From winning Shark Tank brands, to some of Inc. Magazine’s Fastest Growing Companies in America, Lexie Smith, Founder of THEPRBAR inc., has helped countless companies and entrepreneurs gain accelerated success through the world of Public Relations.
Featured in “Brilliant PR Experts Under 30”, and “Top 20 in their 20s”, Lexie Smith’s career in Public Relations began concurrent to obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Oregon in PR and Journalism. Recognized as a leader amongst both the undergrad and post-grad community, Lexie was recruited to serve in various positions of leadership including, but not limited to, the National Society of Leadership, President of the National Broadcasting Society, and elected Student Senate Officer, all while rapidly growing her real-world client roster. Before the age of 20, Lexie was representing brands such as Angry Birds, Family Guy, and Cabela’s, to name a few. With full-time bicoastal job offers waiting for her prior to graduation, Lexie decided to move from Oregon to Santa Monica, California to join a public relations agency most notably known for representing winning Shark Tank brands.
In less than a year, Lexie was promoted to Senior Director after more than doubling both the firm’s account list and annual revenue, enabling the firm to expand bi-coastally.
Lexie’s natural ability to create meaningful brand partnerships became recognized citywide, and she was recruited to serve as the in-house Director of Marketing and PR for a LA-based hospitality group. Her creative and innovative approach to marketing and PR quickly aided in tripling annual event bookings and total company profits.
Lexie made the switch to telecom in 2017 when she joined an up-and-coming telecom company as Director of PR. Quickly being promoted to VP of Business Development overseeing PR, marketing, and business development, Lexie propelled the company into the national spotlight earning it a wide-array of prominent accolades that proved instrumental in more than doubling the company’s valuation.
In 2019, Lexie Founded THEPRBAR inc. to establish a fun and inspiring brand that empowers #GirlBosses to build their own empire.
Lexie’s clients have been featured in outlets such as Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, Inc., CNN, the LA Times, Eater, USA Today, FabFitFun, The Huffington Post, Thrillist, ABC, CBS, Wired …and many many more.
Where did the idea for THEPRBAR come from?
I’m one of those people who have new business ideas almost weekly. That being said, when the idea for THEPRBAR inc. came to fruition one day, I automatically knew I had a winner. Where did it come from? Part from having been in the PR field for almost 10 years and coaching the entrepreneurs I work with on the process, part from being a huge fan of the evolving self-teach/online coaching world. PR has always come naturally to me, and empowering women sets my soul on fire – when I meshed those two things together, and added some very on-brand puns to the mix, THEPRBAR was born.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
I am definitely a creature of habit – at least to some degree. My mornings always start with a cup of coffee in my living room and an initial scan through my inbox. I then check off my “social to-dos” (i.e. responding to FB groups, engaging on Instagram etc.) Around 8:30, I head into my at home office and hit that day’s task list hard. This includes cycling through client calls, working on my service offerings, etc. I try to take breaks intermittently (even if it’s 5 minutes to throw in a load of laundry) to give my eyes a screen break. Around 2:00PM I generally always break for a work out. By 3-3:30PM I’m back in the office and generally try to wrap things up by 6PM. I have yet to ever find myself “twiddling my thumbs” thus productivity just comes naturally to me I suppose.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I’m a list girl! I have a million ideas a day it seems but those I feel have legs make it onto my “idea list”. Very quickly I do my due diligence to see if the idea is viable; if so, it makes it onto my white board, and I’m off to the races. I’ve always worked fast.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The online coaching space! I am incredibly inspired that in the last 5+ years entrepreneurs, women particularly, have truly embraced the concept of “DIY” and “knowledge is power.” This self-empowerment trend is part of the reason WHY I started THEPRBAR. I find it game-changing that as long as you have access to a computer and the Internet, you can work from anywhere in the world with anyone in the world. Talk about closing the divide.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
I prioritize daily. Specifically, every morning I look at my task list and assign each item a level of importance. Since at this point in my career I know on average how long something is going to take me, I am able to then time block my day accordingly.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Girl, RELAX. Everything that is happening right now is happening for a reason. Every challenge, heartbreak, or obstacle you are facing is only making you stronger so you can become the best version of yourself possible. Just continue to be true to you, and have faith that “bumps” are all just a part of your unique journey. OH, and start building your email list NOW haha.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
There is never just one right way to do something. I wouldn’t say that nobody agrees with me on this but I have found it a popular topic of debate throughout my entire career. When people let egos get in the way, they can argue that their way is the only way. I like to consistently remind said egos that you can get to 4 by going 2+2 or 5-1 etc.
Other than that, I 100% believe in life outside of planet earth (yes, this means aliens.)
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Always be learning and always be willing to adapt. Stay up-to-date on your industry’s latest trends and news. Personally, I subscribe to a variety of PR/Marketing related publications so I can be alerted daily to the latest and greatest shifts in the marketplace. What worked 5 years ago, might not work today, and that is OK.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
Facebook Groups have been huge. Specifically, joining the right Facebook groups, actively engaging in said groups, and carrying newly formed social relationships offline. Hop on a quick call, even if it’s just for 10 minutes – it will “humanize” and authenticate the relationship.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
I started another company once upon a time while I was still working full time. It was a service-based business, and I realized quickly that it was never going to grow if I couldn’t give it my all. There are some businesses you can definitely get off the ground in and around the 9-to-5. When that business is a service, however, and requires you to take phone calls during normal working hours, it can be a challenge. All in all, I closed the doors to this company, and decided when I launched my next entity, I would make proper time for it. That company? THEPRBAR inc.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Can we sign an NDA first? Just kidding haha. If someone could create an affordable kombucha brand, that would be a lifesaver to my bank account. Where I live, Kombuchas are 4-7 dollars a pop, and I drink them daily. Get it down to $1.99, and I’ll be a customer for life ☺
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
I recently purchased a group of frames so I could hang and highlight some of my pivotal career wins throughout my office. Now when I have a moment of doubt, I can quickly look up and get that much needed “you got this” kick in the booty I think every entrepreneur needs now and again.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?
This is probably a lame answer but I would say Google Docs. It saves a lot of “file-passing” and downloading/uploading back and forth to be able to share a live word doc when collaborating with clients or vendors.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
Can I alter the question a bit and answer via podcasts?? I generally read fiction, but listen to business podcasts on steroids. My favorites are – RISE by Rachel Hollis, She Did it Her Way with Amanda Boelyn, How I Built This NPR, Earn Your Happy with Lori Harder, and Online Marketing Made Easy with Amy Porterfield.
What is your favorite quote?
Whether you think you can, or you can’t, you’re right. Henry Ford.
Key Learnings:
• Knowledge is power.
• Work smarter not harder.
• As an entrepreneur you will almost unavoidably be met with times of great self-doubt. What differentiates those who make it from those who break it, is the power to persevere and push forward in these moments.
• There is never just one right way to do something.
• It’s not only OK to adapt, it’s paramount.
Connect:
Website: THEPRBARinc.com
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Carlyn runs the day-to-day publishing operation here at ideamensch and interacts with our awesome customers and entrepreneurs. She is likely editing this with a cat on her lap.