The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

For leaders, it's not always an easy task to figure out their employees' needs, wants, or struggles in their job, especially if there is a significant age gap. The risk of losing employees who don't feel connected to the leadership at a company is far greater if an effective line of communication is not in place. On the podcast this week, how to bridge the gap between leaders who feel out of touch with younger employees. Molly speaks with change management expert Colleen McFarland on ways that connect and engage digitally with their workforce, industry, and community in a way that reinforces their personal and company's strengths. About Colleen McFarland Colleen McFarland believes in building relationships. As an expert in change management, McFarland helps leaders prepare and manage for impacts that business changes can have on their customers and employees. In her book, Disconnected - How to Use People Data to Deliver Realness, Meaning, and Belonging at Work, she exposes a truth that cold, hard facts combined with compassion are what is needed to motivate individuals to do the tough work that change requires.   Listen + Subscribe on Stitcher or Apple PodcastsWant More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...

“Like, what Chrissy Teigen has done is so crazy to me.”   That statement, in part, was one of the reasons why food writer and New York Times cooking columnist, Alison Roman, faced a severe backlash and a place in the Twitter Hall of Shaming after she attacked the business strategies of the face of the Cravings brand along with Marie Kondo - the best-selling author devoted to helping people declutter their homes and live by keeping the items that "find joy."   On the podcast this week, a recipe for finding the right words to write online when you have to eat your words.   Molly shares a 3-part response framework for mastering an apology. Mentioned on this episode:    Want More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...

As the impact of the coronavirus quarantines forced many small businesses to close their doors to customers, many small businesses have served up news ways to continue to serve customers and expand their offerings. On this bonus episode of the podcast, Molly speaks with marketing expert Krista Fabrick, who shares advice for small business owners to help simplify and improve their marketing efforts during the downturn in business due to the pandemic.   © Molly McPherson 2020Want More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...

If you turn on the television or spend any time on social media, there is no doubt you've heard from numerous companies sharing their concerns about the coronavirus outbreak. The ad copy is heavy; the music - somber.  Now more than ever... In these times of uncertainty... As the doors may be closed... It's understandable that many businesses adjusted their advertising, voice-overs, and copywriting to show care and concern for customers during the pandemic. However, when does the somber template become overused and ineffective? When is it time to switch the narrative and tell your customers what they need to hear from you?   The answer is now.   Molly shares a 3-part framework for communicating precisely what your audience wants to hear from you during this phase of the pandemic, or for any crisis impacting your business. Mentioned on this episode:  Every Covid-19 Commercial is Exactly the SamWant More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...

In this episode, guest Kelly Glover, founder of The Talent Squad, shares her wealth of experience in the podcasting world. She discusses the crucial elements of being an engaging podcast guest, emphasizing authenticity and effective preparation. Kelly reveals strategies to overcome nerves, especially for introverts, by focusing on one listener. She also highlights the importance of proactive promotion and building relationships with hosts to maximize impact. Tune in for actionable tips that can elevate your podcast guesting game!

As leaders and communicators head into month three of responding to the coronavirus outbreak, many are starting to feel the stress creating content.  I know I feel it. However, writing would feel far more overwhelming to me if I couldn’t tap into one of my favorite writing resources: my favorite writing coach, Ann Wiley.   Her workshops have transformed my writing, and now I’m sharing these valuable writing tips with you In this episode, Ann teaches how to write during a crisis to make your messages clear, compassionate, and confident.  You’ll learn how to balance communicating early and often in an environment that’s changing by the minute.   Mentioned on the episode:  Ann’s E-Zine Ann’s Membership Site Connect with me on Twitter.    Listen + Subscribe Stitcher or Apple Podcasts   © Molly McPherson 2020Want More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...

With over 200 million people now using Zoom to connect (btw, that’s up from 10 million users from just a couple of months ago), this signals a major shift in the acceptability of using tech to communicate. If you’re using these platforms to conduct your business or for meetings, you’re definitely going to want to listen in on this episode. Communication expert Lauren Sergy spoke with me (on Zoom, natch) on techniques for presenting yourself in a polished and professional way during your video conference calls.   [6:28] Lauren and Molly talk about the shifts they’re both seeing in their businesses and clients. [9:21] Reasons why video conferencing is going to affect every business and industry moving forward.  [14:45] Tips for looking engaged and interested throughout the videoconference call as a participant. [15:54] Where to place your laptop, tablet, or smartphone, for optimal camera placement.  [17:13] Lighting tips using items you may already have at home. [18:56] How to set up an appropriate background for your videos. [24:23] Why it’s so important to make videoconferencing work for you sooner than later. [28:22] The best tools to invest in for quality audio.  [32:54] Should you be using a virtual background? [35:28] Acceptable times to choose an “audio-only” work call. Want More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...

Yes, Virginia, you can still brand your company during a crisis.  On this special BONUS episode of the podcast, learning how to market, brand and skirt a crisis in the time of the Coronavirus. As the owner and founder of Red Fan Communications, Kathleen Lucente has tapped into her extensive crisis management experience to help build crisis communications plans and strategies for clients during the pandemic. However, she doesn't think that means there isn't a place for branding and marketing.  How to connect your brand with customers during a crisis.  Mentioned on the podcast Red Fan Communications  COVID-19 Communicaiton Response Kit       Want More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...

In a time of crisis, most of us look to our leaders for both guidance and inspiration. In the turbulence of the current COVID-19 crisis, it helps to tap into the minds of former leaders. With over 36 years serving in the U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral (Ret.) Timothy Sullivan is an emergency management expert who knows his way around a crisis. On the podcast, bridging the leadership lessons from past incidents of significance to today.  [4:13] Ways that the COVID crisis compares to past crises Admiral Sullivan has experienced in the past. [6:25] Admiral Sullivan’s impressions of U.S. Navy Captain Brett Crozier’s choices when the story first broke vs. now.  [9:24] How communication styles of today likely changed the outcomes of Crozier’s decisions. [11:45] Admiral Sullivan’s take on how preparedness styles are evolving with technology and the lessons we can take from coronavirus. [14:20] Thoughts on empowering crew members. [17:58] Examples of flawed leadership from past crises and how we can improve in the future. [19:49] Admiral Sullivan’s advice on communicating with the media. [22:52] Crisis communication techniques that have stood the test of time.  [27:57] Advice for crisis management on the general level - like nonprofits or business owners, for example. [27:57] Advice for crisis management on the general level; like nonprofits or business owners, for example.Want More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...

Molly McPherson, the creator of the COVID-19 Communication Response Kit, speaks with public relations expert Julia Angelen Joy from Z Group PR, about the best leadership values for CEOs to possess during the coronavirus crisis. Mentioned on the podcast CEOs Will Lead Way Through Coronavirus, co-authored with Jocelyn Brandeis. Want More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...