Today we’d like to introduce you to Janis Woods.
Janis, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Since I was a child, I’ve been entrepreneurial, finding ways to create a business. And through my adult years, I’ve ran small businesses from haircare to real estate while working full time in internal communications. Those business were good for side jobs but never generated enough income or were stable enough to run full time.
After working 13 years in internal communications for corporations, I decided to try it on my own. So in June 2007, I convinced a colleague, who was already freelance, to join me and create an Internal Communications business, “Woods Fulton Communications.” Our first client was Aveda, to create public relations for one of its salons. Then we landed a contract with a company we both worked for to first edit white papers, brochures and other marketing material. Then as word got out more assignments started coming in.
We right away started hiring sub-contractors to help with the demand, which ranged from research projects, writing assignments to managing end-to-end communication programs.
However, after about a year of operations, I noticed my partner was not as committed to the company and we disbanded Woods Fulton Communications as a partnership, in Nov 2008 I renamed it CH&G Communications and became the sole proprietor.
Through established relationships, we’ve been able to grow and sustain the business. Our mission is to engage employees through storytelling, providing an experience for them to consume information within the company the same way they do outside.
Because we understand millions of outlets compete for people’s attention, we design our content to engage employees within seconds through a headline. So that they will be drawn in to read more of our story. It’s all about answering the “what’s in it for me?” question.
After 10 years running CH&G, I’m enjoying it even more. We have a team of about 10 people who are dedicated to our clients in helping them provide the high quality internal communications programs that generate results.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
One of the biggest obstacles was when I had a partner and deciding to part ways. Another challenge is finding the right people with the right balance of skills needed to provide quality work and meet the client’s needs.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the CH&G Communications story. Tell us more about the business.
We are a full service internal/employee communications company. I manage client relationships, create internal communication strategies and plans and execute them. I am known for being an ideas generator, creative thinker and effective deliverer.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I feel that I’ve had good luck in my life. One thing I attribute good fortune to is being positive, encouraging, honest, kind, generous and intentional. I believe you have to state your goals and go after them.
Contact Info:
- Website: chg-communication.com
- Phone: 3128424193
- Email: jwoods@chg-communications.com
- Twitter: @chgcomms
Image Credit:
Reginald Relf, Timna Augustine
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