Liz Matthews: Dos and Don'ts Every PR Professional Should Know
Liz Matthews is the founder of a leading public relations and communication agency in London, servicing some of the most well-known brands and faces in the industry. Her client roster includes names like Alexa Chung, Good Squad girl Charli Howard, Moët & Chandon, and Superga and the day-to-day projects and opportunities that come across her desk are sure to make any fashion-fan swoon. It goes without saying, Liz’s success is an inspiration to any budding PR professional, but it wouldn’t have happened if she hadn’t decided to take a leap of faith to follow her dream.
Photo courtesy of @LIZMATTHEWSPR
Photo courtesy of @LIZMATTHEWSPR
After graduating with a degree and media and business, Liz began overseeing PR for various tech and lifestyle accounts at a range of agencies. But she had an end goal in mind. “I realized quite early on that I was much more fulfilled, creatively, personally and professionally, when I truly believed in what I was selling,” she recounts. “I came to the conclusion the only way I was going to be able to guarantee that remained the case was to be in charge of my own destiny.” At thirty-years-old, Liz took the leap and started LMPR, specializing in talent representation initially, and eventually moving into complimentary brands and full-service consultancy. The rest is history.
LMPR, under Liz’s leadership, is constantly growing, evolving, and innovating in the ways they help their clients achieve commercial and cultural relevancy in the media landscape. The foundation of her approach to effective PR however, has never wavered. For career success like Liz’s in the professional world of public relations, here are her rules to follow:
Photo courtesy of @LIZMATTHEWSPR
Photo courtesy of @LIZMATTHEWSPR
DO get as much experience as you can and make sure you are constantly reading and learning about the industry. Stay curious.
DO stay ahead of your competitors and find ways to future proof your offering.
DO have a strong point of view. If you are well read and researched, clients respect this and will listen.
DO challenge things. Ask questions and strive to make a difference in what you are doing. We believe in the power of communication and authentic story telling.
DO take time to carefully and sincerely build a network. Make friends with your peers, they will grow with you and be editors and authorities in their field over time, as will you.
DO NOT pitch something or someone to journalists if you do not believe in it. They will see straight through you.
DO NOT do anything just for the money. If your gut is suspicious, take time to listen to it. You’ll almost always regret it and it’s never worth compromising your contacts.
DO NOT ever be anything other than authentic. Remember, reputation is everything.
DO NOT run before you can walk. Take time to learn from mentors and peers and perfect your craft. This will earn you longevity.
DO NOT expect an easy ride. Know that the world of fashion is hard to infiltrate. You will need to be patient, and creative, have incredible energy and passion, but above all, be consistent.
And along the way, have fun and smile. Life is for living. Enjoy yourself!