Media and reputation advisory practice

Law, accounting and medical practices, mid-sized companies, associations and local organizations that face regular or sensitive media attention.

Monthly retainers for ongoing advice and monitoring, plus project fees for crisis plans, media training workshops and urgent response work.

• Experience in journalism, communications or public relations
• Writing and editing under tight deadlines
• Building relationships with reporters and clients
• Running client accounts and invoicing

• Professional liability and commercial general liability insurance, check what each policy covers
• WCB/WSIB coverage rules by province if you hire employees
• Client confidentiality, especially during sensitive or legal matters, and clear contract terms
• In Quebec, check French-language requirements for client materials and your own marketing
• Relying on one or two large clients, which makes income risky if they leave
• Check whether a coworking or office lease is worth it versus working from home at first

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on insurance, tools, marketing and whether you add an associate. Check what professional liability and commercial general liability policies each cover.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many retainer clients you have and the scope of work. Relying on one or two large clients makes income risky if they leave.

Check WCB/WSIB coverage rules in your province if you hire employees, and set clear contract terms on client confidentiality. In Quebec, check French-language requirements for client materials and your own marketing.