Here we are. Nearing the two year mark of the pandemic. TWO YEARS. The world seemingly shut down on March 16, 2020. 

​We’ve all heard of the newest buzzwords and phrases like “hop on a call”, “close the loop”, “nice to e-meet you”, “Zoom fatigue”, and “new normal”.

But is there a buzzword or phrase for COVID-related bad behavior?

Using COVID as an excuse for poor performance, not showing up (and I don’t mean just in a physical sense), not keeping promises, or honoring one’s word seems to be the norm.
​
We all know COVID has changed LITERALLY everything in our lives. At times like this I can’t help but think that we are stronger together – even if we’re still not physically 100% comfortable being TOGETHER. Human behavior has taken a hit. We have forgotten how to "be." 

I was curious about how COVID has changed us, as humans. Sadly - feelings of fear, anger, worry, and frustration are very common. I found research that shows physical reactions like headaches, body aches, stomach problems, and skin rashes. A lot of people have increased their use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. I know a lot of people who had COVID and experienced not only symptoms during infection, but after; brain fog, problems sleeping, unability to regulate body temp, to name a few.

Personally, I feel that my relationships have prospered. I met people from across the nation - and even globally - who I never would've had the opportunity to connect with. As my calendar begins to fill with both business and personal events, I am excited for what the remainder of 2022 will bring.  

I'm hopeful for new buzzwords - ones that are positive, encouraging, supportive. How about you?

xo
​Kel

The beginning of this newsletter [blog] is coming to you from my heart.

My great uncle Anthony passed yesterday. He was the last remaining family member of that generation, the youngest of four, my Pap's baby brother. Uncle Anthony almost made it to 90, just a few weeks shy, and ironically, he went to be with my Pap on what would've been Pap's 94th birthday. As my mom and daughter (My kids had a great, great uncle into adulthood - pretty amazing!) were posting tributes to him on Facebook I realized - I had zero photos with him. I can't find one. But it's funny; almost every picture they posted was taken at my house: years of Thanksgivings, Christmas Eves, summer picnics. I was in none of the pictures.

I joked that it was because I was fixing him his second or third plate - he loved nearly everything I made and ate so well when he was here - or that I was brewing him a cup of coffee that he would no doubt complain about... but in reality? I was just too busy. As a host or hostess, you're making certain food is hot, drinks are full, and people are happy. But what about the TIME you're supposed to be spending with those happy people? Once they're gone, they're gone.

We worry our hair isn't just so. We are wearing comfy clothes and 'aren't camera ready'. We say, "I'm coming", and busy ourselves in the kitchen and never do. It's all so silly, isn't it? Today, I'm both asking and telling you to take the photos.

❤ Rest easy UA - celebrations won't be the same without you. ❤

xo
Kel

 “A public relations professional is a bridge builder, building long-term relationships between a company or an organization and its publics based on two-way communication.”
~ Peter Jeff, Grand Rapids, Michigan public relations practitioner
 
I have always been a cheerleader. Not an actual cheerleader (except for a few years when I was very young) but a cheerleader in the sense of being a big supporter of others. I am constantly “team everyone else”, sometimes so much so that I talk other people up more than I promote myself. 

​P.S. - One sure sign of Imposter Syndrome is downplaying your knowledge or expertise and spending time putting attention on others, even though you know you’re just as - or more - experienced and capable. I’ve written about Imposter Syndrome, a few times, if you’re interested.
 
So, what is PR?
 
“Public relations is communicating what you believe in to important audiences, at the right time, to achieve a goal.”
~ Frank Walton, vice president of Ruder Finn Public Relations (1995)
 
Simply put – it’s the positive outreach that gets individuals and organizations noticed and in front of the public and their ideal clients and audiences. Don’t think of PR and publicists as a harried individual chasing after an out-of-control celebrity. Publicists are here for the GOOD, not just to help with unfortunate events and choices. (Although, that would be sort of fun, right?)
 
WHO needs a publicist?
 
Q: Who needs a publicist?
A: All public figures need a publicist.
Q: What’s a “public figure”?
A: Any person who wants to maintain or protect their image by getting coverage via print and digital publications, podcasts, radio, speaking engagements, and the like.
 
K2C has a lot of luck with authors – both fiction and nonfiction. I think becoming an author myself led me to attracting other authors. However, besides authors, nearly every person on this earth can benefit from a public relations campaign to spread positive news about themselves or the organizations they are associated with. 

Let’s break down the five reasons PR is a necessity.
 

1. PR amps up your other marketing initiatives. A proper PR campaign drives traffic to your website and encourage people to interact with you on social media.
   
   
2. It speeds up the Rule of 7. Did you know that approximately 2% of sales are made on the first contact and that approximately 80% of sales are made on the 5th contact*? The Rule of 7 is the cycle of seven touches necessary to make a sale. While a PR campaign shouldn’t be the ‘eggs in one basket’ approach to sales, it’s a nice addition to your other campaigns.
   
   
3. It’s a launch booster! If you’re launching a business, a book, or anything that you want attention for – the best way to spread the word is with a media campaign. Promoting an event or launch with a press release is the fastest way to get the word out.
   
   
4. PR can change how people view you or your business. Don’t let folks assume who you are or what you do. Provide the right message and change what people think about your brand.
   
   
5. Credibility. Seeing your name or your organization’s name “in lights” brings credibility. Speaking, contributing articles, and being interviewed are excellent forms of PR that can promote your brand and position you as an industry expert.

 
Expanding your network during COVID hasn’t been easy – I get it. If I hear the phrase “Zoom fatigue” one more time…

But, it’s not all a lost cause! You can still successfully promote yourself, your book, your company’s expansion, and all the good stuff that’s happening with a simple PR campaign. And, since so many people can benefit from a campaign, I’m offering a special for the month of February 2022.


Get the details on the Pitch Prep Package then, book a call with me and let’s get started!
 
And by the way this offer, for now, is only available to our newsletter subscribers and blog readers AND we are only accepting three clients for this package to provide the most value.
 
Let’s talk!
xo
Kel
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*Source: SMEstrategy.net