Louise Chandler’s journey into PR and marketing began, fittingly, in the dynamic world of broadcasting. Her extensive media background is the cornerstone of Soundbite Media, providing her with the unique skills needed to tell powerful client stories.
🎤 My Life Behind the Mic and Camera
For over 18 years, my media career was a whirlwind of diverse and often surreal experiences. Here’s just a taste of what life as a broadcaster entailed:
- Reporting: Driving to Reading University to interview a doctor about pioneering research for the British Heart Foundation? Yes, please!
- TV Production: Being sent out with a camera crew to film and interview a team of Street Pastors helping lost, intoxicated, and shoeless partygoers? Let’s do it.
- Community Events: Organizing a round table discussion with community leaders to debate the impact of the first Black President in America? Done.
- Multimedia Journalism: Writing an online article about a Steel Pan factory and taking images for publication on the BBC website? Not a problem!
- Live Coverage: Doing an outside broadcast from the Reading Carnival, capturing live interviews and the street party events? Okay, great!
After almost 10 years working for the BBC as a Radio Presenter, Producer, Reporter, and TV Broadcaster, it was time for a change.
📈 The Pivot to PR and Marketing
All those media skills—the ability to find a compelling story, communicate clearly under pressure, and manage complex logistics—were about to become incredibly useful. I transitioned into the world of Marketing and PR to work directly with organisations, businesses, and agencies.
The opportunities started immediately:
- I was approached to handle media enquiries and promote a business expo encouraging trade and investment between the UK and Africa.
- I was commissioned to help organize an event promoting a new health clinic and coordinate media coverage for a celebrity footballer who would declare the new premises open.
Suddenly, I was using my media skills in a different way: to share stories of success about a project, service, or event. It was amazing! (Seriously, when we chat, ask me about the time I managed an event with penguins running around—hilarious and very surreal!)
📲 Embracing the Digital Evolution
Throughout my career, I’ve loved working with the emerging technologies that have revolutionized storytelling:
- Social Media has been one of the biggest game-changers, bringing immediacy and instant interaction, making it easy to engage audiences and connect with journalists.
- Live Streaming is gaining momentum. I recently sat in and participated in a breakfast meeting taking place in another city, able to watch, observe, and ask questions remotely.
- Smart Devices (iPhones and iPads) now allow us to capture great quality images, and record audio and video, all from the palm of our hands.
🎯 The Power of Storytelling
For more than six years, I’ve focused on helping clients promote their businesses through social media content, promotional videos, podcasts, and email marketing. While there are countless tools available, we must never forget the importance of telling stories.
Stories engage us; they become memorable communication tools that evoke a particular emotion. This is vital in a world where it’s so easy to be distracted. Telling a compelling anecdote is where we have the most fun, and I look forward to doing more of it.
🔮 Cheers to the Future
What does the future hold? Perhaps Augmented Reality cake-making experiences with Mary Berry or an AI robot guiding us through events! I believe we are entering an exciting time where traditional and digital media will continue to converge to create fantastic narratives and interactions. Cheers to the future!
Let’s stay connected:
Get in touch with Louise today to explore how we can tailor a strategy that combines PR, communications and digital marketing. Together, we’ll ensure your brand thrives in this changing digital world.
- Subscribe to self-employed stories on LinkedIn
- Find me on Instagram and Facebook
- If you have any questions or would like to discuss this article – get in touch using the contact us button. Speak soon!
Keep reading and learning
Reflections and Resilience: My 20-Year Media & Marketing Career Blueprint
Read more ➞
Your First-Year Launchpad: The Essential Action Plan for SMBs, Solopreneurs, and Experts
Read more ➞