By Mary Owen
Nicole Miller loves being self-employed.
“Thankfully, I’m intrinsically motivated, so I don’t have a problem with productivity and doing my best work,” Miller, owner of Word’s Out PR in Stayton, said. “I thank my parents for encouraging my entrepreneurial spirit since I was a little girl. I pioneered ‘Cards by Coco’ when I was about 8 years old, selling greeting cards for a quarter to mom and dad’s colleagues.”
This year, Word’s Our PR celebrates 10 years of offering public relations expertise. Miller started the business in 2005 as a one-person office. Her business has grown, and she now works with nearly a dozen associates who have expertise in graphic design and media relations.
“We’re strategic communications advisors and brand journalists all bundled up into one package,” Miller said. “The Word’s Out PR team helps guide internal communications, public information releases, community outreach and reputation management.
“Public relations is a strategic communications process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between an organization and its publics,” she said. “PR is not a sales function; it’s a communications role. My job is to work behind the scenes, counseling people and organizations on two-way communication methods.”
Her team, she said, works to maintain a favorable public image for clients, putting a “human face to the company and establishing a relationship with the media.”
Word’s Out clients include Freres Lumber Co., Salem Health, Regis High School, Visit Tillamook Coast and most recently, Neaman Plastic Surgery of Salem.
Miller credits entrepreneur coach Allison McKenzie of GROW-EDC for guiding her through the decision-making process of having her own business.
When not working, Miller serves on the Parent-Teacher Club board at her children’s school. She is the past president of Oregon Capital Chapter Public Relations Society of America, and has served on the GROW-EDC management team and chaired its fundraising committee.
This year Miller plans to complete a goal she has had for several years – an Accreditation in Public Relations through the Public Relations Society of America.
“I am so grateful to have been surrounded by the right people who supported me and gave me great guidance through the first 10 years in business,” she said.
