Professional public relations practitioners know the most successful communication campaigns drive home relevant key messages to segmented audiences. A key audience within the CPRS Calgary membership is independent consultants. In fact, nearly 25 per cent of Calgary members are "Indies". As such, CPRS Calgary is steering a new initiative - Indy500 - to develop specific benefits of membership for this group.
The goal of the Indy500 program is to provide resources to help CPRS Calgary's independents accelerate their businesses. Numerous ideas have been flagged: business development opportunities, online consultant directory, business management support, online resources, networking and problem-solving support. PR practitioners make their living by billable hours therefore all programs offered will be cost effective and an excellent investment of time. Several key components of the program are already zooming ahead.
Indy500 Online Consultant Directory
CPRS is pleased to provide this directory to assist organizations in sourcing the public relations and communications expertise they need. The consultants listed are all members of the Canadian Public Relations Society and have pledged to maintain the spirit and ideals of the CPRS Code of Ethics. CPRS Calgary does not endorse the consultants listed in this directory. The service is targeted at the overall business community, not just CPRS members, so we are currently developing tactics to drive traffic to the site. If you market yourself as an independent public relations practitioner and are a CPRS Calgary member in good standing, click here to learn how to post your listing.
Indy500 Online Resources
The Indy500 Resources section provides resources and links specifically targeted at consultants. Topics include articles, business development resources, business resources and associations. Indy500 participants are encouraged to submit articles and resources for posting on the site.
Indy500 Events
Informal, free events are being planned to provide Indy500 members with access to experts to help them race to the front of the pack in managing their business. Suggested topics include accounting, legal, time management, insurance, project management and self-marketing. These coffee breaks would also serve as a forum for advice and recommendations - like a virtual office of peers - which is not readily available to consultants. And from a business development perspective these events will allow consultants to connect with each other to pursue joint projects, share business leads and provide referrals. Ultimately, building a strong network of like-minded professionals is valuable both for business and personal reasons. Watch your inbox for upcoming event announcements.
If you would like to join the "pit-crew" helping drive the ongoing development of this initiative, please contact Susan Elford, APR, of Elford Communications or Lisa Rushka, APR, of Momentum Communications.