Sociallee Relevant: The Marketing & PR Podcast: Recent Episodes
Whitney Lee
Welcome to Sociallee Relevant, a Marketing & PR podcast bringing you relatable tips on how to market your business and ultimately boost your bottom line. You won’t find overwhelming or boring tech talk here - it’s all about breaking down the facts and making it understandable and most importantly, actionable. You’ll receive tangible takeaways on topics like Social Media, Content Creation, PR, Email Marketing, Influencers and more. Host Whitney Lee is the Founder of Sociallee PR & Digital Media, a results based firm that specializes in driving online sales and bookings.
From the classroom to the comms room—this week’s guest knows a thing or two about getting a message across.
Whitney sits down with Bobby Parker, founder of Parker Gene Creative, who went from teaching lessons to teaching schools how to actually communicate. They dive into the wild world of education marketing—where every message has to speak to parents, students, teachers, and sometimes the whole town.
Bobby shares how crisis comms can make or break a school’s reputation, what most schools get wrong about storytelling, and how his TEACH framework is changing the way education pros think about PR.
🎤 Spoiler: great communication doesn’t just fill seats—it shapes futures.
Whether you’re in education, nonprofit work, or just love a good brand rescue story, this episode will make you see school PR in a whole new light.
Parker Gene Creative Website
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Your Marketing Heroes Website
🚨 Hot take: not running ads might be the most expensive mistake your business is making.
In this episode of Brand Rescue, Whitney cuts through the noise on paid advertising—calling out the four boneheaded moves that are draining wallets and stunting growth. (Don’t worry, if you’ve made one of these mistakes… you’re in good company.)
From why “dabbling” in ads is a total waste, to how negotiation can change the game, Whitney dishes out some tough love every brand needs to hear.
⚡ Spoiler: ads aren’t just about quick sales—they’re about building something bigger, longer, and way more profitable.
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Your Marketing Heroes Website
🎙️ Buckle up, because Whitney’s sitting down with a guy who basically went from running a marketing agency to steering two media powerhouses you’ve definitely heard of: Featured.com and the newly revived HARO (yep, that HARO).
Brett Farmiloe drops into Brand Rescue to talk about what it’s like breathing new life into a platform that connects journalists with sources, why trust in media is more important than ever, and how AI is both shaking things up and holding the door open for new opportunities.
But it’s not just all SaaS talk and buzzwords. Brett keeps it real about the messiness of transitioning from agency life to building a tech platform, finding that elusive product-market fit, and why sometimes success comes down to doing one thing really, really well.
👉 Curious about where journalism, AI, and media are headed? Or maybe just want a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run two big-name platforms without losing your mind? This episode’s got your name on it.
Featured.com
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Your Marketing Heroes
Here’s the deal: people don’t want to buy from faceless logos anymore—they want to buy from humans. In this episode, we're breaking down why thought leadership isn’t just some fluffy buzzword, but the make-or-break factor for connecting with millennials and Gen Z.
We’ll get into how to humanize your brand (without cringey corporate-speak), how to actually build trust in a world of nonstop scrolling, and why aligning your values with your audience isn’t optional anymore—it’s survival.
From hospitality to tech, retail to real estate, this episode is your no-BS guide to making thought leadership work for your business.
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Your Marketing Heroes Website
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Big things are happening around here. Whitney is pulling back the curtain on a brand-new chapter — one that’s all about growth, evolution, and helping more businesses thrive. And yes, there are a few surprises you won’t want to miss.
Your Marketing Heroes Website
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True Story Website
Why did we skip an episode this week? Whitney’s got something new up her sleeve, and this episode gives you just enough of a peek to get curious.
Be sure to tune in next week for the big reveal!
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True Story PR on Instagram
True Story Website
Think strategy is just a buzzword? Think again.
In this episode, Whitney Lee breaks down why strategic planning deserves its own line item in your business budget—and how skipping it can seriously stunt your growth. She shares real talk from her own experience investing in coaching and the powerful perspective that comes from bringing in outside experts.
You’ll learn:
- Why strategy, goals, and tactics are not the same thing
- How to build long-term plans that stay flexible in a changing world
- The ROI of investing in strategic support (yes, it’s worth it)
- How to stop reacting and start leading your business with intention
If you’ve ever felt stuck, scattered, or unsure where to go next—this episode is your roadmap to thinking bigger and budgeting smarter.
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True Story PR Website
What does it really take to grow a successful PR agency—and keep it thriving through the ups, downs, and plot twists?
In this episode, Whitney Lee sits down with Jessy Klein-Fafana, founder and CEO of LaRue PR, for a real and inspiring conversation about her journey in the industry. From the early days of building her agency to leading a team through the chaos of COVID-19, Jessy opens up about what it takes to lead with clarity, navigate client dynamics, and stay adaptable in an industry that’s constantly evolving.
You’ll hear:
- How LaRue PR has evolved—and what’s stayed the same
- The lessons Jessy learned about leadership, team building, and client management
- What the pandemic taught her about resilience and reinvention
- Her honest take on the ever-changing PR landscape
Whether you're in PR, running a business, or just love a good entrepreneurial story—this one’s packed with insight and inspiration.
LaRue PR on LinkedIn
Jessy on Instagram
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LaRue PR Website
Whitney on LinkedIn
Whitney on Instagram
Running a restaurant takes grit, heart, and hustle—and when it comes to filling seats and staying relevant, smart marketing is a key piece of the puzzle.
In this episode, Whitney Lee shares insights from years in the restaurant industry, diving into the real work of building a brand that goes beyond just great food. From defining your unique identity to leveraging PR, events, and digital strategy, she breaks down what it takes to grow a loyal following and keep guests coming back.
You’ll learn:
- Why a strong digital presence is non-negotiable
- How to use PR to boost visibility and credibility
- Tips for creating events that actually move the needle
- What consistency and creativity look like in a successful strategy
Whether you're behind the pass or behind the scenes in marketing, this episode is full of actionable advice to help your restaurant thrive.
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Marketing isn’t one-size-fits-all—and trying to force it can lead to stress, burnout, and frustrated clients.
In this episode, Whitney Lee sits down with marketing strategist Lauren Peachie for a candid conversation about what really goes into building strong client relationships and marketing systems that actually work. Lauren shares her journey through the industry, the lessons she’s learned about strategy, communication, and why flexibility is one of the most underrated skills in marketing.
You’ll hear about:
- How to navigate tricky client expectations with confidence
- Why a rigid proposal might be hurting your results
- The power of perspective—and how to meet clients where they are
- What it means to truly guide a client, not just “do marketing” for them
If you’ve ever felt caught between a client’s vision and what you know is right—this one will hit home.
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Ever feel like you're throwing money at marketing and just hoping something sticks? You’re not alone—and it’s time to change that.
In this episode, Whitney Lee breaks down the difference between doing marketing stuff and actually having a strategy. She shares why data should drive your decisions (not just gut feelings), and how building trust with clients starts with showing you know what’s working—and what’s not.
You’ll hear about:
- The difference between tactics vs. true strategy
- How to read your data without getting overwhelmed
- Why course correction isn’t failure—it’s smart marketing
- How to stop the "spray and pray" mindset for good
If you're ready to tighten up your budget, get more out of your marketing efforts, and build client confidence in the process—hit play.
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True Story PR Website
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your agency’s numbers—or just kind of guessed your way through profitability—this episode is your wake-up call.
Whitney Lee sits down with Louise Hipperson, CEO of The Finance Agency, to unpack what’s really going on behind the spreadsheets. Louise shares her own journey into finance, then dives into what every agency owner needs to understand: how to use financial data to make smart decisions and actually boost profitability.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why team utilization and project scoping are make-or-break metrics
- How to use billable rates strategically
- The power of niching down (yes, even when it feels scary)
- What most agency owners get wrong about money—and how to fix it
If you're ready to shift from flying blind to making confident, data-backed moves in your business, this one’s a must-listen.
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True Story PR Website
Ever seen a killer ad for a product or service… only to try it and think, “Wait, what?”
That is the disconnect between marketing and operations—and it’s more common (and costly) than you think.
In this episode, Whitney Lee gets real about the tension that can bubble up between the teams promising the dream and the ones delivering it. She shares personal stories, hard-won lessons, and practical ways to build better collaboration across departments—so your customer experience doesn’t fall flat.
You’ll also hear about:
- The power (and pitfalls) of user-generated content
- Why authenticity is more than a buzzword
- How consumer expectations are shifting—and what that means for your business
If you’ve ever felt stuck between what’s being sold and what can actually be delivered, this one’s for you.
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True Story Website
What if landing podcast interviews wasn’t just about pitching yourself—but about showing up with purpose, strategy, and a little storytelling magic?
In this episode, Whitney sits down with Carrolee Moore, founder of The Podcast Pitching Society, to talk all things visibility, authenticity, and how to actually get results from being a guest on podcasts. Carrolee shares how she went from storytelling pro to podcast pitching queen—and why she believes guesting is one of the most underrated marketing moves out there.
They cover everything from overcoming the weird mental blocks that keep us playing small, to building real relationships (not just one-and-done appearances), to why email might just be your secret weapon.
If you've ever thought about putting yourself out there through podcasting—or helping your clients do the same—this one's for you.
What You’ll Hear About:
- Why visibility is everything in today’s content-saturated world
- What makes a great podcast guest (hint: it’s not just a polished pitch)
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How to push past perfectionism and actually show up
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- The long game of relationship-building through podcasting
- How email marketing fits into the bigger picture
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CarroleeMoore.com
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TrueStoryPR.co
Should you hire in-house or bring in an agency?
In this episode, Whitney breaks down one of the biggest questions business owners face when it comes to marketing. She walks through the pros and cons of both approaches—and how to know what’s right for your business.
From the role agencies can play in strategy, to why communication (not just contracts) makes or breaks a partnership, Whitney keeps it real about what works, what doesn’t, and how to make smart decisions in a post-2020 world.
You’ll hear about:
- The key differences between in-house and agency support
- How to assess what kind of marketing help you actually need
- What to expect from a good agency partner
- Why outsourcing can be a game-changer for growing businesses
- The mindset shift every business owner needs to make
If you’ve ever wondered how to structure your marketing team for real results—this one’s for you.
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True Story Website
What is the truth anymore—and who gets to tell it?
In this episode, Whitney chats with political communicator Mike Barco about what it’s really like to work in the world of politics, where the news never sleeps and the stakes are sky high. From his early days in journalism to navigating the ever-changing winds of public opinion, Mike shares what it takes to communicate clearly in a world full of noise.
They get into:
- What it’s like working in political PR behind the scenes
- How shifting administrations can derail long-term strategy
- The rise of AI and its role in misinformation
- The importance of media literacy (and how to sharpen it)
- Tips for anyone curious about a career in political comms
It’s honest, eye-opening, and full of insight into a world most people only see from the outside.
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True Story Website
Some things in business are worth saving on. These five? Not so much.
In this episode, Whitney breaks down the top five places where you shouldn't try to save a buck when it comes to marketing. From branding and atmosphere to strategy and customer experience, she explains why skimping in the wrong spots can cost you more in the long run.
If you’re trying to grow a business that lasts—and actually looks good doing it—this one’s packed with the kind of advice you’ll wish someone told you sooner.
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True Story Website
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by paid ads—or wondered why your budget isn’t getting results overnight—you’re not alone. In this episode, Whitney sits down with Ashley Brock, founder of Paid Ads Academy, to break down what’s really going on behind the curtain.
They chat about everything from how the paid ads game has changed, to common mistakes businesses make, to why SEO still matters (yes, still). Ashley also shares her journey from agency life to running her own thing, and offers up some no-BS advice for brands looking to grow through ads.
Whether you’re just dipping your toe into digital advertising or trying to get your team up to speed, there’s a lot to think about—and even more to learn.
AshleyBrock.com
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About Ashley:
Ashley Brock is a seasoned paid advertising expert with over a decade of experience managing over $200 million in ad spend for some of the world’s most recognized brands, including Fortune 500 companies like Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, California Closets, and Nutpods. Having worked at four leading advertising agencies, Ashley has honed her expertise across Google Ads, YouTube Ads, social media ads, and more. She’s taught the skill of paid advertising to business owners worldwide, empowering hundreds of entrepreneurs through her signature training program to generate seven-figure-results in a single month and helping some of her clients win with paid ads. Ashley’s mission is simple: to help you win with ads and achieve your goals faster.
Let’s be real—business partnerships sound like a dream… but they don’t always play out that way. In this episode, Whitney’s digging into the good, the bad, and the kinda messy side of going into business with someone else. She talks through why so many partnerships don’t work out, what to think about before you dive in, and some other ways to grow your business that don’t involve sharing ownership.
If you’ve ever thought, “I just need a partner to make this work,” this one’s for you. Whitney’s got some thoughts (and a few gentle reality checks) that might just shift your perspective.
Whitney on LinkedIn
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True Story Website
Ever feel guilty for stepping away from work — even when you really need it? You’re not alone.
In this episode, Whitney sits down with Louise Oliver, founder of Peritus PR, to talk about what it really looks like to take a break as a business owner and why it’s so dang hard. From the awkward re-entry after time off to the mind games we play with ourselves about worth and productivity, this conversation gets real about the emotional rollercoaster behind the scenes.
Louise shares what she’s learned since launching her own agency, how her leadership style has evolved, and the major mindset shifts that come with learning to actually delegate. Whitney and Louise also dig into what it means to build a sustainable culture, trust your team, and find your identity beyond your job title.
If you’ve ever wrestled with burnout, boundaries, or the constant pressure to “do more,” this one’s for you.
Louise on Instagram
Peritus PR on Instagram
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Peritus PR Website
Whitney on Instagram
Whitney on Linkedin
True Story PR Website
You’ve refreshed the website. You’ve posted to Instagram. You’ve sent the press release. And still… crickets. 😬
If your marketing or PR efforts just aren’t hitting like they used to, this episode is for you. Whitney Lee gets real about what to do when your strategy feels stale and why even the most experienced pros hit that wall sometimes.
Drawing from her own pivot from in-house hospitality marketing to running a thriving agency, Whitney shares practical ways to breathe life back into your brand. From hiring a consultant or fractional CMO to simply inviting a fresh set of eyes to the table, this convo is packed with ideas to help you shake things up and get results.
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True Story PR Website
Ever feel like you're throwing content into the void and hoping something sticks? Same. In this episode, Whitney Lee sits down with Jonathan Halley—owner, executive producer, and all-around badass at Big Slate Media—to talk about what actually moves the needle in the wild world of content and social.
From mixing video production with social media strategy (hello, powerhouse combo) to managing sky-high client expectations, Jonathan pulls back the curtain on what it's really like to run a creative agency that gets it. He breaks down Big Slate's approach to building trust, the art of saying "no," and why “SNARF content” might be your new favorite marketing term.
They also dive into:
- How to niche down without having a full-blown identity crisis
- Why having a “wow factor” isn't optional anymore
- The truth about momentum on social (hint: it’s not a one-and-done game)
- Educating clients without sounding like a condescending jerk
If you're in the agency world, leading a marketing team, or just trying to get your brand noticed without selling your soul, this one's a must-listen.
🔥 Get ready to challenge the way you think about content, strategy, and that ever-elusive thing called authenticity.
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Big Slate Media Website
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True Story PR Website
Thinking of buying a franchise? Listen to this first.
In this episode, Whitney is breaking down everything you need to know before buying a franchise—because there’s way more to it than picking a cool brand and cashing checks. From understanding hidden costs to figuring out what kind of support you’ll actually get (spoiler alert: it varies), she’s sharing the real talk no one else is giving you.
We’re diving into:
- How much owning a franchise really costs
- Why your grand opening can make or break your success
- What kind of marketing help you can expect—and what you’ll need to do yourself
- Red flags and common mistakes people make when jumping into the franchise world
Whether you're just curious or already deep in the research rabbit hole, this episode is your go-to guide for making smarter moves in the franchise game.
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True Story Public Relations Website
This one’s for anyone who’s ever had to manage a message—or rethink one. In this episode, Whitney Lee sits down with Ryan McCormick, co-founder of Goldman McCormick PR, for a conversation that challenges the typical PR playbook.
From navigating high-stakes situations to balancing authenticity with strategy, Ryan shares hard-earned insights from his journey through the ever-evolving world of public relations. They touch on the ethical tightrope of mixing business with beliefs, the real meaning of “trusted advisor,” and why some moments in PR can truly change lives.
Tune in to hear:• A behind-the-scenes look at crisis PR• Why authenticity matters more than ever• How to lead clients through chaos without losing your cool
You’ll walk away thinking a little deeper about what PR really means and what it can do when done right.
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Goldman McCormick PR Website
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True Story PR Website
Is your brand franchise-ready? Or maybe you're a franchisee wondering what it really takes to thrive. In this episode, Whitney Lee pulls back the curtain on the world of franchising—what works, what doesn’t, and what most people overlook.
From setting expectations to building marketing systems that actually scale, Whitney dives into the mindset shifts and operational must-haves for franchise success. Whether you’re dreaming of expanding your concept or you're managing multiple locations already, this conversation is packed with real talk and actionable insights.
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TheWhitneyLee.com
Is AI the key to getting your time—and your life—back?
In this episode, Michael Sacca, CEO of Leadpages joins Whitney and breaks down the evolution of Leadpages from a simple landing page builder to a comprehensive marketing tool fueled by automation and AI. He and Whitney dive into the shifting landscape of agency life, the need for productization, and how AI is transforming the way we work—from task execution to high-level problem-solving.
They also explore the changing nature of client relationships, the debate between niche vs. generalist approaches, and why staying adaptable is the key to thriving in a rapidly evolving industry.
You won't want to miss this episode!
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LeadPages Website
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TheWhitneyLee.com
Are you leveraging the full power of SEO in your PR strategy, or are you leaving potential untapped?
In this episode, Whitney sits down with Jade Pruett to uncover the vital connection between SEO and PR—a must-know for any modern marketer. Together, they break down the challenges PR professionals face in navigating SEO and share actionable strategies to bridge the gap.
💡 Here’s what you’ll learn:
- The art of acquiring backlinks and why guest posting still reigns supreme.
- How media coverage can amplify your SEO game.
- The value of tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console for tracking success.
- Why transparency and accessibility are crucial in SEO practices.
- The role of AI in content creation and how to integrate it effectively.
- How social media platforms, including Pinterest, play into SEO strategies.
Jade also shares inspiring success stories and practical tips to help local businesses thrive in the digital marketing space. Whether you're a PR professional, a marketer, or a business owner, this conversation is packed with insights to boost your online visibility and deliver measurable results for your clients.
Tune in now to discover the strategies you need to dominate the digital marketing landscape!
Free SEO Report Card
HelloSEO Website
Jade on LinkedIn
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Whitney on LinkedIn
Whitney on Instagram
True Story PR Website
TheWhitneyLee.com
You’ve probably heard the term “fractional CMO” floating around—but what does it actually mean? In this episode, Whitney breaks down the growing trend of fractional roles in business, with a deep dive into the role of a fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO).
She’s covering it all: what a fractional CMO does, how they can level up your marketing, and why more businesses are ditching the traditional full-time hire for a more flexible, high-impact approach. Whitney also busts some common myths, shares when it’s the right time to bring one on board, and gives pro tips on finding the right fit.
What You’ll Learn:⚡ What a fractional CMO actually does (and why it’s a game-changer)💰 How hiring one can save money and boost results🤯 The biggest misconceptions about fractional roles🚀 When your business is ready for a fractional CMO🔍 How to spot the right candidate for the job
If your marketing needs strategic leadership—but not a full-time salary—this episode is a must-listen. Hit play and get the inside scoop on this fast-growing trend!
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TheWhitneyLee.com
What does it take to go from jobless to running your own thriving PR agency? In this episode, Whitney Lee sits down with Amore Philip, CEO and founder of Apples & Oranges Public Relations, to talk about her incredible journey from unemployment to building a powerhouse agency.
Amore gets real about the evolution of her business, how she navigated the shift to remote work during the pandemic, and the lessons she’s learned about managing client expectations. She also dives into the future of PR, from the impact of AI to why building a strong, connected team is more important than ever.
PR isn’t a quick win—it’s a long game. Hit play and soak up Amor’s wisdom on strategic planning, client management, and making PR work for the long haul.
Amore on Instagram
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Apples & Oranges Public Relations on Instagram
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True Story PR Website
Ever feel like you’re throwing money at marketing and getting nothing in return? You’re not alone. In this episode, Whitney breaks down why so many businesses struggle to see results—and what to do about it.
With over a decade in marketing and PR, Whitney has seen it all. She’s spilling the biggest mistakes business owners make, why “more ads” isn’t always the answer, and how to actually measure if your marketing is working. Plus, she’s sharing her secret sauce.
What You’ll Learn:🔥 The #1 reason most marketing plans flop🎯 How to define success (so you actually know if it’s working)🔍 Why skipping research is a costly mistake⚡ The power of adaptability in marketing💡 When it’s time to bring in the pros
If you’re tired of marketing that misses the mark, this episode is your wake-up call. Hit play and let’s get your strategy on point!
Whitney on LinkedIn
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True Story on Instagram
True Story PR Website
TheWhitneyLee.com
What’s the secret to a thriving business? It’s not just great products or top-notch service—it’s something way more powerful.
In this episode, Whitney Lee sits down with Michelle Villatoro to talk about the one thing that can make or break your company: leadership. But we’re not just talking about fancy titles or managing tasks—we’re diving into what real leadership looks like and how it shapes everything from team culture to customer experience.
Whitney and Michelle break down why emotional intelligence, human connection, and authenticity matter more than ever. They also get real about leadership mistakes, handling employee turnover, and why different generations expect different things from their workplaces.
If you’re leading a team (or want to), this episode is packed with the insights you need to create a culture where people want to stick around, grow, and give their best.
🔥 The #1 leadership mistake that’s hurting your business🔥 Why emotional intelligence is the secret weapon of great leaders🔥 How to keep employees engaged (and stop the revolving door of turnover)🔥 The key to leading different generations without frustration🔥 How to build a culture where people actually want to work
Let’s Connect:Just Think Hospitality Website
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Is your business truly ready for PR? In this episode, Whitney Lee breaks down the key factors that determine whether your PR efforts will thrive—or fall flat. She explores the importance of defining your brand identity, setting realistic expectations, and ensuring your business is prepared to make the most of media opportunities.
Whitney also uncovers common reasons companies waste money on PR, from lacking newsworthy content to overlooking the customer journey. Plus, she shares why PR is a long-term game and why success requires openness to new ideas and strategic shifts.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ The biggest mistakes businesses make when investing in PR
✅ Why a strong brand identity is crucial before launching PR efforts
✅ How to tell if your company has newsworthy content
✅ The role of operational readiness in PR success
✅ Why PR isn’t just about media hits—it’s about long-term impact
Resources & Links:
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True Story Website
TheWhitneyLee.com
Ever thought about writing a book but don’t know where to start? Whether you’re an expert looking to establish authority or have a story to tell, the path to publishing can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Whitney Lee sits down with Dan Gerstein, CEO of Gotham Ghostwriters, to demystify the world of ghostwriting and book publishing.
Dan shares insights from his extensive career in writing and communications, explaining how Gotham Ghostwriters helps authors bring their ideas to life. He breaks down the differences between self-publishing and traditional publishing, the importance of understanding the ROI of writing a book, and how the publishing industry is evolving. If you’re considering writing a book, this episode is packed with expert advice to set you up for success.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How Gotham Ghostwriters helps authors turn ideas into books
✅ The pros and cons of self-publishing vs. traditional publishing
✅ Why writing a book is an investment—and how to measure its ROI
✅ The evolving landscape of the publishing industry
✅ Key steps to strategically plan your book for maximum impact
Resources & Links:
📌 Gotham Ghostwriters Website
📌 Connect with Gotham Ghostwriters on LinkedIn
📌 Connect with Whitney on Instagram
🎧 Hit play now and take the first step toward becoming a published author!
In this episode, Whitney Lee breaks down the real meaning of pitching and why it’s more than just sending out press releases. Whether you’re pitching a story, a campaign, or a brand partnership, Whitney shares how to communicate your ideas effectively, avoid common mistakes, and build genuine relationships that lead to real opportunities.
Key takeaways:
- What pitching really means in PR and beyond
- How to craft a pitch that gets attention (without being spammy)
- Why emails aren’t enough—how direct conversations make a difference
- Common pitching mistakes and how to fix them
If you want to sharpen your pitching skills and turn conversations into opportunities, this episode is for you!
Whitney on LinkedIn
Whitney on Instagram
True Story PR Website
TheWhitneyLee.com
💡Is PR really just about getting media coverage? Think again.
Today, Whitney Lee sits down with Adriana Sol, founder ofWander PR, to break down the biggest misconceptions about public relations and what it really takes to build a successful agency.
Adriana shares her journey into PR, the impact of COVID-19 on her business, and how she’s navigated the challenges of leadership in a constantly evolving industry. She and Whitney explore why PR isn’t a one-size-fits-all strategy, the importance of measuring success beyond financial metrics, and how self-reflection plays a key role in effective leadership.
They also dive into:
- The dynamics of client relationships and how to add real value
- The unique challenges of PR as a non-systematic field
- How remote work culture has shaped agency growth and leadership
- The evolving role of PR professionals in today’s media landscape
If you’re a PR professional, business owner, or someone navigating leadership, this episode is packed with insights on strategy, creativity, and building authentic connections.
Wander PR on Instagram
Whitney on LinkedIn
Whitney on Instagram
True Story PR Website
TheWhitneyLee.com
Should you get a master’s degree?
In today's episode, Whitney shares her personal experience, diving into the motivations behind pursuing further education, the importance of internships, and the true value of the connections made in school.
Whitney breaks down why a master’s degree can be a great tool for some—but not always necessary for career growth. If you’ve been debating whether grad school is the right move for you, this episode will give you the clarity you need.
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True Story PR Website
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In an industry where it’s common to keep your cards close to your chest, Jen Berson took the values of community over competition seriously in her PR agency. Instead of keeping her tips and tricks a secret, she created Jeneration Academy, an online educational platform for entrepreneurs that includes courses, resources, and an online community.
Join us today as Whitney and Jen dive into several hot topics including the top PR trends and predictions for 2024, how AI is impacting the PR industry, the NECESSITY for affiliate programs, and more!
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In this episode, Whitney Lee discusses the significant shifts in marketing and PR strategies in 2025 emphasizing the move towards fractional CMOs, shorter planning cycles, and a more authentic approach to branding. She reflects on how the pandemic has changed the way businesses operate, particularly in terms of team structures and the increasing acceptance of remote work. The conversation highlights the importance of adapting to new trends in marketing, including the effectiveness of organic content over traditional polished imagery.
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In this episode, Whitney shares a curated list of books that have profoundly influenced her personal and professional life. From productivity hacks to the power of love languages, Whitney highlights key insights from these impactful reads and explains how they’ve shaped her mindset and approach to life.
Whether you’re looking for your next great read or seeking inspiration for personal growth, this episode offers a roadmap to elevate your life and business through the wisdom of books.
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What does it take to thrive as a journalist in today’s fast-paced, digital-first world? In this episode, Whitney Lee uncovers the secrets with freelance journalist and PR consultant Joni Sweet. From navigating the rise of AI to mastering the art of storytelling, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone curious about the future of media.
Key topics include:
- The rise of Substack and its role in personal branding for journalists.
- How media monetization has changed over the years.
- The growing importance of SEO in modern storytelling.
- Best practices for pitching stories to journalists and crafting compelling narratives.
- The role of social media in amplifying media coverage.
- How AI is shaping the future of journalism and storytelling.
- Building community among journalists and overcoming the hurdles of remote networking.
Joni also opens up about the differences between pitching stories and accepting assignments, offering listeners a candid look at the complexities of freelance writing in today’s digital age.
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Ready to transform your business for the new year? In this episode, Whitney Lee reveals the marketing and PR strategies every business owner needs to navigate a rapidly evolving landscape. Whether you're struggling to stand out in a crowded market or looking to optimize your budget, these insights are your roadmap to success.
Whitney Lee reflects on the transformative year of 2024, sharing invaluable lessons and strategies for businesses aiming to thrive amidst changing consumer behaviors. She explores the interconnected yet distinct roles of marketing and PR, highlighting how they work together to drive business forward. With post-COVID consumer behaviors shifting, Whitney delves into how businesses can adapt to these changes to stay relevant. She stresses the importance of finding and mastering a niche as a way to stand out and build a loyal audience. Additionally, Whitney underscores the value of strategic investments, from effective advertising to avoiding the pitfalls of hiring cheap help that can waste resources. She also explains why cutting your marketing budget during slow seasons is a critical mistake and advocates for maintaining year-round marketing efforts. Finally, she emphasizes the necessity of having a clear marketing budget to ensure both survival and growth.
Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you make smarter, more strategic decisions in 2024. Tune in now to gain the insights you need to make 2024 your most successful year yet!
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How do you cut through the noise to tell stories that matter?
In this episode, Whitney sits down with Drew Piers of Sachs Media to unpack the ever-evolving world of public relations, advocacy, and storytelling. From navigating political turbulence to driving nonprofit missions, this conversation dives deep into the power of authentic communication and the strategies that make it work.
Drew shares his journey in public affairs, revealing how research and audience insights shape impactful campaigns. He and Whitney explore the nuances of leadership, the role of language in framing issues for diverse audiences, and the surprising dynamics of agency acquisitions.
Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, a PR professional, or just curious about how storytelling shapes public opinion, this episode is packed with insights on staying visible, relevant, and effective in today’s fast-paced world.
What You’ll Learn:
- The secrets to authentic storytelling and why it’s more critical than ever.
- How nonprofits can navigate uncertainty with strategic communication.
- The importance of understanding audience perspectives and using the right language.
- Insights into leadership, agency growth, and navigating generational shifts in PR.
💡 Discover the tools to craft messages that resonate and drive action. Tune in now!
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🎙️ Is your marketing team set up for success, or are you unknowingly setting them up to fail?
In this episode, Whitney takes a hard look at the challenges business owners face when hiring and managing young marketing talent. She reveals why simply hiring fresh faces isn’t enough—and what it takes to transform raw potential into real results.
You’ll also hear how fractional CMOs are emerging as a smart, cost-effective solution for businesses that can’t afford a full-service agency but still need experienced leadership to drive strategy and execution.
Whether you’re navigating the complexity of marketing or struggling to guide a young team, this episode will leave you with actionable insights to elevate your efforts.
- Why marketing is more complex than it seems—and how to set realistic expectations for young hires.
- The power of feedback, training, and structured plans to help young marketers thrive.
- How fractional CMOs can fill the gap when your business needs expert oversight without the hefty price tag.
- Practical strategies for balancing cost, quality, and collaboration in your marketing approach.
Ready to build a marketing team that truly works for your business? Tune in now!
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Is social media still the Wild West of marketing, or has it grown into a strategic powerhouse?
In this episode, Whitney Lee sits down with Amy Dang-Stojanovic, managing partner of Mochi, to explore the ever-changing world of social media and PR. They pull back the curtain on:
- The rise of authentic content and the shift away from polished perfection.
- Why smaller, nimble teams can outshine big-name agencies.
- The critical balance between engagement and calls to action in successful campaigns.
- How content creators and influencers play different but vital roles in modern marketing.
Amy also shares her thoughts on navigating client expectations, staying profitable as a social media agency, and crafting innovative content strategies that keep brands ahead of the curve.
Whether you’re in the trenches of PR or just curious about the inner workings of this fast-paced industry, this conversation is packed with real talk and actionable takeaways.
🎧 Hit play and learn how to adapt, innovate, and make your mark in social media!
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What if the secret to success wasn’t in finding a business partner? 🤔 In this episode, Whitney Lee shares her inspiring journey from leaving a corporate career at just 26 years old to building her own thriving business. She dives into how mentorship—both informal and paid—has been a game-changer in her life. Whitney reflects on the lessons learned, mistakes made, and the invaluable guidance she’s gained along the way.
💡 Key Takeaways You’ll Love:
- Start your mentorship journey sooner rather than later.
- Mistakes are inevitable—but mentors help you learn and avoid the big ones.
- Paid mentorship creates commitment and accountability on both sides.
- The right mentor can turbocharge your growth and confidence.
- Mentorship isn’t about making decisions for you; it’s about guiding you to the right ones.
- Invest in you—because you're worth it.
Whether you’re at the start of your entrepreneurial path or looking to level up, this episode will inspire you to rethink your approach to personal and professional growth. Tune in to discover why finding a mentor could be the best investment you ever make! 🎧
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Think podcasts are just a side hustle or hobby? Think again. In this episode, Whitney Lee chats with Parker Olson, founder of PodPitch, about how podcasts are becoming a PR powerhouse. They explore the art of customized pitches, the game-changing role of AI, and why podcasts are now key players in the media landscape. Parker shares his unconventional journey—from wild diets to living in nontraditional spaces—offering fresh insights on creativity and innovation. Discover how tools like PodPitch are enhancing PR efforts while preserving the human touch, and what this means for the future of the industry.
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Ever wonder what it takes to go from a "yes person" to an authoritative leader in your field? In this episode, Whitney Lee shares her transformative journey from corporate life to freelancing, highlighting the mindset shifts that changed her career.
She talks about redefining client relationships, stepping into a strategist role, and the power of proactive communication. But that’s just the beginning—Whitney dives into how perception and PR can make or break your business.
Want more? Hit play and discover her secrets firsthand!
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What does it take to stand out in a crowded, ever-evolving market? In this episode, Whitney Lee sits down with Scott Russell, a luxury hospitality veteran turned entrepreneur, who spills the secrets of navigating one of the most competitive industries out there. From his corporate days at the Ritz Carlton to building his own consulting and sales training business, Scott shares the bold moves and creative strategies that helped him thrive—especially during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.
You’ll hear how Scott mastered the art of differentiation and personalization, why effective communication trumps efficiency, and how storytelling can transform a brand. Plus, he breaks down the powerful partnership between sales and marketing and reveals how adapting quickly can lead to game-changing innovations.
Looking to find out what really matters in business, how to build lasting client trust, and what leadership looks like in action? You’re in the right place. Tune in for an episode packed with practical takeaways and expert insights from Scott—and find out how collaboration can unlock your next big success!
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Feeling overwhelmed by doing it all yourself? It’s time to level up! In this episode, Whitney Lee reveals the secrets to successfully building and managing a team. Drawing from her own journey, she shares invaluable tips on hiring the right assistants, defining clear roles, and creating a structured system for task management. Whitney breaks down the critical difference between being a leader who trains and counsels versus just overseeing task execution.
Plus, she dives into the nuances of working with employees versus contractors, giving you the tools to make the right choices for your business. Ready to stop wearing all the hats and start scaling your business? Tune in now—and don’t forget to explore mentorship opportunities with Whitney herself!
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In this episode, Whitney Lee sits down with Lindsay Kirsh, Founder and Chief Strategist of Slayer PR, to dive deep into her incredible career transformation. From managing over 15 agencies at McDonald’s to building her own PR powerhouse, Lindsay shares the highs, lows, and lessons learned along the way. Discover the importance of trust in agency-client relationships, the perks of niche expertise, and what it truly takes to lead a successful team. Whether you’re curious about the agency vs. corporate world or want to hear strategic insights for long-term success, this conversation is packed with gems.
Don’t miss this inspiring episode with a true PR leader!
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About Lindsay: For over 15 years, Lindsay has dedicated her career to strategic and crisis communications, representing Fortune 500 companies and several global brands across Food & Beverage, Consumer, Retail, Lifestyle, and Health & Wellness industries.When she started her career, she knew one day she would work for herself. Once she acquired the necessary skills in the corporate world learning from the greats, she did just that.Lindsay began her public relations career in Toronto, Canada working for Fleishman-Hillard International Communications. In 2015, inspired by a love for grunge music, Lindsay relocated to Seattle where she was able to marry her love for music and public relations.When asked how and why she went into business, the answer is simple: she wanted the freedom and autonomy to make her own decisions, have the creative freedom to create unforgettable PR campaigns, grow a great team of like-minded professionals and build something from the ground up.
Is following conventional wisdom really the best path for your agency or freelance journey?
In today’s solo podcast episode, Whitney dives into “The Worst Advice for a New Agency or Freelancer.”
Get ready for some hot takes on the common pitfalls and misconceptions that could hold you back!
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Join us for an inspiring conversation with Carrie Kerpen, Founder and CEO of The Whisper Group, as she shares the journey of how she scaled and sold her agency.
In this episode, Whitney and Carrie dive into strategies for success, the specific obstacles she overcame in building her agency, and the key insights she gained throughout her journey. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned pro, you won’t want to miss this episode!
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Join us today as Whitney chats with Veronique Zayas, the creative force behind HatchMark Studio. Veronique shares her agency’s exciting evolution to a full-service powerhouse. Together, they dive into how HatchMark Studio masters branding, visual systems, and helps clients stay on-brand across multiple platforms.
🔥 What You’ll Learn:
- Why a strong social media presence is key to brand success
- How cohesive messaging across channels boosts business
- The power of partnerships and collaborating with other agencies to deliver specialized services
- Real-world examples of how smart branding leads to higher revenue
💡 Whitney also shares her own agency’s shift toward integrating PR, social media, and more to meet today’s demands. They explore how the agency world has moved from siloed services to seamless, holistic solutions.
👥 Key Insights:
- Building a dream team that’s ready to grow with you
- Clear communication and flexibility: essential tools for thriving in any agency
- How to attract clients that align with your values and vision
- Leading with purpose while navigating the challenges of team dynamics
Tune in for an inspiring deep-dive into branding, agency growth, and the changing landscape of marketing services.
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Get ready to dive deep into the world of marketing and PR with this insightful episode! Join Whitney Lee as she sits down with Lindsay Breitwieser, the mastermind behind CMO Lab, to tackle the real challenges regional agencies face and the often-overlooked friction between agencies and clients. Lindsay shares her expertise on crafting marketing strategies that truly align with business goals, all while balancing the data-driven and emotional aspects of marketing.
Discover why managing client expectations is crucial, and learn the art of making bold adjustments when things aren’t working. From the power of data to the value of failure and experimentation, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. Whether you're thinking about hiring a CMO or simply looking to refine your marketing approach, this episode is a must-listen!
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In a time of uncertainty, True Story Public Relations experienced remarkable growth in 2020.
While some clients had to step back, others stepped up, expanding their services! Join us today as agency owner Whitney Lee shares how her agency managed to double during such a challenging year.
Whitney will delve into the strategic steps she took, how global shifts influenced the business landscape, and the enduring practices that have continued to drive success well beyond 2020.
Have a specific topic you want us to cover? Send your ideas to Whitney on Instagram @thewhitneylee.
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Whether you want to or not, EVERYONE has a personal brand. Join us today as Whitney chats with fellow agency owner, Lexie Smith! They’re covering the ins and outs of building a personal brand as an agency owner. You won’t want to miss this behind-the-scenes look at agency life.
As seen in Entrepreneur.com, Business Insider, NASDAQ, Create & Cultivate, and more, Lexie Smith, is a PR & Business Coach, Founder & CEO of GROWTH MODE PR & Communications Agency, Founder of THEPRBAR inc., and Host of the Pitchin' and Sippin' Podcast.
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Tune in today for a special announcement from Whitney Lee!
For the past several months, Whitney has been working on a new resource to support agency owners and we are ecstatic to announce that TheWhitneyLee.com is now LIVE!
Visit TheWhitneyLee.com/streamline to download the 4 Steps to a Streamlined Remote Agency! Applications for mentorship with Whitney are open with only two spaces available. Digital template downloads and roadmaps for remote agency owners will be available for purchase soon. We can't wait to support you in the process of streamlining and scaling your remote agency.
Visit TheWhitneyLee.com for more information!
Is niching down the key to success? Will it help you get more of the right kind of clients? How niche is too niche?
Join us today as Whitney cracks the code on whether or not niching down your agency is the right move.
Have a specific topic you want us to cover? Connect with Whitney on Instagram @thewhitneylee.
Get ready to dive into the concept of confetti culture as Whitney explores the intersection of PR and HR with James Ferguson. James is the Director of Culture for Wurzak Hotel Group and is sharing how he used his passion for company culture to make his dream position a reality.
Whether you are a business owner, work in HR, or have a goal on your mind, you can expect to leave this episode fired up and ready to take on any hurdle in your path.
The Confetti Culture Playbook
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Get ready for a round of hot takes as Whitney chats with Amy Colbourn, Managing Director of MONOGRAM, about controversial opinions on marketing. In this episode, two hospitality marketing and PR experts share their perspectives on hot topics, such as the effectiveness of using awareness as a marketing objective and whether the same strategies can be applied to marketing products and services.
About Amy: Amy Colbourn is a marketing executive and brand strategist who serves as the Managing Director of MONOGRAM. Headquartered in Las Vegas MONOGRAM is a brand agency, and a member of The Harkey Group of agencies, specializing in luxury hospitality and casino marketing.
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Getting fired by a client can feel incredibly disheartening, but it's an experience every agency faces sooner or later. The key is to learn and grow from it.
In this episode, Whitney explores common reasons why agencies get fired and offers actionable tips to prevent it. If you're an agency owner or part of an agency team, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you avoid common pitfalls and cultivate lasting, successful client relationships from the start.
Have a specific topic you’d like us to cover? Connect with Whitney on Instagram @thewhitneylee.
Join us today for a front-row seat to real talk from two agency owners!
Whitney is chatting with Susie Timm, Founder and CEO of Knife & Fork Media. The two agency owners give you the scoop on things that they LOVE about owning an agency, tips for freelancers looking to scale, and things that they had to learn the hard way so that you don't have to.
If you're a freelancer on the verge of scaling and growing a team, you won't want to miss this episode!
Knife & Fork Media Founder, Susie Timm grew up in the land of cow, otherwise known as Wisconsin. In 1992 she moved to the Valley of the Sun and graduated from high school in Scottsdale and is a proud alumni of Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Political Science..Interestingly enough, she started a booming career as a banker in 2000 and was named the youngest Bank President in Arizona at the age of 27. Susie worked in that industry until it became “un-fun” in 2009.She found her true passion in the food industry mid-2009 when she co-founded a food events company. That business morphed into the full service PR agency we are today!Susie and her team manage a marketing portfolio of clients ranging in size and scope from food to entertainment to accounting. With over fifteen years of experience, her proven marketing, media and sales models have helped grow small and medium-sized companies all over Arizona and the United States.Susie won numerous achievement awards for her sales skills during her years as a corporate warrior. Additionally, she has been honored as a member of the Phoenix Business Journal’s “40 under 40,” and “Women Leaders in Business,” the Phoenix New Times’ “100 Tastemakers in Phoenix,” So Scottsdale’s “24 Powerful Leaders Under 40,” and has served as a national trendspotter for the Specialty Food Association’s Fancy Food Shows. Susie is a proud graduate of Scottsdale Leadership, Class 23. Susie has been a recurring featured guest on many local TV stations for her passionate take on gourmet food trends.Susie believes strongly in community stewardship and to that end, she has served as a board member with Scottsdale Leadership, the Leadership Council of Careers in Culinary Arts (C-Cap AZ), and has served three times as the Co-Chair of Taste of the Nation Arizona, an event that raises important funds to feed hungry kids in Arizona. She currently serves as Vice President of Les Dames de Escoffier, Phoenix Chapter and is a founding member of the One More Ball Foundation, dedicated to bringing tennis to underserved kids.For fun, Susie plays tennis 4-5 times a week, cooks, reads cooking magazines, sits in the Jacuzzi and spends too much time shopping online.
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Transparency and clear communication are key when starting a relationship with a potential client. By asking this one question, you can help prevent confusion and set realistic expectations for deliverables and the working relationship!
Tune in today for a valuable episode that will help you when growing your clientele!
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Get ready to make your brand twerk! Today we’re talking all things branding with Lisa Boettcher, Founder and Creative Brand Strategist of LB Creative Studio. Buckle up for tips you can implement immediately to make your brand look legit and things you should be avoiding from a branding perspective!
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Lisa Boettcher is a Creative Brand Strategist and mom of 4. Lisa’s career is built on her strong sense of strategy and the intuitive, futuristic approach she takes to her work, some of which has been featured on Target, in Forbes and Vogue.
Lisa founded, bootstrapped and sold a niche accessory fashion brand in under 5 years and with over a decade of experience helping female-founded brands scale through strategy, story, visuals, community building, product design and development, she’s now guided by her desire to share creativity and the inner workings of identity and transformation with her community, whether through experiential offerings, with clients or on her social channels.
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Today’s episode is a real, raw message from an agency owner directly to influencers! If you’re an influencer, buckle up for tips and etiquette for working with brands and agencies. You may be surprised by how much these simple adjustments can impact your work with agencies and brands.
Have a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Send your ideas to Whitney on Instagram @thewhitneylee.
From raising $100k in 60 days to watching her idea for a multi-media studio come to life, Carly Gilleland is a pro at putting in the work and watching the hard-earned results unfold! Tune in today as we talk about the challenges of starting a creative business, working as a woman in a male-dominated industry, and chasing after your dreams! This episode will leave you fired up, ready to take the next steps toward your goal.
The Good Vibe Media is a woman owned and operated video production company, created in 2016.
Founder, Carly Gilleland, was exposed to video production during her years attending Arcadia High School in Phoenix, Arizona. She created a short documentary about her sister who has special needs. After seeing the impact it made on her classmates, she quickly realized this is what she wanted to do for a living – tell people’s stories that have a positive impact. After attending film school in California, she moved back home to Arizona and slowly & organically built The Good Vibe Media to what it is today!
The Good Vibe Media is now a full-service video production company, serving clients in Phoenix, Los Angeles, Denver, Nashville and more!
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The world of public relations may seem mystical, but once you learn how to tackle some of the most common hurdles, you will be on the track to making brands truly known.
Today, Whitney Lee is spilling the biggest challenge of working in PR and how to troubleshoot it. Don’t miss out on this episode if you’ve been hitting public relations roadblocks for you and your clients.
Have a topic you'd like us to cover? Send your ideas to Whitney on Instagram @thewhitneylee.
Is your business missing the mark when it comes to branding and PR?
In today's episode, we hear from Sara Chambers on how her agency has mastered the perfect blend of strategy and branding to help propel businesses forward. Tune in for tips that you can apply to your business!
Elly and Nora Creative
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Good leaders make mistakes too! Hear from the principal of True Story Public Relations herself as Whitney Lee dives into mistakes she's made and what she has learned from them.
Tune in to today's episode to learn more about embracing vulnerability and growing from setbacks. Remember, even the greatest leaders stumble, but it's how they rise that defines their legacy.
Have a specific topic you want us to cover? Connect with Whitney on Instagram @thewhitneylee.
Join us for today's episode as we dive into the inspiring journey of Barnabas Carrega, CEO and Founder of The GR8 Experience, as he shares how he built this empire at just 22 years old.
From tennis buff to CEO, Barnabas shares how his journey led him to build custom dream experiences for his clients.
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Managing a remote team has a slew of positive benefits. From lower operating expenses to having more flexibility, remote work can be a good fit for many teams, but it also comes with its challenges.
Through years of adapting to work-from-home life, our team has experienced the ups and downs and learned from every experience.
Tune in to today's solo podcast episode as we spill the secret killer to remote teams and how to keep your people on track.
Have a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Connect with Whitney on Instagram @thewhitneylee.
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If you are looking for community as a business owner, this episode is for you!
Join us as we sit down with Devin Butler, Founder of Arizona Entrepreneurs (AZE), to dive into his exclusive secrets on building and monetizing a community from the ground up.
Devin started AZE because it was exactly what he was looking for when he first moved to Arizona. He had no connections and realized he needed to get around other growth-minded business owners who were going through similar things. Today, AZE is a thriving community of hundreds of entrepreneurs in various industries.
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Knowing when it’s time to let an employee go can be a hard decision to make. In Whitney’s years of running the agency, she has had to face the difficult reality that some people simply aren’t a good fit for your team.
Listen in for today’s episode as we share some factors to keep in mind when it’s not working out with an employee and how to decide when it’s time to let that person go.
Want to hear our take on when it’s time to HIRE? Click here for the previous episode!
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Today, we’re celebrating our 100th podcast episode with a very special guest! Bri Taylor, the Director of Operations at True Story Public Relations joins Whitney for a deep dive into the pros and cons of remote agency life.
Tune in as Bri and Whitney dive into the most awesome parts of working as a remote agency and some of the difficulties their remote team has faced along the way.
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Could these three little subconscious behaviors be ruining your productivity?
As an agency owner, Whitney is no stranger to being pulled in a million directions. Whether your productivity is slacking in your personal or professional life, changing these three behaviors could make a world of difference.
Have a specific topic or question you’d like us to cover? Send your ideas to Whitney on Instagram @thewhitneylee.
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Getting 100+ Emails a Day? My Productivity Hack podcast episode.
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Already reaching over a million in 2024, Jared Williams is changing the game for local news in Northwest Florida.
Join us today as Whitney and Jared catch us up on the story behind Get the Coast, Northwest Florida's leading digital news outlet, and what’s coming next. Don't forget to click below to watch Whitney's blooper reel from her time on the Get the Coast Everything Show!
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Gauging the perfect time to hire can be a daunting task. What if you hire too soon and it impacts your profitability? What if you hire too late and your team suffers?
Tune in as we share our advice for picking the perfect time to hire a new team member.
Have a specific topic you’d like us to cover? Connect with Whitney on Instagram @thewhitneylee.
As the original pioneer behind the all-inclusive experience, Club Med has mastered the art of staying relevant in the all-inclusive resort space for decades. Join us today as we dive deep with the VP of Marketing North America and USA Sales for Club Med, Amelie Brouhard.
Be prepared to take notes as Whitney and Amelie break down some of the strategies Club Med has used over the years to keep its brand identity strong and known.
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Internships can change the game for your business! Not only is an extra set of hands helpful, but it's also incredibly rewarding to foster growth in another individual. Tune in today as Whitney shares how she structures True Story's internship program and some hard lessons she has learned along the way!
Have a specific topic or guest you would like us to have on the podcast? Share your ideas with Whitney @thewhitneylee on Instagram.
Offering an internship program is an incredible and rewarding tool for business owners. In today’s episode, Whitney is sharing how she built out the internship program for True Story Public Relations.
Tune in as Whitney provides tips on what she looks for when bringing on interns and some lessons she has learned along the way!
Want to share something that has worked for you and your interns? Connect with Whitney on Instagram @thewhitneylee
“When you give your customers something to talk about, you’re going to see very rapid and very real ROI.”
Ever wonder how other brands and businesses gained their die-hard supporters? Most of the time, it’s not due to luck. It’s due to hard work and strategy!
Join us today as Whitney deep dives with Brittany Hodak on actionable tips for turning customers into superfans.
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Have you ever wondered how an agency owner starts their week? Whitney is riding solo today and spilling her strategies for starting the week on the right foot. Put these 3 things in place to help make your team more productive every week.
Have a specific topic you'd like us to cover? A guest you'd like to hear? Send your ideas to Whitney on Instagram @thewhitneylee.
In an industry where it’s common to keep your cards close to the chest, Jen Berson took the values of community over competition seriously in her PR agency. Instead of keeping her tips and tricks a secret, she created Jeneration Academy, an online educational platform for entrepreneurs that includes courses, resources, and an online community.
Join us today as Whitney and Jen dive into several hot topics including the top PR trends and predictions for 2024, how AI is impacting the PR industry, the NECESSITY for affiliate programs, and more!
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Jeneration PR
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For many influencers or experts in their fields, growing one's personal brand is integral to the growth of their business. If this is you, this episode is a must listen!
Today, Whitney is deep diving on a topic sent in by a listener - the difference between PR strategies for personal brands as opposed to those used by businesses and corporations.
There is knowledge for everyone in this episode. You won't want to miss it!
Do you have any topics you'd like us to cover? Send your ideas to Whitney on Instagram @thewhitneylee.
2023 was a big year for the True Story team! Join us for today's episode as Whitney deep-dives into strategies she has implemented to improve the agency's productivity and profitability. If you're an agency owner or director, you will want to save these tips!
Connect with Whitney
True Story Public Relations
Have you put tons of effort into curating perfection in your marketing plan and got minimal results? There may be a missing piece you aren't considering... YOU! The bottom line is that people connect with people.
Join us today as Whitney and Your Marketing Mentor Sherry Sutton chat about being authentic as a business owner and how that can change everything.
Connect with Sherry
True Story Public Relations
Are you getting plenty of click-throughs, but no action? A lot of views, a lot of impressions, but no purchases?
On this week’s solo episode of True Story: The PR Podcast, Whitney discusses the mysteries in marketing and how to solve the hardest one: why are customers looking but not buying?
There are a few things to consider, such as competitive pricing and promotions, but the most important aspect to think about is your copy.
Whitney gets to the nitty-gritty on how to curate copy that takes your customers from lurkers to converters. Don’t miss this week’s episode!
Are you trippin’ over WHY your content isn’t getting THOUSANDS of views?
On this week's episode, we talk to social media strategist Chelsea Peitz. Whitney and Chelsea dive into topics such as: who are you serving when you create content? Do you know the difference between a tactic and a strategy? They also chat about meaningful metrics, and how they cannot be easily measured. Conversions may take time, as they are a long-term game. Being authentic is better than excessively curating your content to achieve a high return on investment (ROI). Serve your purpose, not the platform.
You won’t want to miss these tips; they could elevate your social media presence from good to great.
Connect with Chelsea on Instagram @chelsea.peitz.
Drama. Stress. Turnover. If this describes the environment at your job, this episode is for you.
On this week's episode of True Story: The PR Podcast we talk to Pam Nemec. Pam is the CEO of Inside Out, a leadership and communications agency focused on helping teams thrive! She shares stories from her 20+ year career at Whataburger, the benefits that come from telling the story behind the leader of large companies, human connection and so much more!
Pam On Instagram
Pam Nemec Website
The holidays are here and it's no doubt that for many business owners, it can feel even more hectic. But did you know the holidays are the perfect time to drive even more business to your product or service?
Tune in for today's episode as Whitney spills her tips and tricks for boosting sales during the holiday madness. Whether you went into the season with a plan of action or you're late to the game, you'll want to take these tips and put them into play ASAP!
Contrary to popular belief, working in the Public Relations industry isn’t all glitz and glamour. To be successful in PR, you have to be willing to put your head down and work, but there are several other characteristics successful PR people possess.
In today’s episode, Whitney is sharing a behind-the-scenes look into working in PR and how to know if you’re cut out to work in the industry!
Whitney on Instagram
True Story on Instagram
True Story Website
We live in a day and age where everyone wants to go viral on social media. Today, Whitney is interviewing Co-Founder and CEO of Attentioneers, Hilary Billings.
Hilary is no stranger to going viral and is sharing her secret sauce to creating short-form videos that people WANT to see. Tune in and leave this episode with new inspiration and ideas for creating videos with the potential to go viral.
Hilary is a keynote speaker, digital influencer, and personal brand strategist. A former Miss Nevada, producer for E! News, and travel host for Norwegian Cruise Line, Hilary has been a featured contributor for USA Today, Thrive Global, and Huffington Post, as well as been featured on Extra! Entertainment Television.
Attentioneers.com
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Hilary on LinkedIn
How does an agency owner manage their workload when they’re receiving HUNDREDS of emails a day?
On today’s episode, Whitney is getting into the nitty-gritty of her productivity flow and sharing hacks that you can implement into your day-to-day.
If you’re ready to up-level your productivity game, you do not want to miss this episode!
Have a specific topic you want us to cover? Send your ideas to Whitney on Instagram @thewhitneylee.
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Whitney on Instagram
True Story on Instagram
True Story Website
Getting a prenup doesn’t have to have a gross connotation to it. Family law attorney, Aaron Thomas, is changing the game and helping couples prepare for marriage and prevent money disagreements.
As you can imagine, prenup preparation is not the most glamorous service to offer, which is why Aaron is sharing his three mistakes to avoid when promoting a controversial business or service. Tune in for today’s episode as Whitney and Aaron deep dive into prenups and how Aaron completely rebranded them to be something that couples WANT to do to better their relationship.
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Aaron Thomas is a graduate of Harvard Law and spent 15 years practicing in Atlanta as a divorce lawyer to some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment. This experience led him to establish Prenups.com based on his fundamental belief that a strong financial foundation can prevent common arguments that lead to the breakdown of marriage.
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Prenups.com
Aaron on LinkedIn
Whitney on Instagram
True Story on Instagram
True Story Website
Don't panic, but if you haven't started prepping your business or client for the holidays yet, you're behind!
If you're in that club (or if you just want to add in a little extra this holiday season), you'll want to tune in for today's episode.
Buckle up and get ready to rock the holidays as Whitney shares planning tips that will help your business stand out during the holiday season.
Whitney on Instagram
Whitney on LinkedIn
True Story Website
The royal wedding, hot takes on artificial intelligence, and pitching tips- this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Today Whitney is interviewing journalist and food writer, Aly Walansky. Aly’s work has been featured in publications like The Today Show, Forbes, Food & Wine, Southern Living, The Spruce, FoodNetwork.com, All Recipes, The Kitchn, and many more. Tune in for the full scoop with Aly!
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Connect with Aly at alywalansky.substack.com
Aly on LinkedIn
Launching a new event can be a challenge. Where do you start? How do you get the public's eyes on what you're trying to do? How do you know people will buy tickets?
Whitney has supported multiple organizations in launching first-year events and today she's sharing her secrets on what to do and what NOT to do when launching an event. If you're thinking of launching a new event, you won't want to miss this episode!
Have a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Send your ideas to Whitney on Instagram @thewhitneylee.
Are you struggling to find leads for your business? It's no secret that lead generation can be one of the most difficult things for business owners. But what if you had a specific strategy that would result in consistent leads?
Join us today as Whitney interviews Barb Betts and they discuss the challenges that business owners face when finding clientele to serve and actionable strategies that could help them. You won't want to miss this episode!
About Barb:
Barb Betts is a sought-after keynote speaker, seasoned real estate expert, passionate educator, and the CEO of The RECollective®, a thriving boutique brokerage in Southern California.
Barb has delighted countless stages including, Inman Connect, WomanUP!, and at the National Association of REALTORS® Annual Conference. Whether she’s teaching on referrals, authenticity or leveraging relationships, Barb brings an honest, compassionate, and transparent approach to every single stage.
As a real estate professional, with over 20 years experience, Barb has mastered the ever changing real estate landscape and the balance of running a vibrant brokerage. Through her signature course, Real Estate By Relationship®, Barb educates business builders on the exact systems, processes, and knowledge necessary to succeed in any market.
Barb has been featured in REALTOR® Magazine, RRC Residential Specialist Magazine, and has an award-winning podcast, Real Estate By Relationship®, where she hosts thought-provoking conversations around building confidence, authenticity, and of course, real estate.
Barb is also a brand ambassador for Follea by Daniel Alain, where she openly shares her journey with adult hair loss. An open book, Barb always keeps it real.
Known to wow an audience, impactful, and high energy, Barb can help any audience tap into their greatness and leave feeling empowered and with an action plan.
On last week's episode, we talked about taking your big ideas and turning them into a book. Today, we're taking that a step further and chatting about how to actually put that book out into the world and make the most of it!
Melanie Herschorn, Founder of VIP Book Marketing, joins Whitney as they discuss actionable tips for planning a successful book launch!
Melanie Herschorn wants to make your book and brand shine. As a nonfiction and children's book marketing strategist for authors, coaches, consultants, and speakers worldwide, she’s on a mission to support and empower her clients to build a business with their book as the foundation and to help them share their message with the world. Using her unique combination of entrepreneurship, award-winning journalism and PR experience, Melanie guides her clients to create brand awareness, sell books, and position themselves as subject matter experts so they can make a big impact with their book. She also loves to provide book marketing tips and interview authors on her Youtube show, AUTHORity Marketing LIVE!
VIP Book Marketing
Connect with Melanie on LinkedIn
VIP Book Marketing on Instagram
VIP Book Marketing on Facebook
Do you consider yourself to be a professional at something? Writing a book might be your next big step.
In today's episode, Whitney is chatting with Jake Kelfer, a 4x best-selling author and founder of "Big Idea to Best Seller."
Jake will coach you through finding your why and what you can expect when it comes to writing a book. If the idea of becoming an author has been sitting in the back of your mind, tune in for today's episode and let it push you into action!
Connect with Jake
Are you racking your brain over how to optimize your Facebook ads? We know - Facebook ads can be frustrating when you feel like you’ve tried everything and are not getting the desired results.
On today’s episode, Whitney is sharing her tips and tricks for troubleshooting ads that aren't working. Tune in for strategies that will help you get results!
Want to land more interviews on podcasts? If you answered yes, get ready to strap in as today’s episode will give you all the tips you need to pitch yourself for podcasts!
Tune in as Whitney Lee shares her personal experience as a podcast host and what she looks for in podcast guests. She's also spilling the strategies she has used to land interviews on other podcasts.
Have a specific topic you want us to cover? Send your ideas to Whitney on Instagram @thewhitneylee.
Are you an expert or entrepreneur that is pouring hours and hours into your services to make more money? There may be a revenue stream you're completely missing out on.
In today's episode, Whitney is chatting with Jasmine Jonte from Cre8tion on all things online courses! Jasmine and her team take the knowledge and expertise of entrepreneurs all over the country and turn it into sellable online programs.
If you've been looking for an additional revenue stream, you won't want to miss this episode!
Jasmine Jonte helps experts turn braindumps into world-class programs! Her Done-For-You Course Creation agency takes care of everything – from the big picture promise down to the last worksheet download. They’re on a mission to make learning simple and fun for 10 Million students while saving 100+ hours for every course creator they partner with!
Coupling her teaching experience with business savvy and management skills, you’ll want her to do the heavy lifting when building or upgrading your online programs.
Connect with Jasmine at jasminejonte.com
It's time to put our scientist caps on! Have you ever wondered what the best time of day to post on social media is? We're here to help you crack the code.
The bad news is that there's no one-size-fits-all answer. The GOOD news is that with some strategic thinking and experimentation, you can find when YOUR target audience is most likely to engage.
Tune in for today's episode as our OG social media master, Whitney Lee, shares tips and tricks you can use to find the best time of day to post your social media content.
Have a specific topic you want us to cover? Send your ideas to Whitney on Instagram at @thewhitneylee
True Story Public Relations Website
Whitney on Instagram
True Story Public Relations on Instagram
The grand opening of your business can be a HUGE PR opportunity if done correctly. Unfortunately, many businesses make one common mistake. Spoiler alert: they spill the tea to the public too soon.
Today, Whitney is sharing her easy 5 step PR process for grand openings that almost anyone can implement. If you're getting ready to launch a new business or location, you won't want to miss this episode.
Have a specific topic you want us to cover? Send your ideas to Whitney on Instagram at @thewhitneylee
True Story Public Relations Website
Whitney on Instagram
True Story Public Relations on Instagram
Are you an agency owner or freelancer? This episode is for you! Today, our very own Whitney Lee is chatting with Armando Leduc of Leduc Entertainment and discussing specific advice about scaling your business. Armando is sharing ways that he scaled his seven figure agency and spilling tips that you can implement for yourself.
Connect with Armando at LeducEntertainment.com
Don’t get it twisted. PR and social media are for B2B companies too! Let go of the preconceived notion that PR and social media are the same thing as sales. While both may eventually lead to an increase in overall sales, they each serve their own purpose.
Tune in for today’s episode as Whitney shares some of her PR strategies for a new B2B client, and gives you ways to implement them in your own business.
Want us to cover a specific topic? Send your ideas to Whitney on Instagram @thewhitneylee.
The topic of Artificial Intelligence can seem intimidating if you’ve never used it. While there are many things that can be unreliable about AI, the truth is that it is a part of our future! On today’s episode, Whitney is covering the positives AND negatives of Artificial Intelligence with Steve Marcinuk of Intellegent Relations.
Tune in to learn specific ways you may be able to use AI to accelerate your Public Relations tasks and ways that you may want to steer clear of using this tool.
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Stephen Marcinuk is a PR expert with over 10 years of experience. He is the Co-founder and Head of Operations at Intelligent Relations, where he is actively involved in all aspects of operations and growth for the company – this ranges from the generation of the AI PR technology for the platform, all the way across to client services.
Steve's always been passionate about finding solutions, which led to his fascination with AI’s role in the PR world. Fast forward several years, and Steve is now the driving force behind the company’s latest innovations such as AI-text generation models and journalism matchmaking tools.
Are you hearing crickets when you send out your press release? Nothing feels worse than praying for the media to pick up your piece and getting no response.
There are many common mistakes that businesses make when it comes to their PR plan, many of which are an easy fix! Tune in for today's episode as Whitney spills the tea on why the press may not pick up your announcement, and gives advice on what you SHOULD be doing.
Have a specific topic you want us to cover? DM your ideas to Whitney on Instagram @thewhitneylee.
Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom in order to grow to your greatest potential. That is exactly what happened for Nick Hiter, who is now a CEO and the host of Sirius XM Radio’s “Y’allternative” station.
Get ready to be inspired and tune in for today’s episode, as we dive deep into Nick Hiter’s journey and growth. Whitney and Nick chat about how losing his safety net changed the trajectory of his life and helped him become the man he is today.
Connect with Nick at nickhiter.com
About Nick:
Nick Hiter is the founder of Team Hiter, a business enterprise focused on helping entrepreneurs drive growth.
In his role as the Executive Vice President at RAC Financial, he oversees strategic partnerships for a leading 8-figure payment processing company. His work supports a network of 100+ strategic partners supporting major brands such as Planet Hollywood, Brio, and Buca di Beppo to name a few.
As a thought leader on entrepreneurship himself, Nick’s insights have been featured in major media such as CBS, NBC, FOX, The New York Times, and Yahoo to name a few. In addition, as the host of The Hitstreak podcast, he talks weekly with top performers to break down their playbook to success so his audience of over 200 thousand can get to that next level too. Nick is also the voice of SiriusXM’s “Y’allternative” radio station!
In his prior company, Nick launched over 150 insurance agencies that generated 100 million dollars in just over 5 years. His latest venture, dubbed “The Hitlab”, is focused on creating a physical space for thought leaders to come together, share, and distribute breakthrough ideas at scale.
Beyond business, Nick is a husband to Rhiannon, and father to Ethan and Ansleigh. Nick is a former pro athlete and gives back regularly to local philanthropic organizations in the Nashville area.
Many entrepreneurs come to a point where they want to rebrand their business. Maybe their initial branding doesn’t match the direction the company has grown, or they just want a fresh new look!
If a rebrand is in the future for you, this episode is for you! Whitney is sharing her do’s and don’ts that she’s learned through rebranding her own company. So strap in and get ready to take notes to prep for your rebrand.
Has one thing ever changed your life for the better so much that you wanted to shout it from the rooftops? For Lesley Logan, Pilates was that one thing.
Lesley has turned her passion into a business centered around coaching, fitness, and travel. Now, she shares her joy of Pilates with others in the online space so that they can experience it from anywhere in the world.
Join us for today’s episode as Whitney and Lesley chat about what led her to launching OnlinePilatesClasses.com and how she learned that it’s okay to do something, even if it’s not perfect the first time. You won’t want to miss this episode.
Connect with Lesley: OnlinePilatesClasses.com
Have you been struggling to see the sales you want from promoting on social media? There are some common practices that often prevent businesses from reaching their desired ROI. Luckily, Whitney has years of experience observing the things businesses do right and wrong when creating their social media strategy. Tune in for today's episode as she shares the things you should and shouldn't be doing to see the sales start rolling in!
Imagine being able to walk into your closet and have a curated selection of clothing that you love. That's exactly what Jessica Papineau does for her clients. Through customized styling, Jessica has helped entrepreneurs feel like their most confident, authentic self. Join us for today's episode as Whitney chats with Jessica about her journey to starting her own business and things she's learned along the way.
Jessica Papineau is the owner and founder of Customized Styling by Jessica, a styling concierge company. With a love of style and creativity from a young age, combined with a background in Fine Arts, she has spent over 20 years as a high performing sales manager servicing hundreds of clients at high-end boutiques in Canada and Florida. These experiences shaped Jessica to perfect her craft of creating, styling and consulting with women from head to toe in fashion and beauty.
Visit Customized Styling by Jessica
Don’t underestimate the power of Google. While ranking hire on Google search isn't as easy as snapping your fingers, there are simple things you can do to help your ranking! Tune in for today's episode as Whitney covers six FREE ways to rank higher on Google search.
Have an industry specific topic you want us to cover? Send your questions to @thewhitneylee on Instagram!
In the last two decades, Patricia Nowakowski has built a lucrative brand in the hair industry and gained extensive knowledge in business leadership. Join us for today's episode as Whitney chats with Patricia about her story and digs into actionable tips that others in the hair industry can implement to grow their own clientele.
Patricia owns 6 salon suites & Opulent Beauty Salon, a successful 8 chair commission salon. She is a skilled course creator for her second company, Opulent Beauty Pro, & has helped stylists across the United States & Canada work less & make more behind the chair.
Patricia is also a business coach that specializes in leadership, marketing & recreating salon culture. When working with Patricia, you can expect to walk away with a solid understanding of taking your business & team to the next level and a plan to get you there.
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Resources
Connect with Patricia on Instagram
Opulent Beauty on Instagram
Visit the Opulent Beauty Website
Opulent Beauty Salon Website
Are you a business owner who has been banging their head against the wall trying to figure it out? Look no further. Our resident entrepreneur and founder of True Story Public Relations is here to spill the tips that have helped her. Tune in for today’s episode for easy-to-implement strategies from our very own Whitney Lee.
Have a specific topic you want us to cover? Connect with Whitney on Instagram at @thewhitneylee
If there's anything we know, it's that hard work and connections pay off. That's exactly how Jill Bauer made her way to QVC, TODAY Show, and Property Brothers. Join us for today's episode as Whitney chats with Jill about her journey from small town reporter to being a personality on nationwide television.
Jill Bauer is a national television personality and lifestyle expert. For over 25 years, Jill worked
as a program host on QVC. When she started her career at QVC, at the age of 25, she was
the youngest host QVC had ever hired. This caught the attention of Rolling Stone Magazine,
who featured her among other 20 somethings who were finding cool careers in the changing
world of technology. In her 30’s Jill was the cover story for Main Line Today as one of their “40
under 40 to watch” in Philadelphia. The New York Times featured Jill, calling her “the girl with
the 10000 watt smile.” Jill worked as the executive producer/host and product designer for her
QVC show, You’re Home With Jill. The show ran for over 19 years and was one of QVC’s top
branded programs. Jill left QVC in 2019 to start justjill.com, her home and lifestyle blog. She is
also a regular contributor on the TODAY show and is the national brand ambassador for HGTV’s
Property Brothers, Drew and Jonathan Scott. Jill has been featured in both local and national
media, including, Good Morning America, Good Housekeeping, Country Living, the New York
Times, Good Day New York, New York One and has written articles about home lifestyle for
various magazines and books. Jill has been a featured speaker at the Philadelphia Flower
show and the Dallas Design Market. In 2021, she expanded the Just Jill brand to include
justjillshop.com, a curated e-commerce site with Jill’s friendly, girl next door touch. Jill lives in
Pennsylvania with her husband, 2 children and BIG dogs, Brosky and Minnie.
JustJill.com
Scratching your head over why you aren’t making sales? On today’s episode, Whitney is getting raw and real about common reasons businesses could be missing out on sales. All of these problems are fixable, so gear up and get ready to take these tips and run with them to boost your sales.
Want personalized help with making a strategic marketing plan? Text us today at truestorypr.co!
Today’s episode is the perfect example of how PR can look completely different across industries. Whitney has always said that politics and real estate are two industries her agency doesn’t work with. So today, she’s bringing in Eric Olsen to give listeners a peek of what PR can look like in a political setting. Eric Olsen is the Communications Director and Senior Advisor for a member of the US House of Representatives. Tune in for today’s episode to hear about how Eric landed in this position and what his day-to-day looks like!
Connect with Eric on LinkedIn
Connect with Eric on TikTok
Looking for ways to market your restaurant? You don’t need complicated campaigns to see growth. Tune in for today’s episode as Whitney shares simple yet effective marketing tactics any restaurant can implement!
Every entrepreneur has a story of how they decided to start their business. For Dr. Erin Ellis of Hope Natural Health, it was a cancer diagnosis. Dr. Ellis has found her passion helping women fix crappy periods, helping with hormone imbalances and addressing the root cause of why people are running on empty. Join us for today’s episode as Whitney and Dr. Ellis chat about her inspiring journey to helping others through her medical practice.
Whitney on Instagram
True Story Public Relations Website
Dr. Ellis on TikTok
Dr. Ellis on Instagram
Hope Natural Health Website
Do you own a med spa or plastic surgery practice? This episode is for you! Tune in for today's episode as Whitney gives you practical and actionable tips for marketing your practice and boosting your bottom line.
Have an industry specific topic you'd like us to cover? Share your recommendations with Whitney on Instagram!
Andrea Sager made the biggest comeback when she became the CEO of her own company, The Legalpreneur, after getting fired from a law firm. The Legalprenuer is reinventing legal services for small businesses. Tune in for today's episode as Whitney chats with Andrea about the twists and turns of her journey and the "aha" moment when she decided to focus her efforts on assisting businesses. From a divorce, to getting fired, to making a huge comeback, Andrea is spilling all the tea.
Andrea on Instagram
Legalpreneur on Instagram
True Story Public Relations on Instagram
Are you lost on how to start marketing your fashion brand? There’s so much information out there, it can be hard to make sense of it all. Not to worry, Whitney is sharing easy-to-implement, foolproof strategies for your clothing line. Tune in to this episode for ten marketing and PR strategies every fashion brand should be doing.
If you have an industry specific topic you would like to see covered on True Story: The Public Relations Podcast, submit your ideas to @thewhitneylee on Instagram!
If there was anything R.T. Custer anticipated when he founded Vortic Watches, it was most definitely not a lawsuit from the world's biggest watch brand. Needless to say, this world-class entrepreneur has a wealth of insight when it comes to overcoming hurdles as an entrepreneur. Tune in to this week’s episode as Whitney picks R.T. Custer’s brain on some of the trials and wins he has experienced on his journey.
Learn more about Vortic Watches.
Connect with R.T. Custer on Instagram.
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While we truly believe in the value of hiring an agency, it is not rare for business owners, especially small business owners, to opt for an in-house marketing assistant. Some go down this path in an attempt to cut costs, while others truly believe they need someone physically in their office.
Unfortunately, many business owners that choose this path find themselves expelling more energy trying to coach and bring ideas to their marketing assistant when it should be the other way around! On today's episode, Whitney is covering actionable tips to make your marketing assistant more productive.
If you have found yourself in a similar boat, True Story Public Relations offers Fractional CMO services! As your Fractional CMO, we take all of that off your plate and help train and oversee your marketing assistant to make them a productive asset to your team. You see results and have one less team member to manage. It’s a game changer! Visit our website to learn more.
Some may say the stars aligned when Staci Berryman and Heidi Blalock met at an autism walk in 2009. That meeting led the duo to co-founding Emerald Coast Autism Center, a non-profit school and therapy center for children and young adults on the autism spectrum. From finding land to lease for only one dollar per year, to planning a second facility to prepare their students for the workforce, Staci and Heidi are sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly about their journey!
Learn more about Emerald Coast Autism Center’s capital campaign here: https://ecautismcenter.org/Capital-Campaign.aspx
Emerald Coast Autism Center on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ecautismcenter
It’s time to take your hospitality digital marketing to the next level. While many marketing strategies can be used across industries, getting specific on the tactics you are using can make the biggest difference.
Whitney has spent years boosting the bottom line of hotels and resorts. In today’s episode, she’s spilling her secrets and giving you a crash course in six strategies every hotel and resort should be using.
This is just the beginning of this new series where we will be diving in to industry specific strategies that you can apply to your business!
Have you ever felt like you had to convince someone of your professional value just because of your age? Courtney Spritzer started growing one of NYC’s largest social media agencies in her twenties and is no stranger to this challenge.
Tune in to this week’s episode as Whitney interviews Courtney Spritzer of Socialfly on some of the trials she has overcome while building a social media agency with her partner, Stephanie Cartin.
Courtney is the Co-Founder and CEO of Socialfly, the #1 women-owned and operated social media agency in the world. Socialfly helps brands communicate and resonate with women on social media. Throughout Courtney's career, she has developed strategic social media plans for her clients and successfully implemented campaigns for 200+ companies and brands, including Discovery, WeTV, Conair, Girl Scouts, and Slimfast. Courtney is also the Co-Founder of Entreprenista Media, a media platform that provides resources to women entrepreneurs and business leaders and celebrates their success.
New Year, New Podcast! Welcome to True Story: The Public Relations Podcast, a space where we get a peek behind the scenes of brands and businesses that have a real story to tell. We want to support brands that aren’t afraid to show their true colors. Tune in to today’s episode to hear the lowdown on why Whitney decided to rebrand the agency and podcast, and what’s to come in 2023!
As an agency, proving your worth is an important way to keep clients! This is why reporting results is crucial, and it is powerful to showcase data so that clients can see the value behind our actions. Tracking and analyzing data can also help you identify best practices for your business by highlighting actions that are or are not yielding positive results. In today's episode, we are sharing how we measure success and communicate collected data to our clients.
If you have big goals for your business in 2023 (and you totally should) now is the time to make your roadmap of actions that will help you achieve those goals! During Q4 some clients try to push project planning into the new year, but don't make the mistake of underestimating the time it takes to effectively plan and execute your business initiatives. In today's episode, Whitney is chatting with Carlyn Bushman about the importance of planning ahead for 2023, identifying your business goals, sourcing support from an agency of professionals, and identifying actions that will push your business forward.
Carlyn is a mom, wife, lifelong learner, former corporate executive, and small business owner. Carlyn understands the complexities of starting and operating a business. She has climbed the corporate ladder and created and run several small businesses from the ground up. Through this, Carlyn has fine-tuned skills in the areas of: marketing, management, technology, and business financials. She is now sharing her vast knowledge base to accelerate small to medium sized women-owned businesses to create reliable, sustainable revenue streams.
Can you believe it is almost 2023? This time of year many people in business start to check out between the holidays and begin pushing stuff to next year. At Sociallee, we like to take this time when our client work may be a bit slower and use it for planning and to get prepared for the new year. So how can you take the next few weeks to really set your business up for success in 2023? Tune in to today's episode to learn our tips and tricks.
If you’ve listened to episode 34, you already know how to write the perfect pitch. Not everybody has access to the expensive software when they’re getting started. So how do you find the media contacts to pitch to without it? In this solo episode, Whitney is spilling all of her secrets. Be prepared to get into the nitty gritty of how to build your media list through time and research!
Whether your goal is driving sales, gaining new customers, or increasing brand awareness, having an omni-channel strategy with both organic and paid media will help you reach your goals! In today's episode, Whitney Lee is speaking with Lynn and Mollie, Co-Founders of BrandVerge. BrandVerge helps clients with their media strategy so they can get featured in paid media and optimize paid media for growing brands!
BrandVerge Website
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Some people think that being in the media is always a good thing... even when the press is not so flattering. It really depends on who you are and why people are talking about you. We've all seen bad press on high-profile figures, but it doesn't always have a largely negative effect on that person's career or quality of life. Meanwhile, some press gets people completely canceled. In today's episode we are sharing how even some very bad press can present an opportunity for people to grow and bounce back.
The pandemic changed many things in our world, including the use of virtual events. As people shifted to working from home, meetings, happy hours, and even social gatherings started to take place virtually! Now that everything is "back to normal", it's easy to think that virtual events are not as popular.
On today's episode, Whitney is talking with Bri Snellgrove of Social Icon about how virtual events are very much alive and well. Get ready for tips and tricks from a pro on how to leverage virtual events for your own business.
Connect with Bri on LinkedIn
Follow Sociallee PR & Digital Media on Instagram for more free PR advice.
When it comes to paying influencers for a brand deal, there is not a one-size-fits-all answer. Each influencer partnership will most likely differ based on several factors. In today's episode, we are going over four things you should consider to help you create an influencer partnership with appropriate compensation. Paying an influencer cash is not always the best option, and there are several other types of compensation that brands can offer.
Times are changing and so is the way that businesses communicate with their customers. In this episode, Whitney is deep diving with co-founder and CEO of Leadferno, Aaron Weiche, on how to convert website traffic into actual leads through the use of text campaigns.
Texting with customers is changing the game, not only for the customer, but for the business. Get ready for actionable steps on how to create an incredible customer communication experience through texting.
Aaron Weiche on LinkedIn
Leadferno Website
Sending a strong pitch email is key to scoring PR features and gaining exposure for your business. There is a proven structure that you can use to build the perfect pitch email to help you get noticed, and in today's episode we are breaking that structure down for you.
The good news is: your initial pitch email should be concise and clear, so you don't need to waste a lot of time adding unnecessary fluff! Not only are we covering what to put in your pitch, but you will also learn a few best practices to consider when you are pitching.
Social media is ever evolving, so staying on top of trends is keys to maintaining an effective social media strategy. There may be social media tactics you're still using that worked in the past, but they're outdated now.
Arik Hanson is a social media consultant for mid and large size companies, and he is covering trends for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Don't worry, we aren't talking about the new dance craze that you need to jump on! These trends involve strategies to help businesses consistently show up in an effective way for their audience.
Working in PR may look like a glamorous job from the outside. However, the reality is that you have to be willing to get down and dirty to take on this job. There are many aspects of the job that are not glitz and glamor.
In episode 32, Whitney is debunking any myths you may have about working in PR and giving you FREE advice on getting started in the industry. She goes over some tasks you may have if you score a job in PR, what she looks for when hiring for a position, and more!
If you’re interested in working with Sociallee, visit besociallee.com/careers.
Podcasts are a powerful tool for business owners to generate multiple forms of content, and they can also present huge opportunities for businesses to expand their reach to their target audience through podcast interviews.
Podcast interview features are emerging as a leading form of earned media, which means that podcast hosts are getting pitches from potential guests more often. So how do you stand out as a valuable podcast guest during your pitch?
In episode 31 of Sociallee Relevant, Whitney Lee is chatting with Erik Jacobson, Founder of Lemonpie and Hatch, on how you can appeal to podcast hosts during your pitch and how you can deliver value that will make a powerful impact on listeners.
As the Founder of Lemonpie, a podcast PR agency, Erik helps business leaders land interviews on podcasts that their target audience is already listening to, and through his company Hatch his team helps businesses create their own podcasts that are led by proven strategies.
As marketers try to appeal to millennial and Gen Z consumers, we have noticed a bandwagon strategy that causes some businesses to appear fake AF. Authenticity is more powerful than ever in marketing, and some businesses are truly missing the mark when they try to hop on this trending marketing strategy.
In a time where brands are afraid of cancel culture, many businesses feel the pressure to promote causes that they may not sincerely support. That's not to say that businesses cannot promote causes. In today's episode, Whitney is sharing her take on how to approach supporting causes through your business.
Affiliate programs are taking the marketing world by storm… and for good reason. Affiliate programs can be a powerful tool to leverage word-of-mouth recommendations while incentivizing loyal customers. But, you need to be strategic in how you set up your affiliate program so that you attract the ideal affiliates that will remain actively engaged and help bring your business results.
In today’s episode Whitney Lee is talking with Kelsey Eyers, CEO of Rexxy, on how to set up and manage a profitable affiliate marketing program.
Tune in to episode 29 to learn more about this marketing strategy that may have a huge impact on your business.
When times are tough, marketing and public relations are often the first thing to be cut from a business. With a recession potentially looming, (according to the media - eye roll) many businesses are already looking for ways to save money. If you’re a business on a budget or maybe you’re a freelancer trying to gain more clients, tune into today's episode of Sociallee Relevant to hear Whitney Lee's advice on how to continue to move your business forward, even with a limited budget.
If you think blogs are only written by influencers that want to share an online diary then you are totally WRONG. What most people don't realize is that blogs are extremely valuable tools for businesses to have on their website, because they can greatly impact your Google ranking and increase your online reach.
Tune in to today's episode of Sociallee Relevant to hear blogging genius and owner of Storyteller Agency, Laura Holloway, as she sits down with Whitney Lee to explain how blogging can impact your business.
Laura is bringing awareness to how blogging strategy can help your business rank higher in Google results, how you should approach your blog topics, and how you can enhance your blog's results with links. Tune in to learn why you should invest in a blog for your website ASAP.
How do you measure if your PR efforts are successful? There can be a lot of gray-area in what PR results actually look like in your business and in this episode, Whitney Lee is diving back into PR by explaining a checklist of specific benefits and results you should be seeing if you or your agency’s campaigns and pitching are effective.
How do you get into big national media outlets like People Magazine, the Today Show, etc? Strategic public relations work could change the trajectory of your business, but so many people are left scratching their head about where to begin. Today, Whitney Lee is chatting with Des Dickerson of Uncommon Collective to share step by step actions to score national media coverage for your business.
Des Dickerson is the founder of Uncommon Collective, a Sacramento based PR agency that helps businesses outsource their brand management to help attract media and cultivate partnerships that make an impact. Uncommon Collective specializes in PR for fashion, beauty, and fitness brands that are ready to step-up their branding game. Des' clients have been featured in Cosmopolitan, PopSugar, Buzzfeed, InStyle, and more!
Influencers and affiliates are a new way to approach public relations, but which one is the best for your brand? And what’s the difference between the two? Tune in to today's episode of Sociallee Relevant to hear how you can utilize influencers and affiliates to boost your bottom line and reach new customers for your business.
Can you imagine an Instagram account turning into a full-blown, cash producing business? To Do in Destin started as just a fun passion project for videographer and photographer, Cali Hlavac. Just a few short years later, this account has blossomed into a revenue stream, and has also put Cali on the map as one of the top influencers in Northwest Florida tourism. From starting off with reposting to cultivating a brand of her own, Cali shares her unique story of how it all came to be - and how she’s still evolving the business today!
Cali Hlavac is the founder of To Do In Destin, an Instagram account and website dedicated to featuring all the ways to eat, drink, relax and play around Destin, Florida. Follow her on IG for jaw dropping photos of Destin’s sugar white sand beaches, mouthwatering food pics and fun activities on sea and land.
Are you getting ready to host a big event for your business? Event sponsorship takes time and dedicated research, but it can change the trajectory of your event promotion and reach. Today, Whitney Lee shares step by step instructions on how her agency builds event sponsorship packages for her clients that can be easily applied to the next big event for your business.
Is Pinterest dying? ….are you kidding me? Pinterest isn’t your typical social media outlet - it requires a special strategy. Tune into today's episode of Sociallee Relevant with Stephanie Riel of Riel Deal Marketing to hear how Pinterest can be a valuable tool for B2B and B2C brands that are interested in tapping into a new market in this episode. Get ready for the long game!
Are you a freelancer or agency owner that is ready to take the next step for your business? Finding new clients is a vital step to grow your company and the key to sealing the deal with new clients comes from a customized proposal and one very special tip. Tune into episode 20 of the Sociallee Relevant podcast to learn how Whitney Lee converts potential clients to loyal customers.
Grab a pen and paper because this week, Whitney Lee and Jess Bargenquast are breaking down how you can alter your business strategy using search engine optimization (SEO) for beginners. SEO is the single most important thing that you can do to drive traffic to your website and convert internet surfers to customers, and it's not as hard as you might think! Tune in to episode 19 of the Sociallee Relevant podcast to learn more about how you can boost your bottom line using SEO using Whitney Lee and Jess Bargenquast's approachable methods.
Jess Bargenquast is the founder of Lady Changemakers, a directory and marketplace for woman-owned businesses to gain exposure and sales. This easy and affordable platform connects conscious consumers to over 700 woman-owned businesses that can provide almost any product or service that they're looking for. This platform is just like Amazon, but for exclusively women-owned businesses!
In today's episode, Whitney Lee shares her journey from leaving her cushy corporate job to becoming a solopreneur and now, an agency owner. If you're trapped in a job without inspiration or creativity, or if you're looking for more freedom in your career, this episode is definitely for you.
It may seem out of reach, but hearing Whitney's story might make you realize that you are meant to be more than a freelancer and that there are other options for you if you're feeling stuck. Tune in to hear how Whitney made her decision to leave her corporate job and get her advice and top tips for starting a freelance career.
Today's episode of Sociallee Relevant takes a deep dive into Facebook and instagram ads for the experienced marketer in paid social. From paid advertisements on Facebook to pixel events to creative strategy, these experts in paid social media talk you through the tips and tricks to understand paid products on social media. Join Whitney Lee and Dorothy Hollabaugh for a discussion on best practices and their top tips and tricks for your paid marketing efforts.
Dorothy Hollabaugh joins Sociallee Relevant from Needless Eye Media. Needles Eye Media is a full-service digital advertising agency with insider knowledge, laser-like focus, and a borderline unhealthy obsession with data. They specialize in scaling profits with precision online advertising.
If you’re looking for a job in public relations, you may be interested in what it takes to be successful in the industry. Tune in to today's episode to learn Whitney Lee's number one skill that you need to hone in order to be the best PR professional that you can be. Make sure to listen to the end for a bonus tip!
Let’s talk about one of the most overlooked social media channels, LinkedIn! LinkedIn isn’t just for job seekers, it’s one of the best channels to drive leads, grow your audience, and expand your personal brand. And the best part is, decision makers are on LinkedIn, they aren’t floating around on Facebook and Instagram. There's so many ways to continue to promote your business and yourself using this not so new social media platform. Listen in for Whitney Lee’s complete breakdown of how you can boost your bottom line on LinkedIn.
Are you ready to start digging into the marketing and public relations efforts for your business? That’s great! It might be time for you to start looking for a marketing or PR agency that can help you boost your bottom line. During your search, make sure you’re keeping an eye out for these three red flags in a marketing or PR agency.
- An agency that promises results
- If an agency is making big promises about results, it may be a good idea to walk away. An agency should be able to promise deliverables, not a result. There are too many factors in our world that make promising a result not feasible for an agency.
- An agency that won’t show you their clients
- An agency should be proud of the clients that they are working with. An agency that is transparent about their clients and the work that they are doing is an agency that is worth working with. Always be sure to check out other clients to see if the agency is the right fit for you.
- An agency that has cookie-cutter packages.
- Marketing strategy for every business is different. An amateur agency might be pushing a package that might not meet all of the unique needs of your brand. It’s important to find an agency that will listen to your marketing successes, failures, and goals to create a holistic plan that will make a difference for your business.
Hashtags previously were THE key in growing your following and reach on Instagram and Twitter - but the tide is changing! In today’s episode, we’re breaking down hashtags on Instagram and Tik Tok. When used appropriately, hashtags grow your following, help establish your brand, and they are the easiest way to gather content from your customers. Tune in for advice on how you should now be utilizing hashtags in your business strategy.
The days of a million hashtags are over, there is a better strategy that you can use to grow your brand. At Sociallee, we start out by developing a core list of hashtags that we consistently use with their content. Make sure that this core list includes a branded hashtag for your business, this can be as simple as the name of your business. Next, find a list of industry specific hashtags. This isn’t for branding, but for other people to find your business among other like areas of your industry. Then, we add hashtags that are post-specific to the photos or content that we are sharing with our followers. From here, you can get even more specific with seasonal or holiday hashtags, location hashtags, relevant phrases, or even daily hashtags.
While you have the ability to use up to 30 hashtags on a post, that’s not always the best idea. There are a lot of variables that contribute to hashtag quality and quantity. If you have the time, ability, and resources to play with the amount of hashtags that you use, make sure to test posts with various hashtag quantities. We recommend one to three hashtags but 10 to 12 at the most. Be strategic about how you post them so it doesn’t take away from your content.
Listen in for more of Whitney Lee’s tips and tricks to utilize hashtags to boost growth for your business.
What do you do when someone writes something terrible? Negative reviews are never fun, but they are an important way to get feedback on your business. In this episode, I discuss the different types of negative reviews, my process and response to these comments, and next steps that you can take to prevent negative reviews online.
Here are our eight tips and tricks to formulate the perfect response to negative feedback:
- Don’t delete - This shows a lack of transparency. The ONLY time we delete anything is:
- Racial slurs
- Vulgar language
- Threats
- Before responding, find out details from operations or whoever the customer interacted with.
- Formulate a draft - make sure to thank the customer for their feedback.
- Address every single thing they say in their review.
- If you are truly at fault - admit it and apologize.
- If the person is sincerely lying, you can address it in a VERY PROFESSIONAL manner.
- Important to keep it very professional - never blame the customer! Your followers are watching to see how you handle the situation so make sure to take the high road.
- Try to keep the response short and to the point - ask them to take it offline by giving them a name and phone number to call.
Marketing is EXPENSIVE right? Traditional advertising, SEO, SEM, retargeting, buying lists, and social media ad campaigns can be a pricey method to gain new customers. But here’s another secret we utilize regularly, partnerships. Before you look at traditional marketing methods, tune in to our tips on cost-effective tools to grow your brand.
There are only two steps to start finding your perfect partnership match, analyze your business and what you can offer, then start looking for companies that match your needs and your goals.
- First, what can YOU offer someone? What do you bring to the table? Make sure to compile the following information to know where to start.
- Social following
- Website hits
- Subscribers on email
- Text
- App downloads
- Listeners (podcast)
- Where are you advertising
- Demographics of your audience - age, where they live, beliefs, income, etc - the more info the better.
- Now you're ready to start the search for a good partner opportunity. Use these suggestions to find the best partnership for you.
- Who reaches your people?
- If you are a business that is focused on women, who else reaches women?
- What other services does your target demographic use?
- This is a good place to start looking for connections that are mutually beneficial.
- Where does your target demographic shop?
- More potential partnerships lie where your target demographic is already looking!
- Who reaches your people?
- What is complimentary to your business? - Needs to be somewhat in the same realm
- Type of business - are you able to serve people virtually? If you’re a locally owned business you probably need someone local too!
- Look at businesses that are similar in size to your company to save yourself time. Don’t waste your time and resources pursuing a partnership that isn’t equal.
- Nonprofit support - Think about nonprofits that you can support in exchange for promotion for your business.
Are you reaching your people? Social media is constantly changing and email marketing is one way that businesses keep in constant communication with their stakeholders. This week, Whitney talks about what will make your email marketing fail. Tune in to get Whitney's tips and tricks to hack your email marketing campaigns through your subject line and get her best and worst examples.
7 Tips:
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Don't give it all away! Make your subject lines intriguing but a little vague.
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Keep your subject line short and sweet.
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Explore emojis but do some research before you use them.
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Urgency in your subject line can be a very important factor to your customer’s opening your email.
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Let your customers know that there’s an offer inside.
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Use first names in your emails.
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Pay attention to the preview text.
Do you ever feel like you're WAY behind on the changes in social media? Social media is constantly changing and sometimes it's impossible to stay in the know. Keep up with the news and check out episode 9 of the Sociallee Relevant Podcast to hear Whitney Lee's breakdown of four new features that are coming to Instagram.
Description: Today we're breaking down one of the "Big Boys" of social media, Instagram. This must-do platform is constantly evolving and it's about time that we break down four new features that are coming to Instagram. From product tags to hashtag searching, we're going through the good, the bag, and the ugly of the platform and how it's going to affect your business.
4 Changes to Instagram:
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Product tags are going to be available for every user on Instagram rather than just creators and business accounts.
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Donation tabs now available for Instagram Reels
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Instagram is taking away the "Recents" page on a hashtag search, now changing to "Top Hits" only.
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Improving the ranking system by highlighting original content
This episode is a follow-up to episode 2, where Whitney shared how boosting your Facebook posts is a trap. So if you’re now diving into Facebook Ads Manager and feeling overwhelmed, this is for you! In this episode, Whitney shares the first (and most important) step in setting up an ad within Facebook Ads Manager.
User Generated Content!
End all of social media. You can say how awesome you are but if other people are saying you’re awesome - that’s PRICELESS
For some businesses, it just HAPPENS. People love sharing stuff like
food, travel, clothes.
But if you aren’t out there watching and listening, you’re missing opportunities! So If you don’t have expensive listening tools how do you know what’s out there?
- Obviously if they tag you
- Hashtags -not only looking at your branded one but also looking at other ones for your industry like coffee or depending on your business hashtags for your location or city
- Location tags - looking at people who tag themselves specifically at your business (resorts or destinations)
- Searching terms
- Reviews - sometimes they have amazing photos or great quotes to pull from
So those are some good places to start looking for content that may include your brand.
honestly - this is important either way bc there could be points of CONCERN that you should be monitoring.
- Seeing patterns about service or a specific team member
- Comparing you to other competitors - amazing feedback
- Concerns on the quality
SO IMPORTANT TO BE LISTENING. and it may hurt but you can take that as feedback and make changes. Tell people you heard them!
So on a positive note- if you’re wanting to generate more UGC - here are some tips
- Ask them - servers, putting cards on the table
- Incentivize
- Suggest it - include your hashtag everywhere. You don’t have to necessarily say “USE OUR HASHTAG” but just showing it there will remind them. put I everywhere! cups, beverage napkins, clings on windows (salons & boutiques)
- Give them a photo op - working on a fun sign. or a statue, or a mural on the wall!
- Promote other people’s content - when you’re sharing other users, people will see that and want their content promoted too!
User Generated Content is the GOAL for so many brands. You always have the option to not use it if it doesn’t align with your brand’s vision or tone, but it just comes through so authentically rather than perfectly curated images by a professional photographer.
Influencers are an amazing form of user generated content and if you’re interested in working with influencers you’ll definitely want to download our free tips to identifying influencers that will actually make you money!! linked in show notes or go to besociallee.com/podcast/how-we-generated-over-33000-with-6-unpaid-influencers/
Today talking about PR.
Many people want to work in this industry bc they think it’s “so fun” - think we just go to parties and sip martinis.
Samantha from Sex and the City made it look like so glamorous and sexy.
But I have also noticed a lot of distrust in the PR world.
I first noticed this - I watch shark tank a lot - and when people would ask for money for PR, the sharks would start to roll their eyes - or sometimes that was a deal-breaker for them. spending money on PR? Boom, they are out. But....WHY?
Also, last year Chris's mastermind - people told me of how they spent thousands of dollars with PR people and totally got BURNED. They used that word. BURNED?!
So…why? Why do people feel so burned by PR people? Bc people don’t understand what PR actually IS
So before talking about what PR IS. What is it not?
- Pr is NOT marketing. Marketing focuses on SALES. Bottom line.
- PR is not driven by immediate results or ROI. Many times it’s a long play.
- PR is not party planning or event planning. PR is more about getting the message OUT. But we are not party planners
What IS PR?
First, we’ll start with the traditional side:
- Media Relationspress releases
Pitching for editorial coverageTradition media or event podcasts
POC for media - answering questions, formulating responses.
Building connections with media people in your area or within the niche of your clients. Why bc when they need someone or a story, they come to YOU first 2. Reputation managementStrategizing when a crisis happens - what is the company’s response and message? In ALL challenges
Monitoring everything - reviews, social media platforms etc. Reporting back to the CEO about what the public’s perception and response to our company’s actions are
Proactive reputation management - not just waiting but planning Ideas and campaigns that show your company’s values 3. ExposureCreating social media campaigns like the ice bucket challenge
Celebs - making fake relationships
Launch - event, new offerings 4. PartnershipsFinding brands that align and create offerings together
influencers
Sponsoring an event or podcast
Supporting a cause
Ads are what you PAY for - PR is what you pray for.
I think why they get burned - you can’t promise results. It’s all about ideas and outreach. Positioning, relationships and following up. So is PR hard? No. If you have the creative brain it’s not - but you better have the right words to say and the relationships in place or dedication to keep following up.
So if a PR person is promising you results… that’s a red flagggggg!
So I hope this has been helpful for you! I know we talked a little about influencers if you want to learn more download our 5 free tips to help identify influencers that will make you $$$$. link in the show notes or go to besociallee.com
Giving free stuff to influencers??? Insert eye roll So many businesses are jaded by influencers who ask for free services and products but the business never sees any tangible results from their posts. In this episode, Whitney gives tangible advice on how to get influencers to actually produce sales and/or show results that matter. You’ll hear how her agency, Sociallee, took six unpaid influencers and turned it into $33,000+ in room night revenue for a resort. If your business ever considered influencer marketing or wondered whether it would be worth your time and money, this episode is for you. You’ll learn how collaborating with influencers can expand your audience reach, attract new followers, and be the most cost effective form of advertising out there.
With millions of users worldwide, Tik Tok is becoming a real player in the social media game for businesses. With numerous new social media platforms coming out each year, it can get overwhelming trying to decide whether or not your business should have a presence on each platform. Is your investment in these platforms worth your time, money, and effort? If you are asking yourself those questions, then make sure to tune into today’s episode where Whitney walks you through the pros and cons of having a TikTok to help you decide if it’s right for your business.
Hiring an agency is WAY more expensive than hiring an in-house employee, right? Well - actually, let’s do the math. You might be surprised to learn the numerous ways you can save a significant amount of money and resources by hiring an agency. This episode will explain in detail why in-house marketing might actually be costing you more than you think and all the things an agency can do to take your business to the next level!
Social media ads can do a lot for your business when done right. In this episode, Whitney shares a valuable tip on the #1 mistake that people make when doing social media advertising. If you don’t know Facebook Ads Manager, it can be easy to resort to boosting your posts, but tune in to today’s episodes to learn why that may not always be the best option for your business.
Is your social media not producing anything for your business? Promoting your business online can be a tricky business, but that’s why Whitney is diving deep into how to engage your audience in an effective way. If you aren’t happy with how your social media platforms are performing, tune into this week's episode and many more like it to help you build your business and bring your ideas to life!
Welcome to Sociallee Relevant, a Marketing & PR podcast bringing you relatable tips on how to market your business and ultimately boost your bottom line. You won’t find overwhelming or boring tech talk here - it’s all about breaking down the facts and making it understandable and most importantly, actionable. You’ll receive tangible takeaways on topics like Social Media, Content Creation, Paid Social Campaigns, Public Relations, Email Marketing, Funnels, Influencer Campaigns and much more. Host Whitney Lee is the Founder of Sociallee PR & Digital Media, a results based firm that specializes in driving online sales and bookings for various businesses across the US including resorts, spas, food & beverage, entertainment, retail and more.