Ali Grant is the founder of Be Social. She was named by San Diego Magazine as a dynamic public relations expert and further recognition includes being a finalist for the San Diego Business Journal's "Women Who Mean Business Awards," a nominee for San Diego Magazine's "2012 and 2014 Women of the Year" and Business Journal's Emerging Generation: 25 in their 20s. Through strategic public relations and social media campaign management, Ali has earned recognition for Be Social in leading industry publications, including PR Week, Fashion Monitor, The PR Closet, PR Couture, Daily Front Row, BW Confidential, The Holmes Report, O'Dwyer PR, and held educational courses at America's Beauty Show and Bloguettes.
Her core and driving force behind Be Social's success stems from a solid, well-rounded foundation grown from vast experience in conversion-driven ecommerce campaigns for lifestyle and fashion brands. Be Social's heart and soul comes from Ali's unique perspective and spin on traditional publicity with a laser-focus on modern media disciplines. She launched Be Social because there was nothing like it in the marketplace. Today she combines her thorough knowledge of digital marketing, blogger relations and earned traditional media into strategic, successful plans for her clients.
How has your life experience made you the leader you are today?
From a young age, I've been interested in entrepreneurship and challenging myself in academics, sports, and creativity. My competitive nature has translated well into my business endeavors and has been a driving factor of success for my business and client campaigns.
How has your previous employment experience aided your position at Be Social PR?
I was lucky to have landed a position in a startup focused on the latest in digital marketing for lifestyle clients. I had come from a very traditional PR environment previously, so this was new and exciting for me. We were taking iconic brands and providing them the new and now of digital efforts. The agency focused heavily on affiliate marketing, and given the startup environment, I was able to transform that into blogger and influencer relations marketing. At that time, that was new and unique. We worked with blogs like Peace Love Shea before she was one of the most popular fashion bloggers in the game. I took what I learned in the digital realm and complemented it with my traditional PR experience and created Be Social, which molds them together.
What have the highlights and challenges been during your tenure at Be Social PR?
I love PR, social media, events, and digital marketing. I don't love accounting, HR, and all of the nuances that come with owning your own business. It's been challenging for me to run the operations end of the business, but we're finally at a point where I have all of that in the hands of professionals, so I can focus on what I love.
We're in our third year of business, and we're finally at a point where things are taking off. It's exciting to be approached by amazing brands and have the ability to work with some of the companies I genuinely admire. A highlight would certainly be when new clients approach us and the conversation begins with "we've heard so many great things about your agency." That's always a really proud moment.
What advice can you offer women who want to start their own business?
Be prepared to put your heart and soul into your business if you want to be successful. In the beginning, I sacrificed a lot with my personal life because every waking minute needed to be put into the business. There's also a misconception that owning your own business provides a lot of freedom and is "glamorous," but that's not always the case. If you're going to start your own business, make sure it's your passion. If you're ready to live and breathe your business, then go for it. Just know it isn't always easy!
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
To be candid, I actually don't maintain a work/life balance. I am constantly thinking about the business, our clients, and the best next step. I do appreciate a good Pilates class and a walk on the beach. When you love what you do, it doesn't feel like work...this is my life...running Be Social. The great thing is that I love it and it makes me happy!
What do you think is the biggest issue for women in the workplace?
Our agency is comprised of a team of strong, intelligent, confident women. When women support each other, amazing things can happen. I see it every single day in our office. I would love for every woman to feel confident in their work environment.
How has mentorship made a difference in your professional and personal life?
I've found a lot of inspiration through reading women's stories in various magazines and blogs. I don't have one specific mentor, but I take a bit of advice from various entrepreneurs from a wide array of industries. I'm fascinated by success stories and constantly read them. I admire women who own their own business, love what they do, and wake up every day with a will to make it happen!
Which other female leaders do you admire and why?
I admire females who are game changers and innovate leaders in their specific space. I admire Michelle Phan, a popular YouTuber and entrepreneur, because she's constantly expanding her brand. Katia and Hayley, co-founders of Birchbox, because they created a business that allows for a new way to consumer discovery and product marketing. Amber Venz of RewardStyle because she has disrupted the affiliate marketing industry and the way bloggers and brands work together. Bri Emery of designlovefest for following her passion and creating a design aesthetic that many emulate and admire. I could go on for a while...
What do you want Be Social PR to accomplish in the next year?
Be Social has recently launched a blogger management agency, where we manage the careers of bloggers and digital influencers. I look forward to growing this division and being a leader in this space. We're in the midst of developing some creative conferences that will be a hub for entrepreneurs, bloggers, students, and brands come together to share their passions. And as always, I look forward to our agency to continue to grow and to work with our favorite brands on their social media, media relations and event marketing.