Media training and crisis statement adviser

Business owners, executives, school districts, healthcare providers and associations that want to be ready for reporters or are dealing with a problem now.

Fixed fee per training session or workshop, plus day rates or urgent-response fees when a client faces a live issue.

• Past experience in journalism, PR or communications
• Coaching and role-play
• Writing under time pressure
• Staying calm and discreet

• Consider professional liability (errors and omissions) and general liability insurance
• Be clear in contracts that you advise, and the client is responsible for what they publish or say
• Check legal limits when advising on statements, and consider referring legal questions to a lawyer
• Income can be uneven because crisis work is unpredictable

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on your equipment, insurance and how you set up your coaching sessions. These are estimates, and your actual costs will depend on what you already have and how you work.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many clients you coach and how often crisis work comes in. Income can be uneven because crisis work is unpredictable, so plan for quieter months.

Consider professional liability and general liability insurance. Make your contracts clear that you advise and the client is responsible for what they publish or say. Check legal limits on advising on statements, and consider referring legal questions to a lawyer.