Episodes

In today's discussion Karen and Michelle discuss how PR Pros can lead discussions with clients about the value of having diversity in organizations. Here is the link to the article referenced in today’s episode. Are you helping your clients work through their diversity goals? Share with us at www.soloprpro.com.

Love is in the air but for Solo PR Pros, loving your business and work is a 12-month pursuit. Like any relationship, Solo PR Pros must nurture their business relationship and learn how to keep things fresh and exciting. Here is that quote on boundaries that Michelle shared. Keep it near as you balance life and work. “Boundaries aren't just about telling other people what to do but are also about holding yourself accountable for creating your life.” Nedra Glover Tawwab How do you keep the love...

Public Relations pros have a crucial role in helping organizations communicate about diversity, equity, and inclusion. In this episode, we examine challenges and solutions to improve your communication efforts around DEI. As promised, here are links to broaden your efforts in DEI: Voices4Everyone Institute for Public Relations article: The Way PR Leaders Communicate about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Matters Are you leading DEI efforts with your clients or organization? Share with us at ww...

Writing is a big part of public relations and doing it well can set you apart. Today we discuss how to flex that muscle and keep your writing skills sharp. How do you make sure your writing stays on point? Tell us at www.soloprpro.com.

Make this the year that you take control of your time and stop being controlled by an overflowing calendar, and a far too long to-do list. Join us as we discuss how to reclaim your life by managing your time. We chat about tips and strategies that will help you to boss up and OWN your time. What is your favorite way to manage your time? Share with us at www.soloprpro.com.

We are kicking off 2022 by going back to basics. In today's episode Karen and Michelle chat about contracts. What kind of agreement do you need? Are there any red flags? What should you – what can you - negotiate? How do you handle your contracts? Tell us at www.soloprpro.com.

Following the rules is great, but sometimes we treat someone else's opinions as a rule. Questioning long accepted practices is not only acceptable but healthy. Join Michelle and Karen as they discuss how to up your game by breaking a few "rules." What’s the rule you’d most like to break? Share with us at www.soloprpro.com.

PR pros have a passion for communication, and we have big hearts. That’s why we need to be mindful of our time and energy when deciding to take on a pro bono project, not to mention the temptation of clients who promise they’ll have the budget for us one day but could we just this once… Karen and Michelle talk all about it in today’s episode. How do you decide when to take on a pro bono project? Tell us at www.soloprpro.com.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, the time when the influx of emails slows and the business world slows down just a little bit. Karen and Michelle are taking this opportunity to talk about their favorite holiday things (sorry, no one is getting a car – we’re not Oprah). What are your favorites of the holiday season? Share with us at www.soloprpro.com

Gaining media placements is never a sure thing, especially in the current landscape. In today’s episode, Karen and Michelle talk about the best ways to set client expectations and why it’s important to keep our clients updated along the way. How do you set client expectations? Share with us at www.soloprpro.com.

As 2021 comes to a close, Karen and Michelle chat about the consumer trends PR pros should be watching as they plan messaging and campaigns in 2022. Take a deeper dive into GWI’s Annual Consumer Trends report. What key trends will you focus on in 2022? Tell us at www.soloprpro.com.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The time when we finish the year strong and take some time to recharge and enter 2022 ready to go. Today’s conversation with Natalee Champlin will help you do just that! Through a holistic approach to brand positioning, strategy, and workplace culture, she has supported hundreds of clients in starting and growing profitable organizations and has led them to six-figure results. And today she’s here to share with us the four steps we can take to be unstopp...

We’ve just celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday here in the U.S. Among the things we are thankful for as solos are the clients and colleagues we get to work with and the flexibility that comes with working for ourselves. As you pursue new business now and into 2022, use this as a guide to be thankful, always. Think through the scope of work. Honesty – be honest with yourself and the kind of work you want to do Ask questions. What is the client culture like? How will the work take place? Never...

Have you ever had a potential client ask you to consider alternative payment arrangements such as bartering, stock options, or future pay? Today we discuss whether you should ever consider them or if cash is king. You can also watch the YouTube broadcast of this episode here: https://youtu.be/6Cn9ld1_9eE What do you think? Have you ever accepted equity in the client’s company as payment? Did that work out to your advantage? Share with us at www.soloprpro.com.

In today's episode, Michelle and Karen are joined by Vernon Brown, a leading happiness and success coach. Tune in to hear his strategies on finding your happy place and making it home. Learn more about Vernon at www.whatsyourhappi.com We were so inspired by our conversation with Vernon. What’s your main takeaway? Tell us at www.soloprpro.com.

When it comes to clients, how much information should you share with them? How personal can you get without crossing the line? Join Karen and Michelle as they dish on this topic. What are your thoughts? Share with us at www.soloprpro.com.

The longer the COVID-19 pandemic lingers, the more the world is changing including the tone of our rhetoric. How can we make sure we are communicating fairly and constructively in our personal and professional lives and how can we help our clients do the same? We search for answers in today’s episode. What are your thoughts? Share with us at www.soloprpro.com.

Now more than ever, our focus and our work are impacted by information overload and the need to get through to our audiences. Let’s talk about how we can make the most impact and serve our clients well. How do you stay focused? Tell us at www.soloprpro.com.

Even though we’ve made a lot of progress with vaccines and treatments, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect our lives in many ways. We’re faced with breakthrough cases, supply chain issues, and general crisis fatigue. Let’s talk about how we take care of ourselves and continue to move forward in a positive way. How are you doing? Share your story with us at www.soloprpro.com.

Every year we look forward to the MBO Partners State of Independence Report. This year is no different, especially considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the way we work. Read the preview of the 2021 report here. The full report will be released later in the fall. What is your big takeaway from this past year? Tell us at www.soloprpro.com.

Mentorship. No matter where you are in your career, or in life, there is great value in both mentoring someone and seeking a mentor. Mentoring helps us learn about ourselves, each other, and helps everyone involved bring the most value to their everyday lives. What is your mentorship experience? Share with us at www.soloprpro.com.

New business is great! New business that isn’t properly vetted? Sometimes not so great. In today’s episode we talk about taking the time to get to know a potential client, their goals, work styles, expectations, before diving in and sealing the deal. Is it like dating? Yes, sort of! How do you vet your potential clients? Tell us at www.soloprpro.com.

We PR pros are always working to craft the perfect pitch. Clients want great placement, journalists are busy. If only there was a way to help us refine our pitches – or as Karen likes to say, do a “sanity check” to make sure it’s as focused and well-placed as possible. And wouldn’t it be great to have a tool that matches our pitch with journalists who are a great fit? We’re happy to share that this exists in OnePitch, a tool with a mission is to change the way publicists and journalists connect...

“I’m always behind.” “I’m exhausted.” “Will I ever catch up?” If this sounds like you right now, you’re not alone. Summer, which usually moves at a slower pace, has been anything but a time to relax. Not to mention that we are still grappling with COVID on many levels. Thankfully, this era has also brought new transparency to conversations about mental health, including avoiding burnout as well as taking depression seriously and without shame. You’re no good to anyone – family, loved ones, work...