Hannah is the founder and CEO of Narrator Creative Consulting. Hannah is a public relations consultant providing businesses, organizations, and individuals with public relations, marketing, event planning, and writing services to tell their story and enhance their image to better achieve their goals.
Outside of her professional role, Hannah is active in the community. She is the current President of the Junior League of Billings and has previously served as a member of the Board of Community Development for the City of Billings, as part of the leadership team with Billings NextGEN and on the Political Action Committee, both with the Billings Chamber of Commerce, as well as time spent as a CASA and as President of the MSU Billings Alumni Association. She is also a former candidate for the Montana State Legislature and a former instructor of Public Speaking at MSU Billings.
We asked Hannah to answer a few questions to help us get to know her better.
What inspired you to start your own business and what was your biggest challenge? I was inspired to start my own business because I knew I had more skills than were being utilized in any one role, and I was frustrated with the rigidity of the 8-5, Monday through Friday work life. Being able to create my own job with a schedule that worked for the life I wanted has been rewarding and empowering. The biggest challenge was and is always the risk being taken to abandon the reliable paycheck for the potential for something greater and more fulfilling. Although there have been times of struggle and uncertainty, the reward has been worth the risk!
What are some of the most important skills you’ve developed as a business owner? The most important thing I have learned is not to underestimate or undervalue my own worth. It can feel intimidating to charge what my skills and time are worth, but waiting for the right clients who do value me is encouraging too. Additionally, it’s been a challenge for me to put myself out there and share my accomplishments to get the jobs and the recognition I deserve and of which I am capable. Having supporting people in my corner to remind me of my own abilities and wins helps me own them as well, and in turn, brings more worthwhile work into my life.
What is your best advice for someone starting a new business? The best advice that I would pass along to others is to believe in your worth, your abilities, and the value of your time and skills. You will never regret making that leap for yourself, and even if the struggle is very real during times of growth, you will reach your goals and achieve the success you’re working toward. Additionally, even when you don’t feel prepared for an opportunity that comes your way, say yes first, and then figure it out to make it happen! That’s the best way to learn and expand what you can offer to people.
What is most important to you about your business? The most important thing to me about my business is my integrity and the fact that because so much of my work is reliant on a combination of skill, creativity, strategic thinking, and hard work, I take pride in what I produce for my clients. Because of that, I also only feel successful when they too are proud of the work I do on their behalf because our goals can only be reached when we work together as a team.
Is there anything else you would like to mention about your business? My skill set is vast, and I have collected an array of experiences that have helped to build the services I offer to clients. I started my career in event planning and service industry management, but quickly transitioned that into fundraising for nonprofits. I am also a freelance writer with an English and creative writing degree and write magazine articles, website copy, blogs, advertisements, and even showcase poetry through my Narrator Instagram account. I moved into political campaigning, even running for the state legislature myself, during my graduate education where I completed my master’s in public relations. I have also been a public speaking instructor at MSU Billings and have coached speakers for presentations and competitions in the past. To understand my business and what I can offer clients, it is important to also understand who I am and what I am capable of through both my education and my personal experiences.
If you’d like to know more about Hannah Olson and Narrator Creative Consulting, visit her website at Narrator Creative Consulting | Freelance Writing and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.