Are you making the most of your nonprofit's public relations efforts? In this episode, I sit down with Aquila Mendez, founder of Haute in Texas PR and marketing agency, to explore how organizations can maximize their PR strategies and create lasting impact.

The Evolution of Public Relations
- How PR has become more integrated with marketing
- The importance of building relationships with media outlets
- Strategies for crafting compelling, newsworthy stories

Maximizing Your PR Efforts
- Repurposing press releases across multiple channels
- Creating a crisis communication plan before you need it
- Leveraging thought leadership to build credibility

Crafting Effective Pitches
- Focusing on superlatives and data points
- Using clear, jargon-free language
- Highlighting the true impact on your community

Building Strong Agency Partnerships
- What to look for when hiring a PR agency
- Questions to ask potential partners
- The importance of trust and alignment in agency relationships

Whether you're just starting to explore PR or looking to refine your existing strategy, this episode provides valuable insights to help your nonprofit amplify its message and reach new audiences.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from an industry expert and take your organization's storytelling to the next level. Tune in now and discover how to harness the power of public relations for your cause.

Want to Skip Ahead? Here are Key Takeaways:
04:09 The Changing Landscape of PR Public relations has evolved to work more closely with marketing, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and relationship-building.
11:49 Crafting Effective Press Releases Learn strategies for creating press releases that resonate with media outlets, including the importance of being prepared with supporting materials.
19:38 Pitching Media Successfully Discover the key elements of an effective media pitch, including focusing on superlatives, data points, and clear, jargon-free language.
28:25 Choosing the Right PR Partner What to look for when hiring a PR agency, including understanding their philosophy and approach to measuring ROI.

Aquila Mendez Valdez
Aquila is the Founder of Haute in Texas, an award-winning PR and Marketing agency. She’s been asked to speak to audiences across the US, Europe and Asia, and has been featured in Forbes, Newsweek and The Telegraph, in addition to numerous TV appearances and podcasts. Her blog collaborations and client roster feature some of the world’s biggest brands, including Vogue, Prada, Lincoln, Neiman Marcus, Kendra Scott, Orangetheory. She is also the founder of Haute in Network Agencies, a franchise model to help other women own their own agencies, and was named a San Antonio Biz Journal 40 Under 40 honoree.

Learn more at hitpr.com

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net
Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours

Growing pains are an inevitable part of any organization's journey, whether you're a nonprofit or a tech startup. In this episode, I sit down with Deirdre Tshien, co-founder and CEO of Capsho, to explore the challenges and triumphs of scaling a business in the ever-evolving AI landscape.

Navigating the Ups and Downs of Growth
Deirdre shares her candid experiences of:
- Pivoting and refining Capsho's focus in response to market changes
- Balancing innovation with staying true to the company's core mission
- Overcoming the temptation to please everyone and learning to say “no”

The Power of Listening to Your Audience
Discover why tuning into your community's needs is crucial for sustainable growth:
- How Capsho uses customer feedback to guide product development
- The importance of validating ideas before investing resources
- Strategies for prioritizing features that truly serve your audience

Staying Focused in a Competitive Landscape
Deirdre offers insights on:
- Managing imposter syndrome when faced with new competitors
- The value of “staying in your own lane” and focusing on your unique strengths
- Cultivating an abundance mindset in a crowded market

Lessons for Nonprofits
While Capsho isn't a nonprofit, Deirdre's experiences offer valuable takeaways for mission-driven organizations:
- The importance of setting clear priorities and avoiding mission drift
- How to approach growth opportunities with a critical eye
- Balancing innovation with staying true to your core purpose

Whether you're considering a new initiative, struggling with decision-making, or feeling overwhelmed by competition, this conversation will inspire you to approach growth with intention and confidence.

Want to Skip Ahead? Here are Some Key Takeaways.
04:40 Mindset for Growth and Scalability Explore the mindset needed for business growth, focusing on setting immediate, achievable goals rather than long-term projections. It is import to stay adaptable in rapidly changing industries and maintain focus on core objectives while managing growth.
09:20 Focusing on Core Mission and Adapting to Market Changes Capsho when through a journey of refining its product and target audience. It's always important to stay true to the company's mission while being responsive to market changes and customer needs. Discusses strategies for prioritizing development and expansion decisions.
17:57 Validating Ideas and Prioritizing Resources It's Important to validate new ideas through customer willingness to pay. Explore strategies for prioritizing limited resources and the challenges of saying no to seemingly good opportunities that don't align with core objectives.
24:09 Listening to Users and Managing Competition Listen to paying customers for product development decisions. Manage imposter syndrome and stay focused on your own goals in a competitive market. Tune out the noise and stay true to your mission.

Deirdre Tshien
Deirdre Tshien is the Co-founder & CEO of Capsho, the fastest way to get clients from your content!

Capsho is an AI-Powered Content Marketer that helps entrepreneurs who podcast, vlog and livestream create repurposed content that converts. From one audio or video upload, Capsho helps create title & description, social media posts, blog post, lead magnet checklist, LinkedIn Newsletters, images and short video clips.

She is the creator of The Honey Trap Method, author of Honey Trap Marketing and host of the Win the Content Game. She is a 2023 Honoree of the 100 Women to KNOW in America.

Learn more at capsho.com

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net
Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours

Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and on the brink of burnout in your nonprofit work? You're not alone. In this episode, I sit down with Rob Tracz, a personal performance coach dedicated to helping driven individuals achieve success without sacrificing their well-being.

Rob shares his powerful journey from severe burnout to becoming a champion for sustainable success. He reveals how his relentless pursuit of “shadow success” led to deteriorating relationships, declining health, and missed opportunities with loved ones.

Key Insights on Preventing Burnout
Learn practical strategies to recognize and combat burnout:
- Identifying early warning signs in your routine and habits
- The importance of intentional consumption – both nutritional and digital
- Creating a support system through the “team triangle” concept
- Balancing challenge and recovery in your work

Supporting Your Team and Organization
Discover how leaders can foster a culture that prevents burnout:
- The critical role of open communication and psychological safety
- Implementing seasons of intensity and recovery in your organizational calendar
- Leading by example in prioritizing well-being

Personal Strategies for Thriving
Rob offers actionable advice for individuals:
- Introducing small, manageable challenges to reignite motivation
- Leveraging your personal values and strengths to guide decision-making
- Building a network of mentors, peers, and cheerleaders for support

Whether you're a nonprofit leader looking to support your team or an individual seeking to reclaim your passion and energy, this episode provides valuable insights to help you thrive in your mission-driven work.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to create sustainable success and avoid the pitfalls of burnout. Tune in for a conversation that could transform your approach to work and life.

Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways:
04:09 Recognizing Early Signs of Burnout Rob shares personal indicators he overlooked, including falling into mundane routines and neglecting intentional consumption habits.
14:38 The Team Triangle Concept Learn about creating a support system with mentors, peers, and cheerleaders to navigate challenges and maintain accountability.
22:39 Balancing Push and Recovery Strategies for determining when to persevere through challenges and when it's time to pivot or let go.
28:53 Creating a Culture of Well-being Tips for leaders on fostering an environment that prioritizes communication, support, and sustainable success.

Rob Tracz
Rob Tracz is a Personal Performance Coach who specializes in guiding driven individuals through the challenges of balancing success with personal well-being.

With his unique approach, Rob helps business owners, leaders, and professionals break through stagnation, align their personal and professional goals, and create sustainable success. His coaching is built on six core principles—Resilience, Intentionality, Clarity, Optimization, Social Support, and Opportunity—giving his clients the tools they need to thrive under pressure while maintaining a fulfilling life.

Beyond coaching, Rob is an engaging speaker, strategist, and entrepreneur who is passionate about helping others unlock their full potential without sacrificing what matters most.

Learn more at RobTracz.com & SurvivingtheSideHustle.com
http://instagram.com/robtracz

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net
Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours