Starting a Media Lists and Journalist Databases Company
Interview with Gift List Media Founder Amy Bates Stumpf
Anybody who wants to promote a product needs to know how to get that product in front of important journalists, editors and producers. That's a need that is addressed by Gift List Media, a fast-growing firm in the media databases industry.
Amy Bates Stump helps businesses that want to get their products covered in the media.
We decided to learn more about Amy's business, Gift List Media, and she was nice enough to join us for one of our entrepreneur interviews.
Tell me about your current business. What are you doing exactly?
At Gift List Media, we're super connectors between small business operators and the press. We link up new products with the editors who write about them.
When did you start the business?
5 years ago
Where is your business located?
Los Angeles, CA
What were you doing before this, and is this your first business?
Yup. First business
Where did you get the startup money?
My dad.
Who are your main competitors? How do you compete against them?
The big gorillas: Cision, Bacon's.
How has your experience in running the business been different from what you expected?
Clients ask different questions, need different things from me.
Is there anything you wish you had done differently?
Started sooner. I love it. Business has grown to almost $1 million per year in revenue in five short years, and I still work at home in my virtual office in my pajamas.
What have you done that has been very effective in helping to grow the business?
Ask for help when I needed it. Got great software. Hired fabulous journalists to do research.
What advice would you give to somebody else who wanted to start a similar business?
Get ready for a great ride.
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