Full Story Media: Corinne and Jon Card

Name: Corinne and Jon Card
Company name: Full Story Media 
Location: Brighton
Date launched: 01/09/17
Twitter handle: @fullstoryuk
Website: fullstorymedia.co.uk

Tell us what your business does:

Full Story Media offers companies content, training and digital PR services that help put them into contact with journalists at the right time to gain traction in the media, leading to visibility, awareness and ‘buzz’ that will help grow their business.

Together we have worked in media for over 30 years and we are offering clients a chance to tap into our combined experience.

Where did the idea for your business come from?

Jon: I was on the Clean + Cool Mission advising renewable energy start-ups on pitching to the media. I enjoyed it so much, I wanted it to be my day job.

Corinne: I’ve worked on many campaigns for clients at my previous employer. Over time, I realised that digital PR was something I was really good at.

How did you know there was a market for it?

Businesses know there are great benefits to gaining coverage in the media. Also, we know from numerous conversations how interested people are in the work of journalists.

We are going to lift the lid and let companies in on some of media’s secrets – there’s always a market for secrets.

What were you doing before starting up?

Jon: I’ve worked as a freelance since 2009 and write regularly for The Guardian, Daily Telegraph and The Times. I’ll be continuing to work as a journalist but also doing more events and consultancy.

Corinne: Like Jon, I started as a journalist, but have since spent ten years in digital marketing, most of which I’ve spent at the award-winning London agency atom42.

Have you always wanted to run your own business?

Jon: I’ve been writing about entrepreneurs since 2004 and so it’s been in the back of my mind for some time.

Corinne: I’ve always wanted to be self-employed, but was employed by a company I loved so much I was reluctant to leave.

How did you raise the money?

We invested our own money and had a little help from family to get us through the early stages. However, we are already generating cash.

Describe your business model and how you make money:

The business has three sides: content, digital PR and media training. The money comes from companies and individuals who require these services and pay us for them.

What challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?

Corinne: The main challenge for me was to leave a workplace I had loved and felt was like a second family. I’m hoping the relationship will continue into the future, with our business supplying theirs with services.

Jon: It’s been about putting theory into practice. I’ve been writing about entrepreneurs for years, now I suppose I am one.

What was your first big breakthrough?

Corinne: Getting involved with Wired Sussex, a non-profit organisation designed to help tech and media companies, has been invaluable.

Their workshops have helped me get to grips with the realities of freelancing, while their support is making our plans for training events seem much easier to realise.

Jon: I’ve been a freelance since 2009; I’ve worked with a lot of great editors since then.

What advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?

Corinne: When you feel excited and energised, seize that momentum and run with it. People want to work with people that are passionate and positive, so you’ll naturally give off the right vibes and garner support wherever you go.

Also, seek advice from those that have already been there – it’s flattering for them and invaluable for you, and you’ll gain brand advocates in the process.

Jon: Starting up is easy in the UK, take advantage.

Where do you want to be in five years’ time?

Corinne: I’d like to be known for providing high quality training in both press and digital skills, as well as having helped launch and grow businesses through press and online exposure.

Jon: I hope we’ll have multiple revenue streams and a long list of happy clients.