22. PR with a Personal Touch
Alexis Davis Smith
With more than 20 years of experience and a reputation as a solid communications strategist, Alexis Davis Smith is a leader in Atlanta’s public relations industry. She is responsible for creating breakthrough and strategic communications programs for all PRecise clients, including leading global companies such as Coca-Cola and Toyota.
How Did You Start Using Your Talents?
At my first PR job I was able to use my talents, learn, work with great clients, colleagues and a mentor. But not until I opened PRecise Communications could I work with clients I loved, focus more on work than on money, and balance life and work.
The Most Impactful Turning Point?
Around three years after college, working at a Top 10 PR agency, I realized I had much of what I’d wanted, but it wasn’t enough, wasn’t fulfilling. I realized I’d lost the most important thing: myself. After seven years, I knew it was time to go out on my own.
The Most Powerful Lessons Learned?
That I don’t have to be afraid, and should not be shy about expressing my strengths, and good work generates referrals. My first client was Coca-Cola Company, working on Super Bowl 34. Coke has been with us 15 years. Most of our current clients come from referrals.
On Her Bookshelf
The Lemming Conspiracy, by Don Hutcheson and Bob McDonald
The Personal Touch, What You Really Need to Succeed in Today’s Fast-Paced Business World, by Terry Williams
Any book by John Maxwell
Top Tools on Her Browser
Public relations trade publications: PR Week and PR Daily
Entrepreneur Magazine, online and print
Inc. Magazine
Harvard Business Review, online and print
Connecting With Alexis Davis Smith
Website:
precisecomm.net
Twitter:
@precisecomm
Facebook:
PRecise Communications
