That Solo Life: The Solo PR Pro Podcast

That Solo Life, Episode 244: Language, Landmines And The Peril Now Facing PR Pros That Solo Life, a podcast dedicated to PR professionals, marketers, and individuals who work for themselves.  In this episode hosts, Karen Swim of Solo PR Pro, and Michelle Kane from Voice Matters delve into the topic of avoiding generation gaps and cultural miscommunications. In our discussion, we highlight how the...

That Solo Life, Episode 243: What They Think We Do, What We Really Do And How To Bridge The Gap Welcome to the latest episode of "That Solo Life", the podcast passionately crafted for PR professionals by PR professionals. In this conversation, your hosts Michelle Kane and Karen Swim take you through the frustrations and challenges of people not understanding the role of public relations and the ov...

Show Notes for That Solo Life: Episode 242 In this episode: That Solo Life co-hosts, Karen Swim, APR and Michelle Kane talk about some of the insights from the "Muckrack 2024 State of Journalism" and discuss the emerging trends shaping media relations today. Episode Highlights: Discussing the Muckrack 2024 State of Journalism Report. We dig into the latest findings and what they mean for the futur...

In This Episode: Join us as we dissect the implications of the Department of Labor's recent rule changes and what it means for solo PR professionals. We welcome Nathan Gibson, an authority in Employment Law and Independent Contractor Compliance, who is the Senior Director at MBO Partners . Nathan provides in-depth insights on staying compliant and the potential impacts on solo public relations bus...

If you’re still feeling the effects of springing forward into daylight savings time, recovering from St. Patrick’s Day or are still wondering what is going on with the royals, in this episode we talk about it and how there’s a PR lesson in everything.   Special Offer for Solo PR Pros, Freelance Consultants, and Small business owners: Lettuce is teaming up with Solo PR Pro to offer you a free, game...

It’s no secret the media landscape is changing and it’s only intensifying the effect on how PR pros do media relations. In this episode we talk about taking the time to evaluate our tactics and get creative  to reach our client’s audiences.   Special Offer for Solos: Lettuce is teaming up with Solo PR Pro to offer you a free, game-changing Business Assessment Program. Be one of the first 1,000 sav...

Today we’re talking about the challenges we face as self-employed professionals in a world where certain sectors of the business world and governmental policies just don’t get us, favoring traditional employment over independent work. From pricing of tools and products to respecting the value solos bring to the table, it’s time to give solo PR pros our respect.   Special Offer for Solos: Lettuce i...

On this episode we're chatting about how different generations handle criticism, especially after some Super Bowl ad backlash. We dive into why tough love is key in PR and how it's essential for solo PR pros to get real with clients. Plus, we tackle the big question: How do we teach the next gen these crucial soft skills? Tune in for an honest, straight-talk session on the art of handling the hard...

In this episode, Karen and Michelle discuss the pitfalls of blindly following trends in the PR and marketing world. It’s important to keep strategies aligned with a brand's core values and mission. “Going viral” is not a meaningful goal if it doesn’t translate into meaningful engagement or revenue.     Special Offer: Lettuce is teaming up with Solo PR Pro to offer you a free, game-changing Busines...

The whole point of operating as a solo PR pro or small agency is the ability to build the business that is right for you. But let's face it, there are many people out there who are only going to be comfortable with a certain budget level. In this episode, we want to help you to think creatively about when someone comes your way and they maybe don't have the budget that you desire.   Bonus: informa...

As a solo PR pro or small agency, is it ever a good idea to outsource your sales? It depends. In this episode we talk about how there is no right or wrong answer, only the answer that works for you and your business.    Transcript Michelle Kane ( 00:03 ): Thank you for joining us for this episode of That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themselves, people like me, Mich...

As we begin 2024, there are a lot of unsettling developments in the media industry. Layoffs and the shuttering of legacy media – it can cause a panic. But we know that change is constant and there is always a way forward.   Axios article: "Challenger" firms rising: Top PR talent defect from big agencies   Transcript   Michelle Kane ( 00:02 ): Thank you for joining us for another episode of That So...

There are seasons in every solo PR pro’s career. If you’ve built a successful virtual or micro agency but you’re feeling burnt out and considering paring down your practice to a solo endeavor, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.   Transcript Michelle Kane ( 00:03 ): Thank you for joining us for this episode of That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themselves, pe...

Did you start the new year determined to keep a calm and purposeful pace? How’s that going so far? In this episode, Karen and Michelle talk about how it is – really, it is – possible to be as productive as ever and stay off the hamster wheel.   Transcript Michelle Kane ( 00:03 ): Thank you for joining us for this episode of That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themsel...

The data indicates the U.S. economy closed 2023 in a much healthier state than anticipated. So why do so many feel the opposite? Will this perception continue into 2024 and what can each of us do to remain resilient?   Reference links: Weekly Workforce Newsletter Kyla Scanlon Instagram   Transcript Michelle Kane ( 00:17 ): Thank you for joining us for That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and ma...

This episode was inspired by a recent blog post on SoloPRPro.com – The PR Forecast for 2024. What can we expect in – and from – our industry? How can solos get the most out of our businesses this year and beyond? Let’s find out together. Transcript   Michelle Kane ( 00:17 ): Thank you for joining us for this episode of That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themselves,...

PR pros and journalists share a lot of common ground, including stress levels. Sometimes communication breaks down. Sometimes, whether it’s beyond our control or not, we can’t give the other what they want or need. But what we can do is continue to do our best to work together. Let us know what you think of today’s episode at soloprpro.com .   Transcript Michelle Kane ( 00:02 ): Thank you for join...

In this episode, Karen and Michelle provide some holiday hacks – from navigating client gifts to reducing stress, let’s make the most of this holiday season. Share your favorite holiday hack with us at soloprpro.com .   Transcript Michelle Kane ( 00:03 ): Thank you for joining us for this episode of That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themselves, people like me, Mich...

You make sure your clients are developing and working on their personal and corporate brands but when it comes to you and your solo practice, well, do as we say, not as we do. Does this sound like you? In today’s episode we dig in on personal branding and its value. Let us know what you think at soloprpro.com .   Transcript Michelle Kane ( 00:02 ): Thank you for joining us for this episode of That...

In this episode we cover the turmoil at OpenAI, AI vetting PR pitches, and the newly-released Guidelines, Tips, and Best Practices for using AI from PRSA. Let us know what you think at soloprpro.com .   Transcript Karen Swim ( 00:04 ): Thank you for joining us for this episode of That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themselves, people like me, Michelle Kane, with Voic...

There are many challenges faced by DE&I practitioners in today's landscape, including the backlash against DE&I efforts. In this episode, we are joined by an expert in the field of DE&I communications, Bernadette Davis of Bernadette Davis Communications. Listen to hear her valuable insights on how communicators can navigate these challenges, emphasizing the need for inclusivity to be w...

The social media landscape has changed drastically over the course of this year. What does that mean for our clients as we plan for 2024?   Transcript Michelle Kane ( 00:03 ): Thank you for joining us for another episode of That's Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themselves, people like me, Michelle Kane, with VoiceMatters and my ever steady co-host, Karen Swim with So...

Don't let good intentions lead to unintended consequences in your PR efforts. In this episode, we discuss a recent well-meaning attempt by a CEO to address negative press that ended up creating more problems for the company. We highlight the dangers of speaking without consulting expert counsel and the need for CEOs to consider the impact of their words on both internal and external audiences. Rea...

Atrocities against innocents in the Middle East. Another mass shooting in the U.S. Every day, something new to absorb and process. Now more than ever, PR pros need to lead the way in communicating clearly in all of this uncertainty.   Read Hope and the Hard Things on the Solo PR Pro blog.   Transcript Michelle Kane ( 00:17 ): Thank you for joining us for another episode of That Solo Life, the podc...

We cover AI and PR in many of our episodes because we want our fellow PR pros to have the knowledge they need to stay on top of this technology. In today’s episode, we’ll discuss the new “Warsaw Principles” unveiled earlier this month on the ethical use of AI in public relations by the International Communications Consultancy Organization (ICCO) at its Global Summit. Read the story courtesy of Pro...