The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

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71: 6 Secrets for Starting a Conversation with Anyone Mar 03, 2020

Show notes

All wonderful relationships began with a conversation.

That’s why having a conversation starter handy is the gateway for a future connection with a person, whether it be for networking or in a new friendship.

These are my six secrets that work like a charm for starting a conversation with anyone.

[2:34] 1: The first one is my go-to.

Everyone loves to be complimented on their appearance. (But it comes with an important warning.)

[3:50] 2: This opener is gold.

This tip works particularly well when you’re wondering what to say when you run into a speaker, podcaster, or even a celebrity.

[4:42] 3: Slide in with these topics.

Take a cue from what they’re wearing, and when in doubt, there’s always this tried and true topic.

[6:28] 4: Questions to ask.

Even if you don’t actually need the information, it's a good place to start.

[7:09] 5: Ask this to sound inquisitive.

It’s an assertive question, but also an effective one people can’t help but answer.

[7:42] 6: Ask this, then let them take the lead.

Your best bet for getting a good story out of a person.

[8:44] BONUS: The outlier.

Simple but effective… for most situations.

Mentioned on the episode:

Want to continue our conversation? Follow me on Twitter and tell me your go-to conversation starter. I’ll have a starter tweet waiting for you.

70: How to Conduct an Astronomically Bad Press Conference Feb 25, 2020

Show notes

Imagine planning a press conference to address a widely publicized cheating scandal and rebuild your baseball team’s reputation. You’ve got your lineup set for what should be a home run, but you end up striking out.

In this podcast, I’m dissecting the Houston Astros' failed press conference.

The good news is it gives us a perfect example of what not to do. You never know when scandal may arise, so here are some pointers you can add to your reputation management playbook today.

[4:44] The planning.

This is the first question an organization needs to ask itself.

[9:16] The optics.

How you should appear - and not appear - on camera.

[11:53] The messaging.

Follow this framework to respond to any crisis.

[17:33] The opening statement.

Here’s the best way to knock your intro statement out of the park.

[18:09] The sentiment.

Why you need to get everyone aligned with the same message.

[19:44] The moral.

How to prevent a strikeout at your next press conference.

Mentioned on the episode:

Head to my website and scroll to the bottom to download “Writing a Press Release for the Digital Age.”
Connect with me on Twitter.

Listen + Subscribe Stitcher or Apple Podcasts

69: 5 Words & Phrases to Remove from Your Emails Immediately Feb 18, 2020

Show notes

Where do you do most of your communicating in your work and in your life? Chances are it’s mostly email and text. You’ve probably noticed that some correspondence sounds confident and some make you want to say “get to the point already.”

In this episode, I’m going to cover the five words and five phrases to get rid of in your emails to make them more concise and direct.

[3:41] Filler word 1.

Unless this is an apology email, don’t use this word.

[4:22] Filler word 2.

Taking this word out makes people pay closer attention to your email.

[5:08] Filler word 3.

Instead of using this word, be specific.

[5:40] Filler word 4.

Taking it out will add confidence and conviction.

[6:06] Filler word 5.

It comes across as snappy and rude.

[7:07] Filler phrase 1.

Avoid these and choose an imperative voice instead.

[7:31] Filler phrase 2.

It’s a nice sentiment, but not necessary.

[8:08] Filler phrase 3.

The cliche of cliches of emails. Don’t do it.

[8:25] Filler phrase 4.

This one’s too soft.

[8:38] Filler phrase 5.

Instead of this, use a better option for scheduling appointments.

Mentioned on the episode:

Calendly appointment scheduling software
Get on my email list HERE.
Episode 2: How to Get a Handle on Filler Words in Your Vocabulary
How to Leave a Rating and Review on Apple Podcasts
Which words and phrases are you dropping immediately? Let me know on Twitter

68: How to Keep Your Passwords and Online Information Safe Feb 11, 2020

Show notes

When is the last time you updated your passwords?

If you answered never or not sure, take a listen to this episode for tips on how to protect your online identity.

Cybersecurity breaches are a real threat to many businesses big and small. But don’t be lulled into thinking it’s only happening to companies. Private citizens are not taking cyber risk seriously and it’s costing people dearly.

Did you know that in 2019 the number of publicly disclosed breaches was 3800? Or that 4.1 billion records were exposed?

No one is immune to the risks. Banks, Facebook, universities, and online gaming have all been victims of major hacks, and it has cost people billions of dollars.

Don’t roll the dice on your online safety.

Keep listening to find out how to keep your online information safe.

[1:37] Tip 1: Passwords

Things like your kids' names or the street you live on are weak passwords. Find out how to make a stronger password using phrases and characters, and my top password managers for help remembering them all.

[3:09] Tip 2: Operating Systems

Yes it’s a hassle, and people like to wait because they can be “glitchy” at first, but I’ll explain why it’s actually a really good idea to get in the habit of updating them regularly. (Hint: Cyberattacks.)

[3:49] Tip 3: Wireless networks

Your network needs a password, and this is another one you should update often, just in case you have people come over who might ask for it. Find out the one word I recommend never using for network security.

[4:44] Tip 4: Open WiFi networks

It’s easy to hop on the free WiFi at hotels, airports, and libraries, but if the network is open without a password you don’t want to use it. Find out my other go-to solutions for WiFi while traveling that are much safer than these open and free networks. It’s definitely worth the small investment to keep your data safe.

[5:18] Tip 5: Privacy settings

Hackers can get into your data just by being in close proximity to you. Here’s what to check in your privacy settings to see what you could be unintentionally sharing.

[5:38] Tip 6: Device wiping

Do you know what will happen if you lose your device? If you have passwords and files stored in there they could end up in the wrong hands. Find out how you can track your device and wipe out sensitive information if you need to.

[6:34] Tip 7: Locked devices

You might think you don’t need to lock it, but anything can happen. Here’s why locking your phone is always a good idea.

-- Needing to book a virtual speaker for your event? Go to mollymcpherson.com/hire for more information.

67: Generation Z Explained with Special Guest Sarah Weise Feb 04, 2020

Show notes

Trust me when I tell you that Generation Z matters. Especially if you’re a parent of teens, you want to figure out how their brains are working. If you own or run a business, they matter because you’re going to need to learn how to get them motivated and engaged in your product or service.

Today’s guest on the podcast is the author of InstaBrain: The New Rules for Marketing to Generation Z, Sarah Weise, and she’s sharing with us everything you need to know about Generation Z.

This is a must-listen interview for anyone who wants to get in the brain of the Gen Z consumer. If you want to know what motivates this generation to take action and get them in the door, then this is the episode for you.

[3:47] Get to know Sarah and how she found the gold in this generation.

Sarah talks about running a small research company and the work she’s done with both large and small companies. She wanted to figure out ways to marketing to Generation Z more effectively. With 51% of the world’s population under the age of twenty-five, listen here to find out what key behavior they’re not doing to find information, and what they’re turning to instead.

[6:22] Key characteristics of the different generations

Here we break down all of the living generations; the Silent Generation, Boomers, Generation X, a micro-generation called the Oregon Trail Generation, Millennials, Generation Z, and Generation Alpha. Learn more about the role that high-speed internet had in shaping an entire generation.

[10:07] How Millennials differ from Gen Z.

Millennials are only a few years older than Gen Z, but they’re so different because they grew up with different things going on around them. Including their parents. Here Sarah explains the shift from ‘helicopter parenting’ to ‘tech parenting’. Learn more about how this shift changed what and how people are sharing information about themselves online.

[17:20] Gen Z’s attention span and influence.

While Millennials can juggle three screens at a time, Generation Z can juggle five. Listen here to find out the specific length of time you have to catch both a Millennial and a Generation Zer’s attention and how their behavior is impacting other generations.

[23:01] How to motivate Generation Z.

This generation doesn’t say “here’s what I need to know.” Instead, they ask “what should I want to know?” and then they scroll. They rely on algorithms and recommendations to inspire them. Sarah talks about how once you hook them, they can be hyper-focused for hours, and this can actually be a huge opportunity for business and marketing.

[30:27] What kinds of content make Generation Z feel good?

They love learning. Consuming hours of YouTube videos where they learn how to do something will make them feel good, but watching hours of Netflix could make them feel guilty. Learn more about the natural research

66: 6 Simple Tips to Improve Your Handwriting Jan 28, 2020

Show notes

If you’re like most of us, any communication you do through the written word is via the keyboard - either on your phone or at your computer. It’s no wonder that when it’s time to sit down and put pen to paper, the outcome can sometimes look more like a ransom letter than a thank you note.

Handwriting doesn’t come easy to us anymore, but it’s still very important. Some benefits of writing things down by hand include helping us feel more accomplished, help inspire our work, think conceptually, and achieve our goals.

In this episode, you’ll learn six simple tips to improve your handwriting. Grab a pen and get ready to take some notes.

[5:35] Tip 1: It’s all in the prep.

Get your hands on the right materials before writing. Listen here to find out what simple writing tools you can invest in now to start writing like a pro. They won’t break the bank, and can easily be found either at your local office supply store or Amazon.

[7:22] Tip 2: Check your posture.

You want to make sure your back is straight, feet are flat, legs are uncrossed, and your arm and hand are relaxed. I give you some quick fixes to try that can transform your writing in seconds.

[8:08] Tip 3: Slow down.

This seems common sense, but I’m definitely guilty of rushing my handwriting, too. Unless you’re forced to rush for some reason, there’s really no need to. Find out what can happen when you write too fast, and learn my simple rule to help you slow down.

[9:00] Tip 4: Restrain your arm and wrist.

Most people write with their fingers which means they draw the letters, but the pros actually don’t use their fingers at all - they use their entire arm. I share with you a couple of practice techniques to make your writing more fluid and attractive.

[11:09] Tip 5: Create uniformity.

Make your letters clear and consistent. (This is where practicing with grid paper can be very helpful.) Ascenders and descenders should be the same height, for example. Get even more clarity on uniform writing here.

[12:44] Tip 6: Practice makes perfect penmanship.

Pick up your pen when you’re not in a time crunch and practice. Grab that grid-line notebook or print out a couple of pages, and listen here to find out what sentence to write that lets your practice ALL the letters of the alphabet.

Mentioned on the episode:

Episode 61: How to Write an Unforgettable Thank You Note - Listen HERE.
Holiday Card Bonus Episode
Trello project manage

65: “Megxit” Decoded: Why Harry and Meghan’s Exit Matters Jan 21, 2020

Show notes

It’s official. Harry and Meghan have left the royal family to become financially independent.

They can now "Chip and Joanna Gaines" their way into brand royalty, à la the likes of former presidential couples Barack and Michelle Obama and Bill and Hillary Clinton. And of course, the Broadcast Queen herself - Oprah. Trust me; there is a lot of money to be made off of their new role as royal brand ambassadors to themselves.

In this episode - who is winning the PR battle of public opinion and why the H&M royal exit matters to you. They brought a very specific trend front and center that’s worth paying attention to.

You’ll want to listen to this episode if you own or operate a business. I share some interesting generational consumer trends that are on the rise, and how to deal with change in a way that works for everyone.

[1:55] The PR of it all. (#everythingisPR)

Who wins the battle of public opinion? Naturally, I asked Twitter. I could guess that the younger generation was going to favor the couple while the older generation would back the Queen. Listen here to find out who won my poll and some insightful feedback from followers.

[6:12] Why we shouldn’t be surprised.

It’s clear they’ve been planning this for a while. From a shiny new website to working with a Hollywood level PR machine, this decision wasn’t made overnight. Find out what else the couple has had in the works over the past year to prepare that Buckingham Palace seems to have been paying very little attention to.

[7:40] Reading between the lines of the official press statements.

The statement from the Queen has a very personal and grateful tone, which is a stark contrast to how Buckingham Palace reacted to Princess Diana’s death. Was this new tone a lesson learned from that highly criticized reaction? Learn how you can put this lesson to use in your communication.

[11:18] What Megxit means to you, the business person.

In a word: Disruption. What Harry and Meghan did signaled a shift in how we have to look at our consumer. It represents the “in demand, on-demand” generation. Learn more about how this cultural shift can apply to both internal operations and demands from your customers. I’m going to help you find the balance and recognize the change, and discuss the importance of meeting someone “halfway.”

[16:17] The royal social media strategy.

You won’t find H&M on Twitter and you won’t find them on Facebook, and this was all very intentional. It’s all about lead generation and funneling the right people to the right place. These platforms also let them step away a bit, as opposed to a platform like Facebook. Learn more about the thought process behind keeping communication on Instagram and their website only.

Mentioned on the episode:

Visit the official website of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex

64: The 7 Grammar Mistakes You Should Never Make Jan 14, 2020

Show notes

This week I’m sharing my 7 deadly sins of grammar. These are some of the mistakes you might be unknowingly making in your writing that’s causing you to lose credibility - especially online.

The goal of this episode is to give you more confidence in your writing. It is, after all, one of your most valuable currencies for intelligence. Proper grammar makes for good business, helps you command respect, and creates clarity in your message.

The definition of grammar is the study of the way words are used to make sentences. This can be tricky because the grammar we use when we speak can be much different than the grammar we use when writing, but it’s always worth the effort.

By the end of this episode, you’re going to be clear on the basics, and feel confident that you won’t fall into these very common grammar mistakes.

[4:38] Who that?

Find out once and for all when to use the word who and when to use the word that.

[5:46] Dangling modifiers.

It’s best to keep them out of your writing. This mistake happens when a descriptive phrase doesn’t apply to the noun that immediately follows it. Huh? Don’t worry, I explain exactly what that means here.

[6:41] Me vs. I.

Most people think they’ve got this one down until they need to use it in a sentence. It’s also extra confusing because it can sound right when it’s actually grammatically incorrect. Find out what my little trick is to get this one right.

[7:49] i.e. vs e.g.

Confession: I pretty much always have to Google this rule before I use it. We might think they mean the same, but they actually don’t. I have a little hack for this one too.

[8:53] Do you say “care less” or “couldn’t care less?”

When you break it down, one actually makes sense and one doesn’t. Find out if you’re using it correctly.

[9:33] Using two prepositions back to back.

This one doesn't come up a lot in grammar guides, but I see it a lot in writing. Using prepositions correctly actually makes your writing clearer and quicker, so it’s definitely worth taking the time to learn.

[10:15] Quotation mark placement.

This is not one of those quick mistakes, like typing too instead of to, so it’s extra annoying. And yes, I'm judgy about it. Commas and periods always go inside the quotation marks, dashes and colons go outside the

63: Crisis Plans: What They Are and Why You Need One with Rob Burton Jan 07, 2020

Show notes

Many businesses have a crisis on their hands. It's not the threat of a devastating event that should have them worried. It's the lack of planning for when it does.

In this episode of the podcast, I’m speaking with Robert Burton. Rob is the Managing Director of PreparedEx, where he leads a team of crisis experts who prepare organizations to be more resilient to the myriad risks they face and is also co-founder of The International Crisis Management Conference.

If you are responsible for ensuring your organization is prepared for any crisis or significant event, then this episode is a must-listen. Rob offers critical guidance for preparing a response to the threats that can crop up in your industry.

[4:55] Rob’s crisis management experience.
Rob tells us a little bit about his military background in the UK, contract work, and move to the United States 17 years ago. Learn how Rob has been able to and adapted these skills and bring discipline into the board to help organizations prepare.
[8:12] The types of exercises Rob facilitates.
From table-top exercises to functional exercises, and full-scale exercises that require multiple teams to communicate during a simulated exercise, find out the different ways Rob helps organizations feel confident in their crisis response abilities
[12:11] Planning for the unknown unknowns.
The plans that Rob helps put into place are like a set of tools to get the team organized in the case of an event. Learn about the importance of utilizing the crisis coordinator to work through these unknown emergency situations.
[16:17] The transformation that comes from having a plan.
Rob tells us a story about how, after a 6-hour simulation session with a client, they experienced a similar scenario in real life about five months later. Because they followed the procedures they learned from Rob, there was substantially less chaos during the actual event. Find out how adding more discipline to their reaction strategy lead to more calm in the real-life crisis.

Mentioned on the episode:

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn HERE.
Learn more about PreparedEx HERE.
More information on the International Crisis Management Conference (ICMC) HERE.

About Rob Burton

As a Principal at PreparedEx, Rob manages a team of crisis management professionals supporting clients in their crisis, emergency, security and business continuity management preparedness programs. Rob's team creates and delivers corporate war games, full/operational, and functional and tabletop exercises.
He also co-founded The International Crisis Management Conference.

Listen + Subscribe Stitcher or Apple Podcasts

62: It's a New Year; Is it Time for a New Life? With special guest Steve Piacente Dec 31, 2019

Show notes

A New Year’s Eve episode airing on the cusp of 2020 dedicated to listeners who want to make a transition in 2020. For many, this is the time of year that people seek change and crave renewal. Who better to guide us through that process than a life coach?

My guest is Steve Piacente. Steve is a former colleague of mine - we worked together as executive communication coaches - who has a great deal of experience in communications. He is a former newspaper reporter turned D.C. bureau chief, turned speechwriter, added adjunct professor into the mix along with author, and (whew) is now the Director of Training at The Communication Center in Washington, D.C.

Did I mention he added a life coach credential to his repertoire?

Steve is here to help us all through some of the challenging life transitions we might be facing as we look ahead to renewing ourselves in 2020.

[3:45] Steve’s journey from communications to a life coach.
The idea of becoming a life coach came to Steve naturally when he realized that many of the questions being asked by his communication clients veered into non-media areas like relationships, work/life balance, and happiness. Steve talks about this experience and how well his practice intersects with his training as a communications coach.
[6:22] Advice for transitioning into a new job or career.
Steve shares a personal story about his drastic career change after 9/11; a time when the news industry was faltering. Steve received a phone call telling him they were eliminating his position. This call left him concerned because, in his mind, reporting was the only thing he knew how to do. Steve asked himself, “What now?” Find out which question Steve would have asked himself at that moment if he knew what he knows today as a life coach.
[9:44] The distinct difference between a coach and a consultant.
One starts with the assumption that clients know the answers to the questions they are asking, and his job is to lead them to a conclusion by asking the right questions. The other provides a more clear path from point A to point B.
[11:17] Pivotal Points.
Listen to a few of the prompts Steve asks his clients when they’re approaching a season of renewal.
[13:01] Think Bigger.
Identifying the patterns that keep cropping up over and over again with people when they no longer look at life from a broader perspective. Learn how to dig deeper and find those lost sparks in your life.
[15:09] Digging into the inner critic.
The inner critic stops you from doing something you may love or may want to accomplish. Learn how to shift the role of this inner voice from a critic to an inner advocate.
[18:46] Working through limiting beliefs.
“I don’t know how to use all this new technology,” could be preventing someone from taking a risk and going for that new position. Learn how to make a lightbulb go off in your head to see what’s possible. Remember, the “same old” isn’t necessarily the best.
[21:57] What can ask yourself if you’re thinking about making a big jump in the new year?
Renewal starts with looking back. Think about when you were that bright-eyed idealistic person, and you could choose to do anything you wanted to do. Learn what to do with that thought.

Learn more about Steve’s Life Coaching business, “Next Phase Life Coaching,” and grab his book, A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Fighting Stance

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