As a small business owner celebrating TrizCom Public Relations' 16th anniversary, I'm reflecting on the incredible journey that has brought us here. From a one-woman operation to a thriving agency, each step has taught me valuable lessons about entrepreneurship, leadership, and the PR industry.
Here are 16 key insights I've gained over the years as a small business owner
Embrace Constraints and Get Creative
When I started TrizCom PR as a small business owner, resources were scarce, but determination was plentiful. I transformed a door into a desk and used my personal phone as the company line. These constraints forced me to think creatively, a skill that has served us well throughout our growth.
The Takeaway: Limitations can be powerful catalysts for innovation if you approach them with the right mindset. As a small business owner, constraints often lead to the most innovative solutions. When faced with limitations, challenge yourself to think outside the box. Some of our most creative campaigns were born from tight budgets or challenging timelines.
Build Strong, Lasting Relationships
Our longevity is a testament to the strength of our relationships - with partners, team members and media partners. We've always focused on treating partners like family and going above and beyond. Some of our partner partnerships have lasted over a decade, far surpassing industry averages. But partnerships go beyond clients - it's also about industry partnerships such as PRConsultants Group where we are surrounded by the best and brightest PR practitioners. Professional networks such as PRCG have been invaluable, providing us with opportunities to learn, collaborate and elevate our craft alongside some of the most respected minds in our field.
The Takeaway: Small business owners must invest time in truly understanding their employees' and customers' needs and goals. Regular check-ins, proactive communication and genuine care go a long way. Remember, it's not just about the results but about the journey and partnership.
Cultivate a Positive Company Culture
TrizCom's vibrant, collaborative culture has been key to attracting and retaining top talent. We've created an environment where people feel empowered, respected and excited to come to work. A strong culture aligned with your values is crucial for long-term success and team satisfaction.
The Takeaway: As a small business owner, culture isn't just about perks or office decor. It's about shared values, open communication and creating opportunities for growth. Regularly assess and nurture your company culture as your business grows.
Stay Adaptable and Keep Learning
The PR landscape has changed dramatically over the past 16 years. We've evolved from being primarily media relations-focused to leveraging data, digital strategies and integrated campaigns. Continuous learning and adaptability are essential.
The Takeaway: Set aside time for professional development for yourself and your team. Attend conferences, take courses and stay curious about emerging trends in your industry.
Embrace Technology and Innovation
Over the years, we've learned to harness the power of technology to enhance our services and streamline our operations. From adopting advanced analytics tools to leveraging AI for more efficient workflows, staying ahead of the tech curve has given us a competitive edge.
The Takeaway: As a small business owner, regularly assess your tech stack and be open to new tools that can improve your efficiency or service offerings. However, remember that technology should enhance, not replace, the human touch in PR.
Diversify Your Services and Partner Base
Early on, we learned the importance of not putting all our eggs in one basket. Diversifying our service offerings with a variety of revenue streams and partner industries has helped us weather economic ups and downs and continually grow our expertise.
The Takeaway: While specialization has its benefits, having a diverse portfolio can provide stability and open up new opportunities. Look for ways to expand your services or enter new markets that align with your core strengths.
Prioritize Financial Literacy
As a new small business owner, I quickly realized the importance of understanding the financial side of the business. Learning to read balance sheets, manage cash flow and make informed financial decisions has been crucial to our sustained growth.
The Takeaway: Invest time in improving your financial literacy. Consider taking courses or working with a financial advisor. Understanding your numbers empowers you to make better strategic decisions for your business.
Build a Strong Network
The power of networking cannot be overstated. Over the years, our connections have led to new business opportunities, partnerships and invaluable advice during challenging times.
The Takeaway: Networking isn't just about attending events. It's about building genuine relationships. Look for ways to add value to your network, not just what you can gain from it.
Take Care of Yourself
As a small business owner, it's easy to pour everything into your company at the expense of your own well-being. I've learned the hard way that self-care isn't selfish - it's essential for sustained success and leadership.
The Takeaway: Set boundaries, make time for activities that recharge you and don't neglect your physical and mental health. Remember, as a small business owner, you're your company's most valuable asset.
Surround Yourself with People You Trust
Building a team of trustworthy individuals has been crucial to our success. When you can rely on your team, you can focus on growing the business and tackling bigger challenges.
The Takeaway: Trust is the foundation of any strong team. As a small business owner, take the time to cultivate relationships with employees, partners, and advisors who share your values and vision.
Don't Be Afraid to Hire People Smarter Than You
One of the best decisions I've made as a small business owner is hiring team members who excel in areas where I might not. Their expertise and fresh perspectives have been invaluable to our growth.
The Takeaway: Hiring people smarter than you in specific areas isn't a threat – it's a strategic advantage. Their knowledge and skills can elevate your entire organization.
Make Mistakes, But Learn From Them
Mistakes are inevitable in business, but they're also opportunities for growth. We've had our share of missteps, but each one has taught us valuable lessons.
The Takeaway: Don't let fear of mistakes paralyze you. Instead, view them as learning experiences. Analyze what went wrong, adjust your approach, and move forward wiser.
Own Your Mistakes
Along the same lines – own your mistakes. We've learned the importance of taking responsibility when errors occur (and they will no matter how much of a perfectionist you are). Owning up to mistakes builds trust with clients and team members alike.
The Takeaway: Transparency and accountability go a long way in maintaining strong relationships. When things go wrong, resist the urge to deflect blame. Instead, acknowledge the issue, apologize if necessary, and focus on solutions.
Don't Become the Cobbler's Son Without Any Shoes
As PR professionals, it's easy to focus all our energy on our partners and neglect our own business. We've learned the importance of investing in our own growth and marketing.
The Takeaway: Make time to work on your business, not just in it. Regularly invest in your own marketing, professional development, and business infrastructure. Your business deserves the same level of attention you give your clients.
Take Time to Grieve and to Celebrate
In the fast-paced world of PR and small business ownership, pausing and acknowledging both the highs and lows is crucial. We've learned to take time to process setbacks and to celebrate our victories.
The Takeaway: Allow yourself and your team the space to grieve when things don't go as planned. Equally important, make sure to celebrate your wins, big and small. These moments of reflection and joy are vital for maintaining morale and perspective.
Lead with Integrity
Even when it's not the easiest path, doing the right thing has always been our north star. We've built a reputation for trustworthiness and ethical practices. This integrity has been crucial in navigating challenges, building partner trust and creating a positive work environment.
The Takeaway: Integrity should be non-negotiable for small business owners. It might mean turning down a lucrative but ethically questionable partner or owning up to mistakes. In the long run, your reputation is your most valuable asset.
As I reflect on these 16 years, I'm filled with an overwhelming sense of pride for TrizCom PR, the incredible work we've accomplished and the remarkable journey we've shared. Our success is not just measured in campaigns executed or awards won but in the lasting impact we've made for our partners and the growth we've fostered within our team.
I'm immensely proud of the diverse roster of partners we've had the privilege to serve. From startups to Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits to government entities, we've helped shape narratives, manage reputations and drive meaningful change across various industries. Each partner has taught us something new and pushed us to innovate and excel.
But perhaps what fills me with the most pride is the talented individuals who have called TrizCom PR home over the years. Our team members, past and present, have been the heartbeat of our agency. Their creativity, dedication and resilience have been instrumental in our success. We've celebrated victories together, weathered challenges and grown professionally and personally. The collaborative spirit and passion for excellence that permeate our office are truly special.
Public Relations is not an easy profession. It demands quick thinking, adaptability and the ability to thrive under pressure. We navigate complex situations, craft compelling stories and build bridges between organizations and their audiences. But it's also one of the most rewarding professions. The opportunity to shape public discourse, to help partners achieve their business goals and to see the tangible impact of our work is incredibly fulfilling.
As we celebrate this milestone, I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has been part of the TrizCom PR story – our dedicated team members, our trusting partners, our media partners and our supportive network. Your contributions have made these 16 years not just successful but truly remarkable.
Looking ahead, I'm excited about what the future holds. The PR landscape continues to evolve, presenting new challenges and opportunities. But with our foundation of experience, our commitment to innovation and our passion for what we do, I'm confident that TrizCom PR will continue to thrive and make a positive impact in the years to come.
Here’s to 16 years of storytelling, problem-solving and relationship-building. And here's too many more years of growth, success and making a difference in the world of PR.
With Grace and Gratitude,
Jo Trizila
Founder & CEO of TrizCom Public Relations
