Staying Ahead of the Puck that is Google with Michael Cottam [Podcast]

by Amy Rosenberg | Feb 24, 2021 | Podcast, Public Relations, SEO

Staying Ahead of the Puck that is Google with Michael Cottam

“I skate to where the puck is going, not where it has been.” — Wayne Gretzky.

Somewhere in the middle of the PR Talk conversation I had with Michael Cottam he cited this quote in reference to how he approaches search marketing. This means that Michael doesn’t just focus on what Google is doing, he broadens his view to what Google will be doing. There couldn’t be a more fascinating way to think about the ever-evolving topic of search, and especially how it relates to PR.

Michael Cottam is a renowned search engine optimization (SEO) expert who many in the search industry already know. Beyond providing highly-coveted search consultation for clients, Michael is the founder of Visual Itineraries, which he calls his SEO “sandbox” because it is where he tests search theories for clients.

Always full of great information, I am normally talking with Michael either at a busy conference or while collaborating on a mutual client. So I took this dedicated time to really dig in and get my questions answered. Even if my questions are in the weeds or are very technical, I don’t care because it will help us help Veracity’s SEO PR clients!

Listen on Spotify

Listen on iTunes

Google Podcasts

Listen on Stitcher

Battle of the SEOs: Does Michael Agree with Rand About Links?

First, I had to know if Michael agreed or disagreed with Rand Fiskin’s notion that links are not nearly as important as they once were for SEO (check out the last PR Talk interview with Rand titled “The Wall Street Journal Problem” for more context).

Michael wholeheartedly agreed with Rand.

The backstory is that Google used to rank web pages higher in search engines by relying on quantifying their external links. But now, Google has improved its ability to recognize quality content within web pages. While links are still important, websites that thoroughly cover specific topics will in turn rank for those specific topics.

Google’s E-A-T Attempts to Take the Consumer’s Place

Michael explains that in addition to links, Google is now considering “E-A-T,” which stands for “Expertise, Authority and Trust,” to rank web pages. For example, Google can determine the authority of a web page by attempting to discover who wrote the page and then follow a trail back to previous content by that author. If the author has written authoritative posts and been included (mentioned) as a source in other websites, Google will consider them an expert, thus trusting the page. Therefore, thought leader names are becoming just as important, or possibly even more important, than company names — in terms of establishing credibility and resulting SEO.

Since Veracity handles a lot of guest article placement for thought leaders, I wanted to dig into this concept further. I would think that name credibility could be built by landing many guest article placements. However, Michael said that interviews (or getting names included in articles) by credible third-party sources (such as reporters) are just as important. You want a mix of both to build your thought leader’s name, as well as the company name.

The E-A-T concept allows Google to mechanically re-create what consumers would see along the decision-making process and ultimately what websites they would click on. In this way, Google essentially acts like a consumer to serve its customers (web searchers).

Schema Markup Can Help Us Tier Press Lists

Back to my favorite topics of links, if all else is equal, of course you’d place more intrinsic value on the website article that also provides a followed link to your website. However, we could also review the “schema markup” (a type of structured data) of web pages. This hidden code enables search engines to understand what the page actually is about — so it can more readily appear in searches. For example, appropriate schema markup will tell Google that a webpage is really a press article, as well as who published and wrote it.

PR people should not inquire or advise press/web contacts about schema markup. This is a much bigger deal than simply asking the press to add a link into a previously written article. Additionally, there are ways we can discover who is using ideal schema markup in order to tier websites/press by using Google’s Structured Data Testing Tool or Rich Results Test to see if the site is using structured data (see more about these tools in this Search Engine Land article).

Are No-Follow Links the Devil?

For a long time we have been talking about no-follow links not being very great for SEO. However, Mike Rosenberg has been unsure about this for a while, so we posed the question to Michael Cottam.

He said that Google cares very much about “user-generated links” (links generated by others), which are found on social media sites, such as LinkedIn and Twitter, and on forums and places like Reddit and Quora. You want a mix of outside press (links and/or mentions from other websites) and buzz from user-generated links, which are no-follow, because they show what is hot right now.

However, there should be a natural bell curve pattern in the links. You don’t want to do a bunch of Facebook ads to generate comments and links for users at only one time. Ideally, you’d get some outside press coverage first and then share that article on social media (with some budget behind it) to show Google that people are also talking about you, which will increase the search impact of the original article.

We talked about so much more in the interview. More detailed questions — such as how to approach keywords when writing press materials — were answered. And larger topics, such as: 1) how search and PR teams can effectively work together, and 2) if search and PR could ever be combined into one role. That was an easy no!

Don’t Miss an Episode

You can access more great episodes by subscribing to the PR Talk podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio and Spotify.

About the guest: Michael Cottam

Michael Cottam is the founder of Visual Itineraries, a sales closing and lead-generation tool for travel agents, and is an independent SEO consultant, focusing on technical organic search engine optimization, Panda optimization, and Google penalty recovery. The former SEMpdx board member is currently involved in the Rotary Club of Greater Bend, where he recently moved to be closer to the outdoors.

Connect and follow Michael on social media:

This episode of PR Talk is brought to you by PRSA Oregon

Throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington, PRSA provides members with networking, mentorship, skill building and professional development opportunities – whether you are a new professional fresh out of college or a skilled expert with 20 years in the industry. Check out PRSAoregon.org for more information on how membership can help you grow and connect.

“The Wall Street Journal Problem” with Rand Fishkin [Podcast]

by Amy Rosenberg | Feb 10, 2021 | Digital Marketing, Podcast, Public Relations, SEO

Rand Fiskin’s Very Good News, Launching a Pandemic-Era Company and Getting Audience Savvy

We were honored to have Rand Fishkin, co-founder and CEO of the audience intelligence software, SparkToro, on the podcast! Rand is probably best known for his previous role as the co-founder and CEO of the go-to SEO software, Moz, since he only recently made SparkToro available to the public this past April. In fact, he couldn’t have picked better timing to launch his new software right as the pandemic was kicking into full-gear. That was a joke.

On the podcast, we talk about a whole host of things, besides what it was like to launch during one of the worst crises our world has ever seen. In true Rand fashion, he expertly takes any topic thrown at him. I have briefly highlighted the topics below, offering you some quick Rand nuggets, but you’ll really want to dive deeper and listen to the interview for the full picture.

Listen on Spotify

Listen on iTunes

Google Podcasts

Listen on Stitcher

Managing “Prestige Coverage” Expectations

Rand categorizes expectations of garnering coverage in top-tier publications — what he calls “prestige coverage” — as “the Wall Street Journal problem.” What’s interesting is that at one time Rand was among those who presented “the Wall Street Journal problem” to others.

Telling us about a sizable investment he made in a PR firm as the founder of Moz, he re-analyzes the original goals (or lack thereof) that led to such high expectations. While the firm did generate prestige coverage, it didn’t make a tangible business impact.

Rand holds himself accountable for this PR mishap, saying that because his goals weren’t measurable in relation to their business effect, possibly they weren’t even goals at all. Today he would build his PR strategy starting with more specific goals that directly align with the goals of the actual business — bringing us into the natural segway of selecting PR audiences and media list building.

How SparkToro Helps PR People

When paired with concrete goals, earned media efforts can be targeted towards audiences that can help move those goals forward. This is where SparkToro comes in. The audience intelligence software helps marketers truly understand the consumption habits of their key audiences. Bringing “the Wall Street Journal problem” back into the equation, Rand and I discuss various instances in which audience intelligence comes alive.

For example, reviewing Moz’s past PR mishap as a case study, if they were attempting to reach search engine marketing decision makers, shouldn’t the PR team have directed their attention to the likes of a Search Engine Land rather than a Wall Street Journal?

While the PR team probably should have guided their client to naturally come to this conclusion, today this PR team could use SparkToro to analyze audience patterns. Perhaps even more important, we can lean on the platform for managing the “prestige coverage” expectations of others.

New Press Tab on SparkToro

However, what is not mentioned in the interview is that SparkToro recently launched a new Press List Building feature just for us public relations professionals! The new tab, called “Press,” displays the press outlets that specific audience types are consuming. This is different from how SparkToro already displays the social media accounts followed or websites visited by targeted audiences.

SparkToro Press Feature

Rand’s Very Good News About Links

Within this very detailed conversation about audiences, Rand provided PR people who are focused on search with some very good news! Apparently, we do not have to hustle as hard to include website links to our websites within the online news coverage we generate. Landing some really stellar coverage, only to tell the client that a link wasn’t included, has always been a disappointing struggle. Rand says that we don’t necessarily need to worry about this anymore since links are not as important as they once were for SEO. Getting brand and/or keyword mentions are just as good, if not better (depending on the outlet), than getting links.

Too good to be true? Ever the skeptic and over-analyzer, I asked renowned search expert, Michael Cottam, what he thought about this news. We’ll air his response in a very detailed and fascinating (to us search nerds) episode on February 24th. Tune-in then to hear if Michael has a yay or a nay for Rand.

Did I Call Rand Fishkin a Failure?

Oh yes I did, but it wasn’t by putting my foot in my mouth, which would be true to character. While talking about how launching a company in the middle of a pandemic—a sad fact is that when SparkToro launched, 15% of their email list bounced back, clearly indicating lay-offs—we compared this time to when he launched Moz in the middle of yet a different recession!

Therefore, Rand is no stranger to hard times. With that in mind, we also talked about the fact that Rand’s mom was also a founder and entrepreneur, which could quite possibly be one of the reasons he’s been able to turn unopportunistic times into opportunities for others through creating thriving businesses that provide jobs and much-needed services for companies and marketers.

Don’t Miss an Episode

You can access more great episodes by subscribing to the PR Talk podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio and Spotify.

About the guest: Rand Fishkin

Rand Fishkin is the co-founder and CEO of SparkToro. He’s dedicated his professional life to helping people do better marketing through his blogging, videos, speaking, and his book, Lost and Founder. When Rand’s not working, he’s most likely to be in the company of his partner in marriage and (mostly petty) crime, author Geraldine DeRuiter. If you feed him great pasta or great whisky, he’ll give you the cheat code to rank #1 on Google.

Connect and follow Rand on social media:

This episode of PR Talk is brought to you by PRSA Oregon

Throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington, PRSA provides members with networking, mentorship, skill building and professional development opportunities – whether you are a new professional fresh out of college or a skilled expert with 20 years in the industry. Check out PRSAoregon.org for more information on how membership can help you grow and connect.

A Public Relations Dictionary

by Amy Rosenberg | Jan 20, 2021 | Book, Posts, Public Relations, Resources

Jargon, Slang, Vernacular, Lingo, Definitions…whatever you want to call it

In any industry there are special words, expressions and phrases that are used within it. Many of these words have particular meanings that may be difficult for outsiders to understand. While writing “A Modern Guide to Public Relations” I created a dictionary. However, it ended up being too cumbersome to use in the book but we still thought it would be fun to share it with you!

Orphans: Singular words on a paragraph line. Similarly “widows” are a singular word at the top of a page. You want to avoid both. They are solo words from a first line that travel over onto a new line to sit all by their lonesome.

An Orphan example: Wait for it. It is coming. I know you are impatient but you must bear with me.

Beat: The particular area of interest a reporter covers for an outlet. Examples could be as broad as health, businesses and lifestyle; or lean toward such minutiae as the cannabis industry, dog-friendly activities and aerospace mechanics.

B-Roll: Secondary (hence B) video footage that can be sent and used by media to accompany a story.

Community Rags: Another name for local or community newspapers.

Copy: Words.

Drop-dead: This is your last-minute deadline, like really really this is the deadline, no, it really is, like your chances really will end, I am not kidding around, seriously dudes.

Earned Media: Media coverage that is not bought. PR coverage is often called earned media because you cannot buy it, you have to “earn” it through hard work or reputation, therefore it has more credibility.

Morning meeting: The most important thing to know about TV. Explained in the book.

Op-Ed: Short for “opposite the editorial page,” as these opinion pieces are usually printed on the opposite page of the editorial section where newspaper editors rant about issues.

Owned Media: Media that you produce yourself, so you own it. Blog posts, videos, podcasts, magazines and even entire online media rooms are examples of owned media.

Paid Media: Advertising or any other form of media that is purchased. TV spots, billboards, paid contributed articles, advertorials, Google ads, social media ads are all types of paid media.

Persona: Your target, whether it is press or your ultimate audience like a consumer or business decision-maker. It’s the person you mockup in your head via brainstorming or research that you ultimately need to sway. The term is mainly used in content marketing social media circles.

Police Scanner: A tool the media uses to listen in on conversations among local police so they can also be aware of emergencies. However, now they typically rely on Twitter for this.

PSA: Public Service Announcement.

Put the issue to bed: You’re done. The issue has gone off to the printer. No, they can’t get your pitch in now no matter how much you toss your hair and bat your eyes.

Rolodex

Rolodex: An ancient form of contact management, depicted as a manual card catalog of contacts.

Sound-bite: Quick, important bit of words that your press representative says, typically used for radio and television.

Spot: This is an old-school advertising term that means commercial. Many accidentally use the word in reference to earned media TV segments garnered without paying the outlet — unknowingly belittling the accomplishment. Anyone can get a “spot” with a little money.

Talking heads: People who are just talking in an interview on TV or at an event. Listening to someone drone on and on is typically boring for press — and many of us — hence the negative connotation of “talking heads.”

Voice Over: When a media member provides comment to accompany on-air photo or video footage.

Since today we finally submitted the “A Modern Guide to Public Relations” to Amazon — we thought that taking this huge step and leap of faith today, January 20th, the date that everyone has been waiting for, would be very meaningful to us — I am tired.

However, odd sayings and definitions abound in PR and by now I am mentally unable to rewrite what is already in the book. Therefore, if you have further questions about additional gems like: ghostwriting, bylined articles, SEO PR, and everything else under the traditional and digital PR umbrella, the book should be available on Amazon in a few days. Yay.

100 Episodes of PR Talk Podcast: Reunion with Cassidy Quinn [Podcast]

by Amy Rosenberg | Jan 13, 2021 | Podcast, Public Relations, Social Media

100 Episodes of PR Talk Podcast:
Reunion with Cassidy Quinn

We were honored to have our first-ever media guest back to celebrate the 100th episode of PR Talk.

We made it. It has been a long, albeit fun, four years as we reach the highly anticipated 100 episode mark that all podcasters must celebrate! Yes, you heard me right, 100 episodes of PR Talk. Humble beginnings that started with me rambling to a former staff member eventually led to hundreds of interviews with media members and thought leaders.

In honor of this momentous occasion, PR Talk brings back our first-ever media interview: Cassidy Quinn who was with KGW-TV during the interview nearly four years ago and has since started her own thing!

Remembering My Early Surprise at Cassidy’s First “Yes”

Before providing a rundown on what we talked about and filling you in on Cassidy’s current whereabouts, I want to pause and reflect on what it was like to go into the KGW Studios to conduct my first-ever podcast interview.

Without putting it mildly, I was floored when Cassidy quickly said yes to the interview request four years ago. Maybe you could call it imposter syndrome but I definitely wondered if I was out of my mind to think that the media, and Cassidy Quinn no less, would sit down with me on a podcast for a whole hour! PR people have a hard enough time just getting our pitches to run. But really, that was the whole point. Cassidy’s responsiveness proved to me that the media is kind and they do understand the value of helping PR people so that in turn, we can help them.

Cassidy Quinn on Veracity's ChalkTalk Podcast

Cassidy Quinn, PR Talk’s first media personality interview in March 2017

Nervous Butterflies Accompanied Me Into KGW-TV

I was nervous as I went into that first interview, mostly anxious about the equipment and being very sure to bring my own water bottle for some reason, afraid that my voice might give out. However, I amazingly do not think I over-prepared for the interview, as I tend to over-prepare for everything else with varying results. We probably had some questions in mind but we really just wanted to have an honest and engaging conversation with Cassidy and that we did.

Once in the studio, and recording, we talked about all kinds of things. She uncovered tips for getting on her show: at the time she was recording live segments for KGW’s “Live at 7” which she later went on to host, hence the show’s name change to “Tonight with Cassidy.” However, the show has been canceled because, coronavirus. We then moved on to her tips for pitching other media, her top PR pet peeves and even personal things like her online dating profile!

I left that interview with the encouragement and confidence I would need to spend four more years hustling to book even more media to spend their time and hard-earned expertise with me and PR Talk listeners.

Listen on Spotify

Listen on iTunes

Google Podcasts

Listen on Stitcher

Cassidy’s New Mental Health Focus and Ongoing Content

Now back into the present day, this second interview with Cassidy was conducted on everyone’s favorite, or dreaded, platform: good old Zoom! Celebrate our 100th episode with us as we take a trip down memory lane with Cassidy, while also learning about her new exciting projects.

Cassidy is now rocking it as her own #girlboss as a Content Creator, Mental Health Advocate and Host. She is now more dedicated to her own YouTube Channel than ever with a new twist: Mental Mondays that feature an honest account of how Cassidy is faring during these challenging times with her own anxiety, depression, and newly diagnosed ADHD.

While these longer YouTube episodes sound tough, Cassidy tackles them with a light ease that relates to all and her magician-like video editing skills make them very entertaining. Headliners include: “I got 8 hours of sleep for a whole month – here’s what happened,” “Let’s talk about the coronavirus,” and “How I figured out I have depression and anxiety.”

She also still uploads hilariously random videos to her YouTube channel, with headliners such as: “Meet my coworkers [and she’s pointing toward her plants],” “Shaving my boyfriend’s face in quarantine,” and “I followed a 4-year-old’s makeup tutorial.”

Cassidy’s New Podcast, “Mentally Together,” Releases on January 25

In other news about Cassidy’s work with mental health, she’s going to be releasing a podcast dedicated to this important topic on January 25 called “Mentally Together.” Be sure to have your headphones at the ready on that date!

In addition to all of this, Cassidy is still hosting the night time radio show over at 98.7 The Bull. Moreover, she’s putting her strong content and editing skills to use for others, helping companies with creating their own engaging content. To learn more, visit: https://www.cassidyquinn.tv/.

Don’t Miss an Episode

You can access more great episodes by subscribing to the PR Talk podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio and Spotify.

About the guest: Cassidy Quinn

Cassidy Quinn is a content creator and video blogger with a special interest in light-hearted mental health advocacy. Mental Monday videos are released weekly on her YouTube channel and a new podcast called Mentally Together will launch on January 25. She is also the night-time radio host at 98.7 The Bull. Previously, Cassidy was at KGW-TV for over six years, most recently as the host of “Tonight with Cassidy.”

Connect and follow Cassidy on social media:

This episode of PR Talk is brought to you by PRSA Oregon

Throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington, PRSA provides members with networking, mentorship, skill building and professional development opportunities – whether you are a new professional fresh out of college or a skilled expert with 20 years in the industry. Check out PRSAoregon.org for more information on how membership can help you grow and connect.

A Motivational Minute with Libra Forde [Podcast]

by Amy Rosenberg | Dec 30, 2020 | Podcast

Welcome the New Year with a Much Needed “Motivational Minute” with Libra Forde

Libra Forde on New Year’s resolutions, motivation during WFH, thoughts on job-losses and more!!!

As a way to bid one of the worst years in recent history farewell and provide a mental shift to the new start that will hopefully be 2021, I interviewed Libra Forde in honor of PR Talk’s 99th (!!!!) episode. There couldn’t be a more fitting interviewee for the momentous occasion of kicking 2020 in the ass (however, already providing a mental shift, watch Libra’s video, F_ck 2020…really?) and welcoming 2021 with Libra’s ever-popular “Motivational Minute” videos.

Libra happens to be the COO of one of Portland’s hallmark nonprofits, Self Enhancement, Inc., which guides underserved youth and families in our area. However, that’s not why I interviewed her. During these coronavirus times, I have gotten obsessed with the “Motivational Minute” videos Libra’s posted to her @BeTallLibra Facebook page well before the doldrums of 2020 caught up with us.

Listen on Spotify

Listen on iTunes

Google Podcasts

Listen on Stitcher

When the pandemic hit, I was trying to be the ultimate Type A mom (as Libra calls it), while also running a business. Not only did I feel the need to perfectly micro-manage the at-home curriculum the school had already given out, but I also added more work on top of their current curriculum—as evidenced by this photo accompanied by very braggadocious words. As time and stress marched on, not only did I forgo the extra school-work I’d aspired to, I was having a hard time keeping track of the work prescribed by their own schools.

This untrue “failure” on my part got me really down. However, I heard Libra’s inspiring words about homeschooling during COVID-19 in one of her Facebook videos and immediately felt better, giving myself the reprieve I so desperately needed.

The reason why her words were helpful in that instance, but also in many other instances for others, was because of how honest and true they were. Her motivation and inspiration is not “fluff” meant to trick you into feeling better by shading reality. Instead, her videos, ranging on all types of topics—from respect on social media and Black Lives Matter to getting back on your path and checking people’s receipts—speak to so many of us because of the realistic way in which the problems of life are presented.

I figured that all of us could benefit from a clean mental palate during this time when we are going into a new year. Libra and I address topics that can relate to all audiences (if you are not saddled with home-schooling), such as how to find motivation and energy while working from home, what to think about a forced job-loss, or what Libra really thinks about New Year’s resolutions!

Listen to the interview for thoughts on how Libra uses organization and planning to calm her nerves and keep stress at bay, along with more on Libra’s fascinating background as a reformed home-schooler (before coronavirus even!), how she started the video series and more.

Don’t Miss an Episode

You can access more great episodes by subscribing to the PR Talk podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio and Spotify.

About the guest: Libra Forde

Libra Forde is the Chief Operating Officer of the Portland nonprofit, Self Enhancement, Inc. However, her popularity has risen lately with her inspiring and honest “Motivational Minute” videos posted weekly to her @BeTallLibra Facebook page. A self-professed “thought partner,” Libra is a leader, speaker and change agent available for speaking engagements at LibraForde.com.

Connect and follow Libra on social media:

This episode of PR Talk is brought to you by PRSA Oregon

Throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington, PRSA provides members with networking, mentorship, skill building and professional development opportunities – whether you are a new professional fresh out of college or a skilled expert with 20 years in the industry. Check out PRSAoregon.org for more information on how membership can help you grow and connect.

Leadership with Ken Jacobs [Podcast]

by Amy Rosenberg | Dec 16, 2020 | Podcast, Public Relations

So, You Want to Be a Thought Leader? First, Become a Leader.

How to Become a Leader, With Leadership Coach: Ken Jacobs

A lot of our work at Veracity centers around positioning and building thought leaders, especially for our B2B clients. While we are lucky to work with many truly amazing leaders, I am sometimes stumped when giving clients advice on how to become thought leaders because I believe the journey begins well before positioning leaders in content pieces, speaking engagements or press interviews. It starts with becoming a leader.

Being at the beginning stages of my own leadership career, I thought I’d go straight to the source to find out all about leadership: to my leadership and business coach, of course!

This episode features leadership consultant Ken Jacobs, with Jacobs Consulting & Executive Coaching, which helps PR and marketing agencies, along with their leaders, achieve and surpass their goals.

Listen on Spotify

Listen on iTunes

Google Podcasts

Listen on Stitcher

In a wide-ranging conversation in which Ken delves into his top ten characteristics of an effective leader, we’re taken through a journey on how to become a leader, with important clarification on what leadership actually is. Hint: leadership is so much more than just a title!

Ken’s Top Ten Leadership Characteristics

#1: Conscious decision — Leaders first have to make a conscious decision to lead, at which point then they can have followers. It is important to remember that a leader cannot lead without followers.

#2: Vision — Leaders not only have vision, but they must share their vision with their teams.

#3: Values — Leaders effectively communicate their values and standards of quality to their teams.

#4: Trust — This goes both ways. Not only do leaders need to be trusted, they also need to demonstrate trust in their team members.

#5: Respect — A conversation about how to give constructive feedback ensues around the topic of trust.

#6: Courage — Decisive decision making is an example of how to demonstrate courage.

#7: Listen — As many leaders have said, we must listen more than we talk. Remember to listen empathetically.

#8: Celebrate failures — Both leaders and team members can learn and grow from the new paths that failures can bring forth.

#9: Empower, don’t delegate — A very interesting conversation about why delegating is so hard ensues around this topic.

Photo by Jake Hurley on Unsplash

#10: Reverse organizational structure — If a triangle represents traditional organizational structure, with the leader at the top, servant leaders turn this triangle upside down to picture themselves serving all who are above, or traditionally below, them.

As Ken and I dig into each of these ten topics, many interesting side conversations emerge, such as the difference between managing and leading and how emotional intelligence plays an important role in the daily lives of every leader, especially during these trying times. In true leader fashion, Ken uses his past failures to explain his learnings.

If you are interested in embarking on a path towards thought leadership, first listen to this interview to possibly redefine what leadership truly is. If you like what you hear, Ken is offering PR Talk listeners a complimentary hour on the phone to discuss your constantly-evolving leadership path. As a frequent dialoguer with Ken, trust me, this time will be well spent!

Don’t Miss an Episode

You can access more great episodes by subscribing to the PR Talk podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio and Spotify.

About the guest: Ken Jacobs

Ken Jacobs, PCC, CPC, an experienced consultant and certified coach, is the principal of Jacobs Consulting & Executive Coaching. For 10 years, his firm has helped agencies grow and manage business, improve client service and relationships, and enhance staff performance. It does so via consulting and training. In addition, through his executive coaching, he has helped leaders from C-suite executives to managers, achieve and surpass their goals.

Connect and follow Ken on social media:

This episode of PR Talk is brought to you by PRSA Oregon

Throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington, PRSA provides members with networking, mentorship, skill building and professional development opportunities – whether you are a new professional fresh out of college or a skilled expert with 20 years in the industry. Check out PRSAoregon.org for more information on how membership can help you grow and connect.