In this episode, hosts Karen Swim, APR of Solo PR Pro, and Michelle Kane of Voice Matters discuss self-reflection. They explore the growing feeling among communications professionals that something is missing, even if they love their work.

In a challenging economic climate, consistent business development is more crucial than ever for solo PR and marketing professionals. Hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane dive into practical strategies to refresh your approach and build a strong pipeline for the coming year.

In this episode, hosts Karen Swim, APR, and Michelle Kane explore the latest shifts in search, focusing on how AI is creating a more personalized—and potentially limited—search experience.

Hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane tackle the critical issue of misinformation and disinformation head-on. Triggered by a report revealing that nearly 45% of social media posts about the Cracker Barrel logo controversy were from bots, this episode explores the modern PR pro’s responsibility in a world of digital deception.

n this episode, hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane dive into a fascinating study about Generation Alpha—today’s kids and teens aged 0-15.

This week, Karen and Michelle discuss the complex landscape of modern communication, where the call for brands to be transparent can sometimes lead to backlash.

In this episode, hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane discuss practical strategies for helping clients navigate the minefields of public perception. They explore why it’s essential to be the ”little black cloud” that keeps clients aware of current events and public sentiment, even when clients are siloed in their own industries.

That Solo Life Episode 313: Strategies for Securing New PR Business in 2025 Episode Summary Karen and Michelle dive into optimistic data about the global growth of the PR industry and share strategic insights for solo practitioners looking to finish 2025 strong. Drawing from recent industry research, they explore emerging trends, niche specialization opportunities, and practical business development tactics that can help independent PR pros break through current market challenges and position themselves for future success. Episode Highlights PR Industry Growth Statistics (02:10) - Discussion of global PR industry expansion and what it means for solo practitioners Content Creation as Core Offering (03:06) - 76% of PR agencies now emphasize content strategy and creation services The Rise of Niche Specialization (04:18) - 37% of agencies focus on specialized industries like fintech and health tech Strategic Industry Targeting (05:40) - Identifying high-growth sectors with future potential, including infrastructure and healthcare Pricing Psychology (09:25) - Why charging more can actually win you more business Networking Beyond PR Circles (10:28) - Breaking out of industry echo chambers to find new opportunities Local Government Connections (11:18) - Building relationships with municipal leaders and borough managers Overcoming Business Development Fatigue (12:47) - Managing exhaustion while staying proactive in challenging times Key Takeaways The PR industry is growing globally, even if it doesn't feel that way locally Specializing in niche industries offers competitive advantages Infrastructure projects present untapped opportunities for PR pros Higher pricing often signals higher value to potential clients Networking outside the PR industry can yield unexpected opportunities Your skills are transferable across industries - don't limit yourself Small, consistent changes to your business development approach can yield big results Related Episodes & Additional Information Resources Mentioned: PR Lab: 150+ PR Statistics You Need to Understand the Industry in 2025 That Solo Life, Episode 215: From Barriers to Bridges with Mary Ellen Miller   Industries to Watch: Health technology and healthcare Financial technology (fintech) Infrastructure and public works Municipal and government communications Host & Show Info That Solo Life is a podcast created for public relations, communication, and marketing professionals who work as independent and small practitioners. Hosted by Karen Swim, APR, founder of Words For Hire and President of Solo PR, and Michelle Kane, Principal of Voice Matters, the show delivers expert insights, encouragement, and advice for solo PR pros navigating today's dynamic professional landscape. Ready to transform your solo practice? Don't let this episode's insights go to waste! Take action today by identifying one new industry or networking opportunity you can explore this month. Whether it's attending a targeted industry event or meetup, connecting with your local government officials, or raising your rates, small steps lead to significant breakthroughs. Subscribe to That Solo Life on your favorite podcast platform and never miss an episode packed with practical strategies for independent PR professionals. Have questions or success stories to share? Reach out to the hosts at soloprpro.com - they'd love to hear from you!

In this episode of That Solo Life, hosts Karen Swim, APR, and Michelle Kane delve into the untapped potential of three underutilized and niche social media platforms that PR professionals may be overlooking.

Barcelona Principles 2025: What PR Pros Need to Measure Now (Episode 310) Episode Summary In episode 310 of That Solo Life, hosts Karen Swim, APR, and Michelle Kane break down the latest update to the Barcelona Principles and what it means for independent PR and communications pros. They cover the shift toward outcomes that matter to the C-suite, the stronger alignment with AMEC’s Integrated Evaluation Framework, the role of qualitative and quantitative data, and why leveling up in measurement and AI will separate thriving practitioners from the rest. You’ll walk away with practical next steps, resources, and a nudge to price your expertise for the true value you deliver. Keywords: Barcelona Principles 2025, AMEC framework, PR measurement, qualitative and quantitative metrics, AI in PR, PR outcomes, stakeholder sentiment, media relations, solo PR pricing, communications strategy. Episode Highlights 00:00 – 00:24 | Welcome back to That Solo Life 01:39 – 02:41 | What’s new in the Barcelona Principles (2025 update + AMEC alignment) 02:49 – 03:05 | AVEs aren’t it: Why outcomes beat output every time 03:28 – 04:24 | The business case: Tie PR to revenue, cost reduction, and executive priorities 05:01 – 05:23 | Quant + qual: Why both matter for effective evaluation 05:36 – 06:11 | From “audience” to “stakeholders”: Measuring sentiment and behavior change 06:12 – 07:11 | Stop fearing data: You already synthesize information—now measure it 07:01 – 07:11 | Two skills that will set pros apart: Measurement and AI 08:01 – 09:24 | Using AMEC’s resources to build a measurement-first practice 11:02 – 12:26 | Measure your time and value: Why low-fee retainers undermine real PR work 12:37 – 13:01 | Plan → act → measure: Strategy comes first 13:16 – 14:07 | Career fuel: Leveling up skills can reignite your passion for the work 14:09 – 14:30 | Parting encouragement and next steps Highlights and takeaways: The Barcelona Principles update emphasizes business outcomes, not vanity metrics. Tie PR to revenue, cost of sales, risk mitigation, and reputation impact. Blend quantitative data (traffic, conversions, assisted revenue) with qualitative insights (sentiment, message pull-through). Use AMEC’s Integrated Evaluation Framework to plan from objectives to outcomes. Price for the strategic and labor-intensive nature of PR—measurement begins at planning. Invest in AI and analytics skills to future-proof your practice. Related Episodes & Additional Information Resources mentioned: PR News: Barcelona Principles 4.0: Reinventing PR Measurement for a New Era AMEC: Barcelona Principles AMEC: AMEC Integrated Evaluation Framework (plan, measure, and evaluate end-to-end) Solo PR Pro (training, community, and tools for independent practitioners) Related episodes to queue next: The Measurement Strategy You Need to Grow Note: Links are provided for educational purposes. Always adapt frameworks to your client’s specific goals, audiences, and market conditions. Host & Show Info That Solo Life is a podcast created for public relations, communication, and marketing professionals who work as independent and small practitioners. Hosted by Karen Swim, APR, founder of Words For Hire and President of Solo PR, and Michelle Kane, Principal of Voice Matters, the show delivers expert insights, encouragement, and advice for solo PR pros navigating today’s dynamic professional landscape. Join us again! If this episode helped you, subscribe, rate, and leave a review—it helps more solo pros find the show. Share this episode with a colleague who’s rethinking their measurement approach. Visit Solo PR Pro to keep leveling up your practice.

This week on That Solo Life, hosts Karen Swim, APR, and Michelle Kane unpack this“Hot Mess Summer”—the surprising, cringey, and cautionary moments that shaped the season for PR and communications pros.

Episode Summary In this episode of That Solo Life, hosts Karen Swim, APR, and Michelle Kane dive into the unique challenges PR professionals face when their exceptional skills at work start to interfere with their personal lives. From overthinking to overworking, they explore how these traits, while beneficial in the professional realm, can hinder personal growth and enjoyment. Karen and Michelle share personal stories, practical advice, and encouragement to help solo PR pros find balance and live a more fulfilling life. Episode Highlights [00:18] Introduction: Karen and Michelle set the stage for today’s topic. [01:00] The double-edged sword of overthinking: How it makes PR pros great at their jobs but can complicate personal life. [03:16] Acknowledging the problem: The first step to overcoming overthinking and overworking. [04:41] Personal stories: Karen and Michelle share how they’ve learned to step back and prioritize fun. [08:10] The importance of taking breaks: Why PR pros need to take their foot off the gas routinely. [10:07] Finding intentionality: How being deliberate about work and personal time can lead to a healthier balance. [16:07] Learning to say no: Why “no” is a complete sentence and how it can protect your mental health. [17:22] The power of fun: How rediscovering joy can make you better at work and in life. [18:12] Final thoughts: Encouragement to put your PR tools away at the end of the day and live a full, rich life. Related Episodes & Additional Information Related Episodes: That Solo Life, Episode 299: The Can Do Spirit of PR Practitioners Crosses Generations That Solo Life, Episode 205:The Land of the Wounded: Mental Health and PR    Additional Resources: Dr. Tracey Marks: How to Stop Overthinking  Healthline: 14 Ways to Stop Overthinking Host & Show Info That Solo Life is a podcast created for public relations, communication, and marketing professionals who work as independent and small practitioners. Hosted by Karen Swim, APR, founder of Words For Hire and President of Solo PR, and Michelle Kane, Principal of Voice Matters, the show delivers expert insights, encouragement, and advice for solo PR pros navigating today’s dynamic professional landscape. Join us next week! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe to That Solo Life on your favorite podcast platform and share it with your network. 

Tune in to this powerful episode of That Solo Life featuring Melissa Vela-Williamson, APR, Fellow PRSA, CDP,  an accomplished PR strategist, author, and advocate for inclusivity in communication. Hosts Karen Swim, APR, and Michelle Kane sit down for an intimate chat with Melissa, discussing her inspiring career and successful personal brand.

In this episode of That Solo Life, hosts Karen Swim, APR, and Michelle Kane tackle the significant and timely topic of ”Media Under the Influence.” Together, they explore how modern-day pressures, including governmental interference and financial constraints, are impacting media integrity.

On this episode of That Solo Life, co-hosts Karen Swim, APR, and Michelle Kane explore the current state of social media and offer practical advice for staying relevant and strategic.

This episode dives into AI’s potential to reshape the PR industry, with insights from the World Economic Forum’s ”Future of Jobs 2025” report.

Join hosts Karen Swim, APR and Michelle Kane as they welcome Veleisa Patton Burrell, an accomplished PR professional and educator. Together they explore the twists and turns of Veleisa’s career—from solo entrepreneurship to agency life, and now as an adjunct professor guiding the next generation of communicators.

In this episode of That Solo Life, co-hosts Karen Swim, APR  of Solo PR Pro and Michelle Kane  of Voice Matters explore the growing trend of adopting an “AI-first” strategy in business and marketing.

What’s it really like to hop the fence between corporate life and solo entrepreneurship? Join co-hosts Michelle Kane of Voice Matters and Karen Swim of Solo PR Pro in this lively discussion about the contrasts between these two worlds.

In this thought-provoking episode of That Solo Life, Karen and Michelle take a critical look at the current state of social media and the challenges of thoughtful engagement in a world dominated by clickbait culture.