BKS Communications celebrated its 20th anniversary in March. That same month, BKS Communications’ founder, Beverly Smith, and her husband found out they were expecting a baby. Smith’s entrepreneurial spirit did not waver.
“I consider myself an entrepreneur at heart. In order to enhance my career and control my own destiny, opening my own business was my best decision,” she said.
Smith launched BKS after being asked to oversee a few independent public relations and special event projects. She previously was the public relations director at the Indianapolis Zoo.
Indianapolis Parks and Recreation became BKS Communications’ first client, signing an 18-month contract. The client list currently includes Indiana Children’s Wish Fund, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Sky Zone (Indiana), Goelzer Investment Management and Happy Dog Hotel & Spa.
“I give credit to my husband who always supports me, believes in me and is my sounding board,” said Smith.
Question: How did your previous employment experience help in making your company successful?
Answer: My previous jobs were instrumental and the building blocks of making BKS Communications successful. I worked as the PR director for Hyatt Regency Indianapolis, Duke Associates and the Indianapolis Zoo. During each of these jobs I met and worked with some of the Indianapolis’ biggest movers and shakers.
In the mid-to-late ’80s, Indianapolis was growing by leaps and bounds. Indy was the amateur sports capital of the U.S., the Indianapolis Colts came to town, White River State Park was transforming and Circle Centre mall was being built. During my tenure at Hyatt, the hotel was host for the Pan Am Games, major national conventions and the “hub” for all traveling teams for Pacers and the Indianapolis Colts and housed national entertainers, movie stars and politicians. Some of my fondest memories at the Hyatt included working on a press conference for the late Ronald Reagan and helping the legendary Bob Hope find a massage therapist. Never a dull moment in the hotel industry! The hands-on experience at Hyatt was incredible.
At Duke Associates, I traveled throughout the Midwest and handled groundbreakings and grand openings for Duke’s office, retail and industrial projects. It was a huge learning curve for me and a wonderful experience.
My next job was with the Indianapolis Zoo. Other than opening my own business, working at the zoo was the best decision I ever made for my career. Combining my corporate PR and marketing experience in the not-for-profit arena was a giant steppingstone for my career. I’ve used these skills working with several not-for-profit clients at BKS.
Q: What steps did you take to launch BKS Communications?
A: Once I landed my first few contracts, I hit the ground running. I really enjoy cold calling and networking, so it was fun for me to reach out to new prospects. I also surround myself with talented and creative people. With each new client, I assembled a marketing team (graphic artist, web designer, social media expert) to customize the needs of the client.
Q: What advice would you give others thinking of starting a PR agency?
- You will work harder for yourself than any of your previous employers.
- Know your strengths and weaknesses.
- Network. Network. Network.
- Be passionate about your work, your projects and your clients.
- Hire a reliable and professional accountant and always pay your vendors on time.
- Don’t disregard working on a small project or a client who has a limited budget. These contacts can lead to additional projects and large accounts down the road.
- Deliver your projects on time and with a smile.
- Volunteer for a not-for-profit organization and join a committee.
Q: What would you be doing if you hadn’t launched BKS Communications?
A: I could see myself being an executive director of a not-for-profit organization and incorporating my marketing, PR, event planning and business skills.
More about Beverly Smith
Beverly Kay Smith, BKS Communications, bkscommunications.com, 317-590-6450
Title: President, BKS Communications, Inc.
Age: 55
Education: Bachelor of Science degree/ Major: Journalism / Minor Speech from Ball State University. Graduated in 1981
Resume highlight:
PR Director: Hyatt Regency Indianapolis 1981-1986
PR Director: Duke Associates 1986- 1991
PR Director: Indianapolis Zoo 1991-1994
President: BKS Communications 1994-present
Proudest moment on the job:
Working with Jack Nicklaus and his staff on the Sagamore Golf & Country Club grand opening, coordinating two NCAA Final Four special events for adidas and working with brave and courageous Indiana Children’s Wish Fund kids.
Family: Smith and her husband, Kevin Smith, have a daughter.
Favorite quote: To be successful, you have to have your heart in your business, and your business in your heart. ~ Thomas Watson, Sr.
View the original IndyStar article at http://www.indystar.com/story/money/2014/07/06/got-job-bks-owner-passion-pr/12233079/ online.