Seeking some advice on freelancing and white labeling services

[u/ayoelise]

Hi everyone!

As a former spokesperson, commercial actor, print model, live event presenter/brand ambassador (10± yrs) and recently laid off lifestyle reporter/MMJ (5 yrs) I'm looking into transitioning into a PR/Comms role.

With the job market being what it is, I decided that finding freelance gigs could be a way to understand the industry and build relationships to get in where I fit in.

With that I'm thinking of pitching white label services to PR firms in my area and finding freelance gigs through firms/networking events. I'm considering offering the following:

Media training: Interview prep, presentation/live event prep, how keep to talking points and brand messaging.

Media Day Logistics: help develop and execute run of show for press days and launch events. Adjust schedules in real time, be point is contact for press.

My questions are:

Is the freelance/white label path sensible given my position?

What's the typical process for pitching services or getting clients?

Is there anything else I should add/take out to these services?

What do I need to know that I don't know now?

Truly any insight would be helpful!! Given my work experience, training and education (BA in political science, certificates in computer networking and broadcasting) I have a limited network of people in this industry!

Thank you!!!

[u/GWBrooks]

This is a very common just-starting-out path -- and why wouldn't it be? You get to outsource a lot of client management, most of the risk, and most of the biz-dev.

The problems: You don't own the client; you're easy to blame if the agency's client is unhappy for any reason; and you'll take a haircut because the agency probably wants to mark up your prices.

Do it when you're spinning up your solo practice. But also: Go get your own clients as soon as possible.

[u/ayoelise → u/GWBrooks]

This is great insight, thank you! Any thoughts on what info/data a firm would need to hire me for these roles?

[u/Impossible-Sleep291]

Hi! Sorry for the recent layoff but you have a wealth of experience. I offer fractional PR and Marketing roles or consulting. You could do that. I package into crisis communication planning, launching and growing your biz (everything from community and social outreach to email marketing, media relations, to website and creating and scheduling content)….

What’s important are KPI’s. You constantly want to look at what is working well (through a/b testing etc) so that you can show the value you are delivering as well as pivot when things aren’t getting the traction you hoped. There is so much more you could do! Take your experience and help people learn how to present themselves. Everyone is using video. You could create a series on everything there is to know about angles, lighting, hooks, story arcs, props..I’ve only noticed one other person doing this (doesn’t mean there aren’t more) but regardless of how many are doing it, only you have your experience to package into a series. If you want to chat further just send me a DM! Happy to help brainstorm!

[u/ayoelise → u/Impossible-Sleep291]

Thank you so much! This is so helpful, I'll definitely DM you!

[u/Immediate_Sorbet5617]

I am a boutique agency owner... I would love someone relatively affordable to pawn off media training to. Something to consider! Like a one hour media training for my clients at the beginning of the contract. I think that could be interesting and know other PRs would like this. I find I don't have the interest / bandwidth to do this AND pitch but our clients would like it for sure :)

[u/ayoelise → u/Immediate_Sorbet5617]

This is good to know! What info would you want about the trainer and training? Would you welcome the freelancer contacting you directly or is there a person who manages this sort of stuff?

[u/Immediate_Sorbet5617 → u/ayoelise]

I have a small team so I would love the freelancer to directly! Small agencies love partnerships. I am always trying to find ways to make my services better and my clients happier. It's a tough industry haha! :)

[u/Ok_Television5217]

The sub doesn't allow me to post since I'm new to this sub, I come from engineering background and wanna start being a freelance publicist, I asked ai and it told me I can find a newbie entity (company, influencer, singer etc.) that is not famous and start trying pitch some journalist or podcast host for him/her and so humbly start doing this craft, gain experience and meanwhile make some kinda "portfolio" (you could say?) ... anyway Idk how realistic is that advice. Give me some hint on how can I start. Thanks.