The role of a publicist is crucial when it comes to building brand recognition for yourself or your brand. Many times publicists are behind the scenes working on opportunities that may take months to come to fruition. They’re working their contacts and relationships in order to provide an opportunity for clients to be out in the world. So in turn what this means is that you need to make sure as a client you are doing your share to protect your career and presenting yourself in the right light. 

Remember that just because you might think something is a great idea at the moment but consequences can have a ripple effect with a long echo changing your career trajectory. If you’re working with a great publicist they will guide you and coach you so it’s important that you develop a stellar working relationship with your publicist. 

Now if you’re wondering how to improve your working relationship here are 5 top things to remember: 

1. Be Coachable 

As a client, you have to be willing to be coachable and flexible. A publicist is well experienced in many aspects so if they’re making suggestions it’s strongly advised that you follow those. Publicists only want the best for their clients and are looking to help clients build their brand. 

2. Communication Is Key 

Understand that communication is going to be a crucial component to the success of your relationship with your publicist. They don’t mind read, so you need to communicate with your publicist about the good, the bad, and everything in between. This is so your publicist knows how to create a strategy for you. 

3. Think Ahead 

Sometimes clients are in the moment and forget that their actions have consequences. So before you do something think about how it will affect your circle, your image, and the team you employ. Your goal is to make it as easy for your publicist to be able to work with you. 

4. Professional Courtesy Goes A Long Way 

If you have a publicist make sure you extend professional courtesies to them. For example, there is an opportunity that you would like to pursue and you decide to reach out yourself. This can be perceived as though your publicist isn’t doing his/her job. In these instances, it’s best that you approach your publicist first. When your publicist makes contact on your behalf it elevates your value as a client and a brand. 

5. Manage Your Expectations 

Be realistic with your expectations. If in reality, you are someone who is just starting out don’t expect to land major endorsements or sponsorships. These opportunities take time to build up especially when people are not familiar with your name or brand.