Meet Natasha Dressler: Publicist and Strategic Communications Professional

We had the good fortune of connecting with Natasha Dressler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Natasha, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
A profession in communications, especially Public Relations, is full of misconceptions. Movies, television shows, and life BC (before Covid-19) showcased an entirely different world. From an outsider’s perspective, I’ve heard that publicists are often seen as one who attends glamourous events, getting clients ideal and large press with a simple phone call, and a constant apologist for poor behavior.

First, most publicists aren’t going to events unless we are part of putting on the event for our clients or rep an “A-List” celebrity for red carpet interviews. Second, and probably the biggest misconception, is we can get clients ideal and large press with a simple phone call or even a solid relationship. What my colleagues and I have learned the last year and a half is even with some of our strongest bonds within the editorial staff, there is only so much press they can cover. Some writers are getting 1500+ pitches a week! Press has become extremely competitive and it needs to be relevant and timely. What you may deem as newsworthy may not translate well into a press piece, and as a seasoned PR pro, our job is to explain that. PR is earned media, not deserved. Lastly, crisis communications is the most often portrayed in movies and television. While that is always going to be a part of the job, our job is to try to prevent crisis communication before it begins. There are absolutely things that get said or done that we can not manage but I believe proper media training can usually mitigate a pending crisis.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am far from a conventional public relations specialist. I refer to myself as “your Magnetic Super Connector and Personal Hype Woman.” I work with clients that I align with because I want to be the best possible hype woman for them possible! I also firmly believe that my core values must align with potential clients. I am committed to amplifying the voices of female entrepreneurs, the LGBTQ+ community, and the BIPOC community. As far as working with me, I am extremely collaborative. I love to have brainstorm sessions to discuss how we can amplify your voice or brand. We plan out and strategize campaigns along with ideal partnerships. I’d like to say I’m fun and easy to work with!

Being an entrepreneur is like riding a rollercoaster at Six Flags: drops, turns, upside down, screaming, hair everywhere, exhilaration, heart palpitations, and scares but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. If I can give any advice it would be to take the chance and make sure you stand true to yourself and your beliefs.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Los Angeles is full of lively and vibrant people and places. During the day you can enjoy Santa Monica Promenade or Venice Beach for some fresh air, sights, and shopping. Since we are reopening you can enjoy some rooftop music in West Hollywood at Harriet’s; be sure to check out DJ Nitrane’s monthly party called Tribe! Monday evenings you can swing by Station1640 in Hollywood to see DJ Bad and a live band perform for their weekly event Monday Night Vibes. There is a slew of outdoor extra large games like connect four to play while you sip on a craft cocktail and hear some dope music. For food, I’m a huge fan of Beauty & Essex, Nobu, Zinqué, and Bottega Louie.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without my support tribe. My parents have always been my biggest cheerleaders in my entrepreneurial endeavors. They both have worked so incredibly hard my entire life with no complaints. My boyfriend Aaron has been my tied as biggest support with my parents. On many days I’ve wanted to give up, he has motivated me to not dare to give up and continue to go. Without the three of them, I probably would have gone back to corporate life.

I’m a firm believer in investing in your future so I belong to two amazing mastermind groups. The first is Thrive Collective, led by the most amazing business coach Kara Duffy. Thrive Collective took my business from concept to successful agency. Kara leads weekly group coaching where we are given the framework and support to run and scale a business. Beyond that, I have met so many amazing women who are sisters in support! The second is Agency Accelerator and the Pitch Lab by Jeneration PR. The first program guides those who come from an agency or maybe want to start a career in PR and shows you step by step how to succeed. Coming from an agency and having a background in Marketing, I learned so much that I would have missed trying on my own. Jen Berson leads a Mastermind once a month and it has been a complete game changer to my business. The second program, The Pitch Lab, is a collaborative effort that has effectively helped me build new media relationships and secure large press placements for my clients. Without both Kara and Jen I would have just remained a very tiny goldfish in a large koi pond!

Website: www.natashadressler.com

Instagram: natashadresslerpr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natashadressler/

Twitter: natashalovespr