While there are some universal tenets of success, entrepreneurs wouldn’t be entrepreneurs if they didn’t march to the beat of their own inner drummer. Many successful small business owners have their own “secrets”—things they do or believe that help them achieve success.
Here some of today’s smartest, highly innovative, most successful business owners share their insights and success secrets with you.
Meet: Ann Noder, the founder and president of Pitch Public Relations. A former television news anchor and reporter, Ann’s media and PR experience spans 20 years. She’s worked with many high-profile clients, including Experian Financial Services, Care.com, Kabbage, Redbox and many more.
Ann is frequently featured as a top media expert on public relations. She’s been quoted and profiled by CNN, CNBC and Yahoo.com and has been the featured expert for many broadcast interviews and speaking engagements.
You can reach her on Twitter @pitchpr09.
Web.com: What did you want to be when you grew up?
Ann Noder: A journalist. My goals turned into reality when I spent 10 years in news as a TV news anchor and reporter before finding my true passion for public relations.
Web.com: Why did you start your own business?
Noder: The thrill of owning and growing a business that is entirely your own is hard to beat. While I never really had the entrepreneurial bug, ultimately launching my own business was the best decision I ever made.
Web.com: Did you experience a pivotal moment on your way to success?
Noder: I’ve always focused on servicing our clients first and foremost. As a result of that, we have received a tremendous number of referrals. Those loyal and referring customers have kept Pitch Public Relations thriving over the past seven years, and our firm has grown from a one-person startup to 15 employees strong.
Web.com: What’s the best small business advice you ever gave and/or received?
Noder: The best advice I ever received was from my client Nell Merlino, founder of Take Our Daughters to Work Day and author of Stepping Out. She said, “You have to work on your business, not for your business.” It’s easy for small business owners to get sucked into the daily grind of work that has to be done rather than focusing on what it takes to grow their businesses.
Web.com: What’s one “best practice” more entrepreneurs should be embracing?
Noder: Not surprisingly, I’m a huge advocate for PR. Oftentimes, small businesses spend their entire budgets on manufacturing or getting their businesses up and running but leave no money for marketing. You can have the most amazing idea in the world, but if no one knows about it…? The power of public relations is unmatched when it comes to brand recognition and driving sales. Invest in public relations.
Web.com: Do you have a prediction for small business?
Noder: Small business IS business. Even large corporations typically started as a startup. Small businesses are the engine of the economy. With today’s technology and opportunities, I imagine the small business boom will continue for years to come!
Web.com: What’s your favorite book?
Noder: I have to cite The Mom Inventors Handbook by Tamara Monosoff. I’m honored to have a chapter in her book on public relations!
Web.com: Is there a quote you find particularly inspiring?
Noder: “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” —Henry David Thoreau
