Brand Rescue: Marketing + PR Guidance for Small Businesses

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. ------------- Connect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedIn True Story PR Website TheWhitneyLee.com

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!  ——— Connect with Jen on Instagram  Jeneration PR  Jeneration Academy  Join Powerhouse Pros Free Online Community ——— Connect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedIn True Story PR Website TheWhitneyLee.com

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. ----------- Connect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedIn True Story Public Relations Website TheWhitneyLee.com

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. ------------ Connect with Whitney: LinkedIn Instagram True Story Website TheWhitneyLee.com

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. ---------- Connect with Joni on LinkedIn Connect with Joni on Instagram Joni's Website Joni's Substack Connect with Whitney on LinkedIn Connect with Whitney on Instagram True Story PR Website TheWhitneyLee.com

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! ------------ Connect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedIn True Story Public Relations on Instagram True Story Website TheWhitneyLee.com

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! ------------ Connect with Drew on Instagram Connect with Drew on LinkedIn Sachs Media Website Sachs Media Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedIn Connect with Whitney on Instagram True Story PR Website TheWhitneyLee.com

🎙️ 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! ---------- Connect with Whitney on LinkedIn Connect with Whitney on Instagram True Story PR Website TheWhitneyLee.com

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! -------- Mochee Website Connect with Amy on Instagram Mochee on Instagram Connect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedIn True Story Website TheWhitneyLee.com

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! 🎧 ----------- Connect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedIn TheWhitneyLee.com TrueStoryPR.co