Shrewd PR

10/03/2026

Good Morning, On this lovely sunny morning I'm happy to share that I'll be speaking at BusComm Kettering Business Networking next Tuesday 17th March.

Shrewd PR celebrates is 22nd birthday this year, and I shall be sharing with you my journey into the world of PR.

Have a great week!

26/02/2026

🚫 Networking isn’t difficult but it’s easy to get wrong.

At ShrewdPR, we often see the same avoidable mistakes holding professionals back from building meaningful business relationships.

Here are 5 common networking mistakes (and how to fix them):
1️⃣ Talking too much about yourself
👉 Aim for a 60/40 split listen more than you speak.
2️⃣ Being vague about what you do
👉 If others can’t clearly explain your business, they can’t confidently refer you.
3️⃣ Trying to sell too quickly
👉 Focus on rapport first. Trust precedes transactions.
4️⃣ Not preparing beforehand
👉 Review attendee lists (where possible) and identify 2–3 people you’d genuinely value connecting with.
5️⃣ Failing to nurture the connection
👉 One coffee, one supportive comment, one check-in message relationships need consistency.

Good networking feels natural but the strategy behind it should always be intentional.
Which of these do you see most often? 👀

24/02/2026

✨ As February’s theme has been networking, the ShrewdPR team has been reflecting on what genuinely works not just in theory, but in real business conversations.

Here are 5 networking wins you can start using immediately:
1️⃣ Go in with intent
Don’t “just attend.” Decide whether your goal is visibility, collaboration, referrals or insight.
2️⃣ Lead with curiosity
Ask thoughtful questions. People remember how you made them feel not your elevator pitch.
3️⃣ Refine your introduction
Have a clear, confident 1–2 sentence summary of what you do and who you help clarity drives referrals.
4️⃣ Connect the dots
Introduce people to each other. Becoming a connector builds credibility and trust quickly.
5️⃣ Follow up within 24–48 hours
A short, personalised LinkedIn message referencing your conversation keeps momentum moving.

Networking isn’t about collecting contacts it’s about building relationships that create opportunity over time.

What’s been your biggest networking win this month?

19/02/2026

We're delighted to announce that we have a new client!

We're currently helping RentUrApp™ with their marketing. They're a tech firm who create apps for the transport and logistics sector that help to streamline businesses and improve the flow of information through the business.

It's been great getting to know Wayne Russell, Nigel Russell and Andy Tsui over the past few weeks, and we'd like to thank them for their patience as I get to grips with the tech side of their business.

I'd also like to thank Karl Hobbins from for the introduction.

17/02/2026

My theme for this month has been networking. As some of you may know ShrewdPR is 22 years old this year. In those years a lot has changed within the PR and Marketing world, but through it all one thing has remained constant.

Yes, you guessed it .... Networking. With that in mind I just wanted to give a shout out to a few people from within my network.

Mark Coster from Pixooma Ltd a consummate networker, amazing graphic designer and my go to when ever I've got a design question.

Becky Hewes from the Handpicked Wine Box, based in a Thrapston and fountain on knowledge on all things wine. Their mail-order service is fabulous and they'll even go the extra mile and hand write gift cards for you.

Natasha Hudson from Hudson Virtual, she's the VA you'd always want in your corner. Nothing seems to be too much bother, she's an oasis of calm in what can often feel like a monsoon of admin.

Julie Futcher from The Sales Ace, she's a fountain of knowledge on all things sales. She's also a master at helping you to understand how to make LinkedIn work for your business.

12/02/2026

If you’re looking for a networking group that’s genuinely welcoming, supportive and full of real business opportunities, the new BusComm Rushden & Wellingborough group is one to watch.

I’ve been part of for years, and it’s hands down one of the most engaging and friendly networking communities I’ve ever been involved in. The conversations are meaningful, the people are authentic, and the connections you make actually lead somewhere.

I’ve built long term relationships, gained new clients, and found collaborators simply by showing up and being part of this brilliant community.
If you’re based in or around Rushden or Wellingborough and want to grow your network in a way that feels natural (not salesy), this new group is a fantastic place to start.

Take a look at the details here:
👉 https://www.buscomm.co.uk/rushden-wellingborough/

Come along, join the conversation, and see what happens when networking is done right.

10/02/2026

Networking isn’t about collecting business cards — it’s about building relationships that last.

After years of being part of two brilliant networking groups, I’ve seen how powerful long‑term connection can be for PR, visibility, and business growth. It takes time, consistency and a genuine interest in others, but the payoff is huge.

I’ve written a new blog all about why networking is one of PR’s most valuable tools — plus five things you should always bring to a networking meeting.
If you want to network with more confidence (and less pressure), give it a read.

👉https://www.shrewdpr.co.uk/blog/why-networking-is-essential-for-pr-success-how-to-build-long-term-business-relationships

Discover why networking is essential for PR success and small business growth. Learn how long‑term relationship building, meaningful conversations, and consistent participation can strengthen your visibility, credibility, and opportunities — plus five ess

30/01/2026

Tip 12: Capture results and testimonials
Case studies and reviews build credibility and help convert attention into action.
⭐

28/01/2026

Tip 11: Build relationships, not just coverage
PR is about people. Strong journalist and influencer relationships pay off long-term.
🤝

26/01/2026

Tip 10: Plan your PR calendar early
Mapping key dates, launches and campaigns early keeps PR proactive — not reactive.
📅

23/01/2026

Tip 9: Invest in quality visuals
Strong imagery boosts engagement and increases your chances of media coverage.
📸