Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Elena Murdock, Founder of Ascend PR, located in Chicago, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Ascend PR is a public relations and network expansion agency specializing in mid to upper-middle market companies. We have worked with over 70 startups and heavily with investment banks, venture capital firms, private equity, family offices, and angel investors.
Tell us about yourself
I was blessed to grow up in a household where my parents attended and taught at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. I learned about hard work, the entrepreneurial spirit, and making an impact from a very young age. However, I opted not to attend Stanford and participate in the family office world (initially) and instead went to a small Catholic university in Ohio.
After graduating in 2013, instead of attending an Ivy League school and against my parents' wishes, I worked in youth ministry for three years in South Florida. I left my youth ministry job in early 2017 and moved to Los Angeles with less than $200 in my account.
My first client was an executive with whom I accidentally landed at Forbes. I then realized that storytelling/PR was a way I could support myself, so I started learning everything possible about public relations. I acquired mentors and started working with startups in any capacity to add to my portfolio. I would take $50 Southwest flights up to Silicon Valley and pick up clients to build my portfolio. After a couple of years, I hired some of my first employees and was able to scale. I then transitioned to working with incubators, venture capital firms, private equity firms, and family offices.
Some of the best individuals and companies out there have yet to be discovered because the worst companies tend to receive the lion’s share of media attention (the FTX scandal is a timely example), leaving little room for emerging companies to receive media attention. I am motivated by the incredible clients I work for. They are making an impact on a local and global scale.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I am proud to have reached a point where my business can sponsor galas and non-profit events. I firmly believe that philanthropy is time, talent, and treasure. I love that my company has gotten to a place where we give back to more than just time and talent.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Finding authentic community and mentors.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Set up a business bank account and form an LLC or S-Corp. Don't mix your personal/business expenses.
- Invest in a good lawyer and set up exceptional contracts. Add in clauses about hostile takeovers and what happens if someone defaults on a payment.
- Know your worth. Don't give discounts.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.ascend-pr.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenanunezmurdock
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-murdock/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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