Pulse PR getting the message out

Starting a new business in the current climate might sound crazy - but don't shelve that idea just yet.

"Starting out in the current market was a brave move for me, but I haven't looked back," said Grainne, who, with the support of Invest Northern Ireland's Go for it programme, has just set up Pulse Public Relations in South Belfast.

"The thought of starting a business is daunting at any time. There will always be a reason to wait, reassess, postpone or explore other avenues, but there comes a point where you have to take a decision, commit to it and go for it."

"I was always good at making contacts and networking and knew I could put those skills to good use. Better earning potential and the chance to be 'your own boss' were obviously important factors too," she says. "However, you can't do everything yourself and at some point you will need assistance."

To help put her on the right track, Grainne enrolled on the Go for it programme, which she said helped her to develop a greater understanding of what was involved and the pitfalls to avoid. "The programme helped me to take a professional, considered approach. It's one thing having a career in the PR industry – it's another to run your own PR firm!"

Never one to miss an opportunity, Grainne said that signing up to Go for it also helped in other ways. "I really enjoyed meeting people in the same boat as me and learning from their experiences. I've kept in touch with some of them and even got a new client out of it too."

So what does Grainne enjoy about running her own business? "I love having the freedom to work when I want and undertake projects because I enjoy them. Work generates work so I'm finding that once a project ends, another one isn't too far away. Thankfully I have a strong support network of friends and family who keep me focused."

Running her own company has also forced Grainne to work differently. "It is hard work, the hours are long, and you have to be on your toes all the time. Having said all that, it's not that I don't get the odd night out – I just take my business cards along with me this time!"