A morning at PR School with Natalie Trice

Since I started as a digital marketing freelancer back in 2010 I have met a lot of brilliant entrepreneurs online, including some of my closest friends. Through Twitter meet-ups we formed a band of new Mums starting out, supporting each other in business and parenting. Eight years on and I’m looking forward to meeting up with them in Edinburgh next week for a mini adventure.

Lots of people find these support networks really helpful (just look at Mumsnet and, closer to home the Mums in Exeter group on Facebook). I have been inspired and I have learnt LOADS from the friends I’ve made so I make it my business to connect with inspirational people online and off.

One of the ways I have made friends since moving to Exeter is by joining groups on Facebook, see more of my tips here. I found a blogging group and made some brilliant new friends including PR Guru Natalie Trice who moved to Devon from London not long after we did (lots in common already).

Natalie Trice

Natalie has 20 years experience working on PR campaigns with the likes of The Discovery Channel. Her second son was born with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH). Through Natalie’s journey she was inspired to set up a charity and write ‘Cast Life – A Parent’s Guide to Hip Dysplasia’ to help others and raise awareness of the condition – nothing stops this woman.

So when she invited me to come along to one of her brand new PR School sessions I jumped at the chance to learn from her.

The Glorious Art House

The setting was one of my favourite places in Exeter for a coffee; The Glorious Art House and I got to meet its owner Rosy Tydeman (which was a pleasure). We met on the top floor amid the artwork that had been donated for auction to help repair the roof of the cafe, there were some wonderful pieces on display.

PR School

Natalie knows her stuff. She talked us through what PR is, why we need it, how to find the confidence to sell ourselves and how to write an awesome press release. Her approach was professional and relaxed and the content was interesting, empowering and 100% relevant.

I wish I knew Natalie when I started my business all those years ago!

We all went home with some fresh perspectives, ideas and a booklet full of notes, I actually went home and applied some of what I’d learnt directly to one of my client’s campaigns.

PR School is a great way to kick-start your PR skills, boost your confidence and meet like-minded people to network with.

Get signed up!

If you are a small business and you need some help getting your PR on the next PR School workshop is at The Glorious Art House on 23 May from 10am. There are only spaces for a maximum of seven people (so get in quick!). Tickets available here.

Disclaimer: I had a free session in exchange for a write-up but all views are very much my own – it was a really useful session