We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Simone McDowell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Simone below.

Simone, appreciate you joining us today. Can you share a story that illustrates an important or relevant lesson you learned in school

This question made me go all the way back to being a college senior at Bowie State University. I was picking classes for my last semester and I needed a general elective. I almost decided on a hard math class and my advisor asked me why didn’t I choose something else. After all, I only needed a general elective. There weren’t many classes available due to timing, my schedule, etc. but I revisited the options upon my advisor’s nudge.

Ultimately, I chose an experimental art studio class, where you learn about all types of mediums (paint, collage, clay, etc.) and create your own work too. It was one of the best decisions I made because in hindsight I can see how that class opened my world up to art. After the class, I began going to exhibits and then seeking out other creative outlets. This led me to poetry, theatre, live musical performances and more. I almost missed being exposed to such creativity (mine and others) because that class (or art at the time) was not on my radar. I am thankful for that nudge and how art continues to have an impact on my life decades later.

Simone, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I majored in Public Relations in college, so I am actually doing what I went to school for. Once I found out what PR was all about through my college career center, the light bulb went off and I knew it brought together all my career interests and I have been doing it ever since.

Throughout my 20+ year career, I have worked in a variety of industries including nonprofit, higher education, television, healthcare, real estate development and more. When I began Magenta Communications in 2020, I wanted to continue with such industry variety and overall, simply better each business I work with. I appreciate the balance of securing media coverage for a new healthcare center opening while helping an event planner with a strategic plan for sales and engagement and taking a call with a business owner who wants to know what her website is missing. Some of the ways I determine which projects I focus on is based on passion and mission.

Magenta Communications provides the following signature services:

One-Hour Consultation Online Meeting
This consultation call provides a one-hour online meeting session to discuss any communication need your business may have. We will identify one PR topic of your choice prior to the meeting. During the meeting we will dissect this topic, giving you awareness, clarity and action steps to overcome this obstacle in your brand/business. Question prompts will be shared to get your brain flowing. This is a one-hour commitment.

Three-month PR Strategic Plan
This plan will give you a three-month view of marketing and communication ideas and opportunities (2-3 ideas per month), including but not limited to social media, events, e-newsletter topics, partnership/influencer opportunities and more.

The plan will be specifically designed for your company/brand. The included ideas will be detailed enough to make a creative impact but not too overwhelming that you will not be able to make significant progress independently. The three-month strategic plan will be delivered within two weeks after a planning call (to discuss plan objectives and ideas) plan. This is a 30-minute commitment for the initial planning call. Additionally, there is an optional 30-minute meeting following the delivery of the strategic plan.

Monthly PR Retainer
The intent of this service is to increase visibility, raise brand awareness and showcase the leadership in your company as a thought leader in the industry. Magenta Communications’ efforts are layered for ultimate impact for your company.

The monthly PR retainer service includes the creation of a biography and talking points to ensure you are prepared for PR success. These documents provide the groundwork and preparation for the distribution of your press release (also created by Magenta Communications) to garner media coverage. The press release is distributed to pertinent media in the traditional and online space including radio, television, print, blogs and influencers. Supporting documents and best practice tips will be shared throughout the partnership to enhance awareness.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I love a good book and every once in a while, I will share books I have read on social media but the one I am mentioning hasn’t made it to social media yet because I just finished it. It’s called “Answers for Modern Communicators: A Guide to Effective Business Communication” by Deirdre Breakenridge.

It is chock-full of communication nuggets for new professionals and includes great reminders for the seasoned professional too. I enjoyed that I could relate to the author, in many ways, but in one way in particular: she also started in the industry before social media was a thing and has had to evolve with the changes.

It includes examples from her career, perspectives from communication colleagues and answers all the questions you can think of related to the industry. I see this as a book all the PR OG’s wish they had growing in the industry and a great gift for new pros. Here are a few excerpts from the book:

#1: The goal is not to be like them. You want to stand out and apart from them. When it comes to being curious about the competition, it really means you want to be different.

#2: Listening helps you to personalize or customize customer communication, and it can also lead to more innovative pitches with media.

#3: With an extremely noisy media landscape, you need to replace your self-serving company announcements with valuable and customized content that is meaningful in your customer’s world.

#4: Your goal is to stay transparent, helpful, and ready to provide more information, when you can and as often as necessary.

#5: You can easily get all-consumed with your work, family, and helping others to succeed. However, you must find the time for yourself, building your greater purpose, achieving personal goals, and feeling satisfied.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Referrals have been the best source for new clients. I understand that it takes time and trust to do so, and I am extremely grateful anytime a friend, colleague or another type of connection recommends Magenta Communications. I have also had success with interest that turns into clients through social media.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.magentacommunications.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magentaprcomm/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MagentaComm
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/magenta-communications

Image Credits
Amanda Anderson Photography