The Power of Personal Branding for PR Professionals

Public Relations professionals know the power of cultivating a strong brand. We spend our days crafting powerful stories and giving life to vision through meticulous planning and thoughtful execution. Yet, we often push our own brand building to the bottom of our...

The Practical Guide to Setting Rates as a Solo PR Pro

For both new and experienced solo PR professionals, a common question often arises: how should I determine my rates? Today, we will delve into key considerations when setting your pricing.Establishing your rate begins with a clear understanding of your overhead...

From Solo PR Pro to Agency and Back Again

In an ever-evolving industry like public relations, change is not just a constant; it's a necessity. A recent episode of That Solo Life podcast, aptly titled "Breaking Up the Band – Becoming Solo Again," taps into a topic that resonates deeply with many in the PR...

Say No to Bad Clients in 2024

Solo public relations professionals work hard to win and maintain healthy client relationships, but a bad client can impact your confidence and sometimes your bank account. Thankfully, for most solo PR Pros, bad clients are the exception rather than the rule. Below...

Data-Driven Strategies for Public Relations Professionals

In 2024, solo public relations professionals must adeptly navigate the digital landscape, leveraging data-driven strategies while contending with economic challenges. While “data-driven strategies” sounds like something out of the corporate jargon handbook, you may...

PR Forecast for 2024

Living in Michigan, I am always checking the forecast before I make plans. I have multiple weather apps but have also learned to assume that on any given day, you should be prepared for rain or snow. The outlook for the PR business feels a lot like Michigan weather...

Boost Your Income Without Raising Rates

Raising rates should be a part of every Solo PR Pro’s toolbox. However, it is not always feasible to raise rates for your current clients. This can be challenging in an economic landscape that has been rife with rising costs, and client layoffs. If you want to enhance...

Tis the Season for Client Gifts

Tis the season to wrap it all up and put a bow on it. In between the mad dash to finalize reports, budgets and campaigns, Solo PR Pros are also thinking about year-end client gifts for clients. A thoughtful gift is a great way to show appreciation to clients, but it...

Changing the World with Kindness

Today is World Kindness Day, and while we don’t normally celebrate every designated day on the calendar on this blog, we are here for this one. We are at a time in our history when mistrust, miscommunication and meanness seem to dominate the culture. As communication...

Scaling from Solo Practitioner to Public Relations Agency

Are you a solo PR pro looking to grow into a larger agency? Today’s blog post is for you!

Hope and the Hard Things

Life for us all lately has felt like a gamma ray burst where bad meets really bad and forms supermassive bad. Yet, there is one word that has continued to ring in my heart, lifting me above the never-ending litany of things gone wrong and that word is hope. Hope is...

The Unspoken Mental Health Struggles in Public Relations

Mental health has been under the radar for far too long as many suffered in silence. The pandemic drove much needed change and mental health is gaining recognition as an important part of our overall well-being. Given the unique pressures of the public relations...

How PR Pros Can Find Their Secret Sauce

No one does PR like you. Communication professionals can learn from the same books, utilize the same tools and speak the same language, but each of us will have a unique way of practicing our craft. Running your own business illuminates those differences. You have the...

Cultural Intelligence in Communications

In today's interconnected world, understanding and appreciating cultural nuances is not just a pleasant-to-have skill—it's essential. For communications professionals, particularly independent consultants who often navigate diverse markets single-handedly, this means...

5 Ways to Refuel Your Creativity When You are Stuck in a Rut

Every public relations professional understands that creativity isn't just a switch you can turn on or off. It's a well that sometimes runs dry. However, with the right strategies, you can ensure that your creative reservoir is always filled with fresh ideas. Here are...

Fall into Business Development

Many solos rely on referrals for new business. This works well, until it doesn’t. When a client decides to bring work in-house, go in a different direction, gets arrested (hey, it happens) or flat out fires you, you don’t have time to wait for a referral. Over the...

The Art of Selling for Communication Professionals

If you're a communications professional, you already have a knack for conveying messages. But when it comes to identifying, selling, and closing high-value business deals, it's a whole different ball game – especially if you don't consider yourself a natural-born...

Navigating the Silence: What to Do When Clients Ghost You

These days, it is not uncommon for communication professionals to experience being “ghosted.” However, when it is a client it not only hinders work moving forward but can cause you to doubt your abilities. In extreme cases, it can also put you at risk of non-payment....

The Future of Work is Bright for Communication Pros

The traditional work landscape has experienced seismic shifts and that means great opportunities for communication professionals. From the 'Great Resignation' to the phenomena of 'quiet quitting' and the debated 'return to the office' movement, we're witnessing change...

Set Stretch Goals for a Strong 2023 Finish

This year has served up its share of plot twists but Solo PR Pros can still come out on top. As we approach the last leg of the year, it’s a great time to reflect on your accomplishments and set your sights on closing the year strong. Setting stretch goals — targets...

 5 Essential Tips for Solo PR Pros Hiring Their First Employee

Hiring your first employee as a solo PR Pro is a significant milestone. However, the process can be overwhelming if you're unfamiliar with the necessary steps and resources involved. To ensure a smooth and successful hiring process, we gathered five essential tips for...

How Solo PR Pros can Navigate Financial Success with Flexibility

Being a solo PR pro offers a world of opportunities and challenges including managing the financial health of your business and protecting your income. In this blog post, we'll explore three financial tips to help solo PR Pros thrive in their professional and...

Should You Retire, Revise or Optimize Your Business Processes?

Efficient business processes are crucial for success as a Solo PR Pro, but not all processes stand the test of time (eyes on you fax machine). You want to continue to grow and be effective and to do that it is important to routinely evaluate the processes that we use...

Where the Buffalo Roam – The Power of Story for Solo PR Pros

While Solo PR Pros know the value of storytelling, Lisa Gerber has made it her superpower. In her recent newsletter (you can sign up here) she talked about the power of story. I could not stop thinking about it and am thrilled that she is allowing us to repost on the...

That Solo Life Podcast Celebrates 200th Episode

This week we published our 200th episode of That Solo Life podcast! As we celebrate this milestone, we thought it would be fun to take a look back at our Top 10 podcast episodes of all time.  10. A Conversation with OnePitch Co-Founder Jered Martin Jered Martin, the...

Are You Diminishing Your Professionalism?

Today WFH (work from home) is mainstream, but pre-pandemic Solo PR pros untethered from an office worked hard to prove they were as professional as their in-office colleagues. Business standards have become more relaxed. We have moved from suit and tie to athleisure,...

No Contract, No Service – Why You Need to Get It In Writing

Contracts are an essential tool for your Solo PR business. According to Law.com, “the law of contracts is at the heart of most business dealings; it is one of the three or four most significant areas of legal concern.”  Imagine walking into a store to buy a...

Polarized, Pissed Off and Pushing Through

We live in an era of cacophonous disagreement. Misinformation that was once spoken in the hushed corners of the internet are now mainstream with fervent supporters gleefully spreading their version of the gospel. The seeds of disinformation have taken root and become ideology. And if you think this is about politics, think again.

Best Practices for Securing Executive Speaking Engagements

Steal these best practices from an executive speaking consultant veteran to gain speaking opportunities for your executive clients.

What You’re Getting Wrong About Pricing

I had the chance to talk pricing with Chip Griffin and Brad Farris on the Small Agency Talk Show. Pricing is always a hot topic for freelance PR professionals and Solo PR Pros. We worry about setting the right price, properly accounting for the scope of work and...

Professional Development: An Investment in Yourself

How much do you value your business? Do you perform regular maintenance so that it does not break down? Do you want it to keep delivering for the next 5, 10 or even 20 years? For you to get the most life out of your business, you must ensure that all the parts stay in...

How To Handle — and Avoid — Late Payments as a Solo PR Pro

Dealing with a client who has missed a payment is no one’s favorite thing. As a solo PR pro, you would probably rather be writing a pitch or putting together a story — or doing literally anything other than following up on unpaid invoices. But missed payments happen....

Spotlight on a Solo PR Pro: Meet Stu Opperman, APR

Stu Opperman, APR hadn’t always planned on being a solopreneur. In fact, he hadn’t even intended on working in PR.  He developed a love of sports and print media at a young age, and set off to the University of Florida to pursue a degree in journalism.  When...

5 Solos Share Their No. 1 Business Goal for 2022

Just because you’re a solo PR pro doesn’t mean you’re in this alone. There’s a whole community of like minded people you can lean on. In this series, we ask five Solo PR Pro Premium members to share their best tips, tricks and resources for managing their solo...

2021 Solo PR Pro Premium Member Accomplishments

It's time to send the year off in style by celebrating the accomplishments of our talented Solo PR Pro Premium members from the last 12 months. Want to join this inspiring network of Solo PR pros in 2022? Check out three good reasons to join and add yourself to the...

Spotlight on a Solo PR Pro: Meet Bob Spoerl

Bob Spoerl has been ingrained in the media industry for about a decade, starting first as a journalist before transitioning to “the dark side” as a PR professional a few months into his professional career.  While studying journalism at UW Madison, Bob started...

Our 10 Favorite Posts Published on the Solo PR Pro Blog in 2021

As the year draws to a close, we took some time to reflect and look back on all the content we've published on our blog in 2021. Between countless podcast episodes of That Solo Life, insights from webinars offered to our membership and tons of interesting topics solo...

Spotlight on a Solo PR Pro: Meet Sherry Crawley

Sherry Crawley thinks of herself as a translator: taking naturally complex and difficult topics like climate change or housing equity and making them relatable and relevant to a target audience.  “I really see a lot of the work I do and what other PR...

Mind(set) Over Matter: How Changing Your Thoughts Can Impact Your Business

No matter how long you’ve been in business, whether you’re a solo PR pro or leading a small team, you may have noticed the whispers of self-doubt sneaking into your consciousness.  If you’ve ever found yourself to be your own worst enemy — through perfectionism,...

Pitch Smarter: A Conversation With OnePitch Co-Founder Jered Martin

What would help you to pitch smarter — to better target your media list and pitch journalists the way they want to be pitched? How can you build stronger relationships with your media contacts when both you and they are juggling so many projects? The creators of...

Prepare For 2022: 5 End-of-Year Tasks for Solo PR Pros

It’s hard to believe we’re nearing the end of 2021. As we continue through Q4, now is the perfect time to start wrapping up your annual to-dos and start thinking ahead to a brand new year.  From tying up lingering loose-ends with clients before a busy holiday...

Spotlight on a Solo PR Pro: Meet Doug Levy

You could say Doug Levy was born to work in the media and communications industry.  He grew up in a family of avid news consumers — rifling through the New York Times and watching the evening news on TV were daily pastimes.  “I was that first grader who...

It’s Time to Hire Help: 4 Tips for Finding the Right People For Your Solo Biz

Fun fact: Just because you’re a solo PR pro doesn’t mean you have to do everything yourself.  Yes, it’s true. There are many reasons people may collaborate with other PR pros, graphic designers, writers, podcast editors and so forth. Perhaps they need help with a...

Spotlight on a Solo PR Pro: Meet Susan Stoga

Ever since college, Susan Stoga had a passion for the fast pace of the media industry. Originally from suburban Chicago, Illinois, she studied journalism at the University of Iowa, getting her start reporting on elections as early as her sophomore year.  Upon...

Spotlight on a Solo PR Pro: Meet Meredith LeJeune

Originally from Virginia Beach, VA, Meredith LeJeune got her start as a marketing and communications coordinator for Dominion Enterprises — a marketing services company serving the real estate, automotive and travel industries — doing a little bit of everything from...

Once Upon a Time: This Solo PR Pro Shares Her Tips for Storytelling

We are all storytellers.  Story strategist and fellow solo PR pro Lisa Gerber understands the power of a great story. As the owner of Big Leap Creative, she works with purpose-driven leaders who want to make the world a better place, helping them to articulate...

5 Solos Share Best Practices for Writing a Compelling Proposal

Just because you’re a solo PR pro doesn’t mean you’re in this alone. There’s a whole community of like minded people you can lean on. In this monthly series, we ask five Solo PR Pro members to share their best tips, tricks and resources for managing their solo...

Spotlight on a Solo PR Pro: Meet Michael Ares

Over the course of 35 years in the PR industry, Michael Ares has worked with some of the biggest agencies out there, building and expanding investor relations and corporate communication teams at the likes of Edelman and Ketchum in Dallas and FleishmanHillard in...

Let’s Talk About Death: 4 Things Solo PR Pros Can Do to Prepare

Leslie Jennings Rowley has a unique nickname: The Death Lady. And no, it’s not because she belongs on an episode of a true crime podcast.You see, in addition to working full-time as a strategic content producer for a prestigious university, Leslie is also the founder...

5 Ways to Ease Back Into Work (And Life) Post-Pandemic

Pandemic life was an enormous challenge for all of us.  With more and more people becoming vaccinated, life slowly is returning to a new ‘normal’ where we can give hugs to friends and family, go out with friends more, attend parties or weddings, travel and...

5 Solo PR Pros Share Best Practices For Taking Time Off When You Run a Business

Just because you’re a solo PR pro doesn’t mean you’re in this alone. There’s a whole community of like minded people you can lean on. In this monthly series, we ask five Solo PR Pro members to share their best tips, tricks and resources for managing their solo...

Spotlight on a Solo PR Pro: Meet Ellen Werther

Ellen Werther graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in English Literature when she was approached by a professor about potentially doing an internship at a small public relations agency recently acquired by Weber Shandwick.  Although she was only somewhat...

5 Tips for Managing Your Time as a Solo PR Pro

At long last, you’ve achieved the ultimate dream: working for yourself. You're a solo PR pro now!Finally, you have almost complete control over your career. You can choose when you work, where you work from, the types of projects you do and your ideal client...

Spotlight on a Solo PR Pro: Meet Nicole Castro

Nicole Castro thought she was going to be a doctor. But after a couple of years in the pre-med program at City College of New York, she changed directions, declaring majors in anthropology and journalism. She didn’t know then that this new path would lead her to the...

3 Tips for Pulling Off a Viral Event, According to the Founder of the Fraud Street Run

After the accidental post-election press conference at Four Seasons Total Landscaping in Philadelphia this past November, Jeff Lyons, long-time runner and co-host of the Junk Miles podcast, had an idea: Run 11 miles from Four Seasons Total Landscaping to the Four...

5 Things to Know After Reviewing Pew Internet’s ‘Social Media Use in 2021’ Report

In April, Pew Internet released another great report detailing social media use in 2021.  I recommend taking a peek at the whole report since it outlines many demos around who’s using which platforms. For example, LinkedIn trends toward white, middle-aged men...

Spotlight on a Solo PR Pro: Meet Kahshanna Evans

Kahshanna Evans began her career in front of the camera, working with networks like ABC and NBC in roles ranging from commercials to small appearances and even a larger day-player role on Law & Order. Originally from Southern California, she had moved to New York...

5 Solos Share How They Deal With a Client Crisis

Just because you’re a solo PR pro doesn’t mean you’re in this alone. There’s a whole community of like minded people you can lean on. In this monthly series, we ask five Solo PR Pro members to share their best tips, tricks and resources for managing their solo...

3 Ways You Can (and Should) Invest in Your Business

It’s completely understandable if you’re hesitant to spend money on your business.  After all, it’s unlikely you have the hefty cash reserves of a bigger company. Of course, managing spend is critical, as you always want to have a cushion for down times and...

How (and When) to Fire a Client [2021 Updated]

Whether you’re just striking it out on your own or have been a solo PR pro for a while, you understand how valuable each of your clients can be to your bottom line. Unfortunately, not every client relationship is going to be what you hoped for.  Eventually you...

What Solo PR Pros Need to Know About Influencer Marketing and Maximizing Your Reach

What comes to mind when you think about influencer marketing?  If you take the word of mainstream media, you’ll likely believe influencers are Instagrammers with large followings, duck-lip selfies and unmeasurable content — but that’s far from the truth. ...

Spotlight on a Solo PR Pro: Meet Bernadette Adams Davis

Bernadette Adams Davis pretty much always knew she wanted to work in the media industry.  She began her career as an aspiring newspaper reporter, securing an internship at the Atlanta Journal Constitution before becoming a daily reporter in Greenville, South...

5 Solo PR Pros Share The Top Tools They Use on a Daily Basis

Just because you’re a solo PR pro doesn’t mean you’re in this alone. There’s a whole community of like minded people you can lean on. In this monthly series, we ask five Solo PR Pro members to share their best tips, tricks and resources for managing their solo...

How Solo PR Professionals Can Use 2021’s Most Buzzed About App, Clubhouse

Clubhouse is a fairly new social app that's taken the world by storm. Part podcast, part TED Talk, the high-profile app can be a great resource for PR professionals.  Clubhouse is in its early days, but adoption has been fast and furious and, in my experience...

How to Leap: Tips From a PR Expert About How to Reach the Next Step of Your Business

Kami Watson Huyse, APR is an author, award winner and the founder and CEO of digital marketing and public relations agency Zoetica Media. Plus, she teaches people how to build social media strategies and engaged communities at Smart Social Secrets.  Using social...

5 Solo PR Pros Share Best Practices for Working With Subcontractors

Just because you’re a solo PR pro doesn’t mean you’re in this alone. There’s a whole community of like minded people you can lean on. In this monthly series, we ask five Solo PR Pro members to share their best tips, tricks and resources for managing their solo...

Webinar Recap: The Do’s and Don’ts of Maintaining Business Wikipedia Pages

Last month, Josh Greene, author of “Wikipedia for Business 2021: The Rules & Latest Developments that Businesses & Communicators Need to Know to Succeed,” shared his insights on the ins and outs of Wikipedia in a webinar moderated by Solo PR Pro President,...

What Are Agency Partnerships? Why It May Be Smart as a Solo PR Pro to Work With an Agency

The pandemic hit my business hard, creating a need to diversify and utilize new revenue channels.  My mix has always included agency partnerships, but 2020 forced me to get creative and leverage those agency partnerships to stabilize my business. (Even though I...

What Do Communicators Need to Know About Trust in 2021? Findings from the Edelman Trust Barometer

If it were another word “trust” might be considered a buzzword by now, but this is a word that is the very essence upon which the fabric of society is built upon.  There are some aspects of it that we take for granted, put into question, or underestimate. And...

5 Solo PR Pros Share What To Do When Business is Slow

Just because you’re a solo PR pro doesn’t mean you’re in this alone. There’s a whole community of like minded people you can lean on. In this monthly series, we ask five Solo PR Pro members to share their best tips, tricks and resources for managing their solo...

Here’s Why the APR Accreditation Is Every Solo PR Pro’s Secret Weapon

Professional development is a large piece of your success as a solo PR pro. To provide the most value to your clients, it’s key to be aware of industry best practices and relevant techniques plus how to apply them to elevate your work.  Have you ever considered...

How to Effectively Work With Contractors to Grow Your PR Business

As a solo PR pro, you’re probably used to doing things on your own, especially when it comes to managing your PR business.  And while it’s not always a bad thing to be in full control, it means that as your business thrives and grows, so does your workload. More...

10 PR Conferences All PR Solo Pros Need to Know About in 2021

One of the keys to being a confident and savvy solo PR pro is professional development.  Yes, we know. Professional development isn’t as easy as it may have been before you went solo. There’s typically no department conference budget or boss urging you to attend...

Crisis-Proof Your Solo Business: 5 Tips to Help You When Things Go South

This is a guest post by Solo PR Pro Premium member Susan Stoga. I’ve worked in crisis communications since I was 22, and was taught from the start to be prepared for anything.  Several decades later, I use some of the same strategies, and yet others have...

Creating a Timeline for Your PR Campaign: 4 Stages of the Process

If you’ve been keeping up with us, then you’re already aware of how critical an effective PR plan can be when it comes to success. Whether you’re setting yourself up for a busy new year or kicking things off with a brand new client, one of the most fundamental ways to...

The 8 Elements of a PR Plan, Plus What to Do Before and After Writing It

PR has the power to help businesses and brands flourish in remarkable ways. (But you already knew that, solo PR pro!)  For professionals in charge of this growth, however, what does it take to develop and execute an effective PR plan to guarantee it will launch...

5 Solo PR Pros Share How They’re Planning for 2021

Just because you’re a solo PR pro doesn’t mean you’re in this alone. There’s a whole community of like minded people you can lean on. In this monthly series, we ask five Solo PR Pro members to share their best tips, tricks and resources for managing their solo...

A Solo PR Pro’s Secret Silent Partners: Your Email Signature, OOO Reply and Voicemail Greeting

This is a guest post by Solo PR Pro Premium member Janet Falk. Even solo public relations professionals have partners. Although they may be silent, your email signature, out of office reply and your recorded voicemail greeting represent you and your brand in...

Treat Your Communications Counselors Like Your Lawyers

This is a guest post by Solo PR Pro Premium member Tara McDonagh  Have you ever asked your lawyer to guarantee the outcome of a legal proceeding? Timing of that legal proceeding? I’m guessing no because you pay your lawyer to provide legal advice and represent you as...

How to Set Boundaries with Clients as a Solo PR Pro

When working in an industry like PR (especially as a solo practitioner), it’s easy to feel obligated to go above and beyond the call of duty for every client you work with.  And while there’s absolutely nothing wrong with putting forth your best effort and...

3 Reasons Why It’s Time to Level Up as a Solo PR Pro With SMART Goals That Work

Adaptability, time management, organization, reliability, resourcefulness — these are just some of the skills professionals in the PR industry, and otherwise, need to thrive as entrepreneurs and business owners. But what about goal-setting? When you run your own...

Fake, Fallacy and the Need for News Fluency

This is a guest post by Solo PR Pro Premium member Daria Steigman. This post first appeared on the Independent Thinking blog in 2018, and is more relevant than ever today. It has been lightly updated. There’s a problem with the news. No, it’s not fake. But with...

7 Questions Solo PR Pros Should Ask Their New Clients

One of the driving factors behind success in the PR industry is the ability to establish and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with both members of the media and your clients.  Getting to know your clients from the get-go opens the door for candid dialogues...

5 Solo PR Pros Share How They Manage Their Time

Written by Jessica Lawlor Just because you’re a solo PR pro doesn’t mean you’re in this alone. There’s a whole community of like minded people you can lean on. In this monthly series, we ask five Solo PR Pro members to share their best tips, tricks and resources for...

7 Ways to Maximize Your PR Programs

This year has been an especially challenging time to conduct business, and that makes it even more important to take care of the business that you have. Solo PR Pros need to ensure that they are optimizing value for clients, and are able to demonstrate results for PR...

Update Your Solo PR Pro Toolkit

In 2020 our lives have been upended multiple times. The practice of public relations has not changed, but it is time to update the Solo PR Pro tool kit for our “now normal”. Get serious about signatures. Be meticulous about having signed agreements before you start...

When the Bones are Good

There is nothing like a crisis to reveal the strength (or weakness) of a foundation. Crisis shines a light in the darkest corners of your organization and reveals if your structure will go the distance or is in need of repair. A crisis is also the ultimate test of a leader’s skills and the greatest opportunity for growth.

Pivot to the Positive

My good friend and leadership coach, Dr. Lori Baker Schena, advises leaders to “pivot to the positive.” More than a pithy quote or dose of “rah-rah” inspiration, it is an active, intentional choice to design the way forward. This year has taught us bad things happen,...

How Rituals Can Help Solo PR Pros

I sit in my favorite chair, watching the steam from my coffee twirl into the morning's stillness. I am in my comfy sweats, cocooned in a black sweater. I watch the soft shadows play against the windowsill as the sun slowly rises. The chair, coffee, and time of day are...

Around the Clock Ethics

Why it's important to make ethical behavior more than what you do at work but who you are all the time. This post was originally published on PRSay New research from Maryam Kouchaki, an associate professor of management and organizations at Northwestern University’s...

PR lessons from the feel-good story of the year

Written by Yoo Mee Pontonnier, Global Head of Marketing , CARMA The story of a 100-year-old war veteran who inspired the world and raised over £32 million in a month. Earlier this year, the Coronavirus was rapidly exerting its terrifying grip over everyday life in the...

PR, Progress and the Pain in the Process

Twenty years ago, we could not have imagined that we would use our phones to bank, do business, open doors and thwart burglars, yet it is a common reality that we now take for granted. That device that was once solely used for voice-to-voice calls now rarely gets used...

What 2020 has taught Solo PR Pros

In 2020, we have been faced (some would say assaulted) with frequent upheavals and changes  causing us to adapt and pivot faster than we ever believed possible. It has been disconcerting, sometimes heartbreaking and exhausting. While we all are eager for this...

How to Master Sales as a Solo PR Pro

This post was originally published on 10/1/2019 and has been lightly updated. In episode 16 of the That Solo Life podcast, we were joined by longtime friend of Solo PR Pro, Craig Severinsen, founder of BrightWorksPR. Craig’s specialty is helping Marketing and PR...

COVID-19 Financial Relief Programs for Solo PR Pros

In Episode 52 of That Solo Life, we chatted with Brent Thompson of Canon Capital Management Group about the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and how solo PR pros can participate. Brent provided clear information on the program, how to apply, what to expect and the...

Self-Care for PR Pros

Written by Solo PR Pro Contributor, Michelle Kane, CEO, VoiceMatters, LLC We do not have to point out that we are currently under a serious amount of stress. Stress beyond issues with a client or a challenging project. To varying degrees, we are dealing with injustice...

Blackout Tuesday

The year 1920 was known as the  “roaring 20s.” It was a time of economic growth and prosperity following the devastation of war. The year 2020 has been a time of upheaval, displacement and economic uncertainty fueled by a public health war. To add fuel to this...

5 Things to Help Solo PR Pros Survive this Crisis

As the days of this pandemic stretch on, we are all finding ways to manage the ever-shifting landscape. There is no playbook for this, and we are making up the rules as we go along. Here are 5 things that will help Solo PR Pros get through this time. Kindness. It may...

Payment Processing Solutions for Solo PR Pros

Written by Solo PR Pro Contributor, Michelle Kane, CEO, VoiceMatters, LLC Solo PR Pros are always on the lookout for efficiencies in our work. Especially when it comes to getting paid. So, this information would be timely on its own, but while we’re in the COVID-19...

Live Stream to Build Your Brand

Written by Michelle Kane Have you been thinking about live streaming as a method to build your brand and develop new business? Not that we want to grant the COVID-19 pandemic any credit for being a positive force, but this crisis has quickly placed us in an...

How to Move A Live Event Online

What do you do when a global pandemic forces the cancellation of a signature live event? In the wake of Covid-19, many organizations were faced with this question, often with little time to develop a new strategy. In this post, Kelly Kirkendoll of Thrive Public...

Staying the Course In a Crisis

In this age of social distancing, it is been more important than ever to be more intentional about connecting with our fellow humans. Now more than ever we need to be a community, so it feels right to bring back our popular Twitter chats. We want you to know that we...

Navigating the Business Impact of Coronavirus

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of upheaval. Coronavirus has swept through the world and left us with a mountain of uncertainty. Many solos are anxious about the future. Some have already experienced clients pausing services. Chip Griffin, Founder of...

Panic, Pandemics and Moving Forward

In a few short weeks our world has changed dramatically. In the midst of this global pandemic, communicators have found themselves at the front lines of a crisis we never expected. We have worked overtime to help our clients navigate a landscape that shifts daily,...

COVID 19 and Crisis Communications

This is a guest post courtesy of Solo PR Pro Premium member, Michael Ares, Principal Owner of MDA Corporate Marketing, LLC. Coronavirus (now officially COVID19) has spread from China to dozens of countries on six continents, and the impact has rippled across the...

How Solo PR Pros Can Weather Economic Storms

As a Solo PR Pro, negative predictions about the economy can be unsettling. However, many solos have not only survived in a terrible economy but thrived. In fact, a downturn can be a boom period for Solo PR Pros, with companies needing the expertise and efficiency...

AB5, PROAct and the Solo PR PRo

California Assembly Bill 5 (AB5) went into effect on January 1, 2020 and its impact can be felt beyond state boundary lines. The bill was intended to protect gig-economy workers from being misclassified, but has made it difficult for those who choose to work...

How to Keep Love Alive in Client Relationships

Signing a new client is one of the greatest joys of solo life. There were other suitors, but they chose you. As you embark on those bright and shiny new client relationships, it’s hard to imagine the luster ever wearing off, but it can and does. In this post we share...

Groundhogs, Grey Days and Creating Your Own Spring

Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow and we are in for an early spring. But Solo PR Pros need not rely on the fickle predictions of a rodent to predict the forecast for their business. Listed below are three things that you can do to ensure that you have spring...

Start-Up Advice from 22 Solo PR Pros

Starting a solo public relations business is exciting and a little scary. You know how to do your job, but what don’t you know about running a business? This month we have been tackling some of the common questions and challenges facing those starting a business. We...

5 Questions to Ask As You Plan Your Business Launch

It is the start of a new decade, and for many this is the year that you will take the leap and start your own business. But where exactly do you start? What steps do you take to move from vision to reality? Listed below are five questions to get you started in your...

Earnings Gap Follows Women into Entrepreneurship

Freshbooks released its second annual report on women in the independent Workforce and some of the findings were shocking. The report highlighted that there remains a large gap between women and men in the workforce at large but also in entrepreneurship.  In the...

Get Your Empathy On

A Case Study in Using Emotional Intelligence to Diffuse an Organizational Crisis This is a guest post from Solo PR Pro Premium Member, Karen Couf-Cohen. This post first appeared on The Association for Women In Communications blog. What should an organization do when a...

7 Things to Leave in 2019

We are in the last month of this decade. I know, mind blowing, right. As we head into 2020 and a brand new era, there are a few things that Solo PR pros need to leave in 2019. Self doubt. You are good enough and yes you deserve to be paid whatever you charge. End of...

How to Level Up from Media Relations to Strategic Communications

This is a guest post written by Jessica M. Graham, APR, Fellow PRSA. The post first appeared on Fixonix Consulting. You may have seen recent social media posts by journalists, bemoaning the increasing number of “PR people” who contact them daily. What’s behind it? The...

Want to Be a Better PR Pro? Try Monotasking.

In episode 21 of the That Solo Life podcast, “Slow Down! Be a Better PR Pro by Monotasking,” we talked about how in order to be a true rock star in your work, you’d better be a sensational multitasker. Except, it isn’t true. Multitasking isn’t better, and science...

How to Prepare for Client Year-End Business Reviews

The year-end business review is a great strategic tool to ensure that you and your clients are aligned on goals. It provides an opportunity to recap the value of your work and define plans for the coming year. If you are planning to ask for a rate increase or...

5 Things to Do Before Year End

As we near the end of 2019, you may have already done your budgeting, tax planning and conducted (or scheduled) year-end client reviews. However, here are 5 things that you may not have considered that you should do before the end of the year. Review your wins and...

What Dan Farkas Taught Us About Video Marketing

In a recent webinar, Dan Farkas presented strategies for creating and managing a video content program. Below are 5 key things we learned from his presentation. You have the tools. You do not have to start from ground zero when developing a video strategy. If you are...

How to Own the Sales Process

In episode 16 of the That Solo Life podcast, we were joined by longtime friend of Solo PR Pro, Craig Severinsen, founder of BrightWorksPR. Craig’s specialty is helping Marketing and PR entrepreneurs attract more clients for their business. In this post, we recap some...

How to Evaluate RFP Opportunities

Most consultants have a love-hate relationship with RFPs and RFQs. They can be tedious laborious and feel like a shot in the dark rather than a real opportunity. Yet, in some sectors, such as government, RFPs are the process used to find and hire vendors. Some RFPs...

Take a Seat…and Own it!

In episode 15 of the That Solo Life podcast we were joined by fellow Solo PR Pro, Dr. Lori Baker-Schena. In addition to the solo practice she founded in 1987, which she continues to this day, Dr. Baker-Schena is the co-founder of LeadHERship Consortium, working with...

Guilty Pleasures with the That Solo Life Podcast

In this week's episode of That Solo Life what did we decide to cover? Not working! Solo PR Pros work hard – and we love it – but we also need our down time, time to decompress and recharge. It’s essential if we’re going to stay at the top of our game. The key to...

5 Tips for Solo Business Success

You need more than technical expertise as you deal with all of the responsibilities inherent in being a solo PR pro. We offer five practical tips that you can use to succeed in business.

How to Get Paid for Your Work

Solo PR Pros put a lot of work into winning new clients. In addition to the hours and expense of business development to cultivate new opportunities, new business discussions and proposals require time and effort. If you travel to meet with prospective clients, it is...

Siesta or Bust! Why Solos Need a Summer Break

Solo PR Pros should make time this summer for their own version of #HotSummerSolos. You can heat up your business and end the year strong by taking time out to refresh. At Solo PR Pro, we are fans of the annual business retreat for goal setting and planning, but you...

The Importance of Adaptability

Adaptability is inherent in the job of being a professional communicator. We know more than others that change is a constant. As a solo PR Pro the ability to adapt - processes, skills and perspective - can be crucial to your success and longevity. In this TED Talk,...

The Opportunities You May Be Missing

In our work as communicators we always want to be strategic in how we use our client’s time to achieve the best results. This often means tailoring efforts to tasks, outlets and audiences that will deliver the highest ROI. However, this approach is not always the...

10 Reasons You Should Consider Starting a Podcast

Many solo PR pros get the majority of their business from referrals. However, business development is essential to sustaining a healthy business that continues to give you freedom to serve the clients you choose to serve. There are so many avenues to developing...

Self-Employment in America 2019 – Q&A with Matt Baker

Freshbooks, the #1 accounting software in the cloud designed exclusively for service-based small business owners and independent professionals, recently released their “Self-Employment in America 2019” report. Solo PR Pro had the opportunity to chat with Matt Baker,...

Convincing Clients to Prepare for Crisis

Communications professionals know having a PR crisis plan in place is invaluable. It is the one asset we hope we never have to use on a client’s behalf. There are clients who understand a PR crisis plan is essential, and either expect or welcome its creation. Then...

The Introverted Solo PR Pro: Not an Oxymoron

You’re starting your new public relations business. You have the required talent and initiative. There’s just one thing: you’re also an introvert. This hasn’t stopped you from excelling in your field, or even developing new business. Building a business that’s all...

Say Good-Bye to Bad Clients

With the smell of summer in the air and promise of sunny skies calling you to lazy hours on the beach or lounging poolside, your tolerance level may become lower for bad clients. This is the perfect time of year to take a hard look at your client roster and make...

Leading Healthy Teams: Lessons from Leadercast 2019 for Solo PR Pros

Leadercast Live is a one-day leadership event held in Atlanta, Georgia and simulcast to host sites around the world. The Leadercast speakers tailored their talks to 2019’s theme, Leading Healthy Teams, providing actionable information that applies to those of us with...

Measure What Matters

This post first appeared on Solo PR Pro in July 2017. It has been edited and updated. As a Solo PR Pro, it is not enough to do a great job for clients, you must be able to show results in a way that is meaningful to them. Measuring results begins with the discovery...

Digital Marketing Update for Solo PR Pros

Many of us use our clients’ digital channels to further their messages and grow their businesses. Here’s an update on what’s new in the digital marketing world. Facebook Facebook held their annual F8 Developer’s Conference April 30 – May 1, 2019. Here are a few key...

Knowing When to Hire Help

Starting a solo PR pro business does not mean that you have to work on your own. In fact, many solos today employ some help in running their solo business from VAs to strategic partners to part time employees. In the early stages of your business, you will likely work...

Power in Community: Get Public Relations Results through Strategic Alliances

Whether you represent a non-profit or corporate client, there is an excellent opportunity for positive public relations in strategic sponsorships. The Philadelphia Public Relations Association (PPRA) recently gathered a panel of corporate decisionmakers to share what...

Tech Tools We Love for Solo PR Pros

We Solo PR Pros love any gadget, app, or tech tool that helps us to save time, stay organized, and better serve our clients. Here is a list of tools we are loving right now. Otter.ai We are always on the hunt for an audio transcription tool and we love Otter.ai. It...

Highlights from the Content Marketing Institute 2019 Benchmarks and Trends Report

Our recent blog covering the relationship between SEO and PR shared the good news that content marketing remains a valid and successful method of supporting search engine ranking. With content ranging from blogs to podcasts to video, what qualifies as the most...

Fine Tuning the Story

Once upon a time—well, not that long ago—television sets had dials on them that were used to change channels. There were two channel dials, VHF and UHF, named after the “very high” or “ultra-high” frequencies that stations used for their broadcasts. The VHF dial,...

11 Apps that Make Tax Time Easier for Solo PR Pros

With the arrival of spring and longer, warmer days, the last thing a busy Solo PR Pro wants to do is spend more time indoors making sense of receipts, expenses, and other data in preparation for filing taxes. Download these apps now to make your day-to-day business...

Brainstorming for One

Solo PR Pros don’t have to give up brainstorming when they leave the corner office. You can brainstorm on your own with these tips.

The Persona’s Place in PR

Personas have spread throughout the business world. Starting in the information technology space for tailoring application development to intended users, the idea of using fictional characters to characterize a particular audience in fine detail has been taken up by...

Search Engine Optimization is a PR Pro’s Friend

Do thoughts of how to use search engine optimization (SEO) make your head spin? It’s OK. And, guess what? You are probably in better shape than you realize because SEO has come a long way from its white vs. black hat, keyword-gaming origins. These days SEO is based on...

Solo PR Pros – Small Size, Big Impact

When Solo PR Pros get a seat at the table they do amazing work. However, some companies will not even allow solos into the room because of their size, and this can be a huge mistake. In a recent post for Cision I discussed large agencies and solo PR Pros. In it I...

How to Weather Bias in Communications

In a recent TEDxUGA talk,  meteorologist J. Marshall Shepherd shares insights on confirmation bias and cognitive dissonance that has powerful applications for professional communicators. Using weather and climate change, Dr. Shepherd delves into bias and how it shapes...

Hitting the Mark: Social Media Benchmark Report from Rival IQ

You’ve created your client’s social media plan, establishing the critical metrics for each campaign. What if you could have insight into the social media performance of others within your client’s industry? That is what you’ll find in the 2018 Social Media Benchmark...

5 Gifts to Give Yourself This Year

Hello December! We are officially in the traditional gift giving season. Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or nothing at all, you can treat yourself to a few well-deserved gifts that will have a lasting impact. Pats on the back Far too often, we are...

5 Tips to Set the Table for Success in the New Year

In a few short weeks, we will be blowing noise makers and singing “Auld Lang Syne” as we close out another year. Before this year becomes a Facebook memory, there are five things you can do to set the table for your business success in the new year. Secret ingredients...

Solo PR Guide to Instagram Ads

Instagram is more than mouthwatering food photos and lusty travel pictures, it can be a powerful business tool for solo PR pros. Instagram has over 800 million users and 25 million business profiles. Those businesses range from solos to large corporations and span...

Give Yourself a Raise!

This post has has been updated for 2018. As the year comes to a close, you may be reviewing your finances and wondering how you worked worked so many hours for so little profit (or even a net loss)? You remember the weekends, the “rising to the challenge regardless of...

How to Set the Stage for Success with a New Client

Congratulations you have landed a new client! Whether it is your first client, or you are a seasoned professional, how you onboard a client sets the stage for your engagement. You want to use the onboarding process to set expectations, establish rapport, and mutually...

Solo PR Pros Pick Best Apps for Running a Business on the Go

Written by Michelle Kane, Solo PR Pro Premium Member and Head Honcho of Voice Matters, LLC Working as solo consultants, many with virtual teams, we depend on our technology. Email, Cloud Services, Skype, etc., it allows us to work together and move our client work...

Picking up the Tab, Can I Deduct That?

Written by Michelle Kane, Solo PR Pro Premium Member and Head Honcho of Voice Matters, LLC The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that went into effect at the start of 2018 brought a number of changes to what is and isn’t deductible for business owners. One of the affected areas...

Looking to 2019: Planning for PR Pros

Written by Michelle Kane, Solo PR Pro Premium Member and Head Honcho of Voice Matters, LLC As we enter these last few months of 2018, we’re likely focused on business development and budget planning with current clients. The final quarter of the year is also an ideal...

Facebook Business Page Updates: What Solo PR Pros Need to Know

Written by Michelle Kane, Solo PR Pro Premium Member and Head Honcho of Voice Matters, LLC Love or hate it, Facebook continues to be the social media platform of choice for 68% of adults in the U.S. and remains popular across all demographic groups (according to 2018...

Three Steps to Developing a Content Marketing Program

We have heard the drumbeat of the importance of content marketing for years. Long before it was labeled “content marketing,” communications pros were utilizing the tactic in client work. Yet, with heightened focus (and dollars) on content marketing, many pros are...

3 Key Questions for Social Media Planning

Everything we do as communications professionals is information driven, particularly when it comes to planning, and that includes social media planning. With any type of strategic planning you do for clients, the first step in the process inevitably involves gathering...

How Solo PR Pros Can End the Year Strong

Summer is unofficially over, and thoughts have already turned to football and pumpkin spice everything. It also means eyes are on the last few months of 2018. How can you set your business up for a strong financial finish to your year? Check Your Numbers 2018 is the...

Social Media in 2018: Where is Your Audience?

Written by Michelle Kane, Solo PR Pro Premium Member and Head Honcho of Voice Matters, LLC Here at Solo PR Pro, we love to “nerd out” with new data. As we serve our clients, it’s vital that we keep up with where our potential target audiences are spending time online....

The PR Pro’s Role in Reputation Management

Written by Michelle Kane, Voice Matters LLC Reputation management has been a recent topic of discussion in our Solo PR Premium Member Facebook Group (Shameless plug, if you’re a solo, this alone is well worth your membership – join us!).  Examples abound, from the...

You Can’t Freeze Time, But You Can Manage It

By Daria Steigman, Steigman Communications Last week, I tried to freeze time. Spoiler alert: It did not work. However, this post from Solo PR Pro Premium member, Daria Steigman has timeless (ha, ha, get it) advice on managing time. The post was originally published on...

Taking Our Show on the Road: Working While Away

This post was written by Michelle Kane, Solo PR Pro Premium member and founder of VoiceMatters. Earning a living as a solo communications professional has its advantages. For the most part, we’re free to choose the type of work we enjoy, set our own schedules, and...

Is it Time for Your Solo PR Pro Business to Hire Help?

Starting a solo PR pro business is one of the scariest and most satisfying things you will ever do. Most Solo PR Pros launch their business with a focus on gaining clients and doing the work. You enjoy charting your course and choosing the type of work you do. Early...

4 Tips to Get Newsworthy Topics Out of Clients

This is a guest post by Brad Shorr,  Director of Content Strategy at Straight North, an Internet marketing agency in Chicago that provides SEO, PPC and web design services. With more than 25 years of sales and marketing experience, Brad has been featured in leading...

Life’s a Beach for the Solo PR Pro

Hot temperatures and long days have us all longing to spend more time at the beach.  This month #solopr is  joining forces with #SMChat for a combo beach-themed Twitter chat on July 11 at 1 pm ET. Join us from your desk or deck chair as we discuss the topics below....

Mourning the Loss of Elaine McEachern

It is with a heavy heart that we report the sad news that beloved Solo PR Pro member, Doris Elaine McEachern, passed away on June 28, 2018. Elaine was a beloved and active member of Solo PR Pro and PRSA. She had a gentle presence and was generous with her time and...

Supercharge Your LinkedIn Efforts and Attract Your Ideal Client

Written by Michelle Kane If you missed our June 14 webinar with social media and branding expert Irene Koehler, we’ve got you covered. During our hour together, she shared how we can get more out of LinkedIn and leverage it to attract our ideal clients. You can view...

5 Sources of New Business Leads for Solo PR Pros

A common challenge with new and seasoned solo PR Pros is developing new business. For many consultants, referrals are a primary source of new business, and that is great! However, it is unwise to depend solely on the generosity of your network. As the old saying goes,...

Data, Privacy and Why Solo PR Pros Should Care

Data science once the domain of math geeks and academia has moved from the windowless basement to the top floor of organizations. If content is king, data is the emperor. Data has always informed the work of public relations professionals, but the sheer volume of...

Solo PR Twitter Chat: Data Privacy, Social Media and Summer Business Development

The long-running #solopr Twitter chat is a popular chat for independent and small business pros in public relations, communications, social media and related fields. Join us for the next chat on Tuesday, June 5  at 1 pm Eastern as we cover any remaining questions...

Summertime is the Right Time for Business Development

Memorial Day has ushered in the unofficial start to the summer season. What does that mean for your Solo PR consultancy? Does business slow down or do you find yourself gearing up for client events? For those of us who are parents working from home, summer brings a...

7 Surprising Things About Being Your Own Boss

This post was originally published on October 11, 2016 and updated on May 22, 2018. Independent work, once a mere fantasy for weary corporate warriors is a mainstream alternative for millions of people. In fact, independents make up 34% of the US workforce. The ease...

Video: Essential for Modern PR and Marketing

Written by Michelle Kane It’s no secret that video is a key tactic for public relations and marketing professionals. The latest data shows that by 2019, 80% of all internet traffic will be video-based. How are you using video? Video is an excellent way to lay the...

Who Can Be a Solo PR Pro Now?

Ten years ago, we asked "Who Can Be a Solo PR Pro?"  At that time, we noted that while this site has "PR" in the name,  professionals in a wide range of disciplines share common issues and challenges, and all could learn from the insights and success strategies we...

How to be a PR Rainmaker

The following is a guest post from Tom McMakin, CEO of Profitable Ideas Exchange (PIE).  Ashley looked out her office window on Broadway over at the Flatiron Building and counted the floors, calculating the approximate number of people who worked there.  It was...

Content Marketing #solopr Twitter Chat

Content marketing has always been integral to public relations, long before the current label. Many Solo PR Pros also wear the integrated marketing hat and are deeply involved in content marketing for clients. In an open letter, Digitas, who recently created a Content...

The more things change, the more they stay the same

We are delighted to share today's guest post from Solo PR Pro Premium Member, author and crisis communications expert, Doug Levy.  Times and technologies change, but the realities that prompted one of the most famous emergency communications in history remain true...

Public Relations and Activism

Is activism the new black? We are living in a time where activism - social and political - is more prevalent than ever. Fiery speeches and pictures of protests populate our social feeds as often as recipes and puppy videos. In these highly charged times silence is no...

Knowing Your Worth as a Solo PR Pro

New and seasoned solo PR Pros often struggle with what to charge. You may consider the market, economy, scope, industry, and competitive landscape but ultimately what to charge comes down to how much the client will value you. In this TEDx talk, pricing consultant....

How to Succeed at Networking Events

This is a guest post from Solo PR Pro Premium Member, Janet L Falk of Falk Communications and Research. A version of this article first appeared on Bulldog Reporter. The majority of solo PR Pros gain business through referrals, so it is vital to build and nurture...

Basic Guide to PR Planning

Strategic planning forms the cornerstone of what we do as communications consultants, and provides the foundation that allows us to gain consensus and chart a strategic course for – and with – our clients. What differentiates top consultants from others – including...

18 Cognitive Biases that can Impact Public Relations

Public relations professionals must often challenge perception to ensure that internal bias does not erode intended communication efforts.  There have been many recent examples of disastrous results when bias is unchecked and communications campaigns are received...

Self-Promotion is Not Evil

Many professionals have a hard time using their professional skills to promote their business. You are bold and confident when doing work for clients but uncomfortable putting those same skills to use to promote yourself and your business. By failing to do PR for...

Top Ten Tips for Public Relations Planning

Strategic planning forms the cornerstone of what we do as communications consultants and provides the foundation from which all other communications activities are formulated and put into action. What differentiates top consultants from others – including many PR...

Social Circles, Strangers and Your Next Great Opportunity

Social circles are important to communications professionals. As part of our work, we analyze, track, and create plans to reach and engage various networks of people. Social circles also personally benefit us as they offer support and very often are the source of...

Truly, Madly, Deeply – How to Win the Hearts of Clients

Love is in the air, and we want that love to extend to our professional work. As a solo pro, you want to do good work with good clients that value you. However, the way to every client’s heart may differ. In this post, inspired by this month of love, we look at three...

10 Tips to Get Referrals

Nothing says love like the referral of business. When a client or colleague refers you to someone else, it is a validation of their trust in you to deliver good work. Countless studies have proven the power of referral or word-of-mouth marketing. When you receive a...

Lessons from a Cobbler

Maria Coppola, APR, CPRC owner and lead consultant at Coppola PR, recounted a story about a cobbler. Many solo and small business owners have often talked about having “cobbler’s kids’ syndrome,” in which everyone has shoes except the shoemaker. In this account,...

7 Tips to Manage a Business Slump

Business slumps can be a natural part of the business cycle but whatever the cause it's never fun to endure. If your business is currently facing a downturn there are a few things that you can do to turn your business around and get to the other side. When your...

5 Conversations You Need to Have With Clients

Once you have launched a new client, you inevitably fall into a groove. You have meetings and discussions, and work gets done. You report on results and outline next steps. The interactions are pleasant and as time goes on, you and the client master the art of working...

The Case for Consistent Business Development

Independent consultants strike out on their own for a number of reasons from wanting more life balance to being burned out on the politics of corporate work. Yet, on day one, all are confronted with the reality that to be in business, you need clients. Getting that...

How to Set the Stage for Good Client Relationships

Effective client relationships are the foundation of a strong and healthy business and allow you to do your best work. As a solo professional, you will serve clients with different needs, preferences, and personalities, and may require different techniques to manage...

A Decade of Gratitude

Happy new year! On November 13, 2018, Solo PR Pro will be officially 10 years old. On that day, Kellye Crane founded Solo PR Pro and wrote the first blog post that would launch this incredible platform. This past decade has been amazing thanks to our incredible...

PR Measurement Challenges

Measurement in the practice of public relations is not new. We have always used data to set and measure goals, assess the effectiveness of strategies and tactics and more. However, today we have access to a plethora of data that allows us to more deeply connect our...

10 Things To Do For Your Business

You have often heard it said that it’s important to not only work in your business but on your business. However, this can be easier said than done for busy communications professionals. Of course, you find time to do invoicing, billing and business development but if...

Your Guide to Instagram Stories

Instagram is more than mouthwatering photos of food and beautiful sun-kissed people with envious abs. With 500 million daily users, it is worthwhile to consider adding this channel to your overall communications strategies.  In addition to the news feeds, Instagram...

Should You Ever Reduce Your Rates?

At Solo PR Pro, we firmly advocate for solos knowing their value and commanding the rates they deserve. We know that your size does not limit the work you do or the results you get for your clients. With that said, we also know that there are times that you may have a...

5 Ways to Develop Client Trust

We live in an age where trust has become like the elusive unicorn. In fact, according to the Edelman Trust Barometer, trust is in crisis and there are more “distrusters” than those that trust business, government, media and NGOs to do what is right. In an era where we...

Lessons for Communicators from a Neuroscientist

Communication professionals strive to craft client messages that will resonate with target audiences. There are many steps involved in message development including research and testing. However, campaigns can still achieve less than desired results leaving us to...

5 Negotiating Tips for Solo PR Pros

Everyone negotiates, but not everyone does it well. Negotiations are an exercise in power where both parties fight to the death for the win. In a negotiation, the parties are working to find mutual agreement. In other words, it’s not a contest but a collaboration....

Public Relations and Me Too

On this blog, we address topics relevant to public relations. This post remains true to that mission. Sexual harassment and abuse are pervasive in every industry, including communications. In the wake of the public revelations about Harvey Weinstein, men and women...

The Importance of Company Culture

As a Solo PR pro, you may not have thought much about your company culture. After all, in many ways as the founder and/or sole member of your company, you are the culture.  However, developing your organizational culture can be beneficial for growth as well as...

Communications in the era of mass violence, fake news and trolls

Today is our normal posting day, but nothing about this day is normal. Twenty-four hours ago, the US awoke once again to reports of a mass tragedy. As a professional communicator, I feel utterly at a loss for words that will truly comfort and heal the pain. My heart...

The Business and Client Advantages of Being Solo

Solo and solo plus professionals may sometimes feel that size is a disadvantage. After all, RFPs often seem written for large agencies and some clients will not even consider small shops assuming that they don’t have the resources to manage big brand accounts....

Changing How We Measure and Report What We Do

There are signs that the economy may be slowing down. Many clients are capping programs, pausing until the new year, or passing on spending at all. Whether we're in for a recession or a boom PR professionals must make a change in how they sell and manage clients. The...

Prepare Your Business for Disaster

Hurricane Harvey was a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change. A natural disaster can be devastating to a solo or solo-plus agency. According to FEMA, "Roughly 40-60 percent of small businesses never reopen their doors following a disaster." Preparation is a...

Communication Lessons From The Summer Songs of 2017

This is a guest post from Solo PR Pro Premium member, Dan Farkas. Dan  is a Lecturer of Strategic Communication at Ohio University, owner of Dan Farkas Interactive, and dad to Leah & Will. Connect with him @danfarkas or call email him at farkasd@ohio.edu. “Dad....

How PR Pros Can Avoid Copyright Infringement

Today, PR professionals spend as much time sourcing or creating visuals as they do writing content. It makes sense given the impact of images. BuzzSumo analyzed over 1 million articles and found that articles with an image once every 75-100 words received double the...

Sometimes Your Best Response Is to Let Go

This is a guest post from Solo PR PRO Premium member, Daria Steigman, founder of Steigman Communications. Daria is a senior marketing communications and digital strategist. The best small business owners are constantly innovating. It’s in our DNA. We’re always...

Better Measurement and Reporting for Solo PR Pros

As a Solo PR Pro it is not enough to do a great job for clients, you must be able to show them results in a way that is meaningful to them. Measuring results begins with the discovery process where you identify the problems they are trying to solve and agree on how...

The Reality of Technology Overwhelm

The struggle is real when it comes to technology and solo PR pros. We have a plethora of apps, subscriptions, and tools that we use in the course of work. It can be overwhelming to keep up with it all. In a previous post, we discussed how to evaluate if you need...

Are all the Feels Hurting Your Solo PR Business?

Studies indicate that emotional intelligence - the ability to identify and manage your own emotions and the emotions of others - is more important than a high IQ to succeed.  As a solo PR pro, your emotional fortitude will be tested in a variety of ways, and you'll...

What Solos Can Do When Business is Not Good

You took a leap and started your own business. You relished the freedom to create work on your own terms, choosing the type of work you do and how you are compensated for it. Why didn’t I do this sooner,  you ask silently, as you gleefully head to your office minus...

5 Internet Trends for PR Pros to Watch

Last week, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers partner, Mary Meeker released her 2017 internet trends report.  This year’s report has 355 slides of information including a new section on healthcare. Below are a few takeaways for communication professionals. Be...

Shake Up Your Summer Reading List with these 14 Picks

Memorial Day is the unofficial kick-off of the summer season. As the temperatures heat up, it’s a great time to add a few new books to your reading list. Many independent consultants read voraciously but far too often our book bags are brimming with business related...

10 Steps to Writing Content that Gets Read [Infographic]

Solo and solo plus communication consultants are often involved in client content production from developing the strategy to writing and amplifying the content. Our goal is to ensure that client produced content aligns with their branding and resonates with their...

5 Reasons to Plan Your Exit Strategy

Before starting your business, you undoubtedly spent considerable time planning your launch. You may have written a business plan, researched the market and talked to other consultants. You might have even taken a year or two of planning and slowly building before...

Proceed with Caution with these 3 Client Types

As communications professionals, we encounter all types of personalities, company cultures, and work styles. On occasion, we may have clients who are so difficult that we have to sever the relationship. However, there are other client types that may not have difficult...

Funny Horrifying and Sadly True Client Tales

The sun is shining, taxes are paid and it is the perfect time to take a laugh break. For today’s post, we asked a wide range of communication professionals to share their stories on the outrageous things clients have said to them. There was no shortage of hilarious...

Tax Time Tips for Solo and Small Business Owners

This post was originally published in 2016 and has been updated with additional tips and information. It's tax time! To ease the stress of the seaason we've  compiled a list of helpful tips, reminders, and advice for solo and small businesses – both north and south of...

Key Stats and Trends in Content Marketing [Infographic]

Content remains an important cornerstone of public relations strategy. Long before the term "content marketing" was coined, public relations practitioners were utilizing the strategy to inform and engage audiences. Today, content marketing is integral to owned...

What PR Pros Should Know About the 2017 State of the Media Report

In a time when fake news and alternative facts are often the headline, it will come as no surprise that the Cision 2017 State of the Media report highlights the role of trust in media. The issue of trust, however is not confined to public viewpoints but the trust of...

When a Client Becomes Somebody You Used to Know

At some point in your public relations career, it is likely that a client will fire you. There are times that the firing is mostly amicable and can be due to budget cutbacks or the client deciding to bring the work in-house. At other times, it can be a gut-wrenching...

How Not to Get Eaten by Economic Zombies

This post was originally published at Words For Hire and has been updated with additional information. I am convinced that if aliens invaded the earth, they would eat the communicators first. This belief has been shaped by years of watching public relations and...

Why Selling Yourself is Hard and What to Do About It

Independent and small business owners across industries often express difficulty in selling themselves to clients. Even for those who have been in sales positions find it difficult to make the switch when they are faced with selling their own business. Selling is...

Land More Clients: Free Solo PR Pro Webinar

One of the first questions asked by those considering making the leap to a solo career, is "how do you get clients?" As your business progresses you will continue to ask varying versions of that same question. How do I grow my business? What are the best methods to...

The Value of Time for Solo PR Pros

We believe we understand time until we have to assign a value to it. As we consider how much our time is worth we also have to decide how to spend it. Your time is a critical business resource and as a business owner,  you will have to be judicious in how you invest...

Chaos, Capes and the Value of PR Pros

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity.” Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities Who knew that an opening line written in 1859 would so...

Improve Your Content Marketing with Google Analytics

Google Analytics is a treasure chest of information, but it can intimidate even the most seasoned professional. It can be difficult to understand all of the metrics and more importantly how to apply them to our work. In this infographic from Salesforce Canada, you'll...

Building Community through User Generated Content

Humans are a tribal bunch. We gather and form mini-communities around our work, interests, locations and more. Technology has amplified that trait. Apps and social media platforms provide an opportunity to share everything from sports to knitting as part of a group....

Put Proactive Business Development on Your Agenda

When you are a busy Solo PR pro, it is easy to push business development to the back burner, However, building proactive business development into your calendar helps to smooth out your income flow and avoid fear and panic should a client engagement decrease or end....

5 Ways to Use Video in your Marketing Strategy

Video is far from being the new kid on the block. Communication pros have used it for years in client work. What has changed is the ease of creating and distributing video. While produced videos remain a valuable tool, the ability to create video with little more than...

Goal, Set, Measure

Measurement is crucial to public relations, social media, and communication consultants. As Peter Drucker said, "you can't manage what you don't measure." In a profession that is often misunderstood and sometimes undervalued, it is more important than ever to be able...

Monetizing Media Mentions with Facebook Retargeting

by Jennifer Spivak A few days before Thanksgiving, I was contacted by a prospect who was scheduled to appear on a local morning news show for Small Business Saturday. The woman, who ran an e-commerce business on Shopify, wanted to know if there was a way to use...

Recharge Your Creativity

Creativity is integral to professionals in communications. From strategies to messaging to problem solving, thinking outside of the box is our version of coloring inside of the lines. However, there are times when the well of creativity runs dry. This handy...

How Your Website Can Handle the Second Impression

This is a guest post from Mike Wilner, CEO of Compass, a company that works with small businesses to create affordable (and easy) websites. “A website is your first impression online.” Ever heard that before? It’s a line used by a lot of web service marketers to scare...

Resolve to Improve Your Business in 2017

This time of year finds many people considering how they can improve in the new year. We look at our personal and professional lives and reflect on the changes that we can make to help us become better versions of ourselves.  In this post, we offer a few simple tips...

How to Prep Plan and Serve Your Feast to Clients

This week, the US is pausing to celebrate Thanksgiving, and it is a good time to talk turkey about your business in 2017. Planning your business is a lot like planning a Thanksgiving meal. You cannot decide on Thanksgiving morning that you're going to prepare a feast...

Fear, Change and the Future of Communications

The press release is dead! The blog is dead, long live social media! Out with social media, in with mobile! Virtual reality will replace everything! Sounding the death knell on a communication tactic is as old as mankind and will likely never change. Today,...

How to Make Down Time Really Count

Pros in public relations, social media, and communications never seem to have a shortage of things to do. However, there are seasons when client workloads may ease, you’ve completed a project, or you have an opening. During these times, you may find yourself actually...

The Independent Contract

What's In, What's Out This is a guest post from Solo PR PRO Premium member, Daria Steigman. Many years ago I was asked to develop a marketing package for the environmental practice group of a large, Washington-based, law firm. I interviewed all the partners, developed...

Should You Use Instagram Story or Snapchat? [Infographic]

In addition to a growing number of social media channels, communications professionals must also contend with the near constant changes of features within individual channels. More channels are beginning to add similar features making it more difficult to determine...

10 Image and Video Tools for PR Pros

Today’s communication professional must be able to tell captivating client stories in words and images. Fortunately, for savvy wordsmiths who feel they lack innate visual creativity, there is a myriad of tools to help. Below are 10 tools to help you create images and...

The Measurement Gap in Social Media

Professionals in marketing, public relations, social media and related fields all struggle with how to measure quantitative results for clients. There are fierce debates on the metrics that matter, and how to best present ROI to clients. All communication pros utilize...

Getting Organized

A little upfront work can save you a lot of time. This is a guest post from Solo PR PRO Premium member, Daria Steigman. Every time I get a new computer – desktop, laptop, or All-in-One – I have visions of reclaiming my desk and basking in the openness of white space....

Being a Boss When You Feel Like a Fraud

This is a guest post from Amy K. Harbison, CPCC, ACC. Does this sound familiar? You’ve just become a Solo PR pro. You’re initially exhilarated. You’re good at what you do and you’re ready to work for yourself. The euphoria starts strong, then it evaporates. Your...

9 Scientific Ways to Be More Productive

The month of September is the beginning of the end of the year and for many independent pros, it is the busiest time of the year. As we balance peak conference season, hitting year-end goals, planning for the next year and the holidays,  this last stretch of the year...

Solo PR Twitter Chat: Crisis, Clients and the Choices We Make

The Solo PR Twitter chat summer hiatus is over! We are resuming our regularly scheduled chats (the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month at 1pm ET) beginning, Wednesday, August 24, 2016. As we make the transition from the lazy, hazy days of summer to fall, this week's...

Solo PR FPRA 2016 Conference Recap

Last week some of the members of the Solo PR PRO community joined us in Tampa Bay, Florida for our main event of 2016. As we did last year we joined forces with the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) for a robust conference experience that included a variety...

Learn and Be Inspired By Solo PR at the FPRA Conference

Solo PR Pro’s main event activity for 2016 - the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) Conference,  kicked off on Sunday, August 7, 2016 in Tampa, Florida. The event will run through August 10, 2016. The cross section of independents, agencies and in-house PR...

Independent Consultants Share Insights on the Future of the Industry

In the communications industry, we read and hear about trends all the time. We are an industry that measures, predicts and attempts to stay ahead of the next big thing. These insights often emanate from think tanks, industry groups or large brands, but they are not...

A Style for Every Blogger

Today we can create our own broadcasts from a smartphone, tell visual stories with the click of a button and catch Pokemon wherever we go. This may lead us to wonder if good old blogging still has a place. Amid video, emojis and text speak, the written word remains a...

Six Reasons Solo PR Pros Should Serve on a Board

Introduction: One of the many benefits of being a Solo PR Pro is the ability to choose the clients and type of work you do. You have the flexibility to work with clients doing work that interests you or for causes that you support. Many Solo PR Pros are also fulfilled...

Cultural Advocacy and Public Relations

Solo PR Pro is taking July off from our bi-monthly Twitter chats, however we are gathering on other platforms. On Wednesday, July 13 at 1pm ET, we invite  you to join our blab discussion with Solo PR Pro member, Aaamaal Abdul-Malik. This integrated communications...

5 Summer Survival Tips for Solo PR Pros

Hello Summer! Hot temperatures and long days result in a slower pace for most businesses, and that includes Solo PR Pros. In this post, we share our top tips on using the natural slowdown of the season to race ahead in your business. Read on for our Top 5 summer...

How to Maximize Your Conference Experience

We are heading into peak conference season (including the Solo PR Pro 2016 Main Event) so it is a great time to strategically prepare so that you get the get the most from your conference experience. Attending conferences provides an opportunity to build upon your...

Beyond Your Borders: How to Work with Non-Local Clients

Working with clients in your local area is a satisfying and viable way to run your independent consultancy. It can deepen your sense of community, reduce your need to travel and allow you to dominate your local market. Knowledge of the local culture and norms can also...

How to Review, Reflect and Reset Your Business

We have hit the halfway point of the year and those January goals seem it is a good time to pause and review or reset your game plan for the year. Whether you are on track for your goals or things have not gone as planned everyone can benefit from a mid-year review....

#SoloPR Topic Chat: Journey to the Future

Mary Meeker's 2016 Internet trends report is out and, as it has every year, it has inspired a great deal of discussion. The 213-slide presentation is definitely worth a read, as it has broad reaching insights that impact sectors beyond technology. Forecasting is...

How to Improve Your LinkedIn Profile [Infographic]

LinkedIn launched in 2003 with 4500 members. Today, the site has more than 433 million members and is the world's largest professional network on the internet. While other social media channels are a mix of news, silly photos and viral videos,  LinkedIn continues to...

Registration is Open for the Solo PR PRO 2016 Main Event

We are thrilled to announce that once again, Solo PR Pro has teamed up with with the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) Conference for our main event activity for 2016 and registration is now open! This not-to-be-missed event offers an indie-focused Solo PR...

To Grow or Not to Grow?

In a service business, your clients are buying your areas of expertise and skill set. It can be harder to identify if and how you need to grow your practice. One of the advantages of running a solo consultancy is the ability to scale your business to your personal...

10 Easy Steps to Set up Marketing Analytics [Infographic]

Measurement has always been critical to PR professionals, but has grown more complex with the overabundance of data available to us.  Xerago produced this infographic that can be used a quick and easy checklist to help you set up analytics for client campaigns. The 10...

What to Consider When Rebranding Your Business

As a businessperson running your own consultancy, it’s inevitable that as your business evolves that you’ll reach a juncture where you’ll need to take a step back and review your brand. This could involve a subtle refresh of your logo or doing a complete overhaul...

#SoloPR Topic Chat: Your Career Track as an Entrepreneur

The growth question is one that all successful entrepreneurs face at some point in their business. There is plenty of advice for determining if, when and how you grow your business. However, one facet of growth that is not widely discussed is professional growth. As a...

Chat Recap: Signs It’s Time To Grow and Evolve In Your Business and More

On the fourth Wednesday in March, we held one of our traditional Q&A chats, where top independent communication professionals shared thought leadership, tips and advice in response to questions submitted by the community (learn how to join us here). On March...

It’s Not Me, It’s You

Once upon a time, you boldly walked away from a job and opened your own business. Whether your office was a corner table at Starbucks, or your kitchen table, you were creating work on your own terms and it was thrilling. You were energized by the freedom and...

How to Optimize a Business YouTube Channel

According to a Pew Internet study the majority (78%) of adult internet users watch or download videos, and among the most watched content is educational and how-to videos. With YouTube being the top site for video (and with the benefits that come from being...

Not Your Typical Ice Bucket Challenge Post– For Me, It’s Personal

Are you tired of hearing about the Ice Bucket Challenge? I am too, but as the backlash started (and is continuing longer than it should), I couldn’t sit silent any longer. Because for me, it’s personal. I’ve mentioned before that I recently had a family emergency, but...

10 Tips to Keep Your Mood and Confidence High

One of the many benefits of the solo lifestyle is having the ability to create and control your own work environment. There's no Debbie Downer or Toxic Tom at the water cooler to derail your happiness! However, that benefit also means that we're responsible for our...

One No Closer to a Yes – 5 Tips for Overcoming Setbacks

Does any of this sound familiar? You meet with a prospective client, and get to know their business. After spending hours customizing a proposal to fit their needs, they come back and say “no.” You felt confident about your plans for media relations outreach on a...

11 Grammar Mistakes That Make You Sound Like a Pompous Jerk

I’m a firm believer that rules are meant to be broken, and stringent members of the grammar police tend to be an annoying bunch. But truly bad grammar can diminish your reputation, make you appear careless, and cost you money through lost opportunities. While the...

Chat Recap: Big Brands, Bold Steps and the Freedom to be You

This week big brands made bold moves in fighting inaccuracies and managing their reputation, which made for great discussion during the June 25 #Solo PR twitter chart.  An international group of independent communication professionals weighed in with opinions and...

Chat Recap: Wire Services, Counseling Clients and Slow Periods

The June 18 #Solo PR twitter chat could have been titled the Burn Notice edition. Smart independent communication professionals gathered to discuss things that seem to be burning out, clients that burn you with last minute requests and how not to get burned from bad...

The Peanut Butter Cup Guide to Inspiration

There's an adage that says “everything old is new again” but as an independent professional there are times when everything old just feels old! Every industry has its conventions and rules of the road that work for providing governance and facilitating measurement,...

Chat Recap: Client Wrangling and Busting Through

The June 11 #Solo PR twitter chat happened to include a number of questions on client wrangling. Our community of savvy independent communication professionals discussed the following topics of interest: What proactive steps should you take when you know client's...

Chat Recap: Promotions, Project Quotes, Mergers and Networking

The weekly Solo PR Twitter chat on June 4, 2014 drew a diverse group of independent communication pros from across the country. With a mix of expert insight and humor these pros discussed the following topics of interest: What are your go-to promo items or branded...

How To Get Your Blog Post Shared 1,000 Times

Independent communication pros know that creating great blog content is only half the battle. A blog post that does not get visibility with your audience is like the proverbial tree in the forest that falls when no one is around! This  infographic from Canva provides...

Solo PR Pro Vacation

Regular readers of this blog know that I believe regular breaks are critical to enjoying a long-term, successful career as a Solo PR Pro. The importance of taking time off on occasion cannot be understated, and this week we're leading by example. J We're on vacation...

Chat Recap: Hits, Misses and Holidays

As independent communication pros, sometimes we have to have awkward conversations with clients. Thankfully, there was nothing awkward about the May 21 #solopr Twitter chat! A global group of pros gathered to discuss current challenges, trends and the following topics...

Chat Recap: Elevators, Beaches, Control and Taking the High Road

On May 14,  independent communication pros representing a broad range of industries gathered for the weekly #solopr Twitter chat. These diverse pros discussed the following topics of interest: What do you do when you have to work w/another agency as part of client...

Solo Retirement Planning [Infographic]

Independent communication pros are masterful at planning for our clients, but it turns out we may not be using that skill when it comes to our own retirement planning. Among the interesting data in the infographic below, it reveals that the majority of self-employed...

Chat Recap: Rush Jobs, Dual Roles and PR vs Marketing 3.0

A savvy group of independent communication pros from across the country gathered for the May 7 #solopr Twitter chat. The group enjoyed a lively, fast moving chat as they discussed the following topics of interest: When you work w/a client on a project basis, how do...

Training Clients on the Do’s and Don’ts

There is nothing more thrilling than ringing the new client bell! The last thing you want to have happen is to win the client, but lose the opportunity for a successful engagement due to unclear expectations or faulty communication. Every situation is different, but...

Chat Recap: Twitter Profiles, Believing in Your Clients, and more

During the April 22 #solopr twitter chat, a diverse group of independent communication pros from across the country gathered to discuss the following topics of interest: Should I continue to subcontract with an agency that gives me lame media pitches, won't accept...

On Boarding, Setting Boundaries and Self-Promotion

Each Wednesday at 1 pm EST, a diverse group of independent communication pros from across the globe gather to discuss hot topics and timely issues that impact the solo professional. The April 9 #solopr twitter chat was once again filled with savvy pros at varying...

Subcontractors, Gaining Client Trust and Oh No, Not That!

What’s a savvy solo independent pro to do when a client goes way off script during a media interview? Read this week’s transcript to find out! During the April 2 #solopr Twitter chat this question and the following topics of interest were vigorously discussed by...

Marcom, Free Work and Spotting the Fakes

This week highlighted that, as an independent pro, you not only get to color outside the lines but decide where the lines are drawn. During the March 26 Solo PR chat, independent communication pros discussed the following topics of interest: What's the difference...

Every Solo Pro Should Have Super Friends

Batman tries to go it alone, but always ends up needing backup from Robin, Commissioner Gordon or sometimes Catwoman. Superman may be the Man of Steel but any kid could take him out with a fistful of Kryptonite and a slingshot. The solo professional is the real world...

Chat Recap: How Long is Too Long and the Winding Road to Solo Success

If you have lost that loving feeling or simply feel the itch of change this week's Solo PR Twitter chat transcript may inspire you. During the March 5 Solo PR chat, independent communication pros got down to business as they discussed the following topics of interest:...

Is It Time to Rethink Multitasking?

If you ask ten independent pros about multitasking, it’s likely that eight will provide an answer while watching a monitoring dashboard, responding to an email, scrolling through a news feed and drinking a cup of coffee or glass of wine! Multitasking has become the...

Chat Recap: Frequent Flyer Miles, Text Me Maybe and Packing Light

During the February 26, 2014 #solopr Twitter chat, independent pros in PR, Social Media and related fields discussed the following topics of interest: (1/2) Many of us travel quite a bit, & @RedMedia shared that Delta is changing its frequent flyer...

Chat Recap: Managing Clients, Prospects and Winter Weather

During the February 12 #solopr Twitter chat, independent pros shared insight and advice on the following topics of interest: When a potential client seems interested and then suddenly ignores you, when/how often should you contact for followup? #solopr If you see an...

Top Challenges Facing Solo Pros

When you make the leap to a solo career, you don’t have to go it alone. While independent pros may not have on-site coworkers, we have the opportunity to tap into our Solo PR Pro colleagues’ broad diversity of experiences and perspectives – a pool of talent from...

Chat Recap: PR Wins, Fails, Advice and the Art of the Apology

Mea culpas and mittens were among the topics discussed during the February 5 #solopr Twitter chat. Independent pros in PR, Social Media and related fields served up smart advice and insight about the following topics of interest: Today, CVS drugstore announced it's...

How to Avoid Falling Down the Technology Rabbit Hole

It seems that each week a new social media tool is launched. The explosion of tools mirrors the larger market, where gadgets and solutions change faster than the seasons. As independent professionals we need to be aware of the changes, but how do we decide which tools...

Chat Recap: Media, Madness and Content Marketing

During the January 29 #solopr Twitter chat, independent communication professionals discussed the following topics of interest: When a client damages relationship w/journo how do you handle? #solopr Q2 is a quick followup, what if you were working w/someone who...

Chat Recap: New Client Meetings, Pitching National Media and Subcontracting

 When opportunity knocks, how do you answer? During the  January 22 #solopr chat, independent communication professionals discussed how to prepare for that initial meeting with clients. Other topics included breaking through to the national media and insight and...

Get SMART: Setting Goals that Work

To some of us, the goal-setting process may seem like a tiresome chore, but in reality it can be the key to having fun in your business. Goals give us focus and can contribute not just to the success of our business, but also to our enjoyment of our work. A goal can keep you engaged and energized.

Chat Recap: Measurement and Outcomes for PR and Social Media

This week we had a double dose of smarts as we joined forces with the social media-focused #SMchat community during our regularly scheduled #solopr chat hour, for a combined sharing of ideas. The topic was Measurement and while what is measured may vary by area of...

Can an Identity Crisis Be a Good Thing?

A new year gets many of us thinking about refreshing our brand. Beyond just “new year, new you” thinking, can we evolve how we position our services as the industry shifts and our desired clients change? Solo PR Pro community member Jayme Soulati says yes, and in this...

Chat Recap: Polar Vortex, Presentation Slip-Ups and Keeping the New Year Spirit Alive

January 8 marked the first #solopr Twitter chat of 2014.  Independent communication pros kicked off the year with a robust chat as they discussed the following topics of interest: What do you do when an unexpected event (e.g. polar vortex) dominates the news- and you...

Chat Recap: Finding Balance, Facebook, Pitching and Best of 2013

In the final chat of 2013, independent communication pros discussed the following topics of interest: How do solos stay balanced? E.g., how do other solos keep work from taking over their lives? #solopr Facebook organic reach has declined. How are you managing for...

How and When to Raise Your Rates

This post is from the latest ebook in our  Show Me the Money! series. This six-part series is a step-by-step, hands-on course to help you maximize profits and take your business to the next level. The series provides resources and examples to help you achieve a more...

Chat Recap: Managing, Planning and Celebrating Your Business

During the December 13 #solopr Twitter chat, independent communication professionals discussed the following topics of interest: A local PR pro tells you he's mentioned you to biz new to town (you don't know anyone at new biz). How do you proceed? #solopr 2014 is sure...

How Not to Go Broke by Pricing for Profit

At this time of year, many independent communication professionals are reviewing their rates and making decisions about their pricing strategy for the new year. In this guest post, Solo PR Pro premium member and Summit speaker, Daria Steigman of Steigman...

Chat Recap: LinkedIN, CEO Oh No and Productivity

Independent communication professionals got down to business during the December 4 #solopr Twitter chat,as they discussed the following topics of interest: How are you using LinkedIn as a biz dev tool? How effective is LI for your business? #solopr Inspired by...

Chat Recap: Giving Thanks, Talking Turkey, Social Media Table Manners and More

In the Thanksgiving themed November 20 #solopr Twitter chat, independent communication professionals discussed the following topics of interest: What business advice are you most thankful that you received? #solopr How do you manage a client that’s a turkey...

Email Marketing for Independent Communication Professionals

With all the advances in digital communications, email remains the old dog that keeps learning new tricks. Love it or hate it; most professionals continue to rely on email for sharing and exchanging information. Yet, when it comes to email marketing many may associate...

Chat Recap: Holiday Gifts, Financial Management and Battling Overwhelm

The weather outside is frightful but solo chats are delightful. During the November 13 #solopr Twitter chat,  independent communication professionals warmed their hands in a virtual fireside chat as they discussed the following topics of interest: Do you send...

Chat Re-cap: Balance, Burn Out and Bringing it in 2014

During the November 6 #solopr Twitter chat, independent communications professionals discussed the following topics of interest:  How do you "leave work" when you work from home? #solopr  What do you do when you've lost that "loving" feeling about your business?...

Brand It Like Beckham

Have you ever been in this scenario? A client hires you to improve brand awareness, but in your assessment you discover a mass of brand confusion!  You discover there are numerous variations of the company and product logos – used inconsistently – and the company name...

7 Tools to Help You Showcase Your Social Media Presence

  Social media has become an integral tool for independent communication professionals and their clients. Most professionals use more than one platform to reach their audience adding to the challenge of managing and promoting a social presence. Fortunately there...

Chat Recap: Instagram, Infographics, Interns and More

The specific questions and top responses from the October 9 #solopr Twitter chat, include:

Chat Recap: Making Time For Marketing, News Wires and More

The specific questions, and top responses, from the October 2 #solopr Twitter chat, include:

Lessons from Diana Nyad On Achieving Your Extreme Dream

Do you have an “extreme dream?” Diana Nyad did, and on Labor Day this year, she became the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida without a shark cage. One lone 64-year-old woman in a huge ocean filled with uncertainty attempting to achieve what many believed...