Amanda Haines took the entrepreneurial plunge late last year when she launched her own boutique public relations firm, Vancouver-based Reformation PR. What advice does she have for other aspiring entrepreneurs? Find out in today’s YEDaily…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I’m the Owner & Director of Reformation PR, a Vancouver-based lifestyle PR boutique. We’re all about being an ‘Agency of Change’ – we come up with innovative, collaborative strategies for our clients to spread their reach and influence in the marketplace.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I’ve always had somewhat of an entrepreneurial spirit – I’m an only child, so I was bossy from a young age! I’ve worked both in-house and agency-side, and I truly love the variety and challenges that come with managing a varying range of clients. I’ve always wanted to start my own firm, but I didn’t know how or when it would happen. When opportunity struck late last year, I knew I had to seize it.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
Bar none, the best part of my day is the people I work with. Although I’m a one-woman show (save for my lovely intern, Lucy), I love what I do because of the people around me. My clients are seriously inspiring on so many levels – I learn from them every day. The challenging part is balancing it all. I wear a variety of hats and handle every aspect of the business, from bookkeeping to administration to business development to, of course, directing my clients’ strategies. Good thing I thrive under pressure!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I have a hard enough time imagining myself a year from now! In five years, I hope to have an office space, a staff of five or fewer people, a thriving company, great relationships with friends and colleagues, balance and contentment, and much happiness and all facets of my life.
What does success look like to you? Success is within.
Hard work means nothing unless you have a personal sense of accomplishment.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Without a doubt, taking the plunge and starting my own PR firm.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Be prepared to slog it out. The only way to the top is through hard work, determination and a never-say-die attitude. Take risks, and don’t regret anything – no one ever found success without a few missteps along the way. Learn from it and move on.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Personally, I support a number of cancer organizations in honour of my father, Paul Haines, who died of lung cancer in 2010. I miss him every single day. We must – we will – find a cure!
What is Notable to you?
Looking back and realizing how far you’ve come.
BlackBerry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone for the apps. They are a PR person’s dream.