We have had a busy time in PPR HQ recently recording quite a lot of new podcasts and today I’m thrilled to share a captivating episode where I had the privilege of sitting down with the brilliant Paul Sutton. Now I have known Paul for well over a decade and he has a whopping two decades of digital marketing expertise under his belt.
He is not just a successful PR freelancer (PR Freelancer of the Year) but he was also the mastermind behind a luxury pet accessories business that he has never talked openly about before now.
First and foremost, Paul sheds light on a pivotal lesson he’s learned along the way – the significance of self-belief. For freelancers battling the constant companions of self-doubt and income instability, Paul’s advice hits home not least because I nearly had a full burnout when I was freelance. It was one of the reasons I created my agency. He talks about trusting your gut and recognises that quieter months are merely part of the freelance process.
Balancing work and personal life is a universal challenge, but it’s a whole new ball game for freelancers. Paul opens up about his experience taking paternity leave from an agency job, revealing the unexpected response from his boss. This story underscores the desperate need for a more flexible and understanding approach to work-life balance in the freelance sphere.
Have you ever thought about starting a podcast for your business? Paul Sutton did, and he believes it was a game-changer in lead gen for his business. So listen as he shares how launching a podcast was the best decision for his business, emphasising the importance of not only promoting old episodes but also consistently churning out fresh content. It’s a deep dive into the world of podcasting as a potent content marketing technique that can do wonders for both freelancers and businesses.
Now, let’s rewind to the global financial crisis. Paul’s business launch during this tumultuous period is nothing short of inspiring. Despite initial setbacks and financial stress, he and his wife successfully transitioned their brick-and-mortar store to e-commerce, showcasing the power of adaptability and persistence in the face of adversity.
Throughout our chat, Paul drops golden nuggets of wisdom for aspiring freelancers. Whether it’s about trusting your instincts, embracing the ebb and flow of freelancing, or demystifying digital jargon for clients, his insights offer a roadmap for those embarking on their freelance journey.
This episode was fun to record as it is a treasure trove of real-life experiences, inspiring tales, and actionable takeaways for anyone treading the digital marketing path. Whether you’re just starting, a seasoned pro, or simply curious about the magic of podcasting, this chat with Paul Sutton is a goldmine of knowledge to help you navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Let me know what you think in the comments.
Chris Norton is the founder of Prohibition and an award winning communications consultant with more than twenty years’ experience. He was a lecturer at Leeds Beckett University and has had a varied PR career having worked both in-house and in a number of large consultancies. He is an Integrated PR and social media blogger and writes on a wide variety of blogs across a huge amount of topics from digital marketing, social media marketing right through to technology and crisis management.
