We were lucky to catch up with Shatonna Nelson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Shatonna thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
I originally began working towards a career in healthcare. Actually that is the bulk of my educational background. I always thought being a physician was my ultimate goal but it turned out to be a career in all things strategy and television respectively.
Recently, I heard and interview by Lauren London. In the interview she said and I’m paraphrasing a bit; “The front row seat at a funeral is different than just attending a funeral. Your perspective of life is changed.” I think that sums up why I took an abrupt turn in 2018 and began pursuing a career in public relations/strategy. I had suffered two losses that resulted in me proverbially being on the front seat. So I decided the hospital environment was not for me. It was mentally straining.
Therefore the idea of creating a public relations firm was born in October of 2017. Then I had to take the steps to execute it. Here’s some of the primary steps I took.
1. I began to research what it would take to launch a business in general. I wanted to know how to get and EIN, Dunns, Business Insurance, and any registration with the state or federal government.
2. I researched the area I lived in which was Houston, as well as parts of the country I had contacts in to see what type of public relations would be needed. I also spoke to people in the field. I read a lot of books as well on branding and marketing. This was pretty much my version of a market analysis. I wanted to be success so I wanted to find the lane least occupied.
3. I began saving money for the start up cost as well as cost to hire an assistant. I knew I would need help to at least recruit.
4. I took several certification classes in public relations, strategy, and leadership
5. I picked a grand opening date for August of 2018. I had my daughter in 2017 (previously had my son in 2010), so I wanted to be sure she was at least one before I tackled something so big and permanently quick my job at at the hospital.
Then I pretty much dove in. I had some failures, learned plenty through experience, but ultimately kept going until I curated a certain level of success. Then I copied my formula and expanded my clientele globally. Eventually, I would become interested in television as well. So now I am building in that particular avenue.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I knew some leaders in politics and that would be the first first place I would begin my public relations journey. I have a gift for crisis, clean ups, and a mind for powerful activations. I had some success in the political arena and that would give me a unique background. I would end up being in demand in that market which spilled over to corporations. I worked with civil rights leaders, United Nations, record labels, and multiple presidential campaigns well before I launched my actual firm.
The Finest Hour PR Firm came into play when, I took some chances on reaching out to some celebrity friends I encountered in politics. This would result in them giving me a chance to help with an award show called, “The Power of Influence (POI).” I would have the opportunity to honor people such as Kevin Hart, Jermaine Dupri, Monica and more. While working with POI many celebrity teams noticed my effectiveness and work ethic. It would lead to them hiring me on several projects. So it made sense to have my own brand.
I provide several services. My public relations firm is a full service firm. We do market analysis, branding, social media strategy, crisis management, television development and more. My firm is about building a solid foundation and producing longevity for our clients.
I think I am most proud of my versatility. Few people have worked in all the sectors I have worked in. I do my best to handle business with compassion, integrity, and efficaciously.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy to grow your clientele is to constantly and consistently evolve. You have to have several ways to target market consumers. We live in an innovative world.
When I first began my firm, I received many clients via word of mouth. A year into my business, there were limited people to work with based on referrals, as my experience was politics, and it is limited.
At this point I had to kick up my social media promotions and marketing.
Now, I think I get more clients from corporate executives who purchase my training courses.
If you want to grow your clientele you have to stay up to date with trends in your market and stay creative.
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
All of the firm’s clients have a personal representative. They can contact them via cellphone number or email. We do our best to learn as much as possible, collaborate and create tangible goals for our clients.
We have grown substantially but we cultivate a culture of a boutique firm.
Clients are safeguarded by NDAs, so they are able to talk openly and build solid foundations.
People always remember the people treat them with kindness, integrity, and get the job done. So in short, we just treat people right and get the job done, in a timely manner.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thefinesthourpr.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/finest_hour_pr/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFinestHourPublicRelationsFirm/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shatonna-j-nelson-a96023176
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/finesthr?lang=en
- Other: https://m.facebook.com/shatonnajnelson/ https://www.instagram.com/shatonnajnelson/?hl=en https://shatonnajenelson.com