The PR Maven Podcast

About the guest:    

Sabina Hitchen is an entrepreneur, speaker, and media expert dedicated to shining a spotlight on small business owners through her publicity education and solutions as well as her on-air small business segments. All of her professional work is rooted in educating and empowering entrepreneurs to get publicity strategically and confidently.

In Sabina’s former professional life she was a high school teacher and education curriculum creator before moving on to a career in public relations in New York City. It was there that she learned to successfully tell the stories of businesses of all sizes in the national and local media. Once she saw the impact that publicity had on small businesses she dedicated herself to creating accessible solutions, tools, resources to help them utilize it for growth.

Sabina now sits as the founder and “principal” of Press for Success PR Prep School where business owners around the country can access streaming online PR and buzz-building classes as well connect with others around the country within the community that has grown around the platform.

Sabina and her work have been seen in Good Morning America, USA Today, The Huffington Post, Fox Business News, ABC News, NBC News, Shape Magazine, Women’s Health, Forbes, and more.

Sabina lives with her husband, daughter, and dog George Michael in Maine.

In the episode:    

Sabina Hitchen started her career as a high school teacher before moving on to a career in public relations. Now she has come full circle teaching small business owners how to earn publicity. In this episode, Sabina talks about why publicity is valuable for businesses and how it can be attainable even on a small budget. Through her examples and advice, learn how to do the publicity for your own small business in this episode.

2:30 – Sabina explains why publicity is valuable to businesses.

4:12 – After being a teacher in Chicago, Sabina talks about changing careers to public relations.

8:29 – Sabina describes how publicity for small business is changing and evolving in 2021.

13:20 – Nancy and Sabina talk about how they were first connected and give a shout out to Sabina’s parents.

15:29 – Sabina shares why she is so passionate about teaching publicity to small business owners and entrepreneurs.

19:10 – Sabina describes some of the PR strategies that are most often overlooked.

24:40- Nancy and Sabina talk about the value of using Twitter for PR.

27:50 – Sabina shares an example of an amazing accomplishment from one of her students.

33:31 – Sabina lists the steps to learn how to pitch.

38:30 – Sabina describes the difference between targeted pitching and using a wire service.

41:27 – Sabina shares a resource that has helped her.

Quote:

“Once you get publicity, that is not the end. This is when you have to leverage your publicity because not everybody is tuning into News Center Maine, Headline News, CNN, Fox and Friends or whatever. You're on at that very moment. We are inundated with content, so when you get that publicity, that's just the beginning. Then you have to share it.” - Sabina Hitchen, founder of Press for Success

Links:

www.pressforsuccuess.com

www.sabinaknows.com

Inside My Locket: https://www.insidemylocket.com/

The Daily: https://www.nytimes.com/column/the-daily

Listen for Nancy’s interview with Christine Richards on handwritten thank-you notes.

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Looking to connect:          

Email: [email protected]

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

Twitter: @sabinaknows

Instagram: @sabinaknows

About the guest:    

Jackie Berlowksi is the founder of GreatHerGood.com, a boutique public relations firm supporting entrepreneurs and changemakers. Prior to launching GreatHerGood, she founded JackieDeals, a website offering a gallery of undiscovered products created by female founders which has since become a part of the larger GreatHerGood community. Jackie’s motto “If you’re a woman in business, it’s essential to support OTHER women in business” has resonated with women everywhere and has helped her achieve her own success.

Through the GreatHerGood community, Jackie has partnered with amazing leaders and personalities where she specializes in sharing the story behind the brand and providing strategy-driven plans that amplify all aspects of their story.

As a native New Yorker, Jackie worked for several years in the television business including the Late Show with David Letterman and the Oxygen Network. She has transformed her booking and PR talents into GreatHerGood PR where her clients’ needs are the top priority. GHG earns stellar media placements, credibility and bottom-line results for their clients. She has worked with top producers, writers, musicians, actors and stylists from around the world and greatly values the relationships she has built over the last 15 years. Jackie also booked top-tier talent for national radio markets including Yoko Ono, Dick Van Dyke, Rosie O'Donnell, Larry Hagman, David Cassidy, Bobby Flay, Martha Stewart, Ray Davies, Gary Busey, Marilu Henner, Marlo Thomas, and Duchess Sarah Ferguson.

Jackie herself has been featured in Better Homes and Gardens, on MSNBC, Lifetime Television, Thrive Global, Buzzfeed, Star Magazine, Boca Life Magazine and Savor Life Magazine.

Jackie also has an extensive background in event planning and marketing.

Now, you can find Jackie in south Florida with her 9-year-old son Tyler and her husband, Steve.

In the episode:    

In this episode, Jackie Berlowksi joins Nancy to talk about why public relations is an essential part of your business plan. Often PR and marketing budgets are the first to be cut, but Jackie explains how your business cannot grow without PR and why it is so important to make PR an integral part of your business plan. Jackie also points out that PR is not just for big businesses. Whether big or small, find out how to grow your business through PR in this episode.

3:23 - Jackie explains why businesses need PR, no matter the size.

7:26 – Jackie describes how to measure ROI for PR.

12:15 – Jackie talks about the differences between a good publicist and an exceptional publicist.

20:33 – Jackie shares a story that left a lasting impression on her PR career.

32:20 - Jackie explains why persistence and relationships are so important.

36:53 – Jackie talks about why PR should be built into a business model right from the beginning.

39:28 – Jackie shares some resources that have helped her.

Quote:

“Some of us tend to think that PR is really only for large, multinational brands that have these huge marketing budgets. The reality is any business owner at any level, I think, can benefit from PR greatly. It's extremely powerful. It's a tool that I feel like a lot of businesses should be utilizing and it's often underestimated.” - Jackie Berlowski, publicist and founder of GreatHerGood PR

Links:

GreatHerGood: http://greathergood.com/

Oprah: https://www.oprah.com/

Marie Forleo: https://www.marieforleo.com/

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Looking to connect:          

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-berlowski-4bb8638/

Instagram: @greathergood

About the guest:    

Christine Richards is a professional graphic designer, writer, and editor specializing in nonfiction book coaching and design. She is an avid letter writer, collage artist, and founder of Composition1206 and Postmark1206.

January 23rd was National Handwriting Day and Christine’s book A Snail Mail Guide To Cursive Writing Practice illustrates that snail mail is not only alive and well, but an effective way to reach out and connect with people. With her new book and a stash of note cards on hand, she is well-equipped to use two of her favorite techniques for building a personal brand: writing a book and sending handwritten notes to colleagues.

In the episode:    

How do you feel when you receive a handwritten note in the mail? In this episode, Christine Richards talks with Nancy about her passion for sending handwritten notes. Not only is Christine an avid note writer, but she also helps others write books. Cristine shares why having a well-written book is so important for your business or personal brand. Design also comes into play as Christine describes her graphic design and collage making background, helping to make books more visually appealing.

1:57 – Christine describes how her career started at the National Park Service.

4:07 – Christine talks about why handwritten notes appeal to her so much.

6:09 – Christine shares how to use handwritten notes in business.

11:41 – Nancy and Christine talk about how they started writing to each other.

15:35 – Christine explains the value of writing a book for your business.

17:59 – Christine describes why it is important to get professional help with your book.

23:14 – Christine shares what a book coach is and why you should hire one to help you with your book.

30:14 – Christine talks about the reason why she uses music notes in her collages.

Quote:

“We get to share our stories. Whether you tell a story or you say, ‘Thank you,’ getting the mail is what makes people feel good because they know that you've been thinking about them.” - Christine Richards, writer, nonfiction book consultant and graphic designer at Composition1206

Links:

A Snail Mail Guide to Cursive Writing Practice: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578795094

The Miracle Morning with Hal Elrod: https://miraclemorning.com/

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron: https://www.amazon.com/Artists-Way-25th-Anniversary/dp/0143129252

www.composition1206.com

www.postmark1206.com

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Looking to connect:          

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinerichardsc1206/

About the guest:    

Phil Gerbyshak knows sales. He’s a sales speaker, a sales expert, a sales trainer, a sales leader mentor, a sales podcaster and a sales coach. He's written 5 books, more than 3000 articles, and has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Daily Globe and Mail, Financial Times, Investor's Business Daily, Inc. and many other publications, including earning 3 covers: Speaker Magazine, Marketing Media and Money, and Social Selling Made Easy.

He’s a former vice president of information technology at a financial services company, where he and his team were responsible for supporting and explaining how to leverage over 100 applications used by six different business units. Phil has also worked as the director of social strategy, where he coached, consulted with and trained customers and prospects on how to integrate social media and digital selling tactics into their organization’s daily sales and marketing practices. He has sold high-speed internet, stocks, bonds, options, mutual funds, and subscription software. His clients included many of the largest financial services, banking and insurance firms in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Phil is known as a sales, leadership and technology authority with particular expertise in LinkedIn and social selling.

Now, Phil trains, consults with and leads sales teams, organizations and business owners on the power of connection to grow profitable, long-term clients. People matter - and they don’t scale.

Phil travels the world speaking and claims Tampa, Florida as his home where he spends his free time taking long walks along the white sand beaches.

In the episode:    

Phil Gerbyshak recognized early on in his career that sales tied in with every part of business. In this episode, Phil talks about what it takes to be a great salesperson and the connection sales has to PR and marketing. While founders may not be great salespeople, Phil points out how great leaders are often great salespeople. Phil also explains how PR, marketing and sales work together to generate new clients and scale businesses.

3:01 – Phil explains the path of his career and how everything he did led to sales.

4:57 – Phil describes how processes are crucial to have a scalable business.

8:13 – Phil shares how to hire your first salesperson.

11:32 – Phil talks about why founders are not good salespeople.

19:27 – Phil explains the connection between PR, marketing and sales.

22:34 – Phil describes the similarities between great leaders and great salespeople.

24:40 – Phil shares the key to his positive attitude.

29:12 – Phil recommends a book, an app and a website that has been helpful for him.

Quote:

“Whether it's on social, in PR, on a podcast, face-to-face, over Zoom, on the telephone, it doesn't make any difference. Customers are always expecting the same level of care, compassion, empathy and service that adds value to their life each and every time, each and every way that we touch them. That's why it's important we have systems and things in place.” - Phil Gerbyshak, chief revenue officer and founding partner at Process and Results

Links:

www.processandresults.com

The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber: https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Revisited-Small-Businesses-About/dp/0887307280

How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie: https://www.amazon.com/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People/dp/0671027034

Otter: https://otter.ai/login

Feedly: https://feedly.com/

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Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://LinkedIn.com/in/Philgerb

Twitter: @PhilGerb

About the guest:    

Matias Rodsevich is a PR specialist and author of the book: The PR Paradox: Mastering the art of PR for startups and scale-ups. Matias has vast years of PR experience, from managing PR for IBM and Google in Argentina to founding his PR agency in the heart of Amsterdam, Netherlands.

His agency PRLab works with some of the fastest-growing tech startups and scale-ups in Europe, providing an integrated marketing approach. Not only handling PR for their clients but also branding services to align missions, visions and values, in order to create a compelling story that places these blossoming startups in a strong position in the saturated tech market.

Rodsevich also founded the first PR community in the Netherlands; establishing a platform for marketing and communication professionals to share their knowledge, insights, and expertise with other professionals.

In the episode:    

After starting his PR career working for companies like IBM and Google, Matias Rodsevich changed gears to bring his experience and knowledge to startups. From strategy to media relationships, Matias explains how he works with clients and journalists in a field where there is constant change. Matias offers tips for working with startups and shares some of the differences between working with startups and established brands, such as building their reputation.

2:10 – Matias talks about how he got his start in PR with companies like IBM and Google.

3:36 – Matias shares why he was interested in doing PR for startups.

7:40 – Matias explains the long-term benefit of PR for startups.

12:43 – Matias describes the steps he takes to develop PR strategies for his clients.

16:55 – Matias shares how important media training is for clients.

19:25 – Matias explains how he builds long-term relationships with journalists.

26:47 – Matias lists a few media training tips.

29:33 – Matias talks about the benefits of thought leadership.

31:50 – Matias shares how to scale up your PR strategies as you scale up a business.

34:35 – Matias gives his tips for crisis communications and how communications during COVID-19 are different.

Quote:

“I think ultimately journalists really like when you provide them with fresh insights.  We're always conducting little surveys through our newsletter, for example. Just start a conversation with them and keep in touch.” - Matias Rodsevich, CEO and founder of PRLab

Links:

PRLab: https://prlab.co/

The PR Paradox by Matias Rodsevich: https://www.amazon.com/PR-Paradox-Master-Startup-Scale-up/dp/9090337113/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=The+PR+Paradox&qid=1610383926&sr=8-1

The Portland Pod: https://portlandpod.com/

Message Map Mastery Course: https://prmaven.com/message-course/

Why It's Invaluable When People Say 'I've Heard Of You': https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesagencycouncil/2020/11/03/why-its-invaluable-when-people-say-ive-heard-of-you/?sh=57126b0c37e8

Listen to Nancy solocast on message mapping.

Listen to Steve McCausland’s PR Maven® Podcast episode on crisis communications.

Activate the PR Maven® Flash Briefing on your Alexa Device. 

Join the PR Maven® Facebook group page. 

Looking to connect:          

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mat%C3%ADas-rodsevich-12964043/

About the guest:    

Fabiana Meléndez is a communications expert and strategic storyteller currently serving as the senior publicist for Zilker Media, an Austin-based agency building people-driven brands. Fabiana uses her industry expertise, and passion for developing in-depth communication strategies, to generate brand awareness for brands and their leaders.

Since joining the Zilker Media family, Fabiana has counseled her clients on the ins and outs of a changing media landscape to break through the noise of a saturated market and achieve their personal brand goals. She has landed top-tier hits for clients in Business Insider, Fast Company, USA Today, U.S. News & World Report and more.

Fabiana enjoys sharing her expertise in communications strategies, public relations brand awareness and her thoughts on navigating the workforce with business and lifestyle media. She has provided tips for navigating the workforce to fellow millennials and Gen Z, shared insights on viral influencer campaigns and marketing trends in the hospitality and legal industries. She has been featured in Fast Company, Reader’s Digest, Refinery29, ABA Journal, Fairy God Boss, Authority Magazine, Modern Restaurant Management, etc.

She received her bachelor’s degree in communication with an emphasis in public relations and advertising from St. Edward's University and holds a minor in Spanish sociolinguistics. She currently lives in Austin, Texas where she enjoys the local culinary scene, aerial arts, dance and spending time with her partner and family.

In the episode:    

Fabiana Meléndez takes an open and honest approach with clients, helping to educate them about what public relations entails and creating a plan of action that integrates both the clients’ strategy and the ebbs and flows of the media cycle. In this episode, Fabiana talks about her frank approach to working with clients and with journalists. Instead of reaching out to journalists just for the story, Fabiana describes how she builds relationships with journalists through creating personal connections. Fabiana also describes her work with clients to share their genuine stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion and how important these topics are to public relations today.

2:40 – Fabiana shares how she initially went to college to be a forensic medical examiner but found her passion for PR.

6:07 – Fabiana describes her no BS approach to PR by always being honest with the client about strategy and the media cycle.

10:07 – In addition to the honest discussions she has with clients, Fabiana talks about the up-front conversations she has with journalists and how she builds relationships.

13:46 – Fabiana lists the different ways she connects with journalists.

20:38 – Fabiana defines diversity marketing and how to reach more diverse audiences.

22:12 – Fabiana describes the difference between advertising and PR and why she thinks PR will outlast advertising.

26:34 – Fabiana explains why diversity, equity, and inclusion are important in PR.

34:32 – Fabiana shares some resources that have helped her in her career.

Quote:

“Publicists are connectors of people. That is one of the basic things we do aside from telling stories. If we're not building connections ourselves, how can we connect clients to the people that they also want to be connected with?” - Fabiana Meléndez, senior publicist at Zilker Media

Links:

Zilker Media: https://zilkermedia.com/

St. Edward's University: https://www.stedwards.edu/

How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi: https://www.amazon.com/How-Be-Antiracist-Ibram-Kendi/dp/0525509283

If You Have to Cry, Go Outside by Kelly Cutrone: https://www.amazon.com/If-You-Have-Cry-Outside/dp/0061930946

PR Couture: https://www.prcouture.com/

Learn more:

Advertising vs. Public Relations: https://www.marshallpr.com/advertising-vs-public-relations-what-is-the-difference/

Crisis Communications: https://www.marshallpr.com/podcast/episode-118-how-to-communicate-during-a-crisis-with-steve-mccausland-communications-specialist-at-marshall-communications/

Activate the PR Maven® Flash Briefing on your Alexa Device. 

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Looking to connect:          

Email: [email protected]

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

Twitter: @ThePRBish

About the guest:    

As a 6th grader, Brandon HATED lunch. Like any self-conscious 11-year-old, he cared deeply about what his friends thought of him.... and didn’t want his friends to find out that his family qualified for free lunch.

13 years later, he considers that experience to be one of the best things that ever happened to him. It was that experience that taught him that resourcefulness is a far greater asset than any resource. From that moment onward, resourcefulness began to play a critical role in his life.

In college, Brandon acquired $30,000+ in scholarships, published a book, worked on his first startup company, studied abroad twice, graduated summa cum laude with a double major in entrepreneurship and marketing with a minor in Spanish, and was selected to deliver the student commencement speech.

After graduation, he spent an entire year traveling the world (now up to 23 countries) with his wife while running the marketing for SuperHuman Academy — a 7-figure online education company with over 250,000 students. During that time, his mentor helped him to become the youngest member of Genius Network (an exclusive $25,000/year mastermind for elite 7-figure entrepreneurs) and launch his first online product that generated $44,738 in one week.

In 2019, he was named to Wisconsin’s “Top 25 Under 25” list and was a finalist on season 4 of Wisconsin’s hit TV show, Project Pitch It.

Today, Brandon is focused on his newest brand called 7-Figure Millennials. He's on a mission to help 10,000 millennial entrepreneurs to build wealth through the power of connection while prioritizing their health and relationships.

In the episode:    

From a young age, Brandon Fong had a passion for networking and an entrepreneurial drive. In this episode of The PR Maven® Podcast, Brandon shares the story of how he became a networking expert starting before he even graduated from high school. Brandon also talks about how he has built his personal brand and what The Magic Connection Method is. Learn Brandon’s tips for building your business and personal brand and maintaining your health and relationships.

1:41 – Brandon dives in by telling his story and describing how he became a networking expert.

7:05 – Brandon shares more about 7-Figure Millennials.

9:47 – Brandon describes how personal branding has helped him.

12:26 – Brandon shares how his personal brand has opened new opportunities for him.

14:29 – Brandon talks about how LinkedIn enhances his personal brand.

20:52 – Branding describes how a personal website can showcase your brand.

23:52 – Brandon explains the magic connection method.

Quote

“I learned the power of what one connection can really do for you and I truly believe that anyone listening to this right now, you're always just one connection away from really getting to that next level in your life.”- Brandon Fong, entrepreneur, marketer, author, and world traveler, 7-Figure Millennials

Links:

7-Figure Millennial Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/7-figure-millennials/id1539028952

Special Gift: www.Bfo.ng/prm

Brandon’s Website: www.brandon-fong.com

The Magic Connection Method by Brandon Fong: www.magicconnectionmethod.com

Use this coupon code at checkout for $500 of bonuses: 7FM

Genius Network: https://geniusnetwork.com/

Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty: https://www.amazon.com/Think-Like-Monk-Train-Purpose/dp/1982134488

Joe Polish: https://joepolish.com/

SuperHuman Academy: https://superhumanacademy.com/

The Power Formula for LinkedIn Success by Wayne Breitbarth: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Formula-LinkedIn-Success-Fourth/dp/1626346208

Dean Jackson: https://www.deanjackson.com/

Never Split the Difference by Chris: https://www.amazon.com/Never-Split-Difference-Negotiating-Depended/dp/0062407805

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Looking to connect:          

Email: [email protected]

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

About the guest:    

Shane Leketa is a Navy veteran of 11 years and is currently working full time as an area manager for a cell phone company acting as a business consultant to private owners. He has a wife of 18 years, a son of 15 and a dog of 7.

Shane started his podcast about three years ago as he was working on the mental side of losing weight through blogging and journaling and then recording his audio thoughts. His podcast, CoffeeTalk with Liquidshano1973, has gained a hearty following, surpassing 175k downloads and over 1.75 million plays.

Shane’s vision and mission are to inspire, motivate and encourage others to truly become their authentic and true selves. Believe in yourself, see your self-worth and then, at the end of the day, put the work in going for your goals and dreams.

In the episode:    

Shane Leketa, also known as Liquidshano, shares how he passes along positivity in this episode. Shane talks about each of the ways he is trying to make a positive impact and how doing so has increased his podcast and social media followings. From waking up in the morning, looking in the mirror and describing what he is grateful for to joining TikTok to share positivity and creating avatars for people in exchange for donations that he uses to tip restaurant and bar workers, Shane is always spreading the power of positivity.

3:38 – Share explains what motivates him to motivate others.

5:04 – Shane talks about being able to share his message around the world, right from his living room.

6:05 – Shane defines the Oprah Effect.

10:31 – Nancy and Shane talk about building your network around your authentic self.

15:58 – In addition to his podcast, Shane shares where you can find him on the internet.

24:27 – Nancy asks where the name for Shane’s podcast came from.

27:22 – Shane talks about some new projects he is working on.

33:43 – Shane describes what he attributes his success to.

37:53 – Shane shares how COVID-19 has impacted his life and how he is trying to positively impact others.

43:35 – Shane describes where he sees himself in five years.

45:29 – Shane shares some resources that have helped him.

Quote

“Whether it's through brand recognition, whether it's just trying to build a business or whether it's just spreading positivity, it doesn't matter. Just go out there and be a positive influence. That's all we need to do in this world. We need it right now.” - Shane Leketa, host of CoffeeTalk with Liquidshano1973

Links:

CoffeeTalk with Liquidshano1973: https://www.coffee-talk.net/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/en/

Gary Vee: https://www.garyvaynerchuk.com/

No Finish Line Nation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nofinishlinenation

Weight Watchers: https://www.weightwatchers.com/us/

Grow Your Audience, Grow Your Brand by Nancy Marshall: https://www.amazon.com/Grow-Your-Audience-Brand/dp/B088JS6YL4/ref=pd_lpo_14_t_0/131-4386658-2623321?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B088JS6YL4&pd_rd_r=1e8e34bf-db12-41f8-bb6f-4189602723e1&pd_rd_w=d8a8f&pd_rd_wg=9LLP6&pf_rd_p=7b36d496-f366-4631-94d3-61b87b52511b&pf_rd_r=YST38MAWEA2SV06NMG51&psc=1&refRID=YST38MAWEA2SV06NMG51

StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/

The Portland Pod: https://portlandpod.com/

Nonesuch River Brewing: https://nonesuchriverbrewing.com/

Cowbell Grill & Tap: https://www.cowbellmaine.com/

O’Reilly's Cure Restaurant & Bar: https://www.oreillyscure.com/

Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven: https://www.amazon.com/Make-Your-Bed-Little-Things/dp/1455570249  

Procreate: https://procreate.art/

Listen to John Lee Dumas’ PR Maven® Podcast episode

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Looking to connect:          

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @liquidshano1973

TikTok: @liquidshano

Instagram: @liquidshano1973

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shane.leketa

About the guest:    

Michael Sean Comerford is a writer and Pulitzer Prize-nominated former international journalist who worked in Chicago, New York, Budapest, and Moscow.

He’s bicycled cross country three times and hitchhiked across America, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. He’s ridden freight trains and rounded-up cattle out West, studied Buddhism in the Himalayas, and won a heavyweight boxing championship in Ireland. He toured almost 100 countries, swam the headwaters of the Nile, fought off a hippo attack, and toured ecological disaster areas in the Amazon.

Comerford’s bylines have appeared in the Huffington Post, New York Daily News, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, Daily Herald, Copley News Service, Budapest Sun, Budapest Business Journal and the Moscow Times.

He lives in the Chicago area to be near his daughter Grace. He’s promised her that he’ll stay closer to home for a while.

In the episode:    

Michael Sean Comerford is living his life to the fullest! In this episode, listen to Michael tell the tales of his travels from hitchhiking across North America to working at carnivals and more. Find out Michael’s philosophy on storytelling and where the true magic of storytelling comes from. Learn how Michael found his passion and where to start in the journey of finding and living your passion.

2:14 – Michael describes what drew him to follow carnivals.  

4:54 – Nancy asks Michael how he became the number one hitchhiker in America.

8:47 – Michael shares some of his favorite stories from his travels.

14:57 – Michael talks about how the magic of storytelling happens in the refining of the story.

17:37 – Michael talks about his upcoming books on topics like green living

22:09 - Michael shares a bally with Nancy and talks about his book, America Oz.  

28:14 – Michael explains how storytelling relates to personal branding.

34:04 - Nancy and Michael talk about finding their Dharma.

37:19 – Michael shares some of his hitchhiking experiences.

43:36 – Michael gives advice to people working in jobs they don’t like.

Quote

“Live life now. Don't wait for retirement or for when you're older and you can do other things. You're already alive and feel, look for, all the great ways that you can be alive now.” - Michael Sean Comerford, book author and publisher at Comerford Publishing LLC

Links:

Skowhegan State Fair: https://skowheganstatefair.com/

The Kennedy Center: https://www.kennedy-center.org/

The Met: https://www.metmuseum.org/

Radio City Music Hall: https://www.msg.com/radio-city-music-hall?cmp=van_radiocity

Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller: https://www.amazon.com/Building-StoryBrand-Clarify-Message-Customers/dp/0718033329

PR Works! by Nancy Marshall: https://www.amazon.com/PR-Works-implement-leverage-relations/dp/1511641614

Grow Your Audience, Grow Your Brand by Nancy Marshall: https://www.amazon.com/Grow-Your-Audience-Brand/dp/B088JS6YL4/ref=pd_lpo_14_t_0/131-4386658-2623321?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B088JS6YL4&pd_rd_r=1e8e34bf-db12-41f8-bb6f-4189602723e1&pd_rd_w=d8a8f&pd_rd_wg=9LLP6&pf_rd_p=7b36d496-f366-4631-94d3-61b87b52511b&pf_rd_r=YST38MAWEA2SV06NMG51&psc=1&refRID=YST38MAWEA2SV06NMG51

American Oz by Michael Sean Comerford: https://www.amazon.com/American-Astonishing-Traveling-Hitchhiking-California/dp/1952693004

Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty: https://www.amazon.com/Think-Like-Monk-Train-Purpose-ebook/dp/B07Y8QL432/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=Think+Like+a+Monk+by+Jay+Shetty&qid=1607965286&s=books&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzUzVXVlJGVjU5QVVKJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNDg0OTgyMlhFU1ZOOFhCTkJWNyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNzQ3MzM0MVFLU1gyM1NYSVFPQyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Activate the PR Maven® Flash Briefing on your Alexa Device. 

Join the PR Maven® Facebook group page. 

Looking to connect:          

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-sean-comerford/

Twitter: @mikecomerford

About the guest:    

As founder and CEO of Kanopi Studios, Anne helps create clarity around project needs and turns client conversations into actionable outcomes. She enjoys helping clients identify their problems, and then empowering the Kanopi team to execute great solutions.

Anne is an advocate for open source and co-organizes the Bay Area Drupal Camp. When she’s not contributing to the community or running her thoughtful web agency, she enjoys yoga, meditation, treehouses, dharma, cycling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and hanging with her nephew.

In the episode:    

How often do you update your website? While many businesses completely redesign their website every two to three years, Anne and her team at Kanopi Studios take a different approach. By continuously updating their clients’ websites, Kanopi is able to increase the longevity of a website to ten years! Anne describes this approach to web design in this episode and how constant web adjustments are better for SEO and ROI. Find out how you can maximize your website’s potential!

1:49 – Anne explains how the name of her business, Kanopi Studios, originated from growing up in Costa Rica.

3:38 – Anne talks about how COVID-19 has impacted her business.

4:19 – Anne describes the holistic approach she and her team takes to web design.

7:21 – Anne shares how she has used digital marketing to build the network of her agency.

10:58 – Anne explains what makes Kanopi Studios different from competitors.

13:04 – Anne talks about how she built a community around her brand.

15:39 – Anne describes how important maintaining your website is.

20:39 – Anne explains the how and why of website support.

26:59 – Anne talks about Google’s changing algorithm.

30:10 – Anne shares the different ways she builds her own personal brand.

Helping female entrepreneurs thrive

32:12 – Anne offers some resources that have been helpful for her.

Quote

“We find that it is so important to combine your website efforts with all of your offline efforts. Usually, you end up directing folks to your website. Whether you’re at an event networking, you end up saying ‘Here’s my card,” and they’ll end up at your website.” - Anne Stefanyk, founder and CEO of Kanopi Studios

Links:

Kanopi Studios: https://kanopi.com/

Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller: https://www.amazon.com/Building-StoryBrand-Clarify-Message-Customers/dp/0718033329

Open Source: https://opensource.org/

Start with Why by Simon Sinek: https://www.amazon.com/Start-Why-Leaders-Inspire-Everyone/dp/1591846447

Hotjar: https://www.hotjar.com/

Google Analytics: https://analytics.google.com/

Audible: https://www.audible.com/

Simple Habit: https://www.simplehabit.com/

Profit First by Mike Michalowicz: https://www.amazon.com/Profit-First-Transform-Cash-Eating-Money-Making-ebook/dp/B01HCGYTH4

Never Lose a Customer Again by Joey Coleman: https://www.amazon.com/Never-Lose-Customer-Again-Lifelong/dp/0735220034

Giftology by John Ruhlin: https://www.amazon.com/Giftology-Increase-Referrals-Strengthen-Retention/dp/1619614332

Activate the PR Maven® Flash Briefing on your Alexa Device. 

Join the PR Maven® Facebook group page. 

Looking to connect:          

Email: [email protected]

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

Twitter: @Anne_Kanopi