Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in public relations and marketing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mike Mena, Co-Founder of Ileana International, located in Redondo Beach, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Ileana International is a PR and marketing firm that specializes in helping clients gain awareness through well-placed editorial news stories in various forms of media, including TV, Radio, Print, and online.
Tell us about yourself
I started my career in the music business in NYC. I loved the business and watched it evolve from selling vinyl to CDs and, eventually, digital downloads. As record companies consolidated, I looked for a new challenge and found it being a publicist. It turned out that I had a knack for telling a story. I still get a kick when I see a story I pitched run on the TV news or featured in a local newspaper.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment has been growing and maintaining my business. I'm constantly on the lookout for businesses I can help and stories I can place.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing is remaining positive when things go wrong. Losing a client is part of the business, but it can be tough to endure. Each time you go through a challenge, you become stronger.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Keep a sense of humor. Tough pills are easier to swallow when you're smiling.
- Don't rush the process. Take your time and do things right.
- Only work with clients that excite you. Working on a project is tough, but it's easier when you believe in the client and the product.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://ileanainternational.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mike.mena.90
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-mena-0a23389/
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.
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