Hi guys, welcome to another weekly Facebook live. I'm Jen Berson. I'm the founder of generation PR the creator of the pitching powerhouse podcast, the founder of the profitable PR pros community. And we are also, um, the new owners of PR couture. We recently acquired that business from Crosby, who is now on our board as a strategic advisor. Um, I go live every single Thursday with a new training for PR professionals to up level their skills and to just generally, uh, crush it when it comes to pitching the media and running their businesses. Um, so I'm gonna wait a second, cuz I know I still have people coming on. Okay. There's a few people on, I don't like talking to nobody. cause it feels so weird. I'm just like all excited and happy and there's nobody there. But um, I'm so excited about this topic, cuz I feel like this year we finally got ahead of it and we have, you know, my team's always pitching, uh, gift guides on time, but when it comes to the content for the community, I feel like we haven't gotten ahead of it so early.
Hi Sally. Um, so I'm excited because we have nailed the timing. Like we mentioned it to the team and they're like, we're on it and they got everything done for this content early so that we can get this on your mind and get you to start thinking about it when the editors are thinking about it. I mean, that's why we're so early. So we're gonna dive into this stuff. Um, I'm excited today. It's my 15th anniversary with my husband. Um, who's just so awesome. I was like all teared up a few minutes ago because one of his, uh, closest friends sent him the most awesome video message and just, you know, talking about him as a man and like the man he's grown into and like his love for his family. And I was like, huh, it's all true. Uh, hi Nicole. Hi, Andrea. How are you? I haven't seen you on one of these. Um, I hope all is well, I hope you're feeling good.
Um, yes, Nicole, I'm happy you're here. Okay. So we're gonna be talking about holiday gift guides. Um, I got, I got stuff for you today. Um, and last week's content also centers around this. We just wanted to, like I said, get it on your radar and get you thinking about it at the right time. Oh good. Yeah. Hi Serena. Oh good. I'm so happy to hear that, Andrea. Um, oh yeah. And we saw also that, you know, you came, you came through, we chatted about um, oh yay Chelsea. Um, we saw Andrea that you, um, uh, you know, we had that conversation about the pitch lab and I saw that you jumped right in. So I'm really happy for that. Um, and I'd love to hear how your team and how you guys are liking it. So let me know, but okay. Gift guide season.
Um, so this topic right now is gonna center around how, um, PR can support the client's holiday marketing initiatives. So we want to really set you up for success to support your clients during the holiday season. Um, you and anybody who's a regular will notice that my mic setup is so much better. I have figured it out I got all new everything. Um, awesome. Nicole. She said I've been getting so much value from the accelerator. I am so, so, so happy to hear that. Um, I got like a new stand. I got a shock Mount. I got a new cable. I got a new pop thing. Hi Kelly. Um, so happy you're here. So my audio has been garbage, but it is hopefully better. I would love to hear from you guys if it actually sounds better, it's been crackling and staticy and terrible and it's awful.
And I'm so sorry. I once read that audio, like video can be okay, but people can't stand bad audio because it's like it makes their, you know, skin crawl. So they'll turn off something that has a bad audio sound. So, um, I hope that this is better anyway. Okay. So we're supporting our clients during the holiday season. I wanna talk about this because we want to end the year strong because that's how they consider what you're gonna contribute to them in the new year and like locking in your budget and maybe even having another, um, meeting to firm up some new initiatives you can do for them in the new year, charging them additional, uh, retainer to provide extra services. So it's like usually the year ends strong with our clients and they're really happy. And then we get on a call and they're like, what else can we do?
And they increase the retainer. Um, it's a lot easier to grow your retainer from existing clients, um, adding new services and retaining them than it is to kind of find brand new clients. So we want to end the year strong and we wanna support clients during the holidays with a strategic plan that will help you get ahead. Um, and the main way that you're gonna support them is through holiday gift guide pitching. So we're gonna talk about that. Um, you know, first what are gift guides? I mean, we kind of, as PR pros feel like they're one of the best and easiest ways to get our clients products showcased in front of their ideal customers who are actively looking for things to buy. That's what gift guides are basically. Um, it's really powerful because it is getting it in front of them at the right time when they have purchasing decisions to make, when they're in front of their computers and they're actively seeking out things that they wanna buy for all the people on their list, all the people in their lives.
And, um, they almost always, uh, are for product based businesses, which is my expertise. So if you're working with that kind of a business, it's really important to get ahead of, uh, a pitching strategy so you can master it. And that's why I love that. We're talking about it now because the timing is right. It happens across all types of platforms. So if, if it's on, um, digital media outlets, there's print versions of those publications and then their online versions, there's we we're seeing them across social media. We're seeing them even featured on TikTok, uh, not TikTok podcast TikTok probably, but I'm not, I haven't seen it yet. Myself podcasts during interviews, um, you know, they can link out in the show notes. Lot of places are featuring gift guides, TV shows, of course, you know, morning shows, um, talk shows like it's an ongoing thing.
We know it's coming. It happens every single year. And we know it's really challenging because everybody, you and everybody else wants their products featured in there too. So journalists have a variety of options to choose from. They're usually sampling things and it's, um, you know, it's kind of like a free for all. I just remember there was one issue of a magazine. I think it was O magazine. Um, but it was Oprah's teams behind the scenes and their offices. I think it was like getting their office organized in the new year. And they made some kind of passing comment about all of the things that they got for gift guide consideration and all the things they had to get rid of. And they showed like a warehouse and I was like, oh my God, my client's products are in there somewhere. Like this is crazy.
Um, we know it's competitive, so I wanna help you hone your pitching skills and help you learn everything you can about holiday gift guide pitching because that's really the key to success here. Um, next week we're actually doing a really deep dive. I'm hosting a, a live masterclass for holiday gift guides. It's a week from today at this exact time. So I won't be doing a Facebook live, but if you're in the pitch lab, it's included in your membership. Several of you on here are in the pitch lab. If you are not, I'll put a link, you can save your seat here. Um, and then there is a, a small cost to attend. But if you, you know, buy any of our programs after that, um, we'll just apply what you paid, you know, cuz it's in the, it's in the pitch lab. So if you join the pitch lab, you already paid for it.
We'll credit you for that. Um, we usually only offer these master classes for members inside, but I wanted to open it up because this one's really important for all PR pros to get on this timing now. And I'm gonna talk about when to start pitching for your clients. Obviously we're gathering that information now, what trends to keep in mind when you're pitching for the holidays, how to prep before pitching. So your clients are lined up and set up to land those key placements and a lot more, just really anyone who comes to our master classes. They're tactical, they're practical. We wanna give you marching orders. So you just know exactly what to do. So I have three reasons here. Why holiday gift guard, gift guides are really important to supporting your clients' holiday marketing campaigns. The first reason is people are really consumed with all kinds of media during the season.
Um, you know, kids are outta school. Adult adults are taking vacation time. People are using the internet at higher levels. They're searching for things to buy. They're searching for, you know, entertaining ideas, um, travel ideas, you know, cuz they're visiting family, the surge of time on their hands and being online is really important for us as PR pros to take advantage of and you have an opportunity to reach way more customers for your clients because people are looking for new brands. They're looking for ideas to shop with and promotions that they can experience. It's usually searching for even those, uh, black Friday cyber Monday deals giving Tuesday what's Wednesday gonna be, I don't know when it Wednesday free stuff. I don't know. Um, but they're looking for those deals. They wanna, I know a lot of people do the bulk of holiday shopping during the biggest promotions of the year.
So get it in front of them, get it in front of them early. The second reason is, um, you know, right up leading up to the holidays, we tend to see media craving more stories. They they're looking for great stories. They're kind of moving at a faster pace and that's why it like leads up to the end of the year. And those December issues are really big and meaty with a lot of different ideas. And then, you know, like holiday gift ideas, entertaining ideas, um, cooking ideas, you know how to make the holidays meaningful. And then January, like, you know, typically print magazines are a little skinny like boo, because they're also checking out, you know, they've been working really hard and now it's time to kind of have a little recoup over the holidays. And that's why January tends to be a little thin, but they're working on those books way ahead of time.
Cuz they're vetting things. They're figuring out what they wanna write about. So, um, we know that leading up to the holidays, the media is craving, um, our craving, I should say great stories. They move at a faster pace. So while our clients kind of take time off and slow down before the holidays, media kind of tends to work consistently, especially digital publications because they tend to pivot as they go with, um, short lead opportunities for overnight shipping deals and then digital, like the very last sort of thing we see for gift ideas or um, digital downloads, gift cards and things like that. So they're online, they're still working even though your clients and you maybe kind of slow. Um, so it's a good op opportunity to buckle down and, you know, leverage that time and focus on some last minute PR efforts that maybe other people have stopped pitching.
And so it's important to know what initiatives your clients have as it moves forward to the holidays because having that insight that they're gonna have overnight shipping for free starting December 20th or whatever, you need to know that because that's worthy of pitching because it will align with short, um, what is it called last minute, uh, gift ideas. And the other reason, the last reason three is people are purchasing and that is going to end your real, your really strong, they're gonna see some really demonstrable ROI from your features. So it's hard. We know it's really hard if not impossible to track ROI, um, online makes it a little easier, Google analytics and all that, but you don't know how many times these customers have seen your client's products, where they first discovered them. Um, maybe the last point where they transacted is the third or fourth time they've seen it.
We don't know, but we, and we also know that PR isn't necessary to drive sales. Um, we know that we're not responsible for sales, but during the holidays you have an awesome opportunity to drive those sales and wow, your clients, it just is correlated and you will see hopefully a spike in features and then that'll result in people actually transacting and buying. So it allows you to look awesome with your clients and end the year really strong, which is what I always wanna do. We just always want to, um, clients wanna see their products in there. So we time it, right. And you get a leg up on it so that you're able to end the year strong and then have that, you know, 20, 23 planning session and increase your services, increase scope, and at least sign on a new contract, you know, whatever you're looking for.
So when should you start pitching holiday gift guides now, um, any PR pro you know, knows this. I know it sounds sort of crazy because it's only June to start thinking about the holiday season, but this is like your ideal prep time. And you can start this process by, you know, uh, thinking about the holidays for your clients, getting on calls and talking with them about what they're doing. You know, you map out a strategy for any and all relevant holidays like black Friday, small business, Saturday, um, cyber Monday, giving Tuesday partnerships, um, any gift guides, you know, product sets that they're launching. We have clients that will do like a limited edition holiday set. I'm helping one of our clients do a really special, limited edition, um, item. That's gonna be like very limited, like very expensive, but only 10 available. And it's gonna go towards supporting, um, some of their charitable initiatives.
So that will be really fun to pitch, um, because it's like a fantasy gift that will do some good in the world, which is kind of exciting. But we want you to take advantage of both those long lead and short lead gift guides. And those long lead are starting to think about it in like July, they're calling in products, July, August, if you're not pitching until August, September, you are done that ship has sailed. Okay. Just remember that. Um, it's now, so it now is the strategy planning time we're gonna talk about in that, um, gift guide masterclass, what goes into your strategy and go, you know, this is very top level here. This is really just focused on, um, enhancing their marketing initiatives, but we're gonna give you in that masterclass next week, step by step by step, what you need to be doing.
Um, you wanna do your research and get creative, get creative ahead of time. So think about what different types of outlets would be like media outlets, TV, digital print, what would be good to use, um, during the holiday season for, uh, what, what different types of outlets would be good to use during the holiday season for each of your clients? So coming up with unique pitch angles, it's the same, it's strategic targeted, timely, relevant pitches, but timing it shifts way early and targeted can be as specific as the gift recipient, you know, does that person like to barbecue? Sometimes we see gift guide lists for the avid chef or the yoga, like the, you know, wellness, yoga, Yogi, or like it's very, very specific like how granular they get on some of these gift guides. And the more as the years, like as the years move on, we see it get even more and more, you know, dialed in.
Um, sometimes it's, uh, price point relevant, but you wanna think about the whole array of stuff your client has to offer any special promotions, any special gift sets with holiday packaging, is it pre gift, you know, ready? And this is sort of the information you have to work with. And you're coming up with these pitch angles for whatever they wanna promote during the holiday season. And that's a huge part of what we're gonna dive into inside that gift guide masterclass next week are the pitch angles and how you position. So make sure that your clients have everything in place to be successful before you pitch and what they're gonna need if they land, press coverage. Because I have to tell you, we've had clients products on the O list and not Oprah's favorite things, but on the O list, like a typical issue of her magazine. I was this close to favorite things. One of my very first years of pitching. I mean, we were like sending boxes and I got a call from my producer. Like, I'm so sorry. It was like a changed last minute. And they Fe didn't decided not to feature it. And I was like kicked in the gut. I was more upset than my client. Honestly, I think they were freaked out. They didn't know if they could handle it. And I was just like, I want this win.
That was, that was sad. Um, but we bounce back. So we want to make sure your clients can handle it. What do they need to have in place before they land this press coverage? You wanna make sure this is huge. We did an affiliate masterclass in terms of how affiliate marketing relates to PR. You need to make sure that they are set up with affiliate links that they are utilizing, um, in gift guide guides and features because affiliate marketing is going to be one of the huge deciding factors this year. It is one, a company has commissionable links that they share with somebody. It could be an influencer, it could be a media outlet and they, um, are gonna talk about the company or talk about a specific product. And when that individual includes a link and people use that link to make a purchase, and sometimes it's like a 30 day span, they'll get cooked.
And if they come back, they still get credit for that. The person who featured it receives a commission, that's basically what affiliate marketing is when it comes to PR and media. And you definitely have to have this as part of your PR strategy, especially around the holidays. My curtain is blowing. Okay. That should be better. Um, that is a criteria now that we will not even take a client unless they have a very solid affiliate marketing platform, whether they're on Amazon or target, or they have share a sale with a high percentage, that's the key. It can't be like a little, you know, bottle of, I don't know, shampoo and they're getting 5%. No, one's gonna refer that cuz they're not getting any money for it. But Amazon let's say your client has a very reasonably priced, really cool gift with incredible four and five star reviews.
Like thousands of them plopping that item in your cart is a no brainer, right? You land on it and you're like this cool. And then you like, oh, everybody loves it, plop it in your cart. When you do additional shopping, it gives that originator of that link full, uh, full, uh, credit for the cart. So they get some items, um, commission at different amounts, different percentages, but they get transaction on the full cart specifically, Amazon. So if your client doesn't have that set up, they don't even have to manage the affiliate. They just have to be on Amazon. Um, and then the media takes it from there. It is a huge deciding factor. And if you are still dealing with clients that are not, and you do products and your client does not have a way to provide affiliate revenue, you are gonna struggle. Give me a thumbs up, give me a heart.
I need to know that you're on the same page as me and in the pitch lab, we did a deep dive on affiliate marketing. Um, another, another masterclass like this. That was, that was great. And um, we know that, um, this is a big deal. Okay. Yeah. You guys know cuz you've been here with me. Um, so it, it should be a non-negotiable at this point. Um, so keep that in mind. Yes. Uh, you also need to make sure that your clients are prepared to fulfill orders of their products with enough inventory on hand, if they do land big press coverage for the holidays. Um, I'm not sure if Elaine is on here. One of our pitch lab members did this all. I mean, this was like her amazing, uh, success all on her own, but she connected with the freelance writer who fell in love with one of her clients.
Um, scone products ended up writing about it for a gift guide for good housekeeping, which obviously has huge reach. And then that editor was selected to come on the today show and do a big gift table with the top gifts of the holiday season. And they were scones. I think I said that out loud. I can't remember if I actually said it out loud, but seven sister scones sold out. I mean that like in the best way possible. And they were taking pre-orders on other things and um, Miranda, my integrator sent them for me. Um, yeah. And uh, she sent them to me and they were delicious and I like loved the tie in to our community. I really appreciated that very thoughtful gift, but um, you know, it's like hard to predict that, especially like a fresh baked good, it's a little bit of a challenge, but if your clients have a run up to a launch or a gift or whatever, um, you wanna make sure that they're gonna capitalize on that or if it's a launch that the product is actually available so that they can, you know, convert that interest into sales.
Nicole saying as a lifestyle blogger who gets, who also gets pitch, I tend to go for products that have Amazon affiliate links as I'm also an Amazon affiliate. I'm an Amazon affiliate too. We haven't really done anything with it, but, um, it's just easy. Right? Nicole, it's like so easy to recommend something it's so easy to build lifts. Um, hi Karen. Um, this is my first live with you, Jen. What is the pitch lab? Oh, let me tell you. So we have a monthly membership for PR pros or people looking to really hone their PR skills. Um, and it is called the pitch lab and anyone who's in the pitch lab, Sally. Um, I think Ashley you're in there. Uh, Kelly's in there. Um, I think Chelsea's in there. Serena's in there. Andrea's in there. Let, let anybody know your thoughts on the pitch lab.
I'm gonna link it out here. Um, but it is awesome. There is a, uh, foundation where we teach you step by step by step, how to do PR for a service. And then we teach master classes. There's a Facebook group just for people in there. And there is, this is the pitch lab. Oh, I have missed all these comments. Uh, it's great. I'm in yes. Something you should join. Awesome. Yeah, it's very, very comprehensive every month. I think the most value Chelsea saying the pitch lab is amazing. Thank you for saying that. Um, I think it is too. I mean I learn something. I learn a lot every single month when we put our execution plans together. Oh, hi Nikki. Awesome. I'm in there loving so far love. I'm so grateful. Thank you guys for saying that. Yay. Um, we put a lot of work into it.
We try to make it the best resource, no brainer out there. It's a monthly membership. You just pay as you go. And when you're ready to like not be in anymore, you know, things change or you decide not to do PR what's going on here, guys. Um, let us know, like, you know, no commitment. Um, and okay. Yeah, it's really good. So check that out and know these monthly execution plans we give you like 50 pages of editorial calendars, pitch, angles, timely, relevant topics to talk about. Um, it's really good for writing press plans for clients like strategies and also, um, getting on a phone with clients during a sales call and just like dropping names like, oh, I happen to know this publication is working on this theme for their September issue and the client. Yeah. Tons of resources and training. So if there's something specific you guys need to know about like gift guide, pitching, affiliate, pitching, it's all gonna be as current and topical timely information.
Um, nothing in there is like old and stagnant. It's all being created. Um, based on, and I run an agency, you know, I'm not just like, oh, like I sold my business 10 years ago and now we're guessing what is working. No, we're like actively in it. And so we are giving you like what's working now strategies. Sally says, um, tons of resources and training. Uh, yeah. So, um, off topic, but pitch lab has helped me scale into getting high end clients, uh, four figure retainer rates for the first time ever. Ashley. Nah, I love hearing that. I love hearing that. That is like, nah, makes my day next up five figures, baby. Here we come. That's where you need to get into the agency accelerator. And we'll just like to the moon. Nikki says, um, I've also joined agency accelerator so much value in there.
So am super busy working through all, um, Hilts, running my own agency too. Awesome. Uh, yeah, there's a lot. I mean, if you, wherever you are in your PR journey, we're gonna support you so, so much good stuff. Um, and I'm glad you asked about that. Karen it's, it's great. No brainer to join. Um, you know, let us know if you have any other questions. Oh, I'm like, what does it say? What was that word through all? Yes. That's my next step through all aspects through all. I dunno. You'll tell me I was like, is that a word? I don't know. I mean, there is that word, but I didn't know it in context, but okay. LA LA LA. Okay. Whilst also running my own agency and then to say perfect. Okay, cool. Thanks for clarifying. And I'm glad you're in both. I'm so glad that you're getting value out of it.
Okay. So, um, you wanna have your clients, um, locked and loaded. You need to have a sense of, you know, what their inventory is, what you're able to send out as samples. If the media wants to know, I would also recommend not sending samples unsolicited. Um, that's sort of shifted these days and especially, uh, a lot of freelancers and some, um, some, uh, uh, are working from home. Um, oh my God, editors. I wanted to say agents because I'm in the middle of like renting my condo right now. And I I'm like agent agents. Isn't right. Agent editors. Um, they are working from home still, too, and they don't want all your stuff and your boxes and all your crap in their apartments. They don't want it. they'll ask if they want it. So, um, also make sure your clients have their website set up to transact or catch emails if they are sold out.
If they do get sold out, you can twist that story a little bit and talk about the gift that, um, you know, has a thousand person waiting list or 10,000 per, you know, whatever, like obviously be honest about it or the gift that's sold out in, um, you know, 24 hours, something like that. And you need obviously your assets and things to promote in a timely manner. So if you are ready to really seriously up your pitching game, when it comes to supporting your clients with their marketing initiatives and holiday campaigns, um, through your efforts with the gift guide coverage, then we have this deeper dive that is gonna be jam packed with, you know, we try to make everything really actionable. Um, uh, Karen, if you haven't been in any of our paid programs, it's all like tactical, like do this, do that, um, ideas, timely relevant strategies.
So that's what we're gonna be teaching. Uh, no, Ashley, I don't recommend a press release for gift guides. Um, I recommend a very succinct email recommending certain products. We'll dive into this in, um, you'll be in this class or you'll get the replay because you're in the pitch lab. So don't worry about, um, you know, paying to join cuz you already get it. But we will talk about, um, how to position the emails and what to say. I wouldn't recommend a press release. It has to be truly, truly newsworthy. And we'll give you when you show up live, you can answer, get your questions asked. Okay, good. Yeah. It's a week from today. Um, it'll give you this really in depth presentation on how to position and what to think about what to ask your clients. And we'll also when you're live, get your questions answered.
And then of course there's a replay. Um, even if you're not in the pitch lab and you join just for that one class, just to check it out, you'll have access to the replay. You can watch it again next year just to remind you. Um, and then, uh, here's the registration link. Um, let me just, uh, put this here. So you guys have it. Um, this is one of my favorite times of year. I think it's one of the easiest ways to generate a lot of press and spin your client's products in all kinds of different ways where you're able to position it for recipient specific for, um, you know, uh, recipient specific price point specific, um, having something available last minute and getting into those digital features. Like you need to tell your clients to start thinking about what they're gonna be offering for the holidays in terms of discounts and promotions around those, you know, cyber Monday, black Friday, giving Tuesday small business Saturday, all of those.
Um, so you have advanced runway and you are gonna look awesome going to them and saying, what do you have? We are gonna start working now, let's get on a call and talk about, and we're gonna ask you, you know, what are your promotions? Do you have any limited edition or gift set bundles? Um, you know, think about all that. And uh, they're gonna think, wow, you're on your game and you know your stuff. And that's always what we want to position you as is very, in the know, very proactive, essential to your client's businesses. So that's just like top level. I just wanted you to get thinking about this, know that the timing is now not be falling behind or not be like, oh my God, we should have been pitching this. And some clients will come to you in like mid-November or early November mid-October and be like, we wanna be in magazines for gift guides and you have to tell them it's too late.
It's not gonna happen. It's not gonna happen. Even short. Lead is gonna be a real challenge for you because you don't have enough time to plan and get what you need. So it's tough to have those conversations and you know, maybe you lose the business. But if I look at it, like you're being really honest, you're serving them in a way where they get that you are the expert, you know, what it takes. And so you're advising them in a way where they are not gonna be wasting time and money. And you can say, listen, we can sign on and start working for you. You know, mid-November through December and work on strategy, getting onboarded and then hit the ground running in January. Um, but the gift guides are not an option, you know, unless you have some favors you can call in on short lead stuff.
I mean, that always happens if they have a last minute thing, but the point is be proactive. Understand how to play the game. I look at PR I've said this before, it's a game. And the rules change. All you have to do is know the rules and the ever changing rules and play the game. Um, yeah, Nicky, every year I block out June for Christmas pitching, but client, uh, business day to day gets in the way. And before you know, it it's September or even October, this is the year I'm determined to nail it. Yeah. Um, and Nicki you'll be in on that masterclass. Um, so you'll have even more indepth info on how to position things and what to ask your clients. I just, my goal for you is always to provide exceptional service so that they feel like they're getting taken care of you're producing stellar results.
And honestly, like even when things aren't working like I have, I'm gonna be really candid. I have a client right now. They're not really on Amazon. They have a couple items on Amazon, but not the main items. They just don't love Amazon as like a concept. That's not aligned with who they are as a brand. And they're kind of like, we don't wanna be on there, but they have one or two things, but we've really struggled with getting press for them, really struggled. And we are adding value in other ways, because it kills us every month to not have just a really amazing solid report to send them and be like, here you go, look at all the great stuff we did. So we're entering them in awards and we get on these calls and we're really proactive with asking them about certain things they're working on and timing of things for launches.
Um, really deep dives into, you know, ingredient, specific stories or skincare challenge. It's a beauty brand skincare challenges that we can leverage for different times of the year. Um, basic stuff, you know, basic PR stuff. But, and by the way, when we get on these calls and the client is like, what's going on? And she's like, I'm a big girl. You can tell me, I'm really honest. I'm not like it's coming. It's right around the corner. I'm like, we don't know. And normally at this point we would've had more conversions and more traction. So we're retooling, we're figuring it out. We have pitched all of this and it's not for lack of trying. And so they appreciate, they're like, we know you are the right partner for us and we get that. You're doing everything. They're not mad. They're not like, what's your problem. She really appreciates that.
It's a partnership. And we're being very honest about like, and I said, listen, if you went out of your contract, I get it. That's totally fine because I want you to optimize your budget. And I don't know, it could be like this for the next few months. And she's like, let's ride it out. You know, I know you guys are doing a great job. Let's just see what happens. So she appreciates that. And honestly, I know even if it doesn't convert and work out well for this client, she'll go off into the world and say, that agency knows what they're doing. And maybe they're, um, you know, not being on Amazon, I know is a factor. Um, their limited range of products. I don't know the limited places it's sold because it's a very clean, like clean, clean, clean the cleanest possible. Um, and so it's like at whole foods and very few places, um, I don't know, nobody's really telling us everybody loves it, but I would say where we are right now at month, like five is where we would typically be at month three.
And I told her that and like, we're starting to see a little ramp up, but it's not where I would hope or where they would hope, but our candor has earned us credibility. Seriously. Maybe that's a quote. We put on a t-shirt candor earns you credibility. You know, I never wanna promise something and then not deliver or like not give it to them straight, you know? So, um, but that's what I have for you guys today. I would recommend signing up for the master class. It's gonna be great, really deep dive. Like we will be, um, talking, we'll have, you know, a presentation and everything and then do Q and a we'll go for probably about 90 minutes. I'll stay on as long as, as necessary. Um, you can get your questions answered live, and we can also workshop your, um, client's products, your client's business.
You can run some things by us. We've had people that have come on and been like, I'm struggling. And we're like, here's all these ideas. It's not just me. It's everybody weighing in this community is so smart. And so in the know, I can't even tell you how many times people come on with, you know, unique challenges and different, different types of clients where I'm like, I don't know, like we had one that had an alopecia exhibit, so it was like a physical event. And it was centered around a woman's journey, um, experiencing alopecia, which is a condition where all your hair falls out and just walking through. And it was an exhibit, like an installation. And we were like, you know, she said, I'm really struggling. And she got so much help on this call. She converted and got a ton of press. And then she ended up, um, getting, it was a three month contract.
She ended up getting a long term agreement with this client because she did such a great job. And it was like amazing the feedback she got from the community. Serena's saying, when do you typically have accelerator plus monthly calls? So they're typically gonna be on a Wednesday at like 10:00 AM. Um, and we center them around our pitch lab calls and our, um, other calls that we do. What else do I do? Um, coaching calls. Um, sometimes we have to move our Facebook lives to Wednesday. Like I think next week I'm doing a Facebook live on Wednesday. So they're typically Wednesdays, um, around 10:00 AM Pacific. We may change that up. And also, so you guys know I'm just planting the seed. Um, I recently completed a certification and I'm now a high performance coach. Um, I was certified in the high performance methodology process procedure, all of it through Brendan Burchard.
Um, it's awesome. I'm currently coaching my husband and it's like, we're learn, I'm learning so much about him and he's really loving it. And I'm see, he's waking up with more energy vigor, like ready to tackle the world, waking up in a good mood, um, feeling better throughout the day and really being proactive on certain areas of his life where he's always been like, I wanna do this, but, and now he's like, I'm do I'm I'm I got it. I've got it set up. So we work on 12 weeks on everything. Um, I'm I need to like, look at my notes. It's a while, but, um, we're gonna be doing like a beta group. Um, and it'll be like a group coaching experience, 12 weeks deep dive with high performance and center it around your influence productivity, your relationships, like every aspect of your life and where you want to, you know, your physiology, your psychology, everything.
So just know that that's an option that we're gonna be adding. I'm really excited about it. Like really excited. So people have been asking for it for a long time, like the next step, like, what do you do after agency accelerator or people will say, do you coach? And I know that that's, um, that's awesome about, yeah, Stacy. Um, I'm really, really excited. And I have joined a very small group that we're working, you know, in a small group to really hone our skills we're meeting every week. Like it's really amazing the things that, and the people, I mean, just really incredible people that I met through this program. So I'm really excited to bring that to this community, um, and to integrate it into all of our other programs, but then have something very specific. That's more of a deep dive for people that are wanting to like go deep with this, this training.
So, um, but that's what I have for you guys. So I linked out to the gift guide time to get gift guide ready. We are ready for next week. We've been working on this training for about four months or something. Um, we did it last year, but we did it late and I was like, we gotta get on this. So we have taken last year's content, completely revamped it. And we're rolling it out with time, you know, to get on the ball. So, um, anyone in the pitch lab that is part of your membership, and if you're not in the pitch lab, why aren't you in the pitch lab? You're gonna wanna be in there, but, um, you can enroll. And then if you decide to decide to join at a later date, we will credit you for whatever you paid to be in the, in the masterclass.
So I'll stay on for a minute or two. It's my 15th anniversary today. Um, I was saying at the top of the call, one of my husband's former coworkers, who's been his friend for about yay, Dicky. Awesome. Who has been his friend for about 25 years now, she's doing like the Camino, blah, blah trail in south America. She's hiking like more than 10 miles a day, every day for five. Weeks's crazy. So she filmed a video. You're welcome, Ashley. Um, she filmed a video for my husband while she's hiking and she's like huffing and puffing, but she just said, I know that it's your anniversary and I've known you for all these years. And I remember when I met Jen for the first time and how happy and excited you were. And I like started crying and she just said, you know, you're, you're like, you've grown into a man.
You're such a wonderful man. You're like the example of what a man should be. And I was like, oh my God, you know, she's just to have a friend outside and notice that and say, you know, you're a man of integrity. You're hardworking. You're honest. You are, um, you know, positive. You, you're a great dad. You're an amazing husband. Um, you know, just all the ways she seen him grow, cuz she knew him before. I did, obviously it was just, and she was at our wedding. It was just really, I was bawling before the call. So I had to go put on concealer. Um, unfortunately the software I use to broadcast here, doesn't have the touch up my appearance, like zoomed as, so if I'm looking a little it's cuz of that. So celebrating our 15th anniversary, I can't believe it. It has flown by so quickly.
Um, but yeah, I'm excited for today. So anybody else have any other questions I'll stay on for like a minute or two, um, or share any wins with me? Any positivity that you wanna pass along so we can cheer you on. Thanks Serena. Um, anything you wanna, you wanna want us to acknowledge and celebrate? I wanna celebrate your wins today. Thank you, Stacy. Um, gimme, you know, something you're so proud of or something even small, even something small. Like I got up, I got dressed. I pulled myself together today and I feel really good. I'm ready to tackle the world. I can't tell you how many days. Like just pulling myself together is like a chore. It's easier to just be in Jam's and be comfy. Um, although I am in, I'm in my slippers, my, my mom and I, I got my mom, these, um, really, and I got myself a pair of these like really awesome, uh, with the, I mean I'm wearing em, they're like my summer slippers because they're open in the back and the front they're so great.
Um, my client has just won a massive award that I helped with. So have to go and call them. Oh my God, Nikki. Congratulations. Ugh. That's so awesome. Congratulations. Take credit for that. That is awesome. And let me expand on that. Nikki, you can go and I'll tell you later, but we have built out an awards database. It is not complete. It is the ever ongoing project. It's been so hard to do because there's so many industries and so many different awards and we don't know every industry, but we kind of relied on our members to tell us what's important. Oh, you're still here. Okay. So I, so we're doing an award submission masterclass in the pitch lab and we also have an awards database. And my goal for you is to consider that as an additional add on service. So submitting for awards do not have to be, does not have to be part of your retainer.
Um, you can, but it can be something if there's so much strategy to pricing, but it could be something you have in there that if they don't like your rate and you wanna lower it a little bit, take awards out and you can let them know, you know, I'll tell you about them, that you'll submit on your own. But what Nikki did is she submitted, she supported the client in probably, you know, creating a strategy and we're gonna give you, it's not just like sending information about the company and what you do. There are STR there's a strategy behind winning awards. And once we started, like, I have a few here, I've a couple more coming and um, who is here? I dunno. Can you, uh,
I dunno, who's here.
Okay. There's a couple people that can answer the door,
But I don't know if they will hold on one sec.
This is still where it's not muted. Okay. Anyway, we'll figure it out.
Maybe it'll just leave something.
Oh, it's hi, ma hold on one sec. Hi, may. Yes, I'll be down in a few minutes. You go in the backyard if you want.
Everything's
Jen. Oh, um,
It's I'll wait.
Okay. I'll you my, okay. Sorry guys. Um, okay. So yeah, we're gonna give you strategies to help your clients win. We're gonna give you a database. It's not comprehensive. I know the beauty awards part. Thanks for sticking with me while I'm screaming into the mic. The beauty awards part is very comprehensive. Um, so that, um, you know, you can add that on as a service for an additional fee. Um, so just keep that in mind, but we have that as part of the pitch lab and we're doing a masterclass around how you successfully submit for awards. So just know that that's coming to, it's all built towards giving you additional revenue in your business. So, um, uh, code, what is my gate code? I don't even know.
Okay, here we go.
So, um, and then somebody else had Cal poly. Let me see. Um,
Uh, I helped a couple of students from Cal Poly's innovation program who are working on a product talk through their future PR plan. That's so cool. Stacy, that had to feel so awesome. And Nikki said, actually, Jen, I should add, I heard some content from you on this, in the run up, uh, podcast or maybe pitch lab. And it definitely helped. I'm so glad to hear that Nikki, go on, enjoy your, celebrate, your win. Um, and uh, yeah, I'm just like really excited about everything we are pulling together for you guys. Like since the acquisition of PR couture, we are, it's like generation academy 2.0, we're figuring out ways to really bring you more relevant content, leverage the content that Crosby developed, you know, 15 years of amazing content, a platform that is so robust with searchable information, but also really good SEO values. So we can feature our members.
You can write guest articles, we'll link out to your website and it'll be a traffic driver for you. Um, we're rebranding, we're, we're doing so much. We're, you know, adding a high performance coaching. And I have another big idea that would probably be like a 20, 23 idea, but it's, it's geared towards getting you clients, which is like the next thing people always ask me about. So just know we have so much on the horizon. I'm so, so excited. And I'm so grateful for you. Um, if nobody has told you today, how grateful they are to have you in their lives. This is me telling you right now that I'm just so grateful that you found me. We found each other. This community is so incredible beyond my wildest dreams. I've met some amazing friends here and I feel like we are just getting started. So thanks for sticking with us.
If you're from PR couture and you didn't even know who we were before that, um, thank you. I know Crosby and I are very different. We have a different approach. I just wanna like make you more money and have a business that you totally love. Um, Aw, Ricky, I'm so grateful for you, you know that. Um, thank you for that. So holy moly. That's loud. So anyway, I am grateful for you. Thank you for being a part of this community. Have a wonderful rest of your day. I'm gonna go out and need a lot of pasta tonight for my 15th anniversary and have a wonderful day guys. Thanks for sticking with me now. And now I have a nice much better mic. It's gonna be better from here on out. I promise. Okay guys, I'll see you soon. Thank you. Bye. Oh, sign up for the masterclass. Can I link it again? Oh no. That's my gate code. um, sign up for the masterclass. If you haven't already look up in the comments. Let me just click it out here. Oh, thank you, Nicole. I'm I'm so grateful for you too. I'm so glad that you are here. Um, okay guys for real, bye. See you soon.
