Mark Roach – Sports Editor & Writer | Media & PR Consultant, RC LIFESTYLE
Broadcast PR Campaigns Consultant, Shout! Communications
I am a writer, editor, blogger and media/PR consultant, based in Uxbridge, near London. I have more than 30 years of experience as a journalist and editor. I help people with effective content for websites, blogs, newsletters and press releases and help them with raising awareness for their business or organization.
Q1. Did you always want to become a consultant or did you fall into the role?
I fell into the role. I started out as a sports journalist because of my passion for sport and writing about it. Then I went on to become sports editor of several newspapers and an editor of magazines and websites. Now I help people who want to promote their business with effective content.
Q2. What makes a good consultant?
Be true to yourself. Provide a service that is based on your own experience and expertise. The starting point for any project should always be to listen to the client and understand their objectives.
Q3. Do you feel you manage yourself well or is it a case of ‘the cobbler’s shoes’?
I think I manage myself well. Good communication is important. It is also important to work in a way that delivers on the client’s objectives, but that can be done in a way that also works well for you.
Q4. Are there enough hours in your day?
Yes – and it is also important to strike a good work-life balance.
Q5. If you could magically stop your clients from making one mistake – what would that be?
Not taking advice from and trusting someone with relevant experience and expertise, then wondering why a campaign or project did not go as well as it could have done.
Q6. What do you find is the best way to market yourself?
LinkedIn has been a great tool for this. Also, keeping in contact with your clients and wider network of contacts, plus business networking and good old fashioned word of mouth recommendations and referrals. If budget allows, working with a specialist marketing agency also helps.
Q7. What do you do to unwind?
It’s good to switch off. I enjoy watching sport and films and I’m looking forward to an overseas holiday again at some point!
Q8. What advice would you give a starting consultant?
Focus on what you are good at and enjoy. Do everything you can to let as many people know about you and what you do. Use LinkedIn, attend networking events – and work with someone who can help with effective content and PR! Have confidence in yourself. People can benefit from your expertise and experience. Build good relationships with people. They are more likely to work with you if you provide a good service and they enjoy working with you.
Q9. What’s your guilty pleasure?
Watching late night films.
Q10. What’s your goal for next year?
Overseas travel!
To connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-roach-3200b512/