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.
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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:
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.
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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:
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.
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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:
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.
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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:
On this episode of Pitching PR, I get to speak with Natalie Petozzi. 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:
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:
Quotes:
“The biggest thing that I’ve learned over the years is to build buffer time into your schedule.” -Natalie Petozzi
“Remember that you’re dealing with people and they have their own quirks.” -Natalie Petozzi
“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:
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:
“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:
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:
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:
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.
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Resources:
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:
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:
Tidy Moose Instagram @tidymoose
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:
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:
Nicole on Instagram
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.
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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:
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.
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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:
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:
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:
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:
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.
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Resources:
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.
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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:
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.
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Resources:
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:
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:
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.
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Resources:
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:
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:
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:
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)
Snapchat: @MelKaris
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
Links and Resources:
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:
Links and Resources:
Pitch Graphic Design Website
Theme Music:
“Not Going Home” by Great Good Fine Ok
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:
Links and Resources:
Pitch Graphic Design Website
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.