Melanie Rembrandt: AWAI Member Since 2004
“There is an incredible sense of power that comes with taking control of your career. It can be scary when you first start out on your own. But once you have some success, you realize that you can pursue any dream you desire if you are willing to work hard and go for it!”
Meeting – and working with – celebrities can be a big part of public relations. And Melanie Rembrandt’s career is no exception.
A few months ago, she organized a video shoot for a client – a Pilates studio in California. The talent for the video included Judie Aronson (Weird Science and Friday the 13th) and Mekenna Melvin (from the TV show “Chuck”). Audra Lowe, the host of BetterTV, a nationally syndicated lifestyle TV show, was also there. They were very professional and easy to work with… and the shoot went very well.
End result?
“My client was thrilled with the final video, and she received lots of new business. I was very happy for her, and it was fun to meet celebrities too!” says Melanie.
It was just further proof that Melanie made the right choice years ago when, instead of looking for a new job after being laid off due to budget cuts, she struck out on her own as a Barefoot Writer.
She’s now the CEO her own firm, specializing in technology public relations, social media strategy, and SEO copywriting.
Q: From laid-off corporate soldier to being in charge of your destiny… sounds like a tough transition. How did you deal with everything?
A: In the beginning, I was nervous. But I knew it was time to take control of my career. To my surprise, I was inundated with work from previous employers the week I opened for business.
To handle this “happiness problem,” I created goals for my business and took action to make them a reality. For example, I set boundaries on the type of projects I was willing to do, turned work away that did not fit my criteria, and created a strict schedule to finish projects on deadline.
The best part about owning my own business is control. I choose my clients, hours, and where I want to work. I can travel and run errands when there is less traffic, and I know that if something comes up, I have a flexible schedule.
Best of all, I can make any future plans I want for me and my business. My career, schedule, and income are entirely up to me.
Q: Tell me one thing that keeps your clients coming back.
A: Results. And to make sure I get them, I communicate directly with my clients to see exactly what they need and then try to exceed their expectations. Because of the results, almost all of my clients come directly from referrals.
Q: Do you have to be an aggressive go-getter to “make it” as a Barefoot Writer?
A: I wouldn’t say that. But you do need to know what you want and must be willing to work to get it. It’s important to have confidence in yourself and the value of your skills. If you don’t ask for what you want, you will never get it! Don’t be afraid to go for big dreams.
