Today we’d like to introduce you to Arielle Burnette.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Growing up, my father always encouraged my brother and me to be entrepreneurs. Not quite sure of the path I wanted to take but knowing I wanted to be in communications, I enrolled at The Florida State University in the Summer of 2006 with a desire to become a broadcast journalist. However, in the fall of 2007, I took a public relations class and fell in love. My professor would start every class by asking us about a PR disaster and challenge us to think of ways we would handle the situation differently. It was in this class I knew I found my calling. Quickly after, I decided to declare a major in public relations and got involved with the athletics program where I was able to help write press releases, host press conferences and help the booster program shape and mold their brand and message.
After graduation, I worked at a public relations agency in New York City before moving to Atlanta and working at two larger agencies and a non-profit. It was during this time, I was a sponge, soaking up all of the knowledge before starting my communications firm, The Burnette Agency. We are a team of five (and counting), and we are excited about the future.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
If any entrepreneur tells you it has been a smooth road, they are a flying unicorn. The easy answer to this question is no. It has not been a smooth road. But it has been an exciting road that I would not change for anything. We have had our fair share of ups and downs but every single one of them, as cliche as it may sound, has been an incredible learning experience. I don’t look at employee’s leaving or a loss of a client as a negative. Instead, it is a ‘what can we do better’ or ‘how can I be better’ moment that wakes you up to the harsh realities of the entrepreneur life.
Please tell us about The Burnette Agency.
About the Business: The Burnette Agency is a social media, public relations, and creative services firm specializing in helping companies build brand awareness and increase revenue. We started out as public relations but clients quickly started asking us to handle their social media and their graphic design. This allowed us to expand our team and our offerings based on the trust and rapport we were building with our clients. Our main focus is on social media and market strategy. However, we are also very heavy on graphic design creating websites, emails, and collateral.
Most Proud Of: I am most proud of our companies ability to not crumble under pressure or panic when things get tough. Clients have unforeseeable needs or changes and sometimes financial hardships. But no matter how quick the turnaround time or the severity of changes within the business we have persevered. I am proud of the team for trusting the process, the integrity of their work and the growth that is bound to happen when you do things the right way.
Sets Us Apart: Every agency is different but we are really focused on making sure we are an integral part of our clients day to day operations. We talk to all of our clients weekly and sometimes daily. Not only are we an extension of their marketing department we are a part of their marketing department. Understanding their teams, their needs, and having a physical seat at the table so that they know we are all in. This is what sets us apart and we are proud to make that a priority.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My childhood was magical. I had so much fun with my family all of the time. With vacations and amazing holidays, there was never a dull moment. But, I would say one of my favorite memories was when I was running for Vice President of the freshman class at my high school. My father surprised me and showed up for my speech. I didn’t know he was going to be there but I was excited to see him in the back supporting me. I remember walking up to the stage, shaking but excited to get the speech over with. I had a clever line to end the speech. As my last name at the time was Haynes, I ended the speech with, ‘Now turn to your neighbor and say, vote Arielle, she is is Haynes Your Way.’ The whole auditorium of about 700 students erupted. I was shocked, so proud and so excited. But I wasn’t proud and excited because everyone was cheering. I was proud and excited because I stood up, despite my fears and spoke in front of everyone and most importantly my Dad who took the time to always tell me to be a leader. It was nice to show him that I had been listening to him for all of those years. It is by far one of my most memorable moments as a child/teen!
Pricing:
- Our minimum client spend is $1,000 per month
- Our graphic design is competitive at $85 an hour
Contact Info:
- Address: The Burnette Agency
1447 Peachtree Street NE
Suite #700 - Phone: 4048502081
- Email: info@theburnetteagency.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/theburnetteagency
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBurnetteAgency
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/burnetteagency
- Other: www.theburnetteagency.com
Image Credit:
The Burnette Agency
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