Today, I want to talk to you about six mistakes that I’ve seen many PR pros make while trying to build and grow their businesses. These mistakes can mean the difference between total burnout and creating a PR business that you’re genuinely excited to run in the long term.

Let’s jump in!

Mistake #1: Not Getting Your Legal Ducks in a Row

First off, let’s talk about legal protection. So many PR pros overlook the importance of having contracts in place. Seriously, this is where you take some time upfront to dot your I’s and cross your T’s. Contracts are your protection plan, whether they’re with clients or team members. If you’re working with a client without a contract, that is a mistake—a massive one at that!

Contracts allow you to outline the scope of work, the terms of the agreement, and the consequences of a breach. It’s your chance to clearly define what you will and won’t do. For example, if a client doesn’t pay on time, you can have a clause that protects you and allows you to charge a late fee.

I recommend hiring a contract lawyer or at least using a solid template as a starting point. We have an awesome contract template in the Agency Accelerator that I personally use in my business. It’s been crafted from 20 years of experience and anticipates any potential pitfalls. I know legal stuff is super boring, but trust me, this step is NON-NEGOTIABLE.

Mistake #2: Treating Media Relationships Like a Transaction

Mistake number two is treating media relationships like a transaction. Your media contacts—editors, journalists, freelancers—they are people, not just a pathway to placements for you and your clients. You want to treat them like collaborators, not a checklist!

Support their work, meet deadlines, and provide them with what they need when they need it. You want to be the easiest PR contact to work with, so they come back to you time and time again. Follow up diligently, answer questions before deadlines, and make their jobs easier. Don’t just ask for favors; give value and build a real relationship!

Remember, one great pitch won’t automatically equal a lasting relationship. It’s about consistently showing up, even when you don’t need anything. When you see a media contact looking for a source on social media, offer to make an introduction, even if it doesn’t benefit you directly. Doing this fosters collaboration and trust.

Mistake #3: Skipping PR Education and Mentorship

Next up, mistake number three: skipping PR education and mentorship. Just because you’ve been in the game for a while doesn’t mean you can stop learning. PR is always evolving, and you need to evolve with it!

Join programs, stay updated with trends, and connect with like-minded professionals. This ongoing commitment to education is key to staying relevant. Surrounding yourself with mentors who can help you dodge the mistakes they’ve made is invaluable.

I often picture our community members feeling like they’re spinning their wheels, much like a car stuck in the snow. You’re pushing on the gas but going nowhere! That’s why we created our online community, the Powerhouse Pros group on Facebook, and programs like the Agency Accelerator. It’s all about collaboration and support.

Mistake #4: Waiting Too Long to Hire a Team

Now, let’s talk about mistake number four: waiting too long to hire a team.

I get it—this was me!

When I left my law career to start my agency, I thought I had to replace my income first before I could hire anyone. But I was on the fast track to burnout. A mentor once told me:

“Less Jen = more money,”

and that clicked for me.

I had to stop doing everything myself and focus on being the visionary of my company. Once I brought on my first team member, we saw a quantum leap in revenue because I could focus on bringing in more clients. Start small and delegate those tasks that drain you.

You might think nobody will do as good a job as you, but that’s the wrong mindset. Investing in a team is how you grow your agency, not something you do after you grow.

Mistake #5: Charging Less Than Your Worth

Mistake number five is charging less than your worth. Many PR pros believe that low pricing attracts more clients, but the opposite is true. Undercharging attracts bargain hunters, not your dream clients.

You want to be competitive in your niche by showcasing the phenomenal results you deliver. Thin profit margins make it nearly impossible to scale your business. Instead of pricing based on fear, deliver results, show ROI, and price based on the value you provide. That’s how you build a ✨ healthy, profitable agency ✨!

Mistake #6: Ignoring Your Client Onboarding Experience

Lastly, mistake number six: ignoring your client onboarding experience. We all love a VIP experience—who doesn’t? A seamless onboarding process builds trust immediately. If clients feel lost or uncertain, it can lead to doubts about their decision to work with you.

So, take the time to build a simple, streamlined onboarding system before kicking off a campaign. This is something we focus on in the Agency Accelerator as well. You want your onboarding experience to be plug-and-play, ready to go, making clients feel great about their decision to work with you.

Conclusion

To recap, make sure you have those legal protections in place—this is a non-negotiable. Build strong relationships with media contacts and clients; they are your biggest assets. Charge your worth, hire support, and have a phenomenal onboarding workflow. These are the keys to sustainable success.

I hope this has been helpful for you! Go out there and crush it this week! Kick ass because I’ll be over here kicking ass too. Can’t wait to see you next week on my next episode. Bye!