In this episode, I interview Mickie Kennedy, the Founder and President of eReleases, a traditional press release distribution company based in Baltimore County, Maryland, United States, an expert at helping small businesses, authors, and startups increase their visibility and credibility. Mickie Kennedy developed eReleases in 1998 with the belief that publicity shouldn't be restricted. So, the company helps its clients promote themselves with the media. He started with only 40-60 grand in the first year and has grown to $6 million annually. Currently have 8 FTEs working with the company. “All entrepreneurs grow through problems and issues and growing pains,” says Mickie. He can relate to that but what matters the most is how they will handle the challenges in growing their business. If you want big success, know how to do it. This Cast Covers: Specializes in press release services for small businesses, startups, and authors to promote themselves with the media. Offers writing service as well as distribution through the largest and most-respected newswire in the country, as well as a proprietary database of journalists and editors. A traditional press release distribution company that focuses primarily on getting press releases into the hands of real journalists. Finds smaller companies and startups usually have better success than large corporations or midsize companies. Developed the company with the belief that publicity shouldn't be restricted especially to small businesses. The company’s goal is to reach out to more small businesses and help them make the transition from being a company with a product or service to a company with a clear brand that speaks to the marketplace and media alike. Delivers personal service and exceptional value to every customer at every price point. Has grown exponentially since then, from 40-60 grand in the first year to $6 million annual revenue.  Additional Resources: eReleases Influence By Robert B. Cialdini 80/20 Sales and Marketing By Perry Marshall  ………………………………………… Quotes: “If you are strategic, you can get a lot of leverage.” – Mickie Kennedy “We try to match people with writers who are sort of experts in their fields, and they kind of have a good idea of what would be newsworthy.” – Mickie Kennedy “Success for me is providing real value to small business owners, startups, and people.” – Mickie Kennedy  “I would challenge anybody to sort of putting themselves in the experience of the customer.” – Mickie Kennedy  “You should try to take every opportunity you can to measure as much as you can in your business.” – Mickie Kennedy  ………………………………………… Music from https://filmmusic.io “Cold Funk” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com). License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0