Small Business Week Interview with Teresa H. Berger

Interview with Teresa H. Berger, MBA of Innovate Services

Tell us about your business.
Innovate Services creates positive buzz for entre/solo/mom/fit preneurs. We are the public relations support for small businesses who desire greater exposure for their product or service. We offer Keep It Super Simple (K.I.S.S.) solutions for the public relations and copywriting needs to those who don’t have the time or expertise to go it alone.

Please tell us what being a business owner means to you and why you became an entrepreneur in the first place?
We are all put here to add value to someone or something. Owning my time as an entrepreneur and helping others achieve their goals in business is what drives me each day. I had always planned on being my own boss and started my business shortly after I found out I was expecting my first baby. At the same time I was downsized from bank marketing, consulting at a large pharmaceutical company and feeling a bit unfulfilled. I am not a conformist and knew there was a better way to help others and wanted to capitalize on my creativity and writing talents.

What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?
The strongest influence in launching my business over 3 years ago, and the ethical standards in which I operate my business has been my late mother. She had a strength of character and knack for treating people with respect and genuine care. She devoted her life to raising her four girls putting some of her dreams on hold…one of them being getting a graduate degree. Part of what brought me to where I am today is the fact that my mom’s life was cut short due to cancer. Seeing her go so young, made me really think about my dreams and goals. I am determined to not let anyone steal my dreams of making a small mark on this world…life is too short! And wanting my daughter to grow up with an entrepreneurial spirit wouldn’t be so bad either!

What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?
I would say my greatest professional accomplishment to date is being a volunteer writer for IVAA’s monthly publication, IVAACast (http://www.ivaa.org/pdfs/latestcast.pdf) and sharing information with the over 10 thousand subscribers. Additionally, I have had the privilege of partnering with clients that give back to their communities and helping them obtain press on and off line (links http://blogmommas.com/?p=2144 , http://community.babycenter.com/journal/kramermommy/1637645/go_green_with_wee_cycle, http://www.prweb.com/releases/2007/11/prweb569428.htm ).

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?
The best advice I ever received to date was to always keep my dreams and goals in plain view. To not let dream stealers crowd my judgment or belief in myself and to be confident in my expertise.

What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?
That you can’t do it all on your own. We need to delegate and delegate wisely!

Are there any resources or tools you’d like to share with other small business owners that have helped you succeed? If yes, please describe (and include links if available)
I would say SCORE (http://www.score.org/index.html) is a truly valuable resource. They not only have live and online seminars but free counseling when you’re first starting a business…and for entrepreneurs who just need some guidance. And if you are a virtual professional, IVAA (www.IVAA.org ) is invaluable. Anyone local to the Philadelphia region should also consider the Delaware Valley Virtual Assistants Association (www.dvvaa.org)

What is the Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next year?
I’m “thinking BIG” this year and by end of year 2009 I plan to complete my first joint venture which should include top-notch educational materials. Additionally, I plan to develop some other strong partnerships to help entrepreneurs from all over the world with their public relations and copywriting needs.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
If anyone wants FREE Keep It Super Simple (K.I.S.S.) Public Relations Tips & Tricks, please log on to www.InnovateServices.com and subscribe…rest assured we’ll never share your information with others outside of our business. Anyone who subscribes before May 31st will receive a FREE bonus Buzz Generating Tip Sheet.
And if you’re into “thinking big” check out http://thinkbigrevolution.com/ . I’m not an affiliate, just a “big thinker” who wants to help share in the revolution!

How can our readers find you online (include your company URL, blog, social networking links here)?