Business

Rebecca O’Rourke’s Leap Of Faith Pays Off

Rebecca O'Rourke 3When Rebecca O’Rourke started her own consultancy, O’Rourke PR, from the dining room of her rented Adelaide Hills home back in 2007 at the age of 26, she couldn’t have imagined that just a short seven years later, she’d be a Telstra SA Young Business Woman of the Year finalist.

But through a mix of conviction, hard work, family support and a commitment to offer a personalised, results-driven alternative to larger full service firms, she has done just that. And to her great pleasure, she is now in the running for the state prize awarded at the gala evening at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on October 14.

The Founder and Director of the boutique public relations company said she was honoured to be recognised as a finalist in such a prestigious national awards program, which shines the spotlight on Australia’s finest business women.

“I am humbled and honoured to be in such esteemed company and take this opportunity to recognise all of those amazing women who are kicking serious goals in their careers while keeping everything on track in the home, wearing multiple hats and going about each day with such energy and determination,” Ms O’Rourke said.

“We need to continue to support women in business and provide the right environment for them to thrive, which is why I have been such a huge fan of the Telstra Business Women’s Awards, now celebrating its 20th year.”

Ms O’Rourke said a combination of young naivety and courage led her to leave a large Adelaide PR firm and establish O’Rourke PR.

“At the time I’m sure everyone thought I was slightly mad and getting ahead of myself but I was ready and really thought I had nothing to lose and everything to gain,” she said.

“I have never seen my age as a barrier, rather an advantage, and believe that the focus should never be on an age, gender or stereotype but rather on what the individual can achieve.

“Since then I have been privileged to work with some inspirational clients, become a natural extension of their businesses and help them to ‘be seen, be heard and be remembered’.

“I gain so much satisfaction from helping my clients to build their brands, share their success stories and protect their reputations. It’s what gets me going in the morning and keeps my mind racing into the night.

“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my clients who place an enormous amount of trust in me, with more than 80 per cent staying for more than three years.”

O’Rourke PR currently works with a range of clients including past SA Telstra Business Woman of the Year recipients, MyBudget’s Founder and Director, Tammy May; and LBW Environmental Projects’ CEO Kylie Bishop.

The company offers specialist services such as strategic communication planning, media management and publicity, stakeholder and community relations, issues management and professional writing and editing.

The birth of her son, William, some two years ago prompted Ms O’Rourke to review her business model and adopt a new, more flexible ‘virtual’ approach. She now operates from her Adelaide Hills home office, managing the day-to-day affairs of the company and serving as Account Director for all clients while drawing on a strong team of freelancers to deliver components such as writing and social media.

Ms O’Rourke says she hopes her story will inspire other young women to establish their own businesses.

“In my role as a finalist in the ‘Young’ category I hope to inspire other emerging business women to leave their day jobs, follow their dreams and start their own businesses. To leave fear and the notion of what others will think at the door and jump into a brand new adventure,” she said.

“The most important part in this journey is your support network and I am lucky to have an incredible husband Dan, son William, amazing parents and wonderful extended family and friends who keep me grounded and on track when the going gets tough. I can’t thank them enough.

“I firmly believe that we have one life and we should be grateful for it, live it to the full and give back. We owe it to ourselves and those around us.”

The winner will be announced at a gala dinner at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Tuesday, October 14 2014.

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