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Stylish glasses, an Apple watch, and iPhone at hand, Sarah Evans is the modern day PR Girl.
With an industry that is constantly evolving, this female disrupter always finds a way to stay two steps ahead of it.
Her founding business
Sevans Strategy — digital strategy and consulting
Home Base?
Las Vegas, NV
Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
At a very young age I was planning tea parties and putting together events for family members and I realized what I loved the most about doing this was two things:
- the thrill of inviting people; and
- bringing people together around a shared interest.
At its core, that’s what I feel like I do.
Whether it’s in front of the camera as a digital correspondent or behind-the-scenes as a consultant, I invite and bring together. Building my own company has been a constant evolution! I’ve pivoted a few times and, perhaps, just now have found my “Hedgehog Concept,” (i.e. the thing I’m the very best at). One thing is for sure — I am ALWAYS learning. I’m in awe of the brilliant makers and creators in today’s digital landscape. So much has changed since I first came into the field 12+ years ago.
When did the Entrepreneur light bulb go off?
When I was 5 or 6 trying to sell baseball cards on the corner. I didn’t want a typical 9 to 5, I wanted that 24/7 life that I had the illusion of control over.
What advice would you give other women wanting to start a biz?
It’s scary. I know. My choice while starting my business was to stay in my “safe” job and moonlight after hours until I built enough clients to leave the “other.” Whatever it is, once you take the leap, in six months you’ll look back and wonder why you were worried (advice from my father-in-law).
How do you bring goodness to the world?
Philanthropy and raising my children. I love to give back, whether it’s through providing business tools to women to volunteering with local organizations, I can’t be good unless I give good.
None of us are able to achieve success without some adversity along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
There are so many. I am lucky. As cliche as it may sound, my biggest champions are my mother and father. When I tell them some crazy idea, they seem like it’s the most normal thing in the world and just assume I’ll be successful. I’m lucky to have both unconditional love and a belief in my abilities.
Five Leadership Lessons
- Don’t underestimate your value, regardless of age — This one has come full circle, as I experienced insecurity directly out of college and then again as a new mom coming back from maternity leave. The landscape changes so fast, but it doesn’t take away from your natural talents and abilities.
- Listen, laugh and learn — Funny enough this is the mantra I recite to my children before school each day, and somehow it’s crept it’s way into my professional life. If I’m not doing all three things, then I’m not doing my best work.
- Find what you’re the best at and focus your energy there — I have lots of interests and hobbies, but it doesn’t mean I’m great at them. Like Liam Neeson, I have a very specific set of skills and I stay in my lane.
- There’s more than enough business — If I’ve learned one thing, it’s that there’s enough business. It’s why I’ve never shied away from sharing tips and tools. I expect the same in return.
- Build a network when you don’t need anything — There’s nothing like a REAL relationship built on giving and sharing. Growing your professional network takes time, but social media can expedite that process. Save your ask for a time when it’s worthwhile and the relationships you’ve built will be there.
Life Lesson Quote?
“When we treat man as he is we make him worse than he is. When we treat him as if he already was what he potentially could be We make him what he should be.” ― Goethe. This is personal and professional. Everyone has potential and when you treat others as if they’ve already achieved their greatest potential, they will get there.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why?
Great one! I’d love to sit down with Michelle Obama for breakfast.
What are some of your fave milestones?
Some of my favorite professional milestones include: launching Twitter’s very first industry chat, #journchat and bringing it into traditional news outlets CNN and NBC News. Working with amazing companies, like PayPal, Wal Mart and more and living a professional life that has allowed me to continue to learn and grow.
Tell us about what’s on your current launch list? What’s up your sleeve?
I just launched a Social Influence Insider list that is already off and running. I’d LOVE for you to be on it.
It’s literally a list that gives:
? New products and tools
? Industry alerts
? Deals and discounts
? Reports, surveys
? Access to fun stuff!
SIGN UP HERE: https://t.co/sG1LAgGzk0
I’ve recently started taking on more local clients in Las Vegas which has been exciting….even though I work with companies all over the world. There’s actually an awesome social content tool launch coming next week that I can’t talk about, but will tweet about when it’s live. You heard it here first.
Secret Talent?
I was a musical theater performer in my past.
Zodiac Sign?
Scorpio
Currently Reading?
Diary of a Wimpy Kid series with my seven-year-old.
Where Will Social Media be in Five Years?
Still social, still media. I’m not a futurist, so I don’t want to taint the real people making the magic.
Favorite Drink Order?
Tea.
Favorite Instagram Account?
Must-Have Technology?
My computer
Favorite Way to Decompress?
Cardio kickboxing in a hot room
Twitter Handle?
Women You Admire?
All of you.
LinkedIn Profile?
As the saying goes, there’s never really a regular day when you work in PR. Changemakers like Sarah keep you in the loop on all things social and PR (I mean, have you seen her colorful, emoji-filled Twitter feed?).
She’s also ready to hit the road to speak at your next conference to cover social tips and tools for 2019, working with influencers, content creation and management, and the state of social and PR.
Sarah’s words of wisdom:
Take the risk
Make the change
Do the thing
Be who you are
This post by Lisa Buyer originally published on Medium’s Authority Magazine, a publication by Yitzi Weiner.
