Small Business PR

In this episode of the Gloria Chou PR Podcast, I break down how small business founders can get featured in gift guides—without paying for ads, without hiring a PR agency, and without sending endless free samples.If you’re a product-based business owner, maker, or subscription box founder looking for cost-free press opportunities, this episode is your step-by-step guide to landing coverage in holiday gift guides, seasonal roundups, and national publications like Forbes, Elle, and The New York Post.The Best Time to Pitch Gift GuidesTiming is everything. Learn exactly when to pitch for:Holiday gift guides (Q4, Black Friday, Cyber Monday)Valentine’s Day gift guidesMother’s Day gift guidesPrint vs. digital media timelinesDo You Have to Send Samples?Not always. I share when journalists actually want samples, when they don’t, and how to avoid wasting money on free product giveaways. You’ll also hear creative sample alternatives for luxury products, handmade goods, or high-cost items.How to Choose Which Product to PitchStop sending your whole catalog! Discover how to:Pitch 1–2 best sellers journalists actually want to featureMatch your pitch to seasonal trends and occasionsLeverage limited-time collaborations and bundles for maximum pressWhy Curated Boxes and Retailers Can Get Featured TooYou don’t need to manufacture your own products to get press. Subscription boxes and curators are landing features in Apartment Therapy, Forbes, Brit+Co, and more—I’ll share exactly how they do it.Breaking Through PR Myths & Limiting BeliefsThink you need: ❌ A perfect website? ❌ Hundreds of customer testimonials? ❌ A massive social media following? Think again. I’ll show you why journalists care more about seasonal relevance, story, and uniqueness than vanity metrics.Final TakeawayGift guides aren’t just for the holidays—they’re a year-round PR strategy that can boost sales, SEO, and brand credibility. Everything you want in your business is on the other side of pressing “send.”You don’t need a PR agency or a five-figure ad budget. What you need is: ✅ A clear, relevant pitch ✅ Consistency and follow-up ✅ The courage to start now✨ If you’re serious about getting your products featured in holiday gift guides and top media outlets, this episode is your roadmap.

What if the very thing holding your business back isn’t strategy or followers—but the fear of being seen? In this episode of the Gloria Chou PR Podcast, I sit down with Stacey Brass-Russell—Broadway performer turned transformational business coach and host of Passionate & Prosperous. With a career spanning show business, yoga, and entrepreneurship, Stacey has mastered the art of showing up unapologetically and teaching others how to do the same.We dig into what it really takes to sell without feeling salesy, why confidence is a muscle you can build, and how to stop worrying about what everyone else thinks. If you’ve ever hesitated to press “send” on that pitch, this conversation is your permission slip to shine.How Do You Sell Without Feeling “Salesy”?Stacey breaks down the difference between bro-marketer tactics and authentic selling. Instead of cold DMs and pushy tactics, she shares how to build real relationships and show up in service of your audience—so selling feels natural, not cringe.What If You’re Afraid of Rejection?Rejection isn’t just part of the game—it’s proof you’re actually playing. Stacey explains why she encourages her clients to collect rejections as a measure of progress and why your job isn’t to convince everyone, but to find the right ones.The One Habit That Builds Confidence in BusinessConfidence doesn’t just show up. Stacey reveals the daily mindset practices—affirmations, reframing, and radical permission—that fuel resilience and visibility.Personal Outreach: The Most Overlooked Sales StrategyForget obsessing over Instagram. Stacey makes the case for direct, human connection as the #1 activity that moves the needle in your business.Why Nobody’s Thinking About You (and That’s a Good Thing)One of Stacey’s most freeing insights: people aren’t scrutinizing your every move. In fact, most of the time, they’re not thinking about you at all. That’s why volume and consistency in outreach, pitching, and posting matter more than perfection.✅ Final Takeaway: You don’t need to master every marketing hack or wait for the perfect pitch. What you need is:A daily practice that builds confidence and resilienceThe courage to connect directly with peopleThe willingness to be visible, imperfectlyWhen you stop worrying about what everyone else thinks and start leading with service, you’ll unlock the kind of authentic visibility that grows your business.

In this episode of the Gloria Chou PR Podcast, I sit down with John Wang—award-winning author of Big Asian Energy, keynote speaker, podcast host, and educator—whose mission is to help people break through inner blocks and be fully seen for their genius.John shares his journey as an immigrant and Asian-Canadian entrepreneur navigating assimilation, self-promotion, and the pressure to “blend in.” What started as burnout and even a health scare led him to redefine what belonging and authenticity mean in business.If you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome, self-doubt, or the fear of standing out, this episode will give you a framework for showing up unapologetically.From Assimilation to Authenticity in BusinessJohn unpacks the difference between assimilation and integration, and why hiding cultural identity comes at the cost of creativity, confidence, and long-term success.Why Belonging is a Business StrategyBelonging isn’t just something we seek—it’s something we create. John explains how building spaces of belonging can transform the way we market, lead, and connect with our communities.How Shame and “Shoulds” Sabotage GrowthShame often hides in subtle habits like “mitigating language” (“I’m just…” or “I only…”). John reveals how these unconscious patterns keep entrepreneurs small and how a simple “mitigation audit” can shift you into assertiveness.Tools and Practices to Build Confidence and VisibilityThe “I will finally be enough when…” exercise to uncover limiting beliefsA Mitigation Audit for spotting apologetic language in your emails and pitchesGloria’s CPR Method (Credibility, Point of View, Relevance) to craft clear, authentic PR messagingFinal TakeawayYour business cannot thrive if you don’t believe you deserve to be seen. Whether you’re an immigrant, woman of color, neurodivergent founder, or simply someone who has felt “not enough,” this episode reminds you that your story is your superpower.From burnout to Big Asian Energy—John’s journey shows it’s possible for you, too.

In this episode of the Small Business PR Podcast, Gloria opens up about a $5,000 business event that left her with more questions than answers—and why she believes it’s time for small business owners to redefine success on their own terms.After investing in travel, accommodations, and the ticket itself, she expected a transformative learning experience. Instead, she was met with high-pressure sales tactics, lack of diversity, and a singular definition of success rooted only in revenue and acquisition.If you’ve ever felt out of place in the “bro marketing” world—or wondered whether scaling at all costs is really worth it—this episode will resonate with you.Why Growth at All Costs Is Not the Only PathGloria shares what she experienced at the event:Diversity gaps: out of 120 attendees, she was one of just a handful of women and women of color.Sales-driven agenda: the entire conference centered on selling businesses to private equity, not holistic growth.Pressure tactics: upsells, velvet ropes, and exclusivity designed to push a $20K offer.Redefining Success Beyond RevenueThrough this experience, Gloria reflects on a deeper truth:Success isn’t always measured by 7-figure topline revenue.Impact, balance, and freedom are equally valuable.Small businesses can thrive by focusing on relationships, healing, and alignment—not just numbers.Takeaways for Small Business OwnersQuestion the spaces you invest in: Does their definition of success align with yours?Redefine growth: Expansiveness, healing, and time with family can be just as valuable as financial KPIs.Bring humanity back to marketing: Customers crave authenticity, not templates or pressure.Final ReflectionThis episode is not about calling anyone out—it’s about opening a conversation. Gloria invites you to think critically about the business gurus you follow and the strategies you adopt. Is it your definition of success—or someone else’s?👉 If you’ve ever questioned the “hustle harder, scale bigger” model, this episode is your permission slip to redefine growth on your own terms.If you're building content to sell and not to influence, this is your tactical blueprint.If you want to land your first feature for free without any connections, I want to invite you to watch my PR Secrets Masterclass, where I reveal the exact methods thousands of bootstrapping small businesses use to hack their own PR and go from unknown to being a credible and sought-after industry expert. Register now at www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclass.   Watch the #1 PR Secrets Masterclass to get you featured for free in 30 daysJoin the Small Biz PR Facebook Group to get the best PR TipsDownload the 10 ways to get free PR for your small businessDM the word “PITCH” to us on Instagram to get a pitching freebie https://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr Connect with Gloria Chou on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriaychou Join Gloria Chou's PR Community- https://www.facebook.com/groups/428633254951941

In this episode of the Small Business PR Podcast, I sit down with Kim Behzadi, founder of Read It & Eat—a purpose-driven food and book subscription box that fights hunger with every purchase.Launched from her bedroom after losing her job during the pandemic, Kim bootstrapped her business with no investors, no PR background, and no big-name endorsements. Today, she’s been featured in Women’s Day, local magazines, and podcasts—without spending thousands on PR retainers or flooding the media with free samples.If you’re a product-based founder who wants consistent, cost-free press, this episode is your blueprint.How Kim Built a PR System That Delivers Year-Round FeaturesAfter joining the PR Starter Pack, Kim learned to:Pitch with purpose, not desperationBuild relationships with journalists through LinkedIn, Instagram, and even TwitterAdapt pitches for national vs. local media to maximize relevancePlant PR “seeds” months in advance to secure Q4 gift guide placementsHer Women’s Day feature led to:A 40% increase in website trafficLocal partnerships like a Buffalo book club and tea shop collaborationInvitations to vend at book fairs and community eventsA direct connection with a Harlequin author for a special edition boxWhy Serving (Not Selling) Gets You FeaturedKim stopped leading with “Here’s my product” and started pitching with “Here’s a story your audience will love.” This value-first approach helped her:Land coverage without sending dozens of samplesGet invited to collaborate with brands and authors she once thought were “out of reach”Build a press system she can run in just two dedicated nights per weekKim’s PR Tools & StrategiesLinkedIn & Instagram to find and connect with journalistsEmail + social media follow-ups to stay top-of-mind without spammingSeasonal pitching calendar to target: Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Back-to-School, Holidays, and themed brand roundupsThe CPR Method (Credibility, Point of View, Relevance) to craft irresistible pitchesCommon PR Mistakes Kim AvoidedOverspending on product samples before confirming interestWaiting for the “perfect” moment to start pitchingRelying solely on social media for visibilityFinal TakeawayYou don’t need an expensive PR firm—or a massive marketing budget—to land in national gift guides. What you do need is: ✅ A clear, value-driven message ✅ A repeatable system ✅ The courage to hit “send”If Kim can build Read It & Eat from her bedroom and land Women’s Day, so can you.

In this episode of the Gloria Chou PR Podcast, I sit down with Katie Hunt, founder and CEO of Proof to Product and host of the Proof to Product Podcast. Katie has helped tens of thousands of product-based business owners land wholesale deals with retailers like Anthropologie, Target, and The Container Store—without relying on paid ads or flashy trade shows.Whether you’re selling candles on Etsy or bath and body products from your kitchen, this episode is your go-to guide for getting started with wholesale.How to Know If You’re Ready for WholesaleKatie breaks down what really makes a product “wholesale-ready”—from pricing and inventory to minimum order quantities and production methods. Spoiler: You don’t need 15,000 units in stock to get started.Pricing for Profit (Not Panic)Katie shares why underpricing is a red flag to buyers and what the term “keystone pricing” really means. If you’ve ever been confused about wholesale vs. retail margins, this part is a must-listen.The Pitch Process That Gets Buyers to Say YES Pitching wholesale buyers is a lot like pitching the media. Katie walks us through:How to find the right buyers (hint: use LinkedIn, social, and direct mail)Why cold pitching still works—and what to sayWhat not to do (like showing up unannounced at a shop!)Why PR and Social Proof Still Matter in Wholesale While emotional storytelling matters more in DTC, wholesale buyers still look for credibility. Katie explains how PR features, retail testimonials, and even just having your ducks in a row can help build buyer trust.Real Talk: It Can Take Time—But It's Worth It Katie shares how one wholesale buyer took four years to finally place an order—and why persistence, visibility, and relationship-building paid off.Success Story Spotlight: Alex from Shake On The A Katie highlights the journey of a client who went from making greeting cards on her kitchen table to building a multi-million-dollar brand in 3,500+ stores.Final Takeaway Don’t let fear or lack of knowledge stop you from going after wholesale. As Katie says, “If you don’t go to the tryout, you’re telling yourself no.”✅ Know your pricing✅ Build relationships✅ Use systems (Katie teaches them!)✅ Hit send—even if you’re scaredIf you want to see your products on store shelves, this episode is your first step.

In this episode of the Gloria Chou PR Podcast, I sit down with Cathy Wagner—retail industry veteran, founder of RETAILMavens, and host of The Richer Retailer Podcast. With nearly 30 years of experience in independent retail, Cathy has seen it all: running her own brick-and-mortar stores, navigating bankruptcy, and building back stronger to now help small retail businesses scale to 7-figure revenue.If you’re an independent retailer or product-based business owner struggling to adapt to inflation, tariffs, AI in retail, and shifting consumer behavior, this episode is your wake-up call—and your roadmap to survive and thrive in today’s economy.Why Retailers Fail (and What the 7-Figure Ones Do Differently)According to Cathy, retail isn’t dead—but staying stagnant is. The top-performing retail businesses embrace change, silence self-doubt, and make data-driven decisions, not emotional ones. She unpacks the four traits that successful retail founders share:Kill the ANTs (automatic negative thoughts)Reframe fear as excitementFocus on what you can controlKnow and use your numbers for better retail sales growthReal Tactics You Can Use Right Now to Grow Retail SalesForget the hype. Cathy breaks down real, proven strategies that help retail store owners boost profits:Adjust your retail pricing strategy to reflect actual cost increasesUse email marketing for retail (minimum 2x/week) as your most profitable channelCurate tighter product assortments to reduce overwhelm and increase conversionsHost low-cost retail events focused on connection and communityBuild brand trust by leading with your core business valuesAI for Non-Techie Retailers: A Simple Hack That WorksNo need to master tech. Cathy shares how small retail business owners can use ChatGPT to gain customer insights from top-performing content. Just copy and paste your best emails or product pages into AI and ask:Who is my best customer?Who is NOT my customer?What messaging drives purchase behavior?This simple AI habit has delivered surprising clarity and results for Cathy’s clients—and it can for you too.Why Neutrality Is No Longer a Strategy in Retail BrandingYou don’t need to be political—but you do need to be personal. Cathy makes a compelling case for ditching generic, faceless branding and embracing authenticity. Whether you’re selling confidence, comfort, or community, your brand story and values should shine through every retail marketing email, event, and conversation.Final TakeawayYou don’t need to show up everywhere or master every tech tool. What independent retail business owners do need:✅ A clear brand stance ✅ Consistent and authentic communication ✅ A community-first mindset ✅ Courage to evolve with market changesWhether you’re struggling to compete or trying to grow a small retail business in a noisy digital world, this episode reminds you: you’re not alone—and the best is still ahead.If you want to land your first feature for free without any connections, I want to invite you to watch my PR Secrets Masterclass, where I reveal the exact methods thousands of bootstrapping small businesses use to hack their own PR and go from unknown to being a credible and sought-after industry expert. Register now at www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclass.   Watch the #1 PR Secrets Masterclass to get you featured for free in 30 daysJoin the Small Biz PR Facebook Group to get the best PR TipsDownload the 10

In this episode of the Gloria Chou PR Podcast, I share the three massive shifts shaking up the online business world—especially in the age of AI, content saturation, and consumer fatigue. If you’re a coach, service provider, or expert selling digital products, this episode is your wake-up call.Why the “Information Business” Is on Life SupportAI has made information ubiquitous. The era of selling access to templates, funnels, and plug-and-play “secret formulas” is over. People are tired of cookie-cutter advice. They want real results and real connection. In this episode, I break down why thought leaders clinging to old tactics are struggling—and what’s working instead.Why Pain Point Marketing Is Dead—and What to Do InsteadThe “I help” bio. The pain, agitate, solve framework. The fear-based FOMO countdowns. All of it? Losing its impact. I explain why today’s buyers are more discerning than ever—and how I’ve pivoted my messaging from fixing people to illuminating their power.How Community Is Outperforming Celebrity in the New Digital EconomySpoiler alert: solo “gurus” are out. Shared connection and community-driven growth is in. From handwritten notes in gift bags to DMs that turn into Forbes features, I share how building actual relationships—not just followers—has helped our small business community thrive.This Episode Is For You If: ✅ You’re exhausted by outdated marketing tactics ✅ You’re wondering why your funnel isn't converting like it used to ✅ You want to market with integrity and actually enjoy your business again ✅ You believe in service over sleaze, and connection over clicksKey Shifts We Cover:Why consumers now spot inauthentic marketing in 5 seconds flatHow to personalize and humanize your offers—without scaling burnoutWhat happens when you follow up years later just to help (and how that builds brand trust)Final Takeaway:We’re in a new era of business. Fast, big, and automated isn’t better—it’s broken. If you want to stay relevant, profitable, and aligned, this episode is your must-listen roadmap.If you're building content to sell and not to influence, this is your tactical blueprint.If you want to land your first feature for free without any connections, I want to invite you to watch my PR Secrets Masterclass, where I reveal the exact methods thousands of bootstrapping small businesses use to hack their own PR and go from unknown to being a credible and sought-after industry expert. Register now at www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclass.   Watch the #1 PR Secrets Masterclass to get you featured for free in 30 daysJoin the Small Biz PR Facebook Group to get the best PR TipsDownload the 10 ways to get free PR for your small businessDM the word “PITCH” to us on Instagram to get a pitching freebie https://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr Connect with Gloria Chou on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriaychou Join Gloria Chou's PR Community- https://www.facebook.com/groups/428633254951941

In this solo episode of the Gloria Chou PR Podcast, Gloria breaks down the three golden rules of high-ROI content creation—designed specifically for small business heroes who want more sales, not more likes.If you’re tired of the content hamster wheel, this episode gives you a clear, stress-free roadmap to create long-lasting, sales-driven content without chasing trends or relying on Instagram Lives.Why Content ROI > Content Quantity Gloria shares why content should be repurposable, strategic, and aligned with your business goals. From her podcast workflow to skipping Instagram Lives altogether, she shares what actually works when you’re building a business—not trying to be an influencer.The 3 Golden Rules for Smarter, Sales-Driven Content:Lifespan + ROI: Don’t make content that dies in 24 hours. Gloria explains how to maximize each piece by repurposing it into emails, blogs, carousels, and more.Start with Long-Form: Why every high-leverage content plan begins with one long-form asset—like a podcast, blog, or newsletter—and how to use it to fill your content calendar with ease.Boost Shareability: Gloria walks through how to leverage co-creation and strategic tagging to get others to promote your content—without paying for reach.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why she skips Instagram Lives and what she does insteadHow to create 20+ pieces of content from one podcast episodeA smarter way to pitch co-hosted content that builds relationshipsHow to get on the radar of “out of reach” experts and influencersThe real reason your content should convert, not just entertainFinal Takeaway: You don’t need to go viral or hire a content agency to get results. You just need: ✅ One long-form content asset ✅ A smart repurposing system ✅ A share-first mindsetIf you're building content to sell and not to influence, this is your tactical blueprint.If you want to land your first feature for free without any connections, I want to invite you to watch my PR Secrets Masterclass, where I reveal the exact methods thousands of bootstrapping small businesses use to hack their own PR and go from unknown to being a credible and sought-after industry expert. Register now at www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclass.   Watch the #1 PR Secrets Masterclass to get you featured for free in 30 daysJoin the Small Biz PR Facebook Group to get the best PR TipsDownload the 10 ways to get free PR for your small businessDM the word “PITCH” to us on Instagram to get a pitching freebie https://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr Connect with Gloria Chou on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriaychou Join Gloria Chou's PR Community- https://www.facebook.com/groups/428633254951941

In this episode of the Gloria Chou PR Podcast, I sit down with Dylan Jahraus—host of the #1 Etsy podcast and founder of the Ultimate Etsy Course—to unpack the biggest Etsy updates of 2025 and exactly how to set up your shop for long-term success.From SEO and pricing to AI tools and post-purchase wow moments, Dylan shares actionable tips that product-based founders can implement right now to stand out on Etsy—even without a big budget or paid ads.Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your store, this episode is your crash course in the new Etsy algorithm and the real reasons why some shops rise to the top.What’s New on Etsy in 2025—and How to Take AdvantageDylan breaks down Etsy’s newest policies, creative standards, and how AI is now being used to verify sellers and product listings. Learn how to stay compliant and take advantage of underutilized categories like “Handpicked by Seller.”How to Actually Get Seen on Etsy (Without Paying for Ads)Why your SEO and product photos matter more than everHow pricing affects conversion rate and search rankingWhy fewer options = higher conversionsHow to spot and ride trends before they hit EtsyThe New Strategy for Competing with BestsellersWant to compete with top-performing Etsy shops even if you're brand new?Dylan walks through how to:Use AI product photos to elevate your listingsCurate trendy, seasonal mockupsBuild a value-forward product experience that stands out in searchPost-Purchase Strategy: How to Wow Customers and Get Repeat BuyersLearn how to deliver a premium customer experience after the sale—including automated messages, helpful content, and how to get customers from Etsy to your Instagram and email list (without breaking Etsy’s rules).Tools to Make Etsy Work for YouetSEO: Dylan’s custom AI tool for optimized, mobile-friendly, customer-centric listingsVela: Mass-update tool for syncing Shopify and Etsy listingsInstagram + TikTok: Dylan’s secret to growing her audience from 0 to 50k in 2 monthsFinal Takeaway You don’t need to pay thousands for ads or offer deep discounts to succeed on Etsy in 2025.What you do need is: ✅ Trend-savvy product listings ✅ Smart SEO and pricing strategies ✅ A memorable customer experienceIf Dylan can help thousands grow profitable Etsy shops, you can too.If you want to land your first feature for free without any connections, I want to invite you to watch my PR Secrets Masterclass, where I reveal the exact methods thousands of bootstrapping small businesses use to hack their own PR and go from unknown to being a credible and sought-after industry expert. Register now at www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclass.   Watch the #1 PR Secrets Masterclass to get you featured for free in 30 daysJoin the Small Biz PR Facebook Group to get the best PR TipsDownload the 10 ways to get free PR for your small businessDM the word “PITCH” to us on Instagram to get a pitching freebie https://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr Connect with Gloria Chou on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriaychou Join Gloria Chou's PR Community- https://www.facebook.com/groups/428633254951941Connect with Dylan Jahraus:Instagram: