Podcasts Business Storytelling School Why DIY PR Can Give Your Stories Traction

Why DIY PR Can Give Your Stories Traction

Published: May 12, 2021, 7 a.m.

When you think of how businesses tell their stories via public relations and get picked up by top tier publications, you probably think of these huge organizations with tons of money spent every month--we’re talking $10,000, $20,000, and more--to get people noticed and in the spotlight. My guest today, Gloria Chou, doesn’t have a background in public relations. Yet PR is her life’s work, and she does have a very unique take on the industry.

Is it possible for early stage businesses to DIY when it comes to PR? How can those who fear rejection approach reaching out to journalists? Why do PR features speed up client and customer acquisition?

In this episode, you’ll hear Gloria’s rebuttal to the idea of public relations as nice to have but not needed in telling the story of your business, why some choose to advertise over acquiring PR skills, and why early-stage businesses should forgo holding out for specific publications and be open to all. We also talk about Gloria’s CPR Pitching Method™ as well as a couple of hacks to bring your stories to life and make your public relations pitches even better.

What you will learn in this episode:

  • What big PR mistakes early stage entrepreneurs make
  • What 3 things your pitches must have to get a response
  • How to get connected and find journalists starting today

Who is Gloria?

Gloria is a former TV producer and U.S. diplomat turned public relations mentor and pitch guru. Before her current role, she never worked in PR or had any industry contacts or journalist relationships. But she always knew she wanted to work in the industry and has spent all of her career using various media for storytelling that creates impact and opportunities for others. 

Gloria doesn’t believe in public relations as something only established businesses can and should benefit from, nor does she advocate spending money on ads or sponsored content as a way for new businesses to get off the ground. She’s made it her mission to work to empower the smallest, most bootstrapped business founders (some without even a website) to position themselves as leading thought experts ready to be on the front pages of major publications. 

She learned how to hack her own public relations by cold calling and emailing thousands of editors, learning what does and doesn’t work to create a winning methodology. Her CPR Pitching Method™ has helped thousands of small business owners build their credibility and get traction without the need for hiring an agency. Combined, Gloria has garnered her clients over a billion organic views in top-tier publications like Vogue, Fast Company, Forbes, the New York Times.

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