Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stacia Crawford, Founder of Stay Ready Media, located in Chicago, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a PR and media strategist. I show entrepreneurs, authors, experts, and industry leaders how to book and leverage TV, radio, and magazine interviews to share their messages with the world.
Tell us about yourself
I started my business, Stay Ready Media, when I was laid off from my job. I had spent three decades working as a TV news producer when my position was eliminated in a major industry downsizing. I have been a serial entrepreneur for more than 20 years. Previously I had started a home decor company, a children's clothing line, and a cultural center in Chicago. When I lost my job, it was the first time I had the courage to embark on an entrepreneurial journey without the safety net of a weekly corporate paycheck. I started my business because I knew many small businesses, non-profits, and industry leaders had immense value to bring to the masses but did not have the resources to buy expensive ads or hire big PR firms. Now it's my goal to help mission-driven individuals and organizations tell their impactful stories and gain access to the widespread visibility that was once reserved for those with deep pockets and exclusive connections.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been growing my business to 6-figures within months of living my full-time job. I have been able to use my knowledge as a media insider to get my clients featured in media outlets all over the country, including national TV news programs, such as Good Morning America and CBS Mornings, award-winning talk shows, and popular print placements, such as Oprah Magazine.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest parts of being a business owner is standing out from the competition. It takes courage to operate in a way that's different from the norm. I tell myself every day not to be afraid to blaze new trails.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't be afraid to be different. If you do what everyone else in your industry does, you'll get what everyone else has. Stand up and stand out.
- Be prepared to talk about your business everywhere and all the time. You may start to feel like you're talking about it too much, but you have to remember that if people don't know you have a business, it won't be long before you don't have a business. People can't buy from you if they don't know you exist.
- Connect with mentors you can trust. Invest in personal and professional development. Surround yourself with people who are already at the level you desire to reach. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, and ask for help when you need it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://stayreadymedia.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stacia.crawford.39
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stayreadymedia/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/stayreadymedia
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacia-crawford-813697a/
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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