Inkandescent Public Relations

“Hope Katz Gibbs is far less pathetic, incompetent, and shameless than most PR people. Her book actually contains some smart advice, not that any of those clueless frauds will take it.” — Gene Weingarten, two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Washington Post columnist, and author of “Flack Yourself,” — the Preface of PR Rules: The Playbook


“In ‘PR Rules,’ Hope Katz Gibbs delivers an extraordinary PR and marketing playbook in a pragmatic, clear and humorous way. Hope’s advice and experience will help not only entrepreneurs and small business owners but any executive who wants to leverage PR, social media and marketing in a laser-focused and effective way. She removes the clutter and confusion from PR, helping readers to craft a PR strategy that centers on what really matters for each individual and company. A must read for any professional who wants to dramatically increase their exposure and impact in the market place.” — Ana Dutra, CEO, Mandala Global Advisors, and former-CEO, Korn/ Ferry Leadership and Talent Consulting


“Although most small businesses know they need good public relations, many aren’t sure exactly what it is or how to get it. Gibbs and McCarthy break the PR process down into simple, easy-to-follow steps designed to create favorable publicity for your company, enhance your reputation in the marketplace, and ultimately get more customers in the door. This is an excellent resource for any entrepreneur—clear, concise, and actionable. I consider it a must-read for all small-business owners.” — Sharon Armstrong, author, The Essential HR Handbook; founder, Sharon Armstrong and Associates:


“I found Hope Katz Gibbs book to be a comprehensive public relations guide. Hope is truly an expert in her field, and this book is a must read for all entrepreneurs.” — Andrea Arroyo, fine artist, www.AndreaArroyo.com


“You need a game plan on how to stand out and how to get noticed. ‘PR Rules’ will help you understand the new world of PR. It is a must-read for any busy and aspiring business owner.” — Bryan Beatty, CFP®, partner, Egan, Berger & Weiner, LLC


“‘PR Rules’ provides the absolutely essential information required for small businesses to grow in the 21st century.” — Stephanie Bhonslay, owner, GardenU


“‘PR Rules’ is part practical workbook and part inspirational guide. With it, Hope Gibbs and her team have created a rare thing—a business book that you can get fired up about. They help you turn your big business ideas from what’s possible into actionable items. I know from experience that their 8 Steps to PR Success is a strategy that works.” — Chris Carbone, futurist, on Twitter @cwcarbone


“When it comes to not sweating the small stuff, Hope Gibbs’ “PR Rules” provides an easy-to-navigate primer that takes the guess work out of public relations. Indeed, having good PR is critical for any small business. And having PR advisors that you can trust is equally important. This guidebook does the trick. I highly recommend it.” — Kristine Carlson, author, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Moms


“Hope Katz Gibbs’ and Kathleen McCarthy’s innovative and powerful ‘Playbook’ is indispensable because it offers practical, easy-to-implement advice. And, it provides a roadmap not only to PR success—but to business success. You will absolutely enjoy the tactics and strategies that worked for other entrepreneurs, including myself. The editing work they did with my book, Wealth Management Rules, is proof.” — Rita Cheng, CFP®, CEO, Blue Ocean Global Wealth, and author, Wealth Management Rules


“Hope Katz Gibbs really knows the PR business and tapped top experts to produce an extremely practical and accessible guide.” — Meg Cox, reporter, The Wall Street Journal


“I have worked with Hope Katz Gibbs on a variety of engagements over the past 10 years, from commercial printing projects to start-ups and a few corporate PR campaigns. Her diligence, integrity, and vision for management, entrepreneurs, and all levels of a business have helped guide her clients to success. This book is a compilation of her work experience and insights from the fascinating professionals she has worked with, and it reflects her strength in the field of public relations.” — Stefani Cuschnir, business development manager


“‘PR Rules’ takes the guessing out of the PR process equation. Based on the advice from nearly 100 experts and entrepreneurs, you’ll learn the secrets you need to know that will lead you down the path to entrepreneurial success! Buy a copy for every small-business owner that you know!” — Lisa Farrell, sales account executive


“Best how-to book ever written on PR! Hope Katz Gibbs is an expert in the field and her book should be mandatory reading for every small-business owner. Small-business owners are by nature do-it-yourselfers. And yet, many spend tens of thousands on PR. Hope’s do-it-yourself book is the last investment you should make on PR. A must-read!” — Lou Ferrante, author, Mob Rules: What the Mafia can teach the legitimate businessman


“The publicity game has changed, and this guide will easily become the playbook for the new phase of the public relations industry. Hope’s ‘PR Playbook’ is the guide for the businessperson searching for the spotlight and the entrepreneur needing focus as they create a business plan. Hope leverages her career and personal experience as well as the wealth of her human capital of knowledge and puts it all in one easy-to-navigate place.” — Sonya Gavankar, broadcast journalist, the “Face of the Newseum,” and Miss District of Columbia 1997


“‘PR Rules: The Playbook’ is filled with practical, affordable ideas to fast-track PR, media exposure, and results. Every chapter is brimming with stacks of really useful tips and tactics. Well done.” — Robyn Henderson, networking strategist, Australia


“I did not want to stop reading ‘PR Rules: The Playbook!’ It is full of practical tips on using PR to build your brand and take it to the next level. Why re-invent the wheel? Gibbs and McCarthy have your back. Buy the book, take notes, and turn them into actionable next steps for your business. Excellent resource that every entrepreneur should keep close at hand.” — Eileen Hull, “The Queen of Crafts,” and creator, #PaperTrail Teaching Tour


“Great PR can help a book find and grow an audience. I know personally how much Hope Katz Gibbs has done for me, and this book is going to stay on my desk!” — Caroline Leavitt, New York Times best-selling author, “Is This Tomorrow,” and “Pictures of You”


“Message is essential, and hiring the right person to get your message out is equally important. Hope Katz Gibbs served our schools extremely well as the Director of Communications. She’s hard-working, smart, savvy, clever, and creative—all in one classy package. Her ‘just right’ public relations moves put our schools on the right track.” — Janice Miller, School Board chairman, City of Fairfax Schools


“The crisis management expertise, thoroughness and dedication that Inkandescent PR provided during the unexpected and VERY difficult closure of our school was a tremendous! When it seemed the world was against me, Hope Gibbs listened to me, believed in me, and helped me tell the story from my point of view. I am truly grateful for her help!” — Jeff Moore, former owner ACT College


“Sometimes in leadership positions, we become so focused on the mission and vision that we forget the importance of communicating effectively about it to ensure broad understanding and investment. ‘PR Rules: The Playbook’ offers practical ideas that I’ve been incorporating into my work since I started working with Hope Gibbs in 2002. Her field guide will be a useful to many others who now have the benefit of learning from her expertise.” — Peter J. Noonan, EdD, superintendent, City of Fairfax Schools


“Hope Katz Gibbs has created a must-read—an extensive and excellent resource for all business owners. So much thought, care, and attention to detail have gone into this book. Every business owner should read this book. Their business will thrive as a result. Thank you, Hope, for your dedication and guidance.” — Lisa Rueff, founder, Yogaventures, and executive director, Do It For The Love Foundation


“I have really enjoyed reading ‘PR Rules’ and have dog-eared most of it! Hope gives us bite-size chunks of good advice. Each of the profiles offers practical advice, real-life experiences, and great information for business owners in all industries and at all levels. I highly recommend it.” — Gina Schaefer, founder, ACE Hardware DC


“For the busy small-business owner, time is short. When it comes to educating yourself, you have to read books that teach from people who are doing. Hope’s book is packed with tips, tricks, and advice from people who are executing at a high level who can help you get there.” — Darren Slaughter, advertising executive, Philadelphia


“If you want to learn how to have significant success, you must read this book.” — David Bruce Smith, author and publisher, David Bruce Smith Publications, creator, The Grateful American™ Series


“This engagingly written and practical book combines biographical sketches and personal narratives with bulleted pointers gleaned from the individual experiences of the subjects interviewed. I especially enjoyed the ’8 Steps in Action’ section in Part III of the book, in which Gibbs distills common themes for success that can be applied by anyone seeking to expand his or her small business.” — Dr. Esther Sternberg, author and research director, Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, at the University of Arizona at Tucson


“Hope comes at life and business with a powerful combination of head and heart. She understands that it takes both elements to get the most out of whatever you’re doing, including PR. Excellent roadmap to engaging your audience from all perspectives!” — Buddy Teaster, president and CEO, Soles4Souls.org


“Hope Katz Gibbs is a master of public relations. If anyone can help you understand the rules of PR and help your business benefit, it is Hope. I’ve known her for years. She is smart, bold, and innovative and stands out in a very competitive field.” — Janet Terry, writer/producer, WUSA9, Washington, DC


“‘PR Rules: The Playbook’ brings public relations in the digital age to life through examples, narratives, and case studies that engage and inspire. Hope Katz Gibbs has created more than just a ‘how-to’ book; she has captured voices of experience and wisdom in the field for the benefit of those who want to pump up their PR strategies.” — Jennie L. Walker, PhD, PHR, director of Global Learning & Market Development at the Najafi Global Mindset Institute, Thunderbird School of Global Management