This episode of PR Explored explores how companies can make the most out of a partnership with a PR consultant or agency.

What do B2B clients need to bring to the start of the engagement?

Join my guest, John Forberger, communications strategist for B2B companies, and me as we dig into this topic. 

Follow the host:

Website: www.michellegarrett.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now

Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here.

About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer, welcomes guest Amanda Milligan to discuss brand authority and its critical role in public relations and marketing.

Amanda shares her background in content, SEO, and brand strategy, emphasizing the importance of holistic marketing efforts.

They delve into how brand authority is measured, identify practical steps to assess it through tools like Reddit, LLMs, and social media, and discuss the intricate relationship between owned and earned media.

The episode also addresses the evolving landscape of SEO and the importance of maintaining continuous engagement to build long-term brand trust and authority.

00:00 Welcome to PR Explored

00:28 Meet Amanda Milligan

01:38 Amanda’s Professional Journey

02:49 The Importance of Brand Authority

03:29 Challenges in Marketing and PR

04:30 Speaking Engagements and Networking

06:37 Brand Authority Club and Community Building

23:15 Defining Brand Authority

26:19 Brand Authority in PR and Communications

30:20 Why Companies Overlook Brand Authority

32:45 Introduction to Reddit Search Tool

33:22 Trust Issues in Online Platforms

35:01 Google’s Shift Towards Reddit

37:20 Using LLMs for Brand Analysis

40:18 Importance of Third-Party Signals

43:28 Tracking Mentions and Backlinks

53:48 Social Media and Content Value

58:32 Owned vs. Earned Media

01:02:41 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

Show notes:

Brand Authority Club: https://www.brandauthority.club/

Amanda Milligan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandamilligan/

Follow the host:

Website: www.michellegarrett.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now

Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here.

About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

In this episode of ‘PR Explored,’ hosted by Michelle Garrett, PR consultant and writer, the focus is on the intersection of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and corporate ethics in the realm of Public Relations.

The guest, Bo Breuklander, founder of Breuklander Communications, shares insights on how AI affects sustainability, governance, and the broader PR landscape. They discuss the importance of values, consistency, and trust in corporate behavior, and how companies can proactively address issues like DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), AI policies, and data privacy.

The conversation also touches on the current trends, challenges, and best practices for integrating AI responsibly and ethically, with a focus on employee well-being and corporate reputation. Bo highlights the necessity for companies to educate themselves about AI, develop robust policies, and maintain their core values to build trust among stakeholders.

Bo further shares insights on evaluating AI vendors and stresses the need for ongoing professional development in this rapidly evolving landscape.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:57 Guest Background and Current Work

01:41 Understanding ESG and Its Importance

08:39 AI’s Role in ESG and Sustainability

16:47 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Focus

28:36 Governance and AI Policies

40:02 Final Thoughts and Professional Development

41:44 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

Show notes:

Bo Breuklander’s Email Course: The GenAI Playbook: https://www.bobreuklander.com/generative-ai-playbook-for-executive-messaging-and-employee-engagement

Bo’s In-Person Workshop: GenAI Readiness for Communicators: https://www.bobreuklander.com/genai-readiness-workshop-for-communicators

Follow Bo Breuklander on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobreuklander/

Follow the host:

Website: www.michellegarrett.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now

Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here.

About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author, and writer, interviews Lou Covey, a veteran journalist with 55 years of experience.

Lou shares his journey from journalism to exploring cybersecurity and creating the Cyber Protection Magazine. They discuss the state of PR today, including formulaic approaches, the impact of AI, and the importance of storytelling.

They also highlight the challenges of effectively pitching to journalists, the decline of independent journalism, and the need for PR professionals to support quality journalism.

Key takeaways include the necessity of thorough research, avoiding overused phrases in press releases, fostering transparency, and the evolving relationship between paid and earned media.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:23 Guest Introduction: Lou Covey

01:52 Lou Covey’s Career Journey

05:29 The Evolution of PR

08:43 Challenges in Modern PR

11:55 The Importance of Human-Created Content

15:15 Words That Kill Trust in PR

25:15 The Disconnect Between PR and Clients

31:38 The Ego Exercise

32:13 Storytelling Principles for PR Pros

33:13 The Importance of Context in Storytelling

34:33 Finding the Right Person for Thought Leadership

35:38 Challenges with the C-Suite

40:05 Crafting Effective Pitches

41:13 The Role of Statistics in PR

43:59 Avoiding Common PR Mistakes

54:53 The Decline of Journalism

56:34 Supporting Independent Media

58:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Show notes:

Link to Cyberprotection Magazine (Lou is the editor):
​​www.cyberprotection-magazine.com

Lou’s podcast Crucial Tech: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crucial-tech/id1455648744

Lou Covey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loucovey/

Follow the host:

Website: www.michellegarrett.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now

Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here.

About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett discusses misinformation and its impact on public relations with guest Jennifer McGinley, a PR consultant specializing in healthcare.

They delve into the definitions of misinformation, disinformation, and malformation, providing insights into how organizations can prepare and respond to these challenges.

The conversation covers proactive crisis communication strategies, the importance of internal communications, media training, and the role of community building in maintaining trust and credibility.

They also emphasize the need for continuous monitoring and engagement on social media platforms to manage and address misinformation effectively.

00:00 Welcome to PR Explored

00:15 Introducing Jennifer McGinley

00:44 Understanding Misinformation, Disinformation, and Malformation

05:24 The Importance of Crisis Communication

09:26 Building Trust and Internal Communication

17:51 Navigating Social Media and Information Overload

24:48 Preparing for Misinformation in Healthcare

34:20 Navigating Trust in Health Advice

35:25 The Overwhelming Flood of Information

35:56 Skepticism and Trust in the Digital Age

36:18 The Importance of Media Literacy

37:13 Purpose and Motivation Behind Sharing Information

38:34 Managing Misinformation in Companies

39:33 Proactive Crisis Management

40:39 The Role of Social Media in Crisis Response

42:30 Monitoring Online Discussions

45:55 Leveraging Social Proof Against Disinformation

46:52 Building Community Trust

49:33 The Impact of Crisis on Reputation and Bottom Line

50:03 The Importance of Accurate Information in Research

53:38 Generational Differences in Brand Loyalty

55:20 The Role of Reviews and Feedback

56:46 The Importance of Clear Communication

58:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Show notes:

JLM Strategic Communications: https://jlmstrategiccommunications.com/

Follow Jennifer McGinley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-mcginley/

Follow the host:

Website: www.michellegarrett.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now

Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here.

About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

In this episode of PR Explored, host and PR consultant Michelle Garrett sits down with her longtime friend and colleague Erika Heald to discuss the crucial role that thought leadership plays in content marketing and PR.

Erika, a seasoned marketing communications consultant and former journalist, delves into her journey and experience in the field, highlighting the importance of having a strategy to create impactful content.

The conversation covers the definition of thought leadership, the types of content that contribute to it, and the synergy between content and PR teams. They emphasize the need for collaboration and strategic planning to maximize the impact of thought leadership efforts.

The episode is a treasure trove of insights on how to foster cross-functional teamwork and create valuable, engaging content that drives business results.

00:00 Welcome to PR Explored

01:11 Meet Erika Healed: A Journey from Journalism to Content Strategy

04:59 The Importance of Thought Leadership

05:32 Defining Thought Leadership

14:48 Creating Effective Thought Leadership Content

23:46 Integrating PR and Content Teams

29:40 Breaking Down Silos for Better Collaboration

30:31 Winning Awards with Strategic Collaboration

32:52 The Importance of Measurement in PR

39:46 Leveraging Research for Thought Leadership

51:08 Effective Interview Techniques for Content Creation

56:07 Final Thoughts on Thought Leadership and Collaboration

Show notes:

Follow Erika Heald on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikaheald/

Erika Heald Marketing Consulting: https://erikaheald.com/

Erika’s show #ContentChat: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikaheald/recent-activity/events/

Follow the host:

Website: www.michellegarrett.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now

Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here.

About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

In this episode, host Michelle Garrett, a public relations consultant and writer, interviews Doug Downs, the host of ‘Stories and Strategies’ podcast.

They discuss the significance of podcasting in PR and marketing, highlighting how podcasts can build brand trust and engage audiences more deeply than traditional social media posts.

Doug shares insights into his journey with ‘Stories and Strategies,’ a leading PR-focused podcast, and the launch of his podcast production agency. They also address common pitfalls that cause many podcasts to fail early, the importance of niching down content, and the effort required to produce and maintain a successful podcast.

Additionally, Doug emphasizes the need for more diversity in podcasting, particularly the inclusion of more women and marginalized voices as guests and hosts.

As the conversation progresses, they explore effective strategies for pitching guests to podcasts and how to differentiate oneself in a crowded media landscape.

This episode is packed with valuable insights for brands considering starting their own podcasts and for individuals looking to become notable podcast guests.

00:00 Welcome to PR Explored

00:49 Introducing Doug Downs and His Podcast

03:22 The Importance of Podcasts in PR and Marketing

09:33 Challenges and Realities of Podcasting

16:13 Building and Engaging Your Podcast Audience

29:42 The Future of Podcasting and AI

31:38 The Gender Dynamics in Podcasting

32:15 Promoting Diversity in Podcasting

33:05 Challenges in PR and Podcasting

34:28 Effective Pitching Strategies

38:21 Building Relationships Through Podcasting

48:13 The Importance of Storytelling in Podcasts

54:29 Concluding Thoughts

Show notes:

Website: https://storiesandstrategies.ca/

Podcast: https://podcast.storiesandstrategies.ca/ (now co-hosted with Farzana Baduel) – #1 PR podcast in the World per Rephonic and Goodpods

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@storiesandstrategiespodcast

YouTube video specific to how to pitch a podcast: https://youtu.be/IMdN6GROLDI

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storiesandstrategiesp

Follow the host:

Website: www.michellegarrett.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now

Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here.

About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a PR consultant, author and writer, talks with public relations consultant Crystal Richard about managing client expectations in the realm of public relations.

They delve into Crystal’s background, which includes over 15 years in the PR industry and founding her own company, Crystal Richard & Co. Crystal also shares details about her lifestyle and travel brand, East Coast Mermaid.

The discussion covers the critical aspect of setting realistic client expectations around media coverage, including the time it takes to secure placements, the importance of trade publications, and the role of consistency in pitching.

Michelle and Crystal also address common client misunderstandings regarding instant results in PR, the value of press releases, and the impact of shrinking newsroom staffs on media relations strategies.

They emphasize the need for clients to be proactive and understanding about the intricacies and timelines involved in media outreach and coverage.

Crystal offers valuable insights into effective media pitching, the significance of being available for media opportunities, and tips for businesses looking to handle their own PR.

00:00 Welcome to PR Explored

00:59 Meet Crystal Richard: PR Expert and Lifestyle Brand Founder

01:38 Crystal’s Unique PR Journey and Media Adventures

04:16 Discussing PR Expectations and Client Realities

06:28 The Challenges of Media Coverage and Client Education

12:17 The Importance of Setting Realistic PR Goals

24:32 Navigating Media Relations and Press Releases

32:06 The Importance of Press Releases in Modern PR

32:56 Effective Press Release Distribution Strategies

36:22 Adapting to Shrinking Newsrooms

39:36 Leveraging Thought Leadership and Affiliate Links

42:38 DIY PR: Tips for Small Businesses

44:20 Consistency and Persistence in PR Efforts

47:50 Building Relationships with Journalists

50:14 Setting Realistic PR Expectations

56:14 Crisis PR and Timing Considerations

57:37 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Show notes:

Crystal Richard’s site: https://www.crystalrichard.com/

Follow Crystal Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystalrichard/

Follow the host:

Website: www.michellegarrett.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now

Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here.

About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

Working with companies in so-called “boring” industries can be its own type of challenge.

PR and communications pros in industries like construction, manufacturing, agriculture and others often struggle to find creative ways to talk about what they do.

How can those in public relations and marketing breathe new life into their efforts when working in these industries?

Michelle's guest, Ayo Abbas, an award-winning built environment marketing consultant with a background in communications and public relations and host of The Built Environment Marketing Show, joins her to discuss how to approach this challenge.

Follow the host:

Website: www.michellegarrett.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now

Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here.

About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a public relations consultant, discusses the crucial topic of PR ethics with industry experts Mary Beth West and Jared Mead. They explore the importance of ethical practices in public relations, share their extensive backgrounds, and discuss the creation of an online PR ethics community on LinkedIn.

The episode covers why ethics in PR is often overlooked, the necessity of integrating ethical discussions into the classroom, and the importance of collaborating with legal teams.

Highlighting relevant resources such as industry associations, ethical guidelines, and initiatives like the International Communications Consultancy Organization (ICCO) and the Ethics and Compliance Initiative (ECI), the guests emphasize proactive steps to integrate ethical practices in PR.

The discussion also touches on the ethical use of AI in PR and the need for continuous advocacy to improve the public perception of the PR profession.

The episode concludes by encouraging PR professionals to engage deeply with ethical standards to enhance the industry’s credibility and effectiveness.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:39 Mary Beth’s Background and PR Ethics Advocacy

01:57 Jared’s Background and Ethics in PR

03:33 The Importance of PR Ethics

05:02 Challenges in Discussing PR Ethics

08:05 Ethics Education in PR

17:05 Handling Unethical Requests

25:44 Creating Effective Ethics Guidelines

31:35 The Psychological Toll of Whistleblowing

34:20 The Importance of Legal and PR Collaboration

37:07 Navigating the Court of Public Opinion

43:10 Ethical Use of AI in PR

55:51 Advocating for PR Ethics

58:40 Final Thoughts and Resources

Show notes:

PR Ethics community on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/prethics/

Mary Beth West on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbwcommunications/

Jared Meade on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredmeademps/

Jared Meade of Rayne Strategy Group website: https://www.raynestrategygroup.com/

Follow the host:

Website: www.michellegarrett.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now

Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here.

About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker and podcast guest on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.