Liza and I get maybe a call a week from a company that “just wants to get a news release out” on a new product, service or event.  And while news releases serve to educate journalists – and ultimately their audiences – on these new announcements, some people think that’s where public relations ends.

Quite the contrary.  Public relations is comprised of developing relationships with so many different audiences: company employees, individuals in the local community, key investors, journalists, bloggers, existing consumers, new prospects, etc.  And the way to build relationships and trust is to implement an ongoing public relations plan to continually keep these different audience members apprised of ongoing news, developments and announcements.  This can happen through media relations, special events, grass roots marketing, social media activities – but very rarely is it a result of sending one lone press release.

For example, we’ve worked with Progress Lighting to execute a strategic PR plan for three years.  We send out news releases to announce new products, awards and company news – but we are successful throughout the year in getting media coverage in key outlets because of ongoing relationships.  I know which publications are working on certain issues – and I try to be a resource to them however I can by sending product information, images and resources for these focuses.  In turn, these same editors trust that when they need an image, information or resources, they can reach me and I will provide requested images as soon as possible to meet their deadlines.  This trust didn’t happen overnight – or because of one press release they received.

Our team conducts extensive research for each client and every opportunity.  We ask questions such as, “Where are key audiences getting their news?  Which messages will resonate with individuals to get the desired reaction (whether increasing awareness, changing behaviors, motivating them to act in a certain way)?  And what is the best way to get this message in front of them?”

When our clients realize that there are so many unique ways we can help them achieve their communications and business goals, a single press release becomes less and less of an option.

What are the best ways you get your news in front of your audiences?  For PR professionals, what is the most creative thing you’ve done to communicate your client’s or company’s news?  Or, how much do you rely on just creating and distributing news releases?

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Jan. 13, 2010 – Full Circle Public Relations continues to grow its team with two recent additions, Mandy Copp and Caitlin Greeley.

As Full Circle PR’s office manager, Copp provides administrative support, as well as research and graphics capabilities.  She moved to Greenville from eastern Tennessee with her husband last fall and holds a bachelor of fine arts from East Tennessee State University.

Greeley, who recently graduated from Clemson University with a bachelor of arts degree in Communication Studies, joined as public relations account coordinator.  In her new position she carries out day-to-day activities that support strategic public relations programs for the agency’s client base, which includes Costa sunglasses, Progress Lighting, Brains on Fire, Prescolite and Coldwell Banker Caine.

The firm has also contracted Laurie Fontenot, president of L’Acadian Communications, who assists with social networking strategy and execution.

“These positions are a reflection of our growth and commitment to our clients,” said Liza Jones, president of Full Circle PR. “The new hires have already made a positive impact on our entire team dynamic, and we are excited to have them on board.”

About Full Circle Public Relations

Full Circle Public Relations, LLC is a full-service public relations firm in Greenville, S.C., offering media relations, grassroots marketing, special event and social media support to nationally recognized brands. Full Circle PR works with one client at a time and produces strategic marketing plans that put them in touch with their audience using a variety of online and offline tools. Founded in 2009, the firm’s clients include Costa sunglasses, Progress Lighting, Brains on Fire and Coldwell Banker Caine. For more information about Full Circle PR, visit www.fullcirclepr.com, or call 864.672.9614.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Full Circle Public Relations Opens Shop in Downtown Greenville

Greenville, S.C. – Sept. 4, 2009 – Business partners Liza Jones and Kim Banks, APR have opened Full Circle Public Relations in downtown Greenville, located on the first floor in the Innovate Building at 148 River Street.   The firm specializes in public relations strategy for clients, including media relations, grassroots marketing, social media guidance and crisis communications.

Prior to opening Full Circle PR, Jones and Banks operated as independent public relations practitioners in the area.  The two will combine their existing client partnerships as part of the new business agreement.

“I’ve known and worked with Kim for years, and we’ve long since had a plan to bring a progressive public relations firm into the region,” said Jones, president of Full Circle PR.  “We’re putting the relationship back into public relations, helping our clients connect with their target customer on a variety of different levels.”

Banks serves as the director of client services for Full Circle PR, while Jones oversees the new business strategy for the company.

Jones graduated magna cum laude from Clemson University with a bachelor of arts degree in Speech and Communications.  Banks received a bachelor of arts degree in Communications with a concentration in Journalism from the University of North Carolina – Charlotte.   Both women are members of the Public Relations Society of America South Carolina chapter.

For more information about Full Circle PR, visit www.fullcirclepr.com, or call 864.672.9614.

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