The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

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The Top Podcasts You Should Be Listening to Right Now Aug 20, 2019

Show notes

Podcasts have become one of my favorite innovations in the 20th century. They’re easy to listen to on the go and offer both valuable information and entertainment. The downside? We have so many to choose from these days, it’s hard to know what to tune into.

As a self-professed podcast junkie, I wanted to share with you some of my own favorite podcasts right now (aside from my own, of course!). Here’s my list, by category, so you can dive in and start enjoying some of your own.

Business Podcasts

Pop Culture Podcasts

Crime Podcasts

Scandal Podcasts

Other Podcasts

About Molly

Molly McPherson, M.S., APR, combines her knowledge of current communication practices with years of news and PR experience to help people become modern-age communicators in their industry and help to build crisis-proof businesses. From her work in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the cruise line industry in Washington, D.C., Molly develops the right plans and messaging for clients to protect and build their reputations. Molly founded Confident Communications executive learning program and frequently speaks on cri

How to be a More Authentic Leader Aug 13, 2019

Show notes

We hear about authenticity all the time, but what does it mean and how can you use it as a leader?

Actions speak louder than words and as a leader, you have people who look to you for information and guidance. Good leaders are authentic in their communication--what they say, how they say it and what they do.

But that doesn’t mean that everyone likes them. In fact, often their authenticity repels others--and that can be a good thing when you’re trying to find the right team members or gain visibility for your business.

On this week’s episode of the Confident Communications Podcast, I’m talking about authenticity in leadership and how to use your communication style to be more authentic in everything you do. Because the more authentic you are, the more people will trust you. And that trust is what will elevate you as a leader.

Mentioned In This Episode

Real World on MTV

Time 100: The Most Influential People of 2019

Episode 2: How to Get a Handle on Filler Words in Your Vocabulary

Episode 30: How to Nail Your Next Media Interview with Brad Phillips

Quotes for Social:

Nonverbal communication speaks louder than the actual words you're speaking.
Authentic people don’t change who they are to suit certain people

About Molly

Listen + subscribe on Stitcher or Apple Podcasts.

The Confident Leader Network is now open! This is your online resource for learning how to communicate in the modern age. Gain full access to learning social media, communications and reputation management so you can stay seen, heard and relevant in business and beyond.

Where are your Superfans? The easy way to find them with special guest Pat Flynn Aug 06, 2019

Show notes

Communicating effectively and being authentic are two components in building not just fans (of you and your business) but superfans. And in today’s online world, securing the marketing real estate you need to attract the right people can be tricky.

This week on the Confident Communications Podcast, I'm speaking with Pat Flynn, entrepreneur and host of the Smart Passive Income Podcast. He shares how he took the experience of getting laid off from his dream job and turned it into a business, which then morphed into where he is today.

As a superfan of Pat myself, I’ll be the first to tell you that he is the real deal. I stumbled on his podcast by chance, started following him and quickly signed up for his podcast mastermind. If you want to learn the inner workers of the online entrepreneurial world, Pat’s your guy and his podcast and YouTube Channel are your guides.

In this episode, we talk about what differentiates a superfan from an average joe fan, where to focus your time and money to generate those superfans and how to encourage people who just “find” you to continue to follow you. And then, what do you do next?

Mentioned in this episode:

Will It Fly?: How to Test Your Next Business Idea So You Don't Waste Your Time and Money by Pat Flynn
Work with Coach Azul | Azul Terronnez
Superfans: The Easy Way to Stand Out, Grow Your Tribe, and Build a Successful Business by Pat Flynn
1000 True Fans: Use Kevin Kelly's Simple Idea to Earn A Living Doing What You Love by Kevin Kelly

About Pat Flynn

Pat Flynn is a father, husband and entrepreneur who lives and works in San Diego. He owns several successful online businesses and is a professional blogger, keynote speaker, Wall Street Journal bestselling author and host of the Smart Passive Income and AskPat podcasts, which have earned a combined total of over 55 million downloads, multiple awards and features in publications like The New York Times and Forbes. He is also an advisor to ConvertKit, LeadPages, Teachable and other companies in the digital marketing arena.

About Molly

How to Write a Digital Press Release Jul 30, 2019

Show notes

Back in the day, press releases were typed up then mailed or faxed out to news organizations. Today, thankfully, we can toss the snail mail and fax machines and email them out. But because of the changes in technology, communications professionals need to change their methods if they want their news releases to get picked up by the media and published.

How do you get the attention of the media outlets? That’s exactly what I cover on today’s episode of the Confident Communications Podcast. I’m giving you tips and tricks to get noticed while also maintaining the professionalism of your organization.

As a bonus, you can also download my digital press release guide to keep handy. Grab it below.

About Molly

The "When Your Back is Up Against the Wall" Response: The Friends of Jeffrey Epstein Jul 23, 2019

Show notes

The revelation that disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein was facing sex-trafficking charges in July 2019 left a wake of fear among many big wheels who considered Epstein - at one time or another - a friend. From Washington D.C. to Manhattan, to even (gulp) The Palace, people who have a history with Epstein needed to say something, and say it quickly.

A lot of well-known people connected with him have been scrambling for the appropriate response for socializing with a convicted sex offender.

This podcast is about media response and messaging. To be clear: It is NOT a how-to for messaging your way out of the revelation you have a friendship with a convicted sex offender. It’s analyzing how people in the public space messaged their way out of the disclosure they had an association with a convicted sex offender.

In other words, what messaging works when your back is up against the wall, and what messaging hurts.

Mentioned in This Episode:

“IT’S GOING TO BE STAGGERING, THE AMOUNT OF NAMES”: AS THE JEFFREY EPSTEIN CASE GROWS MORE GROTESQUE, MANHATTAN AND DC BRACE FOR IMPACT. Source: Vanity Fair, Gabriel Sherman, July 17, 2019

“Squad” photo on Instagram. Source: @ocasio2018

“Trump says he tried to stop the ‘Send her back!’ chant. Here’s what happened. Source: PBS NewsHour

President Trump discusses his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein in The Oval Office.

About Molly

Listen + subscribe on Stitcher or Apple Podcasts.

No matter what kind of business you’re in--whether you’re a corporate executive, business owner or aspiring communications expert--you need to be an effective communicator so you can be heard, seen and stay relevant. That’s why I’m launching the Confident Leader Network--where you can find monthly trainings about relevant social media platforms and information you need to know to become an effective communicator in the 21st century.

37: The JFK Jr. Plane Crash: A behind-the-scenes account from July 1999 Jul 16, 2019

Show notes

In the early hours of July 17, 1999, the world watched and waited to find out the fate of America’s son, John F. Kennedy, Jr. The night before, he took off from Essex County airport in his single-engine plane carrying his wife, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, and sister-in-law, Lauren Bessette. They were bound for Martha’s Vineyard but never arrived.

I was a reporter in Cape Cod at the time and had a front-row seat to the media coverage. I was part of the media coverage. But I was also a young and concerned citizen, hoping for the best.

On today’s special episode of the Confident Communications Podcast, I am speaking with Capt. Webster about how the events of the day unfolded and how they were reported. When you think about the technology available to us in 1999 compared to how news is gathered and reported today, there’s an interesting parallel between how the public’s role has changed over the years.

Listen in to the insights on what news coverage looked like then and now and how I found myself reporting the tragedy (undercover) from a Massachusetts Environmental Police boat out in the waters of Martha’s Vineyard.

Mentioned in This Episode

America's Reluctant Prince: The Life of John F. Kennedy Jr.

John F. Kennedy plane crash (background)

Lost in Charleston’s Waves: The Tragedy of the Sailing Vessel Morning Dew

About Captain W. Russell “Russ” Webster

Webster is an author, consultant in maritime legal matters and adjunct instructor of homeland security at the University of New Haven. His books are based on decades as a search and rescue expert following a 26-year career in the Coast Guard. He has also served as Transportation Safety Administration deputy director for all airports and transportation venues in Massachusetts and was selected as New England’s first-ever FEMA federal preparedness coordinator. For more about Webster and his work, visit his website.

About Molly

36: Professional Development: You Can’t Succeed Without It Jul 09, 2019

Show notes

My job is professional development. I teach business leaders how to up their communication game in workshops, talks and online forums...and podcasts.

I’d like to think that I have my presentation and curriculum development skills up to par with some of the best--a requirement when you’re trying to keep high-achieving students engaged.

But I hear two things from many of my audience members: either they feel like their organization doesn’t offer much in the way of professional development for someone at their level or they just don’t have time to engage in developing their professional skills.

I don’t care if you’re an entry-level employee or running a department, interning out of college or are CEO of your organization, every person in business today needs to focus on professional development. If you don’t keep developing your skills, you’re going to get left behind. And those books on your bookshelves don’t really qualify as professional development.

How do you find the time? On-demand learning, when you learn exactly what you need, at a time that’s convenient for you. And right from the comfort of your home or office.

Mentioned In This Episode

Cutlip and Center's Effective Public Relations (11th Edition)

AP Stylebook (2019 Edition)

Crisis Communications: Master of Disaster

Dave Ramsey

Suze Orman: Women and Money

Side Hustle: From Idea to Income in 27 Days by Chris Guillebeau

The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss

Profit First by Mike Michalowicz

The Power of Positive Thinking by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale

Daring Greatly by Brené Brown

How to Train for and Run Your Best Marathon by Gordon Bloch

Episode 30: How to Nail Your Next Media Interview

Listen + subscribe on Stitcher or Apple Podcasts.

35: How to Feel Like a Natural In Front of the Camera Jul 02, 2019

Show notes

No matter your profession, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to be on camera (whether you welcome the idea or not). But like speaking in front of a crowd, not everyone is a natural at it.

You worry about looking frumpy, saying the wrong thing, sweating through your suit jacket or stuttering through your remarks. These are all common concerns, but with some practice and the tips on this episode of the Confident Communications Podcast, you’ll be a natural.

I’m sharing how to deal with on-camera distractions, feeling more comfortable, being yourself, preparedness (and the risks of being over-prepared), body language and even how to stand properly. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to put into practice when you do find yourself on camera. Because let’s face it, you know you will!

Mentioned in This Episode:

About Molly

Listen + subscribe on Stitcher or Apple Podcasts.

34: Blaming the Millennial: Been There, Done That, Got the T-shirt Jun 25, 2019

Show notes

I’ve heard a lot of disparaging remarks about Millennials during my talks and workshops, and after asking other generations their thoughts on these so-called youngsters I’ve decided it’s time to give them a break.

The thing is, most people’s perceptions of Millennials are wrong. Not only are they not the lazy, entitled narcissists I’ve heard them being called, they’re also not even in the age bracket most people assume they fall into.

It’s time to give Millennials a break and stop blaming them for what’s going on in your organization. In today’s episode of the Confident Communications Podcast, I’m sharing two recent news stories that blame people of this generation for big business blunders and why someone else should have taken responsibility.

About Molly

Listen + subscribe on Stitcher or Apple Podcasts.

Mentioned in this episode

Millennials: Pew Research Center

Millennial Definition: Oxford Living Dictionary

Generation Next by Jonathan Rauch

Ronald Reagan Memorial Day Tribute

Get Found on LinkedIn--Without Getting Found Out at Work Jun 18, 2019

Show notes

LinkedIn is the online version of walking into a conference or big networking event, according to this week's guest on the Confident Communications Podcast. Kristal Hicks is the founder of JOBTALK, where she helps everyone from new college graduates to those looking to transition in their careers to optimize their LinkedIn profiles for success.

With LinkedIn, professionals can connect with others in their industry and even hunt for a job--under the radar. Krystal shares how to get the attention to recruiters and how to approach them yourself. Finding talent is a tight market for recruiters, which means that it’s a great market for anyone looking for a job.

In this episode, we talk about how mid- and late-career professionals can use LinkedIn to their advantage and what words you should use on your profile to make it pop. Krystal also shares three things you can do to optimize your profile quickly. Listen in and step up your own profile today.

Mentioned in This Episode

The Gig Economy by Diane Mulcahy

"The Intern" film starring Robert De Niro, Anne Hathaway

About Krystal Hicks

Krystal founded JOBTALK in 2018 after more than 10 years of working in the employment sector. She provides recruiting insight to students, educators, businesses and professionals so they can make course corrections in their processes and make a bigger difference in their job search or situation. You can follow her on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.