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That Solo Life: Co-hosted by Karen Swim, founder of Words for Hire, LLC and owner of Solo PR Pro and Michelle Kane, founder of VoiceMatters, LLC, we keep it real and talk about the topics that affect solo business owners in PR and Marketing and beyond. Learn more about Solo PR Pro: www.SoloPRPro.com
Episodes

Monday Jun 21, 2021
Episode 105: Those Who Know, Teach
Monday Jun 21, 2021
Monday Jun 21, 2021
We are here to debunk that old phrase, “Those who can’t do, teach.” Our guest, Kelly Davis, MMC, APR, Fellow PRSA is proof that those who know, teach.
Kelly is a public relations instructor and the head of the public relations sequence in the University of South Carolina School of Journalism and Mass Communications. Before that, she spent more than twenty years in public relations, where she developed expertise in strategic communications planning, brand development, issues management and grassroots advocacy. Her professional experience includes positions in the corporate, government, nonprofit and agency sectors. She is also a solo at heart, having owned one of South Carolina’s most decorated independent public relations agencies, Davis Public Relations and Marketing, for more than a decade. In 2020, Kelly was inducted into the prestigious PRSA College of Fellows.
We are so happy that she is joining us today for a conversation about her career path and the future of PR.
We’d love to hear your feedback. Share with us at www.soloprpro.com.

Monday Jun 14, 2021
Episode 104: Once Upon A Time
Monday Jun 14, 2021
Monday Jun 14, 2021
We are all storytellers. Everyone has a story. Story draws us in, creates connection, and change. We are thrilled to have one of the best storytellers we know with us for this episode, Lisa Gerber of Big Leap Creative. Lisa is a fellow “solo,” a story strategist, and communications expert who also has a podcast called, Breaking Trail. Lisa works with purpose-driven leaders who want to make the world a better place, helping them articulate their ideas and get others on board. She knows story is the catalyst for change and we’re so glad she’s here today to talk about this topic.
How does story impact your work? Tell us at www.soloprpro.com.

Monday Jun 07, 2021
Episode 103: Summer Time
Monday Jun 07, 2021
Monday Jun 07, 2021
With Memorial Day comes the unofficial start to summer. (Cue DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince.)
Life shifts to a different pace, even for us solos. It’s the perfect season to revisit how we’re spending our time and energy. Where can we realign? Where can we delegate? In what ways can we balance our work and play so that we are energized and fulfilled? Living through the past 15 months of a global pandemic, what change do we want to keep and where do we want to improve? Use this summer as an opportunity.
What are you looking forward to working on this summer? Tell us at www.soloprpro.com.

Monday May 31, 2021
Episode 102: Here After
Monday May 31, 2021
Monday May 31, 2021
We solos are planners. But how many of us have made known our end of life wishes? Have we shared with a trusted loved one where our passwords are located or our plans for our businesses should we become incapacitated? These tasks can be daunting. We may not even want to address them. Thankfully, there are people like Leslie Jennings Rowley, or as we like to call her, “The Death Lady!” Leslie formed Hereafter Partners in 2019 as an umbrella for a variety of conversations, events, programs, curated resources, and ideas around making the end of life process less worrisome and conversations about death, dying, and aging more normalized in today’s society. We are so happy she is joining us in this episode.
Tell us at www.soloprpro.com if listening to Leslie has inspired you to begin making your plans?

Monday May 24, 2021
Episode 101: Cool in a Crisis
Monday May 24, 2021
Monday May 24, 2021
As communications pros, we’re used to preparing our clients for a crisis. But what about us? How can we be prepared to lead? Join us as we discuss this and how providing ongoing strategic guidance can grow your business.
How have you used strategic communication to grow your business? Tell us at www.soloprpro.com.

Monday May 17, 2021
That Solo Life Celebrates 100 Episodes
Monday May 17, 2021
Monday May 17, 2021
We’re celebrating our 100th episode by revisiting our top 10 most downloaded episodes from the past year. We are so grateful for the guests who have joined us and for you who take the time from your busy day to listen. We continue to work on bringing valuable content to you.
And now, on to the Top 10:
Who knows that Wikipedia is the second most visited website in the United States? Josh Greene of The Mather Group knows and now so do you.
Josh is the author of Wikipedia for Business: Supercharge Your Business and the recently-released Wikipedia for Business 2021: The Rules & Latest Developments that Businesses & Communicators Need to Know to Succeed.
No, it’s not about The Bachelor. This episode covers what to include in a new business proposal or RFP reply.
- #89: Too Many Words 3/1/21
We PR pros love our words. Sometimes we need to remind ourselves not to overdo it. Like Coco Chanel’s policy with accessories, check your writing to see if you can remove a few words and make your point more effectively.
Who says PR can’t be fun? We had a great time talking with Jeff Lyons, co-host of the Junk Miles with Chip and Jeff, a running podcast, about the charity run inspired by that event that time at that landscaping place, not the hotel.
We say this all the time -- build relationships. Meet new people, ask for the introduction. Introduce yourself! The seed you plant today may never see the sun or it might one day be your mightiest asset.
- #71 PR is Not a Popularity Contest 10/26/20
This episode was inspired by the TikTok from Nathan Apodaca posted of himself skateboarding to the tune of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” while drinking his Ocean Spray - leading brands across the country to ask us: “That Fleetwood Mac skater guy video went viral. How can we go viral?” But we know that PR, despite what people may think, has never been a popularity contest. Public relations that works is based on sustainable strategies, community building, and investing in your customers.
- #88: Winfluence with Jason Falls 2/22/21
Jason is an amazing digital strategist who joined us to discuss his third book - Winfluence - taking a look at the world of influencer marketing and how to be smart about it.
- #83: Now What? Business Development in 2021 with Chip Griffin of the Small Agency Growth Alliance 1/18/21
We refused to allow 2021 be 2020 two-point-oh. Our friend Chip Griffin, who has successfully coached many agencies and solos on how to build their path to success through his Small Agency Growth Alliance, joined us to talk about preparing for change and creating a sustainable business.
Who says there are no guarantees in life? We promise, spend time with fellow solo Kami Huyse and you will come away inspired. In this episode, she tells us to not let perfection stop us from getting started. Make sure you sign up for her Smart Social Secrets newsletter.
Brent Thompson is a CPA who guided us through the early stages of PPP loans and other life preserver funding opportunities. You can find more information about PPP loans and more at his company website, www.canoncapital.com.
Do you have a favorite That Solo Life episode? Is there a topic you’d like us to cover? Let us know at www.soloprpro.com.

Monday May 10, 2021
Episode 99: Partner to Grow
Monday May 10, 2021
Monday May 10, 2021
Today’s episode was inspired by a recent blog post on Solo PR Pro by fellow solo, Maren Minchew: What Are Agency Partnerships? Why It May Be Smart as a Solo PR Pro to Work With an Agency. Partnering with agencies is a terrific way to strengthen your network and grow your business. Join us as we talk about the benefits and how to get started.
Have you partnered with agencies? Tell us about it at www.soloprpro.com.

Monday May 03, 2021
Episode 98: RIP, Outsourced PR?
Monday May 03, 2021
Monday May 03, 2021
We’ve seen them, the articles that cycle through, declaring the end of outsourced PR. Is it true? Not according to this article from PR Newswire, stating that “80% of small businesses plan to outsource in 2021, citing the ability to save time, grow their business, and work with experts.” The pandemic has taught employers – or as we like to call them, future clients – that remote work is possible, effective, and profitable. Join our discussion and get excited about growing your business in 2021!
We’d love your feedback. Share with us at www.soloprpro.com.

Monday Apr 26, 2021
Episode 97: Read the Room
Monday Apr 26, 2021
Monday Apr 26, 2021
This past week, we all learned of the Guilty verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd. As with many major cultural events, brands and organizations began to weigh in via their social media channels.
When these things happen should brands and organizations say something? When is it performative posting and when is it appropriate and aligned with your organization’s messaging? Join us for a discussion and let us know what you think at www.soloprpro.com.
Resource: PRSA’s Voices4Everyone

Monday Apr 19, 2021
Episode 96: The Perfect Pitch
Monday Apr 19, 2021
Monday Apr 19, 2021
Baseball season has returned! It’s great to see fans back in stands and those of us who follow the game know that having good pitching is the way to win games.
Here’s a link to the Muck Rack 2021 State of Journalism Report we mention in this episode.
What are your pitching tips? Tell us at www.soloprpro.com.