From working 9-5’s to breaking down barriers and starting a business that provides PR and digital marketing services to clients across the globe, our founders are talking all about their journey to becoming business owners in 2020, what Covid-19 taught them, and their take on the industry on the blog this month. Whether you’re thinking about starting your own business and need inspiration or you want to learn more about how to utilize social media, keep on reading!
Nicole Bruno
Co-Founder of Bruno PR & Social
Specialties: Social Media Management and Strategy Development, Content Creation, Copywriting and Editing, Public Relations, Branding, Email Marketing and Event Planning and Management
Born in Gaithersburg, MD, Nicole graduated from Duquesne University with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Advertising and Certificate in Business in 2016. She is an engagement-driven professional and insightful content creator with over five years of experience providing digital strategy, social media management and content development, and PR support versed in various industries. Nicole founded Bruno PR & Social to help businesses and brands establish genuine connections with their target audiences and find ways to stand out in their niche.
How was starting a business during Covid-19? Did you face any major challenges?
Honestly, I believe our business has flourished during COVID as a result of businesses having to go digital in order to stay afloat. Social media agencies were around long before COVID, but I believe people have now begun seeing the value in having a strong social media presence and a genuine connection with their online community.
The challenge we faced in the beginning was determining how we were going to promote and scale the business. The transition from freelancer to becoming a cofounder with Jeff was a bumpy one. There were a lot of details that needed to be discussed. We also had to determine what processes we were going to implement, and ultimately figure out what really worked for us.
What did your journey look like to becoming a business owner? Did you ever think you’d get to this point?
If you ask anyone who knows me, they would probably say that they always envisioned me getting to this point. Friends and family have always expressed that they believed I had the ambition, tenacity and grit to become an entrepreneur and founder of a company.
The greatest lesson you’ve learned by owning a business?
The greatest lesson I’ve learned as an entrepreneur is to always have faith and trust in the universe. What is meant for you will never pass you by.
Was there a time when you wanted to quit? What kept you going and how did you get out of that headspace?
I don’t believe there has ever been a time where I have genuinely wanted to quit. I love this business so much! It is my baby, and I am determined to help it grow.
I will be honest by saying there have been challenging days for me, where I feel like the business supersedes my needs. What keeps me going are my clients and the impact I have on their lives and businesses. On challenging days, I’ll receive a random text or message of appreciation from a client, employee, intern or someone I know personally. To me, those messages have always served as a reminder from the Universe to keep going and follow my path
When I feel the business beginning to override my needs, I am learning to take a step away from it to give myself a break. You cannot pour from an empty cup!
Can you tell me about being a woman in the industry, do you think there is room for improvement?
Based on my experience as a young professional in the advertising industry, I will say there is DEFINITELY room for improvement! More than anything, women just want to have a voice and be heard. We want to be given the chance to enhance are God given strengths and talents, and ultimately live up to our full potential.
What advice do you have for someone who is scared to start a business?
You don’t need to be perfect or have everything in order to get started. It’s all about your mindset and will to never give up on your dreams. If you believe you’re going to be successful, you can and will break down any barriers that stand in your way. We all start somewhere, do whatever you must to just begin. Each step you take brings you one step closer to making your dreams a reality!
What are your thoughts on social media? And asset or liability?
An Asset, If you employ strategies that work for you!
So how can businesses leverage social media to bring in clients?
Businesses can leverage social media by encouraging friends and family to spread the word.
Instagram or Twitter?
Instagram.
Who should everyone be following on Instagram?
This is a tough one, but everyone should be following our clients! LOL, I don’t think I can narrow it down to just one...a few of my fave bloggers and inspirational women in leadership include the following:
@emmasedition - Best tips for bloggers, content creators and photogs
@thecoppervessel - Find instant peace here with sound baths on IGTV
@shaymitchell - Funniest and most relatable celeb reels and memes
@lisette - My fave curlfriend
@influencingincolor- Most stylish and inspirational feed of badass babes
@marieforleo - The perfect feed for a female founder
And finally Nicole, the thing about being an entrepreneur that nobody told you about?
Nobody told me that faith and an underlying belief in one’s dreams were the key to being successful as an entrepreneur.
Jeffrey C. Davis
Co-Founder of Bruno PR & Social
Specialties: Business Development, Operations, Creativity, Strategy, Execution
Los Angeles native, Jeffrey C. Davis, studied business at San Jose State University with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Operations. Over the past 10 years Jeff has managed large scale projects for two (2) Fortune 500 companies in the Silicon Valley; developed and implemented fully-integrated marketing strategies; and prior to co-founding Bruno PR & Social, LLC. with Nicole, Jeff consulted startup businesses in various industries through his project development company.
How was starting a business during Covid-19, what challenges did you face?
2020 was a tough time for many business owners, especially those that are accustomed to foot traffic or traditional marketing methods. We were able to assist many clients with transitioning to digital environments. Navigating the pandemic has been one of our strong suits, and we appreciate the opportunity to help our clients maneuver through one of the most challenging moments in modern history.
What did your journey look like to owning a business? Growing up did you ever see this for yourself?
A winding, yet exciting road paved with many sleepless nights and unbridled passion. I’ve always loved the process of seeing an idea come to life. As a child, I read Forbes and Fortune, or any business books that I could get my hands on. That was my Harry Potter. I started creative entrepreneurial projects when I was young and never looked back.
Tell us about the beginning of Bruno PR and Social, how was keeping everything afloat?
Patience, perseverance, and remaining true to our business values.
The best advice you received when starting Bruno PR & Social?
It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
The thing about being an entrepreneur that nobody told you about?
The value of having a cofounder that shares your business values, work ethic, and passion for helping others.
Greatest lesson you’ve learned by owning a business?
In my business journey, I’ve learned that the best leaders are selfless, humble, and empathetic. They realize that it’s not about themselves, it’s for a bigger cause. Something that wakes them up early in the morning or keeps them up late at night. It’s less about you, as an individual, and more about your clients, your team, and your mission.
How have you scaled this business?
Our team is great at what we do, however, we genuinely care about the clients that we work with. It’s through relationships, empathy, and understanding that set us apart from other digital marketing agencies.
Where do you hope to grow the business and to what scale?
We want to grow consistently without compromising our high-quality work and customer-centric approach.
What advice would you give someone who doesn't believe they have the resources or knowledge to start a business?
Be resourceful. Study business. Start a side-project. Talk to business-owners that are in a relevant industry. Take an internship. Stay curious. And don’t be afraid!
What are your thoughts on social media?
An Asset, we’re in the digital era. Absence of social media would result in missing the attention of the market and the ability to have a two-way communication with your community.
Finally Jeff, how can businesses leverage social media to bring in clients? Or to grow their business?
Know what your brand represents
Create a cohesive strategy that connects your messaging
Test and experiment.
Make adjustments to your strategy if something isn't working.
Engage with your customers, learn more about their interest and why they like or dislike your product or service.
