PR Firms are a fantastic asset for bloggers! We sat down with the Skirt PR Team to learn more about their firm, and how bloggers can be better partners to PR firms and their clients.
Please tell us a little about Skirt PR
Skirt PR is a boutique public relations agency based here in Chicago. We have a focus on the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle sectors; in addition to publicity, we offer social media and event services. Though we are based in Bucktown, we work with both local and national clients and have executed events all over the country.
How was the name Skirt PR chosen?
Our president and founder, Adrienne Eckert Petersen, selected the name because of its double entendre. It refers to both a skirt that you wear (alluding to our roots in the fashion industry) and as politely persistent publicists, our ability to skirt the issue when necessary.
What are you looking forward to this year for Skirt PR? Any big events, big clients you’re working to land?
Last year was very exciting for us: We celebrated our 10th anniversary and were endorsed as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the WBENC – but we have a feeling that 2014 is going to give 2013 a run for its money!
We are constantly looking to grow our client roster and add to the already amazing list of brands we work with. All of our current clients have big things in the pipeline for spring and summer – stay tuned! As far as events, we’re thrilled to be working with Brides Bubbles & Bliss for a second time as well as assisting with the Lincoln Park Zoo’s annual Zoo Ball for the third year in a row. Last year, we spent the summer touring the U.S. – from D.C. and Chicago to Dallas and Miami and finally to San Francisco – with our friends at Birchbox. We are anticipating another busy summer of events and will definitely share them with WCBC so you can join in on the fun!
Why do you like working with bloggers?
As members of the public relations field, we understand and appreciate the power of word of mouth. These days, it’s beyond simply telling your friends about a product over lunch – you can tell thousands of people about a product through a gorgeous, filtered photo! That being said, social media and its influence is a large contributing factor to why we enjoy partnering with bloggers. Whether it is through attending an event or crafting a post about a client, blogger support is invaluable to us; we understand and respect that you are trusted advocates with loyal followings.
How can bloggers be a good partner for your company?
We value creativity (in fact, we covet it!) so bloggers who offer a unique voice and point of view are typically the ones we want to partner with. We look for bloggers who can understand a brand and know how it relates to his or her personal brand. And of course, we always appreciate those bloggers who attend an event and share the experience with their followers through tweets or Instagram photos.
Which female entrepreneurs do you look up to?
Oh, where to begin!
First of all, our own president, Adrienne, who started Skirt PR when she was 25 years old. The way she balances being a mom to her daughter, Margot, while simultaneously leading our team is certainly something to look up to.
Indie Lee, who started her eco-chic skincare brand after recovering from a brain tumor. She’s insanely positive and inspiring on a daily basis.
Countless designers, editors, and businesswomen: Diane von Furstenberg, Anna Wintour, Marisa Mayer… the list goes on! We just love seeing women “lean in” (to borrow a phrase from another woman we look up, Sheryl Sandberg) and run the world like Yoncé knows we all can!
What is your advice to women looking to get out there and network?
Be yourself and be confident. It’s that simple!
Any other advice you have for bloggers? What are the most important things for bloggers to know when working with PR companies?
Be consistent. We are looking for bloggers with a strong following that consists of fans who truly value their opinion. It’s not necessarily about numbers, but about the relationship you have with your readers.
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