John Goodman’s media background – ranging from producing and promoting two network morning news programs to public relations for some of America’s best-known brands – gives him a unique perspective and success rate when it comes to media story placement.
1) How did you get started working from home?
I was fired by a major PR firm. I had worked in the network news business and simply could not make the transition to corporate PR. I hated it.
2) How did you choose the work-at-home career you do?
I chose to work from home. I learned about a virtual PR firm, met the CEO and started going to work for him. This was in 1993 when e-mail was new to the business world. Working from home was unusual. But at this company, all the publicists worked from home. So I was not alone. I bought a computer, learned how to use it, opened an e-mail account and went to work!
3) How did you get started (basic initial steps)?
See above.
4) How did you get your first client or customer or job?
I got my initial clients via the virtual PR firm. Years later, when I started my own PR firm, I worked with a small PR firm that also gave me clients. Over 20+ years I’ve had dozens of happy clients.
5) How do you market your business?
Almost all my new clients are via referrals. Over 20+ years, working in the news and PR businesses, I’ve gained a solid reputation. I also market myself heavily on social media, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook, in particular. It’s free and very effective.
6) What does your usual day look like?
In the office by 6 am….catch-up with overnight e-mails…read over a dozen papers online…and take my first break at 9 am. I’m back in the office pitching my clients to the media until 1 pm when I walk three miles. Then back in the office until 6 pm.
7) What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started?
I wish I’d known I’d be successful. That working from home would work. When I started-up, I had all the natural fears. Could I work from home? Would I have clients? Could I make a living? Thankfully, all the answers resulted in YES.
8) What advice would you give someone who wants to work from home?
Understand you’re going to be isolated. When you work from home, there’s no one at the next desk. It can be a hard transition if you worked previously in a traditional office setting.
You can counter the isolation by joining groups, leaving the office to exercise and get fresh air, and stay active on social media so people won’t forget you.
Find Him Online:
Website: John L Goodman
Twitter: @johnlgoodman
Facebook: John L. Goodman
LinkedIn: John Goodman
