Ellie MacDonald is the managing director of MacComms, an incredibly successful PR agency which she founded with the aim of supporting business through positive publicity. Having worked with businesses of all shapes and sizes – from established companies through to brand-new start-ups – we thought we’d ask Ellie for an insight into what makes both her, and MacComms, tick…
How long have you been running your business and what does your business do?
MacComms was founded in 2015; we’re a a PR agency, keen to support local businesses on their scale-up journey by raising their profile, credibility and generating positive publicity.
What or who was the inspiration for the business current path you are on?
The freedom and flexibility to carve my own future was the drive behind setting up MacComms. I’m also passionate about providing a supportive working environment for others; MacComms is built on the values of positivity, collaboration and treating people right.
Shortly after forming MacComms I joined the world’s largest growth accelerator programme, Entrepreneurial Spark in Leeds. Here, I have access to hundreds of other entrepreneurs and mentors who share the same growth mindset as me and inspire me daily.
One bit of advice you wish you’d been given before you started?
With hard-work, drive and determination, anything is possible. This is also one of the most powerful selling tools; people buy people with enthusiasm and a passion for what they do and I’m proud to use this approach rather than a hard-sell to acquire new business.
The one most important thing you’ve learned during the experience of running your own business?
To never doubt myself or my gut instincts.
What do you see as your future business challenges?
The biggest challenge will be recruiting the right people and attracting talent to drive business growth and development. It is important to find the right people who share and fit our brand values.
What would you like to leave as your business legacy?
I am determined to build a successful business that genuinely cares about its employees and their futures, whilst providing clients with an outstanding level of PR support to see their businesses continually thrive.
Your biggest business achievement so far?
I won the ‘Chiclet’s Choice’ award twice in succession, which was voted for by my peers at Entrepreneurial Spark, a first for the programme! The award seeks to recognise entrepreneurs that go the extra mile to support others and share knowledge, something I love to do.
When you are not running your business, what do you do to relax?
I like to unwind with friends and family; I enjoy good food, wine, conversation, and laughter with great company. I also like to travel and see as much of the world as I can.
Your biggest achievement outside of business?
I have grown enormously in confidence inside and outside of work. This is evident in my public speaking skills; something that I used to detest, I now actually enjoy! This boost in confidence even saw me take my first holiday alone earlier this year which was an amazing experience and I met so many more people than I would have had I travelled with someone. I think this is something everyone should do at least once in their lives.
What would you be doing if you weren’t running your business?
When I was a child I used to dream of either being a popstar, an ice cream lady, or a window cleaner! With a passion for promoting businesses, I have found my calling in PR and marketing and now I’ve experienced being my own boss I can’t imagine not running my own business.
For more information about MacComms visit www.maccomms.net.
