Holly & Kit Corral: Owners of PRESS PR + Marketing Share Tips and Tricks on How to Be a Successful Entrepreneur

In this episode of Finding Career Zen, special guests, Holly and Kit Corral, join Pete Newsome to share their experience as owners of PRESS PR + Marketing – the firm Holly founded more than 15 years ago.

This couple met in high school and ended up back in their hometown after college, Holly graduating from NC State and Kit from FSU, and the rest is history. After marrying they were both recruited for jobs in Tallahassee, working at competing advertising agencies. In 2007, Holly took the risk of going out on her own to begin pursuing the dream of having their own agency. Once the business was viable, with a growing list of loyal clients and a reputation for consistently delivering high-quality results, Kit left his job and the two moved back to Tampa to focus solely on their company.

Today, Kit and Holly have built an amazing team at PRESS PR + Marketing, along with an impressive list of name-brand clients. Starting a business is never easy, let alone in the world of advertising. Tune in to gain insight and hear lessons learned, as Holly and Kit describe their entrepreneurial journey with an unmistakable passion for success.

Connect with Kit & Holly on LinkedIn

Click here to learn more about Press PR + Marketing

Advice for those starting their own business

1. It’s not what you know, it’s who you know. It’s all about that personal connection. Be genuine when reaching out. Work on your personal brand because your network is everything. Go to networking events and get really good with names. Everyone likes to be remembered and recognized. 
2. Focus on where you want to end up. Find your passion. Success doesn’t come without struggle, a level of commitment is necessary. You can’t just show up, you have to earn it. If you decide to go out on your own, you need to take ownership.
3. The most basic things aren’t basic. Do what you say you’re going to do. Gain respect. Learn from your mentors and their experiences. Look for opportunities. Build great relationships and have a great work ethic. Build your rapport and likeability. 
4. For employees: just ask. Talk to your employer. If you have a concern, address it directly. Their intention is likely vastly different than what you thought it was. The longer you wait to communicate and continue internalizing things, the more your resentment will grow and the worse your professional relationship will be.