Expert to Know: Karen Wicker
What’s your backstory — how did you end up starting (or joining) an agency?
I worked as a television journalist before joining a PR agency in 2005. At that time, I had no idea what a PR professional did, but it sounded like a fun way to transfer my storytelling skills into a new discipline.
What was your first entrepreneurial moment as a kid or teen?
When I was 15, I opened a vintage clothing and antique booth at a local antique mall. I shopped for items to sell in my shop at garage and estate sales. My Mom had to drive me downtown to city hall to get my sales tax permit because I did not yet have my driver's license.
What’s a personal ritual or habit you credit for your success?
I've always had a strong work ethic and credit my success to the art of GSD - or the ability to get stuff done. GSD is an internal drive that fuels most everything I do in my work and personal life.
What’s one mistake you made early on that taught you something lasting?
I've made plenty of mistakes in my career and the most glaring are around hiring. I've extended employment opportunities to incredibly skilled professionals who turned out to be a bad culture fit. I've learned my lesson to hire slowly and fire quickly.
What’s something people get wrong about you?
Most agency founders are well connected in their community and have a large circle of friends and colleagues. People assume I'm naturally outgoing and charismatic. While I know how to be an extrovert for my job, I'm really an introvert who needs plenty of down time each day to recharge.
What do you do to recharge outside of work?
My idea of recharging typically includes a solo walk in the woods or bike ride around the lake.
What’s a principle or value your agency lives by?
Candor is at the center of everything we do. We give honest forthright counsel to clients even when it's not what they want to hear.
What’s one small decision that led to a big result for your agency?
In 2017, we added a video studio and full-time videographer to our agency because we could see how important video content was becoming for social media storytelling. Video has high margins and was invaluable to our growth plan. Candor has since added additional employees in this space.
What advice would you give to someone starting an agency today?
You will never work harder or smarter in your professional life. Treat your clients, employees and vendors how you would want to be treated. And hang on for an exciting and occasional bumpy ride!
What’s one resource (book, podcast, etc.) that changed how you work?
It's hard to only name one resource. My advice is to be a continuous learner. Always be hungry to learn new things about your industry and business in general.
What is your most controversial or unpopular belief?
When you make a mistake, immediately tell the client, and then tell them how you're going to fix it.
