On Leaving Journalism for Public Relations

Sandra Coffey PR

Sandra Coffey

Founder
Sandra Coffey PR

Team Size

1

Revenue

Not disclosed

Location

Online (Worldwide)

STart Date

2020

Meet Sandra Coffey, who left her career in journalism and is setting up her own business for public relations, with the goal to help other businesses thrive though media publicity.

INTRODUCTION

PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND THE BUSINESS YOU STARTED?

Hi, my name is Sandra. I’m a former journalist and editor who has worked for 17 years in media outlets (newspapers, magazines, radio, and tv). During this time, I saw many businesses pitch for publicity without having the right strategy and not knowing how the media works. I want to help businesses thrive by knowing how to communicate with the media and get publicity.

As a PR coach and writer, I’ve helped businesses get coverage by using the techniques I’ve developed from working inside media outlets. What gives me joy is helping businesses thrive by getting media publicity. Getting media publicity is a hugely effective way to grow one’s business. 

 

As well as bringing people through my strategy, I work on areas like mindset and confidence issues around putting oneself out there. It can be very scary for some people, but I have techniques that can help overcome the fear of speaking to the media. 

THE JOURNEY SO FAR

PLEASE DESCRIBE THE PROCESS OF LAUNCHING YOUR BUSINESS.

I am working on launching it this year! This summer I plan to finally have my own business up and running. I’ve worked in public relations for many years but never for myself. This is exciting but it is also a huge learning curve. I am pairing back everything in order to get the basics right and I will build on that as my business grows. Working for myself and being able to spend more time with my family are my two big goals for 2020. 

In this industry, there are not many people who take businesses from zero to showing them that achieving media publicity is a real possibility. There are lots of resources out there, but they assume that people already know where to start or what to do. I take people from a place of doubt and confusion to one of knowledge and education and to ultimately having all the elements in place to pitch and get publicity. 

WHAT DOES YOUR TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE AND HOW DO YOU STAY PRODUCTIVE?

I’m up at 7.30 am to get my daughter ready. She goes to the nursery, so I have my mornings free. My mornings are very precious.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT AND YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE SINCE YOU STARTED YOUR BUSINESS?

Biggest Achievement: The biggest achievement is saying to myself, Sandra, you need to go for this and set up your own business. You need to follow your heart and thrive on helping others with the knowledge you have. 

Biggest Challenge: The biggest challenge is actually the same thing! Having the courage to finally say Go For It! I don’t want to have any regrets. This year is the year I’m actually doing it for real! 

WHAT STRATEGY DID YOU USE TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS? AND HOW?

I’m working on making meaningful connections with people who need help in this area. I’m also working on affiliate marketing with those aligned to what I do and who can offer a quality service or product that I feel would be of benefit to my clients.  

I’m also building a Facebook group. Please join! This is a supportive place where everyone is there to help share their journey towards getting media publicity.  

Media Publicity – Develop and Grow Your Media Presence

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF BUSINESS?

My next steps are to get my offerings together and get ready to launch them into the world. I’m also working on an online course that I am finishing recording on and will opening up for enrolment during the summer. It will be all about growing media publicity for one’s business and it will be inspired by my experience and what I feel businesses need to know.
I’m also finishing an e-book on the same topic. I post a lot about my journey writing this book in the Facebook Group and in other groups.

RECOMMENDATIONS & FINAL THOUGHTS

PLEASE RECOMMEND ANY RESOURCES AND TOOLS THAT YOU USE TO RUN YOUR BUSINESS.

Kajabi is brilliant. I love how it is a full resource for everything one needs to start. Moz for SEO, Google Analytics, Canva for design.

 

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOKS, PODCASTS OR BLOGS?

I love Amy Porterfield‘s podcast. She is so inspiring, and I love how she makes everything so simple to understand. I also love listening to and learning from Elizabeth Gilbert, Marie Forleo and Dana Malstaff. The Boss Moms community is the best! They have been so helpful and encouraging.

Books I love include The 7 Habits of Successful People, Start with Why, Big Magic and Atomic Habits

The most favourite part of my day is reading stories from clients who have been featured in media outlets – they are my biggest inspiration and driving force. I always strive to get my clients to the next step in their media journey and put them in a position where they can really reap the benefits by developing their media voice. 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER WOMEN WHO WANT TO START THEIR OWN BUSINESS?

Start small and figure out your “why” first.

Don’t try to do everything at first; you need time to grow both in business and as a business owner. All additions can be added to your business as you grow. What was stopping me for a long time was what to name my website. I got great feedback on various FB groups, including Boss Moms. Many told me to just start with what felt right for now and it can always be changed later. So, eventually, I did!

 

Violeta Semenova

Violeta Semenova
Founder
theBizLadies

Welcome to the Biz Ladies interview series!

If you’re new to these series, I interview women entrepreneurs on how they started their business, what was the idea behind it, how they got where they are, the struggles, the reality and more.

By sharing their stories, we want to inspire other women to get started.

If you are interested to share your own story on the Biz Ladies LET ME KNOW!