Laura began Laura Orrico Public Relations, LLC in 2016 and has found major success with a number of high-profile clients across the country. She started her business from scratch and has found a large amount of success in a few years. All of that and she keeps a successful acting hobby on the side. We had a chance to interview Laura and asked about her story, how she started her business and the future of Laura Orrico Public Relations.
Tell us your story. Why did you start your business?
I started Laura Orrico Public Relations, LLC in 2016 because PR was something I enjoyed greatly. I am a “people person” and not only did it fit my personality and lifestyle, but I had been doing PR for myself, my late husband and celebrity friends for many years.
How did you come up with your business name?
My business is in my name and the reason for that is because I had already established a name for myself as a TV and Film actress, and I always feel it helps to state what you do in the title in my line of business.
Tell us about your products and services. How do you help clients?
My company is a boutique Chicago-based PR firm. We represent a variety of high-profile and up-and-coming clients across the country. We help our clients maintain or build momentum by securing them press and media placements.
What makes you unique? What is your unique selling proposition (USP)?
What makes my company unique is that we are like no other PR firm in existence and I will explain why. Clients come to us by hearing or reading about us and by word of mouth from current and past clients. The way we work is different by way of the hands-on experience and time we take with our clients. We only handle a boutique amount of clients at any given time. We don't just create and “blast” out press releases, we take the time to zero in, heavily focus and do individual follow ups with press and media contacts. We work hard to secure our clients amazing placements. We actually guarantee a set amount of placements each month, depending on the size of the retainer that a client hires us for. Then if we need to go over the hours, we don't charge overages. No a la carte or surprise billing. I don't believe in that. My company contracts are very straightforward. As far as a USP, I really don't have one. I feel my services sell themselves; if people need us, they recognize it and come to us when they are ready.
Where do you see your business in the next 3-5 years?
LOPR will be 5-years old on April 4th, 2021. In 3-5 years I see us continuing to grow and slowly expand, but never getting too big. I love the relationships I have with my clients, and it is important to me to give them the time and attention that they deserve. I do that by remaining a strong, but small business.
Any advice you would give to entrepreneurs and business owners?
I have a lot! I will try to keep it short. My advice for business owners is to never lose the ability to “do what you do.” Always stay fresh and on top of everything. Teach and guide employees, but grow with them. Keep learning, stay positive and never stop growing. Another piece of advice I stand by is to get a good handle on time management and keep a balance in your life. This is so important (for everyone, not just business owners) because life is very short, so making time for your family, friends, your health and time to live life outside of your work. Once you can get a good balance on life, you will not only have great success, but you will feel great. People (clients, customers, family, friends, etc.) notice that and are drawn to people who have it together.
What is your favorite business quote and why?
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give,” – Winston Churchill. I love this quote because so many people let their work control them and they can't handle keeping or creating a balanced life. I swear by having a balanced life and not allowing work to hold me back from living a life outside of work. Again going back to making time for family and friends and, of course, giving back.
What have been some of your achievements that you are most proud of? Why?
I am proud that I was able to heal and move forward with my life in a positive way after losing my husband in 2015. I took care of him during his illness and would not change it for the world. I had been a TV and Film actress since age 14, spent 12 years in L.A., and then we moved back to Chicago in 2013. My husband passed in 2015, and I took the next year to figure out my next steps; and on his birthday, April 4th, 2016, I started Laura Orrico Public Relations, LLC. I had a choice, give up and feel stuck or move forward in his memory. I chose that latter. I am grateful everyday from all I learned from him. Most importantly being able to live life to the fullest as our lives are precious and too short.
Anything else additional you want to tell our readers?
Please follow my company and me on social media and visit my websites! I continue to run my PR firm and live everyday to the fullest. I am blessed that owning my company allows me the ability to continue my acting career as a hobby.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lauraorricopublicrelations
Twitter: www.twitter.com/lauraorricopr
Instagram: www.instagram.com/lauraorricopr
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/laura-orrico-public-relations-llc
