Episodes
163
Aug. 15, 2022
The Marketplace of You with Blake Hutchison, CEO of Flippa - Episode 161
In today’s episode, we’re joined by Blake Hutchison, CEO of Flippa to discuss how Solo PR Pros can create assets that they can sell. As Blake shares with us, “running a business changes you...selling a business makes you.” Tune in to learn how you can sell, scale, or possibly retire! Keep up with Blake on Twitter @Flippa and on LinkedIn. After you’ve listened, share your business dream with us at www.soloprpro.com.
162
Aug. 8, 2022
The Battle Against Misinformation with Axel Ebermann - Episode 160
How do we know what we see and hear are real? Mis-, mal- and disinformation are the biggest challenges communicators and society as a whole are facing today. On today's show, Axel Ebermann, a guest lecturer with a long career in visual storytelling, leads us through his research on Deep Fakes and Synthetic Media, a growing subcategory of misinformation. Listen to learn more about his research and how to prepare for this new challenge. We’d love your feedback. What topics would you like us to c...
161
Aug. 1, 2022
Talking Financial Strategies with Andrew Shapowal of Canon Capital Management Group
With all of the current economic uncertainties, Solos have every right to be on edge. Today we check in with Andrew Shapowal on hot button financial topics such as retirement, kids going to college and how to keep your head above water when prices keep rising. Andrew Shapowal is a Senior Accountant and Digital Asset Specialist with Canon Capital Management Group. He is a Certified Public Accountant who has recently become an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) and is currently pursuing the P...
160
July 25, 2022
The Solo PR Pro’s Guide to Social Media Changes - Episode 158
Today Karen and Michelle discuss a few of the changes in the wide, wacky world of social media. Changes in platforms, algorithms, what’s working, and what isn’t working right here right now as we manage social media for our clients and our own businesses. What’s new in social media that has you excited or exasperated? Tell us about it at www.soloprpro.com.
159
July 18, 2022
What’s New in Social Media with Rebecca Goodman of beMarketing - Episode 157
Karen and Michelle discuss what’s new in social media with Rebecca Goodman, Director of Communications with beMarketing. What social media tactics are currently most successful for your clients? Share with us at www.soloprpro.com.
158
July 4, 2022
The Freedom of Flying Solo - Episode 156
This time of year in the US we celebrate the birth of American independence. However, those who are self-employed have reason to celebrate daily. In this episode, Karen and Michelle discuss the freedom of flying solo. Having trouble using this freedom to schedule some time off? Check out this blog post at SoloPRPro.com: How to Take Time Off When You Run Your Own Business. How do you enjoy the freedom of self-employment? Share with us at www.soloprpro.com.
157
June 27, 2022
PR on the Big - and Little - Screen - Episode 155
In today’s episode Karen and Michelle take a look at how PR pros are portrayed on TV and in the movies - the good, the cringeworthy, and the downright funny. What are your favorites? Tell us at www.soloprpro.com.
156
June 20, 2022
Authenticity, Transparency, and Ethics - Episode 154
Authenticity and transparency. These traits and practices are at the heart of effective communication and, well, just being a person of integrity. They are also qualities that lead to ethical decision-making. Today Karen and Michelle talk about recent events within the PR industry and beyond - where ethics, authenticity, and transparency were anywhere but top of mind. We want to know what you think. Tell us at www.soloprpro.com. Daily Beast article referenced in the show.
155
June 13, 2022
The Business of You with Connie Steele - Episode 153
On this episode, Connie Steele, author of "Building the Business of You" joins Karen and Michelle to discuss the groundbreaking ideas in her book. Connie will share a modern perspective on how we think about and manage our careers and how to align passion and growth with your own career mashup. We want to know what you think. Tell us at www.soloprpro.com.
154
June 6, 2022
How to Communicate in a Crisis - Episode 152
It’s one thing to have a carefully crafted crisis communications plan. It’s another hurdle to get it right in the moment, especially when you factor in the immediacy of social media. In this episode, Karen and Michelle discuss creating a solid crisis communications plan and how to be as prepared as possible should you ever need to put it into practice. What tips do you have for communicating in a crisis? Share with us at www.soloprpro.com. Episode resources: Fran Stephenson: Step In Communica...
153
May 30, 2022
How to Have a Hot PR Pro Summer This Year - Episode 151
It's almost here! The hazy, un-lazy days of summer for PR Pros. While client work often slows the pace for many PR pros, we spend the time working on the business, preparing for the remainder of the year, learning new things, and squeezing in a little fun in the sun. How do you switch gears in your business over the summer? Share with us at www.soloprpro.com.
152
May 23, 2022
The Untold Story of Navigating Clients Through Thorny Topics - Episode 150
Change is a constant but it feels like it’s happening faster than ever these days. In many cases it’s accompanied by emotion and intensity. What changes do our clients need to make in the way they communicate? In the stands they take? In today’s episode Karen and Michelle talk about how to help clients navigate thorny topics and times of rapid change. What has been your experience? Tell us at www.soloprpro.com.
151
May 16, 2022
Secrets, Lies, and Client Confidentiality - Episode 149
While not as dramatic as the fictionalized TV show, Scandal, public relations pros know where the proverbial bodies are buried. We ask clients to tell all so that we can do our jobs but we protect our client's confidences long after engagements have ended. But, is there ever a time to tell it all? On today's episode we take a page out of reality and take a look at the secrets you keep and the ones you don't. What is your experience? Share with us at www.soloprpro.com.
150
May 9, 2022
Measure Twice, Cut Once - Episode 148
Get your rulers and tape measures! In today's episode, we tackle why public relations pros need to get smarter about measurement along with practical tips and tricks to do just that. How do you measure your PR efforts? Share with us at www.soloprpro.com.
149
May 2, 2022
Managing Difficult Client Conversations - Episode 147
The dreaded awkward conversation. We’re not talking about making small talk at a networking event. In this episode of That Solo Life, Karen and Michelle discuss how to handle difficult client conversations. Whether you’re dealing with a difficult personality, a delicate topic - or both - we have tips on how to handle these situations with ease. How do you handle challenging business conversations? Share with us at www.soloprpro.com.
148
April 25, 2022
Nomad, No Problem with Jennifer Donovan of Nova Communications - Episode 146
Working as a Solo PR Pro gives freedom in so many ways. Not only does it allow us to choose how much we work and who we work with, but we can also choose where to work. For some of us, it’s the occasional co-working space or coffee shop to break things up. For others, like our friend and fellow Solo Jennifer Donovan of Nova Communications, it means becoming a legit digital nomad. Join us as Jennifer shares her tips and recommendations for making the digital nomad life work for you. Have you eve...
147
April 18, 2022
Why Solo PR Pros Need to Breathe and Hydrate - Episode 145
Jessica D’Angelo, health and ftness industry vet, and owner of Shine Yoga Center in Perkasie, PA shares simple tips for Solo PR Pros to keep their mind and bodies in shape.
146
April 11, 2022
How Solo PR Pros Can Manage Client Communications - Episode 144
Many client problems stem from miscommunication. In this episode, we will discuss how to avoid challenges and successfully communicate with your clients from Day 1. What processes do you have in place for client communication? Share with us at www.soloprpro.com.
145
April 4, 2022
Spring Financial Cleaning for Solo PR Pros - Episode 143
Spring is a great time to throw open the windows, let the fresh air in and deep clean those areas that have lingered in the long, dark winter season. Spring cleaning is great for your Solo PR business too. On today's episode we talk about spring cleaning your business finances. Here are some of the resources we discussed: Truebill Mint Bobby MileIQ FreshBooks QuickBooks Do you have a spring cleaning plan for your finances? Tell us about it at www.soloprpro.com.
144
March 28, 2022
Spring Clean Your Information Diet - Episode 142
Public relations professionals often say that they must know everything to do their jobs. In this episode of That Solo Life, we challenge that assumption and discuss how to streamline your information diet so that you can have a healthier life and business. How do you monitor your media diet? Share with us at www.soloprpro.com.
143
March 21, 2022
Recipe for Research - Episode 141
Marketing Research is an important tool for public relations professionals. In today’s episode, Annie Singer, founder of Reciple chats with Karen and Michelle about a few fundamentals of marketing research that anyone can (and should!) use. We discuss common mistakes, how to do research even with small budgets and traps to avoid. Connect with Annie via LinkedIn Email Annie Visit Reciple at reciple.com How do you carry out your marketing research? Tell us at www.soloprpro.com.
142
March 14, 2022
Managing Uncertain Times with Chip Griffin - Episode 140
The 2020s have been the era of change, and Solo PR Pros might be a little dizzy from all of the pivoting. Just when we were ready to exhale, we entered a period of economic uncertainty. Today, Karen and Michelle welcome special guest, Chip Griffin of Small Agency Growth Alliance. We’d love to hear your experience. Share with us at www.soloprpro.com.
141
March 7, 2022
In Celebration of Women - Episode 139
Happy Women's History Month! On today's episode, Karen and Michelle discuss women in business and how we can continue to blaze new trails. How are you marking Women’s History Month? Share with us at www.soloprpro.com.
140
Feb. 28, 2022
Is Content Still Queen? - Episode 138
On today's episode, Michelle and Karen talk about content and where it fits in today's PR toolbox. Are you creating content to complement your media relations? Tell us about it at www.soloprpro.com.