Small Business Spotlight: Local woman starts PR firm right out of college

Stephanie Shirley

Business Name: Bennis Public Relations Inc.

Years in Business: 13 years

Location: Based in Mechanicsburg

Q: Why did you want to start this kind of business?

A: As I was earning my degree in public relations from Penn State University, the most common options for a communications career were working for a single company or joining an agency. I realized that this left a gap to fill for small- to medium-sized businesses who need help with their communications, but who don’t have the room for someone in-house fulltime and who want something more personalized and cost-effective than working with a PR firm.

I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit, so seeing this opportunity, I took the leap at just 23 years old to start my own public relations consulting business. My goal is to provide the expertise of a senior-level consultant, with the support and network of a full-service agency, but with the personalization and flexibility of a member of your own team. It’s a unique but valuable niche that’s proven to be an ideal solution for a lot of organizations.

Q: How did you get your start?

A: Right out of college I jumped into the world of politics. I served on a statewide gubernatorial campaign and then worked in legislative affairs for the state. But my passion for starting my own business was resilient and relentless. I followed my intuition to launch Bennis Public Relations in 2011, and it’s been my calling ever since. I have proudly served hundreds of clients across the nation in countless industries. My business continues to grow, mostly through word-of-mouth recommendations. The saying is true, the reward for good work is more work.

Q: What does your business sell or provide?

A: I work hand-in-hand with every client to create innovative and effective communication solutions to help grow a powerful and consistent brand. This includes media outreach, strategizing, content writing, event promotion, team training and much more. I have helped businesses of all sizes and industries navigate the challenging internal and external communications of branding, transitioning through acquisitions and leadership changes, developing comprehensive strategic communications strategies and implementing those strategies, consistently and effectively. I am also called upon during critical moments where crisis communications and reputation management are central to the future viability of an organization, brand or person. My vision is to give clients the tools and confidence they need to be an active participant in designing and owning their strategic communications, because the greatest results come from businesses that are fully engaged.

Q: What is the biggest challenge you are facing right now?

A: My biggest challenge is helping businesses and organizations understand the benefits of this type of service model. For much less than the cost of a full-time employee, they receive senior-level expertise that is far more personalized and flexible than outsourcing to an agency. As a sole proprietor, I don’t have overhead or cumbersome internal processes, allowing me to be far more efficient and effective. Once someone experiences the difference of what I provide, they are thrilled with the value and ease of working together.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do or place in Cumberland County?

A: We are big on baseball. Cumberland County, and specifically Mechanicsburg, has a rich history of baseball. Both of my sons play for Upper Allen Mechanicsburg Baseball and we spend a lot of time at the ballfields from spring through summer. We are proud to give back to the community through volunteering with UAMBA and making a positive impact through the power of sports.