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As a part of the Morning Lazziness sequence about empowering girls who encourage and do unbelievable issues with their concepts in society, I had the pleasure of interviewing Cher Murphy.
Cher Murphy is the Proprietor of Cher Murphy PR, a seasoned media relations skilled with a confirmed observe report of crafting compelling tales that drive outcomes. With expertise as a enterprise proprietor, author, editor, shopper account specialist, and media strategist, Cher brings a singular 360-degree perspective to each marketing campaign. Her energy lies in creating and pitching editorial content material that lands impactful placements in each nationwide and native media shops throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Cher has represented a variety of industries—together with way of life, magnificence, style, well being and wellness, journey, leisure, know-how, training, actual property, e-commerce, and extra. Identified for her capacity to translate model messages into sensible, newsworthy narratives, she delivers outcomes that resonate—whether or not in print, on-air, or on-line.
What impressed you to begin your personal PR company, and the way did you get your first shopper?
I began my very own PR company eighteen years in the past as a result of I needed to create an area the place storytelling met technique—and the place shoppers felt actually seen and supported. I used to be drawn to the thought of shaping narratives that spark connection, affect, and alternative. My first shopper got here by means of a relationship I had nurtured for years and noticed me in an article about PR in USA As we speak. They believed in my imaginative and prescient and trusted me to carry it to life. That early partnership taught me the ability of popularity and relationships—and I’ve constructed the company on that basis ever since.
What distinctive challenges have you ever confronted as a girl entrepreneur within the PR world, and the way did you overcome them?
One of many greatest challenges has been overcoming the misunderstanding that PR is nearly publicity or fluff. It’s typically undervalued as a strategic driver of enterprise progress. I’ve needed to constantly educate shoppers and stakeholders on the true affect of communications from model popularity to measurable ROI. I overcame these hurdles by staying results-focused, clearly articulating technique, and surrounding myself with collaborators who perceive the worth of considerate, high-level PR. One other problem, one many ladies entrepreneurs face is balancing the calls for of constructing a enterprise with elevating a household. Time turns into your most valuable useful resource, so I’ve discovered to be intentional, prioritize what actually issues, and allow myself to redefine what stability seems to be like.
How do you keep forward of tendencies in an business that’s continuously evolving with media and know-how?
I make it a degree to eat info from each legacy and rising platforms—newsrooms, social media, podcasts, analyst stories, and business conversations. I additionally prioritize listening… listening to what journalists, creators, and shoppers are speaking about. And I encourage my group to experiment, take a look at, and by no means get too snug. Agility is all the pieces on this business.
What’s your go-to technique for constructing robust, lasting relationships with shoppers and the press?
My go-to technique is straightforward: lead with authenticity and construct belief by means of constant worth. Whether or not I’m working with a shopper or a journalist, I make it a degree to really perceive their objectives, challenges, and the way I can assist make their job simpler. I by no means method relationships with a transactional mindset—it’s all the time about creating significant, mutually useful connections. That long-term method has paid off: lots of my shoppers have been with us for over a decade, and I’ve constructed lasting friendships with media professionals alongside the best way. Relationships rooted in respect and reliability stand the take a look at of time.
Are you able to share a marketing campaign or media second you’re particularly pleased with—and why it stands out?
There was a marketing campaign we led for a purpose-driven nonprofit known as Paws of Struggle that landed them a nationwide highlight throughout a high-visibility information cycle. The media protection not solely raised their profile—it immediately impacted their fundraising objectives and allowed them to achieve 1000’s extra folks. Seeing PR transfer the needle in such a tangible, significant means is why I do what I do.
Which platforms or techniques have been best for rising your personal model visibility?
Strategic media placements, thought management articles, and constant engagement on LinkedIn have been key. I additionally contribute to shops the place I can share business insights that resonate past self-promotion. Visibility must be rooted in worth—whenever you lead with perception, your model naturally grows.
What function has mentorship performed in your journey, and the way do you pay it ahead to others within the business?
Mentorship has been invaluable. I’ve had mentors who believed in me, challenged me, and gave me alternatives I didn’t but really feel prepared for—however grew into. As we speak, I make it a degree to mentor rising PR professionals, particularly girls and people breaking into the business with out conventional connections. Whether or not it’s by means of internships or candid recommendation, I imagine in opening doorways and holding them open for others.
How do you deal with high-pressure conditions or crises, whether or not for a shopper or your personal enterprise?
I’m going into problem-solving mode. I keep calm, collect info, assess threat, and talk clearly—internally and externally. In PR, it’s a must to be each the firefighter and the architect: put out the flames rapidly, then construct techniques to forestall them sooner or later. Having a trusted group and a strong disaster plan makes all of the distinction.
What’s one piece of recommendation you’d give to girls coming into the PR or communications business right now?
Don’t look ahead to permission. Converse up, take up house, and pitch daring concepts even when your voice shakes otherwise you’re nervous. Your perspective issues, and this business wants extra numerous voices and management types. Additionally—grasp your craft. I imply actually grasp it. Relationships open doorways, however abilities maintain them open.
What are the 5 stuff you imagine are important to beat self-doubt and construct confidence on this area?
Grasp Your Message: Know what you stand for and how one can talk it—this anchors you in moments of doubt.
Early on, I crafted a private mission assertion for my work. Revisiting it helps me reset and refocus.
Put together Relentlessly: Confidence typically comes from understanding you’ve achieved the work behind the scenes.
Earlier than a significant pitch, I rehearse, anticipate objections, and refine till it feels second nature.
Encompass Your self with Encouragers: Construct a community that challenges you but in addition reminds you of your price.
I’ve a small circle of business friends who give sincere suggestions—and main pep talks when wanted. That is invaluable.
Have a good time the Small Wins: Momentum builds confidence. Don’t look ahead to the “large second” to really feel proud.
I maintain a digital folder of thank-you notes, testimonials and success tales that I revisit on the exhausting days.
Take the Leap Anyway: This saying says all of it “Braveness isn’t the absence of doubt—it’s motion regardless of it.
Once I launched my company, I didn’t have all the pieces discovered—I didn’t also have a single shopper or regular revenue on the time. However I trusted myself to determine it out alongside the best way. That leap of religion grew to become the inspiration for all the pieces that adopted. Typically, an important step is just saying sure to your self earlier than the world does.
Is there a quote, mantra, or philosophy that guides your decision-making and management as an entrepreneur?
“Do it with ardour, or in no way.” It jogs my memory to steer with coronary heart and function. Once I’m aligned with ardour, all the pieces—technique, storytelling, outcomes—flows with extra authenticity and affect. I’m both all in or in no way.
What motion would you encourage to carry probably the most good to the best variety of folks?
If I may encourage a motion, it could deal with educating emotional intelligence and media literacy beginning at a younger age. In a world flooded with info and fixed digital noise, understanding ourselves and the media we eat has by no means been extra vital. Think about the affect if each youngster grew up outfitted to handle their feelings, suppose critically, and interact with content material consciously and compassionately. It will create a technology of extra considerate, resilient, and empowered people—one thing our world deeply wants.
How can our readers additional observe your work on-line?
You possibly can observe me right here: Website and join on LinkedIn. I typically share ideas, insights, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of company life and the campaigns we’re proud to champion.
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