10 to 1 Blog

Knitting it All Together: Rachael Clifford of 10 to 1 PR

by Erica

Knitting it All Together: Rachael Clifford of 10 to 1 PR

In this series, we flip the script and put 10 to 1 PR team members in the interview seat. Get to know Rachael Clifford, PR Executive at 10 to 1 PR:

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m Rachael, and I’m a PR Executive at 10 to 1 PR. I’m curious and enjoy learning what makes others unique, two qualities I think make me well-suited for a career in PR. I graduated from Northern Arizona University with a degree in Strategic Communications, PR and Advertising. Before I joined 10 to 1, I interned and worked at various nonprofits in many marketing roles, but I always found myself most at home in a PR function. I like the variety of team members, clients, and industries I get to work with at 10 to 1. Every day is a new day!

Rachael (center) with some 10 to 1 PR team members
What is one lesson you’ve learned from your time in PR? 

Doing a SWOT analysis, a quick one or a deep one, will help you better understand a situation and will help you determine the best course of action. You can’t always control a situation, but you do have agency over your response.

What is your favorite way to spend a day off?

Going on a morning hike and then coming home to knit and watch the Great British Baking Show.

What song would you sing during karaoke? 

I think singing any ABBA song would guarantee a good time.

What is the best advice you’ve ever been given? 

Don’t overthink it. I’m the type of person who is all about the details, and I like to think through my next steps always, but sometimes it’s necessary to zoom out and go with my instincts.

If you had a superpower, what would it be and why? 

I would want to be able to speak any language. I’d love to be able to go anywhere in the world and be able to converse with people. Language also encodes a lot about culture, and many barriers would vanish if we took the time to understand where another person is coming from. 

Connect with Rachael on LinkedIn or [email protected].

10 to 1 Blog

Media Maven: Mackenzie Nintzel of 10 to 1 PR

by Erica

Media Maven: Mackenzie Nintzel of 10 to 1 PR

In this series, we flip the script and put 10 to 1 PR team members in the interview seat. Get to know Mackenzie Nintzel, PR Coordinator at 10 to 1 PR:

Tell us a little about yourself.

Hi there, my name is Mackenzie and as of August of 2021, I have been a PR Coordinator at 10 to 1 Public Relations. I became interested in public relations due to my love for hearing about others’ passions and using my writing abilities to be able to translate them into words through press releases and articles. I graduated summa cum laude from NAU with a degree in Strategic Communications with an emphasis in public relations as well as a minor in Cinema Studies. I have a big love for all media including movies, music, and video games and have always thrown myself neck deep into every interest I’ve ever had which now extends to my career in PR at 10 to 1!

What is your favorite thing about your career in PR?

I love working collaboratively with a team and getting to learn from others every day. The whole team at 10 to 1 has different backgrounds and experiences that I love being able to hear about and learn from as I find my place in the PR industry.

What is your favorite way to spend a day off?

I love to draw and wish I had more time to do it. So, when I do have a day off, I let all the inspiration I have bubbling up inside me from the week manifest by drawing. There is something really special about having a hobby that has such visible results to make my day feel productive.

What is your favorite movie?

My favorite movie is Ex Machina! I love stories that keep me guessing and have a lot of mystery surrounding them and this movie does that type of suspense perfectly.

Who inspires you?

Both of my parents inspire me daily. My dad has worked in the public relations field for my entire life and has been extremely helpful through my journey in college while my mom helps me learn life lessons by sharing her own experiences for me to grow from. They both show me what real kindness and love look like every day and I am forever grateful to them for all that they have done for me as I’ve grown into a young adult.

If you had a superpower, what would it be and why?

Teleportation. I would love to travel more than I’ve gotten the chance to, and I would love to make it even easier by being able to be anywhere I wanted instantaneously.

Connect with Mackenzie on LinkedIn or [email protected].

10 to 1 Blog

Pilates & Publicity: Joanne Sgro-Killworth of 10 to 1 PR

by Erica

Pilates & Publicity: Joanne Sgro-Killworth of 10 to 1 PR

In this series, we flip the script and put 10 to 1 PR team members in the interview seat. Get to know Joanne Sgro-Killworth, Sr. PR Executive at 10 to 1 PR:

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am Joanne and my passions are Pilates and publicity. I have an amazing family. We are blessed with kids who are great at sports and the arts. I have 20+ fitness certifications and love to sing. I also have a secret love of 80’s hairband rock.

Joanne with her Emmy
What is your most memorable PR experience?

Having a client live on CNBC from the NYSE.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Winning an Emmy and being on the cover of Women’s World Magazine.

What is something on your bucket list?

To sing with my daughter on stage.

What song would you sing during karaoke?

Dancing Queen

What is your favorite movie?

Moonstruck

What is your favorite book?

How to Clean and Care for Practically Anything

What is one way to instantly make your day?

Getting Starbucks

Describe yourself in 5 words.

Dynamic, social, inclusive, diplomatic, understanding

If you had a superpower, what would it be and why?

To teleport so I can see my parents more often.

Connect with Joanne on LinkedIn or [email protected].

10 to 1 Blog

10 to 1 PR is Thankful For…

by Erica

10 to 1 PR is Thankful For…

To celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, members of the 10 to 1 Public Relations team respond to the question, ‘What are you thankful for this year?’

I’m grateful for the personal life achievements and collective health of my family, as well as my work family! Even with all the challenges related to the pandemic, we continue to thrive and support each other in our efforts! Oh, and I’m also thankful for coffee.

Josh Weiss, President

I am thankful for my family who have supported me through this past year as I finished up my bachelor’s degree and started my career with 10to1!

Mackenzie Nintzel, PR Coordinator
Mayra, Mackenzie, and Rachael at the 10 to 1 PR office

I am thankful for all the individuals on our wonderful team at 10 to 1 PR who bring positive and creative ideas every day to help one another so we can be our very best for all our clients.

Laura Slawny, PR Director

This year I’m thankful for my good health, joining an amazing PR team, and being able to see my loved ones in person for Thanksgiving.

Michelle Bolden, PR Coordinator

I’m thankful for my family’s/my sister Aimee’s dog named Marla. She keeps me company on my work from home days and she gives me an excuse to go on a walk.

Rachael Clifford, PR Executive
Marla the Dog

I am so thankful for the incredible year I’ve had. I got to travel to new places, landed my dream job, and made special memories with my family and friends.

Mayra Vasquez-Chavez, PR Coordinator

I am thankful for my children and husband, who put a smile on my face everyday. I am also thankful that I was finally able to visit my parents and siblings this year.

Joanne Sgro-Killworth, SR. PR Executive

I moved to Arizona this year and I am very thankful to everyone who supported me and made me feel welcome. I am grateful for a healthy work environment, great team, wonderful clients, and the super nice journalists who make me want to do better professionally, every day. From the best bunch of PR nerds – Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Smriti Shakargaye, PR Executive

I am thankful for my health, the health of my family and friends, and for my sister’s Thanksgiving mashed potatoes.

Erica Fetherston, PR & Ops Manager
10 to 1 News

10 to 1 Public Relations Wins 2021 BBB Torch Awards for Ethics

by Erica

10 to 1 Public Relations (10 to 1 PR), a Scottsdale-based strategic communications firm, was named the winner in their category at the Better Business Bureau Pacific Southwest region’s 2021 BBB Torch Awards for Ethics. The award, presented on November 17th at an awards ceremony held at the Waldorf Astoria’s Arizona Biltmore Resort, honors top greater Arizona businesses for ethics and integrity.

“We want our employees, customers, partners, and members of the media to trust us, which allows us to do our jobs most effectively and efficiently,” said Josh Weiss, President and founder of 10 to 1 Public Relations. “Winning the BBB Torch Award for Ethics is a true honor and testament to the integrity and excellent work our team does every day.”

Finalists were selected by an independent panel of volunteer community leaders based on criteria established by the International Association of Better Business Bureaus. It is the organization’s highest award designed to highlight outstanding ethical businesses.

“Honesty builds trust, which is a vital aspect in the success of a business. For 19 years, BBB has been recognizing outstanding companies in Greater Arizona for their solid commitment to doing things the right way and we are so proud of our 2021 winning businesses,” said Shelley Bradley, Director of Signature Events at BBB Serving the Pacific Southwest.

All finalists completed an evaluation where they demonstrated their commitment to ethics and trust in four categories: Character, Culture, Customers, and Community. Finalists also illustrated the character of their organization’s leadership, how an authentic culture is being fostered, how the company prioritizes its relationship with customers, and the impact the organization is making in their community.

10 to 1 PR received high marks in all categories for its efforts to build a team culture where everyone supports each other; investing heavily in the professional development of its employees; a ‘No Jerks’ policy that applies to both team members and clients; transparent and honest client communications and media relations; and supporting the local community with in-kind services.

Weiss added, “We’ve been fortunate to win several industry PR awards over the years, but this award from the Better Business Bureau is special since it’s based on more than the results we achieve for our clients, but how those results are achieved.”

10 to 1 PR has built a diverse clientele of businesses across the U.S. and the globe from numerous industries including financial, health and wellness, professional services, real estate, manufacturing, mechanical and construction, technology, and transportation. The company collaborates with each client to develop a custom strategic communications plan built around achieving the client’s desired results.

10 to 1 Blog

5 Public Relations Tips for Nonprofits

by Erica

5 Public Relations Tips for Nonprofits

This article was originally published in Entrepreneur. Click here to read the entire article.

Should public relations for charities and nonprofits be implemented differently compared to for-profit businesses?

For nearly 20 years, I’ve been asked a variation of this question by nonprofit leaders. Since I launched my PR firm about a decade ago, the question comes even more frequently. While most of our clients are for-profit businesses that are national or in several markets, we have also worked with a handful of charities and nonprofits over the years, some that are nationally focused and others local only to a single media market.

When it comes to PR tactics, it doesn’t matter if you’re a for-profit or nonprofit. Sure, a nonprofit might be focused on specifically promoting its fundraising or education efforts, but when you boil it down, it’s really promoting a service, product or idea just like a for-profit business.

I’m constantly impressed by the mission-driven focus of the many nonprofit leaders that I’ve worked with, and I believe business leaders can learn a lot from their passion and commitment to achieving an end goal. The challenge is that some nonprofit leaders fail to understand that their organization is a type of business too and that public relations is a key ingredient to achieving success for their overall mission. Many times, and for various reasons, nonprofit leaders have the wrong mindset and don’t recognize or believe they should adhere to the proven PR recipe that many businesses follow…

Click here to read the 5 tips for nonprofits.

10 to 1 Blog

Networking Tips from a PR Pro

by Erica

Networking Tips from a PR Pro

The following post includes excerpts from two Entrepreneur articles written by 10 to 1 Public Relations President Josh Weiss.

“I’m often asked by other entrepreneurs how I grew my public-relations business and how I gain new clients. There are several examples I can share, but I usually start with one answer they don’t expect. I talk about the importance of attending networking events. 

What’s great about networking events is that they work for you no matter if you’re a new business or one with a long history.

You can be a novice or an expert, yet you potentially have the same opportunity to meet meaningful contacts as every other person in the room.

Before I walk into a networking event, I pump myself up with a simple thought: There’s one person in the room that I’m supposed to meet…”

Read: 8 Ways to Get the Most Out of Networking Events

“In-person networking events are returning as more and more people feel comfortable gathering indoors with larger groups of strangers. To some, networking is easy and fun, but to others, it’s an uncomfortable chore. As someone who has utilized networking to grow my successful public-relations consultancy, here’s a primer on networking and how you can get the most out of these events.

When identifying the kinds of networking events you’ll want to attend, the first place to start is understanding what type of people you’re trying meet.

If you’re a residential insurance professional, you may find potential leads at any event, but if you’re only focused on medical professionals, you’ll want to be more selective about which events you attend.

Once you know the kind of people you are trying to connect with, you’ll need to identify the kinds of events that will provide opportunities to meet these people…”

Read: How to Pick the Right Networking Events to Attend

Looking for more business advice and tips? Check out other Entrepreneur articles written by Josh.

10 to 1 News

10 to 1 Public Relations Wins 2 National Globee® Awards for PR Agency of the Year and Best COVID-19 Related PR Campaign of the Year

by Erica

10 to 1 Public Relations Wins 2 National Globee® Awards for PR Agency of the Year and Best COVID-19 Related PR Campaign of the Year

Scottsdale-based strategic communications firm 10 to 1 Public Relations won two gold Globee® Awards as part of the 6th Annual 2021 American Best in Business Awards.

10 to 1 Public Relations was named PR Agency of the Year recognizing the firm’s resilience, growth, and dedication to its clients during the coronavirus pandemic. 10 to 1 Public Relations also received another Globee award for PR Campaign of the Year related to COVID-19 for its campaign to help a client test over one million people in the U.S. during the pandemic.

“While last year was challenging for many businesses and individuals, we are proud that 10 to 1 PR was able to adapt quickly and seamlessly to be the best possible resource and advocate for our clients. Our success is evident in the results we have generated on behalf of our clients, and it’s an honor to be recognized for these efforts by the American Best in Business Awards.”

Josh Weiss, President and founder of 10 to 1 Public Relations

In recent years, the strategic communications firm has earned numerous industry accolades including 4 national Agency of the Year awards (Bulldog PR Awards, Titan Awards, PR World Awards, and the Stevie Awards), and local Agency of the Year honors from the Public Relations Society of America Phoenix Chapter. 10 to 1 PR was also named a Finalist for the second year in a row for the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Awards for Ethics this year.

The American Best in Business Awards are open to all organizations with at least one or more offices in the United States of America. All organizations operating in the U.S.A. – large to small and startups, government, public and private, for-profit and non-profit – are eligible to submit nominations to the American Best in Business Awards in a wide range of categories honoring achievement in every aspect of business + work life. More than 35 judges from a wide spectrum of industry experts participated in the judging process.

See the complete list of 2021 winners here: https://globeeawards.com/american-business-awards/winners.

10 to 1 News

10 to 1 Public Relations Named Finalist of 2021 BBB Torch Awards for Ethics

by Erica

10 to 1 Public Relations Named Finalist of 2021 BBB Torch Awards for Ethics

Better Business Bureau Serving the Pacific Southwest (BBB) has named 10 to 1 Public Relations, a strategic communications firm serving clients in varied industries such as healthcare, technology, transportation, finance, and more, as a finalist for the 2021 BBB Torch Awards for Ethics, sponsored by Desert Financial Credit Union. The program raises awareness in marketplace ethics and honors businesses that operate with integrity.

“It is such an honor to be recognized as a finalist for the BBB Torch Awards for Ethics for the second year in a row, as each member of the 10 to 1 PR team works hard every day to perpetuate mutual respect and trust among each other, our clients, and the media,” said Josh Weiss, Founder and President of 10 to 1 Public Relations.

“This recognition shines a spotlight on our culture of consistent and genuine integrity, which has been the basis of our strong and rapid growth over the last year.”

Josh Weiss, Founder and President of 10 to 1 Public Relations

BBB Torch Awards for Ethics is one of the highest honors BBB bestows upon a company, and is designed to highlight outstanding ethical businesses. Finalists are selected by an independent panel of volunteer community leaders based on criteria established by the International Association of Better Business Bureaus.

All finalists completed an evaluation where they demonstrated their commitment to ethics and trust in four categories: Character, Culture, Customers and Community. Finalists have illustrated the character of their organization’s leadership, how an authentic culture is being fostered, how the company prioritizes its relationship with customers, and the impact the organization is making in their community.

“Honesty builds trust, which is a vital aspect in the success of a business. For 19 years, BBB has been recognizing outstanding companies in Greater Arizona for their solid commitment to doing things the right way,” said Shelley Bradley, Director of Signature Events for BBB Serving the Pacific Southwest. “This esteemed award recognizes business leaders who demonstrate a superior level of character and ensure their organization’s practices meet the highest ethical standards, thereby generating trust.”

Winners will be announced at the in-person signature event on November 17, 2021 at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel. Finalists, winners and judges will also be celebrated through a visual digital campaign on BBB’s social media channels. For a complete list of this year’s BBB Torch Awards for Ethics Finalists visit torchawards.bbbcommunity.org.

10 to 1 News

10 to 1 Public Relations Doubles Down on Winning PR Strategy with Updated Branding

by Erica

10 to 1 Public Relations Doubles Down on Winning PR Strategy with Updated Branding

Following a year of dramatic growth and winning several Agency of the Year awards on both a national and local level, Scottsdale-based strategic communications firm 10 to 1 Public Relations is reintroducing itself with an updated look and sharpened focus.

“For nearly a decade, 10 to 1 PR has been offering public relations services that are targeted, compelling, and achieve our clients’ goals. In addition to wanting a modern, great-looking website, we wanted it to reflect our growth as a nationally-focused PR firm by showcasing our array of strategic communications services, as well as highlighting several success stories within the various industries we serve.”

Josh Weiss, Founder and President, 10 to 1 Public Relations

Focused mostly on B2B and service-oriented B2C clients with a national or multi-city focus, 10 to 1 PR’s services include media relations, product and brand launches, employee communication, corporate social responsibility, trade show media, crisis communication management, awards submissions, speaking opportunities, and more. The new website also showcases more than 20 case studies of various strategic communications projects and campaigns that the firm has successfully designed and executed.

10 to 1 PR has built a diverse clientele of businesses across the U.S. and the globe from numerous industries including financial, health and wellness, professional services, real estate, manufacturing, mechanical and construction, technology, and transportation. The company collaborates with each client to develop a custom strategic communications plan built around achieving the client’s desired results.

“By working with organizations from a wide range of industries and goals, we’ve seen that public relations can be an integral part of any company’s holistic communications strategy. It’s great to have a brand and website that truly illustrate all that we are able to offer,” added Weiss.

10 to 1 PR was founded in 2012 on the philosophy that it takes 10 good things to be said about a business to equal one bad impression. The company achieves this by leveraging its storytelling skills to dominate industry and local market media to generate consistent, positive news coverage and by positioning its clients as industry thought leaders.

In recent years, the strategic communications firm has earned numerous industry accolades including 4 national Agency of the Year awards (Bulldog PR Awards, Titan Awards, PR World Awards, and the Stevie Awards), and local Agency of the Year honors from the Public Relations Society of America Phoenix Chapter. Last week, the company was named a Finalist for the second year in a row for the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Awards for Ethics.

The new website and updated logo were designed by brand communication and design firm TMB Partners of Scottsdale, Arizona and Grand Rapids, Michigan.