The Kate Show – Episode Summary

Episode Title: PR & Media Opportunities: 5 Steps for Creating Your Own
Host: Kate (Socialite Agency)
Release Date: August 5, 2024

Episode Overview

In this episode, Kate guides interior designers, home stagers, professional organizers, and window treatment specialists through a practical, step-by-step approach to proactively build PR and media opportunities—even without influencer status or celebrity connections. She debunks common myths about media exposure, shares actionable strategies based on her proven methodology, and emphasizes making yourself genuinely marketable in order to create, not just wait for, the recognition your business deserves.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Mindset Shift: You Don’t Need to Wait for Opportunities

• Kate challenges limiting beliefs: Many professionals think only influencers or celebrities get featured, but that’s not true. Instead, you can position yourself proactively.
• Quote:
  "You don't have to be an influencer, you don't have to be in business for a long time in order to make this method work." (01:40)

2. Kate’s Media Success Stories (Real-World Evidence)

• She shares her own wins using the outlined process:
  • Featured in Brains Magazine and recognized as a Top 500 global entrepreneur.
  • Paid speaker for Honeybook.
  • Official media partner for Squarespace and Patriot Mobile.
• Quote:
  "So, I’m walking the talk... and you can too." (02:30)

3. Passive vs. Active Media Opportunities

• Passive: Sometimes you’re approached simply because of professionalism and niche focus.
• Active (most impactful): You seek or even create opportunities yourself, controlling your narrative and targeting your goals.
• Quote:
  "Other and honestly, most opportunities are active, meaning you pursue them personally or even create them yourself. These opportunities tend to be the most impactful." (05:55)

4. The Five Core Steps to Creating Your Own PR & Media Opportunities

Step 1: Identify Your Goal (08:00)

• Focus on brand exposure and positioning as a thought leader, not just client acquisition.
• Think long-term: exposure leads to bigger opportunities, not simply immediate sales.
• Reference: Listen to Episode 262 for deep dive into thought leadership vs. “mindless marketing”.

Step 2: Identify Your Audience (08:40)

• Go beyond services—define the audience (ideal clients, vendors, industry peers).
• Pinpoint where they get information, who they respect.
• Determine what you want to be remembered for (your story, expertise—not just “the organizer” or “the stager”).
• Quote:
  "You have to be clear on what do you want people to remember about you aside from your services." (09:12)

Step 3: Identify Your Methods (09:45)

• Three main avenues (mix and match):
  • Host: Invite respected figures to your events (virtual or in-person); this elevates your profile through association.
  • Guest: Offer to speak at others’ events or summits (local or virtual); doesn’t require you to be “famous”, just proactive.
  • Promoter: Publicize other industry events to your channels; builds goodwill and relationships, can lead to reciprocal visibility.
• Memorable Example:
  "Perhaps your design firm hosts an event and you invite, I don't know, LuAnn Nigara to come speak. Will she? I don't know. But you need to extend the opportunity..." (10:16)

Step 4: Identify Your Assets (16:50)

• Essential assets:
  • Professional photos (not just selfies; consider a branded photo shoot)
  • Audio/video of you speaking about your trade
  • Media kit/one-sheet (highlight expertise, speaking topics; not just vanity metrics like follower counts)
• Quote:
  "Having the media kit isn’t to showcase how many followers you have...it’s meant to make you more available to people who want to feature you." (20:41)

Step 5: Your Ongoing Strategy (18:00)

• Publicize every feature/partnership (website, emails, social media)
• Aim for at least 4 key “events” per year (hosting, guesting, or promoting)
• Build and nurture relationships with follow-up (preferably via email marketing, not just social, due to unreliable algorithms)
• Quote:
  "Do not rely on these people just following you on social...You have to be much more pinpointed about it. And that's why email marketing is a lot more effective." (20:00)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• "Making yourself marketable, by the way, ...is not the same thing as marketing your own business." (02:00)
• "Your goal is not to get clients directly from [PR]...this is actually thinking bigger than just getting more clients." (07:10)
• "If you want your business to get more exposure, you have to get more exposure. It has to be your face. Nobody can do it for you." (20:16)
• "Making yourself marketable is kind of like making yourself available. Like, I like to always picture a first date..." (21:48)

Actionable Takeaways

• Photo Priority: Don’t skimp on professional photography of you and your work—lack of images limits media potential.
• Media Kit: Use a ready-made template (Kate offers a free Canva-based kit at katethesocialite.com).
• Stay Consistent: Regularly connect with new contacts via email, not just social—consistency here compounds opportunities.
• Host or Attend “with Purpose”: Guesting means being a speaker, not just showing up at an event.
• Promote Others: Elevate your network while increasing your own visibility.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Common PR Myths & Mindset: 00:20–03:00
• Kate’s Own PR Journey: 01:50–02:30
• Active vs. Passive Opportunities: 05:46–06:15
• Step One—Identify Your Goal: 07:05–08:36
• Step Two—Identify Your Audience: 08:37–09:36
• Step Three—Methods (Host, Guest, Promoter): 09:36–13:17
• Step Four—Assets You Need: 16:49–18:00, 20:00–21:48
• Step Five—Ongoing Strategy & Email Marketing: 18:47–20:00

Resources & Next Steps

• Free Media Kit Template: Available via the top bar at katethesocialite.com
• Recommended Listen: Episode 262 (“Mindless Marketing vs. Thought Leadership”)
• Contact/Services: Explore ongoing marketing services and home-industry-specific Flodesk email templates under the Services tab on Kate’s website.

This episode is a practical guide packed with steps and real talk that encourages independent home industry pros to take control of their media and brand exposure with intention, professionalism, and consistent follow-through.