In this episode, PR expert Pippa Goulden talks to James Sills, who transitioned from being a secondary school teacher to a successful singing entrepreneur and BBC collaborator. 

James shares his PR journey from writing his book "Do Sing" to founding Sofa Singers during lockdown, which catapulted him into the media spotlight, and all the brilliant things that have come since.  

The conversation demonstrates how strategic PR efforts and staying true to your values can lead to remarkable opportunities.

Top PR Lessons from James:

1. Narrow your focus to expand your reach - the more specific James became about his mission, the more opportunities opened up
2. Send those emails!! Almost all his major opportunities came from him initiating contact
3. Build and nurture genuine relationships with media contacts
4. Know what you stand for (and what you'll say no to)
5. Balance strategic planning with staying open to unexpected opportunities
6. Use writing (articles, books, social posts) to clarify your message and reach
7. Work with coaches or mentors to gain clarity on your positioning

Find out more about James:

Sofa Singers - https://www.thesofasingers.com

https://www.james-sills.com

https://www.instagram.com/jsillsmusic/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamessills/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/cityofculture/bradford2025/bantam-of-the-opera/

And once you've had a listen you can:

- Join my DIY PR Membership - six month subscription for just £247 available until 6th January - use this link here

- Join the Waitlist for Get Known - my six week group sprint starting in Feb here (places launching VERY soon with some juicy early bird bonuses)

- Follow me on instagram @pippa_the.pr.set or LinkedIn (@Pippa Goulden) for more tips and insight into the world of PR

Find out more at www.theprset.com and book a discovery call with me to chat more here or email me [email protected]

In this episode of PR Made Simple, small business PR expert Pippa Goulden chats with Nicole Higgins, a leading retail expert with 20 years of experience working with brands like M&S and Primark. 

Nicole shares her insights on key retail trends for 2025, how small business owners can incorporate these trends into their PR strategy, and her journey building her own profile as a go-to expert across print and TV.

Key Topics Discussed:

• What trends mean for small business owners and why they matter
• How consumer behaviors are shifting in 2025
• Using authenticity and storytelling to connect with customers
• Experiential marketing opportunities for both online and brick-and-mortar businesses
• Building community through various channels
• Practical ways to stay updated on emerging trends
• Nicole's personal journey with PR and visibility

Find Nicole:

https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com

https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/

And once you've had a listen you can:

- Join my DIY PR Membership - six month subscription for just £247 available until 6th January - use this link here

- Join the Waitlist for Get Known - my six week group sprint starting in Feb here (places launching VERY soon with some juicy early bird bonuses)

- Follow me on instagram @pippa_the.pr.set or LinkedIn (@Pippa Goulden) for more tips and insight into the world of PR

Find out more at www.theprset.com and book a discovery call with me to chat more here or email me [email protected]

In this episode, small business PR expert Pippa Goulden chats with the fabulous Rebecca Cracknell -  coach, mentor, and former teacher who's transformed her approach to putting herself out there after completing Pippa's Get Known group sprint. 

What's in store:

• How Rebecca went from "I'm not ready for press" to bagging  publication in a major outlet in mere weeks (spoiler: you're probably more ready than you think!)
• The ways we talk ourselves out of going after what we truly want in business
• Rebecca's approach to separating herself from her business - Why stepping into your "business owner character" might be the key to conquering those nerves
• Rebecca's Practical tips for getting over the "I'll just wait until..." syndrome that's holding you back
• Starting small but dreaming big: why your existing network is your PR secret weapon
• Finding your PR sweet spot where your natural talents shine through
• The magic that happens when you take those small, brave steps forward

Meet Rebecca: 

Rebecca Cracknell is the coach, mentor and teacher for women who are building the businesses that will change their lives.
Rebecca works with women at pivotal moments in their journey; those who are ready to challenge themselves through new opportunities, rewrite the stories about what’s possible for them and finally experience their true potential. The women she works with are bored by simply striving for surface level success and are craving a life where they get to build something that reflects who they truly are and allows them to fulfil their unique purpose with real passion.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-cracknell

https://www.instagram.com/rebeccalcracknell/

Get Known

Pippa's six week group sprint that's focused on getting you known for what you do and taking the action to make it happen. Doors close on 19th May - find out more here https://www.theprset.com/get-known

And once you've had a listen you can:

- Join my DIY PR Membership - six month subscription for just £247 available until 6th January - use this link here

- Join the Waitlist for Get Known - my six week group sprint starting in Feb here (places launching VERY soon with some juicy early bird bonuses)

- Follow me on instagram @pippa_the.pr.set or LinkedIn (@Pippa Goulden) for more tips and insight into the world of PR

Find out more at www.theprset.com and book a discovery call with me to chat more here or email me [email protected]

Ooh this is a goodie - buckle in and prepare to have everything you think about rejection thrown out of the window. 

In this episode, Pippa chat to brand designer Liz Mosley about her Rejection Challenge - where she set out to get 100 rejections in her business. In this chat Liz reveals how deliberately seeking rejection has transformed her business, mindset and opened doors to unexpected opportunities. 

This conversation offers practical insights for entrepreneurs looking to overcome fear and build resilience in their PR and pitching efforts. 

From practical pitching tips to mindset transformation, authenticity and tracking the data, Liz offers her own strategies to embrace rejection and use it to boost your business. 

Key Takeaways:

• Rejection often leads to unexpected opportunities and growth
• The volume approach to pitching increases your chances of success
• Authenticity resonates more than perfection when reaching out
• Celebrating small wins maintains momentum through challenges
• Visibility consistently puts you in consideration for new opportunities
• Documenting your journey provides motivation and perspective
• Rejection is not just normal but necessary for creative business success

Find out more about Liz:

https://www.lizmosley.net/

Get your own Rejection Challenge merch here:

https://www.lizmosley.net/rejection-sticker-chart

and her podcast is 

https://buildingyourbrand.net/

And once you've had a listen you can:

- Join my DIY PR Membership - six month subscription for just £247 available until 6th January - use this link here

- Join the Waitlist for Get Known - my six week group sprint starting in Feb here (places launching VERY soon with some juicy early bird bonuses)

- Follow me on instagram @pippa_the.pr.set or LinkedIn (@Pippa Goulden) for more tips and insight into the world of PR

Find out more at www.theprset.com and book a discovery call with me to chat more here or email me [email protected]

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the endless PR possibilities for your small business? In this actionable episode, small business PR expert Pippa Goulden breaks down how to transform PR from an overwhelming monster into a manageable (and even enjoyable!) part of your business strategy.

Join Pippa as she shares practical tips to:

• Develop a focused PR strategy aligned with your business goals
• Break down your PR efforts into bite-sized, achievable chunks
• Build confidence through strategic preparation and mindset shifts
• Integrate PR seamlessly with your existing marketing efforts
• Implement a simple 15-minute daily PR habit that gets results

Whether you've been overthinking your PR approach or avoiding it altogether, this episode gives you the framework to move from paralysis to progress. As Pippa says, it's time to "send the f*cking email" and start getting the PR your business deserves!

And once you've had a listen you can:

- Join my DIY PR Membership - six month subscription for just £247 available until 6th January - use this link here

- Join the Waitlist for Get Known - my six week group sprint starting in Feb here (places launching VERY soon with some juicy early bird bonuses)

- Follow me on instagram @pippa_the.pr.set or LinkedIn (@Pippa Goulden) for more tips and insight into the world of PR

Find out more at www.theprset.com and book a discovery call with me to chat more here or email me [email protected]

PR expert Pippa Goulden sits down with the incredible Dr. Liz O'Riordan, whose journey from breast cancer surgeon to becoming a prominent advocate for cancer awareness and patient care.

She discusses the challenges she faced after her diagnosis, the importance of finding purpose through adversity, and how she has leveraged her experiences to educate and empower others. Liz emphasizes the significance of authenticity in her advocacy work, the challenges of monetizing her expertise, and the impact of her media presence and how's she's built her profile as one of the most prominent cancer advocates and experts in the UK and beyond.

Dr. O'Riordan candidly shares how her own cancer diagnosis transformed her professional path, leading her to discover new purpose through writing, speaking, and advocacy. With warmth and wisdom, she reveals the challenges and triumphs of building a media presence while staying true to her values.

The conversation also touches on the importance of strategic planning in PR, the value of knowing one's worth, and the ongoing journey of resilience and growth in the face of adversity.

 TOP TAKEAWAYS 

• Finding New Purpose: How life's unexpected turns can lead to meaningful new directions
• Authenticity as Strategy: Why genuine connection forms the foundation of effective PR
• Strategic Communication: Thoughtful approaches to maintaining presence and relevance
• Valuing Expertise: Practical wisdom on recognizing and charging for your unique knowledge
• Building Media Presence: The reality of creating lasting impact through consistent effort
• Emotional Resilience: Navigating public visibility while protecting your wellbeing
• Purpose-Driven Advocacy: Using personal experience to create positive change

Find Liz in Instagram here

More info on her website here

Her podcast here

Her YouTube here

And once you've had a listen you can:

- Join my DIY PR Membership - six month subscription for just £247 available until 6th January - use this link here

- Join the Waitlist for Get Known - my six week group sprint starting in Feb here (places launching VERY soon with some juicy early bird bonuses)

- Follow me on instagram @pippa_the.pr.set or LinkedIn (@Pippa Goulden) for more tips and insight into the world of PR

Find out more at www.theprset.com and book a discovery call with me to chat more here or email me [email protected]

In this episode PR expert Pippa Goulden chats to Nicky Elliott, founder of The Wilder Collective, an online community for female founders and freelancers. Nicky shares her refreshingly honest journey from a 15-year career in events to launching a children's clothing brand, which ultimately evolved into creating a thriving community where women in business support each other.

What We Cover:

• Nicky's Business Evolution: How her initial clothing brand 'Wilder Ones' paved the way for The Wilder Collective and her popular podcast "Women's Business"
• PR Truths: Nicky's candid experience with a PR agency that cost "a lot of money for nothing" and how she now approaches PR differently
• Community Building: The power of authentic connections and how Nicky grew her audience by being intentional with her content
• Networking Without the Ick: Why networks are absolutely fundamental to business growth (even if the word gives you the fear!)
• Wilder Live Event: Nicky's exciting new venture creating the event she wished existed for female founders

Top Takeaways:

• Why podcasts are a brilliant PR tool for creating genuine connections
• How to find your voice and stand out by discussing topics you truly care about
• The importance of "throwing mud at the wall" rather than overthinking
• Why your network is often your most valuable business asset
• How standing for something attracts exactly the right people to your brand
• Why you need to stop overthinking and get on and do it

Find out more about Nicky and her brilliant network, events and Wilder Live: 

https://thewildercollective.co.uk

Connect with Nicky on Insta here and on LinkedIn here 

And once you've had a listen you can:

- Join my DIY PR Membership - six month subscription for just £247 available until 6th January - use this link here

- Join the Waitlist for Get Known - my six week group sprint starting in Feb here (places launching VERY soon with some juicy early bird bonuses)

- Follow me on instagram @pippa_the.pr.set or LinkedIn (@Pippa Goulden) for more tips and insight into the world of PR

Find out more at www.theprset.com and book a discovery call with me to chat more here or email me [email protected]

Get ready to transform your business through the power of strategic partnerships! Join Pippa Goulden and Marketing and Growth expert Lucy Woolfenden as they reveal exactly how to 'dance on other people's dance floors' - AKA leverage partnerships to skyrocket your brand visibility and growth. 

Collaborations can be incredibly effective for small business owners and in this episode Lucy and Pippa deep dive into how to make sure they work for you and your business. 

They discuss the importance of building trust, how to make sure both sides are aligned, and how to find the right collaborators - plus how to make sure they work hard for your business to help you achieve your goals. 

Connect with Lucy on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucywoolfe/

and here: https://www.thescaleupcollective.com

These are some of the tools that Lucy Mentions in the chat:

https://dripify.io/ 

https://meetalfred.com/ 

https://www.opus.pro/ 

https://www.perplexity.ai/

And once you've had a listen you can:

- Join my DIY PR Membership - six month subscription for just £247 available until 6th January - use this link here

- Join the Waitlist for Get Known - my six week group sprint starting in Feb here (places launching VERY soon with some juicy early bird bonuses)

- Follow me on instagram @pippa_the.pr.set or LinkedIn (@Pippa Goulden) for more tips and insight into the world of PR

Find out more at www.theprset.com and book a discovery call with me to chat more here or email me [email protected]

In this episode, small business PR expert and founder of The PR Set, Pippa Goulden, reveals her proven PR system that's transformed her business.  Discover the exact daily habits strategies, and accountability frameworks that help busy entrepreneurs consistently secure PR opportunities and build their brand.

Key takeaways:

• A quick daily habit makes all the difference
• Having a PR strategy saves time 
• Daily habits in PR create momentum and consistency.
• Setting targets helps maintain focus and accountability.
• Networking is essential for getting known for what you do.
• Staying informed about what's going on out there is important 
• Having a list of PR opportunities helps 

Whether you're struggling to find time for PR or looking to enhance your current strategy, this episode provides actionable steps to make PR an effortless part of your business routine. Perfect for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone managing their own PR.

And once you've had a listen you can:

- Join my DIY PR Membership - six month subscription for just £247 available until 6th January - use this link here

- Join the Waitlist for Get Known - my six week group sprint starting in Feb here (places launching VERY soon with some juicy early bird bonuses)

- Follow me on instagram @pippa_the.pr.set or LinkedIn (@Pippa Goulden) for more tips and insight into the world of PR

Find out more at www.theprset.com and book a discovery call with me to chat more here or email me [email protected]

In this episode of PR Made Simple, PR expert Pippa Goulden digs into the 5 mindset shifts that she has made to take proactive steps to secure some key PR opportunities for her business, to inspire you to do the same. 

If you're finding that you're putting off your PR, overthinking, focusing on the wrong things or sitting back and waiting for it to happen to you, then have a listen to this and be motivated to make some changes to take action and make it happen. 

It works!

++There's some swearing in this episode!++

00:00
Mindset Matters in PR

03:11
Taking Action: The Shift from Waiting to Doing

05:58
Building Confidence: The Power of Positive Feedback

08:47
Setting Targets to help focus

12:11
The Feisty Era: Embracing Boldness in Communication

And once you've had a listen you can:

- Join my DIY PR Membership - six month subscription for just £247 available until 6th January - use this link here

- Join the Waitlist for Get Known - my six week group sprint starting in Feb here (places launching VERY soon with some juicy early bird bonuses)

- Follow me on instagram @pippa_the.pr.set or LinkedIn (@Pippa Goulden) for more tips and insight into the world of PR

Find out more at www.theprset.com and book a discovery call with me to chat more here or email me [email protected]