Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jae Henderson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jae , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?
My company began in 2003 as a professional writing service. I provided content for websites, brochures, business proposals, resumes, bios, etc. When the market crashed in 2005 and I was let go from my job at a marketing/pr company, I decided to add public relations to my list of offerings. So, the name expanded to Put It In Writing Professional Writing Service & PR. It wasn’t easy but eventually, I made enough money to support myself without the assistance of a full-time job. Most of my business is related to PR but PR involves a lot of writing. I also have several people who utilize my resume and copywriting services.
My company’s name is derived from the fact that I believe it’s important for people to be able to tell what industry you are in by the name. If you have a name that doesn’t easily identify your business and you find yourself always explaining what industry you are in and what you do, that’s usually not a good thing. I know some names have sentimental value but a brief word behind the name can usually help with that. For example, say you wanted to create a sunglasses company and name it after your grandmother, Lila Marie….just add sunglasses, eyewear, or fashion eyewear after the name and that will let everyone know what you’re selling.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Jae Henderson, and I am a native of Memphis, TN. I have an undergraduate degree in Broadcast Journalism and master’s degree in English: Professional and Technical Writing from The University of Memphis. I went to school for television news but ended up in radio. It was one of the best things that could have happened to me. In undergrad, I did an internship at WDIA (the first black radio station in the nation) with Clear Channel Radio, now iHeart Radio, and fell in love with it. I later did another internship with syndicated radio veteran Tom Joyner. Both environments showed me how radio can be used as a powerful tool for good. After I graduated, I became the Director of Community Affairs producing and co-hosting talk shows and community events. One show, “On Point’ was the only radio show in the city for youth and young adults. My co-host Jeff Lee and I gave them a voice and helped parents and the community understand what they were going through. This was way before social media when there were very few opportunities like that for youth to express themselves. After radio, I landed into the wonderful world of marketing and PR and I’ve been here ever since. I’m also a published author of eight books.
You’ve been in your field a long time. What are some of your proudest accomplishments?
I’m most proud of the fact that Put It In Writing Professional Writing Service & PR (PIIW) is able to help small businesses and nonprofits present themselves well professionally and thrive. Media interviews provide an opportunity for entrepreneurs to connect with a different audience which often includes the people they are trying to target. Exposure is a key ingredient to success, and the more exposure you receive, the more opportunity to attract clients.
I will say one of my proudest moments was helping Champion Pharmacy & Herb Store in Memphis launch their online store. Champion’s Pharmacy is known nationwide for its natural products that treat a variety of illnesses. However, because they didn’t have a website, they were missing out on a lot of exposure and revenue. I worked with the family to design, launch and promote the products. I did everything from finding the web designer to taking the product pictures to writing the product descriptions. The Founder, the late Dr. Charles Champion, was a master compounder and an expert in herbal medicine. I was able to book him several interviews to talk about his company and share his knowledge. It was a pleasure to work with such a prolific man. The company in now headed by Dr. Carol “Cookie” Champion. It has a thriving online business in addition to its popular storefront.
I’m also proud of the work I’ve been able to do with the Southern Heritage Classic (SHC). SHC is an annual four-day HBCU football event comprised of several other exciting events such as concerts, a parade, a golf tournament, a fashion show, etc. I am the first PR Director the company has had. Prior to my arrival, the Founder, Fred Jones, was trying to do everything himself. The event had grown too big for him to continue to do so. I have been able to help SHC gain more media exposure and improve social media content. I streamlined the media credential submission process for those who want to cover the game. I even helped launch some additional SHC merchandise. This year will make SHC’s 34th year. I’ve been with them for seven.
What I want people to know is don’t be afraid to ask for help with your businesses. It can be the catalyst to changing not only your life but your family’s and your employees. There are thousands of free and low-cost opportunities to learn how to launch and market your business properly. Learn the basics and find a professional that is within your budget to assist with the things you can’t do. That’s why PIIW company exists to help businesses, non-profits, and individuals let the general public know what they do and why others should utilize their services or products. You deserve to be successful.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Media relations has become my niche in the Memphis market. Being good at what I do and offering affordable pricing has also helped to build my reputation in the market. I also truly want my clients to do well. I want the public to know about them and utilize their products and services. Therefore, I do my best to book them as many media opportunities as possible because you never know how many potential clients and collaborators are watching.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
People are often surprised when I say I don’t advertise. Most of my new business is derived from word of mouth/referrals and social media posts. People and businesses I am connected to on social media will see my posts and then reach out to me for more information. So, it is very important to use social media to talk about more than your personal life, even if it’s your personal page. Talk about your business and the great things that you are doing.
Other great low-cost strategies are newsletters and what I refer to as reconnecting calls. I also do monthly newsletters for my clients which can be very effective. Newsletters should have an attractive layout and address what’s going on with the business, give relevant tips or advice, acknowledge holidays, and mention any specials or discounts. I also believe in reaching out to previous clients to see how they are doing every once in a while. This allows you to stay top of mind, and when the client or someone they know needs your services, they are more likely to recommend you.
Networking is also essential to your business’s growth strategies. Most cities have free events for entrepreneurs that provide networking opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.youareimpressive.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/putitinwritingpr
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/putitinwritingpr
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/putitinwriting
Image Credits
Headshot Photo Credit, Trunetta Atwater Photography Publicists are dope photo credit, Fabian Matthews SHC merchandise photo credit, Picture This Memphis