Amid economic uncertainty and apprehension from large agencies to engage short-term or small-scale projects, New York PR pro Mike Paul said he is offering clients a two-hour counseling session below his standard hourly billing rate.
Paul |
Paul, an independent advisor for nearly two decades via MGP & Associates after working at Burson-Marsteller, told O’Dwyer’s he typically bills at $850 per hour but is offering an advisory session he likens to a PR version of “visiting your therapist” for less than $1,000.
“Traditionally, agencies give away the farm for free in an initial consultation,” he said. “This session gives them a chance to ‘test drive’ our advice on improving a reputation or work toward a solution to a problem, while also compensating us for our time.”
Paul said he also seeks to engage clients that seek short-term or immediate advice and are weary of lengthy retainers.
“People have smaller situations that many agencies won’t touch,” he said, noting concerns over smaller fees or conflicts with larger clients are often cited as rationale for turning away such business.
Paul added that his two-hour counseling sessions play to PR's roots in psychology with the intention of changing ineffective or harmful – to a reputation – behavior.
He added: “It is a solution for both the economy and clients seeking shorter-term solutions overall and it is the first of its kind in the industry.”