K.L. Davidson of KellyMaven Media is one of the most exceptional public relations/marketing professionals in the industry. With her wide range of clients and creative campaigns, she not only elevates their brands, she uplifts the culture at every opportunity.
What inspired you to begin a career in public relations?
I stumbled into it. I was trying to get back into marketing after coming off of some stay-at-home mom time after having my son. I got a position at a marketing and PR firm working on the Marketing Side. They immediately started asking me to work on PR projects after about two months because the owner said that I had the right personality and skill set for it. 10 years later, I’m still at it.
Tell us some of the services your company offers.
We offer marketing, public relations, instructional design, social media, grant writing, content creation, and event production.
Name some of the brands that you worked with since launching.
I have had the pleasure of working with Google, Industrial Bank, Ebony Magazine, Black Lives Matter #BLM10, National Parks Service, Minority Business Development Agency, Facebook, The Year of Return, etc..
How do discern whether to take on a client or project? What do you look for?
I first look at their work. Is it something that I might use or enjoy and if I wouldn’t, do I feel like it’s something that would bring value to other people’s lives? I especially love projects that have social impact and work that moves black people forward. Then once we have a conversation, I check the vibe. I do not work with clients that I don’t like. I wish them the best, but I wish them away from me. And I look for people who can pay me. Because I always have a pro bono client and I love to volunteer, I believe in serving, but I have these bills that I need to atone for. I didn’t choose the bill life; the bill life chose me.
What would you say is the most common misconception of public relations?
There are two that tie in my mind. That it’s just about getting on TV and that it’s sales. There are many different facets of public relations. You have to have a very thorough conversation with your publicist about your specific goals and needs, how they’re going to be accomplished, and how you can measure the results. Be an informed client. Having misguided or uninformed expectations negatively affects the work. Every contract is going to be different, while there will be some similarities, it’s the type of working relationship that has a lot of nuance to it.
Are there some things a brand should inquire about when seeking a publicist?
Definitely check their receipts. Google them, their name should come up in some press releases. But there may be cases where for some reason it does not. Check references. No one should have a problem giving you one or two.
Do you have any advice for someone looking to start career in public relations?
Write well, be organized, have integrity, treat people well, use your talent to help not harm, get the bag, and enjoy. ENJOY.
Also, be thinking ahead, if you aren’t already, about multiple streams of income. You don’t always want to trade your time for dollars. Figure out how to create passive income. Many people in the consulting service industry are going to work until they retire just like people who have nine to fives. And there’s nothing wrong with that, but if you think you’re going to get into this and get wealthy and retire early from just doing PR, that’s not likely going to be the case.
Also, if somebody doesn’t give you a job, create your own. Most people know someone who wants to be a star, volunteer to do their PR, and keep your receipts. Get them to write a testimonial or recommendation letter and build your portfolio. Not for long though, remember the bag.
For more information on K.L. Davidson and KellyMaven Media, visit www.kellymaven.com
Be’n Original
