Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Katie LaPotin, Owner and President of Phoenix Rising Consulting, located in Alexandria, VA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business, Phoenix Rising Consulting, is a full-service agency helping mission-driven businesses and nonprofits make data-driven marketing strategies and campaigns. As part of our "secret sauce," we blend the power of big data with time-tested market research to develop targeted communications strategies and advocacy plans to help its clients reach their goals. Our customers are a mix of political campaigns, nonprofits & trade associations, and small businesses looking to grow and/or expand their current marketing efforts.
Tell us about yourself
I have over 15 years of experience supporting campaigns, nonprofits, and corporations with data-driven strategic consulting and marketing solutions. During that time, I've helped develop and implement successful polling and data programs for a variety of political and corporate entities. I have also worked in the past as a journalist and communications strategist, where I developed dozens of successful earned and digital media efforts for both political and non-political clients.
I started Phoenix Rising Consulting in 2019 because I saw a need for smaller entities to have a partner who could help with both the research/strategy (polling) and the execution (marketing & PR), all at a reasonable cost. Too many times, I've seen pollsters suggest messages that are then ignored by the creatives (and vice versa), and I believe that it is in the client's best interest to have everyone working together seamlessly and effectively.
Philly-born and bred, I have a bachelor's degree from American University and a master's degree from the London School of Economics. I currently live in Alexandria, Virginia, with my beagle (and PRC's Chief Canine Officer), Amalia Bella.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My business was less than a year old when COVID-19 hit. The early days of the pandemic hit my business hard, especially given the makeup of my growing client roster at the time, but the fact that I kept going at it and was able to come out of the pandemic even better and stronger than before is a win for me. (It doesn't hurt, either, to see my clients' faces or share in their joy when we see positive results from a marketing campaign.)
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Having continual faith in yourself and never giving up. Somedays, it seems easier to just "call it a day" and give up, but then I remember how much I've helped my clients, and that keeps me motivated to continue on. Also, maintaining a work/life balance is crucial. It's easy to just get lost in your work and not come up for air.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Ask others for advice - and then heed that advice! The best tips you'll receive are those learned from others.
- Don't be afraid to spend a little bit of money/invest in your business early on. Set yourself up with Quickbooks, WaveApps, or a similar accounting solution. Use a program like LegalZoom or have a lawyer walk you through the formation process to make sure you're doing everything correctly. You may have to pay upfront, but it'll save you so much time, money, and pain in the end if it's done correctly.
- Track all of your work (client & business development) with a time-tracking program like Calendly from the get-go. Not only will it make invoicing clients much easier, but it'll help you strategize and create a better work-life balance for yourself - which is CRITICAL when you're starting off and could fall victim to burnout quickly.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.phoenixrisingconsult.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phoenixriseGOP/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/phoenixriseGOP
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/phoenixrisegop/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.