Even smaller PR firms have big impact: Keisha Pickett Boyd proves hustle and relationships drive success

Just because it's a smaller public relations firm doesn’t mean it can’t deliver big results for its clients.

Keisha Pickett Boyd knows that firsthand. She owns Pickett Public Relations Group, a boutique PR firm offering everything from brand and communications strategies to media training and online promotions.

A dual threat in the game, Boyd has often worked as a two-person team alongside her lead strategist, amplifying awareness for client projects and various campaigns.

She’s taken those same skills and hustle into her current role, where she leads communications for an agency that manages toll roads and offers transportation solutions in Tampa Bay.

Her journey into PR was definitely not typical. But we'll let her elaborate on her story in her own words.

When she first started college, she planned on pursuing a medical degree. But that quickly changed after she helped promote a community event that ended up raising a historic amount of money. That moment sparked something, and she realized she had a real knack for communications (and for bringing in major dough for companies).

Now, with more than 30 years in the game, the Florida A&M University grad has taken on roles in ag comms and worked with all kinds of clients — pro athletes, film and TV studios, big-name brands, nonprofits — you name it.

In an exclusive interview with EIN Presswire, Boyd talks about what it means to lead communications in the transportation sector, an industry that affects nearly everyone in some way.

She shares a list of top brands her firm has worked with and the special projects they’ve led, and drops a few gems on how transparency has played a key role in her success.

Q: Tell us more about your journey into public relations and communications, and how you got started.

A: As a freshman at Florida A&M University, I wanted to be a doctor. That was until I realized that the sciences were not my jam. As a sophomore, I volunteered for this event called the Gobble Wobble, a 5K run/walk that raised money for less fortunate families for Thanksgiving. The organizer of the event was a graduating senior who asked me to take over and run the event. That 5th annual event was amazing. It was the most attended. We raised a record amount of money; and we partnered with Publix to feed the families. In addition, we had every news station in town at the event. It felt natural and fun. It was at that moment that I decided that public relations would be my focus.

I’ve been in communications for nearly 30 years. I started in agricultural comms fresh out of college. While the HQ was in Los Angeles, Dole and Del Monte were my first accounts in Hawaii. After some time, the company asked if I wanted to relocate to Hawaii. I declined and decided to move to Tampa to build the East Coast book of business. I would eventually open my own PR firm, Pickett Public Relations Group, which is now 22 years old. I’ve had the pleasure of working with so many amazing projects in an array of industries. It led me to be hired/contracted by other agencies across the country.

Currently, those acquired and nurtured skills have landed me at the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority where I proudly serve as the Director of Communications, Strategy, and Community Engagement.

Q: Describe your firm and the industries and clients you serve.

A: Pickett PR is a small shop, usually just me and an assistant that is focused on building and protecting the images of our clients. It is a small firm with a big reach. It serves a variety of clients, including professional athletes, film/TV studios, household brands, and non-profits.

We’ve worked with Paragon Film Music and several related projects including OWN’s “David Makes Man”, NBC’s “Shots Fired”, and the “Equalizer” movie series. We’ve also worked on several Disney Branded projects in conjunction with ONE35 Agency (“Proud Family”, “Moon Girl & the Devil Dinosaur”, “Sneakerella”). Pickett PR also worked on projects with Google, YouTube, Fox Sports (“Club Shay Shay”, “Nick Wright Show”) and Warner Brothers Studios (“House of Gucci”). We also worked on the NFL Superbowl, with several HBCUs (FAMU, Fayetteville State, Elisabeth City State, Bethune Cookman) and non-profits.

Q: What specific areas of PR do you specialize in?

A: Pickett PR is a media relations, community engagement, and activation firm. We’ve helped brands elevate their image and increase awareness around special projects. While my lead strategists are still pushing forward, for the past two years, I haven’t had much time for agency work. My full-time adventure has kept me busy; and I love the challenge of it all. It is a new industry that requires quite a bit of learning. It is a fascinating industry because it affects everyone around the world. I’m excited to see where this opportunity will take me.

Q: Could you share some insights into the strategies or best practices that have been key to your clients' success?

A: The key to my client’s success has been the personal touch and full transparency. I learned early on that people do business with people they like. We’ve operated with that in mind over the last 20 years or so. We must have good chemistry with those we work with or we politely decline. We don’t promise our clients any results or guarantee placement. We are completely open and honest about expectations and pivot when necessary to protect the clients. We also learned the power of the word “no”. Sometimes you just have to be assertive with clients and say “no” if it’s in their best interest.

Q: What is one of the biggest mistakes you see brands, companies, or organizations make in the field of PR?

A: As a person who has worked in crisis communication - one of the biggest mistakes has been the lack of transparency and proactiveness. A lot of times, they can miss the moment or opportunity to educate and raise awareness. Sometimes the risk is worth the reward, even if it's not clear.

Q: Anything else you'd like to share about the industry you work in or helpful tips?

A: PR/communications is an industry built by passion, pure desire and strong relationships. If you are not into talking to people, shaking hands and discussing solutions/collaborations - this is not the field for you. Show up authentic, personable and hungry to make things happen!