28.2K
Downloads
295
Episodes
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 Jul 01, 2024
Monday Jul 01, 2024
That Solo Life, Episode 256: PR ChallengesPost-Pandemic : Events, Energy Levels and Customer Service
In this Episode
In this episode, Karen Swim and Michelle Kane, discuss the various challenges and changes that the post-pandemic era has brought to the PR industry.
The pandemic had a significant impact on in-person events and interactions. The hosts discuss how shifting priorities, increased workloads, and changing interests have made it challenging to plan and attend events, leading to a reevaluation of traditional event strategies.
Karen and Michelle also touch upon the shift in energy levels post-pandemic, noting how many individuals feel more fatigued and less productive despite technological advancements. The conversation evolves into a reflection on the demise of hustle culture and the newfound emphasis on work-life balance.
The hosts also address the decline in customer service standards, both in the PR industry and beyond, highlighting instances where businesses have failed to prioritize customer satisfaction and individualized service.
In a quick round-up of current news, Michelle and Karen discuss the University of Texas at Austin's decision to lay off its communications and marketing team, as well as upcoming regulatory changes.
Episode Timeline:
- 00:02:24 - Challenges of Holding Events Post-Pandemic
- 00:04:39 - Impact of Pandemic on Energy Levels
- 00:06:57 - Shift in Work-Life Balance Post-Pandemic
- 00:09:18 - Reflections on Post-Pandemic Hustle Culture
- 00:11:05 - Decline in Customer Service Post-Pandemic
- 00:12:47 - Gen Z Job Seekers and Unusual Interview Practices
- 00:14:48 - Beneficial Owner Filing Requirement
- 00:16:18 - Layoffs at University of Texas at Austin
- 00:19:24 - Importance of PR Teams in Crisis Management
Enjoyed the episode?
Please leave a review here - even a sentence helps. Share and tag us (@SoloPR, @SoloPRPro) on social media so that we can thank you personally! Your support helps us keep bringing you insightful content every week. Thank you for tuning in!
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Monday Jun 24, 2024
That Solo Life, Episode 255: The Powerful Reasons PR Pros Must Vet Everything
In this Episode
In episode 255 of “That Solo Life,” Karen Swim and Michelle Kane discuss the role of vetting in public relations, and the need to thoroughly research clients, client partners, collaborators and more.
The hosts discussed how the recent news of Justin Timberlake's DWI arrest highlighted how one misstep can bring up a person's entire history of mistakes. The incident serves as a reminder of the significance of vigorously researching individuals or organizations before committing to work with them or to work with your clients.
Karen and Michelle emphasize the need for due diligence in researching the history and reputation of any person or organization before entering into a relationship. This also applies to any information that you might share from a third party such as quotes or data studies. PR Pros must be fully informed to protect their consultantices. and clients.
Throughout the episode, the hosts stress the value of preparation and being proactive in anticipating any potential issues that may arise from working with certain clients or partners. Karen and Michelle share personal experiences of discovering problematic histories of individuals they previously supported and the importance of learning from those instances.
Additionally, the hosts discuss the benefits of seeking insights from PR colleagues or industry peers when vetting prospects, as they can provide valuable information and warnings based on their experiences.
Episode Timeline:
- 00:00:00 - Introduction and Weather Chit-Chat
- 00:01:26 - Importance of Vetting Prospects
- 00:02:03 - Learning from Justin Timberlake 's DWI Incident
- 00:03:21 - Being Prepared for Potential Fallout
- 00:04:39 - Second Chances and Being Informed
- 00:06:11 - Impact of Unprepared Responses in Media
- 00:07:20 - Reflecting on Past Mistakes in Sharing Information
- 00:08:18 - Seeking References and Insights from PR Colleagues
- 00:09:46 - Evaluating Opportunities and Self-Reflection
- 00:11:17 - Role of PR in Guarding Against Risk
- 00:11:43 - Wrapping Up and Summer Plans
Enjoyed the episode?
Please leave a review here - even a sentence helps. Share and tag us (@SoloPR, @SoloPRPro) on social media so that we can thank you personally! Your support helps us keep bringing you insightful content every week. Thank you for tuning in!
Monday Jun 17, 2024
Monday Jun 17, 2024
That Solo Life, Episode 254: The Work of Diversity - A Conversation with Anetra Henry
In this Episode
Anetra Henry, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Institute for Public Relations joins Karen Swim, APR and Michelle Kane on today’s episode of “That Solo Life.” Anetra is a passionate storyteller and strategic messaging guru, known for her expertise in research and advocacy for diversity and inclusion.
The episode delved into a recent study, led by Anetra, "Collaborators for Change," which focused on the relationship between Chief Communications Officers (CCOs) and Chief Diversity Officers (CDOs) in organizations. Anetra shared the spark that led to the research, highlighting the importance of understanding how these executives work together, especially during times of crisis.
Anetra discussed the obstacles faced during the study, including challenges in recruiting CDOs due to external factors like legislation targeting diversity initiatives. She emphasized the need for empathy and understanding in conducting the interviews, as participants shared personal stories and fears about the future of their work.
The conversation also touched on key takeaways from the study, such as the importance of clear communication between CCOs and CDOs, the impact of diversity fatigue, and the need for organizations to define and prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Anetra shared her personal reflections on conducting the study, highlighting the emotional impact of hearing participants' stories and fears. She emphasized the importance of empathy and the need for continued efforts in diversity and inclusion work.
Looking ahead, Anetra expressed hope for the future of CDOs, emphasizing the importance of continued progress and rebranding of diversity initiatives. She discussed potential future studies and the need for ongoing support and advocacy for diversity and inclusion in organizations.
This episode provided valuable insights into the complex relationship between CCOs and CDOs, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in advancing diversity and inclusion efforts within organizations.
About Anetra Henry
Anetra Henry is not your typical public relations and marketing professional. She's a passionate storyteller and strategic messaging guru. As the Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Institute for Public Relations (IPR), she continues to make waves with her expertise and contributions to research.
Anetra's influence extends beyond her role at IPR. She's a sought-after speaker at industry conferences and events, where she shares her insights and expertise. Through her published articles, thought leadership pieces, and active participation in industry forums, she consistently contributes to the advancement of the field. Her dedication to excellence doesn't stop at the office door. She's a tireless advocate for diversity and inclusion, working hard to create opportunities for underrepresented voices and championing initiatives that foster inclusivity.
Episode Timeline
- Introduction of Anetra Henry : 00:00:14
- Spark for the Collaborators for Change Study : 00:02:21
- Obstacles Faced in Conducting the Study : 00:04:21
- Key Takeaways from the Study : 00:09:35
- Insights into What 's Working and Recommendations for Improvement: 00:15:10
- Personal Impact of Conducting the Research : 00:28:28
- Future of Chief Diversity Officers : 00:34:30
- Possibility of Longitudinal Study : 00:41:06
- Closing Remarks and Thank You : 00:43:19
Resources:
Enjoyed the episode?
Please leave a review here - even a sentence helps. Share and tag us (@SoloPR, @SoloPRPro) on social media so that we can thank you personally! Your support helps us keep bringing you insightful content every week. Thank you for tuning in!
Say Thanks to Anetra Henry!
If you liked this episode with Anetra Henry, please say thanks on LinkedIn or Instagram.
Listen to the episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. You can also watch the interview on YouTube here.
Monday Jun 10, 2024
Monday Jun 10, 2024
That Solo Life, Episode 253: The PR Measurement Strategy You Need to Grow
In this Episode
In this episode of "That Solo Life," co-hosts Michelle Kane and Karen Swim discuss another side of measurement in the PR industry. While measurement discussions typically focus on client work, Karen and Michelle talk about the importance of tracking tactics and metrics within your own Solo PR Pro business.
Karen emphasizes the tendency of PR professionals to prioritize client success over their own business metrics. She stresses the importance of tracking financial metrics to identify the most profitable clients and types of work. The discussion shifts to the need for measuring time spent on tasks to determine efficiency and profitability accurately.
The hosts discuss the pitfalls of focusing on the wrong metrics, referencing a study on B2B marketers who invested in the wrong areas due to misaligned measurements. They stress the importance of creating a sense of community and fostering word-of-mouth referrals for business growth. Michelle and Karen underscore the need for PR professionals to measure their efforts in writing, pitching, and media relations to enhance skill sets and improve success rates.
The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to incorporate regular measurement practices into their solo PR businesses.
Episode Timeline:
- 00:01:10 - Importance of Measuring Tactics in Business
- 00:02:51 - Tracking Financial Metrics and Time Allocation
- 00:04:30 - Importance of Measuring for Mastery
- 00:05:26 - Focusing on the Right Metrics for Growth
- 00:07:27 - Creating Community and Word of Mouth
- 00:08:26 - Importance of Regular Measurement Practices
- 00:09:03 - Improving Success Rate and Time Management
- 00:10:36 - Pledging to Incorporate Measurement Practices
- 00:11:19 - Encouragement for Listener Engagement
Resources:
- RescueTime: The Most Productive Part of the Day
- Sword and the Script: Pair of surveys show why B2B tech needs to work on their customer marketing efforts
Enjoyed the episode?
Please leave a review here - even a sentence helps. Share and tag us (@SoloPR, @SoloPRPro) on social media so that we can thank you personally! Your support helps us keep bringing you insightful content every week. Thank you for tuning in!
Looking for more insights and support for your solo PR biz? Head over to Solo PR Pro and become part of our community. Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter for the latest tips and trends.
Wednesday Jun 05, 2024
Wednesday Jun 05, 2024
That Solo Life, Episode 252: Happy Everything, What We Get Wrong About Holiday Messaging
In this Episode
In this episode of "That Solo Life," co-hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane reflect on Memorial Day and discuss the importance of thoughtful messaging around holidays. Michelle and Karen discuss the post-Memorial Day weekend vibes and the common trend of using "happy" in front of every holiday, including somber ones like Memorial Day.
The hosts discuss the need for more conscientious messaging, honoring the historical context of holidays. Karen and Michelle reflect on the role of PR professionals in preserving the spirit of important holidays and their role in protecting the essence of celebrations beyond commercialization. They reflect on how holidays like St. Patrick's Day and Cinco de Mayo have been reduced to mere drinking festivities, losing sight of their cultural significance.
This episode serves as a poignant reminder to PR professionals and marketers to approach holiday messaging with sensitivity, respect, and a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural significance behind each celebration. Through their insightful discussion, Michelle and Karen underscore the importance of upholding traditions and honoring the true meaning of holidays in our communications.
Episode Timeline:
00:00:00 - Introduction and Discussion on Memorial Day Messaging
00:05:30 - Importance of Honoring Fallen Soldiers
00:08:06 - Examples of Proper Memorial Day Messaging
00:09:20 - Call to Action for PR Professionals to Protect Holiday Celebrations
00:10:45 - Discussion on St. Patrick's Day and Cinco de Mayo Traditions
00:11:18 - Reminder for Considerate Fourth of July Celebrations
Enjoyed the episode?
Please leave a review here - even a sentence helps. Share and tag us (@SoloPR, @SoloPRPro) on social media so that we can thank you personally! Your support helps us keep bringing you insightful content every week. Thank you for tuning in!
Looking for more insights and support for your solo PR biz? Head over to Solo PR Pro and become part of our community. Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter for the latest tips and trends.
Monday May 27, 2024
Monday May 27, 2024
That Solo Life, Episode 251: Finding Balance And Minimizing Burnout In A Chaotic World
In this Episode
In this episode of "That Solo Life," co-hosts Karen Swim, APR and Michelle Kane delve into the topic of navigating fatigue and finding balance in the midst of global stressors and personal challenges. This Mental Health Awareness Month episode kicks off with a discussion about the impact of external factors such as the pandemic, economic instability, and political tensions on individuals' energy levels and overall well-being.
Karen and Michelle reflect on the collective exhaustion felt by many in 2024, highlighting the ongoing effects of the pandemic and the relentless stream of stressors that continue to weigh on people. They emphasize the importance of recognizing and addressing burnout, citing articles that discuss how work environments can contribute to physical and mental health issues.
The conversation shifts to the changing landscape of work post-pandemic, with Karen and Michelle acknowledging the need for individuals to reassess their priorities and boundaries. They explore the challenges of returning to office work, the impact of technological advancements, and the importance of self-care practices in maintaining resilience.
Throughout the episode, Karen and Michelle offer practical tips for managing stress and prioritizing well-being. They emphasize the significance of self-care routines, healthy eating habits, and coping mechanisms such as deep breathing and mindfulness. The hosts encourage listeners to set boundaries, prioritize their mental and physical health, and recognize the value of saying no to commitments that do not align with their well-being.
As the episode concludes, Karen and Michelle underscore the importance of self-awareness and self-compassion in navigating the complexities of modern life. They challenge listeners to prioritize their own needs and to approach each day with a sense of balance and grace. The hosts invite feedback from the audience and share resources available on the Solo PR Pro website to support listeners in building their businesses and maintaining personal well-being.
Tune in to "That Solo Life" for insightful discussions, practical tips, and inspiring conversations on navigating the challenges of solo entrepreneurship and finding balance in a fast-paced world.
Episode Highlights:
00:01:19 - Global Fatigue and Burnout
00:04:01 - Shift in Work Dynamics
00:05:27 - Uncertainty and Event Attendance
00:09:48 - Frustrations with Corporate Expectations
00:10:09 - Self-Care and Well-being Practices
00:12:02 - Managing Energy and Reactions
00:13:09 - Embracing Grace and Understanding Sensitivities
00:16:05 - Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing Self-Care
00:17:05 - Finding Balance and Self-Awareness
00:18:09 - Encouragement to Prioritize Self-Care and Share the Podcast
Resources:
- National Institute of Mental Health - Support and Resources
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Online Chat
- Job burnout: How to spot it and take action
- Work Burnout: How It Affects Your Mental Health
Enjoyed the episode?
Please leave a review here - even a sentence helps. Share and tag us (@SoloPR, @SoloPRPro) on social media so that we can thank you personally! Your support helps us keep bringing you insightful content every week. Thank you for tuning in!
Looking for more insights and support for your solo PR biz? Head over to Solo PR Pro and become part of our community. Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter for the latest tips and trends.
Monday May 20, 2024
Monday May 20, 2024
Welcome to another episode of That Solo Life, where we dive into the world of PR and marketing for independent professionals. In this episode, we discuss the power of personal branding in the PR industry.
Publicists have recently been in the spotlight, from the Oscars to various articles highlighting their work. This recognition serves as a reminder for solo PR professionals like us to also focus on promoting ourselves, not just our clients.
Karen and Michelle delve into the importance of personal branding and how it can impact our businesses. While some may feel uncomfortable with self-promotion, they emphasize the need to market your skills and expertise in order to attract clients and stand out in a competitive industry.
The discussion offers practical tips for building a personal brand, from updating headshots to engaging on platforms like LinkedIn. We stress the value of sharing our knowledge and experiences, whether through writing articles, speaking engagements, or social media posts.
Monday May 13, 2024
Monday May 13, 2024
That Solo Life, Episode 249: How to Avoid the Dreaded Reviewer's Remorse
In this Episode
In this episode of "That Solo Life," Karen and Michelle dive into the common struggle of "reviewer's remorse" that many PR pros, marketers, and communicators face when working with clients. They discuss the frustration of finalizing a project, only to have last-minute changes or new reviewers throw a wrench into the process.
They emphasize the importance of establishing a clear review process with clients, setting expectations early on, and limiting the number of reviewers to essential personnel. They also highlight the significance of trust between the client and the solo PR professional, ensuring that the end goal and messaging align seamlessly.
Throughout the episode, the hosts stress the need for open communication, patience, and understanding when dealing with clients experiencing reviewer's remorse. Karen and Michelle discuss the need to provide practical tips, such as creating a document workflow process, setting clear review criteria, and allowing sufficient time for discussion and revisions.
With personal anecdotes and insights, the episode aims to help fellow solo professionals streamline their review processes, minimize last-minute changes, and build stronger relationships with their clients. Tune in and let’s navigate the complexities of client feedback and strive to deliver the best possible outcomes in our solo careers.
Episode Highlights:
00:01:19 - Reviewers' Remorse Discussion
00:04:09 - Minimizing Reviewers' Remorse Occurrence
00:07:04 - Digging for Core Issues
00:10:27 - Importance of Trust in the Review Process
00:11:29 - Considerations for Printed Pieces
00:11:52 - Limiting Number of Reviewers
00:13:18 - Streamlining Feedback and Input
Enjoyed the episode?
Please leave a review here - even a sentence helps. Share and tag us (@SoloPR, @SoloPRPro) on social media so that we can thank you personally! Your support helps us keep bringing you insightful content every week. Thank you for tuning in!
Looking for more insights and support for your solo PR biz? Head over to Solo PR Pro and become part of our community. Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter for the latest tips and trends.
Monday May 06, 2024
Monday May 06, 2024
That Solo Life: Episode 248
The New Balancing Act of Communication
In this Episode
It’s a balancing act! Karen Swim, APR, of Solo PR, and Michelle Kane, of Voice Matters dive into the challenging topic of addressing current social and political conflicts in the workplace. The episode opens with a discussion about the ongoing Israeli-Gaza conflict and the protests happening across the United States, setting the stage for a conversation on how communication professionals can guide their clients through navigating these complex issues.
The conversation also touches on the evolving role of public relations professionals in shaping conversations and promoting sanity in communication. Throughout the episode, we highlight the importance of maintaining open dialogue, fostering mutual respect, and creating safe spaces for discussions on contentious issues.
As you listen, we hope that you will gain valuable insights and practical advice to help you face the complexities of addressing social and political conflicts in today's world.
Episode Highlights:
- 00:01:05 - Addressing Current Conflicts : Discussion of the Israeli-Gaza conflict and protests in the United States.
- 00:02:33 - Navigating Conversations in the Workplace : What PR Pros can do to guide clients through addressing conflicts in the workplace.
- 00:05:19 - Misinterpretation of Company Statements : Discussion on how people interpret company statements and the need for clear communication.
- 00:08:48 - Importance of Context in Communication : The hosts emphasize the importance of context in communication and avoiding misinterpretations.
- 00:11:55 - Living Out Mission, Vision, and Values : Michelle and Karen stress the importance of companies aligning actions with their mission, vision, and values.
- 00:13:55 - Asserting Professional Counsel : The hosts encourage communication professionals to assert themselves and provide professional counsel in challenging situations.
Resources:
Enjoyed the episode?
Please leave a review here - even a sentence helps. Share and tag us (@SoloPR, @SoloPRPro) on social media so that we can thank you personally! Your support helps us keep bringing you insightful content every week. Thank you for tuning in!
Looking for more insights and support for your solo PR biz? Head over to Solo PR Pro and become part of our community. Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter for the latest tips and trends.
Monday Apr 29, 2024
Monday Apr 29, 2024
That Solo Life: Episode 247
Everything Old is New Again
In this Episode
Karen Swim, APR, of Solo PR, and Michelle Kane, of Voice Matters delve into the importance of getting back to basics in our PR and marketing businesses.
Today’s conversation is sparked by an email from Peter Shankman, the founder of the original "Help a Reporter Out" platform, which was eventually sold to a large corporation. Shankman has now launched a new platform called "Help Every Reporter Out," and in his announcement he shared his “back to basics” inspiration and how it led him to return to something he was no longer doing.
As PR professionals, we often find ourselves constantly reinventing our workflows, tools, and client work in an effort to keep up with the ever-evolving industry. But new is not always better. Sometimes returning the old things can improve not only how we do our jobs but how we feel about them.
We delve into the topic of technology, staying true to our natural skill sets and passions in our careers, and how the basics include having a supportive community of fellow professionals.
Episode Highlights:
- [00:00:18] - Old but new. The value of getting back to basics and the importance of realigning and retooling.
- [00:02:09] - Be a hero. How Peter Shankman, Help Every Reporter Out inspired us to be a hero to ourselves by focusing on our areas of expertise.
- [00:05:04] - Reevaluating Tools and Subscriptions. All the shiny new tools hold so much promise and you can accumulate a pile of clutter.
- [00:09:35] - Recognizing Natural Skillsets. It is important to recognize and focus on your natural skillsets and passions in order to maintain satisfaction and success in a career.
- [00:10:29] - Scaling Back for Success. Karen and Michelle discuss the idea of scaling back team members or business models to maintain a manageable workload and find fulfillment in solo work.
Resources:
- Help Every Reporter Out (HERO) - free sign-up for PR Pros and Journalists
- Back to basics in your business model -From Solo PR to Agency and Back Again
Enjoyed the episode?
Please leave a review here - even a sentence helps. Share and tag us (@SoloPR, @SoloPRPro) on social media so that we can thank you personally! Your support helps us keep bringing you insightful content every week. Thank you for tuning in!
Looking for more insights and support for your solo PR biz? Head over to Solo PR Pro and become part of our community. Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter for the latest tips and trends.