Why PR pros should wait to start their own firm

I never intended to build a PR firm.

I was most certainly on the partner track. I wanted my new business commission and my year-end bonus and my BMW. It never occurred to me to do those things for myself.

More than a decade ago, during a dinner with a client, the topic of starting a PR firm came up. I was adamant I would never do that. I liked the security of a consistent paycheck and the full benefits. It was easy when I knew exactly how—and when—I would make partner.

However, that conversation kept circulating in my head and, one day, an opportunity presented itself. I took the leap.

I didn’t go full-force into building a PR firm, though. I freelanced for a while and joined a virtual team of other experienced professionals. I tested different ideas and theories. I always expected the other shoe to drop and, when it did, I’d go back to my cushy partner track at a big agency.

After the other shoe didn’t drop during the 2008 recession, I decided I should take this growing a PR firm thing seriously.

How your career path can change