Every morning, you are handed 24 hours – one of the few things in this world you will receive for free. Even if you had all the money in the world, you still couldn’t buy more time. The question each day is: what will you do with this treasure? This is a question that is relevant to anyone, but – on a professional level – especially relevant to professional service companies, such as a PR agency.

Retail stores, restaurants and any consumer-good front store invests major efforts and time into preventing theft and shoplifting. A responsible person wouldn’t consider eating at a restaurant without paying or pocketing electronics in a store; so, why is it that when it comes to service providers, people think its ok to steal our product – TIME?  We sell time, hours in the day, to produce client results and get paid for it.

Perhaps it’s a lack of awareness to the significant role of time to service-based businesses.  Unlike individuals or businesses in other industries, service-based businesses like my PR firm, 5WPR, make the most of two elements that create success: the human resource, and the time resource. Time is the platform on which we create, design and “manufacture” our invaluable goods; it is our “assembly line.”

If you ask us to spend time preparing a presentation, then have the courtesy to reply? If after numerous meetings we pitch your business, then at least have the decency to call us back.  Be constructive: take 5 minutes to explain why our services weren’t a match for you.

Time is something I’ve personally learned to manage systematically. The way meetings are run, the way I communicate, and the tools I use to maximize productivity during the day reflect my appreciation for and value of my time.  Time, in service businesses, is a component that determines the position of a business in its industry, its stake in a market. In turn, it determines how many of its leads will turn into business opportunities.

There are three business techniques I use to optimize my time: be assertive, be confident, and work on your communication skills. There is no need for elaborate explanations, no need for long meetings that go well outside the agenda, and certainly no need to waste a business provider’s time if you have no intention of ever engaging the service.

Ronn Torossian

5WPR

Starting a business and being an entrepreneur require a lot of energy. They also require the realization that you’re embarked on a long path with both ups and downs. One thing to remember – which I have learned only recently – is that while you expand your imagination to how successful you wish to become, do not neglect the small achievements.

I’ve been running my company for nearly eight years now – been in the business of PR even longer. And still, I find myself celebrating every piece of progress that we make at 5WPR, and that I make personally as I walk the path of self-made people. But, people have a tendency to look and, unfortunately, find what is missing in their personal and business lives, and all of us have experienced this:

What else can be done that hasn’t yet been done?

Why don’t I have the client that I want?

Why am I still not holding a large share in the markets I want?

All of these untapped and under-accomplished areas are valid thoughts under every business term, sales, or strategy. But, as a main focus, they’re counterproductive when it comes to “success” – simply because they stem from negativity. We tend to see where we haven’t yet reached or haven’t made our mark. How many times, though, have you looked at what you ARE successful in?

Throughout the years it took us tremendous effort to get to where we are now, and it was crucial to appreciate every single uphill step. You don’t always start your way with a major client or a major account. And, if you’re in PR, you certainly don’t always get a first hit on national TV. But, every single day you do celebrate your independence – your freedom to pursue opportunity wherever your mind, skills, and talent can take you.

Here are 3 ways to change… TODAY. Practice them persistently, a few times a day. You will see the difference as you begin attracting more of what you already have and more of what you want to have.

1. Focus on all that you have and be grateful for it. This is key. Only through gratitude can you attract more of the same. It’s a two-way street, though; if you focus on negativity and what you don’t have… guess what? – You get more of it. Instead, start seeing even little things – like your writing skills, communication skills and other talents you have – and opportunity will soon present itself, so you can apply these skills for work and fulfilling purposes.

2. See your goals as a positive opportunity. As simple as it may sound, its not a natural things to do. A meeting, or an ongoing series of meetings, can be a dreadful reminder of how far you still have to go to reach your business or life goals. Instead, see the opportunity in every goal, and expand it in your imagination.

3. Practice daily celebrations. It actually begins in the morning. For example, I like to head out early for a swim, bike ride, or run. I’m talking 5 AM, before the day even begins early. It allows me to reflect on my daily goals, think gratefully of my life, and realize the privilege of where I am in life. Applying these techniques to your life will be a great beginning for new things to come, especially if you wish to change anything or improve your day-to-day experiences. In addition, celebrating the achievements can be done as follows:
a. Feedback: Congratulate or make a positive note to anyone around you that’s done something right. That includes yourself.
b. Sharing: Share a good accomplishment with someone who cares enough to be happy for you. This includes, family, friends, and colleagues. The more you express your happiness with a development, the more grateful you become, and the more attraction of the same you get…
c. Getting more: That’s your ultimate goal. In order to achieve it, you got to want it. Think about where you want to be in a day, month, year, or five years from now. The more you imagine yourself being there or obtaining your ideal wants, the faster it will materialize.
 
Onward and upward.

Through the years, we have represented a slew of celebrities, ranging from Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube, to Pamela Anderson, hall of fame athletes, and others. Whether or a major mega-star, or up and coming celebrity, universally celebrity PR campaigns are very demanding, time consuming and hard work, for many reasons.  (And of course that’s before the “colorful” (and I can tell a ton of stories, but wont am sworn to secrecy).

Adrian Grenier’s recent comments to the WSJ that celebrities wont need Public Relations representatives in the future: “I don’t have a publicist and never have.  I’m no stranger to self promotion. I find it first of all more authentic when you put a bit of your creative touch to what you’re trying to share.”

Public Relations is more than self-promotion for celebrities, its shaping and positioning a brand, its filtering requests, and many other responsibilities.  I agree with a comment I read made by a CEO of a PR agency “Dollar for dollar publicity is one of the great bargains left in Hollywood. If a celebrity makes $6 million a year, for example, they probably pay a publicist give or take $5,000 or $6,000 a month, or one percent of their net. When you compare the hours a publicist puts in to the ten percent a manager or agent gets…I don’t think agents or managers are overpaid, but I think publicists are underpaid.” As he further stated, a good publicist will drive their client to be themselves.

I am just returning to work today from a week in the gorgeous French Riveria (visited Monaco, Nice, Cannes and other areas), and the amount of wealth and high profile people there was amazing.  Who would handle the many celebrity mistakes made in places like this, or false sightings which are reported ?

Nearly all CEO’s have Public Relations pros, or PR agencies handling their needs, and so too should celebrities. Celebrities need PR specialists, much as they need lawyers, accountants, doctors and others who know their fields the best way.

Ronn Torossian

5WPR

I remember when my daughter was born I said to my wife, “I already have a baby.” In shock, she turned hurt, until I immediately told her – “Dont worry darling, its my business, 5WPR.” Of course, entrepreneurs feel that the business they founded, sweat and bleed for is like their baby. I say this writing from a “business center” in the South of France, on vacation, where people are on vacation, relaxing, but like many other entrepreneurs, the concern, care and passion for my business arent on vacation. An entrepreneur always is caring for and nurturing their business, much like a child.

Being away for the last week, in the beauty of the French Riveria has left me time to think about items which are often neglected day to day, but are vital. Entrepreneurs dont realize how much in fact they are brands – To their employees (who often watch their every move), clients, competitors, and others. Any business owner’s personality and character are part and parcel of the company’s very fabric and being.

In the honor of July 4th, I’d like to offer four easy and applicable “independence” tips for you to apply this weekend. They wouldn’t take long, but can impact your business and reputation.

1.       Who are you? Understand the important role of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) vis a vis your brand. ”Everyone is “Googled” often, and what comes up when someone does in fact google you ? (and the 1st few pages count a lot more than the last)… Tip #1: create your public Google profile. Google prompts you to do that once you type your name on their search. Include links to your website, social media accounts, blogs, or any other source of information about you

2.       What are you up to? Social media: you should, at the very least open a Facebook, LinkedIn and twitter account, for yourself and your business. Did you visit them lately to update your network? Twitter is like a pet: if you don’t feed it and give it attention – it dies. And it takes your social media presence with it. Once you have active social media accounts, they will influence google, and therefore you will contribute directly to your brands “google” reputation. This weekend make sure to go to your social media accounts and update them: are your links set in properly? Is your professional doings updated? Have you optimized your network by bringing in more friends, colleagues and business partners? Look up for potential clients and partners to your ventures.

3.       What can you tell me? The online arena has turned to be one huge social setting. People are there to share. I am certain you have a lot to share too. First and foremost – on yourself, your skills, your talents and strengths. State them clearly over your different online accounts. Sign up to forums that revolve around your business. One of the greatest goals you can set for yourself in this venture is for you to come up and be recognized as an expert in your field. In order to achieve that you must be active and share opinions, expertise and knowledge in professional forums, your own blog or two, and in the business and professional settings that are meant to meet this goal. One of them is the BusinessWeek business exchange forum found here.

So it’s the time of year when many new college graduates are looking for jobs…. Some will seek full-time employment in their respective fields while others will make do with whatever they can get.  I vividly recall graduating college in June 1995 and having no clue what to do for a living. I also remember how thrilled my mother was when I told her I would deliver pizza while I “figured it out.” Delivering pizza lasted little over one year (and I loved it), and then I went to a MBA program in Israel—which I dropped out of after less than a week.  I ended up working in politics in Israel, loved it, and stumbled upon a PR job.  Then, at the age of 25 I returned to the States for my first PR agency job. 

Much like Today’s generation of blogging, micro-blogging, facebooking, spacing out on MySpace, digging in on Digg and mainly – relying entirely on information one gets on Google and Wiki means people don’t like going the slow way – Entrepreneurship allows people to do it how they see fit.  I realize today how competitive the job market is for everyone, and particularly for those seeking to enter the very difficult field of Public Relations. There are also those who will try to embark on a different path: the path of self employment. And for many, it’s a great option. I know it was very compelling to me less than 8 years ago, and I do not regret a minute of it since.

I am an entrepreneur; but not just any entrepreneur—rather one who chose a PR career through self-employment. PR is fast. PR entrepreneurship is WILD fast. And when you run fast you naturally focus on reaching your goal, which for me was and has been growth and success. You don’t see each and every stone that may trip you. And boy do they!

Growing quickly, I made many mistakes, said things I wish I hadn’t said, did things I wish I hadn’t done, but it has been my choice to ‘hit the ground running’ in PR and do amazing work for our clients through the years, which we have been blessed to do. At the age of 35, with a daughter at home, I am blessed to better understand my business and the world around me far more so than I did when we started. We are very proud to have been named the fastest-growing PR agency in the US 3 years in a row, and on the INC 500 list of fastest growing companies in the US.  Just this year, I was named a semi-finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award. That’s been gratifying. 

In recent weeks, I have held a series of meetings and meals with other PR agency owners to better understand the role of PR in business, and 5WPR’s role in the greater scheme of the PR world. This way of life has brought both rewards and obligations, commitments and prices to pay. Those happen, too, when you choose to run your own business.

Some personal reflections (offered twitter-friendly and in 140-character max – Follow me @Rtorossian5wpr)

1. With email and the Internet the world moves very very fast.  Know the values and consequences of that.
2. Focus on what you want to achieve and not on possible obstacles. It is guaranteed that whatever you focus on will materialize faster
3. Care about your staff and your clients.  Treat people as you’d treat your own family.
4. Run tactically but think strategically. Just running won’t get you far. You’ll hit the wall. Strategically you’ll find a way around it. But don’t over plan without doing.
5. KNOW you will make mistakes on the way and don’t be afraid to make them.   
6. Put past mistakes behind you, and just try and grow from them.
7. Do what makes you happy. YOU. Not your environment, social circle, or external surroundings. You will never regret doing it your own way
8. Stop to reflect on daily, weekly, monthly and periodically actions of yours. Sometimes even a 1 day trip can allow clarity.
9. Be a good listener. Take advice and don’t feel you’re too smart to apply it to your business
10. When someone criticizes ask yourself does this person care about me (or my business), and if they do then listen.  If not, then don’t.

There’s many different styles of management, and many different styles of pitching and creating new business.  Owing a PR agency, I am a CEO who likes old-fashioned hard work – I admit I am more likely to be behind my desk than at a cocktail reception.

Similarly, I respond to emails, phone calls and inquiries very quickly – I believe in acting and responding.  Therefore, I wasn’t surprised to hear of the following study on the power of speed, and how it influences sales (and I am sure similarly it would influence relationships and other business aspects).

Leads responded to within one minute improve sales conversions by 391%? Leads called within one to two minutes of their being born convert 160% more often than the average – 88% of leads that close are those called within 24 hours. Be prepared to grow – Sometimes the fight is simply showing up and bringing your A-game.

Speed counts as I have said over and over…. And one of my favorite business books is recommended to remind you of the essentials:

It’s Not the Big That Eat the Small…It’s the Fast That Eat the Slow: How to Use Speed as a Competitive Tool

Ronn Torossian

5WPR

Avoiding Crisis Management – 7 Useful Tips: From Blackwater to Main Street

In what are probably the latest developments in huge declining reputation trends, we read of the up-for-sale of “Blackwater Xe”, the private security firm.  Combine that with the increasing calls on the CEO of BP Energy to step down as a price for the oily mess. These result in a price tag for bad publicity, damaged reputation, and lack of control over brand positioning.

Even the most perfect cross-industry brands and fans of Corporate Social Responsibility companies are not immune.  Patriotic, job generating and substantially-contributing companies may find themselves facing a public fiasco without proper prior warning. It can even apply to “country-brands” like Israel who stand up for many things, but cannot sufficiently channel the limelight towards those advantages when crisis knocks on their doors.

Sometimes you feel you are operating in an environment where you cannot afford to disclose operational secrets, structures, financials or policies. But it’s vital to find focused messages on what you COULD reveal, clarify on, and interact with the public asking for input too.

Ed Murrow, CBS journalist and one of the early directors of the United States Information Agency during the Kennedy years and facing the Bay of Pigs fiasco in 1961 said: “if they want me in the crash landings, I better damn be in on the take-offs”.

Here are 7 reasons and ideas to shift your PR from crisis clean-ups to a management function TODAY:

Having a PR rep in a meeting on policy initiatives can be leveraged for brand building and positioning, both pre-emptatively and for positive impact.

Good reputation management begins early on. Not when damaged reputation requires fixing. Reputation is identified and managed well during decision making processes

Control. Early PR gets the messages YOU want to disseminate to your publics in advance so you won’t have to deal with rumors and blog-standard sources which take all your Google-results space during a crisis.

The key to every PR story a.k.a “the angle” should be pulled from management functions which PR professionals are ear-sensitive to find and pick up

Attending management decision making processes can help create plan B’s and C’s and placed in a drawer for stormy days.

Interaction with key figures on a board can generate new ideas and key messages from various company divisions’ execs used as extra PR “bonus points” in building clarity, integrity and reputation for target audiences. Who knows where your next positive news item placement will come from ?

Most important: realizing PR is a two-street which can be utilized to also receive information from your key publics via PR research on their preferences, tendencies and views of your brand. This can imply on decision making in the boardroom and can prevent the next bad turn by the person on the wheel

Avoid the next bad decision snow ball. You don’t want to find yourself in blackwater mud.

One of my favorite aspects of owning a Public Relations agency is that it allows entrée’ to CEO’s, and C-suite management of so many different types of companies.  We receive a birds-eye view of business ideas, strategies and focuses.

In a meeting this week, I asked a fellow CEO why he was developing a new, fairly basic, strategy for his company. Essentially, his response was “why not.”  He artfully explained the easiest ideas are often times the most successful, and in his 20+ year career of making millions, it was about working hard and not stopping to ask why his competitors often aren’t doing the same. 

This struck a chord with me because in many ways it embodies the same philosophy I used (and still do) when founding my successful PR firm, 5WPR in January 2003. I saw a void in the marketplace, as media relations wasn’t valued among other agencies as a core competency. We adopted it as a necessity. Few agencies require senior staff to work and pitch media and get results, but we absolutely do. Also, PR firm owners were process oriented, and archaic in their way of thinking (not to mention age). I didn’t and still don’t fit that mold.

So, when I founded my agency at the age of 27, I had the goal of working hard and getting results for our clients.  Today, when people ask me how we have grown into 1 of the 15 largest agencies in the U.S. in such a short period of time, I say truthfully this business isn’t too complicated. Our secret to success is hard work, focus and doing right by our clients.

Business doesn’t always have to be that complicated.

Ronn Torossian

5WPR

In service industries like PR (and law, accounting, etc.), we must always be cognizant of our time.  Time is our livelihood as there’s only so many hours in a day we can speak to clients, media, etc.  Why is it people who don’t work in the service industry never seem to understand this? Every minute for us during the work day is precious and has to be considered as such.  The old adage “Time is money” is very accurate for us, and this public relations agency realizes it and keeps it in mind constantly.

Ronn Torossian

5WPR

This past week was a 7-day work week. Saturday night and all of Sunday, I was glued to my desk dealing with end of month activity reports, client crisis matters and general catching up. All of this hard work has me tired to the bone.

This weekend for some reason I was reminded of my days and years sweating away at a Bronx pizzeria, where I worked straight through from 1986 at the age of 12 making $2 an hour, until my post college rate of $6 an hour (although with tips often came out to more than $20 an hour). I worked a few months full-time to my mother’s chagrin as a college graduate delivering pizza.

When I reflect upon that experience, I realize the many life and business lessons I learned while working in this immigrant-owned, local Italian Bronx pizzeria, including:

• If you were on the schedule, you showed up to work no matter what because the team depended on you.
• I learned the value of hard work by sweating next to an oven for hours and hours – There was no task too big or small. If it needed to get done, I made sure to take care of it.
• During the Pre- Giuliani NYC Era, I always needed to be alert and move quickly amidst the hysteria of the Bronx.
• My boss taught me at a young age that the customer isn’t always right. He used to tell me “if they can’t pay, tell them to get out.”

I could go on about the many things I learned from the thousands of working hours I logged at a young age, but what it really boils down to is …there is nothing like hard work, and that translates to the success of our PR agency as well.

Ronn Torossian

5WPR