A latte with Daisy Raudales

Episode Transcript

Matisse Hamel-Nelis  00:02

Hello and welcome back to PR & Lattes, the podcast where you can fill up your cup on everything PR and communications. I’m your host Matisse Hamel-Nelis. And I am so thrilled to have you join me again today for a brand new episode. Before we get started, make sure you subscribe to this podcast wherever you’re listening to it to get notified each week during our season when a new episode drops. You can also subscribe to our newsletter by visiting our website P r and lattes.com. On the website, you’ll not only find our podcast episodes, but you’ll also find our amazing blogs with new ones being uploaded every Monday morning. And of course, make sure you’re following us on Instagram at @PRAndLattes and on LinkedIn PR & Lattes on today’s episode I am chatting with Daisy row Dallas, founder of DRPR Inc., a digital marketing and PR agency located in Ajax, Ontario holding a communications and digital media degree and an advanced diploma in public relations. Daisy has gained extensive experience in the industry conducting tasks like media relations, communications, planning, social media marketing, email marketing, website development, and so much more. I’m so excited to have her on today’s episode to talk about owning her own business and agency life within Durham Region, a place where she calls home. So grab your latte, sit back and enjoy. Well, Daisy, I am so excited to have you on today’s podcast to talk about all things entrepreneurship and public relations. Like I said, you I’ve been a proud mama of your career to date as one of my former students. So welcome to PR & Lattes.

Daisy Raudales  01:35

Thank you so much, Matisse, for having me today. I’m so happy to be here. And I appreciate the opportunity.

Matisse Hamel-Nelis  01:42

Amazing. So let’s let’s let the listeners know a little bit about yourself. So can you tell me about you and your journey in professional communications to date?

Daisy Raudales  01:50

Yeah, I’d be happy to share it with you and everyone listening in. So my journey to entrepreneurship, I would say was not linear, it was definitely a path that I did not expect. But I’m so so grateful to be here today. And to be able to say you know that I’m a proud and happy entrepreneur. In my journey, actually, throughout my education, I, you know, went to school, I went to college, I got my public relations diploma, I fell in love with that career, I fell in love with communications with marketing. And after that I made the decision to go to university just to kind of further enhance my skills and my knowledge as well. And after that I did earn my degree in communications and digital media. And that’s where I got a little bit more introduced to the digital marketing side of things. And that correlation between digital marketing and public relations. And after that, you know, I was ready for the workforce, I knew that this was something that I wanted to do for a very long time. And so I did receive a job working downtown at an agency and actually was the perfect role. For me, it was a public relations and the social media coordinator position, which were two of my favorite things. So it was a really, really amazing opportunity. That’s really what exposed me to the workforce. And you know, the agency life of working with multiple clients, managing different accounts, communicating with different people, different brands, and even you know, doing influencer relations. So it really, I would say it involves all of the great things that I really loved. And after that actually COVID happened. And like many of us, you know, we had I had got laid off and a lot of the people on the team. And so during that time, I was really just figuring out what I wanted to do moving forward. And that’s when I, you know, started thinking about maybe I wanted to move into corporate or maybe I wanted to have more of a kind of permanent long term position. But of course, there was many challenges with just trying to you know, find an opportunity because of the limited positions available. And actually, shortly after, I had one of my college professors, and I guess just for everyone that’s listening in Matisse was also one of my former professors. So it was just incredible to be able to kind of still be in touch with you know, a lot of these educators and a lot of these people that helped, you know, for my career, and this professor, his name was Don, he actually introduced me to the business center of Durham Region. It’s located in Whitby, and there was a position there for a digital marketing role where you could promote a government grant, help local businesses receive this grant and then consult them. So I thought it was the perfect opportunity. I honestly shortly after got introduced, I landed the role. So it was amazing. And during that actually it was my manager that had told me you know what, you should also create your own business or you should start your own business since this is something that you and you’re doing. And that’s actually the first time I got exposed and kind of introduced to entrepreneurship. Being there, they they also promote a lot of small business growth. And they do offer free resources for any small business in Durham Region, really. So it was that manager that had said, You know what, you should start your business, you should do training with us coaching, mentorship, workshops, all of it. And you know, at that time, I was honestly so overwhelmed. I said, I’m not sure if I’m ready. Like, I’m sure many other entrepreneurs have had this. And it took me about three months. And after that, I had said, You know what, I’m ready. I had started my business. And to this day, I’m actually still with the business owner and still growing my business. But I’ve now hit the three year mark, of being within my business, we have a team now of about four. And we have over dozens of clients from you know, here locally in Durham Region and outside so I’m so honestly so grateful just for everybody that has crossed my path. And that has kind of led me here today. Well, congratulations on the three year mark, that is huge. That is absolutely amazing. Again, so proud, proud mama bear. I feel like I’m gonna be saying that a bit during this podcast episode. You want to say a huge role in in, you know, just my future, too. So thank you to Matisse for everything.

Matisse Hamel-Nelis  06:27

You’re too sweet. You’re far too sweet. All right. So focusing back on you and all your amazingness How has being Durham region based uniquely shaped and influenced your ethos or your approach to running your agency?

Daisy Raudales  06:41

Yes, actually, that’s a great question. I will say Durham Region is such an amazing community. Because it’s so local, because it’s, you know, a lot smaller than many other communities like, you know, downtown Toronto or kind of Big City Life, you really get to know the people within this region, you get to meet different professionals, especially people within your industry to comms public relations. And it’s just this community that has that I feel like has supported me throughout my, you know, journey, being an entrepreneur, you know, starting with the business center, for example, of Durham region that was there for me, you know, in helping me start, they helped me launch they gave me that mentorship and coaching. You know, having also other mentors, like my professors like yourself, you know, and so many others that I met throughout my education that have supported me still to this day have connected me with so many amazing people. So I will say this community is amazing Durham Region, it’s, it’s so small, but it’s so it’s so close knit, which honestly, it kind of sets us apart from many other communities, just being able to be so close knit with people that have you know, you have met in your life and continue to kind of be the reason why you continue to grow and learn.

Matisse Hamel-Nelis  08:00

Amazing, you mentioned that a manager was really the one who inspired you, or maybe not inspired to have pushed you to creating your own agency. What other key drivers do you think also played a part in, you know, starting your own agency, aside from you know, that that secondary voice saying, like, You should do it?

Daisy Raudales  08:20

Yeah, you know, what, actually, there’s been so many people, I would say, in my circle, and throughout my life that have helped me to, to, you know, become an entrepreneur and to be where I am today, I would definitely say outside of that role, it was also just my friends and family. During that time of COVID, you know, I actually was doing a little bit of freelance, just trying to figure out, you know, where I wanted to go, and also trying to just, you know, kind of formulate some sort of income. And during that time of freelancing actually, I formed really great relationships with to clients during that time. And they actually were another reason why I started and they had believed in me, and they had said, you know, what, you’ve been doing this with us for almost a year now during COVID Why don’t you just start your business? And that’s when I kind of started to look at it from a different perspective. And I said, you know, what, if all of these people see the potential in me, then I, you know, should also see that potential. And it was it was them it was my friends and family when I brought up the idea that they just said, you know, what, go for it, you have these people in your corner that are supporting you, they, you know, are there for you and so I just kind of took the plunge and I said, You know what, I’m not gonna let doubt and fear kind of hinder me anymore. And it honestly has been the best decision.

Matisse Hamel-Nelis  09:41

Amazing, amazing. From your perspective, what advantages would you say does the does a boutique agency like yours, if you will a smaller agency offer over larger PR firms, especially when dealing with clients in or connected to Durham Region?

Daisy Raudales  09:56

Yes, great question. So I would definitely say more or less I got a smaller boutique agency like ourselves, you know, we’re very small team, it’s really great because we really do like to get to know our clients on a personal level. And actually something that we offer to all of the clients that we work with is these weekly meetings. So if they want to, you know, meet with me too, and meet with our team to just kind of do a check in on progress, we’ll do that if they want to just meet because they have questions or they even want to learn sort of like what we’re doing and what’s going on happy to do that. So we do really get close with our clients, and we meet with them on a weekly basis, we do a lot of touch points. And something that also sets us apart is that we really do kind of get really close with our clients in the sense where, you know, we’re not just there to work for them, but we’re there, we’re their biggest supporters too, right? Like, we will be happy to showcase them on our social media in our newsletters, like we want to share with our audience tune with everyone that we know, like, Hey, this is an awesome business, you should check it out, you should support them. And one thing that we do really focus on is small and medium sized businesses, I would say that’s our actually our target market, in our agency. So being able to support all the small businesses around the community, it honestly plays a massive role in just, you know, their growth and just being a part of this amazing community as well. I, what I really love about that is it’s also morale boosting, in that you’re seeing them succeed, and they’re seeing you succeed. So it’s like this symbiotic relationship with like, we’re all going to do great. And you’re supporting each other to get to that point, right word of mouth, and the sharing of content and that sort of thing. So I love that it’s more than just a client, a client relationship, but it’s more of a true friendship at that point, I would think, yes, 100%. And, you know, even after, that’s the beauty of honestly, just being in this field, and working with these, you know, other local small businesses is when you know, you even off board, or sometimes, you know, they’re ready to kind of take another step or next step, we’re still in touch, you know, we’re still in contact, we still support each other online, we still go to their store, if we can, you know, and then they even, you know, send us referrals. So it’s just a, you know, it’s a perfect win win opportunity. And even for us, you know, I’m always happy to send any referrals that I know, to local businesses. So it’s it’s definitely it is a symbiotic relationship. And it’s it’s so rewarding, I would say.

Matisse Hamel-Nelis  12:26

So how do you feel the audience or consumer base within a smaller community or region like Durham Region, differs from a more Metropolis area? And how do you tailor your PR and marketing strategies to cater to that?

Daisy Raudales  12:41

Yeah. Okay. That’s a really great question. So I actually, I guess, I have the perfect response. Because I’ve had experience in both working in in Toronto, it was definitely a very different feeling than, you know, having a business here and starting my own sort of agency here, I would definitely say when you’re kind of in a more larger city like feeling and you work with a lot of larger clients, larger brands and corporations, it really is like, go go go hustle and bustle. And because the amount of leverage and work that you’re probably dealing with is, I feel like you don’t always necessarily have time to do those one on one to really get to know them on a personal level. Whereas, you know, being in a community here, where we’re all small businesses, we’re all supporting each other, we really do care about growth beyond just, you know, let me help you with your marketing. And that said, it’s more like, let me you know, help you with this, but also figure out how I can boost your business, how I can share your business through word of mouth, and you get that same feeling vice versa. And that same benefit as well. So it really does set you apart in terms of I think, kind of like what we touched on being friends also outside of just seeing them as clients. And really just that feeling of support that you get from everybody. And I and I feel like you also get the feeling or the notion that you’re really supporting local no matter how, whether it’s a small, small or medium sized business and you’re yourself with your own agency, you’re always supporting local and building that industry, if you will, within the community that you grew up in or that you live. Yes. 100% You know what, especially Durham Region, I mean, like, I’d say, I don’t even know what the percentage is, but like 80 to 90% of businesses here in Durham are small businesses, small and medium size. So they really are like the pivotal success of this community and like this economy, and you know, without them I don’t even know like what would be Durham Region, you know, so it definitely does make a difference and, and that’s a great point that you mentioned, just supporting local supporting each other because you’re supporting essentially their dreams too. And their life and their families. And that’s definitely one of the beauties of of living here.

Matisse Hamel-Nelis  15:06

Can you highlight any local partnerships or collaborations that have been particularly impactful to you and the agency so far? And how have you, how do you stay connected with that local community, as you move forward?

Daisy Raudales  15:19

Yeah, actually, there’s, there’s lots I would say, the business advisory center of Durham Region is one still being in connection with them. I mean, they have an amazing set of workshops and courses and things like that, that you can attend. So I’ve definitely been able to grow my network as well, just joining their events and their workshops. And actually, one other organization that I’ve recently partnered with that has been such an amazing opportunity is the Whitby Chamber of Commerce, I just, you know, started being a member now. And they put such an amazing set of networking events and conferences, as well, you know, seasonally, and I’ve been able to just meet so many other amazing entrepreneurs in this area, that have not only taught me so many things, but they’ve also, you know, been able to support me in my journey, and vice versa, as well. So I would definitely say those two organizations have played a huge role.

Matisse Hamel-Nelis  16:18

Are there any campaigns or initiatives that you, yourself or your agency overall have spearheaded within Durham Region that you’re particularly proud of, or exemplify your agency’s capabilities?

Daisy Raudales  16:31

Yes, that’s a great question. I would definitely say, I mean, some of our proudest moments, as I would say, an agency is being a part of actually local brick and mortar openings. We’ve worked with a couple, actually two businesses where we’ve been able to be a part of their grand opening ceremonies, and we’ve helped, you know, not only get them press coverage, but also connected them with the chamber, you know, allowed them to kind of build that relationship with the chamber, and then also have the counselor come, MPs for their opening. So that’s definitely some campaigns that I would say have been the most rewarding and fulfilling just seeing these small businesses launch and grow and just continue to thrive today. And definitely just all the other businesses that we’ve been able to be a part in their journey, and their growth, and especially those PR campaigns where we’ve been able to, you know, help our clients, you know, receive coverage or get interviews, we recently helped one actually get an interview with Rogers TV Durham. So that was really exciting. I was I was like a proud mama at that moment. We being able to, you know, see them grow and thrive. And I would definitely say those are those are maybe some of my favorite moments.

Matisse Hamel-Nelis  17:51

Awesome. Awesome. You mentioned media. So a question I have for you are what unique challenges or opportunities have you encountered in the PR marketing landscape, especially from a media perspective where we’re seeing so many news outlets cut jobs?

Daisy Raudales  18:09

Yes, great question. I’ve definitely seen a growth and also a change in how PR media journalism is being shaped and changing today. I would definitely say, now there’s, you know, a upsurge of AI tools that you can use to help you with your even your press release writing, something that we’ve started implementing now. There’s also you know, so many news outlets that before used to be, you know, solely print, they’re all turning to online web, you know, whether it’s an online magazine or a blog, there’s all of these avenues now that you can take online, and still generate press, but just from sort of an online point of view and online perspective, which I feel is actually more beneficial now, because we can reach even wider audiences and communicate with so many other people that we weren’t necessarily able to before.

Matisse Hamel-Nelis  19:11

How important do you think in today’s market or in today’s environment that we’re we’re in that owned media plays a role in what we do, compared to the earned media in previous years, if you will?

Daisy Raudales  19:27

Yes. owned, over earned great question. I feel like this is every PR person’s favourite. I would definitely say and this is something I tell all my clients is the one and greatest benefit you’ll get from PR is being able to build and foster relationship with that journalist or with that, you know, media personnel, and taking that relationship with you down the line and down the road is the most beneficial thing. And really, it’s because we’ve even seen in our own clients where, you know, they’ve been asked to have an interview. And then it might be a year later or six months later where that same journalist will reach out and say, Hey, we have another segment, or we have another opportunity where we’d love to feature you. And so it really does lead to, you know, even more press. But not only that, it just leads to that credibility that you earn as a business. And being known as a trusted viable source, you know, and it’s something that you can share with your customers and share with your audiences. And it definitely builds that trust, you know, in them, and just being able to say, hey, you know, we have this relationship. And it really is like a driving force for people’s decision making too. For sure, when it comes to owned media, and you know, the cost of let’s say, putting out a press release, which can be costly depending on what provider you’re using. We all know that fun. That fun. That’s, that’s the best way I can put it organically.

Matisse Hamel-Nelis  21:04

Do you find it’s beneficial for in particularly smaller businesses, which maybe don’t have the budget to put out a proper press release to really hone their, let’s say, their own media outlet, if you will, on their own website? So sort of have a media hub with any releases or announcements and then manually or personally pitch and reach out to businesses? Or our Do you believe that it’s still, if you want to put out a release, put it on a wire to try to get that attraction?

Daisy Raudales  21:34

That’s a really great question, especially in today’s day and age, I would say, actually, I’m in both buckets, I would say, when it comes to press release, writing and distribution, that is my number one go to, for any business that’s looking to share a public announcement very quickly, very quickly, and very fast. And very effectively, I would say, you know, distributing it through globe, newswire or any other newswire service would be your best bet in terms of generating that press very fast. And just spreading the word, if that’s your, you know, end goal. However, if I would say it depends on the story, but more for businesses who want that entrepreneurial spotlight that want to be known as, hey, I’m an expert in this. And you know, I can teach you a thing or two, that’s where I would say, you know, what, let’s do media pitching. Let’s pitch your story, to journalists, to media, let’s, you know, share with them all the amazing things that you know, and it’s usually that relationship, that expertise that you bring to the table that, you know, journalists favor, and they love that. And that’s what enables them to, you know, want to share your story. So I would definitely say both can play a really great role in any business. But it really does depend on the end goal as well. And you know, the approach that you’re taking, do you find that a lot of the local businesses, when they’re approaching you are looking to become thought leaders in what they do? Or are they looking more so for people to come in through the doors and comparison? Yes, I’ve actually had half and half. So it’s, it’s a challenge, I guess, for me to answer that question. When I’ve had, if I were to count, I’d have the same amount of businesses reach out for press in terms of them being a thought leader and other businesses just sharing a local announcement. I would definitely say though, it kind of also depends on the nature of your business. For example, when it comes to entrepreneurs that are creating, like, an innovative product or service that is so unique that nobody has ever done, or you know, it’s kind of like making changes, making waves in the industry, then I would say, you know, what, yes, let’s do media pitching, because people need to know about your product and service, and it’s so unique, it’s so beneficial to other people, you know, let’s spread that news. Whereas, you know, we’ve had other businesses like, for example, brick and mortars who are opening a second third location, that’s where it will generate a press release, and say, You know what, let’s try to spread that news as much as we can locally in this area. But even still, you know, we’ll support them in, you know, inviting the local MPs and other outlets to come to their opening as well, because it’s those sorts of relationships that you want to maintain.

Matisse Hamel-Nelis  24:31

Of course, of course, I’m always just curious in terms of thought leadership, I feel like that phrase anyways has become a a not a hot button topic, but sort of the sought after label that people want. Like, I want to be a thought leader in this and then in some cases, it’s like, but there’s OK. You don’t want to be where you’re just like, we will try to figure this out proper that fits your niche or your area. Right? So I’m just always curious if that is still, from an agency perspective, still something that is highly sought after? Or is it more getting the business through the door to make those sales and help that bottom line? So thank you for that answer.

Daisy Raudales  25:14

Yeah, of course. I mean, it’s definitely such a great question. Because things have definitely shifted a lot ever since. I mean, even before COVID to now write in, and I think that’s where it’s so beneficial for the business to have a PR person to kind of look at their story and say, you know, what, let’s take this avenue versus that avenue. And I’ve had to do that before, too, with some businesses where they’ve wanted to, you know, take a certain Avenue, and I’ll say, you know, what, I think you’ll generate more, you know, coverage and more widespread information, doing it this way. Yeah. Yeah. And I think that also leads to where a lot of professional communicators are saying, we need a seat at the table. Right, so that we can provide that strategic knowledge from a PR communications perspective, whether you’re an agency having a seat at the table, just to provide that insight. Or if you’re in house and having that seat, I think it’s very, very important because we, we know different aspects of the media landscape that can really benefit, like you said, right, when you’re guiding them down different paths, or avenues, to ensure they’re getting the most out of it versus just saying, Yeah, sure, exactly what you want. Exactly, yeah, it’s really just looking at the overall goal of that business. I actually, I recently was working with a mortgage investment corporation, it was actually the first sort of mortgage investment corporation we’ve been working with in terms of that sector. Like they’re so unique. And they actually were, they just came to us and said, you know, what we want press, but we don’t know how to do it. We don’t know how we need it. We don’t know if we want to share ourselves as a thought leader, or if we just want to share our accomplishments. So I really had to get to the bottom line of okay, what has been your greatest achievements thus far. And let’s kind of figure out where we can generate a story. And it turned out, you know, after so many conversations they had shared Oh, you know, what we just reached? Set, I think it was six or seven years of providing 10% annual returns to our customers. So I said, You know what, that we need to do a press release. Like we need to share this information. Everybody out there. And so that’s actually what kind of stirred us to go to the press release route. And they got so much return like it was insane. We did it through globe. newswire and Oh, my goodness, I honestly was shocked. They had honestly got like, more than 200 pieces of coverage. So insane. Just seeing that growth and really like choosing that right outlet.

Matisse Hamel-Nelis  27:51

Yeah. And that’s the thing, that’s what the PR person is there for the communication person is there for to provide that guidance. And, you know, finding those that diamond in the rough, if you will, of information, we’re like, no, that’s that’s the news. That’s the newsworthy part. Right?

Daisy Raudales  28:07

Exactly. Guessing all of that information.

Matisse Hamel-Nelis  28:11

Exactly. So we we’ve discussed already, and you brought up things like AI and all that. So we know PR and marketing is ever evolving. There’s no doubt about that. But how do you ensure that your agency and yourself remain at the forefront of industry trends while maintaining that local essence? if you will?

Daisy Raudales  28:31

Yes. Great question. I would definitely say I mean, it plays an important role to do both. I would say. For example, like one thing we do that I mentioned is we are started to use AI tools a lot in our day to day, you know, whether it’s using let’s say ChatGPT defined marketing ideas, right? Okay, what kind of new marketing and fresh content can we can we put up, you know, on social media for this client. So it helps with the planning process, generating those ideas. But then you can also use, you know, AI tools now to create your own custom, like branded images. So that’s a really cool feature we’ve been able to start implementing to is, you know, this unique, authentic content that AI can generate that is so different, and probably something that you wouldn’t see. So I would definitely say one thing we do is implementing those tools, but you definitely need to make sure that your messaging stays the same and on brand, with the business, you need to ensure that even the voice the tone of voice is the same, right? So if you’re more of a friendly sort of business, you want to make sure you you have that friendly tone. And it’s not just copy, paste, you know, from an AI tool. So I would say that authenticity is still really important today. It’s something that we definitely tried to instill with every single client on top of, you know, being able to use these kind of new and innovative tools that are coming out.

Matisse Hamel-Nelis  29:59

How do you decide, whether it’s just yourself or you with your team, what tools you’re going to start to implement, because there’s always something new that comes out.

Daisy Raudales  30:06

Yeah, right. Yeah.

Matisse Hamel-Nelis  30:07

How do you determine this is something we’re going to do a deeper dive into versus this is something we’re going to just sort of see how it goes without?

Daisy Raudales  30:15

Yeah, that’s a great question. I definitely will say it’s so I’m so grateful. And it’s so great to have a team because they teach you things that you never knew. And you can teach them things that, you know, you may be like an expert in. And that’s where I feel like we’ve been able to start implementing these things is, you know, some of the people on the team are like, fresh grads, right? So they have that sort of entrenched knowledge of everything that’s going on. Whereas some, like, for example, myself, I’m, you know, I’m not like a fresh grad. So I’m kind of used to the old ways of doing certain things. And, you know, that’s where they’ll be able to teach you things that you may not have known and heard of. And that’s where we’ll kind of come together as a team and say, okay, you know, this tool, let’s go over it, we’ll do a little tutorial, we’ll kind of all learn how to do it. And then we’ll say, oh, you know what, this actually really helps us in this avenue. Let’s stick with it. So it does become like a trial and error. But I would say having that team that is able to voice what they know. And even, like allowing them to share with you what they know, has been super helpful even for me, right? Like, I always tell them, I, you know, I love doing what I’m doing, I will say like I am an expert in this. However, you might know some things that I don’t know. So feel free to share with me, like whatever you have learned recently, because it might benefit both of us.

Matisse Hamel-Nelis  31:38

I had a boss before who I love, they’re saying I don’t want to be the smartest in the room. I want to be with people who can teach me new things that we can learn from each other and that sort of thing. Because when you’re the smartest in the room, then it’s just, it’s boring, the innovation may not be there, but having the different thoughts and learning from others who are specialized or know how to do things that maybe you just haven’t had time to do, PR so vast. Right? So…

Daisy Raudales  32:06

I love that saying, and it’s so true. And you really do learn the most from each other. And being open to learning those things. I actually recently had a meeting with one of my social media, girls on the team. And she she started implementing this AI voice generator, sort of tool that allows you to add like aI voices behind reels and video content. And I was amazed I was like, Oh, my goodness, I haven’t even explored enough of this tool. And it looks so like it brings that professionalism that like legitimacy. And I had no idea how to use it. And I was like, You know what, teach me please, I want to know, show me your ways. One of your ways. And now it’s something that I’m like starting to implement, even with the clients I manage, and we’re, you know, all trying to get on board with these new fun, you know, tools. So it really it really does, you know, make a difference when you kind of just let other people also share what they know.

Matisse Hamel-Nelis  33:06

How about with clients, when, for example, new social media platforms? Come on…Launch. So let’s say with Threads that came out relatively recently, and you have clients coming in, we need to be on everything. How do you manage expectations? or manage the is it right for your business conversation?

Daisy Raudales  33:27

Wow, that’s such a common thing. I feel like actually, that happens to us a lot. I would definitely say when we meet clients, and we when we talk to learn about new innovative things that come out, we first look at their overall strategy. And we say, okay, what are we currently using? Is it? Is it working? Well, if it is working? Well, let’s continue. If it’s not, then yes, let’s explore this avenue, it might, you know, be super beneficial for you. And just also depending on the nature of their business, that also plays a role. I would say that’s how we usually approach these sort of new things that come out, we’ll always look at the end picture, right? Like what’s working, you know, if what our strategy is already working, let’s explore it on the side. But let’s not put all of our eggs in one basket, because it’s always great to, you know, ensure that you’re you’re using all these different efforts to help you.

Matisse Hamel-Nelis  34:20

Yeah, no, that makes total sense. I find in talking to some folks, they get really excited about new and exciting things that are coming out with like the it’s something shiny, like Ooh, let’s let’s play with that. And then you think no, let’s take it back to your strategy, like you said, right? Does it actually make sense for us? Does it make sense going forward for you? Are you able to maintain that platform is another one right where they get super excited? And then like okay, that was a week of fun. Back to the old ones to be originals. Yeah, no, I love that. That’s the conversation that you have. So, it’s your agency. It’s your name, that is the ageny’s name. Can you shed some light on how you’ve built the culture within your agency?

Daisy Raudales  35:07

Yes, I would say I mean, entrepreneurship, for me has has honestly been as a roller coaster. And I’m sure it any other business owner can can mimic the same, you know, in you as well, I’m sure. You know, at the beginning, you come in, and you’re like, I know, I know exactly what I’m doing in this because I’m an expert in this, but then you end up realizing there’s so many other things that comes with entrepreneurship, and you wear so many different hats, right. And I would say for me, honestly, a lot of building that culture has come from, has come from networking has come from building relationships with with people, honestly, seeking coaching, and mentorship, all of those things have enabled me to learn how to be, you know, better, and how to, you know, instill things in my business that I didn’t know before. And a lot of it has to do, I would say, even with leadership, right? Like, when you’re an entrepreneur, some of us we don’t have that leadership experience, because you kind of just step into, like this role of being a manager. And for me, I had to do a lot of coaching to kind of figure out okay, how, how do I communicate with a, with a team? How do I make them feel like they’re appreciated, and also learn from them and, and, you know, still be able to delegate? So for me, I would say coaching has played a huge role. And also, just speaking to other to other business owners who’ve gone through it, too, and having them share their story and their lessons.

Matisse Hamel-Nelis  36:39

Yeah. Where do you see DRPR in the next five years?

Daisy Raudales  36:44

Ooh, great question. So I definitely see us having a larger team, I hope that by then we are working with more than like 50 Plus businesses, small and medium size in the area, I see us, you know, being able to help businesses, more businesses open up, share their story, you know, achieve that growth and success, and also just teach all of these businesses to ways that they can market their own business successfully, right. One thing that I do like doing as well, in our business is being open to sharing with clients, hey, you know, this is something that you can do as well to help grow your business, right? We are experts, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that we’re going to hide all of our strategies and hide everything that we’re doing, like, I’m always about, let’s help each other learn, you know, because in the long run, I want to see you grow, and you know, they usually vice versa want to be a part of our journey to Yeah, sharing the secret sauce, if you will, yes, sharing the secret sauce.

Matisse Hamel-Nelis  37:50

So within that time, as you’re going to be building and growing and having more staff and more clients, how do you envision the PR and marketing realm in Durham Region evolving during that same time?

Daisy Raudales  38:01

Yes, I see it growing substantially, actually, because the region is still a small community, I would say. I mean, it’s, it’s, it’s still growing commercially, you know, I would say, in that time, like, between five and 10 years, I can already see so many more opportunities and open doors for comps for public relations. And I think even just that, you know, taking, I would say taking away that false sort of viewpoint that you have to be in a big city to do your job. Like, I think, honestly, after university and college for me, I had that sort of mindset of, oh, I have to work downtown, because there’s only jobs there, or I have to work here because that’s where that’s where all the people are. Right? But it’s, it’s honestly, it’s not true. Like, if you really, you know, put your mind to what it is that you love doing, that opportunity will come and if you really, you know, work hard and meet people and network and are you’re open to that, like, you’ll be surprised at how much opportunity is there. And sometimes it’s even you like, you know, you can start your own business, right? There’s nothing that says you can’t start your own business just because this person is doing it too. And that’s one thing that I also had to actually, like, sit back and stop thinking before I started was I always thought at first like, Oh, I’m just another marketing person. But it’s not true. Like you are an expert in what you do. But you also are such a unique human being that that is why people want to work with you.

Matisse Hamel-Nelis  39:37

I love that. Finally, we’re going to wrap things up. This has been an absolute delight chatting with you. But what is that one piece of advice you’d give to somebody thinking about starting their own agency?

Daisy Raudales  39:49

Yes, I have, I would say three pieces of advice. The first would be to don’t doubt yourself especially before you make that jump to launching, there is going to be so many voices that come to you that say, like, you’re not good enough, you can’t do it, I don’t know. But I had that. And I find that that’s sometimes a common thing. So don’t, you know, let those doubts and those like negative thoughts and opinions affect where you want to go and affect your dreams. The second would be to definitely use, like the power of networking, to help you get to that next level. And to help you learn as an entrepreneur, I learned so many things through all the people that I’ve met, and that I continue to meet that I honestly never knew before. And definitely, you know, use that to your advantage, join networking events, be open to even just messaging people on LinkedIn, you know, you never know who you can meet and what they can share with you. And I would definitely also say, you know, use your circle. So use your, the friends that you know, your family, those entrepreneurial friends that you connect with, you know, make sure you’re always kind of staying within that community, because that’s going to also foster your growth. And they’re going to encourage you and motivate, motivate you, especially during those times where you’ll you know, be so overwhelmed. And you feel like you’re just getting so many challenges come your way. For me that has helped me so much and just overcoming those barriers. So those would be my three things. And and I mean, I guess my fourth would be bonus bonus. One would be mentorship, it plays a huge role in allowing you to learn how to even run the systems in your business to run the different processes that have to take place.

Matisse Hamel-Nelis  41:43

Amazing. I think those are three plus bonus one amazing advice for anybody who’s interested in starting their own agency. And I think you’re number one where you are saying sort of combating that impostor syndrome, where you know, I’m not the right person. What am I thinking this that the other that is a big one. So really telling that voice and really following your dreams. Well, thank you so much, Daisy for being on today’s show. Before I let you go, this is PR & Lattes, so I have to ask, what is your favourite go to caffeinated beverage that gets you through the day?

Daisy Raudales  42:19

Ooh, okay. I’m going to be super basic. Um, I am a Starbucks lover. So I would definitely say for me, my go to would be like cinnamon dolce latte. But I mean, in my day to day, just any honestly, caffeinated beverage with the creamer or frothy milk. I’m happy.

Matisse Hamel-Nelis  42:41

Love it. Love it. Thank you so much. Again, Daisy for being on the podcast. If people want to get in touch with you or with your agency. Where can they follow you? How can they find you? Yes, so I can be reached via email at Daisy@drpr.ca. They can also visit my website www.drpr.ca. Or I’m actually available by phone as well. So that is 289-387-3185  Amazing. And we’ll put all that information in the description of the podcast as well. Thank you so much Daisy for being on today’s episode.

Daisy Raudales  43:15

Thank you too. Thank you so much. This was so much fun and I hope to see you soon and to chat again.

Matisse Hamel-Nelis  43:21

You’ve been listening to the PR & Lattes podcast. Make sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so you can get notified each week when a new episode drops. You can also subscribe to our weekly newsletter by visiting our website prandlattes.com. On the website you’ll find our podcast episodes as well as amazing blogs with new ones being posted every Monday morning. And of course make sure to follow us on social on Instagram at @PRAndLattes and on LinkedIn. I’ve been your host Matisse Hamel-Nelis. Thank you so much for listening, and we’ll see you next week with a new latte and guest. Bye for now.