PR Powerhouse with Jo Swann

I got asked last week in a PR Masterclass for female entrepreneurs - "What do I do if I don't have a story? Is PR dead to me?!" This made me realise how much onus we put on storytelling and so I wanted to reassure you that there ARE other ways to do PR. In this episode I discuss 5 approaches to getting yourself in the press when you don't want to share your life story. It CAN be done! As an entrepreneur you are always doing interesting things - and you certainly have the creativity to create PR stories so have a listen and see how you can make this work to get you media coverage too.

Resources:

Join my Facebook Community PR 'You Can Do It' https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRYouCanDoIt

Follow Chocolate PR on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/chocpr

Find me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/921094561381350/user/561880111/

Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jochocpr/

Subscribe to hear the latest podcast episodes as we upload them weekly.

Thanks so much

Jo

So today's episode comes at you after a bit of a rant and as an opportunity to give you a bit of a pep talk rather than a teach - as we explore the question of whether or not startups are credible. You'll hear me talk about why I believe you are hugely credible even as a startup and why reading a news article that argued to the contrary got my goat! As we reach 20 episodes discussing the power of PR for female entrepreneurs I want you to believe that as a small business owner you are worthy of recognition, that as a startup your voice matters, that as a mission led business owner your voice needs to be heard. If you need further convincing start at episode 1 again and work your way back through but I hope this leaves you feeling empowered and that shouting loudly and banging your drum at every given opportunity is exactly what you should be doing! Media opportunities for Startups - https://thestoryexchange.org/stories/ https://thesuccessfulfounder.com/female-founders/ https://www.familyfriendlyworking.co.uk/category/mumpreneur-profiles/

Resources:

Join my Facebook Community PR 'You Can Do It' https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRYouCanDoIt

Follow Chocolate PR on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/chocpr

Find me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/921094561381350/user/561880111/

Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jochocpr/

Subscribe to hear the latest podcast episodes as we upload them weekly.

Thanks so much

Jo

We work very closely with journalists - obviously - day to day -and often we introduce national journalists to our entrepreneur clients. Last week we held a VIP meet the media day and I thought I'd share with you some of the feedback we got there as when you're pitching this kind of info is gold!

In this episode hear the top 5 tips from journalists themselves when it comes to pitching content to them.

These cover:-

1. Connecting as a human
2. Having a clear mission but not over selling it
3. Being specific with your headlines
4. Being timely and considering deadlines and keywording your email
5. Trying to give them all the answers

If you're a female entrepreneur with a mission led business, who is ready to get in the press sharing our story or your knowledge then this episode is for you! - Get on the waitlist for our Dare to Be Seen PR Accerlator for 2022 https://www.chocolatepr.co.uk/dare-to-be-seen/ - Find out more about our Make Me Famous Mastermind - applications open now https://www.chocolatepr.co.uk/makemefamous/

Resources:

Join my Facebook Community PR 'You Can Do It' https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRYouCanDoIt

Follow Chocolate PR on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/chocpr

Find me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/921094561381350/user/561880111/

Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jochocpr/

Subscribe to hear the latest podcast episodes as we upload them weekly.

Thanks so much

Jo

Last week we talked press releases - a very specific PR tool focused on getting small businesses and startups media coverage - getting press coverage as a female entrepreneur is a really important part of PR….but it's not the be all and end all. Today we're talking about More Than Media and why it's important to see the bigger Public Relations picture, when you're ready…

In this episode we explore:-

• The power of getting in the press and how this opens other doors
• The ripple effect of being featured in the media
• Why wider world networking should be a part of your PR strategy
• How creating campaigns show you really have a bigger PR mission
• How PR can increase the value of your business

Join me to explore these wider elements of PR - because whether it's right for you now, or further down the line it pays to have your eyes open to the wider opportunities PR can bring.

We dive much deeper into this in our recent 'More Than Media - Make Me Famous Masterclass' - get hold of the replay here and also seize the opportunity to book a call with me to chat about how ready to be famous you really are!

More Than Media Masterclass Replay - https://www.chocolatepr.co.uk/free-masterclass/

Resources:

Join my Facebook Community PR 'You Can Do It' https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRYouCanDoIt

Follow Chocolate PR on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/chocpr

Find me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/921094561381350/user/561880111/

Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jochocpr/

Subscribe to hear the latest podcast episodes as we upload them weekly.

Thanks so much

Jo

We have been teaching female entrepreneurs how to write a press release in our Dare to Be Seen PR Programme this week and every time we do this it really reminds me of the power of this PR tool.

Some small business owners believe that PR means Press Release - obviously it doesn't - it means Public Relations and is about so much more than just a press release but it is a very recognised PR tool.

But it is an old tool. A traditional PR tool that has been used for years - and for some this means it's outdated, it's not fit for today's media landscape, it's dead.

Join me as I share with you 5 reasons I believe the press release is not dead as we talk about:

How it does a job for journalists How it makes you press ready How it puts you in control How it's not for everyone, but that's fine How it can open doors to online coverage

Mastering the art of writing a good press release is still a very worthwhile PR activity and I share a few tips with you. By the end of this I hope you'll agree that the press release is anything but dead!

Resources:

Join my Facebook Community PR 'You Can Do It' https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRYouCanDoIt

Follow Chocolate PR on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/chocpr

Find me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/921094561381350/user/561880111/

Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jochocpr/

To register for our FREE Masterclass on 25 November to delve into this further and also learn our further 5 Steps to Famous grab your space here - https://www.chocolatepr.co.uk/free-masterclass

Subscribe to hear the latest podcast episodes as we upload them weekly.

Thanks so much

Jo

Getting recognised for your work by an award can elevate your business above and beyond competitors. It can boost your credibility and visibility as a female entrepreneur on a mission and it can also generate you press coverage....but how can PR help you win these awards? In this episode I discuss 5 ways .... We cover :- - How award entries need evidence of your mission to honour you - How gaining press coverage ticks a lot of boxes in awards submissions - How you can increase your changes of success in awards by playing the game - How owning your space in the press builds credibility to attract awards Too often in business as female entrepreneurs we play small. It's time to stop doing this. Let's go after these awards. Let's get recognised for our work. Let's help build trust around our business so we can attract more clients to help. Get under the skin of how to do all this in this episode.

Resources:

Join my Facebook Community PR 'You Can Do It' https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRYouCanDoIt

Follow Chocolate PR on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/chocpr

Find me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/921094561381350/user/561880111/

Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jochocpr/

Subscribe to hear the latest podcast episodes as we upload them weekly.

To register for our FREE Masterclass on 25 November to delve into this further and also learn our further 5 Steps to Famous grab your space here - https://www.chocolatepr.co.uk/free-masterclass

Being playful with PR - How to use Awareness Days and Diary Dates to get Press Coverage

Awareness days and diary dates are a PR Godsend - in fact many are created by PRs in the first place. When looking to get media coverage one of the rules of the game is to provide timely, topical press friendly content. Awareness days and diary dates hand this to us on a plate…

From a PR perspective these are gold - as it's often a way media plan topical content into their schedules - they know these days are coming up so they plan to create content around them… .if you can provide them with ready made content on given subject, that's their job done right - BIG TICK.

In this episode we talk about

- Why Awareness days and diary dates can create easy PR wins - How having fun with PR helps you to stand out - Some PR in action when this has recently worked like a dream!

I also share with you some dates coming up this month you could explore if you are a female entrepreneur on a mission to raise your profile through sharing your story or your knowledge.

Extra links to usual A list of Awareness Days across the next 12 months - https://www.awarenessdays.com/ Our 8 Week PR Accelerator - Dare to Be Seen - https://www.chocolatepr.co.uk/dare-to-be-seen/ Sarah's Candle business - The Bay Tree - https://www.instagram.com/thebaytree52/ Sarah - The Children's Nutritionalist https://www.childrensnutrition.co.uk/ Kim -Mind & Money Matters - https://www.mymoneymovement.co.uk/

Resources:

Join my Facebook Community PR 'You Can Do It' https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRYouCanDoIt

Follow Chocolate PR on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/chocpr

Find me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/921094561381350/user/561880111/

Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jochocpr/

Subscribe to hear the latest podcast episodes as we upload them weekly.

What happens when as a purpose and passion fuelled female entrepreneur you are attacked by visibility fears? You stay stuck, you stay hidden, you stay playing small. I don't want this for any of you, so in today's episode we chat about visibility fears when it comes to getting your message and story out there, when it comes to getting yourself PR in the press. In this episode we cover:- - The importance of facing your fears, and breaking them down so you can identity exactly what you are scared of - How you can create a new positive belief to kick those fears (which you have now proved not to be true) into touch - How you can take PR action to test the water and gain quick public relation wins - How to overcome your fear of journalists - How to give yourself a headstart -by newsjacking a topic that is already of interest It is no good living in fear. It is no good being stunted by fear -especially when you have something so valuable to share and you can improve lives by sharing it.... and there's no need either, when you learn how to break down and overcome your visibility fears. You CAN do this -you have got this. Come and join us in our free facebook group if you'd like further support. Find out more about our Dare to Be Seen Programme https://www.chocolatepr.co.uk/dare-to-be-seen/ To see Hannah's press coverage follow her here - https://www.facebook.com/hannahmckimmcoaching and https://www.instagram.com/hannahmckimmcoaching/

Resources:

Join my Facebook Community PR 'You Can Do It' https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRYouCanDoIt

Follow Chocolate PR on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/chocpr

Find me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/921094561381350/user/561880111/

Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jochocpr/

In today's episode, we are going to be talking about YOU! I know this doesn't always feel natural for everyone and my God I know what it feels like to feel uncomfortable around this but today we're talking about 'Brand You' and what this means in a PR context. Often as female entrepreneurs when we are startups we go ALL in focusing on our business - obsessing almost around what the right products and services are we need to create, what kind of website we need, what marketing we need to do - we get wrapped up in trying to make everything appear 'perfect' - but this means we often forget to stop and ask ourselves if we are being true to ourselves in all of this. If we are creating a business that we actually love, that truly reflects us and our values. As we talk about whether or not you are really showcasing the real you through your brand I also share with you why I believe value based Public Relations is so powerful.

In This Episode I discuss: How to reconnect with your values and your mission in your business How to challenge yourself and the content you are creating - asking 'Is this brand me?' Why your PR story is an essential part of value based PR The need to stand proud as you to stand out in PR

When you truly authentically communicate your values in PR this is when you attract media opportunities to help spread your message - and when you feel so much more aligned with your business as a whole, making it easier for your ideal clients to connect with you. Win win right?!

Specific additional resources fo this episode https://www.amazon.co.uk/Just-Brand-YouTM-potential-transform-ebook/dp/B091J7V5FW https://justbrandyou.co.uk/ https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/we-are-seen-with-nicki-james/id1587122930

Resources:

Join my Facebook Community PR 'You Can Do It' https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRYouCanDoIt

Follow Chocolate PR on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/chocpr

Find me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/921094561381350/user/561880111/

Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jochocpr/

Subscribe to hear the latest podcast episodes as we upload them weekly.

In this episode we are talking about how your corporate career can be PR GOLD - whether it's a part of your life you have loved, or are trying to sweep under the carpet. So often when starting our business journey as female entrepreneurs we feel like we are starting from scratch, from the bottom rung of the ladder that we need to work our way up from, even if we have had 20 years experience as a high achiever in the corporate world. Well it's time to stop discounting all of our achievements to date, and indeed time to start embracing them - for the power of PR! In this Episode You Will Learn: - How to connect with a role you perhaps hated for the greater good! - How to use your experiences to become an expert on different topics - How to combine your past experience with your knowledge today to be able to craft newsworthy PR content to pitch to the media As I have said again and again, PR is a game - and to succeed at it you have to work it! Journalists need to trust you to engage with you and to give you precious column inches. If you want to be in the media you need to use ALL the tools to help contribute to success when pitching to journalists...and the kudos that comes from your corporate career can be a big hitter....are you prepared to use it?

Resources:

Join my Facebook Community PR 'You Can Do It' https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRYouCanDoIt

Follow Chocolate PR on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/chocpr

Find me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/921094561381350/user/561880111/

Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jochocpr/

Subscribe to hear the latest podcast episodes as we upload them weekly.

Thanks so much

Jo