Unique Concept

MABU PR Business Model Explained

MABU Public Relations operates under a one-of-a-kind business model. It is best described as a collaborative business relationship between a full-service marketing agency and affiliated communications professionals from across the country.

Marketing & Advertising Business Unlimited, Inc. (doing business as Agency MABU), contracts with independent freelance professionals to assist them in starting and operating their own businesses.

"I'm dedicated to helping affiliated consultants and their clients succeed in business," states Mike Mabin, founder of Agency MABU. "By providing resources and support services, Agency MABU helps PR professionals fulfill their dream of running their own freelance operation."

Agency MABU provides affiliated consultants with the following:

- Brand Name: Authorization to market their business under the nationwide brand name "MABU Public Relations."

- Starter Package: Orientation program and educational materials on "how to start and run a successful freelance business."

- Marketing Materials: Customized marketing items including a logo, business cards, introductory newsletter, portfolio and marketing plan.

- Website: Customized website and e-mail address.

- Toolkit and Templates: A "how to" toolkit with checklists for everything from planning a special event to building a website. Standards templates are also provided to affiliated consultants for writing client proposals and marketing plans.

- Professional Development: Ongoing training and educational resources, including an annual convention and trade show.

- Discounted Services: Access to specialized services at a discounted rate including graphic design, website development, market research and advertising production. These services enable affiliated consultants to expand the services that they offer to their clients. Additionally, the discounted services enable affiliated client to mark-up the projects and generate revenue above and beyond their own billable hours.

Each affiliated consultant establishes their own business as a sole proprieter - much like a typical freelance professional. However, rather than operating each business under a variety of different names, each affiliated office operates under the common brand name of MABU Public Relations.

For those affiliated consultants who already have existing company names, they agree to be marketed as part of the nationwide MABU PR network; however, they can retain their existing name and identity in their local market.

The inspiration for the business model came to Mike Mabin from an unlikely place. The founder's mother and sister are both independent beauty consultants with Mary Kay Cosmetics. Mabin was impressed by the way in which the Mary Kay organization helps it affiliated consultants set up and successfully operate their own home-based businesses. Mabin saw a correlation to the communications profession which is predominantly comprised of women - professionals who are seeking better ways to balance their work lives with their personal lives.

The business models used by freelance professionals, as well as full-service agencies, have proven to be effective and viable. Agency MABU is simply blending the best of both of these models to provide mutually beneficial outcomes.