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Finding Your Niche in PR: Lessons from Tamrin Olden

In a recent episode of the PRessing On in Public Relations podcast, hosts Rachel & Liselle welcomed our very own Tamrin Olden, CEO of TOC Public Relations, to discuss how she found—and leaned into—her niche in the PR world.

Tamrin’s journey offers a powerful lesson for PR pros: carving out a specialized offering isn’t just about limiting your market—it’s about clarifying it. Here are a few highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

Why Niche Matters (and How to Do It Well)

During the podcast, Tamrin shared several convincing reasons why defining a niche can be a superpower:

  • Focused expertise builds trust
    Clients often prefer an agency that “gets” their sector. When your work aligns with unique challenges and regulatory environments, you become a partner rather than a vendor.
  • Messaging becomes clearer
    When your audience is narrow, your voice can cut through the noise. You can tailor positioning, proposals, and outreach to resonate directly with clients in your niche.
  • Differentiation in a crowded field
    Many PR firms cast a wide net—but when you specialize, you stop blending in and start standing out, offering expertise and value that few others can match.
  • Scalable credibility
    Over time, your track record in one sector (e.g. public safety) becomes a credential you can lean on to grow within or adjacent to that domain.

Tamrin also emphasized that building a niche doesn’t mean being locked in forever—it’s possible to evolve, adapt, or expand once your core is solid.

Key Strategies

Here are some actionable ideas for professionals or agencies seeking their own niche:

  1. Start where you already have experience
    Leverage domain knowledge or personal connection to a sector. Tamrin’s years in law enforcement communications gave her credibility and insight.
  2. Test with small projects or pilots
    Before fully repositioning, try serving niche clients in small engagements to refine your approach and messaging.
  3. Speak the language of that industry
    Immerse yourself in sector culture, understand stakeholders’ challenges, and adopt their vernacular—this builds trust and relevance.
  4. Commit to continuous learning
    Stay current on trends, policy shifts, and technology in your niche. That ensures your counsel remains accurate and forward-looking.
  5. Tell stories that resonate
    In specialized fields, case studies and narratives from clients in that vertical help you connect emotionally and intellectually with prospects.

Why This Matters for TOC Public Relations

At TOC PR, aligning around public safety and first responder institutions isn’t just a marketing angle—it’s a strength. Our deep experience in this sector enables us to provide sharper strategies, credible counsel, and meaningful results.

If you’re an organization in these fields—or adjacent sector—and you’re looking for a PR partner who understands your world, now you know how—and why—TOC PR got here.

Want to hear the full episode? Give the podcast a listen: Finding Your Niche in PR: Lessons from Tamrin Olden.

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Author

  • Michael Bires

    Mike Bires is a retired law enforcement officer from Southern California. He was one of the early adopters of social media for use in law enforcement. He has spoken at the IACP and in Washington DC on law enforcement social media.

    Today, Mike is the Director of Operations for TOC Public Relations and oversees their website development operations.