50 Game-Changers of PR for 2017

Crosby Noricks

Founder and Director

PR Couture

PR News recently asked its community to tell us who should be listed among the top game-changers of PR in the last few years. Here, we look at game-changer Crosby Noricks. Check out the complete list of the 50 Game-Changers of PR for 2017.

As the director and founder of PR Couture, Crosby Noricks has created the ultimate resource for PR professionals (or soon-to-be PR pros) in the fashion and lifestyle space.

Recently celebrating its 10th anniversary, PR Couture consists of resources such as a job board, agency directory, workshops, online education courses and even its own awards event. Noricks has also coached more than 180 young professionals through PRISM, a career and PR skills course that she launched in 2015, and sold thousands of copies of Ready To Launch: The PR Couture Guide to Breaking into Fashion PR, a book she wrote in 2012.

PR Couture has received multiple accolades over its 10 years, including being named one of 25 Essential PR Blogs by PR Web, a Top 50 PR Blog by Cision, a Top 100 PR Brand by Onalytica, and being ranked 4th in 60 of the Best Public Relations Blogs in the World by InkyBee. Before Noricks focused on PR Couture full time, she worked at agency Red Door Interactive, where her work for retail chain Charlotte Russe was hailed as a “social media supernova” by USA Today.

Through PR Couture, Noricks is an inspiration and a mentor to budding PR pros in the fashion and lifestyle industry. She works daily to educate her community to ignore the stereotypes that plague the fashion industry and put forth their best efforts and ideas, no matter what.

Her most recent efforts include the 2017 launch of the Bespoke Communication Awards. She also joined forces with WhatRUWearing to launch “PRGirl,” a brand new original reality web series starring a 24-year-old entertainment publicist.

Most Interesting Fact Not Found on Crosby’s Resume

“I used to be an Irish Dancer. Yes, you heard me right. A competitive Irish Dancer. I loved it! I have an immense amount of respect for those that are able to dedicate their life to that type of artistic and athletic craft. It has a special place in my heart. I [also] secretly want to write paranormal romance fiction for teens/kids. Growing up, we had a lot of exchange students in our home, which I think ignited my curiosity and desire to learn other languages and live in other countries. I speak Spanish and have lived in Ecuador, Barcelona and Mexico.”

Crosby’s Advice to Her 20-Year-Old Self

"'You're an introvert. Look it up.' Public relations can often feel like an extrovert's profession, and I certainly was challenged in my early days with situations that gave me nothing but anxiety; picking up the phone to cold call an editor, attending large group networking events, running a client table for a community event. I thought this meant I wasn't good at my job, instead of realizing I was trying to succeed outside of my natural skill set and comfort zone. One of my favorite compliments (at least I took it to be one!) was a manager of mine who referred to me as "not your typical bubbly PR Girl." Finding blogging and social media personally, and developing expertise that translated into a digital marketing position was really the key to unlocking self-confidence, and I now understand the gifts that come with introversion and how to set myself up for success.

Over the years, I’ve learned strategies that allow me to show up, stand my ground and move forward with accepting where I am at. There’s always going to be pressure (often self-inflicted) to be doing more, to be doing better, to make the right choices, to find the right filter for your Instagram and so on. But at the end of the day, I do my best to communicate and encourage the PR Couture audience and everyone I come across that the only place you should be seeking validation is from within. Enjoy your life.”

Crosby’s Profession in an Alternate Universe

“I am fascinated with interior decorating and would love the chance to be an Interior Stylist. I love finding inspirational details on walks around my neighborhood, unique art and decor pieces at surprising local shops and utilizing colors that brighten up a space. I’ve always had an affinity toward beautiful branding and memorable fashion, so I think that rolls over into the home and lifestyle space as well. I could spend hours on Pinterest putting together looks if I had the time. Having a well put together or decorated space makes all the difference for me. It kind of gets you into a go-get-‘em mindset, a productive workflow of sorts. For now, I am being my own interior stylist for my new home.”