You Don’t Have to Build It Alone
How My Network Became My Business Foundation
When I launched Ace Communications Consulting, I wasn’t starting from scratch – I was building on a foundation of trust and strategic communications experience. Unlike many new business owners, I didn’t have to ask myself: Where will my first clients come from?
As the senior PR specialist at my previous job, I was usually the day-to-day point of contact for 10-15 clients at any given time. When news got out that our owners had decided to close shop, many reached out to me right away to inquire about my plans and ask if I would be interested in contracting with them to support their ongoing campaigns, media relations and communications strategy.
So for me, the answer was simple – my first clients were already in my network.
Those relationships, built through successful outcomes and consistent follow-through, quickly evolved into new business for my growing PR consulting practice.
What I’ve come to learn and appreciate, however, is that the professional relationships I’d built with former colleagues are just as valuable. I’ve collaborated with Los Dos Lupes to offer photo and video production for clients. Los Dos Lupes was founded by Emmy Award-winning photo journalist Joe Najera, a trusted former coworker and collaborator.
Under Ace, I’ve worked with former team members on everything from public relations pitches, brainstorming business strategy with fellow consultants, getting my accounting in order, brushing up on my Meta Ads Manager skills and leaned on the experience of a longtime contact at iHeartRadio for media buying guidance and marketing strategy. And much more.
In fact, several former clients and co-workers have even invited me to be part of PR scopes in proposals for their own marketing and media firms. That kind of support is a reminder that the best business network isn’t transactional, it’s built on mutual respect and shared goals.
Starting a PR and communications consulting business comes with a lot of unknowns. But one thing I’ve never questioned is the strength of the relationships I’ve cultivated over time. My early growth at Ace Communications Consulting has been powered by people who know my work, believe in what I bring to the table, and see the value in building something together.
The next challenge is to continue to find new clients while also using my strategic partners to provide bespoke and impactful PR, marketing, social media strategy, crisis management, events planning and beyond.
If you’re launching a freelance PR practice, small business, or creative consultancy, don’t underestimate the power of your professional network. Reach out. Stay in touch. Follow up on those “we should collaborate” conversations. You never know who might refer a client, offer a new perspective, or open a door.
Let’s connect.
If you're looking for a communications partner or want to explore a project together, I’d love to hear from you. Reach out at dave@acecommsconsulting.com, and let’s start a conversation.
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