Hidden Gems: Meet Andrea Rizk of Rizk Public Relations

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Rizk.

Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m one of the unicorns who is actually from Middle Tennessee. I attended Middle Tennessee State University and started my career in public relations on Nashville’s famed Music Row in 1999.

I’ve spent the last 20+ years working in PR, and I launched my PR consultancy, Rizk Public Relations, in November of 2005. I’ve worked with several brands over the years including the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Fifth + Broadway, the National Corvette Museum, Assembly Food Hall, Floor & Decor, and Riverside Entertainment.

I’ve also served as a publicist for consumer financial advocate Clark Howard and financial pundit/best-selling author Wes Moss. In addition to my publicity and community relations work, I currently serve as booking producer for Wes Moss’ nationally recognized podcast, Retire Sooner, responsible for booking guests like Martha Beck, Mitch Albom, and Scott Hamilton.

Also, while building my public relations career, I’ve been blessed with a beautiful family including my wonderful husband of 20+ years and 2 incredible sons. I also had the privilege of donating a kidney in 2011. My career has afforded me great adventure and flexibility to have the life I want.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been an interesting and sometimes bumpy road, for sure. I’ve had challenging projects and clients. It took a solid 3 years to build my book of business, and I learned some hard lessons along the way about protecting my time, asking for what I’m worth, and managing expectations.

Clients assume that because you’ve created front-page results for another client, you can replicate that for them – but that’s not always realistic. And, like all women who work and have a family, I’ve struggled to balance family life with work obligations. Despite the challenges, it’s been worth it.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Rizk Public Relations offers publicity proven to boost its clients’ bottom lines.

-Publicity: We use a variety of proven tactics to publicize your company, brand, products, or services. A robust marketing strategy is essential, but publicity is still the only way to get your project on the front page.
-Media Relations: Earned media is the hallmark of an effective public relations program. Knowing what to expect from the media and what they expect from you is the key to a quality media relations program.
-Brand Strategy & Management: We work with each client to evaluate overall brand needs and develop comprehensive strategies for long-term brand growth and success.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I think the most important characteristics that make me successful are a servant spirit, willingness to do what it takes, confidence to show up in every single situation, and dedication to helping others.

-To elaborate, having a servant spirit means always being in the mindset of helping and assisting others and NEVER saying “That’s not my job.” Whatever is required – picking up trash, moving furniture, etc – you can’t be “too good” to do it.

-Willingness to do what it takes means odd hours and sacrifice. You will miss events with friends. You will sometimes have to prioritize work over other things you’d prefer to be doing, but when it’s your business, you’re solely responsible for its success.

– Confidence – I’ve been in rooms with some of the most famous people in the world, from recording artists to US Presidents. You have to show up in every single room like you’ve earned the right to be there. If you find yourself there, it’s for a reason. Own it.

-Dedication to others – I spend a few hours each week taking meetings and having conversations that do not benefit me directly. By expanding my network and consistently helping others – offering advice or connections, reviewing resumes, or making introductions – I get great joy and satisfaction. The time and effort I spend always come back to me, and it fills my soul to be helpful.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.RizkPr.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreahollandrizk/

Image Credits
Danielle Delvalle