Know-How Exchange : Advertising/PR

The first thing I'd be doing is talking to companies and not leaving till you know you'll have your first client. Before leaving I'd also have a business plan, define your niche, research your competitors, decide on your own marketing and focus on the financials. Then make sure you have living expenses for about 2 years-- the time it will probably take to be profitable.

Make sure you have a good creative partner who knows about traditional and new media approaches and has connections with production houses (tv, printing work and web). Make sure (if you do not have the knowledge) you get a planner and also a media person. The latter you could skip if you make a business arrangement with a media agency of your choice. Make sure you set very clear your commission if you decide by the latter. Start knocking doors. You need a client base to start operating and producing creative works that you can use when selling the agency. Decide if you are going after B2B or retail or consumer advertising or corporate. When you have the agency name make sure you have it printed in newspapers, specialized magazines and if possible in tv marketing news with an inauguration cocktail. Invite people from the media who are well known and producers. If properly handled they can tip about business open to hear presentations. Keep making contacts, invite prospects to lunch, keep calling, keep contacting, get presentations, participate in business pitches. You need a lot of noise to start but the final test is going to be the campaign prepared for your clients and their success once in the air. These are you best selling insignias. Good luck!

Which country are you from? Different countries have different registration guidelines. Second! Either concentrate on Advertising o PR, not both (to start with). If advertising, then start with creating a A) DTP setup B) Creative Set-up or partnering other firms to provide that input. C) Servicing Team for client briefs and interaction and finally YOU who should prove that you have effective Branding and Creative plans for different sectors. Just go and meet people, and the more you meet the more advertising needs you will create. It works, as the need to advertise is still seen as a luxury service by many. Once businesses come to realize that the process is easy, they start spending more. Simple!