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The Leading PR Community to Accelerate Your Career + Transform Your Future
The Leading PR Community to Accelerate Your Career + Transform Your Future
The PR industry is constantly changing. This is your one-stop resource to navigating AI, building authentic relationships and excelling in your profession.
The PR industry is constantly changing. This is your one-stop resource to navigating AI, building authentic relationships and excelling in your profession.
Doors close Thursday, Apr. 23, at 5pm PT. Don’t wait!
The Leading PR Community to Accelerate Your Career + Transform Your Future
The Leading PR Community to Accelerate Your Career + Transform Your Future
The PR industry is constantly changing. This is your one-stop resource to navigating AI, building authentic relationships and excelling in your profession.
The PR industry is constantly changing. This is your one-stop resource to navigating AI, building authentic relationships and excelling in your profession.
Doors close Thursday, Apr. 23, at 5 pm PT. Don’t wait!
Michael trains PR teams at:
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Joining the Inner Circle gives you the tools you need to succeed in the PR industry.
Joining the Inner Circle gives you the tools you need to succeed in the PR industry.
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1. Get cutting-edge training
AI is changing the industry. Michael will guide you through this evolution and more.
2. Join a lively community
Being surrounded by a community of like-minded professionals elevates your goals and supports you in achieving them faster.
3. Find success in your career
With the Training Vault, regular Ask Michael Anythings and the Quick Start course, you’re ready to take the next step in your career.
1. Get cutting-edge training
AI is changing the industry. Michael will guide you through this evolution and more.
2. Join a lively community
Being surrounded by a community of like-minded professionals elevates your goals and supports you in achieving them faster.
3. Find success in your career
With the Training Vault, regular Ask Michael Anythings and the Quick Start course, you’re ready to take the next step in your career.
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DAYS - -
HOURS - -
MINUTES - -
SECONDS
Edel Howlin
Founder, Untapped Comms
Philadelphia, PA
Founder, Untapped Comms
Philadelphia, PA
Edel turned a dry spell into national coverage for every client.
Edel turned a dry spell into national coverage for every client.
“Before I joined the Inner Circle, I knew I was doing something wrong, but I couldn’t figure it out. I’d had a bad run with two clients not being able to get them adequate coverage. But then the Inner Circle crystalized everything for me – the training broke everything down in a way I could adopt immediately and reaffirmed my skills.
“With every client last year, I got national media coverage! And I was able to build some bigger, long-running media campaigns that I wouldn’t have had the confidence to do in the past.
“If I hadn’t found the Inner Circle and, in turn, found my way, I’m not sure I would’ve continued with my career in PR. That’s sad to think about because, looking back on the wins I achieved since I joined, I would’ve missed all of that good stuff 😊.”
“With every client last year, I got national media coverage! And I was able to build some bigger, long-running media campaigns that I wouldn’t have had the confidence to do in the past.
“If I hadn’t found the Inner Circle and, in turn, found my way, I’m not sure I would’ve continued with my career in PR. That’s sad to think about because, looking back on the wins I achieved since I joined, I would’ve missed all of that good stuff 😊.”
Tom Nicholson
“I’ve been in public relations for more than 40 years and have not come across anyone who does this better than Michael. That includes my time as President/Executive Director of the Page Society, where the best and most successful public relations executives are members.”
Tom, with 40 years' experience, found an edge.
Tom, with 40 years' experience, found an edge.
Edel Howlin
Founder, Untapped Comms
Philadelphia, PA
Founder, Untapped Comms
Philadelphia, PA
Edel turned a dry spell into national coverage for every client.
Edel turned a dry spell into national coverage for every client.
“Before I joined the Inner Circle, I knew I was doing something wrong, but I couldn’t figure it out. I’d had a bad run with two clients not being able to get them adequate coverage. But then the Inner Circle crystalized everything for me – the training broke everything down in a way I could adopt immediately and reaffirmed my skills.
“With every client last year, I got national media coverage! And I was able to build some bigger, long-running media campaigns that I wouldn’t have had the confidence to do in the past.
“If I hadn’t found the Inner Circle and, in turn, found my way, I’m not sure I would’ve continued with my career in PR. That’s sad to think about because, looking back on the wins I achieved since I joined, I would’ve missed all of that good stuff 😊.”
“With every client last year, I got national media coverage! And I was able to build some bigger, long-running media campaigns that I wouldn’t have had the confidence to do in the past.
“If I hadn’t found the Inner Circle and, in turn, found my way, I’m not sure I would’ve continued with my career in PR. That’s sad to think about because, looking back on the wins I achieved since I joined, I would’ve missed all of that good stuff 😊.”
Tom Nicholson
Tom, with 40 years' experience, found an edge.
Tom, with 40 years' experience, found an edge.
“I’ve been in public relations for more than 40 years and have not come across anyone who does this better than Michael. That includes my time as President/Executive Director of the Page Society, where the best and most successful public relations executives are members.”
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Meet Michael Smart,
Meet Michael Smart,
founder of the Inner Circle.
founder of the Inner Circle.
👋🏻 Hi, I’m Michael.
For 25 years, I’ve been teaching, practicing, researching and “anticipating” the PR industry. I’ve guided PR pros through major shifts, from developments in social media to the era of AI-assisted PR.
I’ve watched as some PR pros adapt and integrate the new changes, and their careers have taken off. I’ve also, sadly, seen some who refuse to change and stay stuck in their ways. They struggle and get frustrated when what they have done in the past doesn’t work anymore.
I’ve spent thousands of hours using and testing the best PR practices, so you don’t have to. I put all of that knowledge into monthly, live Master Classes, which you can replay on-demand any time.
For 25 years, I’ve been teaching, practicing, researching and “anticipating” the PR industry. I’ve guided PR pros through major shifts, from developments in social media to the era of AI-assisted PR.
I’ve watched as some PR pros adapt and integrate the new changes, and their careers have taken off. I’ve also, sadly, seen some who refuse to change and stay stuck in their ways. They struggle and get frustrated when what they have done in the past doesn’t work anymore.
I’ve spent thousands of hours using and testing the best PR practices, so you don’t have to. I put all of that knowledge into monthly, live Master Classes, which you can replay on-demand any time.
Here’s what’s inside the Smart PR Inner Circle:
Here’s what’s inside the Smart PR Inner Circle:
QUICK START VIDEO SERIES
PR Skill Transformation Course
MONTHLY MASTER CLASSES
with Michael and industry experts
MONTHLY AMA
Submit your pitches or questions, and Michael will review them live
SMALL AFFINITY GROUPS
Workshop your ideas and get to know other PR pros
TRAINING VAULT
24/7 access to years of Inner Circle trainings
COMMUNITY FORUM
Build your network, ask questions and get feedback
BEST PITCH OF THE YEAR AWARDS
The ONLY media or PR award series where YOU get paid when you win, instead of paying to apply!
Here’s what’s inside the Smart PR Inner Circle:
Here’s what’s inside the Smart PR Inner Circle:
QUICK START VIDEO SERIES
PR Skill Transformation Course
MONTHLY MASTER CLASSES
with Michael and industry experts
MONTHLY AMA
Submit your pitches or questions, and Michael will review them live
SMALL AFFINITY GROUPS
Workshop your ideas and get to know other PR pros
TRAINING VAULT
24/7 access to years of Inner Circle trainings
COMMUNITY FORUM
Build your network, ask questions and get feedback
BEST PITCH OF THE YEAR AWARDS
The ONLY media or PR award series where YOU get paid when you win, instead of paying to apply!
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The Inner Circle is the best place for you to advance your PR career. I guarantee it.
75 percent of Inner Circle members find the program so valuable they pay for it out of their own pocket. I’m confident you’ll love it too.
Join the Smart PR Inner Circle
Join the Smart PR Inner Circle
$129/month
USD, no other fees, pay with a card online
Cancel anytime without obligation
100% money-back guarantee within the first 30 days
Doors close Thursday, Apr. 23, at 5pm PT.
Don't wait!
REGISTER YOUR ENTIRE TEAM!
REGISTER YOUR ENTIRE TEAM!
Memberships are for individuals. To enroll 3 or more members at your organization, contact us about group rates.
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The depth of expertise within the Inner Circle simply cannot be matched.”
Kristin Faulder, Principal, Heurisay, Nashville, TN
The best professional development investment that I’ve made in my career.”
Nadine General, Managing Director, Dixon Schwabl + Company, Victor, NY
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The rate I charge clients is now 10 times what it was when I joined.”
Erynn Kerrigan, Founder, XL PR, Salt Lake City, UT
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Our earned media was up 519% year-over-year!”
Kelly Wyland, Sr. Media Relations Manager, Center for Internet Security, Albany, NY
I’m keeping my membership ‘til I retire.”
Cris Hay-Merchant, VP Communications, Bellevue University, Omaha, NE
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I wish I found it 10 years earlier.”
Stacey Ehling, Sr. Communications Director, PSC, Trenton, NJ
After joining the Inner Circle, my success rate tripled.”
Ralina Shaw, Ralina Shaw PR, Los Angeles, CA
Every month Michael offers something new and immediately useful to increase my effectiveness.”
Robert Frank, Director of Northwest Operations, Newsroom Public Relations, Seattle, WA
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The Inner Circle helped me secure my role as VP of Media Relations.”
Stephanie Wight, VP, Media Relations, CURA Strategies, Washington, D.C.
I’m a huge fan of the IC — we have multiple seats for our account leads.”
Kimberly Capwell, CEO, Capwell Communications (named “Best Boutique Agency” by Bulldog Reporter), Newport Beach, CA
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The depth of expertise within the Inner Circle simply cannot be matched.”
Kristin Faulder, Principal, Heurisay, Nashville, TN
The best professional development investment that I’ve made in my career.”
Nadine General, Managing Director, Dixon Schwabl + Company, Victor, NY
The rate I charge clients is now 10 times what it was when I joined.”
Erynn Kerrigan, Founder, XL PR, Salt Lake City, UT
Our earned media was up 519% year-over-year!”
Kelly Wyland, Sr. Media Relations Manager, Center for Internet Security, Albany, NY
I’m keeping my membership ‘til I retire.”
Cris Hay-Merchant, VP Communications, Bellevue University, Omaha, NE
I wish I found it 10 years earlier.”
Stacey Ehling, Sr. Communications Director, PSC, Trenton, NJ
After joining the Inner Circle, my success rate tripled.”
Ralina Shaw, Ralina Shaw PR, Los Angeles, CA
Every month Michael offers something new and immediately useful to increase my effectiveness.”
Robert Frank, Director of Northwest Operations, Newsroom Public Relations, Seattle, WA
The Inner Circle helped me secure my role as VP of Media Relations.”
Stephanie Wight, VP, Media Relations, CURA Strategies, Washington, D.C.
I’m a huge fan of the IC — we have multiple seats for our account leads.”
Kimberly Capwell, CEO, Capwell Communications (named “Best Boutique Agency” by Bulldog Reporter), Newport Beach, CA
NEW for Spring 2026:
Inner Circle members get three GPTs (more on the way) built around a specific moment in the pitching process. You get more options, faster, while retaining final judgment.
Journalist Researcher
Vet your story materials against your target journalist. AI can review 100 of their recent stories in less than a minute, then suggest three frames your story can take that would be consistent with the journalist’s recent work.
Vet your story materials against your target journalist. AI can review 100 of their recent stories in less than a minute, then suggest three frames your story can take that would be consistent with the journalist’s recent work.
Story Type Brainstormer
You’ve got solid raw material, but the angle isn’t locked yet. This shows you what your story looks like across multiple story types, so you can choose a direction with more confidence before you start writing.
You’ve got solid raw material, but the angle isn’t locked yet. This shows you what your story looks like across multiple story types, so you can choose a direction with more confidence before you start writing.
Subject Line Suggester
You’ve written a strong pitch, but the subject line feels flat. This gives you multiple strategic options so you can pick the one that earns the open.
You’ve written a strong pitch, but the subject line feels flat. This gives you multiple strategic options so you can pick the one that earns the open.
You can use these as-is. Or you can use them as a starting point to build your own tools around the way you pitch, your clients, and your instincts.
Imagine how it will feel to:
Imagine how it will feel to:
Have a clear path to excel at your career
Be confident in your pitches
Get more yesses than nos
Be a part of a community that gets it
Have an expert ready and able to answer your questions
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The Inner Circle is where we take the guesswork out of your work.
The Inner Circle is where we take the guesswork out of your work.
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Bottom line: You’ll learn how to go further, faster.
Change happens.
Change happens.
I'll help you welcome it.
I'll help you welcome it.
This is the 17th year of the Inner Circle.
I’ve helped PR pros worldwide through the Great Recession of 2009, the COVID Slump of 2020 and the AI Revolution since 2023.
I’ve helped PR pros worldwide through the Great Recession of 2009, the COVID Slump of 2020 and the AI Revolution since 2023.
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In the Inner Circle, I help you adapt to technological, economic and professional change.
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I do the homework.
I do the homework.
I’ve been training IC members on AI tools since 2023, and continue testing the latest models so you can embrace and apply today's best techniques faster.
I show you the pitfalls.
I show you the pitfalls.
From my extensive time experimenting in the sandbox, I can point out dangerous misuses of new tools. I'll help you sidestep costly errors so you can maintain your positive relationships.
We foster a community.
We foster a community.
This is a place where Inner Circle members learn from and support one another, creating a vibrant, self-sustaining network of people who just get you.
Robert Fischer
Director of Comms, PROMO
St. Louis, MO
Director of Comms, PROMO
St. Louis, MO
Robert scored the trifecta: a raise, a promotion and autonomy.
Robert scored the trifecta: a raise, a promotion and autonomy.
“In two years, Michael's teachings have propelled my career faster than the first eight by myself. His guidance started when I joined an agency and earned a big raise after being there for less than a year. I've since moved on to become the Director of Communications for a statewide advocacy organization. His media relationship tips have helped me increase our media placements by 302% (including an NYT Opinion piece) in my first year, resulting in my boss giving me complete autonomy with only a weekly check-in. I recommend the Inner Circle to anyone looking to improve their media relations and communications career!”
Meredith Westheimer
Associate Managing Director, Moore
West Palm Beach, FL
Associate Managing Director, Moore
West Palm Beach, FL
“I’m excited to share with you that I was promoted to Associate Managing Director at the Moore agency. Thank you to you and the group for all the thought leadership you’ve provided, which has helped me to elevate my voice and expertise at the agency.”
Meredith elevated her voice and earned a promotion: Associate Managing Director.
Meredith elevated her voice and earned a promotion: Associate Managing Director.
Robert Fischer
Director of Comms, PROMO
St. Louis, MO
Director of Comms, PROMO
St. Louis, MO
Robert scored the trifecta: a raise, a promotion and autonomy.
Robert scored the trifecta: a raise, a promotion and autonomy.
“In two years, Michael's teachings have propelled my career faster than the first eight by myself. His guidance started when I joined an agency and earned a big raise after being there for less than a year. I've since moved on to become the Director of Communications for a statewide advocacy organization. His media relationship tips have helped me increase our media placements by 302% (including an NYT Opinion piece) in my first year, resulting in my boss giving me complete autonomy with only a weekly check-in. I recommend the Inner Circle to anyone looking to improve their media relations and communications career!”
Meredith Westheimer
Associate Managing Director, Moore
West Palm Beach, FL
Associate Managing Director, Moore
West Palm Beach, FL
Meredith elevated her voice and earned a promotion: Associate Managing Director.
Meredith elevated her voice and earned a promotion: Associate Managing Director.
“The Inner Circle is by far the best training ground for anyone in the public relations profession. The guidance I found inside helped us secure over 20 minutes of TV airtime on five different newscasts in one day for a tech client. Even for a veteran practitioner with over three decades of experience, it all helps to continually 'sharpen the saw' and bring top-line results for our clients.”
The Inner Circle worked for Robert and Meredith.
The Inner Circle worked for Robert and Meredith.
Will it work for you?
Will it work for you?
Yes! It will.
I guarantee it.
If you don’t find it valuable in the first 30 days, I’ll refund your money, no questions asked.
I guarantee it.
If you don’t find it valuable in the first 30 days, I’ll refund your money, no questions asked.
You’ve got nothing to lose. Join now!
The Inner Circle only opens twice a year. Don’t miss out! Just think what six months of solid training and coaching will do for your career.
I can’t wait to help you get there!
To your success,
I can’t wait to help you get there!
To your success,
Make it small
Questions? Email info@michaelsmartpr.com.
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