all the above, with my energy and attention focused on helping you to achieve your PR goals. The exact tools, references and influences used in my PR coaching sessions will vary according to your interests and needs. No identikit workbook, I promise you!
I ask lots of questions and when I fully understand exactly what makes you “you”, and what it is about your own work that excites and delights you, a whole world of PR potential will be revealed, which we can explore together. The energy and ideas we generate will be powerful.
Of course, now more PR Coaches are popping up, so specialist services will also emerge (and good on them, that’s entrepreneurial spirit in action!). It is an exciting time to be a pioneer in this niche profession.
To book your session with me, go to https://www.affinityprcoaching.co.uk/booking-enquiries/