According to the Encarta Dictionary, an entrepreneur is a risk-taking businessperson who initiates or finances new commercial enterprises. I recently read an article about an entrepreneur who truly defined the word, and her ambition leaves an inspiriting message for all.

Sara Blakely, the creator of Spanx, at the age of 25 was selling fax machines door-to-door and debating the direction of her career. When she was 27, Sara saved up for a pair of expensive white pants that she adored, but unfortunately had an issue wearing. Despite the undergarments she paired with the pants, they were very revealing and could not be worn. After many shopping trips searching for the perfect undergarment, Sara had the idea to cut the feet off a pair of control-top panty hose, and much to her surprise she found the perfect solution.

From her shopping experience, and the compliments she received on the pants, Sara saw a need in the market and started developing her own line of form-flattering undergarments. Blakely called many manufactures and many people laughed at the concept, until she finally found one that respected her determination and wanted to give the product a shot.

Today there are currently 150 styles of Spanx and the product can be found in many department stores alongside Calvin Klein and Donna Karan. The product graced Oprah’s favorites list and red carpet conversations with celebrities typically make mention of this must-have item.

While the business did not happen or grow overnight, many people thought it was a silly concept, and though Blakely had little money and no fashion experience, she encompassed the true sense of entrepreneurism and set out to make something happen. Every successful business owner takes risks and experiences some hiccups along the way, but in the end, gains the benefits that come with that risk-taking mentality. If you strive to be an entrepreneur, remember to be unique, take chances and have confidence in your goals even when everyone else thinks they’re random. You never know where your drive and determination will take you.

By: Monica Kenney, monica@boltpr.com

Twitter has become one of my go-to sources for breaking news. Last night I logged on to respond to a few direct messages (DM’s in Twitter lingo) and noticed a few tweets relating to an LA slow speed car chase involving a white Bentley. The police followed the Bentley driver for hours before the man stopped. The incident caught my attention because there was speculation that the driver could possibly be Chris Brown. The chase ended tragically and law enforcement has not yet released the name of the driver.

Through Twitter coverage, I learned that LA’s ABC and Fox news stations were streaming live coverage. I watched online and via Twitter (#bentley), hoping to discover the driver’s identity. To find more information I turned to Google, my first instinct when I have a question, but found nothing. The Associated Press did not release news about the chase until 1:34 a.m., after the driver was taken away in an ambulance. Twitter coverage proved much faster than Google or any other news outlet – aside from ABC channel 7 and Fox channel 11.

This is evidence that Twitter can absolutely raise a buzz and lead to media coverage. This principle proves true in the world of public relations. Often, if a business or brand can saturate the realm of social media, it will lead to mainstream coverage. At Bolt Public Relations, we offer social media management services to ensure that our clients receive maximum exposure across all public mediums.

For more information about the Twitter coverage versus traditional media, see Dave Winer’s blog post. For more information about the police chase, see LA Times article, “Suspect leads police on low speed pursuit in a Bentley, kills self during standoff.”

By: Anne Carr, anne@boltpr.com

As discussed by my colleague in her latest blog, utilizing online social networking is key in keeping up with the times and successfully establishing new relationships with other professionals to benefit your business. Many sites, such as Twitter, LinkedIn and FastPitchNetworking, are used for more professional reasons and are strongly protected to prevent user issues. However, other sites carry some risks that can be easily avoided if you take proper precautions.

Whatever social sites you choose to use, follow the steps below to make online networking safe, beneficial and fun.

1. Choose a strong, unique password for each Web account you own. It is easy for hackers to tap into one site and find a common link to all of your accounts through your password.

2. Download reputable anti-virus software that will constantly scan your computer to flag any suspicious activities, downloads or files.

3. Utilize a current Web browser that provides users with the added service of anti-phishing blacklist.

4. Immediately change your Web account passwords if you are suspicious of any unauthorized activity.

5. Do your homework before accepting a connection/friend request from a stranger. Google the person’s name to see where else they are listed, or look to see if you have any mutual connections/friends through the online social site.
6. Limit the amount of personal information you display, such as your home address or other information that overly exposes you.

7. When using a non-professional social site, such as MySpace or Facebook, try to keep your settings private where only your friends or colleagues can access your Web page.

Social media channels are extremely valuable tools to generate exposure and grow your business, but as with any Web site, just be smart about what information you choose to make public.

By: Monica Kenney, monica@boltpr.com