Episodes
211
July 31, 2023
”Hi, Barbie!” A PR Pro Pop Culture Check-in
It’s a “Barbenheimer” world and in this episode we talk about the savvy and work that went into this massively successful campaign. We also touch on what’s going on with the platform formerly known as Twitter (it’s still Twitter to us). Transcript Michelle Kane (00:02): Thank you for joining us for this episode of That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themselves like me, Michelle Kane of VoiceMatters, and my wonderful co-host, Karen Swim of Solo PR Pro. Hey, Karen...
210
July 24, 2023
What the Writers Strike Means for All of Us
The issues and circumstances that led to the current writers and actors strikes -- with corporations devaluing the creativity, expertise, and contribution of workers – mirrors what is going on in the larger labor market, whether you work as a traditional employee or self-employed. In this episode we talk about how this touches our solo PR world and what to do about it. Transcript Michelle Kane: Thank you for joining us for this episode of That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers ...
209
July 17, 2023
Let’s Talk About It: Race and Inclusivity
As communications professionals and as people living and working together in a society we need to talk about the realities of race and inclusivity. And in today’s episode we do just that. Transcript Michelle Kane: Thank you for joining us for another episode of That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themselves, people like me, Michelle Kane, with VoiceMatters, and my wonderful co-host, Karen Swim of Solo PR Pro. Hi Karen, how are you today? Karen Swim, APR: Hello...
208
July 10, 2023
Biting Our Tongues and Minding Our Business
That Solo Life: Episode #206 Biting Our Tongues and Minding Our Business From unrealistic expectations to news that, well, isn’t, there are times we need to help guide our clients back from the brink and times we need to bite our tongues and mind our business. In this episode we talk about when to say, “No way!” and when to let it go. Transcript Michelle Kane (00:02): Thank you for joining us for an episode of That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themselves, peo...
207
June 26, 2023
The Land of the Wounded: Mental Health and PR
We can all say we’re OK. But after the past few years, are we? As co-host Karen Swim says, so many of us are walking around held together “with spit and duct tape.” In this episode we talk about how we can work on our mental health. Read about the PR News poll. Transcript The Land of the Wounded: Mental Health and PR That Solo Life Episode 205 Michelle Kane (00:02): Thank you for joining an episode of That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themselves, people lik...
206
June 19, 2023
Let It Go
Let it go. No, we’re not going to sing that song. We are talking about all the ways solo PR pros can delegate to people and tools so we can grow our businesses and free up time in our schedules while still delivering for our clients. Transcript Michelle Kane (00:02): Thank you for joining us for that Solo life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themselves, people like me, Michelle Kane, with VoiceMatters and my wonderful co-host, Karen Swim of Solo PR Pro. Hi, Karen. Here we ...
205
June 12, 2023
Sleepless in PR
One of our roles as PR practitioners is working with in-house marketing teams. Today’s episode was inspired by a recent article by Agility PR, 33 Comms Issues Keeping CMOs and Brand Managers Up at Night. Join us as we talk about their current pain points and how we can be a valued resource. Read the article: https://www.agilitypr.com/pr-news/public-relations/33-comms-issues-keeping-cmos-and-brand-managers-up-at-night/ Transcript Michelle Kane (00:02): Thank you for joining us for this episo...
204
June 5, 2023
On Trend with Chip Griffin
AI, business development, pricing, the future of PR - all the latest trends. Oh, the things we get to talk about when we’re joined by Chip Griffin of the Small Agency Growth Alliance. Listen to this episode to get the latest scoop. Learn more about Chip and SAGA here. Transcript Michelle Kane (00:02): Thank you for joining us for this episode of That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themselves, people like me, Michelle Kane of VoiceMatters, my wonderful co-host, ...
203
May 29, 2023
Make it Make Sense: How to Level Up Your Client Service Game
Do you make it easy for clients to do business with you? Are your systems designed to communicate with ease? It all comes down to good customer service. There are times when that can be the thing that leads a prospect or client to choose you or the competition. Transcript Michelle Kane (00:17): Thank you for joining us for this episode of That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themselves like me, Michelle Kane, with VoiceMatters, and my wonderful co-host, Karen Swi...
202
May 22, 2023
Media Madness
With media outlets shuttering and reporter beats expanding, getting our clients’ stories told continues to be a challenge. The good news is PR pros are resilient, creative, and smart. In this episode we talk about all the ways to navigate this wave of media madness with success! Transcript: Michelle Kane (00:02): Thank you for joining us for an episode of That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themselves like me. I'm Michelle Kane, my company is VoiceMatters, and I...
201
May 15, 2023
The Future of Work
What’s the latest in one of our favorite topics, the future of work? Within corporate America, we are seeing a shift toward calling employees back into the office either on a full-time or hybrid basis. And then there’s the workforce itself. Some people like working remotely or on a hybrid basis. And what about the work itself? Are there opportunities for solo PR pros? You bet. Listen and get inspired. Transcript The Future of Work That Solo Life Episode #199 Michelle Kane (00:02): Thank you...
200
May 8, 2023
Putting the ”PR” in Professionalism
Are you weary of people calling themselves PR professionals who seem to be storytelling their careers? The few who talk a good game, leaving a trail of disgruntled clients? In this episode we talk about ways PR practitioners – from those new to the profession to seasoned pros – can represent our profession well. Transcript: Michelle Kane (00:02): Thank you for joining us for another episode of That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themselves, people like me, Miche...
199
May 1, 2023
Everything Everywhere All at Once: Social Media in 2023
The current state of the social media landscape is anything but stable. Twitter continues to devolve. TikTok is going strong, but will its use be banned in the United States? It’s a challenge to keep up with the changes in current channels and evaluate new options. In this episode, we discuss this uncertainty and how you can keep your focus on using the right channels at the right time for your clients. Transcript Michelle Kane: Thank you for joining us for an episode of That Solo Life, the p...
198
April 24, 2023
Staying in Your Lane with Katy Boos
you want to listen to this episode, where we talk with Katy Boos, CEO and Founder of Remix Communications. Katy founded Remix Communications because she’s passionate about creating impactful thought leadership programs for her clients. Brainstorming compelling topics and narratives, Katy helps bring ideas to life on stage at top industry events and in written content for clients such as Adobe, Meta, Stitch Fix and several successful start-ups and growth companies. Get in touch with Katy Boos on...
197
April 17, 2023
It’s Time to Pollinate Your Pipeline to Get Business Blooming
Spring is in full bloom, thanks to the pollination by bees, butterflies, and birds. It’s a reminder that as solos we need to be in pollination mode all year long. Listen to today’s episode for tips and inspiration to grow your business development. Transcript Michelle Kane (00:02): Thank you for joining us for this episode of That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themselves like me, Michelle Kane, with VoiceMatters and my ever-steady co-host Karen Swim of Solo PR ...
196
April 10, 2023
Bias Check: Seeking Clarity in Communication
As communicators we are always aware of making sure we are navigating our own inherent biases. The same is true as we counsel our clients. But in today’s society there is whole new layer where biases are being systematized and institutionalized. What does this mean for us as communicators? How to we navigate these tricky waters while also honoring the nuance necessary for clear communication? We discuss this weighty topic in today’s episode. Read the Washington Post Op-ed referenced in today’s ...
195
April 3, 2023
Freedom, Finance, and Keeping Your Business Fit
With ongoing inflation, interest rate hikes, and the failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, we continue to navigate uncertain times. In this episode we talk about shoring up our communication with our clients and ways to work on your business development pipeline. Transcript Michelle Kane (00:02): Thank you for joining us for this episode of That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themselves. I am Michelle Kane with VoiceMatters, and I'm here with my ev...
194
March 27, 2023
Getting Real About Disruption
Disruption feels like the normal state of life these days. From developments in the financial sector to feeling like AI has come crashing in, it’s a lot. But a time of disruption doesn’t have to be a negative experience. In today’s episode, we talk about how PR pros can navigate these times to our benefit and strengthen our success. Transcript: Michelle Kane (00:01): Thank you for joining us for this episode of That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themselves, peo...
193
March 20, 2023
How to Pivot Your Blockbuster to Smaller Screens - Episode 191
The Oscar season that just wrapped had us thinking about blockbusters and how the entertainment industry has had to adapt to find their audiences. PR pros are faced with this challenge, too. From the effectiveness of big, in-person events to finding out where our target audiences are spending their time these days, we also have to be ready to pivot and try new tactics. It can be frustrating but also exciting. We talk about all of it in today’s episode of That Solo Life. Transcript: Michelle K...
192
March 13, 2023
How PR Pros Can Rock That Proposal
The proposal. That key to landing new business for public relations professional and the tool that we love to overthink and get just right. Solo PR Pros often work alone and wonder if the proposal has the right elements. Is it comprehensive enough to win business? Does the proposal have the right look and feel. Today, we talk about how you can rock that proposal without wearing yourself out. Transcript: Michelle Kane (00:01): Thank you for joining us for this episode of That Solo Life, the po...
191
March 6, 2023
In Celebration of Women - Episode 189
March is Women’s History Month and this year’s theme is Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories. That definitely hits the mark for PR pros. We’ve come a long way and yet there is so much more work to do as we strive for equity in this life.
190
Feb. 27, 2023
Survival of the Smartest: How to Protect your Solo PR Business in Turbulent Times - Episode 188
Do you know who you are? As a Solo PR Pro, as a business. What are your strengths? How often do you talk about, and promote those strengths to your business community? A key way to protect your business through turbulent times is to ensure you’re taking the time to continue developing your own brand. Don’t be shy about how great you are, solos. Get inspired by today’s episode.
189
Feb. 20, 2023
PR People, Stop Doing the Most - Episode 187
Go, go, go! How’s that going for you? As PR pros, it’s in our nature to press forward and do all the things. But what is it doing to us? Today’s episode was inspired by an article in Inc.com by Kelly Main: I Unknowingly Traded Time Management for Time Minimalism. Now I Get More Done by Doing Less. Give it a read, listen to this episode, and let us know what you think.
188
Feb. 13, 2023
Work Smarter with AI - Episode 186
ChatGPT, deep fake videos – AI is here. In today’s episode, we talk about how we can embrace this technology to enhance and expand our work as PR pros. Here is a link to our previous episode: The Battle Against Misinformation with Axel Ebermann - Episode 160