Getting mentioned in the press is worth way more than advertising- not just because you don't have to pay for it but also because the credibility factor is much higher. Brittany from At Large PR shares how to go about it as a small business, even if you aren't in a particularly sexy industry or on that usually gets into the news. We also talk public speaking, LinkedIn and writing books. The good news is there are lessons any small business owner, startup or entrepreneur can take and use even if they can't afford a PR agency and without spending a ton of time on it.
After years of experience in the industry working for others, Matt Vaadi decided to go out on his own in the HR and payroll industry. He knew the pain points, the sales pitches and the customer needs and he knew he could blow the existing competition out of the water. Having a background in the industry you plan to conquer is a huge asset and then focusing on a profitable niche segment gives you great marketing ROI. By putting the two together you get fast growth and terrific performance as Matt explains in our interview.
The funny part of this story is that Henry started out wanting to network with locals and have a simple website that would facilitate that- and from the desire to be local and in person grew an online magazine app and website that has gained global readership and sales! Henry shares lots of tips along with his startup story which is both interesting and inspiring for anyone not sure where they're headed but enjoying the surprising journey to get there that they didn't imagine at all when they began.
Max Ivey is totally blind and yet he has built a successful e-commerce business. If he can do it, what's stopping anyone else? I had a great conversation with him about his business, he experience in the carnival industry and how he transitioned into selling used carnival equipment online even though he couldn't see the computer he was using or the pictures he was posting. It was an inspiring conversation that left me motivated to make sure I wasn't making excuses about anything I thought I couldn't do!
Josh is a CapForge Bookkeeping client who figured out that his career wasn't going to be as a professional musician but he could still have a business helping musicians and staying close to the music. He built his business from scratch by treating his customers right and offering them service they couldn't get elsewhere. He even overcame the threat of a much larger competitor trying to take away his business. One of my most inspiring conversations!
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