What do you need to be an entrepreneur?
First and foremost you need the desire and heart. I have a vast number of years in this industry so I was well aware of what was required to begin professionally. I love what I do and I feel I can be an inspiration and can make a difference in my community.
What did inspire you to start your business?
I always dreamed of starting a business of my own. But the real push came after a major lay-off took place in the agency I was employed. My family was a great support as well as colleagues
How did you finance it?
I did have some savings but in addition I received financial support in the form of grants from PACELA a community development corporation that offers assistance to small emerging businesses such as Padma
Being Hispanic…Does it have any influence on your business?
Yes, absolutely. Being Hispanic brings a variety of ideas when capturing the attention of the US market. Afterall, we are a very colorful group of people and I use my culture in creative ways to capture attention in a positive way.
In the face of adversity, how do you decide to keep going?
Maturity and principles. My father never gave up no matter how difficult life was at times. I have built my personal code of ethics based on his wisdom. In addition, I have grown in maturity and know that not all walks in life are easy and one must learn to move on and use all the little pebbles in our way to build a stepping stone.
What is the biggest challenge your business has faced?
This economy has not only affected me but many others in my industry and different industries alike. It makes it just a bit more challenging to find work since many are pressed for time and have smaller budgets and greater needs that have to be met. But it’s the challenges that make us grow as a business and as a person alike.
If you could change one thing about your business, what would it be?
I love my business but I would love a larger office and one day a building to call my own. That would be ultimate.
What was your childhood ambition?
My childhood was simply about being a kid. We were allowed to dream and be creative as long as we were being safe. I come from a close knit family and my parents always encouraged education. I was not aware of public relations then and like most other child I wanted to be a doctor.
For business meetings: breakfast, lunch, or dinner?
Any time of the day is perfect as long as all keys elements exist: be prepared, stay enthuthiastic, make sure the clients desires are met and exceeded. One thing to also keep in mind, know your client. What does he or she like best? Once you know that, you can personalize each setting by their preferences making the meeting much more successful.
What sacrifices on your personal life did you have to make in order to become a business success?
When you own your own business and you are just starting time is of essence and many hours are required. It is difficult to balance at first but with a keen spirit and great support from family and friends it makes the tough days worth it all.
Is it difficult to be unconventional?
Not at all. I speak my mind and yes, I suppose I may be viewed as unconventional but one thing any person must remember is you must remain true to yourself in order to be true to others.
Biggest mistake made?
Not starting my business sooner. Any mistake I make I learn something. So basically I have no regrets.
Do you consider yourself an innovator? Why?
Yes. I always keep up with the times and try to challenge even myself by creating bold unique ideas within my business whereby keeping it fresh and new, after all is this not what PR is all about!
About the Company:
Padma Media & Marketing is the effective combination of a boutique public relations agency — working smarter, faster and more efficiently — with the creative background of a large agency. We stay current with trends that are happening with consumers and with our client’s competitors to respond to our clients needs with a fresh approach. Our key distinguishing factor is our team. We mirror the consumer that we create programs for: urban, bilingual, acculturated, ethnic US consumers.
In other words, WE ARE your consumer. We create successful programs because we live and breathe a multiethnic life.
http://www.padma-media-marketing.com/
1 comment:
Thank you for honoring me with an interview!
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