Sowmya Iyer, the Founder and CEO of Clarity Communication, has navigated the complex and competitive world of public relations with remarkable success. As Clarity Communication celebrates its eighth anniversary, Sowmya Iyer reflects on the journey that has led to consistent growth and the lessons learned along the way. Her candid sharing of mistakes and the wisdom gained from them offers valuable insights for anyone in the business world.
Sowmya Iyer started Clarity Communication as a leap of faith, betting on the power of authentic PR. The results speak for themselves: 30% year-on-year growth, driven by client trust and word-of-mouth referrals. This impressive trajectory has been supported by amazing hires such as Vikrant Gupta, Muskan Mittal, Abhay Pratap, and Mohit Goyat, who have propelled the company forward.
However, Sowmya Iyer is quick to acknowledge that the path to success has not been without its challenges. She shares eight significant mistakes she made and the lessons she learned from them, hoping to help others avoid the same pitfalls.
Mistake 1: Growing rapidly without capacity
Sowmya Iyer admits that in the early stages, Clarity Communication grew too quickly without the necessary capacity to support that growth. The lesson she learned is to invest in talent from day one to ensure consistent high-quality work. By building a strong team from the beginning, businesses can better manage growth and maintain the standards their clients expect.
Mistake 2: Failing to implement early client feedback
Early in her journey, Sowmya Iyer did not fully appreciate the importance of client feedback. She now understands that setting up a process for regular client feedback with an actionable plan is crucial for sustainable growth. Listening to clients and adapting based on their input can lead to better service and stronger client relationships.
Mistake 3: Not investing time in onboarding programs for new hires
Sowmya Iyer learned the hard way that not investing time in proper onboarding programs can waste more time and money in the long run. To address this, she became a certified International Career Coach to better support and coach her hires. Effective onboarding ensures that new team members are well-integrated and productive from the start.
Mistake 4: Ignoring what the competition is up to
In the competitive field of PR, staying ahead of the competition is vital. Sowmya Iyer learned the importance of regularly assessing competitors to remain innovative and relevant. By keeping an eye on industry trends and competitor activities, businesses can better anticipate changes and opportunities.
Mistake 5: Not prioritizing her own online presence
Sowmya Iyer acknowledges that she neglected her own online presence in the early years. She now understands the power of personal branding and investing in strategies to tap into client funnels. A strong online presence can attract new clients and strengthen professional credibility.
Mistake 6: Saying yes to every client
In the beginning, Sowmya Iyer said yes to every client, which sometimes led to delivering subpar work. She learned that it is better to say no than to compromise on quality. By being selective about clients, businesses can ensure they deliver the best possible work and maintain their reputation.
Mistake 7: Neglecting work-life balance
Sowmya Iyer admits that neglecting work-life balance eventually catches up and can hinder business growth. She learned the importance of taking care of herself, as an empty cup cannot pour into business growth. Maintaining a healthy balance ensures sustained productivity and well-being.
Mistake 8: Exploring international clients late
Sowmya Iyer realized that diversifying revenue and experience with global clients reduces risks associated with focusing on a single market. By exploring international opportunities earlier, Clarity Communication could have expanded its reach and resilience sooner.
As Clarity Communication celebrates eight years of success, Sowmya Iyer expresses her gratitude for the lessons learned, the growth achieved, and the incredible team that makes it all possible. Her reflections offer a powerful reminder that mistakes are an integral part of the entrepreneurial journey, providing invaluable opportunities for learning and improvement.
Sowmya Iyer’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, learning, and adapting. Her willingness to share her mistakes and the lessons learned from them provides a roadmap for others striving for success in the business world. By embracing challenges, investing in talent, listening to clients, and maintaining balance, Sowmya Iyer has built Clarity Communication into a thriving PR agency that continues to grow and evolve.
As she looks to the future, Sowmya Iyer is committed to furthering Clarity Communication’s mission of authentic PR, driven by the lessons of the past and the dedication of her exceptional team. Her story is an inspiring example of how embracing and learning from mistakes can lead to sustained success and continuous growth.
