Today we’re talking with Priscilla Presley and Lauren Cheek - the co-founders of The Forward Female - a consulting and creative agency for female entrepreneurs based in Los Angeles, CA. With a mission to empower women all over the world to create the lives they actually want to be living and give them the resources they need not only to succeed, but thrive, the forward female helps women start and grow businesses and get clear on their careers through their global digital community, business development coaching programs, and in-house creative agency. In today’s episode, we dive into how to create a promotional launch plan, best tips to avoid overwhelm and burnout when launching, and the power of partnerships, collaboration, and accountability. These two powerhouse female founders have worked alongside some of the most sought-after brands in the world and I could not be more excited for you all to listen in our pitchin’ and sippin’ conversation. Here’s what you’ll learn:How Lexie first met Priscilla and Lauren and founded THEPRBAR inc.’s first official partnership.How the Forward Female was born.Priscilla and Lauren’s tips for taking an idea and turning that idea into a reality and business.The importance of putting a plan in place to reach your business goals.The strategy behind how to create a successful promotional launch planThe first thing to consider when creating a launch marketing plan - you should always start by thinking of your target audience. How the use of time blocking can be beneficial when launching your business and avoiding overwhelm.How strategic partnerships can benefit your business in the short term and long run.Learn how to fail fast when marketing and launching a business.What the Forward Female’s latest campaign is and where you can learn more.How PR is an essential element of your marketing strategy when launching your business.The building blocks of working with Forward Female depending on where you are at in your business launch journey. Website: https://forwardfemale.com/Join the Accountability Community and a free 30 day travel: https://portal.forwardfemale.com/landing/plans/61053Coaching Programs: https://forwardfemale.com/business-bundles/Sign up to be a member of The Forward Female: https://portal.forwardfemale.com/sign_upFollow on instagram: @forwardfemaleSnag Lexie's free Pitch it, Pitch it Good! Checklist at theprbarinc.com/pitchitgoodInterested in learning more about Pitchin’? Book a Free Consultation here.Instagram: @theprbar_incGo back to the homepage

We’re doing something a bit different this week on the Pitchin’ and Sippin’ podcast - we’re doing a round-up of 8 of our past media guest’s pitching preferences. SO, context, typically when I have a member of the media on the show, towards the end of the episode I ask them a series of Rapid fire questions about their personal preferences when being pitched. For example, what day of the week do you prefer to be pitched...do you want people to send photos, do you appreciate follow ups? SO, take out some pen and paper because you’re about to hear exactly what these writers and editors actually WANT to receive in their inboxes.Here’s what you’ll learn:Learn Emmy-Nominated TV Journalist & Podcast Coach Christine O'Donnell's pitching preferences. Listen to the full episode 1 to learn more about pitching TV and the world of podcasts: https://theprbarinc.com/podcast/pitching-tv-christine-odonnell/Learn former Managing Editor and current freelance journalist and travel writer Brianne Nemiroff’s pitching preferences. Listen to the full Episode 6 to learn more about interviews and the realities of journalism: https://theprbarinc.com/podcast/the-realities-of-journalism-brianne-nemiroff/Learn freelance travel writer and podcast host Theresa Christine’s pitching preferences.Listen to the full Episode 14 to learn more about freelance journalism and travel writing: https://theprbarinc.com/podcast/meet-the-media-theresa-christine-travel-writing-pitching-freelancers-aperol-spritz/Learn lifestyle writer and editor Mar Yvette’s pitching preferences. Listen to the full Episode 16 to learn more about knowing your audience and how to break into the media world: https://theprbarinc.com/podcast/guest-trifecta-media-bylines-real-talk-and-kombucha-with-mar-yvette/ Learn editor-in-chief and writer Thatiana Diaz’s pitching preferences. Listen to the full Episode 17 to hear an update on the industry’s stance on mailers and more: https://theprbarinc.com/podcast/meet-the-media-refinery-29-mailers-and-riesling/Learn award-winning journalist Ruksana Hussain’s pitching preferences. Listen to the full episode 20 to learn more about ghost writing, advertorials: https://theprbarinc.com/podcast/ruksana-hussain/Learn Create and Cultivate managing editor and writer, Megan Beauchamp’s pitching preferences. Listen to the full Episode 20 to hear more about Beauchamp’s experience in digital publishing and Create and Cultivate: https://theprbarinc.com/podcast/megan-beauchamp/Learn media trainer and storytelling coach Jessica Abo’s pitching preferences. Listen to the full episode 37 to learn more about getting camera ready, how to show up unfiltered and what not to do with pitching: https://theprbarinc.com/podcast/entrepreneur-com-getting-camera-ready-jessica-abo/Snag Lexie's free Pitch it, Pitch it Good! Checklist at theprbarinc.com/pitchitgood

Emily McDonald, Founder of The Stylist LA is an Entrepreneur, Consultant, Business Coach. As a female founder, Emily has faced many unique challenges and successes throughout her journey from growing and running a team of over 15 employees, to launching retail stores across California, bringing in over 7 figures in revenue, and fundraising over a million dollars in Venture Capital. Her companies have been seen in outlets such as Entertainment Tonight, US Weekly, Glamour...and many more. She has also been featured on many celebrities and influencers social media,  including pretty much every bachelorette or contestant from The Bachelor franchise. In today’s episode we dive into how Emily first successfully bootstrapped The Stylist LA before later diving into the world of VC fundraising as a female founder. We chat through how she shifted her company in lieu of the pandemic, her best tips on crisis communication management, and what she’s currently up to do. She offers some incredible opportunities to you guys - and is a girl after my own heart in the beverage department.Here’s what you’ll learn:How Emily came up with the idea of her initial business model for The Stylist LAThe importance of knowing where to look for fundraising opportunitiesShe tells us one avenue that was especially successful for her in raising fundsThe difference between Angel Investors and Venture Capital fundsHow to approach fundraising and making sure your business model is the right fit for the right type of investorThe importance of brand messaging during times of crisis and tips on how to sound as authentic as possibleHow to become more comfortable with being uncomfortable and her best fundraising tips for female foundersHow she got her business the traction it needed to be seen as scalable to investorsThe importance of sending multiple pitches - both for press and investorsHow Emily has pivoted the model of Stylist LA since the pandemic The launch of her upcoming mastermind (and who’s a fit!)And so much more!Stylist LA: https://www.stylistla.com/Consulting Website:  https://www.ekmcdonald.comFounder University: ​​https://www.founder.university/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestylistla/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ekmcdonaldFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheStylistLA/Snag Lexie's free Pitch it, Pitch it Good! Checklist at theprbarinc.com/pitchitgoodInterested in learning more about Pitchin’? Book a Free Consultation here.Instagram: @theprbar_incGo back to the homepage

 Today we are talking with Kate Ward who is the CEO & Co-Founder of The Dipp, and former founding Editor-in-Chief of Bustle Digital Group. She is an award-winning digital expert who has both built and transformed several companies with a data-driven creative, unique, and efficient approach to content. Kate has been named a member of Forbes "30 Under 30" and Ad Age's "40 Under 40," was selected for Business Insider's "Silicon Alley 100" list, and Business Insider's list of the "Most Influential Women In NYC Tech." Previously, Kate served as Executive Editor of Hollywood.com, and the Assistant News Director of EW.com.In today’s episode we chat through the role of an Editor-in-Chief, how she’s managed to drive massive digital traffic through a diversified content strategy, the realities of covering breaking news, the first steps she took in launching her current media company venture, and as always, much more. Here’s what you’ll learn:About what the different types of roles an Editor-in-Chief can play at a publication or online platform What digital media looked like in the past versus what it is now according to KateThe beginnings of Bustle Digital Group, what went into the process of creating it, and her role as Editor-in-ChiefWhat a data informed approach is to digital media and the importance of driving diversified trafficHow to build up sites to generate more digital traffic How to make sure your publication or online platform is staying on top of breaking news and events happeningHow and why Kate decided to create another digital media platform, The DippHow making sure the online experience is enjoyable when someone visits a websiteThe importance of taking a break to create space for more great ideas to come outAnd so much more! The Dipp: https://thedipp.com/Bustle Digital Group: https://www.bdg.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itskateward/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katemwardFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedippdotcomSnag Lexie's free Pitch it, Pitch it Good! Checklist at theprbarinc.com/pitchitgoodInterested in learning more about Pitchin’? Book a Free Consultation here.Instagram: @theprbar_incGo back to the homepage

This week on the Pitchin’ and Sippin’ podcast, we are doing another solo recording by your host and yours truly, Lexie Smith. This episode is focused on reviewing and analyzing the State of PR 2021 Report by Muck Rack. I help break down all the big numbers and stats recorded from the more than 1600 surveyed communications professionals into a digestible audio format. Tune in to learn all about how PR teams build relationships, measure success, and leverage technology in 2021 - I also pull in a few considerations and comparisons from the State of Journalism Report 2021. Here’s what you’ll learn:A recap of the State of PR 2021 Report - report information produced by  Muck RackWhich challenges your PR and communications team facesThe top challenges faced during the COVID-19 Era for PR ProfessionalsWhat tech and tools PR teams use to do their jobsAbout the different social media tools PR pros said were the most successfulWhat PR Pros say is most important in a successful pitch What journalists want from you in your pitches - a look back at the State of Journalism Report 2021Seeing how PR will likely be  refined within the next 5 years and the industry’s  opinions on suchAnd so much more, directly from your host! Find the Muckrack report here: https://info.muckrack.com/state-of-journalism-2021To listen to the State of Media and Journalism Report. Tune into Episode 28. Snag Lexie's free Pitch it, Pitch it Good! Checklist at theprbarinc.com/pitchitgoodInterested in learning more about Pitchin’? Book a Free Consultation here.Instagram: @theprbar_incGo back to the homepage

Today we are talking with Jessica Abo who is a highly sought-after media trainer, storytelling coach, award-winning journalist, and best-selling author. Jessica started her public speaking career when she was only 15 years old and has spoken everywhere from TEDx, Facebook, Delta Airlines, Microsoft, WW, and the United Nations to hundreds of nonprofits and schools. Working more than 20+ years as a TV news anchor and reporter, Jessica has appeared on The TODAY Show, Good Morning America, Access Hollywood, CBS, FOX, CNN, CNN Headline News, NY1, and more. Today, she uses her love of storytelling to produce content through her production company. You can watch Jessica's weekly business segments on Entrepreneur.com.In today’s episode we dive into getting camera ready (specifically how to go from camera shy to camera ready) she gives us tips on how to show up unfiltered and authentically on social media, and we go into a rapid fire on her top pitching do’s and don'ts. Her favorite beverage is triple threat, just like her.Here’s what you’ll learn:How Jessica Abo got into the world of journalism and public speakingThe birth and creation of her book, Unfiltered, How to Be as Happy as Happy as You Look on Social MediaHow to determine your curated content for being on cameraYou’ll hear about her new workshop, How to Go from Camera Shy to Camera ReadyWhen and how Jessica, as a member of the media, prefers to have pitches sent to herHow Jessica left the TV industry and got a book dealHow as a teenager, she got her own show with anNPR affiliate.How to curate the content you show on social media to truly reflect your brand and/or yourselfHow to get more comfortable with getting yourself out there, and becoming more ‘camera ready.’How to best prepare for media interviews…Her top pitching do’s and dont’sAnd so much more!! Learn more about Jessica’s latest workshop/summer special: https://jessicaabo.samcart.com/products/confident-on-cameraInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicaabotv/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaabo/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JessicaAboTV/Where to find her book: Unfiltered How to Be as Happy as You Look on Social Media: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unfiltered-jessica-abo/1128665978Entrepreneur.com Contribution: https://www.entrepreneur.com/video/series/jessica-aboWhere to find Jessica’s favorite drink, Lemon Perfect: https://lemonperfect.com/Snag Lexie's free Pitch it, Pitch it Good! Checklist at theprbarinc.com/pitchitgoodInterested in learning more about Pitchin’? Book a Free Consultation here.Instagram: @theprbar_incGo back to the homepage

Rita Kakati-Shah is an award-winning gender, diversity, inclusion, and career strategist, best-selling author, TV show host, speaker and advisor to Fortune 500 companies, and the Founder and CEO of Uma, an international strategy, coaching and training platform that empowers confidence, inspires success and builds leadership and resilience in women and minorities. A keynote speaker and guest lecturer at academic institutions and global policy forums such as UNESCO (Paris), European Parliament (Brussels), Woman Who Matters (Moscow), and more, Rita’s expertise has been featured across many different media platforms such as the Wall Street Journal, CBS News, Fox News, Entrepreneur Magazine and Fast Company.In today’s episode Rita and I dive into the global media landscape, we talk about the importance of having a point of view - and how one can effectively go about developing such - her journey with PR, speaking, and beyond.Here’s what you’ll learn: How Rita started her career in finance, as one of very few women and people of color on the trading floorWhy Rita took time off from her career to raise her children for years and how raising a child is one of the hardest jobs a person to doHow employers would see her gap in employment and write her off as non-ambitious and ways to turn the strengths of mothership into workplace skillsThe reason behind the name of Rita’s company, Uma, and what the basis for the business isWays that confidence, networking, and connections play a factor in how your name gets out and the opportunities you receiveWhat media platforms Rita finds that US-based viewers/listeners respond the best to including podcasts, digital magazines, newspapers, TVWhat other global audiences prefer when it comes to the mediaRita’s favorite drink and how it differs based on where she is in the world, what time of day it is, and the mood that she’s inMuch more!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rita.kakati/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rita-kakati/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rita.kakatiTwitter: https://twitter.com/BeBoldBeUmaSnag Lexie's free Pitch it, Pitch it Good! Checklist at theprbarinc.com/pitchitgoodInterested in learning more about Pitchin’? Book a Free Consultation here.Instagram: @theprbar_inc

Today we’re talking with PR Pro Carolyn Sutton, Founding President of Carolyn Sutton PR, a boutique public relations firm specializing in local and national lifestyle clients, and Brand Your Brand™, a content creation company that creates meaningful, styled content for clients and brands across the country. With more than 18 years of public relations experience, Carolyn and her team go beyond the typical newsroom for stories by utilizing social media, bloggers, brand partnerships, relationships, and both online and traditional media to ensure each client’s story is told on multiple levels. Her clients have appeared in outlets such as Good Morning America, Bon Appetit, Family Circle, InStyle, The Oprah Magazine, Parenting, Real Simple, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Today Show, and many more.In today’s episode Carolyn walks us through annual news cycles, specifically how they work, and how you can create one of your own, what general lead times are in the world of lifestyle PR, she schools us on lookbooks, how she personally generates relationships with the media, and reminds us to never discount the power of local press. Here’s what you’ll learn:How Carolyn got her start at The Container Store in Dallas, which ignited her interest in organizing, targeting specific consumers, and opening stores, and then launching her own PR firm 12 years ago. Today she is the CEO of Carolyn Sutton PR and Brand Your Brand™.Tips on how to identify the proper media contacts and build long-lasting media relationships.How to cold pitch the media and land placement -  Carolyn herself got one of her clients into the New York Times recently through a cold pitch.What a news cycle is and how to create an annual news cycle for your company, brand, or client.She discusses lead times for print and digital within the lifestyle space. She talk about her own firm’s pitching lead time and strategies - she explains what a lookbook is, how to create one, and how to use it with the media.Why you shouldn’t neglect your local press and media.Visit Carolyn Sutton’s website to learn more about her content creation and services, or follow her on social media.Instagram: ​​https://www.instagram.com/carolynsuttonpr/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-sutton-2722a36/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolynsuttonpr/Snag Lexie's free Pitch it, Pitch it Good! Checklist at theprbarinc.com/pitchitgoodInterested in learning more about Pitchin’? Book a Free Consultation here.Instagram: @theprbar_incOther episodes referenced in the show:Episode 10: News Releases, Pay for Plays + White Burgundy with Guest Trifecta Toni HarrisonEpisode 17: Meet the Media: Refinery29, Mailers + Riesling with Thatiana DiazGo back to the homepage

Gesche Haas is the Founder and CEO of Dreamers & Doers, a private collective that amplifies extraordinary entrepreneurial women through thought leadership, authentic connection, and access. Dreamers & Doers has built a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem of over 34,000 women globally and also publishes a monthly newsletter, The Digest, that curates top resources for female founders. Gesche has been featured on Bloomberg TV, CNNMoney, The New York Times, Huffington Post, Business Insider, Forbes, Fortune Magazine, Refinery29, Vice, and other major media outlets, as well as at the United Nations, where she spoke during the sixtieth session of the Commission on the Status of Women. She is a regular content contributor to Nasdaq, Brit + Co, and 500 Startups. She has also won a multitude of awards including, but not limited to, Empowered Woman of the Year, Best Remote CEO, New York Talent Cultivators, Forbes Next 1000 2021, and many more. In today’s episode, we talk about all things Dreamers & Doers. We pull back the curtain on what goes into landing big media awards, what PR and visibility have done for Gesche and her community, the strategy behind her unique onboarding and membership process, and much more.Here’s what you’ll learn: What is Dreamers & Doers? Gesche talks about her collective and the “accident” that led her to start it. What is its differentiator?From brunch to business: Gesche walks us through the exact steps that she took to grow Dreamers & Doers.Gesche explains why they established a membership enrollment period and how it works. She also offers tips for anyone who is thinking about activating a similar strategy.What are the benefits for members? Gesche discusses the three pillars and why she chose visibility as one of them. She also discusses how they developed the media relationships to be able to offer such visibility opportunities.Gesche shares how awards and media features have helped her build credibility. How did she secure those awards? Gesche talks about the research and work you have to do to get a nomination first and offers tips to any entrepreneur looking to win an award themselves.What role did PR and social media play in Gesche’s career? She speaks about being strategic in your decision making and finding the right outlets that work for you and your audience.Learn more about Gesche Haas and visit Dreamers & Doers to sign up for their newsletter and check the next enrollment period.Instagram: @dreamersdoersFacebook: @dreamyhumansTwitter: @dreamyhumansLinkedIn: @gescheSnag Lexie's free Pitch it, Pitch it Good! Checklist at theprbarinc.com/pitchitgoodInterested in learning more about Pitchin’? Book a Free Consultation here.Instagram: @theprbar_incGo back to the homepage

Diane Schwartz is the CEO of Ragan Communications, a media and training company that serves communicators with best-in-class events, training, membership organizations and award-winning service journalism with the Ragan, PR Daily, Communications Week, and Workplace Wellness Insider brands. She joined Ragan in 2019 after 23 years at Access Intelligence, where she was senior vice president and group publisher of the Media Communications Group. A former journalist and author of two unfinished books, Diane serves on the board of the Institute of Public Relations, is a wish granter for Make-A-Wish and an avid volunteer. In today’s episode we learn all about the amazing Ragan Brands that Diane represents, what’s in store for the future of PR, a term called Mixternal Relations, service journalism, how to create meaningful relationships with the media and so much more.Here’s what you’ll learn: Diane’s path, from being a reporter for a daily newspaper to becoming the CEO of Ragan Communications.What services does Ragan Communications have to offer? Diane explains the different brands inside Ragan and the information each one of them has for the communicators.What is PR Daily? Diane walks us through the content on the site, how they stay on top of the news, and explains what she means by Mixternal Relations inside a company.How can you become a contributor to PR Daily? Diane talks about what they are looking for and things you should keep in mind if you want to pitch them.Diane discusses the changes in the PR industry in the last year and what we can expect in the future.Diane shares some golden PR tips for cultivating relationships with reporters and members of the media. Visit Ragan, PR Daily, and Workplace Wellness to find useful information for all communicators. You can also follow Diane on social media:LinkedIn: @dianeschwartzInterested in learning more about Pitchin’? Book a Free Consultation here.Instagram: @theprbar_incGo back to the homepage