7 March 2021|Latest Posts, Meet the Successful Founder
Lucy and Toya are the founders of PR for the People, a revolutionary new membership platform connecting journalists with diverse and exciting entrepreneurs, indie biz owners and experts. We help people learn how to pitch their story to journalists and teach DIY PR skills. After 10 years working as a journalist and PR, Lucy noticed a gap in the market – loads of entrepreneurs and small biz owners were missing out on doing PR because they couldn’t afford an expensive agency, and didn’t realise they could pitch to journalists themselves. PR for the People launched on 1st Feb 2021 and already has 150 amazing members
What would you love to share to encourage other women to start their own business?
Lucy: I was made redundant out of the blue from a job I’d been in for 4 years. Although an unpleasant shock at the time, this was one of the best things to happen to me. I never would have had the headspace to launch PR for the People, and it would have taken me several more years to make the jump to freelancer. It taught me that being pushed outside your comfort zone is actually a great thing. If you’re thinking about quitting your job and becoming an entrepreneur – just do it. I wake up with so much more excitement for life than I ever did working a 9-5.
What are your 5 top tips for entrepreneurial success?
You don’t need to wait until you’re an established company to start doing PR. Start building your profile as an expert in your field with top tips articles and speaking on local radio shows.
Speaking on other people’s podcasts is another great free way of doing PR, and showcasing your story and vibe in longform to your audience. Search for topics relevant to you on the Apple podcasts website, or sign up for free to Facebook groups such as Podcast Guest Linkups UK to find opportunities.
Invest in some professional lifestyle photography of you as a founder. Even as a product-based business, it’s important to have this and show the person behind the business.
Batch your tasks into different time slots. For example, spending one day creating social media content, one day doing finances and try and stick to these. Otherwise, it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in all the different hats you have to wear.
If you’re planning on using Instagram to build your community, don’t wait until just before your launch to start. Building an organically engaged following is a long game, but the good thing is you can start building this and sharing your expert knowledge and visuals way before you’re launch. ideally give yourself at least 6 months.
Who are the 5 women who inspire you the most?
Sharmadean Reid
Rhianna
Michaela Coel
Joanna Lumley
Emily Maitlis
What is your favourite saying/inspirational quote?
“If not now, then when?”
Website & Socials
Website: www.prforthepeople.co.uk
Instagram: @prforthepeople
Facebook @prforthepeople
