Sara Morgan currently serves as the Founder of Eleven Eleven PR, a (non traditional) public relations and marketing firm specializing in consumer facing startup companies. Founded by an entrepreneur, for entrepreneurs, Eleven Eleven PR focuses on helping startup companies gain distribution, build and grow an engaged and loyal customer base, and create enduring brands with fresh and intelligent marketing strategies uniquely tailored to each client. Sara is an entrepreneur at heart, believes strongly in the importance of loving what you do, and is truly passionate about her work. Sara is a contributor for outlets including The Huffington Post, CNN Headline News, Glamour, Brit + Co., Women2.0, PopSugar, PureWow, Tech.co (http://Tech.co), etc.
1. How did you get started working from home?
Having been a tech startup Founder prior to starting Eleven Eleven PR, I was used to working anywhere/everywhere under the mission of being a “lean” startup and cutting costs where we could. I went through the 500 accelerator in Silicon Valley. It was very typically for companies to work out of their homes, garages, apartments, etc. So, when I moved back to the DC area to start my firm, it seemed only natural I would continue working the same way. Working from home allowed me to save money as I built up my client book and I enjoyed the flexibility.
2. How did you choose the work-at-home career you do?
As a startup Founder I handled our marketing and PR efforts. Once we raised money, I hired a PR firm to help support my efforts. I was disenchanted with the PR process and felt that traditional PR did not fit the startup model. I wanted there to be more accountability, emphasis story creation and tailored pitching. I continued to look for a firm that I felt did PR differently. When I didn’t find it (and after hearing many startup founders vocalizing these same complaints with existing PR firms) I decided to start my own company.
3) How did you get started (basic initial steps)?
I was fortunate to have a few startups that heard I was going out on my own and wanted to work with me so there was a bit of a safety net that allowed me to get started. I thought of a name and defined my business model (that was huge) created an LLC, reached out to my network of friends, work contacts, family, etc. to let them know… and jumped in! Thinking about starting it was actually much scarier than doing it. It has been a learning process and I still continue to refine and redefine what I do and how I do it, but I have a system in place now that really works for me and havee happy clients that make me feel like I made the right choice in starting this firm!
4) How did you get your first client or customer or job?
Personal contact (word-of-mouth)
5) How do you market your business?
It has been almost all word-of-mouth (which makes me feel extremely fortunate). I work very hard to ensure my clients are happy bcs once you do that, they not only want to continue to work with you – they sing your praises. You create a community of brand evangelists who also becom friends. They market for you! I have also spoken at conferences on PR dos/donts, I write contributor posts, respond to questions on Quora, I am a mentor at 1776 incubator in DC and a board member at SEED SPOT.
6) What does your usual day look like?
It is completely unpredictable! Client calls, a TON of pitching, in person meetings, press interviews, content creation… you name it. No day is ever the same and that is why I love it!
7) What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started?
Don’t undersell yourself/your services. Feel confident in your pricing and know that you are worth it!
8) What advice would you give someone who wants to work from home?
Create a fun working space for yourself that inspires you. And hold yourself accountable!
Website: ElevenElevenPr
Twitter: @SaraMorganPR
Facebook: ElevenElevenPr
Instagram: @eleven_eleven_pr
