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Living the Life

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...

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...

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...

Planning for parental leave as a solo PR pro

You're having a baby! Congratulations.  While this is such an exciting time, when you run your own solo PR business it can also be quite stressful. After all, in some countries, such as the U.S. you often aren't eligible for the same sort of paid parental leave...

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.

The Importance of Business Development in a Tough Economy

For solo PR pros, business development is an important, ongoing process. Continually looking for ways to grow your business is the name of the game, especially during uncertain economic times.  In a recent episode of That Solo Life: The Solo PR Pro Podcast, hosts...

Spotlight on a Solo PR Pro: Meet Pennie Rorex

After 40+ years in the public relations industry, Pennie Rorex, chief marketing consultant at Rorex Marketing Solutions, is preparing to close the book on this chapter of her life. Later this year, she’ll retire from her long PR and marketing career to focus on other...

How Solo PR Pros can Embrace Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) is a complex and important landscape to navigate in our roles as communicators. The topics can sometimes be uncomfortable but we must move past that discomfort to provide strategic counsel to our clients. You may not have a...

5 Ways to Reinvigorate Your Solo Business

If you've been at this solo thing for a while, you may not feel that burst of inspiration you'd hope for heading into the new year. But think of this fresh start as a time to reinvent and reinvigorate your business.  Here are five simple ways to breathe new life...

10 of Our Favorite Posts Published on the Solo PR Pro Blog in 2022

Hello 2023! As we kick off a new year, we took some time to reflect on all the content we published in 2022. Spoiler: It's a lot of great content, if we do say so ourselves! Top 10 blog posts published on Solo PR Pro in 2022 Here are 10 of our favorite blog posts...

2022 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. 2022 Solo PR Pro Premium member accomplishments Several of our members chimed in to share what they are most proud of...

5 Solos Share Their No. 1 Business Goal for 2023

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 to achieve your goals. In this series, we ask five Solo PR Pro Premium members to share their best tips, tricks and resources for...

6 Professional Pet Peeves That Rankle PR Pros

What is it about your work that gets under your skin? No matter the profession, we all encounter workplace pet peeves in our interactions with colleagues, clients, vendors, journalists — you name it! In a recent episode of That Solo Life: The Solo PR Pro Podcast,...

Spotlight on a Solo PR Pro: Meet J.W. Arnold, APR, Fellow PRSA

J.W. Arnold knows what makes for a good story.  It’s an innate skill, but also comes from his background as a public affairs reporter for a regional chain of newspapers in western Missouri.   Today, as principal of PR firm PRDC, J.W. can not only...

How To Evaluate a Client That Is New to PR

Picture this: You’ve set up a meeting with a prospective client, only to learn… they have never worked with a PR professional before. What do you do? Is this the right client for you? Clients that are brand new to the world of public relations can present...

How to navigate client planning for a new year

The new year is right around the corner, and, of course, you know what that means. It’s time to start thinking, if you haven’t already, about what’s in store for 2023. When it comes to planning for a new calendar year with your clients, every solo PR pro seems to...

How to Get Paid (On Time) by Your Clients

It's a scenario no solo PR pro wants to find themselves in: getting stiffed on client payments. It happened to two of my dear friends this year alone.  In both instances, these clients were referrals from trusted sources where personal relationships existed....

Going Beyond Media Relations: Other Services Solo PR Pros Can Offer

A big misconception about public relations is that the only thing PR pros do is media relations. As we know, that couldn't be further from the truth.  Here's how the Public Relations Society of America defines public relations: “Public relations is a strategic...

34 Business Tools to Lighten The Load and Level Up Your Solo PR Game

Solo PR Pros are always on the hunt for great business tools. As a solo PR professional, you are an expert juggler — you keep all of your clients, projects, pitches, emails and processes flying through the air at top speed. Your work is often time-sensitive and highly...

The Future of Work Is Fluid: Rethinking Your Nonlinear Career Path

Much of today’s conversation about the future of work focuses on technology, especially the way that technology enables remote work. It’s a topic that has understandably risen to the forefront during the COVID-19 pandemic. But to strategic consultant, podcast host and...

Spotlight on a Solo PR Pro: Meet Ebony Vaz

Ebony Vaz’s path to PR was a bit untraditional. “I’ve had quite an interesting background, but it’s funny how it all comes together with what I do now,” she explains. In college, Ebony studied industrial engineering — an area she was inspired to pursue after watching...

Back to School! 3 Solo PR Pros on Becoming an Adjunct Instructor

For many solo PR pros, the idea of becoming an adjunct instructor at a local college or university can be appealing. "Being an educator keeps me on my toes and forces me to know the latest trends, tips and techniques for working in communications," says Kristie...

Nomad, No Problem: How to Manage Your Business From Abroad

Jennifer Donovan always knew she wanted to live abroad. “I started traveling internationally in my teenage years,” she says. “I caught that wanderlust bug and realized I have a huge curiosity for other cultures, foods, languages and people.” After school, Jennifer...

3 Green Flags Solo PR Pros Should Seek Out in a Client

In solo PR and business owner circles, we talk a lot about red flags to keep an eye out for when prospecting, onboarding and working with new clients.  You know what we're talking about when we say red flags — clients who pay late (or worse, don't pay at all), clients...

Spotlight on a Solo PR Pro: Meet Ben Finzel

Born and raised in Washington D.C., Ben Finzel's interest in politics and current events began when he was just a kid.  “Growing up in D.C., I think you either hate all of that because you’re surrounded by it, or you gravitate toward it,” he says. “For me, it was...

5 Solos PR Pros Share How They Structure Their Work Day

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 to Handle Tough Client Conversations

Awkward conversations are…well, awkward.  No one wants to have them, but sometimes as a Solo PR Pro, they are inevitable when it comes to clients.  In a recent episode of That Solo Life: The Solo PR Pro Podcast, Karen Swim and Michelle Kane discuss how to...

How to Take Time Off When You Run Your Own Business

OK, Solo PR Pros, I've got a question for you: When was the last time you took a vacation? No, I mean like a *real* fully unplugged-from-work vacation — none of this, "Oh, I'll check in on my email real quick before I hit the beach." When you run a business, it's not...

Spotlight on a Solo PR Pro: Meet Jen Peterson

Jen Peterson didn’t start her career with the intention of running her own PR business, but after nearly 30 years in the industry, she’s definitely proven she’s in the right spot. No stranger to change, Jen grew up moving a lot. She lived up and down the East Coast,...

Spotlight on a Solo PR Pro: Meet Daria Steigman

Two of Daria Steigman’s passions met at a crossroads during her college years. She grew up as the daughter of a U.S. diplomat, which meant her childhood was spent in several different locations around the globe, including the Congo, Libya, France, Nigeria and Gabon....

5 Tips for Working with the Media in 2022

Journalism has changed a lot over the last few years, but you don't have to feel left behind.  One thing that hasn't changed? Media relations remain an important part of the PR world. You can still provide valuable, unique and timely information to journalists....

Change is the New Normal: How to Keep Up With it All as a Solo PR Pro

Change is something you’re probably very familiar with as a small business owner. But the past few years have brought on a dizzying amount of pivoting, and it’s left most of us with a severe case of business whiplash.  Luckily, Chip Griffin, founder of Small Agency...

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...

5 Quick Tips to Curb Screen Time as a Solo PR Pro

Byline: Janet Falk Like many public relations professionals, you have an active social media presence, walking the walk you advocate for your clients and promoting your practice.  In fact, you may be managing your clients’ social media accounts. But what happens...

5 Solos Share How to Break Into A Different Sector of 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...

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...

Uncertain Times: 12 Resources for Solo PR Pros

The last few years haven't been easy — for anyone. We have all had tough times as we have confronted unimaginable challenges. With loss, strife and conflict, it's difficult these days not to feel a bit despondent by the state of the world.  Maybe you've also felt...

The How-To Guide for Parental Leave as a Solo PR Pro

Stepping away from work for parental leave is never easy. While you're wrapped up in the joy, beauty and sleepless nights of your newborn, work still goes on. Projects still have deadlines, clients are still paying and there are always new fires to put out. ...

4 Steps to Running a Fabulous Influencer Campaign

Influencer campaigns are risky and difficult, right? They don’t have to be.  The average influencer campaign budget is about $1,000, which makes engaging with influencers a realistic goal for your clients. There are ways to approach influencer campaigns for...

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...

3 Tips for Living Your Happiest (Most Successful) Life

What’s your happy?If someone asked you that right now, would you know the answer? If not, it’s okay. Because Vernon Brown can help. Vernon, one of the top happiness coaches in the country and founder of What’s Your Happi, spends his days helping entrepreneurs (like...

Spotlight on a Solo PR Pro: Meet Shirley Johnson

For Shirley Johnson, taking on clients as a solo PR professional wasn’t part of some grand plan. It happened organically following many successful years in broadcast production and healthcare and pharmaceutical public relations.   After living in Chicago,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

4 Must-Have Elements for Your Website as a Solo PR Pro

You’ve probably heard the phrase “let me Google that for you” before.  And although it’s often spoken with a tone of sarcasm, it can also be viewed as a true sign of the times. We live in a digital age where people do research and ask questions online...

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 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...

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...

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...

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 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...

5 Solo PR Pros Share Their Predictions for the PR Industry in 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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 Resources

The coronavirus pandemic is fast moving and it can be tough to keep up with all of the information and resources. We are collecting resources to help you support your clients through this crisis. There is a pinned thread in the Facebook group where you can share...

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...

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...

Creating a PR-perfect workspace

We are thrilled to present this guest post, written by the talented Elissa Freeman. When I started my solo PR business almost eight years ago, I didn’t give much thought to the type of work environment I would need to succeed. After all, what was wrong with my kitchen...

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...

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...

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...

PR and Technology 2019 Trends

There’s no doubt that technology continues to have an impact on the PR industry. So much so that the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism issues an annual Global Communications Report based on survey results from PR professionals and students and, new...

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...

Let Freedom Ring! Celebrating Solo PR Pros

This week as we pause to celebrate Independence Day in the United States, solo PR Pros shared what independence means to them. Read their thoughtful, fun and inspiring answers below. "Being able to make the decisions and be responsible for the outcome -- whether good...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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.

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...

Get Motivated with a Mastermind

One of the best aspects of operating as a solo practitioner is, well, being solo. The autonomy of choosing our projects and, for the most part, how we work is a fulfilling way to make a living. We provide value and combat isolation by collaborating with our teams and...

Time Management for the Solo PR Pro: Who Has Time for That?

We all have the same number of hours in the day as Beyoncé, so they say. Except where Beyoncé has a huge team behind her, as solo consultants, we are the ones wearing many of the hats in our businesses. So, what’s a solo to do? Maximizing our time is directly...

2019 Trends to Watch for Solo PR Pros

We hope that 2018 was a good year for you, both personally and professionally. Now that 2019 has arrived, what new tactics and capabilities can we expect as we strengthen our positions as strategic partners for our clients? Voice Search / AI Did you receive an Amazon...

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...

Project Management Tools

Managing projects is hard enough, but finding a tool to help you can be downright painful. With a vast array of options, choosing the right tool can be overwhelming. Exclusively for Solo PR Pro members, we have developed a quick and easy resource with a few...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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....

Get SMART About Marketing and PR

Technology, social media, and search are just a few of the things that continue to shift how public relations, marketing and communication professionals practice. With many disciplines converging, it is almost certain that the scope of your work over the last couple...

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...

Webinar: 3 Steps to Conversations that Sell

As we double down on fine-tuning the basics and sharpening our skill sets, this month's webinar addresses selling. Small business specialist, Craig Severinsen leads this presentation providing practical tips to mastering sales conversations with potential clients. He...

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...

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...

Replay: 3 Essential Steps to Landing More Clients

No matter how long you have been in business, you're always looking to improve your business development. Craig Severinsen of Bright Works PR and Marketing shares his insights and tips on how you can land more and better clients. He focuses on three essential steps...

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...

For PROs only: Social Media Policy Template

Clients often turn to their PR team to create communication guidelines. Exclusively for Solo PR Pro members, we have created a social media policy template that you can customize for your clients. This time-saving tool can be used as part of a new social media...

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...

For PROs only: Business Goal Planning

This week on the public blog we shared a few ideas to help you improve your business in the new year. While the ideas were specific things that you can do, it is helpful to have a planning process that looks at the bigger picture. Exclusively for Solo PR Pros, we...

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...

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...

Brand / Communications Audit

Every brand needs a health check on occasion. Whether you are working with a new client or existing client, a brand/communications audit allows you to assess the effectiveness and consistency of their brand. Solo PR PRO Premium Member, Jennifer Marsik Friess shares...

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 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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

The Benefits of Mentoring an Intern

This is a guest post by Solo PR Pro founder and former president, Kellye Crane. Lately, I’ve seen many cars sporting a paw print bumper sticker with the pro-adoption motto, “Who Rescued Who?” Poor grammar aside – and keeping in mind no one in our scenario is a dog – I...

Facebook Lead Ads Are Awesome: Here’s Why

This is a guest post from Jennifer Spivak, who is a Solo PR Pro Premium member and a digital marketing specialist. She is also a marketing instructor and curriculum architect at the Startup Institute and an adjunct professor at The City College of New York. Jennifer...

How to Handle Tax Time with Ease

Back in 1789, Benjamin Franklin astutely observed, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” This still rings true today, and nobody knows this with more certainty than someone running their own small business. With tax filing...

Navigating the Subcontractor Relationship

At some stage during your solo journey, you will likely face a situation where you’ll need to enlist the help of others either temporarily for a one-time project or on a more ongoing basis. Working with subcontractors can offer you the flexibility of forming a...

Charging What You’re Worth

Deciding how to correctly price a project or where to set your hourly rate can be a challenge for independent consultants. And charging what you’re truly worth can be a struggle for many. Sometimes consultants can fall into a rut of undervaluing their work and even...

Spotting a Problem Client Before It’s Too Late

Overly challenging clients can be the bane of the existence of any consultant regardless of whether they’re relatively new to the solo life or a highly seasoned pro who’s been in business for decades. Difficult clients are not only unpleasant but can hinder your...

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...

Karen Swim to Lead Solo PR Pro

Today, we’re happy to share news of a transition that has been underway for many weeks. Long-time Solo PR Pro Premium member and frequent collaborator Karen Swim, who has worked alongside founder Kellye Crane since the blog was launched in 2008, has taken ownership of...

Are You Pretending To Be Busy?

We all do it on occasion. Sometimes we fool even ourselves, we're so good at pretending to be busy -- and independent consultants are especially vulnerable. It can be a form of procrastination (as in the illustration above). Or perhaps we just can't find the muse that...

Demystifying the Home Office Deduction

Disclaimer: This post is newly updated, and is not a substitute for the guidance of a tax professional. If you’re still working on your tax preparations, we’re not judging. Hopefully, you’re striving to keep as much of your hard-earned income as possible. An...

March Fourth Offers a Mandate

We’re more than two months into 2015, and some (most?) new year’s resolutions have fallen by the wayside. But just when we’re about to relax into old routines, the calendar offers us a date to serve as a reminder: March Fourth! This day offers a great opportunity to...

My Year of Living Humorously

You are only young once, but you can stay immature indefinitely. -Ogden Nash I had a birthday over the weekend, and though it didn’t end in a zero I sort of dreaded this one - perhaps because I’ve been feeling a bit boring lately. As Solo PR Pros, many of us work...

Happy Thanksgiving!

In the U.S., this week is a time to slow down and spend time with loved ones (yes, even driven Solo PR Pros!), and to take a moment to feel thankful for our blessings. I'm thankful for the Solo PR Pro community, which allows me to learn from amazingly smart,...

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...

Holiday PSA: Don’t Drink and Tweet

It's summertime in the Northern Hemisphere and the U.S. observes its Independence Day this week. With cookouts and celebrations on the calendar, we thought we'd share some holiday fun with a few reminders to all you hot and thirsty people out there: For those who...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

A Year in Review – The Top 5 Solo PR Pro Posts of 2013

This year we gave you tips, tools and templates to help you start, manage and grow your solo business. You read, clicked, commented and downloaded in response. Before the ball drops on 2013, we look back at the most popular posts of the year. Whether you are reading...

Songs to Solo By

We've added many new recruits to the Solo PR Pro army since we first published these playlists in 2011, and with everyone in the U.S. still recovering from eating too much turkey, now seems like the perfect time for a pick-me-up! We're re-sharing this post so everyone...

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...

The Importance of Taking Time Off

It's no surprise that solo PR pros are sometimes guilty of working too much. But continually burning the candle at both ends can have a serious negative impact on both your mental and physical health. That's why we've written several posts over the years on the...

How to Spot and Attend Great Conferences

What’s the formula for a great conference? I love going to in-person events and conferences, and in the past 20 years I’ve had a hand in planning more than my share. While preparing for the Solo PR Summit (the full schedule is live today!), I’ve given a lot of thought...

Save the Date: Solo PR Summit to be held February 20-21, 2013

Finally, an event specifically for us! Mark your calendars now for the Solo PR Summit – the first-ever in-person event and conference hosted by Solo PR Pro, being held February 20-21, 2013, at the Regency Suites Hotel in Atlanta, Ga. With an emphasis on real world,...

This just in: Monday is Labor Day

Here’s a public service announcement: Monday (September 3, 2012) is the Labor Day holiday in the U.S. Had you lost track of that fact? You’re not alone. As solo PR pros, we often forget about non-religious holidays, or see them only as opportunities to get ahead on...

A matter of life and death for PR Pros

Recently, a new study found that (as in previous studies on men) women with high stress jobs have a significant increase in their risk of having a “cardiovascular event” – an almost 70% increase in heart attack risk, and nearly 40% more likely to have other...

Staying Afloat on Stormy Seas

In my most recent post, Secrets of a Sickie, I talked about what to do if you’re ill, and mentioned that many of those tactics also apply when other emergencies arise. My personal posts on this blog are typically few and far between, but (in an ironic twist), since...

Public Listings Now Available Via Solo PR PRO Premium

We’re always looking for ways to help the best independent PR consultants – and the clients who seek to hire them - find each other. Today, we’re happy to unveil our new Public Listings and PR Pro Search feature, which offers members of Solo PR PRO Premium a...

Help Us Plan the Solo PR Conference (quick survey)

By now, you may have heard that we're in the early planning stages of an exciting new development at Solo PR Pro: a full conference, to be held in Atlanta in February of 2013. As anyone who's ever planned an event knows, there are always trade-offs (high fee for an...

Working all the time to get ahead is a fool’s game

As self-employed consultants, we have to take breaks and vacations whenever we can get them (something I’ve been remiss in doing for a while). So when I was invited to speak to the Coastal Carolinas chapter of the American Advertising Federation this week, I made sure...

Focus your efforts for fun and profit

As consultants, we’re largely in charge of our own destiny – which can be both a blessing and a curse. Most (all?) of us have things we enjoy that we aren’t good at, and things we’re good at that we don’t find enjoyable. For example: I love to sing -- but no one ever...

Announcing New Find a PR Consultant Feature, and more

Today, we're proud to unveil our new no-cost Find a PR Consultant feature that will help those seeking assistance from a solo PR pro locate the help they need. It's also the last day for independent consultants to get in on the beta Solo PR PRO Premium membership. In...

11 Must-Watch Diverse Marketing Influencers

Lists of people to watch in marketing often come under fire for being light on diversity. Here’s the thing: including those with ethnic, cultural and religious differences is not hard to do! Some say there’s a diversity deficit, and that may be true, but as with many...

LEAP Forward

Every four years, we get a bonus day – an extra day to do with what we will. On this Leap Day, doesn’t it seem like a good moment to pause and think about our goals, and what we’re leaping toward? For me, I purposely selected this day to release some new deliverables...

What Solo PR Pros Really Do

As you've probably seen, there's a funny little meme going around depicting the difference between what people think you do, and what you actually do for a living. For some Friday fun, I thought we solo PR pros could use one of our own!   What do you think? What...

Solo PR Pros Make the PR Industry Stronger

When PRSA asked me to participate in their series “12 Trends That Will Change Public Relations in 2012,” I saw it as an opportunity to expose the uninitiated to the benefits of working with a Solo PR Pro. In “Solo PR Pros — The Profession’s Secret Weapon,” I lay out...

January Lets You “Re-do”

This post contributed by Content & Community Specialist Heather Rast. The early weeks of every year can be pretty symbolic. We give ourselves a pass to shirk the poor work habits of just a few weeks prior. Hopes abound that a big red “re-do” button will let us...

Hot Posts of 2011

2011 Has been a great year for Solo PR Pro. We grew our readership (which means we’re helping more indies get the information they need) and participation in our weekly Twitter chat (thanks to everyone spreading the good word with the #solopr hash tag) expanded to...

Year-End Advice for Pros New And Old

This post was written by Heather Rast. It’s that time of year again. The time where independent consultants think about this year's work and how to move into the new year with sound footing. Over the last three years, we’ve had several blog posts and Twitter chats...

7 Ways To Build Trust With Your Clients

This post is by Solo PR Pro Content and Community Specialist, Heather Rast. Working with Kellye, you learn early on she’s smart about servicing clients. A recent project got us talking about ways to build trust after finding a new client and how vitally important it...

Celebrating 16 Years and Counting

In the year 1995, Google hadn’t been invented yet, the then-admired Mel Gibson won the Academy Award for best director (Braveheart), and grunge goddess Alanis Morissette won the Grammy for best album (Jagged Little Pill). In November 1995, Crane Communications, LLC...

Get In Early On Our New Solo PR PRO Member Site!

We’re happy to unveil the premium Solo PR PRO membership site, now in public beta (at special beta pricing). Specifically for us, this premium PRO content offers road-tested deliverables and downloads, a members-only Forum, a special upcoming Show Me the Money! series on setting rates, and much more.

Finding What’s Most Important: An Interview with Beth Harte

It’s a common discussion in the Solo PR community: how much does online popularity matter when it comes to business success? And are these online relationships really friendships? When one of the industry’s top bloggers (and my good friend), Beth Harte, chose to...

On the Path

The amazing Jennifer Spivak started with us as an intern and continued as a community assistant – her energy and drive have truly been a constant inspiration! As she continues down her path toward becoming a full-time independent consultant, Jennifer’s decided to...

Surefire Ways to Limit Your Speaking Engagements

An important technique for building your profile and credibility is to speak at events. Speaking at conferences that target your peers can lead to new business referrals, and events that target your prospective clients can yield a nice stack of interested executive...

Do We Have Collective Power?

This is not your typical “vote for my panel” blog post (well, not exactly), but I do have a session in the South by Southwest (SXSW) Panel Picker this year. The Panel Picker process is often maligned as a popularity contest that requires potential speakers to pimp,...

Balance, Google+, & More

During the August 17 #solopr Twitter chat, independent PR pros shared insight on establishing a work/life balance, participating in Twitter chats, and diving into Google+. The following questions helped guide the conversation: 1. What steps do you take to help balance...

Top Tip for Relaxation

Stressed out Solo PR Pros need to find ways to relax! In this video, I share my favorite relaxation tip.     If you can't see the video, watch it here.   Do you have any tried and true methods for chilling out when the day gets overwhelming? Let us know...

Work Situations, Inattentive Clients, & More

During the July 27 #solopr Twitter chat, independent PR pros discussed work situations, growth goals, contacting press, and inattentive clients. Specifically, the following questions were addressed: 1. Do you work from home, or an off-site office? Pros/cons? #solopr...

Ponder Your Legacy

Recently, I was asked by PRSA to be interviewed as part of the organization’s Business Case for Public Relations series. Many of the questions are heady, and gave me pause. But perhaps the most difficult question to answer was, “what do you want your legacy to be?”

Business Strategy, Insurance, and Tact

During the July 13 #solopr Twitter chat, independent PR pros discussed business strategy, insurance, and branching out. Specifically, the following questions were addressed: 1. Do you use tact, bluntness, or both for business? #solopr 2. Do you have errors and...

Business Goals, Referral Systems, & More

During the June 8 #solopr Twitter chat, independent PR pros discussed business goals, referral systems, client red flags, and more. Specifically, the following questions were addressed: 1. We're almost at 2011 half-way pt. How is everyone doing on their business...

Gone Fishing

    Those of you who have followed this blog for a while know that I believe regular breaks are critical for preventing burnout and enjoying a long-term, successful career as a Solo PR Pro.  I've been preaching the importance of vacations for years. For the...

Thanking Our Unsung Heroes

Today is my wedding anniversary. It doesn't even seem possible, but my husband and I have been together for 19 years, and married for 15. This anniversary feels like a big one, and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank him for being the unsung hero of my business...

Extra Costs, Website Leads, Summer Vacation & More

During the May 18 #solopr Twitter chat, solo PR pros shared insight on adding mileage expenses into client contracts, building your own website, getting leads from your website, and taking a summer vacation. The following questions helped guide the conversation: 1....

Challenges Beyond Our Own

I'm usually not keen about covering my support of various causes on this blog, and I'm rarely personal. But I’d like to share why I feel a connection and have signed on as a Blue Key Champion for USA for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. As someone who lived in New...

Keep Reaching

A man’s reach should exceed his grasp, or what’s a heaven for? -Robert Browning   Some days, reaching for what’s beyond our comfort zone feels too difficult. It’s hard to push the boundaries, and often situations outside our control test our patience and...

6 Ways to Make the Most of a Conference Experience

The reasons to attend an event like South by Southwest (SXSW) are varied, and sometimes seem a bit obtuse to those not in attendance (“I have better things to do than go to a lot of parties,” many say). However, as we discuss on a regular basis in the Solo PR...

Sarah Evans on Becoming a Solo PR

For many of us, Sarah Evans needs no introduction. Sarah's Twitter innovations include the popular #journchat weekly chat (the model on which our #solopr chat is based), and she's never afraid to try something new. But few realize that Sarah hasn't always been a free...

Solo PR Community: Be My Valentine

I'm not an overly sentimental gal. I don't like chick flicks, I hate syrupy pop songs, and I rarely cry without good reason. But one thing makes me breakout in sappy declarations on a regular basis: the Solo PR community. Lately, I've been awash in mushy feelings...

Project Management, Social Media Opportunities, and More

During the January 19 #solopr Twitter chat, independent PR pros discussed issues relating to project management, awards programs, and the opportunities in social media for finding work, speaking gigs, and more. Specifically, the following questions were addressed: 1....

Questions on Volunteering and Social Media

During the January 12 #solopr Twitter chat, independent PR professionals discussed issues around both volunteering and social media management, addressing the following questions: 1. As a freelancer, I get asked to serve on volunteer committees in my town a lot!  How...

Finding Partners, Staying Motivated, and more

During the January 5 #solopr Twitter chat, pros in PR consulting offered insights on a wide-range of topics, addressing the following questions: 1) How do you find good and loyal consultants to partner with? 2) How do you get more social network followers for new...

Share Your Resolutions

One of the greatest things about the Solo PR community is the support and inspiration we share here. On a recent #solopr Twitter chat, some suggested that we share our New Year’s resolutions here on the blog – fun, serious, and everything in-between. As we countdown...

Celebrate the Season

We've talked before about the importance of taking a break, and how it can actually be an important factor in your ongoing success as a Solo PR professional. So what are you doing this holiday season to unwind and recharge? Starting tonight, I'll be hosting my Mom,...

A Chat Re-Cap Twofer

Thanks to the ongoing woes of favorite chat transcript site WTHashtag, there was a delay in compiling the  recaps for our two most recent #solopr Twitter chats. I'm happy to say the wait is over -- transcripts and overviews for the December 1 and December 8 chats...

Client relations, Forecasting, and more

During the #solopr Twitter chat this week, top consultants in PR and related fields offered insights on a variety of topics, addressing the following questions: 1. How do you make all of your clients feel important and valuable with your limited time? 2. How do solos...

Considerations in Q4

With Q4 2010 well underway, this week's #solopr Twitter chat covered some of the key issues we face this time of year: 1. How do you make sure clients feel comfortable when you're out of the office (short term and long term)? 2. How do you mark the holidays with your...

Issues with Subcontracting, and more

On the #solopr Twitter chat this week, we discussed several critical issues related to working with subcontractors, among other things. The questions included: 1) How can you start a virtual firm with other solo PR folks? 2) What if a subcontractor (in this case,...

Join Us for the First-Ever Solo PR In-Person Meetup

I’m happy to announce a fun opportunity to raise a glass with your friends and colleagues, and expand your network of fellow independent public relations practitioners. All indie PR pros (and friends) are invited to a happy hour meetup, co-hosted by Solo PR and the...

Geographical Reach, Wardrobes, and more

The #solopr chat on Twitter this week once again gathered a terrific crowd of top independent PR pros, and the discussion was both informative and fun. We addressed the following questions: 1. How much credibility do you place in recommended "PR blog" lists (are they...

Discussing Video and Social Media

During the August 11 #solopr Twitter chat, independent PR consultants offered their insights on topics submitted by the community. We addressed the following questions: 1. Are you using video with your press releases?  How? 2.  As a follow-up:  How much old-school...

Superheroes Don’t Exist

Family emergencies can serve as a reminder that there is much more to life than work - these times can offer an amazing opportunity to pause and reflect on our own priorities. Unfortunately, even during periods of grief or illness, we tend to measure ourselves against...

No Freedom without Independence

This weekend the U.S. will celebrate the July 4th holiday, and we'll all pause to appreciate the freedoms we often take for granted. In fact, there is no freedom without independence, and those of us who’ve chosen to ply our public relations trade independently know...

Chatting at the Mid-Year Point

As part of the #solopr Twitter chat this week - at the halfway mark in 2010 - we covered a variety of questions/topics submitted by the Solo PR Pro community: 1)  Looking for ideas/advice when announcing new client relationships. Get permission? Make a big splash?...

Whores, Pimps and the People Who Love Them

When you see people successfully grabbing for accolades, do you find it admirable or whore-ish? At what point does the sharing of one’s information become pimping? Is sensationalistic writing just more punchy and exciting, or does it make you feel nauseated? With...

Sharing and Support

In addition to offering the usual practical tips, during this week's #solopr Twitter chat participants shared some of their personal stories about why they became Solo PR Pros, and what keeps them inspired to stay independent. Both new and long-term solos drew...

Managing Your Solo PR Business

As part of this week’s #solopr Twitter chat, pros in PR consulting offered insights on a wide-range of topics, including the following: 1. A community member wanted to discuss @ginidietrich's post: It's Time to Rid PR Firms of the Billable Hour. What do you think of...

Dealing with Stress

Lately, there seems to be a recurring trend among many independent PR consultants - stress! For most of us, it comes as no surprise that PR was recently named among the top 10 . With so many of us feeling stressed out, and since our longevity as Solo PR Pros depends...

Why Did You Go Solo?

During this week’s #solopr Twitter chat, we discussed some of the most important questions that face independent PR consultants, especially those just starting out. Read the transcript (in PDF) for answers from top Solo PR Pros to the following questions: 1. Are your...

Keep a Positive Attitude

This is a guest post from Alan Cohen of Acts of Balance Executive Coaching The life of a solo PR practitioner can be isolating. Alone in your office or home, without the stimulation of colleagues and the energy of a busy office or institution, it can be a challenge to...

To Free, or Not to Free

During a recent #solopr chat on Twitter, I made the following statement: Remember: it's worse to work for free than to not work at all. While many pros agreed with me, some had serious questions about this advice (below). But aside from new business opportunities...

How a Cog Breaks Free – an Interview with PRCog

For those of you who are active on Twitter, @PRCog needs no introduction. One of the few examples of social media anonymity done right, PR Cog expresses – with trademark humor – many of the frustrations that exist for a mid-level PR pro. These generalized beefs can be...

Lessons Learned

This week’s #solopr Twitter chat covered a wide-range of topics, with some of the top pros in PR consulting weighing in on the following questions: 1) Do you take credit cards or some sort of online payment vehicle? 2) Have you ever relocated your biz to another...

The Solo PR Pro Community Grows

I’m pleased to announce that, by popular demand, we now have a Solo PR Pro Facebook fan page! Why a Facebook page? Though social media is what participants make of it (this means you), in my mind I see our Solo PR Pro community breaking out like this: Solo PR Pro blog...

When to Tap Your Network

One of the most important issues a PR consultant faces is how and when to bring in help as subcontractors. During this week’s #solopr Twitter chat, reasons to have a robust network of support came up in response to the following questions: 1)  How do you handle...

Time management, monitoring and more

This week’s #solopr Twitter chat was once again jam-packed with helpful tips. New and established PR consultants alike offered insights on the following topics: When budgets are small, what methods do you use to track clips (both online and print)? How do you "fire" a...

On Firing a Client

This is a guest post from Heather Whaling of Geben Communication. I fired a client last week. If this is some sort of "rite of passage" that every SoloPR person experiences at some point in her career, I guess I'm officially a member of the club. While I'm a new...

Tips on Finding PR Consulting Clients

How did successful PR consultants find their first clients? That was just one of the many interesting questions covered in this week’s #solopr Twitter chat. Interestingly, many of the top pros participating did not have clients before taking the leap toward...

How to Charge for Social Media Services

During this week's #solopr Twitter chat, top independent consultants shared invaluable information on what they're doing with social media, and how to bill for these services. The following questions were addressed: Are your clients getting more serious about social...

Work from Paris? Oui!

PR Consultants really can work from anywhere, and when it comes to enjoying this career path there's nothing better than mixing it up a bit. Take Valerie Chereskin, who I met at the PRSA International Conference, and who successfully spent a full month in Paris: It...

To Be Successful, Take a Break

The holiday period is a good time to remember a critical strategy for your long-term success: the importance of taking some time off – away from your business – to regroup, renew and re-energize. All of the long-standing, profitable Solo PR Pros I know are committed...

Tips on Twitter Lists, Podcasts and More

The #solopr chat on Twitter this week was another excellent example of how the Solo PR Pro community continues to be an excellent source of inspiration, ideas and resources for each other. One of the most lively discussions took place around Twitter’s fairly new List...

Mentors for Each Other – 10.28.09 #solopr Chat

October 28, 2009, the date of this week’s #solopr Twitter chat, was a proud day for me. Why? Because I was unable to participate in the chat due to travel, and it proceeded full steam ahead without me. What a terrific testament to the community of Solo PR Pros that...

Transcript for the #solopr Chat – 10/21/09

Starting this week, we'll be posting the transcript from the weekly #solopr Twitter chat (Wednesdays, 1-2 p.m. Eastern) here on the blog. Why? Because each week the chats are chock-full of free advice, tips and interesting discussions on the future of PR, social...

Tapping the Collective Wisdom

The many ways the Solo PR Pro community can interact goes far beyond this blog. We're starting to have weekly #solopr chats on Twitter, and please join the brand new Solo PR Pro group on LinkedIn for yet another way we can ask questions and share ideas with each...

Friday Funnies – How I Organize My Desk

When it comes to maintaining control over the clutter-filled chaos, I'm the last person to offer advice! What about you, Solo PR Pro reader - do you have any tips for keeping the mess to a manageable level? Cartoon by Dave Walker. Find more cartoons you can freely...

PR Consulting Questions? Let’s Share

I'm frequently asked all kinds of questions about becoming a PR consultant. Though we cover the full spectrum of being a Solo PR Pro on this blog, it has occurred to me (perhaps belatedly) that it would be beneficial to publish answers to the specific questions I...

Consultants: Celebrate Independents’ Day!

As the U.S. prepares to observe its Independence Day holiday, it’s an excellent excuse for consultants to pause and celebrate the many joys of being independent in business. Even in today's sometimes difficult market, being your own boss is extremely gratifying. Among...

Can You Leave Your Job to Consult Today?

To me, being a PR/MarCom consultant is the greatest job in the world. I'm so passionate about the virtues of working for yourself versus someone else, I started this blog! But I don't advocate everyone take the leap willy nilly. The truth is there are times when a...

A Humorous Look at Client Maneuvering

When you're an independent consultant, eventually you'll experience one or more of the "negotiating tactics" hilariously illustrated in this video (hat tip to Brad Fitzpatrick, where I first saw it). In this economy, unfortunately such tactics become even more common....

Success Stories: Narciso Tovar

Having recently established himself as full-time Solo PR Pro, Narciso Tovar of Big Noise Communications has more than 13 years of public relations expertise with a remarkable track record. He considers himself both a teacher and student in external communications and...

To Partner or Not to Partner

This is a guest post from Laura Silver, a senior communications counselor with experience spanning both domestic US and global healthcare communications. She founded LAS Communications Inc. on the principle that quality work is an outgrowth of deep strategic insight...

Success Stories: Jen Wilbur

Solo PR Pro successes come from all walks of life, and everyone's story is unique. Since each PR and MarCom consultant makes his or her own rules, there's much we can learn from the experiences of others. To that end, I'm thrilled to unveil our first interview in what...

We’re a Band of Brothers (and Sisters)

Those who aren’t independent consultants might think there is rivalry and discord among our ranks. After all, aren’t we competing against each other? Wouldn’t a little back-stabbing be expected? In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. The reality is...

PR Consultants: Indulge in the Guilty Pleasure

If you’re like many these days, you’re probably spending a lot of time seeking new business and slogging it out with client work to pay the bills. Solo PR Pros, like the rest of the world, are under more pressure than usual, so we need to make sure we occasionally...

Don’t Forget to Take a Holiday

In our go-go-go world, many of us are conditioned to feel guilty when we’re not doing something related to our business. Add this to the fact that most of us don’t get paid when we’re not working, and many independent PR and MarCom consultants fail to take sufficient...

End of Year Tips for Consultants

The end of the year is fast-approaching, but there’s still time to think about some of the items that should be on any independent consultant’s radar: Consider hiring an accountant – Most accountants become insanely busy as soon as the new year arrives, and many do...

Look Before You Leap

Just before Thanksgiving, the brilliant David Meerman Scott wrote a post titled “Quit your job” that garnered quite a bit of attention (most of it positive). I was taken aback, because David is truly a great thought leader in the PR space, but on his point about...

Cherish Your Champions

This week is Thanksgiving, and we’ll all be taking stock of the many things we have to be thankful for. For those of us who love Claire Dalrymple Watkins, this week will also mark one year since we lost this magnificent young woman to breast cancer. But this post...

Welcome to Solo PR Pro!

I decided to start Solo PR Pro because I’m often asked to recommend online resources that focus just on independent PR and Marketing Communications consultants… and I realized there really aren’t any. Solo PR Pros have a great life, and I firmly believe that more...