Alli Rodriguez, CEO/Founder of Alli Rodriguez PR
Alli Rodriguez, CEO & Founder of Alli Rodriguez PR
What's your industry?
PR/Marketing
How did you end up sitting where you are today?
I became intrigued by the world of PR when I watched a show on MTV called PoweRGiRls. I started researching what a publicist was and I really loved everything about the industry and I have been doing this for over 10 years now.
What kind of work does your daily role involve?
My morning starts with a refreshing cup of coffee for fuel. Each day is different which is why I love the PR industry. Some days I am on a call with journalists and editors. I have bi-weekly strategy calls with my clients.
What gets you excited about your industry?
I am in the PR/Marketing industry. It is a diverse field and is essential in every form of business. I love how every day is different and that telling each brand or businesses story is unique.
What's the best advice anyone ever gave you on your journey in business?
To have tough skin. This industry is demanding and unfortunately very competitive. To remain humble and true to my values as that will continue to drive my success. I think those are two of the most important pieces of advice to anyone who is attempting a career in this industry.
What's been the hardest part about the path you've taken and how would you advise someone facing a similar situation to overcome it?
I think the hardest part was thinking I would land this incredible PR job at an elite firm but that wasn't the case. When I first graduated I attempted to find a job and I was unsuccessful. I interned but was not able to find a job. I had so many doors slammed in my face. I decided to open up my own firm since I wasn't getting an opportunity. It was hard at first to find clients and get taken seriously but I knew I was good at this and it was my passion. I just remained true to my morals and confident and that is when I started landing clients and press.
In the current climate especially, many CEOs are looking for ways to cut costs, with marketing budgets usually one of the budgets to be cut. Is that wise?
I don't believe so because marketing and exposure is how people find out about you and you brand. It is why we have the logo we do "Let Alli Rodriguez help pave the way to your brand success". Marketing is how you pave the way. I think you can cut costs on marketing but not completely cut it.
For people thinking of starting businesses in 2023, would you say it's still possible to build a big business with little or no marketing budget?
With the implementation of social media, marketing is free. The internet allows marketing to be free. It's when you want to level the marketing up that you would need to have a budget set aside to be able to pay a publicist or invest in marketing tactics.
Can you share one or two of your favorite free marketing strategies that a business owner in your industry can use.
Utilize your social media to tell your brand's story and create a presence. You can also use the paid ads space on social media to share with a larger audience.
