Leveraging Media in 2025

Hey there,

Let me tell you about a recent episode that felt like a mix of a soap opera and a lesson in business 101. A long-time friend of mine reached out with an unusual request: Could I play middleman in a conflict with a mutual colleague? The issue? Unpaid rent on an office space. Apparently, our mutual friend had rented space through them but had stopped paying, despite some earlier attempts at smaller, manageable payments. Things escalated to the point where calls were being dodged, and—the cherry on top—he’d blocked my long-time friend on social media. Yikes.

Now, knowing both individuals as genuinely good people, I wanted to help. But here’s the twist: I also needed to protect my own boundaries. So, I reached out to the colleague in question. We had a frank conversation where I relayed the situation. And as we talked, it became clear he knew he was in the wrong.

I shared a piece of wisdom from my own experience as a business owner: “I’m not a bill collector, and I don’t chase. If you owe me, it’s your responsibility to communicate and coordinate.” To my surprise, shortly after our talk, he reached out to my friend, and the payment issue was resolved. Later, I received a message thanking me for whatever I said to spark action.

This situation reminded me of an unshakable principle I live by as a small business owner: Resolving issues is always the priority. Whether it’s a client who’s fallen behind on payments or a service misunderstanding, communication is the bridge that gets us back on track. My livelihood doesn’t just support me; it supports my family, my team, and their families. Good or bad, communication requires active participation from both sides.

So here’s my quirky-but-serious takeaway: The next time you’re dealing with a sticky situation, channel your inner mediator. Stay calm, set boundaries, and don’t be afraid to remind people of the power of communication. Sometimes, a simple conversation can untangle the messiest knots.

Until next time, keep communicating and thriving.

Best,
Brandi Sims
Founder, Brandinc PR

Building a Media Kit That Stands Out

A media kit is your brand’s first impression on journalists, influencers, and potential collaborators, so it’s important to make it count. To create a media kit that grabs attention, start with a visually appealing design that reflects your brand’s identity. Use cohesive colors, fonts, and layouts that align with your branding.

Include key elements like a brief company overview, mission statement, product or service highlights, recent press coverage, and high-quality visuals, such as logos and photos. Don't forget to add testimonials or stats showcasing your impact.

You can also make it interactive! Add clickable links to videos, social media pages, or recent press coverage for easy access.

Lastly, personalize your kit for your target audience. Tailor the tone and content to suit the media outlets you’re approaching, ensuring relevance and engagement. A well-crafted media kit isn’t just informative, it’s a chance to connect.

Meta’s Moderation Shake-Up: What It Means for Brands and PR

🎙️ We Want YOU on Season 2 of The Brandinc PR Podcast! 🎉

Got a story to tell, PR gems to drop, or just want to share your brilliance with the world? Well, guess what? We're rolling out the red carpet (okay, maybe it's virtual, but still fabulous) for guest speakers! Whether you're a PR pro, a brand genius, or someone with a spicy perspective on the industry, we want to hear from you.

✨ Spots are limited, so don’t sleep on this! Slide into our DMs or hit us up at [email protected]. Let’s make podcast magic together! 🎧💥

Tools We Love (& Recommend)

Dissertation Insight: How amplified media messages can create engagement

In today’s media landscape, getting your message across to many people and generating engagement can be challenging. One way to get your message across is through amplified media, which can allow you to generate engagement by increasing your message to an ever-wider audience. This will allow more people to see and interact with your content through likes, comments, shares, and even have more people talking about you and your brand.

You can amplify your message by publishing and promoting your content across multiple platforms, like Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, and even TikTok that way, your message will be seen by a vast range of people of different ages who will interact with and engage in your content in distinct ways.

Another way to amplify your message will be by working with influencers. Influencers already have a built-in following and a strong connection with their followers. With just one post, they will be able to take your message and spread it across their following, which will create a boost in engagement in your message and brand.

Other ways to amplify your messages across social media are through UGC content, employee advocacy, and using the latest trends. However, it is important that you have a plan, know your budget, and are monitoring your results.

Learning Opportunities + Resources

Mark Your Calendar

Ready to kick your PR goals into high gear in 2025? 🚀
Join me for a Live Q&A where we’ll dive into actionable strategies to amplify your brand’s visibility, connect with the right media, and set a powerful PR roadmap for the year ahead. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your approach, this session is packed with insights you won’t want to miss! Bring your questions and let’s build your PR success together.

🗓️ Save the Date: January 25th 10am CT/11am ET
👉 RSVP here: https://lu.ma/i2li2nmc

Exclusive 1-on-1 Media Coaching 🚀

🎤 Lights, camera… confidence! Ready to own your next media moment? Our exclusive 1-on-1 media coaching session is here to sharpen your skills, boost your presence, and make sure you shine in every interview. Think of it as your personal backstage pass to PR greatness. Let’s turn those nerves into a mic-drop performance! 🚀✨