Business

How CEO Barion McQueen Uses Social Media to Inspire Younger Entrepreneurs

Published

5 years ago

April 17, 2020

Everyone who still thinks that social media isn’t a crucial aspect of the business game is just doing it wrong, okay? While there are still a few old school businesses that refuse to accept this, social media platforms have grown to have an immense conversion power for pretty much any business. And as a CEO, it’s vital that you understand and embrace this power, otherwise you risk losing valuable customers.

Barion McQueen, CEO of The Brand Castle, has learned to use his social media presence to his advantage. Building an online persona in keeping with his real self, kindly but confident, Barion has managed to attract both a healthy stream of new customers to his branding and marketing agency, as well as a following of young entrepreneurs.

Looking for inspiration from someone who gets it, more and more young men and women at the start of their creative journey credit Barion, either directly or indirectly, with giving them much-needed advice and offering words of encouragement.

“Everyday is an opportunity to be better than you were yesterday. Do not ever put limits on your potential. I would have never thought I’d be a best selling author, but with some hard work & faith it was possible. Keep going and keep pushing to do all the things you’ve dreamed of.”

This is the message that greets you as soon as you access Barion McQueen’s Facebook page. What immediately strikes you, scrolling through his social media posts is the upbeat and daring tone. He immediately comes across as an optimist and a dreamer, a man who believes in being creative and dreaming with your eyes open, but also believes in going the distance.

Bringing together a rare mix of creativity and ambition, Barion McQueen manages various businesses – from a hip-hop magazine, the “Hip Hop Dose”, to a profitable real estate business, “Real Estate Captured”. On his social media, he talks openly about his varied interests, plans of the future, as well as some personal musings about past failures and successes. And thus, combining advice with tales of his own experience, off the wall ideas with success examples, Barion serves as a constant source of inspiration.

By being honest. By never concealing the failures, but rather embracing them as a natural part of the road to success and learning from each. By offering his advice, not in a condescending tone, but rather in a humbling manner.

If asked, Barion would tell you he is trying to be the voice of inspiration that he would have liked to have at his side, when he first started on this road.

An encouraging pat on the shoulder that says “You’ll be alright”, that’s what Barion McQueen strives to be. And ultimately, that’s what Barion McQueen is.

Business

Spynn’s PR Playbook for Startups Turning Funding into Market Leadership

Published

3 weeks ago

March 27, 2025

Matthew Wiles

Byline: Jennyfer Ann Valencia

The recent funding boom in India, where startups raised over $428 million between March 10 and March 15, 2025, reinforces the critical role of public relations (PR) in securing investor confidence and enhancing visibility. As competition intensifies, effective PR strategies help startups differentiate themselves and build a strong market presence.

Spynn, a PR agency for startups specializing in securing top-tier media coverage, enables startups to craft compelling narratives that attract investors and maintain a positive brand image.

The Role of PR in Startup Funding

A recent survey conducted by Spynn found that startups with a strong PR strategy are significantly more likely to secure funding rounds than those without. According to the research, nearly 70% of investors say media visibility and brand credibility helped their decision-making process. This highlights PR’s direct impact on a startup’s ability to attract investment.

PR helps startups articulate their value to investors by securing media coverage and highlighting their growth potential. High-profile placements lend credibility and set up startups’ potential, making them more attractive to investors. For instance, a well-publicized success story from a startup like Zolve, one of the top funding recipients, can drive further investor interest and strengthen its brand.

India’s funding surge spans sectors including Batterytech, Edtech, Gaming, Apparel, Aerospace, Manufacturing, Fintech, Energy, and Travel. While this presents opportunities, it also brings scrutiny. Startups must manage their reputations effectively, ensuring consistency in their messaging across media platforms. As a PR agency for startups, Spynn’s expertise in reputation management helps businesses navigate these challenges by maintaining a cohesive brand identity and reinforcing investor trust.

Establishing Credibility Through Media Placements

Research from Spynn also revealed that startups that get featured on Forbes, Business Insider, and other top-tier publications experience a 50% increase in inbound investor inquiries within six months. This shows the value of securing strategic media placements to reinforce credibility and market positioning.

Strong media coverage bolsters a startup’s credibility, reinforcing its market positioning and investor confidence. Spynn ensures startups secure coverage in authoritative outlets, helping them establish themselves as thought leaders. Beyond initial publicity, Spynn focuses on building long-term relationships with media, ensuring sustained visibility and brand consistency.

Spynn’s CEO, Matteo Ferretti, emphasizes the role of storytelling, “Effective PR is about coverage and creating narratives that resonate with audiences. Startups must highlight their unique value and demonstrate how they solve real-world problems.”

PR for Growth and Global Expansion

Spynn’s data indicates that startups leveraging international PR strategies are twice as likely to successfully attract foreign investors and expand into new markets. Media coverage tailored for global audiences enhances cross-border recognition and facilitates partnerships, making PR an essential tool for growth beyond domestic markets.

As Indian startups scale, a strong PR strategy facilitates global recognition. Spynn’s international media reach helps startups gain traction in new markets and attract foreign investors. This is especially crucial for sectors like Fintech and Edtech, where global expansion is key to success.

A well-executed PR strategy strengthens a startup’s digital footprint, ensuring a consistent and engaging presence across platforms. Matteo Ferretti highlights the importance of balance, “A successful PR approach integrates both digital and traditional media to maximize impact and audience engagement.“

Ethical Considerations and Future Trends

Transparency and ethical storytelling are vital in PR. Startups must ensure authenticity in their messaging to build lasting trust. Spynn upholds ethical PR practices that align with principles of sustainability and integrity.

Indian startups must adapt to evolving PR trends, including AI-driven outreach, digital media dominance, and deeper media relationships. As competition grows, startups that take advantage of PR will have a better standing for long-term success.

Spynn’s PR strategies equip Indian startups with the tools to navigate funding surges, enhance credibility, and drive growth. By securing impactful media coverage and managing reputation effectively, startups can strengthen investor confidence and expand their market presence. As India’s startup ecosystem evolves, PR remains an indispensable asset for sustained success.