PR Firm Goes to Washington

Here’s something you don’t see every day: Indianapolis-based advertising and PR agency TrendyMinds will be a guest of President Obama as he delivers his first State of the Union address. Actually, founder Trevor Yager will be the one on hand to plug (with just his presence) the benefits of PR. I know we’re all real envious right now (I am!), but I think it’ll be really important for us in the biz to listen carefully, especially if the President actually mentions the name of the company as one, a small business, has prevailed in this incredibly less than stellar economy (understatement, anyone?).

            Here’s some info from TrendyMinds’ press release: “According to a recent PR Week article, more than 63% of PR agencies reported losses (ouch!) in the previous year, a result of the troubled economy and a changing media landscape that has made many agencies unsure of where they stand.” Okay, I guess you already know all that. What makes TrendyMinds’ work notable and explains the White House’s invitation is that last year the firm grew by more than 200%. The company doubled the number of employees, gained 15 new accounts and even did some remodeling to accommodate the growth. Pretty impressive.

            But what can we learn from the company and the fact that the founder is in DC? First of all, Yager says that the growth of his company is “testament to the value of public relations.” He adds, “Our small size enables us to respond creatively and quickly to our clients needs . . . This means we’re nimble enough to adjust our internal strategy to make sure our company strong and our clients achieve maximum results.”

            Clearly, the firm’s work with nonprofits probably had something to do with the White House invitation and that is definitely something we can learn from. Too often, when we’re squeezed we do away with the work that doesn’t pay. But TrendyMinds did something different. First, the firm awarded $50,000 of in-kind work to eight non-profits. And this year, the agency will donate $150,000 of in-kind work to 12 nonprofit.

            Here’s the quote from agency principal Vicki Bohlsen that makes me smile the most: “We’re thrilled the President has recognized our success and, in doing so, recognizes the value of public relations. Our industry isn’t going anywhere.”

            From her mouth to prospective clients everywhere . . .