Spotlight On: Jennifer Finke

Name of Business: The PRepared Publicist
Type of Business: PR inspiration for female entrepreneurs
Web Site: http://www.thepreparedpublicist.com/
Email: jenny@thepreparedpublicist.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/preprdpublicist

Tell us more about your woman-owned business.

The PRepared Publicist is dedicated to helping female entrepreneurs promote their businesses. I offer full service PR management and coaching services for entrepreneurs who want to do their own PR. I also have authored several ebooks about how to promote your business - I've gotten so much great feedback on my ebooks that I'll be writing more soon!

Why did you decide to start this type of business?

I worked for a large PR agency for many years. After I had my son in 2005, I decided I wanted to start my own PR consulting business, JF Communications.com, which offers full service PR help to entrepreneurs and small business owners. I found that many people couldn't afford to do PR and they were doing it on their own. I hated the thought of people doing PR on their own PR with little to no information, so I started The PRepared Publicist, which offers free and low-cost coaching and educational tools to entrepreneurs.

What makes your business unique?

My business is unique because I offer a VERY personalized approach to PR. Each company that I work with has a personalized PR plan of attack - there's nothing run-of-the-mill about me. Reporters know me too - many I've worked with for over a decade and some I've interviewed myself for my own ebook on how to do PR.

What is your favorite free business resource?

HelpAReporterOut.com - a service that connects reporters looking for sources with PR people and companies. I also love FreeConference.com because I can set up free conference calls.

Can you share with us something that very few people know as it relates to your business?

If people saw how messy my office was they would not work with me ;-) I'm super organized in my head though - and that's where it counts!

What words of advice would you provide to others who are considering starting a business?

I have three bits of advice I would offer.

1) Don't let self-doubt derail you. I doubt myself all the time but I have to put that negative stuff out of my head and think positive. I realize that I can do it and there's little room for negativity as a business owner.

2) I also think people shouldn't give up too quickly. It can take years before your business really takes off - but so many people give up too soon without giving it a full shot.

3) I wish that companies understood the importance of marketing right out of the gate. They spend so much money starting their businesses and leave pennies in the end to promote their businesses. You can have a great product, great website and great brochures, but without dedication to marketing and PR, no one will know about you. I think entrepreneurs should set aside 1/3 of their start-up budget for marketing and PR initiatives.

Do you have any special offers for those reading this interview?

Sure, 20% off any ebook with code "pinkheels". Also, if you mention you read my Spotlight on Pink Heels, I'll offer you a free 30 min PR consultation.

Do you have a small business idea that you want to get "Up & Running?" Pink Heels has a variety of services and resources available for all stages of business development and sustainability. Check out all of your coaching and consulting options HERE and all of your e-book options HERE!

Would you like to be considered for an upcoming "Spotlight On" post? If you have a web site and a business Up & Running story, please email Jennifer Moore at Jennifer@Pink-Heels.com. You can be located anywhere in the world as we are creating a global network of fabulous women!