The amazing Jennifer Spivak started with us as an intern and continued as a community assistant – her energy and drive have truly been a constant inspiration! As she continues down her path toward becoming a full-time independent consultant, Jennifer’s decided to share some of the insights she gained as part of our community.

For the last 10 months or so, I’ve worked part-time as a community assistant for the queen of #solopr, Kellye Crane. As we’ll soon be parting ways, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on my experience and share what I’ve learned with all of you, the wonderful independent PR & marketing pros who help keep this thriving community alive:

• Internal deadlines are a must.
• In #solopr, EOD actually (and awesomely) means 11:59 p.m.
• If you’re directing a conference, you’ll probably get sick the day before it begins.
• We DO have collective power!
• And of course, even independent PR practitioners need a vacation sometimes.

But more important than the real-world insight I gained through my work with Kellye and my time at #solopr is the affirmation that working independently is without a doubt what I am meant to do. And the best part? When I do go solo – which I don’t think is more than a year or two away from now – I won’t be starting from scratch, wondering how it’s done and where to turn when I need guidance.

I’ll know to look to Get It In Writing when I approach my first client. I’ll remember that the best way to get an overflow of answers from some seriously smart people is to pop in to a #solopr chat. And I’ll most definitely know that the #solopr community is always there; to encourage me, to inspire me, and to remind me that THIS is what I want to do with the rest of my life.

Though the last time you all heard from me I was still in school, I have since graduated and starting working at a small social media marketing agency while pursuing freelance projects on the side (of which I now have several). I know I’m not there yet, but at some point in the future I’ll be ready to transition these side projects to becoming my only source of income.

The idea of this, I’ll admit, is somewhat terrifying to me. But that fear isn’t something that’s going to stop me. Remember my name, solo PR pros – I’ve got big plans and big dreams, and with a community like this one, I think its safe to say I just might be unstoppable.

I have no doubt that Jennifer is right! The fact that she is planning her entire career with the end goal in mind is a testament to her maturity and self-awareness.

What would you have done early on, if you knew independence was in your future?