In the service industry, people make the difference between success and failure, according to Evan Zeppos, president of Zeppos & Associates, a Milwaukee-based public relations and government affairs firm.
“In my business, people make the difference, so whenever a company decides to hire a public relations firm – or any service firm, for that matter – they are really making a decision on hiring people. After all, people are the ones who will counsel the client and offer strategic recommendations. People are the ones who will answer the phone, write the website copy and news releases and give advice on crisis communications, social media or any number of communications challenges and opportunities.
“When a client calls, they don’t talk to a firm; they talk to people. A firm doesn’t talk with the media, people do. I learned early on as an entrepreneur that building and growing a successful company meant finding and keeping the best people possible. Smart leaders surround themselves with smart people who share the same high standards of professional conduct, the same commitment to excellence and the same willingness to go the extra mile to meet and exceed a client’s expectations.
“These are the essential ingredients to building any kind of successful business, but without the right people, it’s an uphill struggle. There’s no doubt that experience is an important factor; most would agree that a track record of achievement is a key indicator for future success; and demonstrated expertise certainly helps get the job done. But without the right people, it’s hard if not impossible to be the best that you can be, regardless of the size of your company. People make the difference.”
Evan Zeppos
President
Zeppos & Associates
www.zeppos.com
