Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lori Donofrio-Galley, founder of The Right Angle Strategic Storytelling LLC., located in Wyomissing, PA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The mission of The Right Angle Strategic Storytelling is to make your business or nonprofit organization visible through strategic storytelling that elevates brand identity and reveals the human identity behind the brand to attract and engage clientele or supporters.
A typical PR client is a small or mid-sized business or nonprofit organization that needs to communicate its unique value proposition, advance its outreach and engagement efforts, build media relationships, discover storytelling angles, or have its owner become the face of the business. Employing PR strategies over time will build a digital footprint of earned media and drive connections, visibility, loyalty, and sales.
Tell us about yourself
In August 2020, while walking our family’s senior rescue dogs in the neighborhood, I made a decision with absolute conviction: I would launch a PR business in early 2021. The challenges of the pandemic year had pushed my years-long drive towards entrepreneurship to the forefront. Equally influential was seeing my 60th birthday, then less than seven months away, in full view. “How do I really want to spend the next ten years of my career?” I knew the answer. When the thought of starting my own PR business occurred, it was followed quickly by a second thought…I need to hire a business coach.
Never before had I considered that I could benefit from a coaching partner to hold me accountable as I mapped out my business and faced my fear of releasing the predictable income of regular employment. Anyone who knows me will understand that I make plans, strategize and set goals, and execute the plans. In fact, throughout an enduring 38-year career, I had thrived on setting expectations and exceeding them. Navigating the known and unknown challenges of leaving full-time employment and transitioning into small business ownership was definitely new territory.
Before launching The Right Angle, I secured my first client. Four months later, I secured my second client just after the official launch. Client activity has been steady due to my active networking and prospecting efforts, promoting my business, and demonstrating my expertise through speaking engagements, podcast guesting, and panel discussions. I am motivated daily because I understand why I chose the entrepreneur's path and am dedicated to thriving!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Now, 13 months into business ownership, I see my greatest accomplishment as leveraging my tenacity, fearlessness, and social nature to sustain and grow a small business.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the greatest challenges of the small business owner is knowing how to negotiate and influence. Whether with prospective clients or partners, or independent contractors, practicing negotiation skills and, similarly, influence lead to personal and professional growth.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Access the many free resources to start your business.
- 2. Be diligent about following the process step by step to protect yourself and your clients.
- 3. Expand your mind in every way to make it happen for yourself!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
No matter how long you have been in business or how long you have ignored or misunderstood the need for public relations, it's not too late! Start now! Put yourself out there, and differentiate yourself from everyone else in your industry as the go-to expert!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://rightangle.us.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YourRtAngle
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loridonofriogalley/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/YourRtAngle
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-donofrio-galley-9a970046/
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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