Pitching PR

WOMEN'S ENTREPRENEURSHIP DAY  |  NOV 19    In this episode of the Pitching PR Podcast, I chat with Lindsay Nahmiache from Jive PR about her amazing career path that has taken her all over the world - starting in the UK, then to Bollywood, then back home to Canada, then LA and now to the UN in New York.  At the UN Lindsay is an ambassador for female entrepreneurship and today (November 19) we are celebrating  WOMEN'S ENTREPRENEURSHIP DAY so be sure to check out the links below for ways to show your support for this cause around the world and locally.    Relevant Links: Lesley from Pitch Graphic Design Jive Instagram @jiveprdigital Jive Twitter @jiveprdigital JIve Facebook  WED Instagram @womenseday WED Twitter @womenseday WED YouTube WED Facebook WED Linkedin

In this episode of the Pitching PR Podcast, I chat with Jen Berson from  Jeneration PR about her starting her own agency and the business framework she uses for for accelerating agency growth.  Relevant Links: https://www.jenerationpr.com/ Lesley from Pitch Graphic Design

I’m so excited to have Crosby Noricks back on the podcast! In this episode I chat with Crosby, Founder of PR Couture - the leading industry resource and blog for fashion and lifestyle PR, marketing, social media professionals, students and brands. As we are nearing a brand new year AND decade, it's a great time to take a step back and make sure we are in the driver's seat when it comes to career path. Crosby shares with us a  process she’s developed to help audit and improve your professional presence in 4 key areas  - and she announces the launch of Coterie - PR Couture’s our brand new PR Community - launching Nov. 5 Relevant links : https://www.prcouture.com/thecoterie/ Lesley from Pitch Graphic Design

In this episode, I chat with Jessica Rhodes  - founder and president of Interview Connections - an agency that specializes in podcast media relations. We discuss how podcast outreach differs from traditional broadcast outreach, we discuss podcast metrics, things to look for when building a podcast media list and how to prepare clients for a podcast interview.  Relevant links : Interview Connections Lesley from Pitch Graphic Design

I'm really excited about today's topic because often PR agencies spend so much time promoting their clients, they don't spend enough time promoting their own business. It is tricky and time-consuming to keep track of all the latest social media updates across so many different platforms; so Melissa from Social Ape Marketing has put together a list of their favourite tips and tricks to master one of the most powerful and versatile social platforms: Instagram. Relevant Links: Social Ape Blog Post Lesley from Pitch Graphic Design

In this episode of the Pitching PR podcast, I chat with Kristen Sala  from Cision Media Monitoring and she shares her findings from the 2019 State of the Media Report. We chat about the public’s trust in the media and the complicated relationship between journalists and social media. She also shares Cision's key tips for how PR professionals should engage the media and the data behind their findings.   Relevant Links: https://www.cision.com/us/resources/white-papers/2019-sotm/ Lesley from Pitch Graphic Design

In this episode of the Pitching PR podcast, I chat with April Smith - Founder & President of Social Ape Marketing. We chat about why as an agency owner it’s so important to define your niche and how to market your agency in a way that leverages and builds your credibility.  Relevant Links: Social Ape Marketing Site Lesley from Pitch Graphic DesignE-Myth Book

In this episode, I chat with Ashton Meisner about Digital PR. We discuss what it is, how it can benefit your clients’ business and generate conversion. For those who run their own PR Agency, we also chat about how adding Digital PR as a service offering can increase revenue, complement your existing traditional PR plans and help create value metrics to prove the success of your campaigns.  Relevant Links: Direct Consulting Lesley from Pitch Graphic Design

In this episode of the Pitching PR podcast, I chat with Alexis Davis Smith the president and founder of PRecise Communications a public relations firm that specializes in outreach to African American and U.S. Hispanic consumers. We chat about the rising importance of multicultural PR and her entrepreneurial journey starting her own agency. She shares her experience working with billion-dollar brands that “get-it” and how to educate your client if they are missing the mark when it comes to multicultural marketing. She also shares her insights on the importance of having a diverse team and how this can help you avoid potential multicultural marketing landmines.  Relevant Links: PRecise Communications Lesley from Pitch Graphic Design

In this episode of the Pitching PR podcast, I chat with Dave Cosgrave from Freshbooks about an income study they did of self-employed workers. It identified a 28% wage gap between male and female freelancers - but it’s not all doom-and-gloom, Dave also shares how this breaks down for those working in Marketing Communications and the results were surprising. We also discuss what motivates men and women to seek self-employment, are they likely to stay self-employed and Dave even shares some Freshbook data, exclusive to this podcast about the billable rates of men and women working in PR.  Relevant Links: Fresh Books Study: https://www.freshbooks.com/press/data-research/women-in-the-workforce-2018 Lesley from https://www.pitchgraphicdesign.com/

In this episode of the Pitching PR podcast, we are celebrating all things BEYONCE because it’s her birthday on September 4th. To do this today’s guest is Erika Taylor Montgomery of Three Girls Media and we are going to discuss why we should all bow down to Queen Bey - musician, mother and master marketer.    Relevant Links:  https://www.threegirlsmedia.com/2019/08/07/beyonce-marketing-and-pr-lessons-from-the-beyhive/

In this episode of the Pitching PR podcast, Amanda Sutton chats how securing the media hit is only the beginning of your work and shares five tips on how to amplify your coverage and gain more impressions.  Relevant Links:   www.catalystcc.ca https://www.instagram.com/catalystccpr/

In this episode of the Pitching PR podcast, I'm sharing some of my top five insights for creating new business pitches that win over prospective clients. In 2018 I worked on over 50 presentations decks and as of this recording I've worked on over 25 in 2019. So I like to think that I've seen and worked on a good cross-section of PR tactics, processes, insight development and styles of presentations. In this episode, I'm going to share five creative insights, so you win your next business pitch. Insight One: Create it Custom Insight Two: Don't DIY Design Insight Three: Fake It Till You Make It Insight Four: The Medium Is the Message Insight Five: Be Extra Relevant Links: www.PitchGraphicDesign.com https://www.instagram.com/pitchgraphicdesign/

In this episode of the Pitching PR podcast, Amanda Sutton debate whether or not the media pitch is dead - and the answer might surprise you.  Relevant Links:   www.catalystcc.ca

In this episode I chat with Jamie Izaks, founder and president of All Points Public Relations, and we discuss  the rise of “micro-influencers” and how they help to increase a business’s credibility on social media— even more so than influencers with 100K+ followers. Relevant Links: All Points Public Relations

In this episode of Pitching PR, I chat with former journalist turned media relations expert: Christy Laverty. I feel like this chat really speaks to the core intention of Pitching PR, which is to uncover actionable techniques and insights to up your PR game and agency career. Christy brings 20 years of newsroom experience to our chat and we discuss the changing media landscape and how pitches should evolve to stay relevant, mastering the follow-up, pitching podcasts and key questions to ask a journalist to truly form a meaningful working relationship.    Relevant Links: http://christyalaverty.com/

In this episode, I chat with Gaby Howard, founder of Flaunter.com an online tool to connect media with PR agencies and their clients. We chat about why you need to start pitching for Holiday and Christmas Gift Guides now in the summer months and strategies for ensuring your brand raises above the holiday noise.   Relevant Links: www.flaunter.com

In this episode, I chat with Shnane Liem-Abbrusci, founder of Vive Social + PR out of Vancouver, Canada. We discuss her career path and what inspired her to start her own agency, how she defines success for herself and her team and the shifts she is seeing in the PR industry and she is preparing her agency and clients for the coming waves of change. Relevant Links: www.vivesocialpr.com

In this episode of the #PitchingPR podcast, we chat with @pillay.nesh, founder of Press Pillay PR, about launching startups, working with lifestyle-tech brands and the importance of having social responsibility integrated into the core values of your agency.    Relevant Links: https://www.presspillay.com/

In this episode I chat with Clara Armand-Delille - a former Googler turned founder and Managing Director of her own PR agency, Third Eye Media. We discuss how working with startups is different than established businesses and the role PR plays at each stage of investment.   Relevant Links: http://thirdeyemedia.press/ @thirdeyemedia_ on Instagram

In this episode I chat with Abby Van Den Broek founder of AVDB PR, and we discuss the public relations opportunities for the cannabis industry. We chat about doing PR pre and post legalization, what it is like to work with such a heavily regulated clients who might have high expectations, dope editorial calendars and working in this budding industry - so many puns so little time.     Relevant Links: www.abigailv.ca

In this episode of the podcast I wanted to explore the idea of brand archetypes and how we can apply them to the work we do as PR agencies – specifically using them when we are pitching new business and after we win that business, using them to pitch media and engage influencers and how these archetypes can help you better define your agency.   Relevant Links: Iconic Fox - The Ultimate Guide To Brand Archetypes: Hack the Mind of Your Customers

In this episode, we chat with Susan Jacobson from Jacobson Strategic Communications about how and why she implements a “flex-work” model at her agency. Flex work is exactly what it sounds like, but what is remarkable is how Susan has really turned the agency model and all of the traditional agency systems completely upside down and reshaped them to benefit her clients and team. She changed how she structures her teams, where they work, how they meet, their titles, time management, how she bills her clients and even how she compensates her team.  Every system was looked at critically and strategically and was reshaped to benefit the employee and untimely make for a better work environment. She made the agency work for her team, they don’t work for the agency.   RELEVANT LINKS: Jacobson Strategic Communications Susan’s Forbes Article

In this episode, we chat with Andrea Clarke about her new book #FutureFit which is about how to “future proof” your career and the need to upgrade our own capability in ways we may not have considered because she believes the future of work is about talent, not technology. I think this topic is so important for PR Professionals who are working in a constantly changing landscape – media is shifting, marketing is shifting, the whole industry is shifting – and While the fault-line is clear, so is the opportunity as long as we are willing to take our “human skills” to the next level. Relevant Links:   Future Fit on Amazon Andrea Clarke

In this episode of the Pitching PR Podcast, I share insights from CoCo Con 2019 and a panel discussion with Vanessa Craft - Editor-In-Chief of Elle Canada. She shared her thoughts on the shifting media landscape, building relationships with media and the EXACT best time of day to pitch an Editor. Relevant Links:   Co Co Con Events Elle Canada Vanessa Craft “If you want to get the results that other people don’t have, you have to do the work that other people won’t do.” - Vanessa Craft

Continuing from where we left off last month, Justine and I discuss how to take a vacation from your business without losing any business. Justine Clay is a speaker and business coach for creative entrepreneurs and freelancers. Topics: How Justine helps clients create healthy boundaries. Setting expectations and planning for a break. The importance of reminding clients that you will be taking a break. This podcast is courtesy of Pitch Graphic Design, a Toronto based firm, whose goal is to provide quality graphic designs for Public Relations. If you would like to get in touch with Pitch, please fill out the contact form. Quotes: “All of business owners know and feel like our businesses are extensions of ourselves.” -Justine Clay Resources: Justine’s Website Justine’s Email List Pitch Graphic Design on Instagram

It’s the time of year when everyone sets resolutions. In this episode Justine Clay and I discuss how everyone can set attainable business resolutions for the coming year. Justine Clay is a speaker and business coach for creative entrepreneurs and freelancers. Tune in to hear her thoughts on improving your business the seven steps for sustained success in 2019. Topics: Justine’s winding career path. The importance of setting goals. Why January is a great time for goal-setting. Knowing why you want to change. Assessing your habits. Why your ego is a problem Ways to take action. This podcast is courtesy of Pitch Graphic Design, a Toronto based firm, whose goal is to provide quality graphic designs for Public Relations. If you would like to get in touch with Pitch, please fill out the contact form. Quotes: “In order to grow you have to look in the dark spaces.” -Justine Clay Resources: Justine’s Website Justine’s Email List Pitch Graphic Design on Instagram

It’s “Christmas in July” and December and honestly kinda feels like all year long. So today, we discuss with Erinn Stewart, a Toronto-based content creator and freelance journalist, the in’s and out’s of creating Holiday gift guides and the best practices for pitching one to busy media and influencers. Topics: How Erinn’s journalism career got started and which topics are on her beat. Understanding the business culture of publications and how to use this to pitch efficiently. We review the Holiday editorial calendar and when is the best time to follow up with writers. The importance of in-person meetings vs. being phone-friends Tips for making your gift guides stand out in a crowded media landscape The  secret is out, Erinn reveals her best and worst gift guide pitches. This podcast is courtesy of Pitch Graphic Design, a Toronto based firm, whose goal is to provide quality graphic designs for Public Relations. If you would like to get in touch with Pitch, please fill out the contact form. Quotes: “The Editor is the gatekeeper. I could submit twenty great items for a gift guide and then my Editor could cut three of them because they didn’t think they were a fit.” -Erinn Stewart “Sometimes those coffee meetings aren’t always revolving around a new launch or a new product, sometimes they’re just kind of a get to know you and that is sometimes even more valuable.” Erinn Stewart “If the product is really awesome, that is really half the battle. So be honest with your Client’s and manage their expectations.” -Erinn Stewart Resources: Erinn on Twitter Pitch Graphic Design on Instagram

Today on the podcast we are asking the question: Is the press release dead? And the three worst rookie mistakes you can make when writing one. To help us decide if press releases still have a pulse is Alistair Clay - an award-winning former national journalist with 20 years’ experience working in the media and PR. He is the founder of Class:PR, the online PR training school, which has helped 100s of startups and small businesses around the world land major media coverage. Topics: Allistar’s move from Journalism to PR and how class PR got its start. Is the Press Release as we know it dead? Tips for writing a catchy headline or subject line. How the press release has evolved from old school to new school. Teaching Clients to think like a Journalist. Top three Rookie mistakes This podcast is courtesy of Pitch Graphic Design, a Toronto based design agency that exclusively works with PR Agencies; helping them create award-winning campaigns and win new clients. If you are looking to secure new clients and with Lesley at Pitch, please fill out the contact form. Quotes: “If you can’t encapsulate your news in fewer than twenty-five words it isn’t news.” -Alistair Clay Resources: Class PR Pitch Graphic Design on Instagram

On this episode of Pitching PR, I get to speak with Natalie Potosi. She explains what it’s like working at film festivals, particularly managing press junkets and dealing with unexpected bumps in the road. Natalie worked as an assistant at Alliant Films before joining Entertainment One’s PR/Promotions department. Now, she manages their PR team. Every year, she also works the Toronto International Film Festival. Listen in as Natalie describes her career path and what it’s like managing press junkets at film festivals. Topics: How Natalie promotes films for festivals The festival process Booking press events Managing variables Preparing for TIFF Anticipating inappropriate questions from the press Using social media Natalie’s biggest “uh-oh” moment This podcast is courtesy of Pitch Graphic Design, a Toronto based firm, whose goal is to provide quality graphic designs for Public Relations. If you would like to get in touch with Pitch, please fill out the contact form.  Resources: Entertainment One TIFF Natalie’s Instagram Natalie’s Twitter Quotes: “The biggest thing that I’ve learned over the years is to build buffer time into your schedule.” -Natalie Potosi  “Remember that you’re dealing with people and they have their own quirks.” -Natalie Potosi  “Everything will work out…you just have to adapt and do your best…Never assume that a schedule is finalized.” -Natalie Potosi

Shannon Lee Simmons is a CFP (Certified Financial Planner), CIM (Chartered Investment Manager, media personality, and founder of the New School of Finance. As the Author of Worry-Free Money, Shannon is considered a trailblazer in the Canadian financial planning industry. Today, we discuss the financial aspect of being a PR freelancer and/or agency owner. Tune in to hear her great insights! Topics: The New School of Finance How to financially plan for running your own business Opportunities for professional development How to finance professional development Pros and cons of hourly and flat rates The importance of keeping and organizing receipts How to bill appropriately Understanding business taxes The big mistake all freelancers make This podcast is courtesy of Pitch Graphic Design, a Toronto based firm, whose goal is to provide quality graphic designs for Public Relations. If you would like to get in touch with Pitch, please fill out the contact form. Resources: New School of Finance Shannon’s Website Worry-Free Money Pitch Graphic Design on Instagram Quotes: “As a corporation, you get to choose how much money comes out of the corporation to be your personal income.” -Shannon Lee Simmons “Just making sure that you’re up-to-date on what the government allows you to write off...it can be a bit sticky.” -Shannon Lee Simmons “The lack of tracking expenses and then not having enough money put aside for taxes. It is something that can kill your business.” - Shannon Lee Simmons

In this episode, we’ll be chatting with Megan Driscoll, CEO of Evolve MKD in New York City. Megan (who founded Evolve MKD) was named one of PR Week’s 40 Under 40 and has received over ten industry award-wins, including Female Entrepreneur of the Year – the agency is known for having a passionate staff and positive work environment. Tune in to hear our discussion about creating this positive environment and how Megan intends to perpetuate this atmosphere. Topics: What sets Evolve MKD apart Why internal culture is so important Creating a positive work environment How to measure the intangibles Mentoring This podcast is courtesy of Pitch Graphic Design, a Toronto based design firm that works exclusively with PR Agencies. If you would like to get in touch with Pitch, please fill out the contact form. Resources: Evolve MKD Evolve MKD on Facebook Evolve MKD on Instagram Evolve MKD on LinkedIn

Leslie has been on maternity leave for a year. Now, she is back working full time and has some knowledge to share with other working mothers. Tune in to hear Leslie’s insights into managing a business while on maternity leave. Topics: Setting boundaries for yourself Recognizing that something has to give Remaining flexible Adjusting plans as necessary The importance of delegation This podcast is courtesy of Pitch Graphic Design, a Toronto based firm, whose goal is to provide quality graphic designs for Public Relations. If you would like to get in touch with Pitch, please fill out the contact form. Resources: Pitch Graphic Design on Instagram Quotes: “Sometimes boundary setting doesn’t come easy...it can be as simple as saying ‘no’ to new projects or setting office hours.” -Leslie Luce “When we moved to a more structured sleep schedule, the windows I could work were limited to two hours and only over nap time.” -Leslie Luce “Don’t be afraid to ask for help; it is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of greater self-awareness.” -Leslie Luce

On this episode of Pitching PR, I get the opportunity to speak with Crosby Noricks, the founder and director of PR Couture. We discuss ways in which PR professionals can boost their reputation. Specifically, we talk about branding and raising your profile by applying to PR awards. Growing up, Crosby loved fashion and wanted to find a way to incorporate that into her career. She found that PR was the best way to pursue her interests and particularly enjoyed creating business strategies. Her successful digital and traditional marketing track record include leading both in-house and large agency teams where she got to spearhead the social and digital footprint for brands like Charlotte Russe, Creative Nail Design (CND) and Sutter Home. She created PR Couture, a platform where she could pursue her specific interest, which was and is Fashion PR. Join us as she describes her professional journey and how PR Couture has boosted her professional profile. Topics: Thinking about/pursuing long-term career goals Personal branding online and offline How to build your professional reputation Thinking of reputation building as delivering value Launching the Bespoke Communication Awards and why awards play a role in branding Tips for streamlining the application process for awards Repurposing content to your advantage Elevating your reputation through generosity  Resources: PR Couture PR Couture email Bespoke Communication Awards Crosby Noricks’ Website PR Couture on Instagram info@thebespokeawards.com  

On Today’s episode, I discuss the effects of a cluttered life with Ivanka Siolkowsky. We dive into the emotional and professional aspects of clutter and how to turn things around. Ivanka Siolkowsky was once an extremely organized teacher who turned her passion into a professional organizing business. Her enthusiasm was driven by reading Marie Kondo’s book and instituting the KonMarie method on her life. She now helps others cut down on clutter and organize their lives. Topics: Marie Kondo and her KonMari method or organization Organizing by category instead of by room Looking critically at our work wardrobes Changing the way you fold to increase space Storing seasonal or weight-related clothing items The benefit of implementing the KonMari method to your work space/office Using the KonMari method when packing This podcast is courtesy of Pitch Graphic Design, a Toronto based firm, whose goal is to provide quality graphic designs for Public Relations. If you would like to get in touch with Pitch, please fill out the contact form. Resources and Links: Ivanka's Tidy Moose Website Tidy Moose Facebook Tidy Moose Instagram @tidymoose Tidy Moose YouTube  The Original KonMari Site Quotes:   “[Clutter] has a…negative emotional effect on you.” -Ivanka Siolkowsky   “You have a system that works for you and then things flow a little bit easier.” -Ivanka Siolkowsky   “Order it in order of priority and importance.” -Ivanka Siolkowsky

On today’s podcast, I had the opportunity to speak with Nicole Murphy, an email marketing guru and fellow podcaster. We discuss the unknown benefits and misconceptions about email marketing, how to use email marketing to grow your agency and how to come back from email typos and mistakes. Nicole has an extensive background in ecommerce and online marketing and now specializes in email marketing at Freshbooks and in her own marketing consultancy, Learn to Love Email. Having spent so much time working in this specific type of marketing, Nicole has a great breadth of knowledge to share with us. Topics: E-mail is old, but not outdated Misconceptions about email marketing Avoiding being “spammy” Ways to use the data to improve your clients’ content Strategies for content development Understanding what makes your business or your clients’ business unique Finding your “written voice” The terror of email mishaps Steps for dealing with email marketing mistakes Emerging email marketing trends   This podcast is courtesy of Pitch Graphic Design, a Toronto based firm, whose goal is to provide quality graphic designs for Public Relations. If you would like to get in touch with Pitch, please fill out the contact form. Resources and Links: Learn to Love Email Learn to Love Email Podcast Learn to Love Email Blog Nicole on Instagram Freshbooks Quotes: “The second you hit that send button, you immediately start getting real time reporting…” -Nicole Murphy   “When you’re developing a content strategy for your email marketing, the first step is to really understand what it is that makes you different.” -Nicole Murphy

Today, I sit down with Ariel Rule, the blogger and owner of freelancefreedomfighter.com, in order to discuss business-related anxiety. Anxiety is a hefty topic and can greatly impact your agency or freelance business, so we go over the possible triggers and potential solutions in a fairly light-hearted and straightforward manner. Besides being the blogger and owner of Freelancefreedomfighter.com, Ariel is also a creative entrepreneur and content marketing expert. She got her start in web design, which eventually led her to discover her love of writing. She now spends a lot of her time doing content marketing for other businesses. Topics: The root of freelancer anxiety Why “faking it” isn’t a good idea Appreciating your own capabilities Potential ways to combat anxiety Focusing on self-care The importance of community This podcast is courtesy of Pitch Graphic Design, a Toronto based firm, whose goal is to provide quality graphic designs for Public Relations. If you would like to get in touch with Pitch, please fill out the contact form. Resources and Links: Freelance Freedom Fighter Mommapreneur Mastermind Group Ariel on Twitter Ariel on Instagram

Today, I speak with Kim Dawson, who, among many things, is a business strategist and founder of K. Dawson Company. We discuss the ways in which hiring and investing in your PR agency and business can create growth, not just be a reaction to growth. Kim received her degree in Accounting and pursued a career as a CPA, before realizing her passion for health and wellness. Upon getting her Master’s in Nutrition, Kim practiced as a nutritionist. Shortly thereafter, she opened K. Dawson Company, a business designed to help other women entrepreneurs achieve their goals. Topics: The success tipping point Investing in your agency and business rather than saving Why hiring will make you money, not cost you money Methods for hiring the right team Outsourcing social media Teaming up with other PR professionals when funds are low Managing your financial resources The importance of Graphic Design Creating office culture This podcast is courtesy of Pitch Graphic Design, a Toronto based firm, whose goal is to provide quality graphic designs for Public Relations. If you would like to get in touch with Pitch, please fill out the contact form. Resources and Links: K.Dawson Company Kim on Twitter Kim on Facebook Pitching PR Mainpage Pitch Graphic Design on Instagram   Quotes: “You actually make more money when you hire.” -Kim Dawson  “As you grow, you have to grow your efforts to delegate…” -Kim Dawson

On today’s podcast, I have the opportunity to speak with Riana Topan, who is a communications fellow at the Aga Khan Foundation in Uganda. We discuss the benefits of setting career goals at the start of a new year and how to turn these goals into action. Riana graduated with an arts degree, which she later spun into a career in communications. She uses her expertise as someone who successfully changed her career path to offer great insight into how to set short and long-term career goals. Topics: Why we set goals in the New Year How to evaluate your current job status Envisioning your ideal future Making plans to achieve your career goals Putting plans into action Evaluating your progress Long-term vs. short-term planning What is a “medium-term” goals and why are they so important Building a timeline for each set of goals This podcast is courtesy of Pitch Graphic Design, a Toronto based firm, whose goal is to provide quality graphic designs for Public Relations. If you would like to get in touch with Pitch, please fill out the contact form. Links and Resources: Riana on LinkedIn Pitching PR Mainpage Pitch Graphic Design on Instagram   Quotes: “Though the holidays are inevitably busy, this season is a great time to pause and reflect on all you’ve done in the past twelve months.” –Riana Topan “More often than not, setting a career plan like this will extend well beyond the next calendar year.” –Riana Topan “You’ll be much better off if you’re able to adapt to challenges as they arise and take advantage of new opportunities that come your way…” –Riana Topan  

Today’s podcast is the first in a two-part series about the key learnings from professionals who have started their own agencies. I sit down with three of the five small business owners and get into what they’ve learned, the importance of these discoveries, and how others can implement these ideas.   Aly Tsourounis, the first interviewee, started Hank PR over a year ago and specializes in consumer PR. She has also worked in PR for nine years. I also speak with Erin Richard of Hype PR, which she calls a “virtual agency”; Erin employs one full time worker and relies on a team of freelance employees. Finally, I talk to Laurie Weir of Next PR, which is in its infancy, as it was started less than a year ago. Laurie worked at various agencies for fourteen years before deciding she wanted to strike out on her own. Join me as I delve into the successes and pitfalls of running your own PR agency with these engaging women.    Topics:    Making connections  Learning when to say, “No”  Having a can-do attitude  Finding your niche  Employing freelancers to build up your small business  “Proceeding with caution” when your name is on the line  Remembering to listen  Tracking your time  Finding a trustworthy accountant who understands small business  Operating with transparency  Defining your brand   This podcast is courtesy of Pitch Graphic Design, a Toronto based firm, whose goal is to provide quality graphic designs for Public Relations. If you would like to get in touch with Pitch, please fill out the contact form.   Links and Resources:   PR Couture Website  Hank PR Website  Hype PR Website  Next PR Instagram  Next PR Twitter  The East Room  Pitching PR Mainpage  Pitch Graphic Design on Instagram   Quotes:   “Connections are everything. For those of us that work in PR…it’s our bread and butter.” -Aly Tsourounis    “When you become your own business owner, you can also get bogged down in the strategic growth of your business…so it is important to remember to stay on the front lines.” -Leslie Luce    “I found it really, really beneficial to invest up front in a really good designer.” -Laurie Weir 

Today’s podcast is about navigating maternity leave and your PR career and is cohosted by Jordana Wolch from Environics Communications in Toronto. It takes a village to raise a child and it takes a team to launch a PR campaign – so motherhood has a lot in common with PR. But adjusting to your new role as a mother and your role as a PR professional can be a challenge – I’ve heard toddlers are the most demanding clients! So we asked 15 PR Professionals who have had one or multiple maternity leaves to share their stories, wisdom and provide insight on how they navigated their PR careers and maternity leaves. Join us as we read their responses and draw on the experiences from a village of PR moms.   Topics:     Overview of Canadian maternity leave benefits  Jordana’s experience returning to work after maternity leave  Tips for telling your employer about the pregnancy  Dealing with morning sickness and your pregnancy at work  Common concerns about returning to work   Professional development while on mat leave  Advice for returning to work and balancing (or not balancing) it all   Resources:    Jordana Wolch - LinkedIn    Environics Communications    Pitching PR Mainpage     Pitch Graphic Design on Instagram     Pitching PR on iTunes     Quotes:    “For me, the anticipation of going back to work was way worse than actually going back to work. ” - Jordana Wolch    “Somedays you feel like you’re owning it and doing such a good job, and some days it all comes crashing down. You have to allow yourself to not be perfect for everyone, everyday.” -Jordana Wolch 

On today’s episode, I sit down with Emotional Wellness Coach, Barbara Erochina, about creating a compassionate workplace. The issue of compassion has risen to the forefront as new research suggests that compassionate workplaces increase employee satisfaction and loyalty. We discuss ways to be a compassionate leader and how to create an office environment where compassion encourages high performance and innovation.   Barbara combines psychiatric studies with life-coaching techniques to help people using her own approach to emotional well-being. Barbara also created the BeWith Self-Care Cards for her client’s as a tool to help them live a more compassion live towards themselves and others.   Topics:   Why compassion and self-care has been rising to the forefront  Benefits of being a compassionate leader  How compassion encourages risk-taking and innovation  Compassion vs. Sympathy  The rewards of compassionate leadership  Managing the fear of failure at work  How compassion breeds empathy for others  How the process of change affects workers  The power hierarchy and how it affects office atmosphere  Encouraging a healthy office environment   This podcast is courtesy of Pitch Graphic Design, a Toronto based firm, whose goal is to provide quality graphic designs for Public Relations. If you would like to get in touch with Pitch, please fill out the contact form.   Links and Resources:   BeWith Homepage  Barbara Erochina Coaching  BeWith Cards  BeWith on Facebook  BeWith on Instagram  Pitching PR Mainpage  Pitch Graphic Design on Instagram   Quotes:   “Self-compassion is just that first step of acknowledging something is hard.” -Barbara Erochina    “She wrote herself a letter of forgiveness…and it offered her the comfort that she needed to think about the next steps without that kind of harsh self-judgement.”-Barbara Erochina    “One of the beautiful things about self-compassion…is that self-compassion automatically builds empathy for others.” -Barbara Erochina     

On today’s episode, my guest Lorna Freeman and I discuss the strategic role music can play in public affairs. Lorna is an Account Director at Environics Communications in Toronto, working in branding strategy and has incorporated music in her campaigns for years. Music and song has been used strategically in US presidential elections since the campaign of John Adams in 1800. Using music effectively can be a great PR tactic, but using it incorrectly can backfire and even cause legal issues. Join us as we discuss the relationship between music and PR, both historically and today.   Topics:   Lorna’s background and love of music  Music as a marketing tool  Pros and cons of original compositions vs. popular music   Best practices of political campaigns using music  Music as political protest  Wrong Notes: Poor song choices in politics  Licensing in US and Canada  Artist endorsement and PR   Resources:    Lorna Freeman   Environics Communications  Pitching PR Mainpage    Pitch Graphic Design on Instagram    Pitching PR on iTunes    Quotes:     “Using a song intentionally, and NOT using a song intentionally, has meaning.” - Lesley Luce   “The way people are reacting to you and the music, becomes part of the news cycle.” - Lorna Freeman   “Artists deserve to be compensated” - Lesley Luce 

The format for today’s minisode is a little different than usual; I have decided to forgo inviting a guest and instead will briefly discuss the 2016 US Presidential Election from a graphic design perspective. It should be noted that this episode contains some explicit content (we are dealing with Trump here) so consider this warning and listen at your own caution!   Today, I get into the current presidential election from the perspective of graphic design; namely, I discuss campaign logos and the strengths weaknesses of their design. It is interesting to dissect something as powerful or off-putting as a campaign logo and I go into detail about the pro’s and con’s contained therein. Listen in as I explain why I’m With Her...logo.   Topics:   The Hilary “H” logo and personal branding  George W. Bush’s branding  Why having a simple logo is wise  Hilary gets social  The functional aspect of the “H” logo  Trump/Pence campaign’s initial, now-defunct logo   This podcast is courtesy of Pitch Graphic Design, a Toronto based design firm, whose goal is to provide quality graphic designs for Public Relations Agencies. If you would like to get in touch with Pitch, please fill out the contact form.   Links and Resources:   Pitching PR Mainpage  Pitch Graphic Design on Instagram  Pitching PR on iTunes  Hillary Clinton’s Official Campaign Website  Donald Trump’s Official Campaign Website  The old Trump/Pence logo 

On today’s podcast, I have the opportunity to speak with blogger and social media consultant, Lizzie Benson. Together, we discuss feeling burnt out from work; why it happens, how to prevent it and how to come back after a burn out.   Lizzie is an active blogger and owner of OctoberJune.com and blogs extensively. She is also a freelance social media consultant and understands what it is to be burnt out. As such, she has developed techniques to help avoid the stress and frustration of burnout. Listen in as she shares her insights on how to bounce back after experiences work and career burnout.     Topics:   The definition of burnout  Lizzie’s burnout and how she dealt with it  Scheduling personal time  Putting back-up systems in place when you need a break  Taking breaks and why “Netflix & Chill” isn’t enough  Finding inspiration and avoid comparison  Remaining persistent     Resources:   OctoberJune.com  Lizzie on Pinterest  Lizzie on Twitter  Lizzie on Instagram  Pitching PR on iTunes  Pitching PR Website  Pitch Graphic Design on Instagram   Quotes:   “I think the biggest [consequence of burnout] is complete lack of energy for personal projects.” –Lizzie    “Life runs so much more smoothly if you stick to a schedule.” –Lizzie    “Take a break. Sometimes you just have to,” -Lizzie   

Today, I welcome back Kamara Toffolo to discuss the cringe-inducing issue of rejection. Rejection is something we all face in both our personal and professional lives. During our conversation, Kamara finds a positive way to spin rejection and how it can be beneficial to creating better work.  As a career coach, Kamara knows the right steps to getting what you want out of your job. Every day, she helps her clients dare to not only work differently, but pursue what they love. With all her experience as a coach, Kamara is the perfect person to discuss rejection.  Topics:  Benefits of facing rejection Spinning rejection Dealing with too much rejection Pushing through fear  This podcast is courtesy of Pitch Graphic Design, a Toronto based firm, whose goal is to provide quality graphic designs for Public Relations. If you would like to get in touch with Pitch, please fill out the contact form.  Links and Resources:  Kamara Toffolo’s Website Kamara Toffolo on LinkedIn Kamara Toffolo on Facebook Kamara Toffolo on Twitter Branded.me “Work Differently” on YouTube Pitching PR Mainpage Pitch Graphic Design on Instagram Quotes:  “We have to be good at hustling to make things happen.” –Leslie Luce “Rejection truly trumps silence.” –Kamara Toffolo “In order to strive for what you want…you need to just push through that fear…” –Kamara Toffolo  

Today’s episode is a special one for me, as I get to speak with my former boss from P&G Canada, Melissa Karis. The two of us discuss one-to-one meetings and how important they are to creating positive office culture and advancing projects.   Melissa is the Director of Beauty Communications and leads the development and execution of PR programs for P&G’s health and beauty brands. In her time at P&G Melissa has participated in over TWO THOUSAND 1:1 meetings and knows from experience how these can strengthen or weaken a team. We discuss how to set objectives for a one-to-one meetings and how to lead and listen in these meetings to motivate and support your team. Melissa also boils it all down and provides 5 key tips for having effective and productive 1:1 meetings. If you manage a team of any size, this episode should prove particularly helpful.   Today’s Topics:    Objectives of setting up a one-on-one meeting  Prioritizing these meetings  Who should set the meeting agenda and why  Prioritizing meeting agenda  Adding a personal aspect to these one-on-one’s  The importance of listening  5 key tips for creative an effective one-on-one meeting  This podcast is courtesy of Pitch Graphic Design, a Toronto based firm, whose goal is to provide quality graphic designs for Public Relations. If you would like to get in touch with Pitch, please fill out the contact form.   Links and Resources:   Career Opportunities with P&G (Canada)  Career Opportunities with P&G (United States)  Melissa Karis on Twitter  Melissa Karis on LinkedIn  Snapchat: @MelKaris   Pitching PR Website  Pitch Graphic Design on Instagram  Pitch Graphic Design on Twitter   Quotes:  “There’s always something new to learn, even for a more experienced manager.” –Melissa Karis     “Each person and relationship is different and it’s important to know the employee and adapt your one-on-one meeting accordingly.” –Melissa Karis    “…Being a good leader means that you’re also a good listener.” – Lesley Luce 

  In this episode of the Pitching PR Podcast, we chat about the five key questions you should be asking all your prospective clients – even before you agree to the first meeting!    My guest today is Rhonda Page, a veteran business developer who now coaches agencies and freelancers on building and growing their business. Through her experience Rhonda understands the frustration and stress that comes with wasting your time on prospective clients who don’t pan and how to spot those that will turn into bankable revenue. Rhonda’s five key questions will help any PR professional decide which clients are genuine, and which should be avoided at all costs.   Today’s Topics   Rhonda Page’s experience in graphic design and business development  Asking for background information and getting the inside scoop on a project  Who’s the boss?  Listening to your intuition: deciding if you want to work on the project  Getting comfortable talking about money and asking about budgets  How to ask if your client is serious about the project  Why you should ask about your competition and what to say  Having meaningful conversations with a prospective client  How to bring the right energy to your first meeting    Links and Resources:   Rhonda Page’s Website   Rhonda’s four-month course, The Business Development Breakthrough, will be starting on August 18th 2016. This course is perfect for any freelancer, design firm owner, or business development manager who wants to significantly increase their revenue! Interested? Chat with Rhonda by emailing her at rhonda@rhondapage.com.   This podcast is hosted by Lesley Luce from Pitch Graphic Design, a Toronto-based firm specializing in the design needs of PR agencies and freelancers. More episodes of the Pitching PR Podcast can be found on iTunes or online.      

In this episode of the Pitching PR Podcast, we speak with Creative Director Daniel Francavilla and Sales Strategist Ali Hanif of Now Creative Group. The three of us discuss how to use content marketing to promote your PR business, define an Agency’s target audience and how to stay top-of-mind with potential clients.  Now Creative Group was started three years ago by Daniel; he wanted to create a one-stop creative agency that helped businesses and entrepreneurs establish their brands and grow. Ali joined soon after, and leads their business development and creative sales, with a focus on content. In this podcast we explore how they used content marketing at Now Creative Group to generate new business and then re-apply these learnings for Pitching PR listeners and business owners.  Today’s Topics:  Finding the time to produce content  Defining your B2B audience and how to create original content for them  Tracking engagement  4 key steps to produce content  The benefits to repurposing content  Efficiently managing different content platforms  Delegating social media management within the agency  The importance of  experimenting with new social media platforms   Key advice for to promoting your PR Agency with content marketing  Links and Resources:  Now Creative Group Homepage   Now on Facebook   @NowCreates on Twitter  Now on Instagram   Now on Tumblr   Now on Pinterest    More episodes of the Pitching PR Podcast  on iTunes or online  Pitch Graphic Design Website  Pitch Graphic Design on Instagram  Pitch Graphic Design on Twitter   Theme Music:  “Not Going Home” by Great Good Fine Ok  Great Good Fine Ok Website  Great Good Fine OK on Twitter   This podcast is hosted by Lesley Luce from Pitch Graphic Design, a Toronto-based firm specializing in the design needs of PR agencies and freelancers. More episodes of the Pitching PR Podcast can be found on iTunes or online.  

In this episode of the Pitching PR Podcast, we discuss a topic close to my heart: starting your own Public Relations business. My guest, Lisa Pasquin, and I discuss the challenges of starting our businesses and what we have learned from those experiences.  Lisa Pasquin and I met at Harbinger Communications, and since then she as worked at several large PR firms and founded Craft Public Relations.  In this podcast, we share our experiences of starting our businesses and insights that are helpful to those thinking of taking the plunge and doing freelance PR or starting their own agency.   Today’s Topics:   To write or not to write a business plan  Dealing with the fear of going it alone  Dealing with failures and successes  Finding success without a large team  The desire for flexibility  Time Management  Links and Resources:  Craft PR on Twitter  Read: Craft PR wins the Nintendo Business  Read: Craft PR wins the GE Business    More episodes of the Pitching PR Podcast  on iTunes or online  Pitch Graphic Design Website  Pitch Graphic Design on Instagram  Pitch Graphic Design on Twitter      This podcast is hosted by Lesley Luce from Pitch Graphic Design, a Toronto-based firm specializing in the design needs of PR agencies and freelancers. More episodes of the Pitching PR Podcast can be found on iTunes or online.    

  In this episode of the Pitching PR Podcast, we discuss a very hot topic for PR professionals: writing micro-content. Micro-content is concise writing that needs to be immediately clear and inviting to the reader. We write micro-content every day, including headlines, tweets or subject lines.     Our guest, Dawn Morrison, is a copywriter and owner of Toomanywords.ca. Though her background is in traditional marketing and PR, Dawn is now an expert at writing and editing effective micro-content. As the communications manager for a university, Dawn found that the web was becoming the most important recruitment tool; she ultimately became an expert in this kind of marketing and eventually developed her business Too Many Words, which focuses on brand marketing and content development for the web.    Today’s Topics:    Tips for making your content stand out in an oversaturated marketplace  The importance of tone  Considering the channel through which you are communicating when crafting your message  The importance of being concise  Leveraging micro-content tricks to improve long-form content  How to encourage social sharing  Focusing on audience needs    This podcast is hosted by Lesley Luce from Pitch Graphic Design, a Toronto-based firm specializing in the design needs of PR agencies and freelancers. More episodes of the Pitching PR Podcast can be found on iTunes or online.     Links and Resources:    Dawn Morrison on Twitter  Toomanywords.ca    More episodes of the Pitching PR Podcast  on iTunes or online  Pitch Graphic Design Website  Pitch Graphic Design on Instagram  Pitch Graphic Design on Twitter