Hiring a Fractional Head of PR and Communications can be a strategic move for businesses looking to enhance their public relations efforts without the full-time commitment. Here are five essential things to consider when bringing a fractional PR leader on board:
DEFINE YOUR GOALS AND EXPECTATIONS
Before hiring a fractional PR professional, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of your goals and expectations. Are you looking to increase brand visibility, manage a specific campaign, or enhance your media relations? Defining your objectives will help you find a candidate who can tailor their expertise to meet your specific needs.
ASSESS EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE
Look for a fractional PR leader with a proven track record and diverse industry experience. Evaluate their past work with brands similar to yours and their ability to deliver high-impact strategies. For example, my nearly three decades of experience with global brands like The Royal College of Art, Cartoon Network, CNN, and Discovery Channel have equipped me with the skills to handle a wide range of PR challenges effectively as well as global insights.
ENSURE FLEXIBILITY AND SCALABILITY
One of the key benefits of a fractional PR role is flexibility. Ensure that the candidate can scale their services according to your business needs. Whether you require intensive support for a product launch or ongoing strategic advice, the right fractional PR leader should be able to adapt to your changing requirements.
EVALUATE COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION SKILLS
Effective communication and collaboration are vital when working with a fractional PR professional. They need to seamlessly integrate with your existing team, understand your brand’s voice, and communicate effectively with stakeholders. Look for someone who demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills and a collaborative approach to working with diverse and multi-generational teams.
CONSIDER THEIR APPROACH TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION (EDI)
In today's business landscape, it's essential to have PR strategies that are inclusive and considerate of diverse perspectives. Ensure that your fractional PR leader has a keen interest in EDI and can incorporate these principles into their work. As a creative entrepreneur and lecturer with a PhD pending in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, I prioritise EDI in all my strategies to help businesses connect with broader audiences and foster an inclusive brand image.
By considering these five factors, you can make an informed decision when hiring a Fractional Head of PR and Communications. This approach ensures that you get the expertise and support you need to elevate your PR efforts and achieve outstanding results without the overhead of a full-time hire.
Interested, get in touch and let’s chat.
Natalie
