That Solo Life: The Solo PR Pro Podcast

Episode 75: Dear 2020, We Are Over You

Nothing is normal right now. And that is okay.

The spread of COVID-19 pandemic continues to escalate, which we take very seriously. At the same time, outside of taking precautions for our personal safety and for the safety of those around us, we have no control over what will take place in the coming weeks and months.

What we can control is how we respond to our circumstances. Take it moment by moment. If you’re not working up to your usual 110%, that is okay! If you’re feeling out of sorts, you’re not alone. This pandemic is taking its toll in many ways.

In this episode, we share ways that we are coping, working to keep life light and as productive as possible. Oh, and 2020? We are so over you.

Share your experience with us at soloprpro.com.

Episode 74: PR Hot Potatoes - Four Seasons Total Landscaping Edition

What happens when your business is inadvertently thrust into the national spotlight? That’s what happened when Philadelphia landscaping company Four Seasons Total Landscaping, a family-owned, woman-owned business, somehow became the location for a presidential campaign press conference.

The Four Seasons Total Landscaping team has been handling this newfound fame beautifully, with a sense of humor and the bonus of adding merchandise to their offerings. The situation has even inspired a virtual charity run, which to date, has raised $19,000 for the Philabundance food bank. This whole situation is a textbook case of taking unexpected attention and running with it in a positive direction. It’s a good reminder for us as PR pros to make the best of unforeseen moments when circumstances allow.

Have you handled a similar situation? Tell us about it at soloprpro.com.

 

Episode 73: Image Integrity and Truth in Communications

From the pandemic to the U.S. election to Kendall Jenner’s birthday party (Really? Yes, listen to find out.), there is a lot going on in our world.

It’s the perfect time to stop and talk about the importance of the integrity of your brand’s image and the need to maintain truthfulness in communications. You can’t go wrong by doing the right thing in the moment, for the moment.

What do you think? We’d love to hear from you – share with us at soloprpro.com.

Episode 72: A PR Pro’s Election Survival Guide

The big day is finally here for the United States: Election Day.

In today’s episode, we talk about the importance of self-care, sanity, and staying positive after a long, tension-filled season.

What are your tactics for Election Day sanity? Tell us at soloprpro.com.

 

Episode 71: PR is Not a Popularity Contest

“That Fleetwood Mac skater guy video went viral. How can we go viral?”

The TikTok video that Nathan Apodaca posted of himself skateboarding to the tune of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” while drinking his Ocean Spray hit the salient points of timing and authenticity. PR pros know that this magic can’t be manufactured.

Public relations, 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.

What do you think? We’d love to hear from you at soloprpro.com.

 

Episode 70: Acedia - The Ancient Emotion for a Modern Pandemic

“We get distracted by social media, yet have a pile of books unread. We keep meaning to go outside but somehow never find the time. We’re bored, listless, afraid and uncertain.”

Does this sound like you? We certainly can identify, and we suspect that seven months into the COVID-19 pandemic, so can you.

This feeling has a name: acedia. As Jonathan L. Zecher explains in this essay, Acedia: The Lost Name for the Emotion We’re All Feeling Right Now, the word “acedia” is a descriptor of emotion that goes back to ancient Greece.

The good thing is that once you can name something, you can deal with it. Sometimes that’s pushing through. Sometimes it’s honoring the feeling, sitting with it, and giving yourself some grace. We could all use an extra dose of kindness right now, so why not start with yourself?

Have you been feeling aspects of acedia? Please share your experience with us at soloprpro.com.

Episode 69: Podcasting: Is It for You?

In today’s episode, we go meta and talk about podcasting. Podcasts are yet another vehicle for content. Everyone learns and digests information differently, so adding a podcast to your content marketing can be quite effective in building out your thought leadership. What better way to establish the know, like, and trust factors of business relationships than to allow your or your clients’ audiences to hear your voice and get to know you better?

What questions do you have about podcasting? Do you host a podcast? Let us know at soloprpro.com.

 

Episode 68: Communicating Clearly

It’s debate season here in the United States, the time of year when we communications pros nerd out as politicians deliver their messaging. Can we “see” them making their points? Or are they crafting a story, drawing us into their narrative?

Whether it’s a candidate on the debate stage or a client at a speaking engagement, these unnatural environments can be unnerving. It’s our job to work with our clients on the message and its delivery to ensure it’s delivered as naturally and effectively as possible.

As always, we’d love your feedback. Share with us a soloprpro.com.

Episode 67: The Definition of Work

We’ve touched on the role of the self-employed professional in the workforce in the past, addressing California’s AB-5 legislation. It is in the news again with a proposed rule from the Department of Labor that would define who is an “independent contractor.”

To a large extent public sector, and even private sector, entities do not entirely understand the nuances of what it’s like to work independently. We don’t fit the traditional mold of an independent contractor. Our companies may not fit the definition of a small business. And yet we are businesses. This results in rules and legislation crafted to address the freelance and gig economy that does not consider those of us who are self-employed, running micro agencies.

While this rule may not affect us directly, it’s important that we keep an eye on it and future ideations like it to prevent it from harming our ability to retain work. The only way for our legislators to know how we operate is to educate them. Introduce yourself to your legislators – send a letter explaining who you are and what you do. At the hyper-local level – state legislature, municipal representative – invite your rep for a cup of coffee to help them understand how your business functions.

This “future of work” has been here for quite some time. The ability to complete our work outside of the traditional 9-to-5 spent in a corporate office has grown with the onset of employees working from home. How that affects the valuation of our work from hours clocked to quality of work product remains to be seen.

As always, we have hope for a bright future. What are your thoughts? Share with us a soloprpro.com.

Episode 66: Pass PR with Dan Farkas

Today we are joined by fellow Solo PR Pro, Dan Farkas, who joins us to discuss his newest endeavor, Pass PR. Pass PR is customized education to help people accelerate their communication skills. Whether you are a new graduate, a seasoned pro, or a professional starting your own business, Pass PR is a unique and valuable way for you to gain the additional skills you need for success.

Dan is a Lecturer of Strategic Communication at Ohio State University, where he teaches courses on research, strategy, content creation, measurement, and analytics. The BBC and Mashable are some of the media outlets that have featured Dan as a thought leader on the changing landscape of strategic communication and how we can make the most of it. 

Dan is also a business owner who practices the craft when not chasing late homework assignments or his two kids. His campaign efforts have earned recognition from PRSA and the Ohio Society of Association Executives. He helped clients received media coverage with the Washington Post, Huff Post, and Associated Press. 

In a former life, Dan earned more than 20 awards for his work in television news. His work appeared on CNN, MSNBC, and SI.com.

As always, we’d love your feedback. Share with us a soloprpro.com.