Small Business Spotlight
For this month’s Small Business Spotlight, we catch up with George Haj with Haj Media.
1. Tell us about your business; and what is your business philosophy?
Haj Media is a strategic communications firm that works with law firms, foundations and corporate clients to help them tell their story to the right audiences at the right time, and respond swiftly to a crisis with 24/7 support. We believe in working hand in hand with our clients to understand their business objectives so that we can then craft tailored and effective communications plans to meet their unique needs. From getting clients media coverage highlighting big wins and important news, to establishing a client as the ‘go-to’ expert in their field for local and national media inclusion, Haj Media is there to help make sure that our clients are navigating the traditional and social media landscapes effectually to help drive branding, business and opportunities. As members of the media for several decades, the Haj Media team not only understands the current landscape, but also the trends and changes occurring within the media world, which helps to give our clients a leg up and running start. One such change is how fast the news has become as we coach our clients to respond quickly to news events that could have potential effects (good or bad) on their reputations. The news media now moves at the speed of a “Tweet,” and so do we.
2. Why are you passionate about your commitment to United Way?
I’ve been involved with the United Way for a long time, having helped lead Miami’s United Way campaigns when I was an editor for the Miami Herald. I was also a huge supporter of the United Way in Houston, where I worked for 11 years. The United Way makes our community a better, safer and more nurturing place, and we’re really proud to be a supporter.
3. How did your business get started?
I spent 30 years as an editor at leading newspapers, including the Miami Herald, Houston Chronicle and Daily Business Review/ALM Media. In 2017 I decided to start my own firm that focuses on communications services for professional services firms and other clients in need of help with their communications needs. Having worked with both large newspapers and specialized legal media as a journalist, it seemed a natural to start with law firms and grow from there. I’m incredibly grateful to the lawyers and others in the community who gave me a chance when I was starting out, and the business has grown mostly through word of mouth since then.
4. What is a lesson learned?
Know when you can no longer do everything yourself and hire someone who isn’t just talented, but aligns with your values and vision for the company. Letting go is a bit scary but it’s impossible to get to the next level of growth without someone you trust by your side.
5. What’s your favorite quote?
“I am a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.’’
–Thomas Jefferson
See more Small Business Spotlights
Guzman & Company and Guzman Energy (May 2019)
Dixie Landscaping (April 2019)
Title Answers (March 2019)
Munar Law (February 2019)