The Refinery, a writing studio based in Savannah, Ga., is launching a suite of business writing courses this winter. Topics covered will include foundations of professional writing, basic public relations writing, and crisis communications.

“So many business owners I talk to wish their writing skills were stronger or that they had basic knowledge about how to promote their business through PR and marketing,” said Amy Paige Condon, founder of The Refinery. “These courses will focus on developing students’ oral and written communication skills in a professional setting, both internally with employees and externally with customers.”

The following classes are available:

Make It Grow: PR 101 for Small and Creative Businesses
Saturday, February 9, 2019, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Cost: $149 (lunch included)
Many small business owners think of public relations as something only a high-priced outside firm can provide or they may think they are not in need of public relations. However, public relations, one of the most consistent ways to build your brand’s reputation and credibility, is essential to the success and growth of any business, no matter the size. While small business owners may not have the luxury of hiring a pricey PR firm, there are many ways for you to manage your own PR. In this four-hour workshop, you will learn the difference between advertising and public relations; how to identify solid, newsworthy story ideas; how to write and distribute a press release and a media advisory (and the difference between the two); tips for a successful interview; and how to build a PR roadmap to consistently promote your business in the media.

Cut the BS: Foundations of Business and Professional Writing
Thursdays, March 28-April 18, 2019, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Cost: $249
Regardless of your major in college or what kind of industry you’re in, you probably write all the time on the job. Whether it’s memos to senior executives, proposals to clients, or emails to colleagues, it is critical for your writing to be crisp, clear, effective, and free of BS. Your ultimate goal, as a business writer, is to get things done. This class focuses on developing students’ oral and written communication skills in a business and professional setting, illuminating how clear, concise and concrete language is the best way to break through institutional paralysis, avoid misunderstandings and improve workplace relationships.

When the $%&! Hits the Fan: Crisis Communications Workshop
Saturday, March 9, 2019, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Cost: $149 (lunch included)
Warren Buffett famously said, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.” Think about some of the biggest scandals to rock the business world: the cyanide-laced Tylenol episode, the BP oil spill, the Volkswagen emissions fiasco. These brands were either bolstered or bungled, in large part based on the official communications response. While your business crisis may not make international news, there will come a time when your company faces a challenge. The best way to respond in a crisis is to be prepared with a communications plan before a crisis ever occurs. During this four-hour workshop, participants will ANTICIPATE crisis/emergency scenarios in which they may have to respond, then IDENTIFY response tactics, including notification and monitoring, preparing statements, and assessing and redirecting as the situation as it unfolds. Real-life case scenarios will be used to help guide students through the crisis communication steps.

Space is limited to 10 students per class. To register, visit www.therefinerywritingstudio.com, or call 912-257-5217.