Meet Marcia Dixon, one of the most well-known PR specialists within Britain's black church community.
A former journalist, and now a PR practitioner, she has worked with a number of churches, charities, gospel artists and organisations over the years such as Pentecostal Credit Union, Street Pastors, Wise Women Awards, Redeemed Christian Church of God, and New Testament Church of God, among others.
Marcia is passionate about using her skills and experience to help churches and Christian organisations to effectively communicate their message to the wider community.
In addition to her work in faith-based PR, Marcia is also a regular commentator on religious affairs for a number of national and regional media outlets. What sets Marcia apart from other PR professionals is her passion for her work and her deep understanding of the nuances of faith-based communications.
As a result, she has built an impressive roster of clients who return to her time and time again for advice and guidance.
This Black History Month, the Barking Enterprise Centre will give the spotlight to Marcia through a Q&A format as we get access into her work and challenges as both a black woman entrepreneur and public relations practitioner.
Tell us more about your business
My business specialises in providing PR and promotional services for businesses, charities, gospel artists and churches that want to reach the Black Christian community - a large and vibrant sector of the black community at large. My clients has included The Metropolitan Police, The Wise Women Awards, the BBC, Big Life Films, Syco Music, Sony Music, Angie Le Mar, Pentecostal Credit Union and many more.
What inspired you to start your own PR firm?
I was formerly a journalist and recognised that faith groups did not understand how to fully utilise the media. I decided it would be a good thing to set up a business providing PR and media services.
How has your PR business changed or evolved since you first started it?
Joining social media has made a major change to my business. It's the place I get most of my clients and the arena I use to promote my clients activities. I have also expanded the range of services I offer including Masterclasses and aside from running campaigns for clients I have started writing out personalised PR strategies that people can undertake themselves.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing Black entrepreneurs today?
The biggest challenges facing black entrepreneurs are the following:
1. Mindset. Black Entrepreneurs must believe they can build successful businesses despite the challenges.
2. The Information gap - Black Entrepreneurs, like all entrepreneurs, must take advantage of the information/free courses/workshops that are available to help expand their knowledge about what it takes to build a successful business and things that they can do to build a success.
3. The go it alone syndrome - Black entrepreneurs (some) are not always willing to buy in services that can play a major part in taking their business to the next level and instead try to do everything themselves even when they lack the knowledge, know-how or contacts.
How do you balance running a business with other priorities in your life?
I can sometimes spend too much time on my business. I've learnt to take time out to chill and relax and do things that I enjoy.
What advice would you give to people in the Black community who are thinking about starting their own business?
My advice would be to go for it. Take advantage of the free information and courses that are available to business start ups.
Marcia has been a pillar in the Black community and beyond for her work as an entrepreneur and public relations practitioner. In fact, she has been hailed as Wise Women Inspirational Woman of the Year Award winner and Legacy Lifetime Achievement Award for Mobilising Faith Communities. In October 2020 Marcia was listed in the Queen’s Birthday Honour’s List and awarded an MBE for services to Inter Faith Relations.
This Black History Month, the Barking Enterprise Centre especially wishes Marcia all the best as she continues serving black faith groups through her God-given talents in public relations and media.
If you are looking for PR help for your faith group or organisation, reach out to Marcia on her website www.marciadixonpr.co.uk.
