7 traits of startup PR clients

Managing communications for entrepreneurs is different than working with larger organizations. Here are several things to expect—along with how to make the most of it.

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However, underneath that shiny exterior, it’s not all angel investors and initial public offerings.

PR pros who have worked on new ventures can tell you that it’s not for everyone. Building relationships with startup clients differs from any other type of organization with which you may work.

Here are a few differences that makes the people behind these growing companies unique when it comes to PR:

1. They move quickly.

This can be a problem for some in the PR world. Agencies don’t always move as fast as startups wish they did. Some PR consultants aren’t cut out to move at lightning speed, either.

Startup clients have intense deadlines—and don’t expect much notice on every upcoming announcement. Things happen quickly in startup land.

2. They like to pivot.

Just when you think you know the direction and have the messaging down, startup clients decide to pivot in a different direction. Not everyone can turn on a dime and change it up overnight—but with startups, it can happen.

You have to be prepared to change gears quickly.

3. Their expectations must be managed.

Most startup clients want to be featured in TechCrunch. PR pros understand that this might—or might not—happen.

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