Last week I had a chance to talk with Matt Langan, a seasoned PR pro I’ve had the pleasure of working with in the past. What I was struck by was how Matt mirrored larger trends affecting PR and work in general, so here I am writing this post.
At the onset, let me say I was already a big fan before we spoke. What I didn’t know was the full story about how Matt and his wife Ana left DC behind for a new home in beautiful Manchester, Vermont for themselves and their twin daughters. Matt’s the epitome of the free agent professional — as long as you have a decent broadband connection, your home base can be anywhere.
Of course you also need the smarts and the experience. Matt’s 15 years of technology PR experience with agencies like Euro RSCG Magnet and DBC PR had given him that, plus the discipline to run his own shop. Even though he launched in June 2008, right at the start of a severe recession, L&R Communications is thriving.
Just like Strategic, Matt is finding that more of his work is in the area of social media. “Social media work is more resistant to economic pressures,” he shares. “When you’ve got a vision and a track record of success, socmed work will be in demand.”
Another 2.0 trend Matt reminded me of is the changing nature of who is an influencer. For over 15 years Matt pitched the media as part of media outreach for clients. Now because of a really interesting engagement, he is the media.
“One of my clients is the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation,” Matt told me. “Basically they are the foundation for imaging and data mapping in the intelligence community. They are a forward looking organization that saw the need for new channels to reach their members, and for a way to differentiate themselves from others in the GIS mapping space.” The result was got geoint?, a blog/community site Matt helped design and serves as editor-in-chief. The content is served hot, fresh and good three times daily, which I can attest is an real achievement.
So here’s the role reversal part. gotgeoint? has become a must-have placement in the geospatial community, and Matt finds himself getting pitched all the time for executive interviews and company profiles. And of course as a PR pro, he can spot the good ones from the bad. “It’s been a great experience being on the other side. As long as the pitch is clear, logical and shows that the organization is reading gotgeoint? I’m almost always open and can find some time. Some of the ones that aren’t make me very empathetic to what traditional reporters and editors go through!”
Personally I found Matt’s success really encouraging. Having been in this industry a long time as well, it’s great to see that experience and having been there/done that still counts for a lot. As long as you are adapting and accommodating the tremendous 2.0 changes that are sweeping public relations and communications in general.
If you want more Matt info, here’s his LinkedIn profile. And if you’re ever in Manchester, try to catch one of his rock band’s performances. The Battenkillers are well know throughout the state.
I’ve had the fortune of making Matt’s acquaintance shortly after his move up to Vermont and, while we have not yet had ample justification to hire a PR professional for our railroad freight business, he would, undoubtedly, be the top candidate on our list for retainer.
Very few people are as creative and hard working as Mr. Langan. When it comes to getting a message across, his meticulous and diligent work ethic are what make him the success he is today.
Very glad to have seen this. We represent an entity in the EU who is currently looking at candidates to spearhead a presence in the American market. Will definitely follow up.
Love your post. Having worked with Matt – I have to say Amen. He is truly a leader in this industry and gives the rest of us in PR a good name. – In addition to all of his smart efforts and results -Matt is terrific to work with – nice, kind and funny person!