In March 2024, iSocialPR celebrated 10 years in business—and wow, what a journey it’s been. My first year, I made $5K. I was so proud. My very first client? A catering company that hired me as a catering admin assistant, then fired me. But they believed in my social media work and rehired me as a contractor. That experience taught me so much about perseverance, relationships, and business.

Here are 10 lessons I’ve learned over the last decade:

1️⃣ The Importance of Giving First Chances
When I graduated, I struggled to find a job in marketing because I had zero experience. But one person gave me a shot, and that chance changed my life. Now, I make it my mission to bet on people. Through internships and entry-level roles, I give others the chance to thrive—with the right mentorship and support.

2️⃣ The Importance of Pivoting
Ten years ago, Facebook didn’t really have an algorithm, and organic growth was easy. But as organic reach started to decline, we had to pivot. I didn’t want to trick the algorithm—I wanted to embrace change. Adding Facebook and Instagram ads to our services helped us stay competitive and deliver growth for our clients.

3️⃣ Invest in the Right Team Members
Most people try to hire the most experienced candidates they can afford. My approach? I look for people who are coachable, curious, and ambitious. Those are the ones who grow with the company, make their role their own, and bring fresh ideas to the table. I also made a point to invest in their personal growth with courses, conferences, and mentorship opportunities.

4️⃣ Always Overdeliver
I learned early on that when my clients succeed, I succeed. Some clients were ready to scale right away; others needed help closing leads. Whether it was adding a free email drip campaign or coaching them through their lead pipeline, we made sure to do what was necessary to push them forward.

5️⃣ Ending Bad Relationships is Okay
I once heard that cutting off bad client relationships is the “most millennial thing ever.” And you know what? It’s true. I prioritize my team over clients. Rude, condescending, or aggressive clients? Not a fit for us. I’ve learned that no amount of money is worth a toxic relationship that drains our energy and makes us question our value.

6️⃣ Establish SOPs So You Don’t Stop the Show
As my company grew, I realized I couldn’t be everywhere at once. Creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) allowed me to delegate effectively and continue growing the business without being the bottleneck.

7️⃣ Work with Clients Who Value You
If someone doesn’t value your services when they hire you, they won’t value them when the project ends. I’ve learned to set boundaries and only work with clients who respect what we bring to the table.

8️⃣ Choose Clients Who Align with Your Values
The first time we made a client $1M in sales, I was thrilled to see the positive impact it had on their business. But it also made me think: What if that success went toward something we didn’t align with, like private prisons? That moment taught me to be more selective about who we work with. We focus on partnering with businesses that pour into resilient communities and provide opportunities for others.

9️⃣ Invest in Education and Resources
If you don’t seek knowledge, it won’t fall into your lap. I made a commitment to constantly learn, whether through conferences, courses, or other resources. Staying ahead of industry trends is how we stay innovative and deliver the best results for our clients.

🔟 Being an Entrepreneur is About Serving
I gave and gave with what I had. If someone couldn’t afford to hire us, I connected them with resources, encouraged them, and reminded them that they can do this. I truly believe being an entrepreneur is about serving others. I feel closest to God when I’m walking in my purpose—and this journey has been such a blessing.

Looking back, I’m so proud of how far we’ve come and grateful for every lesson along the way. Here’s to the next decade of growth, giving, and serving! 💡