- Who or what is Hart Communications?
- What do you do?    
- Do you have any specialties?
- What don't you do?
- How do you work?  
- Who are your clients?  
- How do you prefer to be paid?
- May I see samples of your work?
- Do you take pro bono clients?
- You used to do media relations.  What's changed?
- What about consulting?
- Are you still teaching as well?
- Weren't you in business with your sister?

Have a question not addressed below? Let's chat.

Who or what is Hart Communications?
Hart Communications was founded by me, Tim Hart, in 2005 as an independent public relations firm. As of January 2009 the firm is now focused on editorial services -- writing and editing -- with occasional, full PR support for select clients.

What do you do?
I'm a writer and PR consultant. Primarily  I develop PR & marketing materials, editorial  content (online, magazine, blogs), corporate communications and promotional projects. I'll even write a greeting card to your mum if you can meet my quote. Common examples include

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Do you have any specialties?
I prefer projects in areas where I have the most experience and expertise: food & wine, health, science & wellness, nonprofit and the arts.  Safe to say, if it's got a consumer or community-relations angle it's probably a fit. 

Common industry-specific examples include:

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What don't you do?
Some things aren't a fit:  financial communications, investor relations, deep tech, personal finance, or big tobacco. I'm happy to make referrals if I can't help you. In the case of big tobacco please just go away. [return to top]

How do you work?
I work in collaboration with you. I ask many, many questions to get to the heart of your story (you can take a boy out of the newsroom but you can't take the newsroom out of the boy). From there I'll scope out the project and give you an estimate. Generally a quote involves research, writing, editing and approvals phases. Each project is unique and I'll be sure to point out any challenges I foresee. 

As for process, I work remotely and commonly deliver my work over email. I follow an agreed-upon, written schedule of deliverables and deadlines. Conference calls are great for progress updates and reality checks but in-person meetings may not always be practical as I work with clients across many geographies.  (Hint -- some of my best prose for you might actually be crafted from an internet cafe in Galway or while slurping the free wireless in Paris).

From time to time I'll bring in additional colleagues if the project requires it, such as specialists in graphic or Web design, media relations, technical expertise, etc.. I always play well with others and I respect the fact that my role is likely one of many on your team.  [return to top]

Who are your clients?
I'm proud to say I've assembled quite a list over the years.  Suffice it to say I've worked with dozens of companies across a wide variety of industries, including food & wine, health & wellness, nonprofit, the arts, banking, technology, pure & applied science, toys, tourism, government, small business and more. 

I work with individuals, companies or their agencies. In the case of the latter I'm frequently part of a team you've assembled to build a site, produce an annual report, launch a product,, etc.  [return to top]

What are your rates?
My rates are competitive for an award-winning writer with more than 20 years of experience.  I work with you primarily on an hourly basis or occasionally for a project fee. I'm happy to discuss your needs and budget offline.  
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How do you prefer to be paid?
I can work with you on a specific scenario if you have particular needs, but most often I'll bill you at month end for hours I've accrued. When it comes to cold, hard cash,  I've discovered more clients -- especially those in small business -- are asking if I accept credit cards. I'm happy to oblige. I can invoice you via PayPal so can handle the housekeeping simply online with a major card. Checks are always welcome as well.

I accept US Dollars, Euros and UK Pounds.   [return to top]

May I see samples of your work?
Of course. I'm happy to share select examples electronically.  Some pieces are more intricate, physical pieces that may not be easily represented online. We may need to reserve this for our first sit-down. I cannot mail pieces to you because I only have so many examples in the vault and need to guard them carefully. I'm sure we can work something out.  [return to top]

Do you take pro bono clients?
I do from time to time, but usually with a longer lead time. I do have a lower nonprofit rate  I'm happy to discuss with you if we aren't able to work together on a pro bono basis. [return to top]

You used to do media relations. What's changed?
I did. And I still do for select clients, but it's no longer my primary area of focus. I'm happy to discuss your needs to determine how we might best be able to work together.  [return to top]

What about consulting?
Often, a part of the process of helping you tell a more effective story involves studying how you've been doing it til now. That usually involves a materials audit or a messaging session to help you assess and refine your language to best fit your audience and your objectives. From there we'll craft your new language and materials. Additionally, I'm happy to join you at the big kids' table to help you brainstorm how to roll out those newly polished nouns and verbs through your various marketing channels. 

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Are you still teaching?
Yes., From time to time I conduct workshops or give guest lectures on marketing for small business, PR best practices, effective speechwriting and more.  [return to top]

Weren't you in business with your sister?
Yes. In 2008 my sister Kathleen Hart and I announced
The Savvy Marketers, our online classes in marketing for small business. The economic downturn has slowed our progress a bit but we're happy to keep you apprised of future class schedules when they're announced. You can sign up for the Savvy Marketers mailing list on the Savvy site.  [return to top]

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