Anyone use a PR company?

A friend from college just started her own PR agency in the city. I haven't seen her in years but she contacted me through Facebook and offered her services for my small business.

I told her the truth. The economy s*cks and although I would love to have some full-time promoting me, I don't think I could afford ut unless it's commission based.

She tells me that commission is fine but she probably needs $500 a month for salary expenses for her employees.

I have NO EXPERIENCE with PR. Anyone ever use one and find it successful?

Re: Anyone use a PR company?

I am not self-employed but DH is. To be completely honest, he always gets his best jobs through word of mouth from former customers and through networking with other guys in the business (i.e. he's friends with a plumber/electrician he will do the carpentry/masonry on their jobs).

What kind of business do you have? Is it something that really could thrive from someone with connections that you have to pay for?

DH feels he does not like to do a lot of advertising because in many instances, it attracts wackadoos or people who just want a "Mr. Fix-It", or people who are looking to have him do expensive jobs for no money.