Ad Land’s Young Guns: Harday Gupta, Founder of The Right PR

In the short span of 7 years, Harday Gupta has successfully established, maintained, and handled the PR mandates and duties of many clients of different domains – banking, real estate, manufacturing, education, lifestyle, personal finance, taxation, software to name a few. He has also successfully managed to launch a dedicated and full-service PR start-up – The Right PR. 

In conversation with Adgully, Harday Gupta, Founder of The Right PR, speaks about his journey with his entrepreneurial venture, building a long term career in PR, he also provides several useful tips to youngsters looking enter this field, and more. 

What particular skill sets do you think you bring to the table?

As a PR professional, I believe that I bring a unique set of skills and experiences to the table that enable me to excel in my role. Firstly, I have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, which allow me to convey messages effectively and persuasively to different audiences. Whether it's drafting press releases, pitching to journalists, or communicating with stakeholders, I can do it with ease. 

Secondly, I am a strategic thinker with a strong understanding of the media landscape. I keep up-to-date with the latest industry trends and can identify opportunities and potential issues before they arise. This enables me to develop effective PR strategies that align with the overall goals of the organisation. 

Thirdly, I am a creative problem solver. I enjoy brainstorming new and innovative ways to promote my client or organisation, and I am always looking for ways to differentiate my clients from their competitors. I am not afraid to take risks, and I am always willing to think outside the box to achieve results. 

Fourthly, I am highly organised and detail-oriented. I understand the importance of deadlines, and I always strive to deliver work of the highest quality, even when under pressure. I am proficient in managing multiple projects simultaneously and can prioritize my workload effectively to ensure that everything is completed on time and to a high standard. 

Finally, I am a relationship builder. I understand the importance of building strong relationships with journalists, stakeholders, and clients, and I am always looking for ways to strengthen those connections. By building trust and credibility, I can help my clients or organization achieve their objectives and maintain a positive reputation in the industry. 

Overall, I believe that my combination of communication skills, strategic thinking, creativity, organisation, and relationship building make me a valuable asset to any PR team. 

How did you join your current organisation? 

As the founder of The Right PR, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on my journey thus far. It’s hard to believe that it has only been a little over two years since we started this venture, but looking back, I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved. 

Starting a PR agency from scratch is no easy feat, but it has been an incredibly rewarding experience. When we began in April 2021, we had a vision of creating a company that would not only provide outstanding PR services but also be a positive force for change in our industry. 

In the early days, we faced some challenges, such as building our client base, establishing ourselves as a reputable agency, and navigating the various hurdles of entrepreneurship. However, we remained focused on our goals and were determined to succeed. 

Over time, we have grown both in terms of our team and our client base. We have had the privilege of working with some incredible companies and organisations, helping them to achieve their PR goals and make a positive impact in their respective industries. 

But beyond our work with clients, we have also been committed to making a positive difference in our industry. We have been vocal about the need for greater diversity and inclusion in PR, and we have worked hard to create a workplace culture that is welcoming and inclusive to people of all backgrounds. 

Looking ahead, we are excited to continue growing and evolving as a company. We know that there will be challenges along the way, but we are confident in our ability to overcome them and continue making a positive impact in our industry. 

What are the five most productive things that you do in your everyday routine? 

As a 31-year-old male, I prioritise productivity in my daily routine in order to accomplish my goals and maintain a sense of fulfillment. Here are the five most productive things that I do every day: 

Exercise: Physical activity is an essential part of my routine as it not only helps me maintain my physical health, but also my mental well-being. I make sure to exercise for at least 30 minutes every day, whether it’s going for a run, hitting the gym, or doing a home workout.

Planning and Prioritising: Before starting my day, I take some time to plan and prioritize my tasks. This helps me stay organized and focused on what's important. I use a to-do list or a task manager to keep track of my responsibilities and deadlines. 

Reading and Learning: I believe that continuous learning is crucial for personal and professional growth. I make sure to spend some time each day reading books or articles related to my interests or industry. This helps me stay up-to-date with current trends and new ideas.

Time Management: Managing my time effectively is essential for me to accomplish my daily tasks. I use various techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, time blocking, and prioritizing to ensure that I am making the most of my time.

Connecting with People: Building and maintaining relationships is an important aspect of my personal and professional life. Every day, I make sure to connect with my family, friends, and colleagues to stay connected and build stronger relationships. This helps me feel more connected and supported, which is crucial for my overall well-being. 

Do you think a career in this field is a viable one in the long term? 

As the founder of a PR agency, I can say with confidence that a career in public relations is not only viable but also crucial in the long term. The role of public relations has become increasingly important in the digital age, where companies must navigate a complex and constantly changing landscape of public opinion and media coverage. 

PR professionals are responsible for managing a company’s reputation and ensuring that the public has a positive perception of their client. This includes developing strategic communication plans, creating content, building relationships with journalists, and monitoring media coverage. With the rise of social media and the 24-hour news cycle, the demand for skilled PR professionals has only increased. 

Furthermore, as businesses become more socially responsible, they need PR experts who can effectively communicate their values and commitments to the public. This includes addressing controversial issues, such as climate change, diversity and inclusion, and social justice.

In short, a career in public relations is not only viable but also essential in today's fast-paced and interconnected world. As long as companies need to manage their reputation and communicate with the public, there will be a need for skilled PR professionals.

What does it take to succeed in a career?

To succeed in a public relations career, there are several key skills and qualities that are necessary. Here are some important factors to consider: 

Strong communication skills: Effective communication is at the core of public relations. You should be able to write well, speak confidently, and be able to clearly articulate ideas and messages to various audiences.

Relationship-building: As a public relations professional, you will need to build strong relationships with clients, colleagues, journalists, and other stakeholders. This requires excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to network, and a natural talent for building trust.

Strategic thinking: A good public relations professional can think strategically about how to position their client or brand, and how to communicate effectively with different audiences. This requires a deep understanding of the target audience, the competitive landscape, and the broader cultural context.

Creativity: To succeed in public relations, you need to be creative in your approach to communication. This means coming up with innovative ways to grab attention, generate interest, and drive engagement.

Adaptability: The public relations landscape is constantly changing, and you need to be able to adapt quickly to new trends and technologies. This requires a willingness to learn, a flexible mindset, and the ability to pivot your strategy when necessary.

Attention to detail: In public relations, every detail counts. You need to be meticulous in your approach to planning, executing, and evaluating campaigns.

Business acumen: To be successful in public relations, you need to understand the business side of things. This means knowing how to measure ROI, manage budgets, and deliver results that align with your clients’ business goals.

Professionalism: Finally, it's essential to maintain a high level of professionalism at all times. This means being reliable, punctual, and responsive, and always acting in the best interests of your clients.

Overall, succeeding in a public relations career requires a combination of skills, qualities, and mindset. With dedication, hard work, and a commitment to ongoing learning, you can build a successful and fulfilling career in this exciting field. 

What would be your advice to youngsters planning to enter this industry?

Sure, here are some general tips and advice for youngsters planning to enter this industry as a founder of a public relations agency: 

Before you start your career in PR agency, you should have a good understanding of what public relations is all about. Do your research, read books and articles on the industry, attend conferences, and network with professionals in the field. This will help you to develop a strong foundation and knowledge base for building a successful PR journey.

Public relations requires a wide range of skills, including writing, communication, strategic thinking, creativity, and networking. You can start building these skills by taking relevant courses, volunteering before working in a PR firm. Practice writing press releases, developing media pitches, and building relationships with journalists.

Last but not the least, networking is key to building a successful PR agency. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with other professionals in the field. Build relationships with journalists, bloggers, and influencers who can help you to get your clients’ stories in front of a wider audience. Also, the PR industry is constantly evolving, so it’s important to be adaptable and flexible. Keep up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies, and be willing to try new things to help your clients achieve their goals. 

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

I see myself continuing to lead and grow my company in the next five years. I envision our agency becoming even more influential in the industry, working with bigger clients and taking on more challenging projects. 

In five years’ time, I see our agency expanding its reach to new markets and possibly even opening offices in other parts of the world. We will continue to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the industry, providing our clients with innovative and effective communication strategies. 

Additionally, I see myself taking a more strategic role within the agency, focusing on overall business development and shaping the company's long-term vision. I will be working closely with our team to develop new services and products that meet the evolving needs of our clients. 

Overall, my goal is to continue building a strong and successful agency that is recognized as a leader in the industry. I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and I am excited about the future of our agency. 

Is there any organisation that you would like to work with in the future?

As the founder of a two-year-old public relations agency, my primary focus is on building and expanding my agency’s presence in the industry. We have worked with a variety of clients and have gained valuable experience and expertise that has helped us to grow and establish our reputation. 

As we look to the future, we are always open to exploring opportunities to collaborate with other organizations that share our values and vision. We believe that partnerships can be mutually beneficial and can help us to expand our reach and impact. 

That being said, our primary focus is on serving our clients and delivering outstanding results for them. We are committed to providing high-quality services and building long-lasting relationships with our clients. 

In conclusion, while we are open to exploring potential partnerships with other organisations in the future, our primary focus is on building and expanding our agency and serving our clients to the best of our abilities.