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Meet Heather DeSantis, the woman behind the scenes of every major media outlet in the world.
Heather mobilizes entrepreneurs, authors, and charities that are on a mission to share their story with the world. She helps those struggling with visibility so that they gain credibility, increase followers and become seen as a global expert.
Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Heather now lives in San Diego, California and helps hundreds of entrepreneurs get press features every week. Read more to find out how.
How did your career get started?
My career in PR (public relations) began at a top agency working with successful entrepreneurs, health coaches, nutritionists, and even the NFL (seriously, how fun, right?). I was responsible for securing 35 placements per week for clients (yep, you read that right!). I learned that I thrive in a results driven environment and that results are 100% attainable when you work hard.
This was a dream job in some ways – I got to work with amazing clients, honed my pitching skills, and learned a ton. However, something was missing. I didn’t have the ability to take time off when I wanted to, the flexibility to travel, and couldn’t satisfy my desire to be more involved in philanthropy.
In my heart and soul, I knew I was made to do more. I took a tremendous leap of faith and moved back home with my mom to pursue my true calling – to create a PR community to help entrepreneurs. That’s when Heather DeSantis Public Relations was born! I got a part time job in the fitness industry (another passion of mine), set out to partner with the world’s greatest entrepreneurs, and take them to the top! Now I get to work with amazing clients, help grow their businesses, and get paid in the process. (Seriously, pinch me!!!)
Pro Tip 1: It’s imperative that you follow your intuition… Are you in flow or pushing success to happen? I started an LLC clothing company where we up-cycled clothing. We got the product into two stores in Columbus, Ohio but we made very little profit (less than a few hundred to be exact). What I learned is that I was passionate about marketing the product and talking to people and not passionate about physically making the product. I was not obsessed with the business so I knew it would not happen.
Pro Tip 2: Give more than you take and be willing to serve for free. Much of my success came from getting people PR and media mentions for free. I truly valued their business and mission and having a connection to them and their endorsement was worth 10x more than anything they would ever pay me.
So, just what is PR, and the DeSantis PR firm all about?
Public Relations is the act of getting media attention to your business by getting you featured on local news, national media, podcasts, radio, and print newspapers. There’s a lot that goes into PR, and when you choose to work with me, you can focus on your story and leave the pitching to me!
When it comes to PR I like to think of myself as more than just someone pitching your brand to the media. I’m your Ambassador and your brand evangelist! Seriously, I’ll sing your praises from every rooftop and make sure the media knows not only that you exist, but that you are the best person to tell the story that only you can tell.
When you work with me, I can do it all: from writing the pitch content, to contacting the media, to follow up. It’s full service PR with a very personalized approach. My passion is broadcast media TV and Radio due to the emotions and physical touch that viewers can get from seeing you BUT I love national media too.
My expertise combined with my drive for results means that my clients enjoy Guaranteed Results. When it comes to getting press for my clients, I get so excited because I know the effect that well placed press can have on your business (Hint: It’s huge!) Personally, I love working with Mission oriented social good businesses and people. One of my favorite people in the world is Sean Stephenson, whose massive online brand has helped millions of people overcome their insecurities.
Pro Tip 3: Keep things simple in year one of your business and creating raving fans! In my first year of business I did not have a website, run Facebook Ads or have funnels and I still was able to build a successful business simply by getting massive results from clients and referrals.
Pro Tip 4: Share the journey of being an entrepreneur with your family and friends and take them along with you by sharing them BIG NEWS and advances in your business.
What are some qualities that are essential to entrepreneurship success?
While my time at the PR Firm helped me figure out that I wanted to have my own PR agency, my entrepreneurial spirit began at a much younger age.
My dad and my uncle were making it big in real estate, and they were the first to introduce me to the world of business ownership. I loved seeing the dedication they both had to their work and the drive that ultimately led to their mega success. The first key is dedication. If you stick to your goals, you can always attain success.
I knew it was something I was destined to have in life. Another thing that I attribute to my success is the fact that I was adopted when I was 3 days old. I really believe that my parents created in me a desire to be part of something greater than myself through their demonstration of love for me. The second key is confidence!
I’ve always been someone with a drive to work hard and go after my dreams. For instance, when I was in college I worked with at risk teen girls and helped them have better futures. I also persuaded the CEO of Livestrong to speak at my college graduation (how’s that for persistence?) I think that everyone needs perseverance if they want to be successful!
Pro Tip 5: Have gratitude to all of the twists and turns that brought you to the entrepreneur that you are today. Realize that you are more than your product and service. It is imperative that you become a thought leader and push yourself to BE THE BRAND. People buy from people.
Pro Tip 6: Align yourself with people in your industry who are further ahead than you.
Final Note from the Author:
It was an absolute pleasure getting to know Heather over the several conversations leading up to this interview. She is the rare type of woman who lives her life with purpose and mission. Her clients are people and companies making a serious impact on the world in the best way possible.
If you’re the rare type of entrepreneur actually making the world a better place, give Heather a call.
You can reach her on her facebook page, her company’s website or her secret group.
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