Spotlight On: PR Expert And Social Media Guru Sarah Evans
Sarah Evans has been listed as one of Forbes’ 14 Power Women to Follow on Twitter, and Entrepreneur’s Top 10 Hot Startups of 2010. She is the owner of PR consultancy Sevans Strategy.
A self-described “social media freak,” Sarah shares a daily electronic recap of hot topics for public relations professionals called Commentz. In addition, she is also the creator of #Journchat, the first-ever weekly chat for journalists PR professionals. Sarah runs her own blog at www.sarahsfav.es.
Name: Sarah Evans
Age: 32 (eek!)
City: Las Vegas
Position: Chief Evangelist at open social collaboration platform Tracky (tracky.com)
University: Millikin University
Major? Communications with an emphasis in public relations
What sparked your interest in PR and social media?
I jokingly say I’ve been bringing people together since the tea parties I planned when I was three or four. Seriously though, I think it’s in my blood. I really enjoy bringing awareness to an idea, a cause, a great product… I was doing “PR” long before I knew it was an actual job title.
First internship?
March of Dimes my sophomore year of college.
First job?
My first job was as a marketing assistant for a badge and button equipment online supply store, Badge-A-Minit. Whoa, that brings back memories!
Best job you’ve ever had:
What I’m doing right now! My love of public relations, technology and productivity allow me to do amazing work with Tracky and continue being a public speaker, blogger and social media correspondent.
Worst job you’ve ever had:
I work in public relations. It’s bad form to publicly call someone out. Let’s just say we both realized it wasn’t a right fit. I very much have an entrepreneurial spirit. If I’m being required to be in an office all day with a structured schedule, it just doesn’t work. I often work 10 to 14 hour days, but because a lot of what I do requires creativity and a ton of content creation, the physical place I work in is vital.
What lessons did you learn?
Funny you should ask (and it’s completely self promotional), but I recently compiled the last 10 years of my work experience into a book. [RE]FRAME: Little Inspirations For A Larger Purpose shares some of my favorite lessons like:
– Making a big life change is pretty scary. But, know what’s even scarier? Regret. 
– Work like you’re not afraid to be fired.
– While people spend their time complaining about things that don’t work, spend your time on things that do. Hustle.
– Doubting your expertise? It’s a sure sign you’re an expert.
Career regrets?
I couldn’t be further from regret. In fact, the past three-and-a-half years I’ve completely lived a dream. It took a very scary first step of leaving a safe, steady job and entering into the world of unknowns. Knowing what I know now, to stay where I was would have been the biggest regret of my life. I really, really love my career!
Love most about the work you do?
The hustle and the chase. I love that only those who work the hardest succeed. It’s a challenge that motivates me every morning.
A day in the life…
There is no typical day (you’ll hear almost any public relations professional say that). I’ll just pull a few highlights from last week:
– Hung out with Adam Singer (@adamsinger), Linus Chou (@linuschou) and Caroline McCarthy (@caro) from Google. The Tracky team and I got some quality time with each of them and had a crash course in all things Google Analytics and Google’s social media efforts.
– Had a Fortune 50 company buy copies of my book for all of their managers.
– Secured some amazing media placements and guest blogging opportunities for Tracky that drove a ton of engagement to our site.
– Landed a sweet deal with a major company to be their social correspondent at CES (along with some other fun things I can’t mention yet).
– Launched a new Google+ Community for Public Relations professionals that’s taking off like crazy. We even secured Guy Kawasaki, Peter Shankman and others to do education Hangouts just after the New Year. (Relationships really matter!)
– Cooked some mean breakfasts for the family, including blueberry pancake! Yum!
Who inspires you?
It’s a mashup. Audrey Hepburn and Jacqueline Kennedy O’Nassis for their style; my mom and dad for their parenting philosophy and teaching me the magic in life and my husband, one of those people who is brilliant and doesn’t even know it.
Why the switch to Faves?
I got bored of only talking about public relations and social media – and frankly there are better PR bloggers out there than me. When I looked at what people most asked me about on and offline, it was also related to tips, tools, tricks they could use to do “better” business. Once I had that “a ha” moment, I stopped what I was doing and created Faves. I only write about things I like in a way that anyone could understand. Short and sweet.
Philanthropy:
I’ve had the opportunity to have been part of #crisisovernight and a member of the Guinness Book World Record #Beatcancer team. Both campaigns were extremely successful from a “results” standpoint, but really, did a lot of good for all involved. #crisisovernight is especially close to my heart because the people in my social network donated more than $161K in three weeks and saved a crisis center from closing. It was amazing.
What are you doing in 5 years?
I can’t give away all my secrets. It’s most important that my family is happy and healthy. Whatever it takes to stay there, that’s where I’ll be.
Advice to young career women?
Don’t let your age make you feel like you’re inferior at work. It’s easier for young women to dismiss or underestimate their knowledge and gifts. 
Whatever it takes, don’t let the fact that you’re young take away from the amazing talent you bring to the table.
Job hunting secrets:
Relationships. It all comes down to relationships (and, of course, being really good at what you do).
Coffee or tea?
Are you going to can my interview when I tell you the truth? I never drink coffee. Never have. I occasionally drink caffeine free tea. I have so much energy, if I were to drink coffee, I’m pretty sure my head would fall off. Not sure why, but I always envision that.