Linhart Public Relations was born on Jan. 1, 1996, so in 2011 we’re marking our 15th anniversary. Or, as we like to say, we’re “Celebrating 15 Years of Growth with Gratitude” – a phrase which describes my feelings about this milestone. I’m really amazed and proud of the success our firm has experienced. Colleagues, friends and clients often ask me why we have been so successful and how we’ve endured the economic ups and downs over the past 15 years.
Here are three keys to success that I’ve discovered since I founded Linhart PR:
#1 Recruit and retain great talent through recognition and meaningful rewards. Without a doubt, our team is the finest in the land. We are blessed at every position with people who tirelessly work to serve our clients with passion and intelligence. Our open book management style and zero tolerance for bureaucracy have led to our celebrated culture, which team members describe in their own words as creative, collaborative, energetic and fun. We try to make sure each staff member feels celebrated, cared for and appreciated, while helping them grow and do their career-best work.
#2 Double down. That’s a term I learned from playing Black Jack with my father who loved the game. When you think you have a winning hand, double your bet. In business, when you have a winner, whether a super talented staff member or a new product or service, invest in it and it will pay dividends. Sometimes you may lose, but by taking a risk when the odds are in your favor, you usually prosper.
#3 Be vulnerable. Again my father, who was one of my mentors and a successful business owner, taught me that being open to opportunities and willing to trust people can lead to wonderful results. Applying the concept to business and my personal life has allowed me to flourish and be blessed with abundance. For example, a few years ago, a local advertising firm abruptly closed, leaving its people without jobs and a mutual and long-time client in a lurch. Despite the risks of taking on additional employees in a field outside our core expertise, we quickly “adopted” the ad agency team so they could continue to support our client while the search for a new ad agency ensued. The experience saved the ad campaign, kept seven people from the unemployment rolls, and left our client feeling grateful to our firm. I knew we were vulnerable, but I trusted our long-term client and trusted the employees to do the right thing.
As our anniversary theme indicates, I am truly grateful to the legions of people who have helped me: the talented professionals who grace our firm; the clients, some of whom have been with us for nearly the entire firm history; and my friends, colleagues and family who have supported and encouraged me along the way. It has been rewarding, exciting and very gratifying. I can’t wait to see what the next 15 years bring!
Reading this is a reminder of how grateful I am to have joined this firm. I greatly appreciate that Sharon’s values and beliefs, shaped by her role model papa, have helped our amazing team and clients grow. Thanks Sharon for your consistent, steady leadership over the years. Congrats on nurturing this firm!
Congrats to you Sharon, and the entire Linhart team! And applause to dads like yours who teach us so much. Happy New Year!
So thrilled to be with Linhart PR as we celebrate this milestone. Linhart PR is S.H.A.!
So proud to be working at such an amazing place with such amazing people!
Congratulations, Sharon! I am honored to be part of the Linhart Team and the wonderful organization you’ve built. You are a great lady.
-Paula Berg
Linhart PR
Congratulations to Sharon and the entire team at Linhart PR. I firsthand know how hard you all work, how respectful each of you are to clients and co-workers, and how invested you all are in your community. All success today and in the next 15 years is well-deserved.
Sharon – I’m borrowing #2 for the rest of my life. I hope you don’t mind. Thanks for being such an inspiration to all of us!
Thank you all for your touching comments! It has been an amazing, wild and wonderful ride so far! Here’s to being dealt a good hand and doubling down. Cheers!
Congratulations Sharon and sincere best wishes for another 15 years of success!