Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Stacia Crawford. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Stacia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

I am on a mission to help small business owners get massive visibility for their enterprises. While working as a TV news producer I would often meet people who had incredible value to bring to the masses, but were often hindered because they lacked some of the basics. First, they missed out on opportunities to be featured on TV, radio, podcasts and magazines because they didn’t even know that those outlets were available to them. Second, those who tried to gain access to free media opportunities were doing themselves a disservice because they were going about it all wrong. Their lack of knowledge about the influential world of media was costing them opportunities that could literally change the trajectory of their business. I was determined to lower the barrier of entry for small businesses everywhere by giving entrepreneurs, authors and experts key information that positioned them for greater visibility and gave their businesses a competitive edge.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I first ventured into PR when I was laid off from my six-figure job as a TV news producer. I took the skills that I had honed during my 30 year career and built my own enterprise. I had always been a serial entrepreneur having started a home decor company, a children’s clothing line, and an African cultural center. So I was hopeful I could bet on myself and build a successful PR company.

I started by helping small businesses get media placements and later ventured into corporate contracts. There are many PR agencies and professionals out there, but I do PR differently. I bring a unique perspective and skill set to the industry and leverage my knowledge as a media insider. I am proud of the fact that my clients have been featured on local and national media outlets all across the US, Canada, and the UK. I help clients break down the limiting beliefs that keep them from sharing their stories and shining their light. I help my clients be seen and heard so they can grow their brands and impact lives on a greater level.

Have you ever had to pivot?

When the pandemic hit in 2020, I was forced to pivot. Many companies were suffering huge economic losses and no longer had big budgets for public relations. I had to think outside the box and create more affordable offers for those who wanted to work with me. I added do-it-yourself options teaching clients my fail-proof framework for securing high-value media opportunities. By doing this, I was able to tap into a whole new market and show entrepreneurs, authors and experts how to not only get featured in the media, but also how to leverage and monetize their newfound visibility.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

A few years after starting my business, I was lured back into TV. While my business had been bringing in a reasonable income, it had not yet replaced the six-figure salary I earned as a producer. When I resumed my TV career, I scaled back working in my business. Working in the new business is very grueling and demanding, so I did not have as much energy or time to devote to my business.

When the pandemic struck, I, like many other journalists, began working from home. I used that shift as an opportunity to grow my business. I woke up early, worked with clients during breaks, and worked late at night to shore up my business. I hired a business coach who helped me increase my sales exponentially. I began to think like a CEO instead a solopreneur.
I started planning my exit strategy and within months, I noticed that the income from my side-hustle had surpassed that of my full-time job.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://stayreadymedia.com
• Instagram: @stayreadymedia
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stacia.crawford.39
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacia-gray-crawford/

Image Credits
Stay Ready Media