October 17, 2023 • 31 mins
Ready to learn the secret weapons of small business communication and PR? You're in for a treat, with our fascinating guest Jamie Levin, a communication and PR whiz. We unearth some gems on how to captivate your audience, and boost your business. Jamie dismantles the common misbeliefs around business communication and PR, revealing DIY tactics to spread the word about your new venture.
Discover the art behind nurturing a sense of belonging among your team, making freelancers feel valued, and leveraging word-of-mouth for your business.
Learn the merits of collaborating with communications and PR consultants, and how to choose the right PR pro for you. Jamie emphasizes the need to tailor messages keeping the target audience in mind, the value of prompt responsivenes, and the magic of fostering relationships, both in your network and in the media.
Lastly, Jamie uncovers her unique approach to achieving equilibrium between her personal and professional life. She shares her tricks on managing family, fitness, and her passion for entrepreneurship, offering an unusual take on what balance means. Listen to her secret recipe for incorporating moments of gratitude, self-care, and mindfulness into her daily routine. From the soccer fields to her own business, Jamie's energizing life is a mirror of the power of balance and passion, promising to inspire you in your entrepreneurial journey.
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Resources
www.jlevincommunications.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamielevin/
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Nola (00:00):
As an aspiring solopreneur or new business owner, you
might wonder if it's necessaryto focus on communication and
public relations, especially ifyou have a small or even
non-existent marketing budget.
The answer is that it'sabsolutely necessary.
From compelling press releasesto creative service descriptions
, from engaging emails toimportant info sharing,
(00:21):
communication is the foundationof running a successful company,
regardless of size.
Whether you're just startingout or looking to level up your
game, there's one secret weaponyou and your business cannot
afford to ignore Communications.
Stay tuned, friend, for abackstage pass to what is sure
to be an insightful conversationwith communications and public
(00:43):
relations expert andentrepreneur, jamie Levin.
Jamie will share her insiderknowledge, tips and easy DIY
tactics to help you stand outfrom the competition, captivate
your audience and grow yourbusiness.
Welcome to Sticky.
Lori (00:58):
Brand Lab, where we bridge the gap between knowledge and
action by providing you withhelpful information, tips and
tools from entrepreneurs andother experts so you can quickly
and easily jumpstart your sidebusiness.
We're your hosts.
I'm Lori Vita, and this is myco-host, nola Boye.
Hi Nola, hey Lori, hey Nola.
(01:18):
I have a question for you as abusiness owner yourself and as a
former copywriter what has beenyour experience with
communication and PR?
Nola (01:29):
I've had my hand in almost every type of business
communication.
I will say that actual PR hasbeen decades since I've done
like real PR, strategic stuff.
I mean, I certainly havewritten the odd press release
here and there, but I'm excitedabout today's conversation.
I have a question for you.
What would you say are somemisconceptions that people have,
(01:52):
especially small businessowners, when it comes to either
business communication or PR?
Lori (01:58):
I think the fact that they believe they don't need it,
especially if they're justgetting started.
Whether you have a small budgetor you're a one-person show.
I think the idea iscommunications is for big
companies, PR is for people withbig budgets that can spend a
lot of money, and I don't thinkpeople really realize
(02:20):
communication is about gettingthe word out about your business
.
Nola (02:24):
Yes, and I think we're going to bust that myth wide
open today.
Right, because our guest todayworks with entrepreneurs at
small and mid-sized companiesand nonprofits, and she knows a
lot about this topic, especiallythe good, the bad and the
horrifically misguided.
Be Jamie Levin, acommunications expert and
visionary with over 15 years ofexperience as a founder and CEO
(02:47):
of J11 Communications.
Jamie is an expert when itcomes to navigating the
intricacies of internal andexternal communications events,
community engagement and publicrelations.
She excels at fosteringcollaboration, supporting
business goals and bringingideas to life.
Jamie's a master at identifyingengagement opportunities and
(03:09):
directing cross-functionalprojects.
As a creative analyticalthinker, she is skilled in
business building and problemsolving.
Her true superpower may well bein communications, where she is
exceptional at transformingstrategy into an agenda that
directly connects with businessobjectives.
Welcome, jamie.
Jamie (03:28):
Thanks for having me.
And what an intro.
I mean, that's my elevatorpitch right there.
What more do I need Then?
Lori (03:35):
great.
We're off to a great start forPR.
Before we get into the specifictechniques for creating
attention-grabbing PR andexceptional communication, could
you give us your own backstory,your journey into
entrepreneurship and what ledyou to start your own business?
Jamie (03:56):
I think what led me to start my own business has been
what's led me my whole life tobe honest, which is what's next?
What do I really want to dowith my life, even nearly 20
years later into my career?
I was an athlete.
My whole life went to theUniversity of Maryland for
communications and I was like,oh, I'm going to be a sports
broadcaster.
I interned with one it's not soglorious unless you're the
(04:20):
anchor, in my humble opinion.
Scratched that off my list.
Interned at the Baltimore Sun.
I was like, oh, I'm going to bea sports reporter, scratch that
off my list.
I could do a year of graduateschool.
So I went to graduate school atAmerican University, focused in
health communication.
I was right in DC, didn't stayin DC.
I went to New York City where Iworked at a very large
(04:44):
worldwide public relationsagency and loved every second of
it.
Worked a ton, but I'm one ofthose people who needs to feel
needed, so I was fine with thework.
I was living in New York Cityby myself and so through myself
into work completely from NewYork City, moved to Florida
where I worked for the LatinBuilders Association, which is
(05:05):
the largest Hispanicconstruction association in the
United States where I was theirPR manager and then was like, oh
, they need an editor of theirmagazine, I'll handle that.
So I oversaw everything fromadvertising and sales to
circulation, distribution,design, editorial all that fun
stuff.
And then I went internal,focused on internal
(05:29):
communications at AutoNation,had an amazing team, amazing
leadership, learned a lot, wasinvolved in some really major
projects, traveled a ton, whichwas fun for each children.
And then I worked at TBCCorporation where I oversaw all
internal and externalcommunications, travel, events
and corporate giving and reallygot to build my own team, which
(05:50):
was amazing.
They were solid, they werehungry and it was really fun.
And then I realized my kidsneeded a little bit more of my
attention.
So I backpedaled a bit, workedback in agency life and then
said why am I doing this forsomeone else when I know I'm
going to work just as hard formyself?
March 2022, I opened J11Communications and here we are
(06:15):
in late 2023, and I'm stillreally happy doing it, building
business, still wishing I couldfind more than 24 hours in a day
, but loving every second of it.
Lori (06:25):
I love how excited you got in telling your story.
Did you stop working for theagency and immediately just
start your own company, or didyou have a transition into doing
it on the side and then movingup?
Jamie (06:41):
I had a transition and my commitment to myself and my
husband, who was extremelysupportive was I need to have
one steady client that I knowwill give me 30 hours a month to
be able to jump.
So I was like, let me just findthat one client, that's not
crazy deadline driven, because Iknow then I can still dabble a
(07:03):
bit.
And after a month of doing it Iwas like I'm ready, I'm good.
And then after that month Ijumped.
It wasn't long, but I justneeded that one comfort.
And I think it was a confidencebuilder too, because I was like
I got this, like I'm good.
So at least I knew I had somedollars coming in the door.
It wasn't grandiose or crazy,but it was something.
And I knew that I had workedwith enough amazing people that
(07:27):
between word of mouth and justconversations and not so much
business development but prayingon the fact that people would
remember me and find me, I'd befine.
And thankfully I'm fine.
Lori (07:39):
That is a great story, though, because you figured out
what you needed in order to makethat jump, but one of the other
things people struggle with iswho is their target audience.
Can you tell us?
How did you decide who youwanted to work with?
Jamie (07:56):
I would say my past experiences really guided me, so
I've worked with some amazingpeople.
Lori (08:02):
And.
Jamie (08:03):
I've worked with some horrible people.
I won't say the word, but I'vea no, a whole policy.
Yes, I want to enjoy the peoplethat I'm working for, because,
at the end of the day, my job,if I'm handling their PR, is to
get their brand out there.
So I have to want to do it, andI want to do that for nice
(08:23):
people, for people who are doinggood in the world, for people
whose morals and values alignwith mine.
People are people, but clientsare clients at the end of the
day.
Right, and just like they canchoose to work with me, I can
choose to work with them, andI'm extremely fortunate that I
found myself in that situation.
Right, please.
I know I'm blessed every dayand I say it often that I found
(08:45):
myself in that situation, but Ireally think that, because my
husband was extremely supportive, that I didn't have to just
take work because it was there,I didn't have to settle, and
that was a really nice feeling,and so I think that helped me
get off on the right foot andalso is one of the reasons why
I'm so happy doing what I'mdoing, because I haven't settled
and I've been fortunate not tohave to take a client just
(09:09):
because.
So I'm lucky.
Nola (09:11):
You are Well, that's called good boundaries, so good
for you.
I'd like to ask a basicquestion here.
When it comes to communication,especially business
communication and PR, thesetopics can mean very different
things to different people,especially to entrepreneurs.
So can you share yourdefinition of internal
(09:31):
communications, externalcommunications, public relations
?
Can you explain what those mean, especially in the context of a
new or aspiring business owner?
Jamie (09:41):
Internal communications to your point can really run the
spectrum.
So you can be overseeing aninternal newsletter for a
company of people who have anextremely wide geographic
footprint and 99% of the timeare never together, and so you
use your internal communicationsto align to strategy, remind
(10:03):
people why they do what they do,express appreciation to team
members, give them updates sothey feel like they're a part of
the bigger picture.
It's all about storytelling,whether it's written, verbal, a
video, nonverbal.
To look, it could be a team offive, but making team members
feel like they're a part ofsomething bigger and they're
(10:24):
proud of the company to work for.
Lori (10:26):
If you are a business owner but you contract with
different people or you use anaggregate kind of situation to
find people, is internalcommunication still as important
because they're not youremployee but they are doing some
contract work for you or maybeeven some freelance work for you
(10:47):
.
Do you need internalcommunication in a situation
like that?
How do you communicate whatyour business is all about so
they can really do the best workfor you?
Jamie (10:58):
Yes, because company A has hired the contractor
essentially to be an extensionof their team.
So I do think it's reallyimportant because, at the end of
the day, while they may not bein employee, they need to also
feel like what they're doing isof value and what they're doing
is aligning with the strategicvision for the organization, and
(11:19):
so the more that person knows,the better off the company is
going to be in the long run,because they're going to be able
to help.
More External communications Ialign with the term public
relations.
So it's media outreach, whetherit's good or bad, because
there's also crisiscommunications that you can't
plan for, but you have to beprepared for the positive things
(11:41):
, the stories that you do get tocontrol whether you're giving
back to the community or you'rehighlighting a team who did
awesome work or you're having agrand opening.
That all goes hand in hand.
But there's this other side ofit that people, I think are now
starting to realize, which isyou can even be your own author
from a public relationsperspective, because the world
(12:02):
of news has changed so much and,unfortunately, stations and
newsrooms are so small.
We've all heard the newsstories.
They're actually looking forsubject matter experts to
provide content.
This is an interview.
This is.
I'm a finance company and mygoal is talking to people about
retirement, and this publicationis looking for someone to talk
(12:25):
about it.
So now I get to author my owncolumn and write anything I want
.
Essentially, yes, they reviewit, but you get to control your
message.
Nola (12:33):
That's branding at its finest, well you seem really
knowledgeable, and so I am supercurious to know how did you get
the word out about yourbusiness when you were starting
your company?
What's your story about that?
Jamie (12:48):
It took me about six months to feel like I had to do
something credible and create awebsite.
I'm not on Google listings LikeI wasn't doing it to be found,
if you will.
How I got the word out.
I just posted something onLinkedIn.
It wasn't like an open forbusiness post, it was just like
I'm doing it.
Here I am and I talk to people.
(13:08):
I was really blessed to havesome really good working
relationships that turned intofriendships.
I opened my mouth and just saidhey, what are you guys up to?
This is what I'm doing thesedays, and because I've worked
with so many wonderful peopleand established really good
relationships and I respect themand they respect me, they were
able to come to me and say, hey,I have this person who wants
this.
Would you be able to help them?
(13:29):
And I was honest with them, yesor no?
Or hey, my company is lookingfor some help, just for a few
things.
Could you help us get off theground For me?
It really was word of mouth.
Nola (13:39):
Wow, that really worked out, yeah.
Lori (13:42):
I'm lucky and I think you recognized opportunity.
One of the things that peoplejust starting out in business do
is they get very focused onselling or pushing.
It's all about me and it soundslike you were using that.
Can I help you?
Nola (13:59):
in any way.
Lori (14:00):
Here's something that's happening.
If I can be of help, let meknow.
I'm glad to do so.
So it wasn't a push.
It was more an invitation or apull in.
It sounds like.
Jamie (14:10):
Yeah, and I think, also because I'm not focused on any
one industry, I run the gamut,which is also why it's so
exciting.
Lori (14:18):
So, given that you have a breath and depth of knowledge,
what can entrepreneurs who areeither just starting out or
pretty new to the business worlddo to get the word out?
Jamie (14:30):
I would say it doesn't take money, but it definitely
takes time, and time is moneyfor a lot of people and so that
is not lost on me.
But I would say one of thefirst things is determining what
really is going to help you.
So if you're a company that canonly serve your 20 mile radius,
then you're not going to try togo after a national publication
(14:52):
for coverage, because itdoesn't make sense.
If you can only deliver to a 20mile radius, if your goal is,
hey, I want everybody in this 20mile radius to know about me,
then look up publications inthat 20 mile radius.
Look up news stations ornewspapers or even chambers,
because if you're a member of achamber many of them since
(15:13):
newsletters, many of them haveplaces where you can post news
and everybody's looking forbusiness.
So there's another side of thenetworking and again, it takes
time.
Yes, there are platforms whereyou can find every reporter's
name and, yes, you have to payfor them.
But there's also the good oldGoogle where you can say, hey, I
want to know who's the sportsreporter for WPTV, and you can
(15:36):
find that it takes time.
And then you reach out to themand you write a personalized
email, not a BCC mass crazyemail, because everybody knows
what that is these days.
But taking the time to find theright people who you could
connect with and who it willbenefit your organization the
most to get coverage in thatarea, I think, is a really good
(15:58):
place to start.
The resources and the tools tofind people are all free and
available, but it does take time.
Lori (16:04):
Whether somebody has a small budget or even a large
budget and they want to generatePR, should they be thinking
about a strategy that organizesit?
Here's where you begin.
Here's what you do next.
Are there things that youshould prioritize?
What is your suggestions there?
Jamie (16:22):
Yeah, I think you prioritize what aligns with your
goal.
If your goal is reaching yourlocal community, there is no
reason, if you're in Maryland,to talk to a publication in
California, even if they'reinterested in speaking with you.
Although, if you're using itfor purposes of SEO and you do
things correctly and post it toyour website and post it on
(16:44):
social media and then drivepeople to your website, there
might be value for you there.
So it's also not just gettingthat hit.
But what do you do?
with it after, because that'sall under your control and it
takes time.
Putting it on your websitetakes time, drafting a social
media post takes time, but thatcall to action to drive website
traffic is huge.
And then also, how are youmaintaining that relationship
(17:06):
with that reporter after thefact?
So now you want to be theirsubject matter expert in that
area?
It's a relationship it goesboth ways, right.
Reporters get in, binds to andneed help.
That's really important is justlike you would in a sales
environment.
Right Is, how do you nurturethat relationship after the fact
?
I know they're not going to goto you for every single story
they're writing, so don't beoffended please, because they
(17:28):
also need an encyclopedia ofsources.
But it doesn't mean that youcan't be there for them when
they need you, just like theywere there for you when you
needed them.
I love that.
Lori (17:39):
What do you do after you've made the connection?
We often hear people put stuffout there and then do nothing at
all to maintain it, to buildupon it.
Nothing.
So great point there.
Jamie (17:53):
Yeah, they got that sexy circulation number.
Five million people saw it,okay, right, and then they're
done.
5 or more million people couldsee it, so why don't you double
your numbers?
Nola (18:04):
I'm trying to think of that website.
It's help a reporter out.
Have you used that, or arethere other sites like that and
are they pre useful?
Jamie (18:12):
There are.
You can go to the free version,which again can definitely work
, or their subscription basedversion.
That makes sense for somepeople.
They're great for reactivepurposes, not so much the
proactive, but because someoneis specifically looking for a
story on X and that's.
The other thing is you can havelike canned pitches in your
back pocket.
Taking the time to craftpitches, you can just say so,
(18:37):
and so is available to speak toXYZ and bullet out three topics.
Nola (18:42):
Now switching gears from PR to general business
communications.
In your experience, what aresome common mistakes that
inexperienced companies orpeople starting out make when it
comes to businesscommunications?
Jamie (18:57):
The power of perspective is a very important thing.
Just really consider yourtarget.
Audience, I would say, isnumber one, regardless of what
company it is, what size it isor who it is.
Audience is always first.
And I also like to havesomebody else read it not on my
team, because it's typical thatif we're on the same team we
(19:17):
might have the same perspective.
So it's really valuable to havethose trusted people who you
can go to and be like hey, doyou mind reading this?
And don't prompt them by sayingthis is how.
I'm a little unsure of it, butmaybe after ask them some
probing questions, I just wantto make sure it's not going to
be misinterpreted, because weall know you send an email and
you think it was super nice, andsomeone reads it and they're
(19:38):
like oh, that was really mean,like interpretation is
everything.
And also, how does thataudience like to receive their
news?
Not everybody wants to receivean email and, if you think about
it, not everybody.
I know this seems odd intoday's world, but not everybody
has an email.
So what other ways can youreach people besides just being
like oh, if we send an email, weknow 50,000 people might read
(20:00):
it, you can push a voicemail?
Do they like video?
Do they like a message on theircell phone?
Do you have a private YouTubechannel?
And I didn't even name half ofthem, right?
Do you have a podcast, like Iknow you guys do for some
companies?
Do you have a blog?
Do you have your own socialmedia platform?
Posters in the break room right, like you can even go back to
the old ages.
There are umpteen million ways,but people like to receive news
(20:23):
differently, and so, no, noteverybody's going to read your
email, so you might have to domultiple channels also.
Nola (20:29):
Very cool.
I love those tips.
Know your target audience.
Have somebody read it first andget some feedback and think
about how target audience likesto receive news.
So if someone is on a budgetwho's starting their company or
it's still small and they justwant to maybe expand it and get
the word out, how would theybenefit from working with a
communications consultant?
Jamie (20:50):
Yeah, I think it's all about guidance.
That client has that businessbecause they're an expert in
that arena.
Just like I don't do what theydo for a reason, they don't do
what I do for a reason, and soit's not necessarily like you
need a PR person to do X for youevery single month in order to
get results.
No, you can also have a jumpingoff point with a communications
(21:13):
consultant, where they'll helpyou come up with a big picture
strategy and ways to get youmedia coverage, if it's media
coverage that you want, orhelping you get emails off the
ground and ideas, but they'renot actually the ones putting it
in motion.
And so, if you're looking to bemindful of budget, there's
nothing wrong with reaching outto someone and saying hey, are
(21:33):
you up for doing a playbook, ifyou will, or a guide for these
three areas I'm trying to focuson?
But I want to be the one toreally implement it.
And look, some people will behonest and tell you no, and
that's fine, but you'll findsomeone eventually who will tell
you yes, because they know thatit takes time and there is an
art to it.
If somebody has that time andthey're willing to try it on
(21:57):
their own.
There's value in it.
And super side note a lot oftimes those people do come over
because they just get fed up.
So that's a risk.
It's hard, yeah, but some peopleend up enjoying it.
There is nothing like getting amajor media hit.
It is instant gratification.
You're like, oh, I can't waitto tell someone.
So I do think there's also thatguidance side of it.
(22:19):
I can tell you what to writeabout for the column once we
secure it.
Some clients will ask me toactually write the column, and
that's fine, I'm happy to do it.
Some clients will rather do iton their own and save the money,
and that's also fine.
So I think the right PRpartners will be honest and
upfront with you about what arethey willing to do and how are
they willing to help you.
(22:40):
And look on X month that mightbe different than the next, but
if your goals align, then Ithink you can make it work and
figure out.
I mean budgets normally one ofthe first questions I talk about
simply because part of my jobis to make sure that, whether
you're small or large company,that I'm not expecting you to
pay me more than you're thinkingabout transparency at its
(23:01):
finest For those who may belistening and want to work with
an expert.
Lori (23:06):
What should they be looking for when selecting or
interviewing a communication andPR consultant?
Jamie (23:13):
I think so much of it is about personality and just a
little bit of creativity,because you're not going to get
media attention if you do thingsthe way everybody else does it,
because it doesn't set youapart.
So if you feel like you'rehaving that first conversation
with someone and you're like,want, want, then no, walk away.
It's just not the right thingand you're wasting everybody's
time, and it's okay.
It's also okay to work withsomeone for three months and
(23:36):
then just say I'm not sure thisis the best working relationship
.
That's okay too.
Responsiveness is huge, right,because in the world of PR you
should be available.
I hate to say a 20 for seven.
Yes, it's really true, and yes,I do sleep with my phone right
next to my bed.
I know it's PR, not ER, butit's just my nature to does
someone seem excited about yourproduct or your specialty or
(23:59):
your area when you're speakingto them.
If you feel like you're just adollar sign and they're just
going on that hamster wheel, I'dsay walk and spend a little bit
more time trying to find theright person For me.
So much of it goes back to wordof mouth.
You trust people.
That's what relationshipsshould be built off of.
So talk to people and say, hey,have you worked with someone?
And hey, in the world that welive in right now, it doesn't
(24:21):
matter if you're in Tim Book 2or Florida.
You don't have to be in thesame state.
You don't have to ever meetface to face.
I have clients in Canada.
I think that's important alsois don't just look in your
little bubble, but also bemindful that there's small,
medium and large budgets andthere's small, medium and large
firms.
And just because they're smalldoesn't mean they don't have the
same reach as a large firm does.
(24:41):
They may not have the samedepth, they may not have the
clinical side and the socialmedia side and the one size fits
all, but you might not belooking for that either.
I think really knowing whatyou're looking for, but being
open to trying new things at thesame time is also important and
will help guide you in theright direction.
Lori (25:00):
I want to ask you what, if any, is the most creative or
wildest thing that you've everdone on behalf of a client to
get the word out?
Jamie (25:11):
I can talk about the wildest topic I had to pitch.
That's one that comes to mindimmediately.
Sure, are you ready for this?
Feline urinary and?
Nola (25:26):
Well, Nolan has a cat, so so you said there's a challenge
and I am up to it.
Wow.
Jamie (25:38):
On behalf of a very well-known brand, and it was
many years ago when I was in NewYork, but I was just like when
my boss told me that I laughedto the point where, like I
snorted because I wasn't reallysure what to do, and she was
like you said you're up for achallenge.
I'm like challenge, except forthe first time.
That one will always stick outin my mind, because there was
(25:59):
also like a lot of education onmy end to really be well-versed
in the topic.
I will say, though, that I didhave the opportunity to really,
during COVID, say thank you to alot of people, and that was a
unique opportunity.
During nurse appreciation week,when I was at TBC Corporation
and on behalf of Tire Kingdom,we partnered with a local IC
(26:23):
truck, and we went to thehospital and just said thank you
, come outside and have an IC onus.
And, yes, we got media coverage.
That's not the reason we did it, but I will also say that, from
a PR perspective, it was reallygood for a reputation
management with all the peopleat the hospital.
They were working so hard insuch long hours, and just like
(26:45):
getting to take a break and walkoutside for a second and get
like something cold was someaningful and just I don't know
a simple thank you goes a longway.
So I think that was probablyone of the most meaningful
things that I've done recently.
Lori (26:58):
I think how you say thank, you can have a memorable impact
, and what a great reminder forpeople.
That is part of communications.
Nola (27:07):
Yeah.
So, jamie, earlier I applaudedyou for drawing a boundary.
We know that running a businessand a family and juggling
everything can be reallychallenging to prioritize self
care.
So my question is in additionto paying attention to who you
want to work with and that youdo things you enjoy, what are
(27:28):
some other ways that youactually practice self care?
Jamie (27:31):
It's all about family.
With me, both my boys playtravel soccer and they are so
fun to watch, and while I'mthere, 10 months out of the year
, there's honestly nowhere elseI'd rather be.
I'm that loud mom screaming onthe sidelines you can hear me
from the observer.
That's my happy place and that'stheir happy place.
(27:51):
To me that's a lot of mybalance.
And, yes, people may say, oh,you don't have any balance.
Some days you work at 430 inthe morning.
100%, you're correct.
But you know, I work at 430 inthe morning so I can go pick up
my kids at four o'clock insteadof 545 and they can come home
before practice and I get thattime with them.
So I think balance really meanssomething different for
(28:13):
everyone.
When I didn't have a brokenfoot, balance also meant working
out right now.
Nola (28:17):
I'm taking a break for it.
Jamie (28:19):
But it was a punching bag .
I'm a nine round fan, all day,every day, and so that was a
great release for me.
But I also think it's just sopowerful and so gratifying to be
able to be like I'm going towalk away from this for a few
minutes.
When I worked for someone elseit wasn't an option, but now
it's really empowering to beable to be like I just need to
(28:41):
step away for a little while andgo for a walk, or walk my dog,
who, bless my heart, is mycolleague and she's amazing.
For me, it's finding those waysto just breathe and reconnect
with the most important thingsin life that I will tell you.
For a very long time I may havebeen physically present, but I
was never mentally there.
I had a computer on the soccerfield.
(29:02):
It's just how I'm wired.
But I've been able to gobackwards a little bit and I
will tell you, life is so muchmore fulfilling.
Lori (29:09):
We have one final question for you.
Tell us what does living avibrant life mean to you?
Jamie (29:15):
That all the people I love in the world are healthy
and happy, because I don't carehow much money I make, nothing
matters if I'm not healthy andthey're not healthy or they're
not happy.
For many years I said it and Idon't know that.
I meant it to be quite honest,but I mean it and I put it out
into the universe.
It's the secret and I will singit from the rooftops, because
(29:39):
it's my family and the people ofmy close friends, the people
that I really care about, aren'thappy or healthy, then I'm not
happy or healthy and that's allthat really matters.
Nola (29:48):
Thank you, jamie, for being our guest today.
We are sure that your knowledgeand experience, along with your
real-world tips and suggestions, will inspire and motivate
ambitious and aspiring businessowners to try their hand at PR
or, at the very least, consultwith an expert like yourself
Before you go.
How can listeners get in touchwith you or say they go if they
(30:08):
want to learn more about you andyour services?
Jamie (30:11):
LinkedIn.
Feel free to send me a message,JamieLevin, or my website.
There's a contact me form.
It's jlevincommunicationscom.
I will get whatever email yousend me through there and I am
way too responsive, so do you.
Do not have to wait twobusiness days.
There's no disclaimer that itwill take two business days to
(30:32):
get back to you.
It will probably take about 15minutes with that one.
I'm distracted by the emailsometimes.
Nola (30:41):
Listener, we hope the ideas and thoughts shared here
today have sparked your interestin motivation for you to try
your hand at DUIY Business,communications and PR so you can
reap the benefits of becoming afirst-time entrepreneur in the
second half of your vibrant life.
And be sure to stick around tothe very end of the podcast for
a fun chuckle.
Lori (31:00):
If you found the information we've shared helpful
and want more tools, tips andinspiration delivered to your
inbox, sign up for news you canuse over on our website,
stickybrandlabcom, or click thelink in our show notes.
And remember small steps, bigeffects.
Nola (31:20):
As an aspiring solopreneur or new business owner, you
might wonder if it's necessaryto take a tip-a-pa retake
already.
As an aspiring solopreneur or new business owner, you
might wonder if it's necessaryto focus on communication and
public relations, especially ifyou have a small or even
non-existent marketing budget.
The answer is that it'sabsolutely necessary.
From compelling press releasesto creative service descriptions
, from engaging emails toimportant info sharing,
(00:21):
communication is the foundationof running a successful company,
regardless of size.
Whether you're just startingout or looking to level up your
game, there's one secret weaponyou and your business cannot
afford to ignore Communications.
Stay tuned, friend, for abackstage pass to what is sure
to be an insightful conversationwith communications and public
(00:43):
relations expert andentrepreneur, jamie Levin.
Jamie will share her insiderknowledge, tips and easy DIY
tactics to help you stand outfrom the competition, captivate
your audience and grow yourbusiness.
Welcome to Sticky.
Lori (00:58):
Brand Lab, where we bridge the gap between knowledge and
action by providing you withhelpful information, tips and
tools from entrepreneurs andother experts so you can quickly
and easily jumpstart your sidebusiness.
We're your hosts.
I'm Lori Vita, and this is myco-host, nola Boye.
Hi Nola, hey Lori, hey Nola.
(01:18):
I have a question for you as abusiness owner yourself and as a
former copywriter what has beenyour experience with
communication and PR?
Nola (01:29):
I've had my hand in almost every type of business
communication.
I will say that actual PR hasbeen decades since I've done
like real PR, strategic stuff.
I mean, I certainly havewritten the odd press release
here and there, but I'm excitedabout today's conversation.
I have a question for you.
What would you say are somemisconceptions that people have,
(01:52):
especially small businessowners, when it comes to either
business communication or PR?
Lori (01:58):
I think the fact that they believe they don't need it,
especially if they're justgetting started.
Whether you have a small budgetor you're a one-person show.
I think the idea iscommunications is for big
companies, PR is for people withbig budgets that can spend a
lot of money, and I don't thinkpeople really realize
(02:20):
communication is about gettingthe word out about your business
.
Nola (02:24):
Yes, and I think we're going to bust that myth wide
open today.
Right, because our guest todayworks with entrepreneurs at
small and mid-sized companiesand nonprofits, and she knows a
lot about this topic, especiallythe good, the bad and the
horrifically misguided.
Be Jamie Levin, acommunications expert and
visionary with over 15 years ofexperience as a founder and CEO
(02:47):
of J11 Communications.
Jamie is an expert when itcomes to navigating the
intricacies of internal andexternal communications events,
community engagement and publicrelations.
She excels at fosteringcollaboration, supporting
business goals and bringingideas to life.
Jamie's a master at identifyingengagement opportunities and
(03:09):
directing cross-functionalprojects.
As a creative analyticalthinker, she is skilled in
business building and problemsolving.
Her true superpower may well bein communications, where she is
exceptional at transformingstrategy into an agenda that
directly connects with businessobjectives.
Welcome, jamie.
Jamie (03:28):
Thanks for having me.
And what an intro.
I mean, that's my elevatorpitch right there.
What more do I need Then?
Lori (03:35):
great.
We're off to a great start forPR.
Before we get into the specifictechniques for creating
attention-grabbing PR andexceptional communication, could
you give us your own backstory,your journey into
entrepreneurship and what ledyou to start your own business?
Jamie (03:56):
I think what led me to start my own business has been
what's led me my whole life tobe honest, which is what's next?
What do I really want to dowith my life, even nearly 20
years later into my career?
I was an athlete.
My whole life went to theUniversity of Maryland for
communications and I was like,oh, I'm going to be a sports
broadcaster.
I interned with one it's not soglorious unless you're the
(04:20):
anchor, in my humble opinion.
Scratched that off my list.
Interned at the Baltimore Sun.
I was like, oh, I'm going to bea sports reporter, scratch that
off my list.
I could do a year of graduateschool.
So I went to graduate school atAmerican University, focused in
health communication.
I was right in DC, didn't stayin DC.
I went to New York City where Iworked at a very large
(04:44):
worldwide public relationsagency and loved every second of
it.
Worked a ton, but I'm one ofthose people who needs to feel
needed, so I was fine with thework.
I was living in New York Cityby myself and so through myself
into work completely from NewYork City, moved to Florida
where I worked for the LatinBuilders Association, which is
(05:05):
the largest Hispanicconstruction association in the
United States where I was theirPR manager and then was like, oh
, they need an editor of theirmagazine, I'll handle that.
So I oversaw everything fromadvertising and sales to
circulation, distribution,design, editorial all that fun
stuff.
And then I went internal,focused on internal
(05:29):
communications at AutoNation,had an amazing team, amazing
leadership, learned a lot, wasinvolved in some really major
projects, traveled a ton, whichwas fun for each children.
And then I worked at TBCCorporation where I oversaw all
internal and externalcommunications, travel, events
and corporate giving and reallygot to build my own team, which
(05:50):
was amazing.
They were solid, they werehungry and it was really fun.
And then I realized my kidsneeded a little bit more of my
attention.
So I backpedaled a bit, workedback in agency life and then
said why am I doing this forsomeone else when I know I'm
going to work just as hard formyself?
March 2022, I opened J11Communications and here we are
(06:15):
in late 2023, and I'm stillreally happy doing it, building
business, still wishing I couldfind more than 24 hours in a day
, but loving every second of it.
Lori (06:25):
I love how excited you got in telling your story.
Did you stop working for theagency and immediately just
start your own company, or didyou have a transition into doing
it on the side and then movingup?
Jamie (06:41):
I had a transition and my commitment to myself and my
husband, who was extremelysupportive was I need to have
one steady client that I knowwill give me 30 hours a month to
be able to jump.
So I was like, let me just findthat one client, that's not
crazy deadline driven, because Iknow then I can still dabble a
(07:03):
bit.
And after a month of doing it Iwas like I'm ready, I'm good.
And then after that month Ijumped.
It wasn't long, but I justneeded that one comfort.
And I think it was a confidencebuilder too, because I was like
I got this, like I'm good.
So at least I knew I had somedollars coming in the door.
It wasn't grandiose or crazy,but it was something.
And I knew that I had workedwith enough amazing people that
(07:27):
between word of mouth and justconversations and not so much
business development but prayingon the fact that people would
remember me and find me, I'd befine.
And thankfully I'm fine.
Lori (07:39):
That is a great story, though, because you figured out
what you needed in order to makethat jump, but one of the other
things people struggle with iswho is their target audience.
Can you tell us?
How did you decide who youwanted to work with?
Jamie (07:56):
I would say my past experiences really guided me, so
I've worked with some amazingpeople.
Lori (08:02):
And.
Jamie (08:03):
I've worked with some horrible people.
I won't say the word, but I'vea no, a whole policy.
Yes, I want to enjoy the peoplethat I'm working for, because,
at the end of the day, my job,if I'm handling their PR, is to
get their brand out there.
So I have to want to do it, andI want to do that for nice
(08:23):
people, for people who are doinggood in the world, for people
whose morals and values alignwith mine.
People are people, but clientsare clients at the end of the
day.
Right, and just like they canchoose to work with me, I can
choose to work with them, andI'm extremely fortunate that I
found myself in that situation.
Right, please.
I know I'm blessed every dayand I say it often that I found
(08:45):
myself in that situation, but Ireally think that, because my
husband was extremely supportive, that I didn't have to just
take work because it was there,I didn't have to settle, and
that was a really nice feeling,and so I think that helped me
get off on the right foot andalso is one of the reasons why
I'm so happy doing what I'mdoing, because I haven't settled
and I've been fortunate not tohave to take a client just
(09:09):
because.
So I'm lucky.
Nola (09:11):
You are Well, that's called good boundaries, so good
for you.
I'd like to ask a basicquestion here.
When it comes to communication,especially business
communication and PR, thesetopics can mean very different
things to different people,especially to entrepreneurs.
So can you share yourdefinition of internal
(09:31):
communications, externalcommunications, public relations
?
Can you explain what those mean, especially in the context of a
new or aspiring business owner?
Jamie (09:41):
Internal communications to your point can really run the
spectrum.
So you can be overseeing aninternal newsletter for a
company of people who have anextremely wide geographic
footprint and 99% of the timeare never together, and so you
use your internal communicationsto align to strategy, remind
(10:03):
people why they do what they do,express appreciation to team
members, give them updates sothey feel like they're a part of
the bigger picture.
It's all about storytelling,whether it's written, verbal, a
video, nonverbal.
To look, it could be a team offive, but making team members
feel like they're a part ofsomething bigger and they're
(10:24):
proud of the company to work for.
Lori (10:26):
If you are a business owner but you contract with
different people or you use anaggregate kind of situation to
find people, is internalcommunication still as important
because they're not youremployee but they are doing some
contract work for you or maybeeven some freelance work for you
(10:47):
.
Do you need internalcommunication in a situation
like that?
How do you communicate whatyour business is all about so
they can really do the best workfor you?
Jamie (10:58):
Yes, because company A has hired the contractor
essentially to be an extensionof their team.
So I do think it's reallyimportant because, at the end of
the day, while they may not bein employee, they need to also
feel like what they're doing isof value and what they're doing
is aligning with the strategicvision for the organization, and
(11:19):
so the more that person knows,the better off the company is
going to be in the long run,because they're going to be able
to help.
More External communications Ialign with the term public
relations.
So it's media outreach, whetherit's good or bad, because
there's also crisiscommunications that you can't
plan for, but you have to beprepared for the positive things
(11:41):
, the stories that you do get tocontrol whether you're giving
back to the community or you'rehighlighting a team who did
awesome work or you're having agrand opening.
That all goes hand in hand.
But there's this other side ofit that people, I think are now
starting to realize, which isyou can even be your own author
from a public relationsperspective, because the world
(12:02):
of news has changed so much and,unfortunately, stations and
newsrooms are so small.
We've all heard the newsstories.
They're actually looking forsubject matter experts to
provide content.
This is an interview.
This is.
I'm a finance company and mygoal is talking to people about
retirement, and this publicationis looking for someone to talk
(12:25):
about it.
So now I get to author my owncolumn and write anything I want
.
Essentially, yes, they reviewit, but you get to control your
message.
Nola (12:33):
That's branding at its finest, well you seem really
knowledgeable, and so I am supercurious to know how did you get
the word out about yourbusiness when you were starting
your company?
What's your story about that?
Jamie (12:48):
It took me about six months to feel like I had to do
something credible and create awebsite.
I'm not on Google listings LikeI wasn't doing it to be found,
if you will.
How I got the word out.
I just posted something onLinkedIn.
It wasn't like an open forbusiness post, it was just like
I'm doing it.
Here I am and I talk to people.
(13:08):
I was really blessed to havesome really good working
relationships that turned intofriendships.
I opened my mouth and just saidhey, what are you guys up to?
This is what I'm doing thesedays, and because I've worked
with so many wonderful peopleand established really good
relationships and I respect themand they respect me, they were
able to come to me and say, hey,I have this person who wants
this.
Would you be able to help them?
(13:29):
And I was honest with them, yesor no?
Or hey, my company is lookingfor some help, just for a few
things.
Could you help us get off theground For me?
It really was word of mouth.
Nola (13:39):
Wow, that really worked out, yeah.
Lori (13:42):
I'm lucky and I think you recognized opportunity.
One of the things that peoplejust starting out in business do
is they get very focused onselling or pushing.
It's all about me and it soundslike you were using that.
Can I help you?
Nola (13:59):
in any way.
Lori (14:00):
Here's something that's happening.
If I can be of help, let meknow.
I'm glad to do so.
So it wasn't a push.
It was more an invitation or apull in.
It sounds like.
Jamie (14:10):
Yeah, and I think, also because I'm not focused on any
one industry, I run the gamut,which is also why it's so
exciting.
Lori (14:18):
So, given that you have a breath and depth of knowledge,
what can entrepreneurs who areeither just starting out or
pretty new to the business worlddo to get the word out?
Jamie (14:30):
I would say it doesn't take money, but it definitely
takes time, and time is moneyfor a lot of people and so that
is not lost on me.
But I would say one of thefirst things is determining what
really is going to help you.
So if you're a company that canonly serve your 20 mile radius,
then you're not going to try togo after a national publication
(14:52):
for coverage, because itdoesn't make sense.
If you can only deliver to a 20mile radius, if your goal is,
hey, I want everybody in this 20mile radius to know about me,
then look up publications inthat 20 mile radius.
Look up news stations ornewspapers or even chambers,
because if you're a member of achamber many of them since
(15:13):
newsletters, many of them haveplaces where you can post news
and everybody's looking forbusiness.
So there's another side of thenetworking and again, it takes
time.
Yes, there are platforms whereyou can find every reporter's
name and, yes, you have to payfor them.
But there's also the good oldGoogle where you can say, hey, I
want to know who's the sportsreporter for WPTV, and you can
(15:36):
find that it takes time.
And then you reach out to themand you write a personalized
email, not a BCC mass crazyemail, because everybody knows
what that is these days.
But taking the time to find theright people who you could
connect with and who it willbenefit your organization the
most to get coverage in thatarea, I think, is a really good
(15:58):
place to start.
The resources and the tools tofind people are all free and
available, but it does take time.
Lori (16:04):
Whether somebody has a small budget or even a large
budget and they want to generatePR, should they be thinking
about a strategy that organizesit?
Here's where you begin.
Here's what you do next.
Are there things that youshould prioritize?
What is your suggestions there?
Jamie (16:22):
Yeah, I think you prioritize what aligns with your
goal.
If your goal is reaching yourlocal community, there is no
reason, if you're in Maryland,to talk to a publication in
California, even if they'reinterested in speaking with you.
Although, if you're using itfor purposes of SEO and you do
things correctly and post it toyour website and post it on
(16:44):
social media and then drivepeople to your website, there
might be value for you there.
So it's also not just gettingthat hit.
But what do you do?
with it after, because that'sall under your control and it
takes time.
Putting it on your websitetakes time, drafting a social
media post takes time, but thatcall to action to drive website
traffic is huge.
And then also, how are youmaintaining that relationship
(17:06):
with that reporter after thefact?
So now you want to be theirsubject matter expert in that
area?
It's a relationship it goesboth ways, right.
Reporters get in, binds to andneed help.
That's really important is justlike you would in a sales
environment.
Right Is, how do you nurturethat relationship after the fact
?
I know they're not going to goto you for every single story
they're writing, so don't beoffended please, because they
(17:28):
also need an encyclopedia ofsources.
But it doesn't mean that youcan't be there for them when
they need you, just like theywere there for you when you
needed them.
I love that.
Lori (17:39):
What do you do after you've made the connection?
We often hear people put stuffout there and then do nothing at
all to maintain it, to buildupon it.
Nothing.
So great point there.
Jamie (17:53):
Yeah, they got that sexy circulation number.
Five million people saw it,okay, right, and then they're
done.
5 or more million people couldsee it, so why don't you double
your numbers?
Nola (18:04):
I'm trying to think of that website.
It's help a reporter out.
Have you used that, or arethere other sites like that and
are they pre useful?
Jamie (18:12):
There are.
You can go to the free version,which again can definitely work
, or their subscription basedversion.
That makes sense for somepeople.
They're great for reactivepurposes, not so much the
proactive, but because someoneis specifically looking for a
story on X and that's.
The other thing is you can havelike canned pitches in your
back pocket.
Taking the time to craftpitches, you can just say so,
(18:37):
and so is available to speak toXYZ and bullet out three topics.
Nola (18:42):
Now switching gears from PR to general business
communications.
In your experience, what aresome common mistakes that
inexperienced companies orpeople starting out make when it
comes to businesscommunications?
Jamie (18:57):
The power of perspective is a very important thing.
Just really consider yourtarget.
Audience, I would say, isnumber one, regardless of what
company it is, what size it isor who it is.
Audience is always first.
And I also like to havesomebody else read it not on my
team, because it's typical thatif we're on the same team we
(19:17):
might have the same perspective.
So it's really valuable to havethose trusted people who you
can go to and be like hey, doyou mind reading this?
And don't prompt them by sayingthis is how.
I'm a little unsure of it, butmaybe after ask them some
probing questions, I just wantto make sure it's not going to
be misinterpreted, because weall know you send an email and
you think it was super nice, andsomeone reads it and they're
(19:38):
like oh, that was really mean,like interpretation is
everything.
And also, how does thataudience like to receive their
news?
Not everybody wants to receivean email and, if you think about
it, not everybody.
I know this seems odd intoday's world, but not everybody
has an email.
So what other ways can youreach people besides just being
like oh, if we send an email, weknow 50,000 people might read
(20:00):
it, you can push a voicemail?
Do they like video?
Do they like a message on theircell phone?
Do you have a private YouTubechannel?
And I didn't even name half ofthem, right?
Do you have a podcast, like Iknow you guys do for some
companies?
Do you have a blog?
Do you have your own socialmedia platform?
Posters in the break room right, like you can even go back to
the old ages.
There are umpteen million ways,but people like to receive news
(20:23):
differently, and so, no, noteverybody's going to read your
email, so you might have to domultiple channels also.
Nola (20:29):
Very cool.
I love those tips.
Know your target audience.
Have somebody read it first andget some feedback and think
about how target audience likesto receive news.
So if someone is on a budgetwho's starting their company or
it's still small and they justwant to maybe expand it and get
the word out, how would theybenefit from working with a
communications consultant?
Jamie (20:50):
Yeah, I think it's all about guidance.
That client has that businessbecause they're an expert in
that arena.
Just like I don't do what theydo for a reason, they don't do
what I do for a reason, and soit's not necessarily like you
need a PR person to do X for youevery single month in order to
get results.
No, you can also have a jumpingoff point with a communications
(21:13):
consultant, where they'll helpyou come up with a big picture
strategy and ways to get youmedia coverage, if it's media
coverage that you want, orhelping you get emails off the
ground and ideas, but they'renot actually the ones putting it
in motion.
And so, if you're looking to bemindful of budget, there's
nothing wrong with reaching outto someone and saying hey, are
(21:33):
you up for doing a playbook, ifyou will, or a guide for these
three areas I'm trying to focuson?
But I want to be the one toreally implement it.
And look, some people will behonest and tell you no, and
that's fine, but you'll findsomeone eventually who will tell
you yes, because they know thatit takes time and there is an
art to it.
If somebody has that time andthey're willing to try it on
(21:57):
their own.
There's value in it.
And super side note a lot oftimes those people do come over
because they just get fed up.
So that's a risk.
It's hard, yeah, but some peopleend up enjoying it.
There is nothing like getting amajor media hit.
It is instant gratification.
You're like, oh, I can't waitto tell someone.
So I do think there's also thatguidance side of it.
(22:19):
I can tell you what to writeabout for the column once we
secure it.
Some clients will ask me toactually write the column, and
that's fine, I'm happy to do it.
Some clients will rather do iton their own and save the money,
and that's also fine.
So I think the right PRpartners will be honest and
upfront with you about what arethey willing to do and how are
they willing to help you.
(22:40):
And look on X month that mightbe different than the next, but
if your goals align, then Ithink you can make it work and
figure out.
I mean budgets normally one ofthe first questions I talk about
simply because part of my jobis to make sure that, whether
you're small or large company,that I'm not expecting you to
pay me more than you're thinkingabout transparency at its
(23:01):
finest For those who may belistening and want to work with
an expert.
Lori (23:06):
What should they be looking for when selecting or
interviewing a communication andPR consultant?
Jamie (23:13):
I think so much of it is about personality and just a
little bit of creativity,because you're not going to get
media attention if you do thingsthe way everybody else does it,
because it doesn't set youapart.
So if you feel like you'rehaving that first conversation
with someone and you're like,want, want, then no, walk away.
It's just not the right thingand you're wasting everybody's
time, and it's okay.
It's also okay to work withsomeone for three months and
(23:36):
then just say I'm not sure thisis the best working relationship
.
That's okay too.
Responsiveness is huge, right,because in the world of PR you
should be available.
I hate to say a 20 for seven.
Yes, it's really true, and yes,I do sleep with my phone right
next to my bed.
I know it's PR, not ER, butit's just my nature to does
someone seem excited about yourproduct or your specialty or
(23:59):
your area when you're speakingto them.
If you feel like you're just adollar sign and they're just
going on that hamster wheel, I'dsay walk and spend a little bit
more time trying to find theright person For me.
So much of it goes back to wordof mouth.
You trust people.
That's what relationshipsshould be built off of.
So talk to people and say, hey,have you worked with someone?
And hey, in the world that welive in right now, it doesn't
(24:21):
matter if you're in Tim Book 2or Florida.
You don't have to be in thesame state.
You don't have to ever meetface to face.
I have clients in Canada.
I think that's important alsois don't just look in your
little bubble, but also bemindful that there's small,
medium and large budgets andthere's small, medium and large
firms.
And just because they're smalldoesn't mean they don't have the
same reach as a large firm does.
(24:41):
They may not have the samedepth, they may not have the
clinical side and the socialmedia side and the one size fits
all, but you might not belooking for that either.
I think really knowing whatyou're looking for, but being
open to trying new things at thesame time is also important and
will help guide you in theright direction.
Lori (25:00):
I want to ask you what, if any, is the most creative or
wildest thing that you've everdone on behalf of a client to
get the word out?
Jamie (25:11):
I can talk about the wildest topic I had to pitch.
That's one that comes to mindimmediately.
Sure, are you ready for this?
Feline urinary and?
Nola (25:26):
Well, Nolan has a cat, so so you said there's a challenge
and I am up to it.
Wow.
Jamie (25:38):
On behalf of a very well-known brand, and it was
many years ago when I was in NewYork, but I was just like when
my boss told me that I laughedto the point where, like I
snorted because I wasn't reallysure what to do, and she was
like you said you're up for achallenge.
I'm like challenge, except forthe first time.
That one will always stick outin my mind, because there was
(25:59):
also like a lot of education onmy end to really be well-versed
in the topic.
I will say, though, that I didhave the opportunity to really,
during COVID, say thank you to alot of people, and that was a
unique opportunity.
During nurse appreciation week,when I was at TBC Corporation
and on behalf of Tire Kingdom,we partnered with a local IC
(26:23):
truck, and we went to thehospital and just said thank you
, come outside and have an IC onus.
And, yes, we got media coverage.
That's not the reason we did it, but I will also say that, from
a PR perspective, it was reallygood for a reputation
management with all the peopleat the hospital.
They were working so hard insuch long hours, and just like
(26:45):
getting to take a break and walkoutside for a second and get
like something cold was someaningful and just I don't know
a simple thank you goes a longway.
So I think that was probablyone of the most meaningful
things that I've done recently.
Lori (26:58):
I think how you say thank, you can have a memorable impact
, and what a great reminder forpeople.
That is part of communications.
Nola (27:07):
Yeah.
So, jamie, earlier I applaudedyou for drawing a boundary.
We know that running a businessand a family and juggling
everything can be reallychallenging to prioritize self
care.
So my question is in additionto paying attention to who you
want to work with and that youdo things you enjoy, what are
(27:28):
some other ways that youactually practice self care?
Jamie (27:31):
It's all about family.
With me, both my boys playtravel soccer and they are so
fun to watch, and while I'mthere, 10 months out of the year
, there's honestly nowhere elseI'd rather be.
I'm that loud mom screaming onthe sidelines you can hear me
from the observer.
That's my happy place and that'stheir happy place.
(27:51):
To me that's a lot of mybalance.
And, yes, people may say, oh,you don't have any balance.
Some days you work at 430 inthe morning.
100%, you're correct.
But you know, I work at 430 inthe morning so I can go pick up
my kids at four o'clock insteadof 545 and they can come home
before practice and I get thattime with them.
So I think balance really meanssomething different for
(28:13):
everyone.
When I didn't have a brokenfoot, balance also meant working
out right now.
Nola (28:17):
I'm taking a break for it.
Jamie (28:19):
But it was a punching bag .
I'm a nine round fan, all day,every day, and so that was a
great release for me.
But I also think it's just sopowerful and so gratifying to be
able to be like I'm going towalk away from this for a few
minutes.
When I worked for someone elseit wasn't an option, but now
it's really empowering to beable to be like I just need to
(28:41):
step away for a little while andgo for a walk, or walk my dog,
who, bless my heart, is mycolleague and she's amazing.
For me, it's finding those waysto just breathe and reconnect
with the most important thingsin life that I will tell you.
For a very long time I may havebeen physically present, but I
was never mentally there.
I had a computer on the soccerfield.
(29:02):
It's just how I'm wired.
But I've been able to gobackwards a little bit and I
will tell you, life is so muchmore fulfilling.
Lori (29:09):
We have one final question for you.
Tell us what does living avibrant life mean to you?
Jamie (29:15):
That all the people I love in the world are healthy
and happy, because I don't carehow much money I make, nothing
matters if I'm not healthy andthey're not healthy or they're
not happy.
For many years I said it and Idon't know that.
I meant it to be quite honest,but I mean it and I put it out
into the universe.
It's the secret and I will singit from the rooftops, because
(29:39):
it's my family and the people ofmy close friends, the people
that I really care about, aren'thappy or healthy, then I'm not
happy or healthy and that's allthat really matters.
Nola (29:48):
Thank you, jamie, for being our guest today.
We are sure that your knowledgeand experience, along with your
real-world tips and suggestions, will inspire and motivate
ambitious and aspiring businessowners to try their hand at PR
or, at the very least, consultwith an expert like yourself
Before you go.
How can listeners get in touchwith you or say they go if they
(30:08):
want to learn more about you andyour services?
Jamie (30:11):
LinkedIn.
Feel free to send me a message,JamieLevin, or my website.
There's a contact me form.
It's jlevincommunicationscom.
I will get whatever email yousend me through there and I am
way too responsive, so do you.
Do not have to wait twobusiness days.
There's no disclaimer that itwill take two business days to
(30:32):
get back to you.
It will probably take about 15minutes with that one.
I'm distracted by the emailsometimes.
Nola (30:41):
Listener, we hope the ideas and thoughts shared here
today have sparked your interestin motivation for you to try
your hand at DUIY Business,communications and PR so you can
reap the benefits of becoming afirst-time entrepreneur in the
second half of your vibrant life.
And be sure to stick around tothe very end of the podcast for
a fun chuckle.
Lori (31:00):
If you found the information we've shared helpful
and want more tools, tips andinspiration delivered to your
inbox, sign up for news you canuse over on our website,
stickybrandlabcom, or click thelink in our show notes.
And remember small steps, bigeffects.
Nola (31:20):
As an aspiring solopreneur or new business owner, you
might wonder if it's necessaryto take a tip-a-pa retake
already.
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