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

1⃣ 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.

2⃣ 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.

3⃣ 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.

4⃣ 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.

5⃣ 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.

6⃣ 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.

7⃣ 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.

8⃣ 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.

9⃣ 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!

The post 10 Lessons from 10 Years in Business: My Journey with iSocialPR appeared first on iSocialPR.

I am going into my second year at Wayne State University where I am currently working toward earning a bachelors degree in marketing. In addition to this, I am pursuing a minor in Spanish, which I studied in both middle school and in high school. I graduated from Harrison High School in Farmington Hills in 2018. Although I am only beginning my second year in college, I am on track to graduate in May next year, 2021. This is because I was in the International Baccalaureate program in high school and I also took some AP courses which allowed me to come into Wayne State with almost enough credits to be considered a sophomore.  

 Why intern at iSocialPR?

I am very excited for this internship opportunity because it is my first internship! I have been taking business classes for three years now, including both high school and college courses, but I have not been able to apply my knowledge in a professional setting yet. My only experience outside of the classroom so far has been helping some friends with gaining exposure for their music. I used what I learned from school and did a lot of research to learn how to effectively use social media as a marketing tool. Doing this is what made me realize that I really enjoy marketing and it is why I decided to study it in college. My time helping friends with marketing their music has taught me a lot about how to use social media as a marketing tool and I cannot wait to learn more through this internship.

What do you like to do outside of school?

Outside of my studies I am a very big sports fan and I also love the arts. I mostly enjoy theater, music, dance, and film. Growing up, I danced and played basketball for many years. I also played volleyball, soccer, golf, and I did high jump and long jump at different points throughout my life. In high school, I worked backstage during plays and I was in the school musical in my senior year. During my first year at Wayne State, I played intramural volleyball and also started learning how to play the guitar and piano. 

 Which part of the marketing industry do you want to work in?

 Because of these hobbies and interests, I would love to use my marketing degree in the sports and entertainment industries at some point in my career path. I would also love to be able to use my Spanish language skills in my career to reach more people in the United States as well as an international audience. I have been traveling a lot my whole life and I would love to continue to do that in my career. I love learning about different cultures and I think this will help me a lot in marketing towards different audiences because you have to understand what people appreciate in order to target them for a marketing campaign. I look forward to finally applying my classroom learning to the real world through this internship and I am so grateful for this opportunity! 

The post Meet Erika Fells, iSocialPR’s Newest Intern appeared first on iSocialPR.