Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in public relations but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Andrea Pass, owner of Andrea Pass Public Relations, located in Fair Lawn, NJ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Andrea Pass Public Relations creates and implements public relations campaigns in a wide range of categories, including consumer products, lifestyle, business-to-business, education, health/wellness/fitness, beauty, food, authors, non-profits, and more. I have expertise in national, regional, and local media relations outreach. My strength in relationships, coupled with knowledge of the ever-growing media base, results in securing top-tier, targeted media placements to increase brand awareness, reputation management, and sales for established businesses and growing entrepreneurs alike. The customers of Andrea Pass Public Relations are small businesses, entrepreneurs, consumer products, health/wellness, lifestyle businesses, authors, and more.
Tell us about yourself
I love public relations, so I suppose then I've never worked a day in my life. I was always the publicity chair of committees in high school and college and always appreciated the thrill of securing press coverage for events and groups. I started my PR career at the CBS Radio Division and moved to the agency side --- always working for others.
A few years ago, I launched Andrea Pass Public Relations at the urging of many of my clients and colleagues. Each day I am motivated to secure press coverage for my clients and to consistently research new press opportunities in order to keep those businesses relevant, grow brand awareness using the media and, ultimately, drive sales.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is still loving what I do every single day. I feel that by being authentic, a hard worker, and an effective communicator, I have a consistent list of existing and new clients. I am proud that I leave others with a positive experience working with me and that I find varying media outlets to feature my contacts in editorial coverage.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Being a business owner is not easy --- however, it is rewarding. The hardest aspect of being a business owner is communicating with those businesses that have had a negative experience with a prior public relations firm. Sometimes, those companies won't return to adding PR to their marketing mixes due to previous engagements with others in PR who didn't do the job. I am proud that I jumped right into a new account and secured press coverage quickly. I continue to learn and research media opportunities and provide those opportunities to my clients.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
As the owner of Andrea Pass Public Relations, my tips for starting, running, and growing a business are:
- Start today. Don't wait for another opportunity. If you are ready to begin your business, don't put it off. Take the steps necessary to launch, including securing an LLC, launching a website and social media pages, and having the aspects of your business ready for those who will purchase your products or services.
- Network. Network. Network. Networking is key to spreading the word and meeting others who offer both education and referrals.
- Remember Life/Work Balance. I have moved "Life" first. While I love being the owner of Andrea Pass Public Relations, I also recognize the value of time with family and friends as well as other "Me" time.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.andreapasspr.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndreaPassPublicRelations
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrea_pass_pr/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NJ_Andrea
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-pass/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.