Rachel Reva
Rachel Reva, founder of Life On Her Terms Media
What's your industry?
Media
For those who don't know anything about you or your work, can you provide a bit of background?
I worked in news publicity and PR for 12 years across TV, healthcare and government in London and Sydney before starting an online coaching and consulting business.
I saw the need for entrepreneurs to have a simple way to market their business and grow their online presence, without ad spend. I realised so many business owners invested huge amounts of money in advertising, and a lot of times the results did not have a strong ROI.
Knowing the power of media and how it can help grow a business, I started sharing PR tips and strategies which led to consulting for larger companies.
We finally created our flagship course: 'Publicise Yourself Academy' - which teaches business owners how to land media coverage in 10 minutes a day - without ad spend, and grow their business using media and visibility strategies.
We have also created a membership community specifically for women in business, to help support each other to get more visible online and in the media.
What does an average day look like for you?
Firstly, I pitch myself! I make sure I look for opportunities, whether it be 10 minutes a day or take an hour a week - to see what journalists are looking for, or to create content that is relavent to my audience. It's the best way I find to motivate clients to take action is to show them I am walking the talk and doing the work myself.
Secondly, I review media stories and trends to see what could be relavent or interesting to my current clients, whether it's a magazine looking for an expert to feature or a podcast looking for guests, I love seeing how I can help my clients get more visible and stand out in their industry.
Thirdly, I check in with our team to see if we have any client or customer issues we need to review or respond to and then I look at our client generators - people to follow up with, people to reach out to, and of course the different ways I can show up on our various platforms.
Finally, I check in our own content platforms: we are in the middle of creating a magazine and a podcast - while time consuming, are definitely ways to grow your brand and audience using your own content.
How do you balance the needs of your business with the needs of your personal life?
Before I become a mama, I was terrible at this. I still don't really believe in the word 'balance' especially around busines and life! But I will say getting more sleep and priorising simple things like: 8 hours of sleep, breaks off social media and getting outside to take a walk - these are things that have become a must! I also find if the 'joy' is gone in business, it's usually because I'm not taking care of myself or taking time with the people I love. This year I have become very intentional with scheduling time with my family, my husband and friends. Your schedule is everything. If it's important, schedule it!
What's the best advice anyone ever gave you on your journey in business?
Focus on building one bridge at a time. Create one product for one person and find a way to sell it. Then repeat. I tend to get excited about creating and then want to move on to the next thing, but you have to give a product or course time to build. A lot of good business is rinse and repeat. Also, don't be afraid to try different ways to sell your services or show up to your audience. A lot of our marketing has been experimeting with: how our audience likes to consume our information and how I enjoy showing up.
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?
The hardest part was when I became a mum and had to take a 'break' from the business. While having a family is such a blessing, I really didn't want to 'put down' my business at first, but it's what was needed for me and the family at the time. I felt discouraged for a bit, but that's when I was given a course re-direction and started my own radio show called 'Coffee and Faith' at our local radio station, while I was still nursing a new-born! My point is, my business wasn't over even though it felt like it. God had other plans which allowed me to focus on my family and still grow my business and actually start a whole new marketing avenue to grow my business and my profile.
Are there any well-known Books, Podcasts, or Courses that you credit your current success to?
Ed Mylett's podcast, Lewis Howe's School of Greatness, The Science of Getting Rich
What do you think are the most important qualities for a successful business owner or executive to have?
Grit, Adaptibility and a love of people
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out as a business owner?
Don't chase the numbers. Commit to the process and showing up regularly - whether it be on social media, blogging, creating a podcast, pitching yourself. Find a way to market yourself that you enjoy. Get used to rejecetion and don't take it personal and create a daily routine that works for you, your health and your family. Find like-minded people to go on the journey with.
What are the top three things you think are essential for business success?
A clear offer that your audience understands in 5 seconds
A marketing strategy you can rinse and repeat (and doesn't cost money at first)
Real Support: A VA, Admin, someone to help you with the some of the structures of business so you can spend time on the important tasks that bring in income
Do you think someone can be a great business owner without having many years of experience first?
I had 12 years of experience working in PR before starting my own business. So I could be confident in my skill set, even if I wasn't confident in creating a business at first! I beleive you need to have one area of competence, whether it be a skill, product or business operations to be a great business owner. But if you have enough grit and determination, success is possible for anyone.
In general, do you think the world is producing better business owners in 2023 than it was fifty years ago?
I think the world is producing more variety of business owners in 2023, because the online world and technology has made business an 'equal opportunity' for everyone! In the US alone, 40% of US businesses are women-owned. I love the fact that women now have the opportunity to create a life and business on their terms, outside of a 9 to 5. As a woman with a family, I know how important it is to have flexibility in your schedule and literally make an income in a way that works for you and your family. The world is producing better opportunities for business owners, and I look forward to seeing how the opportunities continue to benefit families and generations in the years to come.