Arguably Detroit’s hardest working woman, Melanie Williams has just about seen and done it all. As the CEO of Guru Public Relations, Events and Concierge LLC, Williams juggles an array of clients in numerous industries including entertainment, healthcare, non-profits, and technology.
A 2007 graduate of Wayne State University, the 30-something PR specialist has been called the Olivia Pope of Detroit for her ability to make it happen for clients and make sure “it’s handled” whenever a problem arises. Williams’ hard work and dedication to her clients have not gone unnoticed by her peers. She’s been the recipient of numerous accolades and awards including the Michigan Chronicle’s 40 Under 40 award and being included in the 2015 latest edition of Who’s Who In Black Detroit.
Rolling out recently spoke with Williams about the ins and outs of being a PR guru and what she has on the horizon.
What is a guru?
A guru is a leader, teacher and master of his or her craft. A guru exemplifies confidence and is able to conquer the world at any given moment. To paraphrase Oprah, if you stay ready you will never have to get ready. A guru doesn’t take no for an answer and gets the job done no matter what it takes.
How does one become a PR guru?
It certainly is not easy. Working tirelessly comes with the job. You have to be assertive, aggressive and confident. Persistence is the key to getting the results that you want. There’s no room for fear or failure and there’s absolutely no crying. Like Tom Hanks said in A League of Their Own, “There’s no crying in baseball,” and truer words have never been spoken. In order to become a guru, you have to want it. There’s no faking it until you make it. You either have it or you don’t. You have to demand control, and then take control to have the power that you desire.
What do clients get when signing on to be represented by Guru PR?
My clients get a one-of-a-kind service with Guru PR. There is no Plan B, only our original plan and that’s what makes us stand out. We always find a way to come up with the desired results. I make myself available to my clients around the clock. I am very hands on and I treat all my clients the same way I’d want to be treated because at the end of the day they’re the reason I’m here and get to do what I love everyday.
Any advice for aspiring gurus?
My best advice is to simply be persistent. Just because one person tells you no doesn’t mean the next person will. Don’t give up on it if it’s something that you really want. Also always remember the golden rule that the client is always right. Never argue or disagree with your client about what they hired you to do. They are always right, even when they’re wrong.
What’s next for Melanie Williams?
So many things in the works. We’re launching a webinar series soon called Pick My Brain for new startups and entrepreneurs because PR and marketing is a need for new businesses but some can’t afford it. We’ve also got projects in the works with the North American International Auto Show, a non profit client Real Life 101, and a healthcare project called Tele Med where people can call the doctor or Skype them instead of going to the ER. It’s a new trend in healthcare that is taking the world by storm. Also down the line I’m looking to write a book, do a guru summit for college students to get hands on training, and launch a Guru t-shirt line that highlights various occupations such as “Makeup Guru”, “Marketing Guru”, “Rap Guru,” etc. As you can see, I have a lot on my plate, but I feel blessed to be able to do the work.
For more information on Guru PR please visit www.gurupr.us
