by pulseprni | Jun 1, 2025 | Clients, Opinion
Grainne McGarvey | Pulse PR Director
This month marks 15 years since I started Pulse PR – a milestone that feels both surreal and deeply satisfying. Working for yourself is one of the most rewarding and challenging things you can do. There’s no roadmap, no guaranteed wage, and no boss to lean on – but there’s also freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to work with clients and people you genuinely want to!
To mark this anniversary, I wanted to share 15 lessons I’ve learned along the way – the kind of advice I wish someone had given me when I started. Whether you’re just starting out or years into your own self-employed journey, I hope something here resonates, reassures, or re-energises you.
1. You are the business: People buy from you before they buy what you do. How you show up matters. Be consistent, be genuine, and be someone they want in the room.
2. Know your worth: You’re the expert, so let that show in how you price and present your work. Confidence in your value takes time to build, especially when it comes to setting rates, but it’s important not to undervalue yourself. My dad used to say: “If it’s £100 an hour, it’s £5 for the time and £95 for the expertise.” And if someone thinks it’s easy that’s okay, you can always let them try it themselves.
3. Bring your personality to the table: Unless you’re doing heart surgery, it’s okay to have a laugh. Clients remember how you made them feel, so be someone they enjoy working with.
4. Don’t overpromise and underdeliver: Self-employment lives and dies on trust. Guard your reputation. Be clear, be realistic, and do what you say you’ll do. Ireland, and more importantly Northern Ireland is a small place- if you throw someone under the bus – people will find out about it, and quickly.
5. Be flexible: When I started in 2010, print media was everything. Now it’s digital-first. I went back to night classes, ran social media for friends, learned the ropes. Adapt or get left behind.
6. Not every day feels like a win but keep going anyway: Some days are slow. Some are chaotic. Some are just… meh. Show up anyway. That’s what being self-employed is all about.
7. Your time is a non-renewable resource: Protect it like gold. That “quick coffee to pick your brain” may not be that quick and they can all add up. It’s okay to say no, especially if it’s not valuable or energising.
8. You can’t work in the business all the time: Client work pays the bills, but don’t forget to work on the business. Marketing, strategy, PR, visibility… no one else is going to do it for you.
9. Be your client’s biggest believer, and their clearest mirror: Encouragement matters. But so does honesty. Clients don’t hire you to tell them what they want to hear, they hire you to help them grow. And sometimes that means kindly telling the truth.
10. Be a problem solver: Things go wrong, it’s part of the job. What matters is how you respond. Clients are generally very understanding, but they do want solutions so be ready with a Plan b.
11. Come clean when you make a mistake: We all make mistakes. Own them, fix them, and move forward. People trust those who are honest more than those who pretend to be perfect.
12. Never stop learning: Things change fast. Stay curious. Read the blogs. Subscribe to the podcast. Try the thing. Ask the question. That’s how you stay ahead and stay relevant.
13. Structure gives you freedom: It might sound boring, but it’s true. Routines, tools, systems, they stop things slipping through the cracks and let you focus on the stuff that matters.
14. Community matters more than competition: Other self-employed people aren’t your rivals, they’re your support system. Find the ones who get it and stick with them.
15. Not every client is the right client: Sometimes, things just don’t click, and that’s okay. If something feels off, trust your instincts. Protect your energy, your values, and your peace of mind.
Get in touch if Pulse PR can help your business: info@pulseprni.com
by pulseprni | May 26, 2025 | Clients, News
Following a highly successful series of events earlier this year, ESB Science Blast, the RDS-led initiative fostering young scientific minds, is set to ignite curiosity and celebrate STEM learning as it arrives in Belfast on Tuesday 3 June at the ICC.
Now in its sixth year, ESB Science Blast has engaged more than 82,000 students across Ireland reflecting the growing enthusiasm for STEM education nationwide.
This year’s Belfast event will feature schools from counties Antrim, Armagh, Down, Derry, Fermanagh and Tyrone and showcase 30 STEM-related projects, each exploring simple, thought-provoking scientific questions investigated by primary school students.
The event is organised by the RDS (Royal Dublin Society), which has a long-standing commitment to promoting science and education in Ireland.
In addition to the student projects, a range of leading organisations will exhibit at the event, offering fun, hands-on STEM experiences and demonstrations. Exhibitors at the Belfast event will include W5, Waterways Ireland, the Northern Ireland Fire Service, Ulster Museum, ESB, Marble Arch Caves, Kainos, NI Water, and the Armagh Planetarium. Their involvement will provide students with exciting opportunities to see how science, technology and engineering are applied in the real world.
Niamh De Loughry, RDS Deputy Chief Executive – Foundation, said:
“We are truly humbled by the incredible response from schools. It is inspiring to see the dedication of teachers and the boundless curiosity of pupils as they explore scientific questions in fun, hands-on and imaginative ways. ESB Science Blast continues to make STEM accessible and bring it to life for young people from a wide range of communities.”
Marguerite Sayers, Deputy Chief Executive, ESB, added:
“ESB Science Blast has been a transformative experience for thousands of students across Ireland. Supporting this initiative is one of the ways we help nurture a diverse talent pool and encourage children to see the endless possibilities a career in STEM can offer. We are proud to continue our partnership with the RDS and our mission to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders.”
The impact of ESB Science Blast extends beyond the showcase events. A recent national survey carried out by ESB and RED C Research highlights strong parental support for STEM education, with 80% of parents of primary school-aged children supporting participation in extracurricular STEM activities, and 54% actively encouraging their children’s interest in STEM subjects.
Furthermore, survey data shows:
- 71% of participating pupils reported improved teamwork skills
- 86% noted enhanced presentation skills
- 81% felt more confident applying STEM to real-life situations
ESB Science Blast plays a key role in developing essential life skills such as critical thinking, collaboration and confident communication – all of which are highly valued in today’s workforce.
The ongoing partnership between the RDS and ESB, extended for a further three years, reinforces a shared commitment to nurturing a scientifically literate and innovative future generation. The programme also champions inclusivity, with a strong focus on ensuring equal access for all students, including significant participation from DEIS schools (18%) and Gaelscoileanna (18%) nationally.
by pulseprni | Apr 30, 2025 | Clients, News
Farm support charity, Rural Support announces the launch of Farming in Partnerships, a new initiative which is part of DAERA’s transformational new Sustainable Agriculture Programme.
The Farming in Partnerships programme is designed to bring together farmers who do not have a ready successor with new entrants or other farm businesses who face limited access to land and other agricultural resources.
The programme is a direct response to two growing challenges in the farming community: the increasing number of family farms without a clear succession plan, and a rising generation of eager and skilled individuals who are ready to step into the world of farming but can’t find a way in.
Farming in Partnerships provides a space for new connections to form and helps participants explore a wide range of collaborative arrangements. From farm management opportunities and shared farming agreements to new enterprise development and long-term business partnerships, the goal is to build practical and lasting relationships that benefit both parties.
Each partnership is supported by Rural Support’s team of farm business mentors, who offer guidance at every stage of the journey. This includes help with relationship building, business planning, communication, and the financial aspects of working together.
According to the team at Rural Support, the process is designed to be gradual, guided, and grounded in real-world farming experience. It recognises that handing over a farm – or stepping into one—is a deeply personal and complex decision. That’s why mentoring and tailored support are key components of the programme.
Catherine McKenna from Rural Support said, “This programme is about creating opportunities for the next generation of farmers, and for those established farmers who want to see their life’s work carried on. We know these conversations aren’t always easy, but with the right support, they can be transformative. Farming in Partnerships is about building trust, opening doors, and keeping land in use for the future.”
For those who have worked on farms but never had the opportunity to take ownership, or for those thinking about the future of their own business but unsure where to start, Farming in Partnerships offers a positive way forward.
Anyone interested in finding out more is encouraged to contact Rural Support to explore the options available and begin the conversation. Contact: farmgenerations@ruralsupport.org.uk or 02886760040
by pulseprni | Apr 14, 2025 | Clients, News
eComm Live 2025 Unveils the Playbook for Ecommerce Success in Belfast
eComm Live, Ireland’s leading ecommerce conference, returns to Belfast on Wednesday 30 April and Thursday 1 May 2025, promising two action-packed days of insight, innovation, and inspiration for retailers, agencies, founders, and software providers.
Held at The Assembly Buildings Conference Centre and surrounding venues, this year’s theme, ‘The 2025 Playbook for Success,’ sets the tone for an event focused on navigating the future of ecommerce. Attendees will explore a dynamic agenda covering the most pressing topics in the industry, including Cross-Border Growth, Social Commerce, and the launch of Amazon.ie.
With over 400 ecommerce professionals expected from across Ireland and the UK, eComm Live 2025 will offer unmatched opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration.
This year’s confirmed speakers include Grace Beverley, Founder, TALA, Niall Horgan, CEO & Co-Founder, Gym+Coffee, Lucie Macleod, Founder, Hair Syrup, Sarah Esler, Head of Digital Product, Brown Thomas Arnotts and Nilam Atodaria, Brand Partnerships Manager, TikTok.
Beyond the keynotes and breakout sessions, delegates can look forward to a vibrant lineup of social and networking events, making it easy to connect with peers, thought leaders, and potential partners in an energetic and supportive environment.
For more information and tickets, visit: www.ecomm.live
//ENDS
by pulseprni | Mar 31, 2025 | Clients, News
One of Northern Ireland’s largest free farming awareness events, Open Farm Weekend, launches today, once again highlighting the local farm to fork journey.
Organised by the Ulster Farmers’ Union, with Bank of Ireland back as title sponsor, this eagerly awaited initiative will see 20 working farms open their gates to school children and the public. Alongside showcasing food production, the event will also spotlight key topics such as nutrition, farming heritage, and the essential role farmers play in daily life.
Set to take place over Father’s Day weekend, from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 June, Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend is expected to draw up to 20,000 visitors eager to experience farm life firsthand through a packed programme of interactive and educational activities.
Speaking at the launch on Armagh Apple Farm at Ballinteggart House, a farm that has been involved in the initiative since its inception in 2012, Diane McCall, Senior Business Manager, Bank of Ireland UK emphasised the significance of the agri-food industry:
“A thriving and sustainable agri-food industry is vital for communities within Northern Ireland. We’re proud to once again be the title sponsor for Open Farm Weekend and to be celebrating the important contribution the agri-food sector makes to our society and economy.
“Our local farms are working hard to address some of the biggest societal challenges, from sustainability to farm safety, all while delivering the highest standards of produce. Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend gives consumers the chance to step behind the gate to get to know local farming families and see first-hand the passion and dedication that goes into every local farm fresh product.”
Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend invites visitors of all ages to engage in hands-on activities and connect with the farming community. The initiative aims to bridge the urban-rural divide by offering an authentic look at food production and farm life, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of the agricultural sector.
With farms participating across a range of counties, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the realities of modern farming.
John McLenaghan, Deputy President of the Ulster Farmers’ Union and Chairman of Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend, highlighted the diversity of experiences on offer: “This year’s event features 20 farms, each showcasing different aspects of agriculture. Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in Northern Ireland’s rich farming heritage, gain insight into food production, and meet the hardworking farmers who dedicate 365 days a year to putting fresh, local produce on our tables.”
by pulseprni | Mar 27, 2025 | Clients, Opinion
Grainne McGarvey | Pulse PR Director
Public Relations has long been seen as the “softer” side of marketing – brand awareness, reputation management, thought leadership. But PR, when done right, delivers real business results. I recently worked with a client on a new service launch, and the outcome clearly demonstrates why PR can work, even for companies based in Northern Ireland aiming to reach global markets.
Our campaign with ARC Regulatory secured strong coverage in the business press in Northern Ireland – a great win in itself. But what happened next truly showcased the power of PR in today’s interconnected world. Thanks to strategic promotion on social media – especially LinkedIn – the coverage reached potential customers in the US, who saw the story and, crucially, it helped tip the balance and get them over the line.
PR didn’t just create buzz – it had a direct impact on sales.
But that’s not all. The PR exposure sparked enquiries from a number of potential new clients, all interested in the company’s services. Website traffic saw a huge spike, and LinkedIn engagement went through the roof. This is exactly why PR should not be underestimated. It’s not just about getting your name out there – it’s about aligning your story with your business goals and reaching the right people in the right way.
Why PR Works – And Keeps Working:
Here are a few additional reasons why PR is such a powerful tool:
- Credibility and Trust: Being featured in respected media outlets lends third-party credibility that advertising simply can’t replicate. It positions your brand as a trusted leader.
- Amplification on Social Media: In the age of LinkedIn, X and Instagram, media coverage has a second life. PR stories can be amplified across platforms, extending their reach far beyond the original audience.
- SEO and Web Traffic: Online articles and mentions can boost your SEO, driving more organic traffic to your website and increasing your visibility on search engines.
- Lead Generation: As seen with our campaign, PR can generate real leads. When potential clients see your success, they want to be part of it.
- Global Reach from Local Roots: As this case showed, you don’t need to be based in New York or London to make a global impact. PR can transcend borders, especially when leveraged through digital platforms.
- Long-Term Value: A good PR story keeps delivering value over time. Media coverage stays online, continues to be shared, and often gets referenced by others.
Final Thoughts
In an increasingly noisy marketplace, PR helps you cut through the clutter with authentic, compelling stories that resonate. It’s about more than just coverage – it’s about connection, conversion, and growth. Whether you’re targeting customers down the road or across the Atlantic, PR can work – and work wonders – for your business.
Get in touch if Pulse PR can help your business: Info@pulseprni.com
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