Episode Details

Public Relations for Small Businesses isn’t just about press releases and damage control — it’s the foundation for trust, reputation, and long-term growth. In this episode, marketing and PR consultant Leslie A.M. Smith shares how entrepreneurs, physicians, and service-based professionals can use PR to elevate their brand and connect with their audience more authentically.

If you're searching for effective small business marketing strategies, frustrated by cost-effective PR tactics that don’t work, or trying to align your personal branding with your services — Leslie brings clarity, actionable steps, and a no-nonsense approach. Her insights address the very questions many entrepreneurs ask:

• “How do I position myself in a crowded market?”

• “Why isn't my branding working — and how do I fix it?”

• “What’s the difference between crisis communication and true proactive PR for doctors or service providers?”

• “How can I use the marketing mix for entrepreneurs to attract my ideal clients?”

Leslie breaks down the PR game in a way that’s digestible, especially for professionals like doctors, dentists, and lawyers. She explains how customer service in healthcare is a vital brand touchpoint, why your front office may be undermining your efforts, and how to transform your brand presence without overspending.

This episode will give you the clarity and direction you’ve been looking for. Leslie’s analogies — from “marketing mania” to the “cake and frosting” branding metaphor — will shift the way you view PR forever.

📚 To learn more from Leslie, check out her book: The Laws of Promotion (Amazon): https://amzn.to/4mS1ElM

00:00 – Intro: Meet PR expert Leslie A.M. Smith
01:12 – What is PR? How it differs from advertising and marketing
03:45 – Understanding the marketing mix for entrepreneurs
06:18 – Biggest mistakes in small business marketing strategies
08:30 – Why customer service in healthcare IS your brand
10:42 – Branding breakdown: “Your frosting has to match your cake”
13:00 – Cost-effective PR tactics for entrepreneurs and physicians
15:20 – How to build referrals & leverage personal branding
17:10 – Clarifying crisis communication vs. proactive PR for doctors
19:15 – How to start using PR today
20:10 – Where to find Leslie + next steps