That Solo Life: The Solo PR Pro Podcast

Episode 102: Here After

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?

Episode 101: Cool in a Crisis

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.

That Solo Life Celebrates 100 Episodes

We’re celebrating our 100^th 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:

10. #86: Wikipedia for Business in 2021 with Josh Greene 2/8/21

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.

9. #81: Are You Ready to Propose? 1/4/21

No, it’s not about The Bachelor. This episode covers what to include in a new business proposal or RFP reply.

8. #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.

7. #77: PR Lessons from The Fraud Street Run with Jeff Lyons 12/7/20

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.

 

6. #84: Client Prospecting by Building Relationships 1/25/21

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.

5. #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.

4. #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.

3. #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.

2. #87: Just Get Started with Kami Huyse 2/15/21

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.

1. #52: PPP Loans & The Solo PR Pro with Brent Thompson of Canon Capital Management Group 6/6/20

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.

Episode 99: Partner to Grow

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.

Episode 98: RIP, Outsourced PR?

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.

Episode 97: Read the Room

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

Episode 96: The Perfect Pitch

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. Needless to say, pitching in PR is also the key to success for our clients. Whether you’re new to PR or a seasoned pro, it’s beneficial to check in with ourselves and our pitching style.

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.

Episode 95: PR is Not War

As we were planning this week’s episode, we were nodding our heads in agreement with Ed Zitron’s take on a thread comparing working in PR to military combat. While working in PR has its stressful moments, it is certainly not the same as going to war. We PR pros are great at telling our clients’ stories. We need to do a better job at telling our story and sharing our value.

What do you think? Share with us at www.soloprpro.com.

Episode 94: Social Media News

Today we’re catching up on all things social media. Clubhouse, currently exclusive to iOS users, is going to soon have competition from Facebook and Instagram. Listen to find out the latest in the world of social media.

What is your favorite social media channel for PR? Share with us at www.soloprpro.com.

Episode 93: Spend to Scale: How Investing in Your Business Can Help You Grow

In today’s episode we talk about spending wisely – our money and our time – to help our businesses grow. This can mean paying for advertising but it can also mean spending money on automation or outsourcing to free up our time to focus on business development.

What is one way you can seek to spend to scale? Let us know at www.soloprpro.com.