7 things all PR pros should do before going solo

This article originally ran on PR Daily in May of 2018.

The PR profession is growing.

Public relations is projected to be one of the top 10 occupations by 2022, and there are plenty of career options. PR pros can work for a corporation, an agency, a non-profit, a startup or a small business. They can specialize in a variety of areas, including influencer marketing, crisis communications, media relations and thought leadership.

Going solo as a public relations pro seems to be an increasingly popular choice. It sounds so appealing to choose your clients, choose your hours or work from wherever you want. However, there are a few steps you should take before you hang out that shingle.

Here are seven suggestions:

1. Line up potential clients.

In advance of quitting your day job, be thinking—and talking—to those who may be interested in using your services. Certainly, use discretion, but it doesn’t hurt to start putting the word out to those you trust that you’ll be striking out on your own soon.

2. Never stop networking.