Kristin Marquet

Connect

http://www.marquet-media.com

http://www.twitter.com/KristinMarquet

Education

New York University - Master’s Degree

As a marketing manager and public relations director at a large law firm, Kristin Marquet found herself doing what she wanted, just not where she wanted. With an undeniable eye for style, Kristin knew her passion burned bright for fashion, not insurance litigation. A few freelance clients and a lot of hard work later, Marquet Media, a full-service public relations and marketing agency, was founded. And as president, Kristin and her team serve fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands nationwide.

While Kristin considers herself lucky to have such an "incredible and sometimes glamorous job," she also realizes the only way to really satisfy her customers is through persistence, dedication and a fair share of 13-hour days. It's all part of staying ahead of the curve and delivering results that both challenge Kristen and her employees while satisfying Marquet's clients. It's also one of Kristen's biggest personal challenges. "I'm always thinking about what needs to be done."

Pick one career and stick to it.

What drew you to your job?

For the first few years after college, I worked in Corporate America as a marketing manager and then as a public relations director. However, I really had the desire to enter the fashion marketing field. So, I began my business by freelancing for three clients. Once I developed a name and a reputation, I launched a full-service public relations and marketing agency in New York City. Marquet Media now serves the fashion, beauty, accessory and lifestyle industries nationwide.

What does your job involve on a daily basis, and what types of responsibilities do you have in your position?

I oversee the day-to-day-operations of the business. I spend half of my time developing business and the other half managing the business. This includes making sure clients are satisfied with our work, managing employees, hiring, training and firing, billing and invoicing, and strategic planning for clients.

How can someone make the transition from working in corporate America to self-employment like you did?

Persistence, patience, planning, a formal education and working smart are necessary to launching a successful business. Make contacts, don’t piss off the media and network as much as possible to build a name and reputation for yourself.

What is your favorite part of your job?

The best part of my job is when I see my employees happy and feeling challenged and when clients are happy with our work. It's very rewarding when all stakeholders are satisfied.

What challenges keep you awake at night?

The largest challenge is controlled growth. I worry that we're growing too quickly and that we won't be able to handle the work, because finding qualified help can be a problem at times. This is something that has always been a concern.

Is work/life balance ever a problem with you? If so, what is one no-fail tactic you use to create balance?

Absolutely. I begin my workdays at 8 a.m. and finish around 9 p.m. I usually take an hour for myself around noon to decompress. However, when I'm not working, I'm always thinking about what needs to be done, whether it's issuing a press release on behalf of the agency, calling back a client or working on the next white paper. At times, I get separation anxiety. I love my business so much, I have to remind myself that my free time is for my husband, family and friends.

Was there ever a moment in your career where you’ve thought, “I can't believe I have this job?" What was it?

I ask myself every day how I have this incredible and sometimes glamorous job; a job that many women want. I'm so lucky to do what I want to do.

What are some of the rules you live by?

There are three rules:

1 / Be honest with myself and everyone else, regardless of the situation.

2 / Take care of my physical health by working out four or five days per week.

3 / Get at least seven hours of sleep each night. When I don’t sleep for seven hours at night or workout, I feel sluggish and lethargic. I can’t think clearly, either.

What qualities does one need to possess to be successful in your line of work?

Some of the more important qualities a publicist should have are superior writing skills, strong project and time management skills, organizational skills and attention to detail.

What one piece of advice do you wish you could tell a 21-year-old version of yourself?

Pick one career and stick to it. Then, intern at as many public relations and marketing agencies as possible. Figure out what aspect of PR and marketing you want to be a part of and pursue it. Read about the field as much as possible to gain an understanding of the way the industry works.