Barrie Cohen of BC Public Relations on Building a Women-Led PR Firm from Scratch at 26, Growing to a Global Client Base in Healthcare & Nonprofits, Mastering Storytelling & Learning Hard Hiring Lessons. (Episode 690 - Barrie Cohen)

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Barrie Cohen, founder of BC Public Relations, about her journey of building a successful Denver-based PR firm. Since its inception in 2017 as a solo venture, the firm has grown into a dynamic team of five women. Initially focused on traditional media, BC Public Relations has diversified into digital platforms such as podcasts and YouTube. Cohen shares insights on the power of storytelling in marketing, navigating the challenges of team management, and fostering strong client relationships. She also discusses self-funding her business, leveraging AI in PR, and the transformative value of mentorship and professional development.

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Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
   
   Barrie said the hardest thing is that we often focus too much on what we’re not doing well and forget to celebrate the wins. She stressed it’s easy to feel like we’re constantly screwing up instead of recognizing the many little victories that come with growing a business.
   
   

2. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most?
   
   Barrie’s favorite is “The Business of Persuasion” by Harold Burson, a pioneer in public relations. It’s somewhat niche to her industry (PR), but she finds it offers great lessons on how the field started and evolved.
   
   

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
   
   She recommends The PR Podcast (specific to PR), and also listens to Mel Robbins for personal growth. Beyond that, she values reading widely and networking to learn from peers.
   
   

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
   
   Barrie recommended media databases (like Cision, Muck Rack, Meltwater). While these are mainly for PR, she highlighted how powerful the right tools can be to connect with audiences and tell your story effectively.
   
   
   

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
   
   Her advice for day one in business is to keep pushing forward. Embrace the tough moments, allow yourself to feel them—maybe even shed a tear — but always rise again the next day. As a business owner, others rely on you, and the journey is a continuous one.

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Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Keep moving forward – cry it out if you must, but get up the next day and keep going — Barrie Cohen

Focus less on what you’re not doing well, and take time to celebrate the small wins — Barrie Cohen

You're running a business, not a charity; hire for skill, not just likability — Barrie Cohen

 

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