According to Andrew Davis (bestselling author), content marketing is important because “content builds relationships. Relationships are built on trust and trust drives revenue.” In line with this, Disney’s documentary on Stan Lee (aptly named after him) is a masterclass on exactly what it takes to achieve those results in your business, as it relates to the following principles. #1 Authenticity In order to build relationships with others, we must first get to know ourselves. This is because “a healthy relationship only thrives when two people can show up as themselves” (Ibinye Olayide (Marriage and Family Therapist)).  We see this in action through Lee’s life in that he describes himself as being “miserable” before he eventually decided to write the kinds of comic books [...]

In Mignon Francois’ book, “Made From Scratch: Finding Success Without A Recipe,” she shares her journey of turning $5 into $12 million through her cupcake business (The Cupcake Collective). She attributes this success to 5 key ingredients: the ability to “quit quitting, be regimented, practice your craft, get rest [and] believe in you” in the hopes that we would be able to take her recipe for success and make it our own.  With this in mind, here’s how you can take those same steps and leverage them for PR success: #1 Quit Quitting  We have all heard it before. Sometimes it’s loud, other times it’s a silent whisper. Self-doubt is that voice in our heads that often stops us in our tracks. It [...]

According to Ibinye Olayide (Marriage and Family Therapist): “It’s important to show up authentically so that genuine intimacy [can be shared]. Intimacy helps people feel safe, share their struggles and their joys and develop a deep level of closeness. When we do not show up authentically…the level of closeness [within a relationship] will be limited”. These principles are also true as it relates to cultivating a community around your brand or business because, as the old adage says, people will only do business with people that they know, like and trust. But how do we go about achieving this?  Sheryl Lee Ralph’s recent Ted talk is a masterclass on exactly what it takes to show up authentically as it relates to her. #1 [...]

John Maxwell once said that “we live in a culture that rewards image- often over integrity. We promote people who appear to have their act together, and encourage others to do the same”. With this in mind, it makes sense that leaders might err on the side of caution when it comes to content marketing and PR by only sharing their achievements or highlight reel. However, one of the biggest lessons that we can glean from Simone Biles’ actions at the Olympics is that leadership does not require us to break ourselves in the name of perfection. Not only is it okay to be human, it’s okay not to be okay and show it! This is important from a PR perspective, especially, because- [...]