PR You: Do-It-Yourself Public Relations Programs Arrive For Small Businesses And Start-Ups

Oct. 19, 2012 - PRLog -- PR You, the new company from industry experts Michele Smith and Becky Vieira officially launched this week, providing a series of DIY public relations programs that enable small businesses and start-ups to successfully conceive, launch and maintain their own PR programs. Based on the premise of the duo’s new book, “PR You! The Essential Do-It-Yourself Guide to Public Relations,” the company offers a variety of courses that teach companies how to manage PR programs in-house, eliminating the need for costly firms or consultants that are typically out of reach for many start-ups working with limited budgets.

The goal of PR You is to arm companies with the basic tools and structure necessary to start branding itself (or its products and services), and share the knowledge and skills required to create and launch a self-sustained PR campaign until the company is ready to turn the reigns over to a professional. With advertising and marketing costs being out of reach for many new companies, PR has become one of the most cost-effective means to promote a new brand in today’s economic climate with its ability to provide immediate exposure in multiple markets.

“There are tools available for almost every aspect of business to help fuel a successful start-up, from HR to legal to online accounting. The one area lacking was public relations, which is also the most cost-effective means of sharing information and building a brand,” said Becky Vieira, chief executive officer and co-founder of PR You. “Through PR You we are pulling back the curtain, so to speak, on this once-mysterious category of business and empowering start-ups to take control of their own media outreach in a budget-friendly manner.”

PR You offers its services in three key categories:

“PR You! The Essential Do-It-Yourself Guide to Public Relations”: The book, written by the company’s co-founders Smith and Vieira, breaks down the basic principles and practices of public relations. What it is, how it is done, and, most importantly, how it can be implemented without hiring experts. From writing press materials and conquering media relations, to utilizing social media to promote a business, the book explains each area of practice within public relations and provides simple how-to’s, helping readers to secure media coverage and build a brand.

Seminars: The PR You team hosts a series of day-long seminars across the country (and coming soon online) that expand upon the practices outlined in the book. Each area of PR is broken down into an individual session explaining not just the theory but the practical application, taught by the authors themselves. Give us one day and we will give you the tools to create a successful media campaign (along with a delicious, catered lunch!).

Customized Programs: PR You asks just one question. How hungry are you?  Chose from a “menu style” of services tailored to your needs that detail the how-to’s of successful PR accompanied by a PR You consultant who will guide you through the educational process. Programs range from the introductory “appetizer” program covering the basics to the meaty “entree” course that digs even deeper, or the “all you can eat buffet” that covers just about everything. Individual services, such as media lists or press materials are offered as one-offs under the “a la carte” menu.

“Because our team had previously worked as ‘traditional’ PR consultants we saw firsthand how small corporations and start-ups have been forced to cut budgets or simply lack the funds for public relations,” said Michele Smith, president and co-founder of PR You. “And these are the businesses that can benefit most from the power of PR, especially at the critical stage of launching a new company. We saw a true need in the marketplace for a developed program to teach not just the theory, but also the practice of public relations to business owners who can’t afford a publicist or firm. And the answer is PR You.”

The company also offers licensing opportunities for industry experts who want to join the PR You team. Interested parties can email info@pr-you.com to seek more information on how to launch their own PR You business.

PR You is hosting two upcoming events in the Sacramento-area during November. The inaugural educational seminar is being offered for one-time only at 1/10th of the official program rates, and will take place on Nov. 12 from 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Hyatt Place in Roseville. The Sacramento PR You book launch party will take place Nov. 14 at Side Bar in El Dorado Hills, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Attendees at this social event will enjoy appetizers, wine and a chance to meet the authors. For further event information, to purchase the book “PR You! The Essential Do-It-Yourself Guide to Public Relations” or to learn about PR You’s menu of services, please visit www.PR-You.com or call 916-671-9617.

About PR You

The goal of PR You is to arm companies with the basic tools and structure necessary to start branding itself (or its products and services), and share the knowledge and skills required to create and launch a self-sustained PR campaign until the company is ready to turn the reigns over to a professional. PR You offers solutions to help you and your team learn how to successfully become your own publicist. Choose from our different programs and services tailored to fit a variety of business needs; from individual coaching to PR classes and seminars, or simply start with our book “PR You! The Essential Do-It-Yourself Guide to Public Relations.” Whatever your needs, the PR You team will help you conceive and implement your own public relations campaign with measurable success and marketable results. Licensing opportunities are also available for PR experts who want to join the team. For more information please visit www.PR-You.com.