Whether it’s public relations, film/television production, management or brand partnerships, Connie Chi of The Chi Group is among the most respected professionals in the entire entertainment industry.
You offer a wide range of different services through your firm, The Chi Group. Tell us about a few of them.
The Chi Group is an award-winning PR agency working with inspirational talents in film and television. Aside from publicity work our team also works in talent management from the PR aspect, television and film production, brand partnerships, product placements, television and film distribution and so much more. You can check out thechigroup.co to see more of what we do.
With all the many things you do including public relations, marketing, and film/television production, do you have a preference?
For me,I definitely have a deep love for film and television. It’s an industry that challenges you to think outside the box, perform on a very high level, and get creative in order to reach the end goal.
Having worked with global brands including 99 Ranch, Lord & Taylor, Reebok, Nike, and Fortunoff, share with us your ideal client.
I personally love to work with clients who have an underdog story, they inspire me and I choose to be around people who are inspirational. So one of the MUST for our agency is that we only work with clients who have an inspiring story. If they can inspire us, then they can also inspire the world. Our focus lends itself to then cross over into working with talents specifically in the television and film space.
As a public relations expert, how has social media impacted the way your clients connect with the masses?
Today social media plays an important role for our clients. It’s the heartbeat of connection between our clients and the world. It’s also the place where people go first to learn more about practically anyone. But social media is also one of those things that is a delicate balance because people are quick to post the good and the bad at a drop of a dime. Therefore I always tell my clients whatever you post on social media, if I can find it so can anyone else- be careful what you put out there and what kind of image you want to portray because people read your comments too.
You have spoken on how finding your tribe is vital to the success of any business. What are some of the qualities we should look for when building a team?
Your tribe is the MOST important group of people you will surround yourself with. When it comes to building a team, I deeply admire those who are risk-takers, have grit, won’t back down from a challenge, can execute results, have high integrity, and aren’t afraid to get creative. You have to be super selective who you decide to bring onto your team. As a leader if you operate on a results-driven ethos you have to find those who share the same vision. It’s important that your team has some touch points of shared vision, mission, values and goals not just with you but also with each other.
How would you describe your approach to leadership in regards to your company?
I will wholeheartedly own the fact that my approach to leadership is one that is all about results and coachability. Our entire team works 100% remote, therefore I count on them to deliver results as well as myself. As a leader I’m a true believer in having balance. We work in a highly competitive and desirable industry so it’s critical for us to consistently grow as a team and personally.
A lot of people underestimate the labor involved in entrepreneurship or launching a brand. Is there any advice you’d offer as far as preparation?
Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. It is an emotional rollercoaster of highs and lows. You need to be ok with the fact that YOU and only YOU are responsible for the results of your company. The biggest mistake that many make when starting a business, I myself included, is analysis paralysis. People waste so much time trying to plan out all the contingencies and “what if’s” that they forget to execute. Next thing you know 6 months have passed and you still have not created a business. The biggest takeaway is this, everyone started from zero. Everyone started a company where they had shoddy marketing materials, terrible social media posts, etc. but the key is to take one small step everyday. As you learn you will get better at things. So stop analyzing and planning to the “T” and start doing.
Being an executive with so many responsibilities, how do you find time for self-care?
I create it. Sounds simple but it takes careful thought and self reflection. For me Netflix and Chill is a form of self care. Being that television and film is the industry we focus on when I’m watching shows, it’s a way for me to turn off my brain but also keeping a pulse on what’s hot and what’s not in the industry. You have to create space for self care, I like to do what I call twofers. Twofers are doing two things at once. The trick is one of the tasks has to be one that doesn’t require a ton of brain power ie: washing dishes, brushing your teeth, cleaning, etc. These are pockets of time that allow you to think, wonder, analyze, and ponder. I use these kinds of moments to do self inventory and decompress. Books, gym, and music are other forms of self care I use to help manage my emotions and stress levels. Self care is different for everyone, but it has to soothe your soul or else it’s not caring for yourself.
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