We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jess Nelson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jess below.

Jess, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Folks often look at a successful business and imagine it was an overnight success, but from what we’ve seen this is often far from the truth. We’d love to hear your scaling up story – walk us through how you grew over time – what were some of the big things you had to do to grow and what was that scaling up journey like?

One of the first methods I used to build brand awareness for Persist Publicity was self promotion in the form of a branded website and active social channels. Especially during the early days of COVID, getting my name out there and showing people my expertise was all done virtually.

Then came the networking. I never turn down a conversation with a potential client or someone who is interested in learning more about PR. Business is all about relationships, so I always make time to establish them and foster connection. This process has also allowed me to create a strong support network of fellow PR and marketing professionals, which has been invaluable.

The other big piece of scaling was knowing when and how to grow. This involved realizing and communicating my expertise and worth, which was uncomfortable at first but always the right decision. Now I never underestimate or undervalue myself and the right clients understand and appreciate that.

I am the lead on all accounts at Persist and I handle strategy, media relations, pitching and the bulk of writing. I’ve been lucky to bring on contractors to help with admin work and some writing to free me up for more strategic work and client relations. I’m in bi-weekly or weekly meetings with every client and staff as many interviews and appearances as my schedule allows. In terms of future growth, I will keep it slow and intentional.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I became interested in news writing and storytelling during college. Studying journalism, I gained a lot of experience finding and telling stories in unique and compelling ways across print, digital and visual mediums. At first, I wanted a career in the newsroom as a reporter or editor, but I wasn’t able to find steady work in the field. After freelancing for a few years, I moved into communications which ultimately led me to public relations. I focused on writing and storytelling every step of the way while also gaining experience in media relations and PR strategy.

After a decade in the industry along came a global pandemic and I found myself out of work with a strong desire to make an impact in my community. I saw an opportunity to start my own business and after pushing through some initial hesitation and doubt I went for it. Persist Publicity was founded in October 2020 with a mission of telling stories that matter. Since then, I’ve helped 20+ businesses build interest, awareness, sales, teams, foot traffic, events and more. I’ve witnessed my clients’ big ideas turn into tangible action, I’ve seen them work through seemingly insurmountable challenges and I proudly watch as they realize the impact of positive press coverage on their business.

A common thread among all clients I engage with is the strong desire for community impact. They all have goals beyond their own business and initiatives that aim to positively affect those around them in a variety of ways. Examples include a Medicaid plan that works to make health care equitable and accessible in Colorado; a bakery dedicated to challenging people’s relationship with food; and an orchestra focused solely on youth education.

A little more about me: I love working with small businesses, entrepreneurs and mission-driven organizations; my services all relate to PR (media relations, press releases, pitching, key messaging, etc.) and do not include social media or marketing; I’m very purposeful about the clients I choose to take on, making sure mission and values align.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I like to say my client’s business means the world to me, because I know it means the world to them. At Persist Publicity, I’m often working with the owner, CEO or executive director of an organization or a solopreneur, so this is not just a job for them but a passion. Their excitement is contagious, their knowledge is evident and their story matters.

When I begin working with a team, I immediately immerse myself to discover and learn as much as I can, speaking with sources on the inside and outside to get multiple perspectives. I use all of this information to develop meaningful materials and have informed discussions with media in order to engage, secure interest and ultimately receive quality coverage.

The results of my efforts speak volumes. In-depth digital features, highly visual broadcast segments, thought-provoking radio stories and beautiful printed articles that accurately represent my client and tell their story in an interesting and engaging way.

I’m not doing any of this so that I look good on paper or to land a future client. I’m doing it because I genuinely care. I’m doing it because I love this work. I’m doing it for my community.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Yes. After earning an A.S. in business administration, I enrolled in a four-year business program quite unsure it was the path for me. After giving it my all for a year, I decided it wasn’t the right fit and started to explore other options. I discovered my college had a brand new journalism program beginning that fall and I was in love. Courses in writing, photography, journalism law and ethics, and visual storytelling? Count me in. This was a big pivot for me but all it took was my dad saying “go for it” and I was requesting a change in major.

My advice for anyone facing a fork in the road is to trust your gut, follow your heart and do what you love. This often requires some privilege and I recognize mine. I had financial support, a stable living situation, and no systemic or economic barriers. I wish this was the case for everybody when it comes to making important life decisions and finding your path, but unfortunately that is not the case. I encourage anyone reading this to take note of any privilege that made your journey easier than another’s and then take action toward easing someone else’s.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.PersistPublicity.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/persistpublicity/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PersistPublicity
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdnco/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/nelsonjdco

Image Credits
FemForce, EB pixs, Dustin Moon Visuals