The Luxury of Staying In and Getting Things Done
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I know a lot of people think of January and February as months to be stoically endured before things really start hopping again in the springtime. But I must admit, I’ve come to value these quieter winter months as a time to stay in my office and get my work done. I love having dedicated time for fine-tuning the strategies we’ve developed for our clients and doing deep dives into industry trends before spring campaigns launch, the whirlwind of travel, conferences and summits begin, and my children’s warm weather activities kick into high gear (making the whole idea of work-life balance feel more like fire juggling on a tightrope). I start every year beside myself with excitement for the flurry of activity that the coming months promise, and I’m so grateful to have this time to ensure that I’m ready for all of it!
Client Spotlight: Red Land Cotton
I can think of few companies who make the idea of staying in more inviting than our client, Red Land Cotton. Founded by Mark Yeager, a premier cotton producer whose family has owned the land he farms for three generations, and his daughter, Anna Brakefield, a business leader who has a background in design and marketing, the company began in 2016 by creating heirloom-quality bed sheets inspired by one that had been passed down from the 1920s.
In recent years, Red Land Cotton has expanded into making exquisite duvets, quilts, blankets, baby bedding, towels, robes, lounge wear and gifts: all 100% American made from Alabama cotton ginned entirely by the Yeager family and spun and sewn in American factories that pay their workers fair wages.
Red Land Cotton’s success proves that we all want to feel good about what we buy for the places where we spend our most meaningful moments, which is why we are thrilled to share the fantastic media attention and publicity we’ve generated for the brand. In the first few weeks of 2023 alone, Red Land has been prominently featured in Forbes, on Fox News, and in Victoria Magazine. Since we started working with them in 2019, stories about Red Land Cotton have received more than 3 million media impressions, including from outlets like ABC World News Tonight, Southern Living, Luxe Digital, and many others. We’ve also partnered with them on photo and video shoots, including one of our very first official Brand Your Brand video shoots at the French Valley Vineyard in Cedar, Michigan. Regardless of whether they’re showcased in print, online or on television, the unparalleled quality and beauty of Red Land Cotton’s collections always shine through each media feature.
CSPR/BYB In the News
I loved contributing my expertise on why building and maintaining great media relationships and cultivating a library of short-form video assets are essential to an effective public relations strategy for The PR Bar’s roundup 9 PR Trends You Should Keep an Eye On in 2023. The article includes invaluable insight from many of the top women leaders in PR right now, so it’s definitely one to read and bookmark!
5 Easy Ways to Love Your Winter Workday
Fill Your Cup: Whether it’s a morning meditation or an 11 a.m. matcha to power through until lunchtime, rituals spark joy in any routine. I have a favorite coffee mug that I only use when I’m at my desk: it makes my morning coffee feel like an indulgence that I miss on mornings when I’m not in the office.
Get Wrapped Up in Your Work: You’re not imagining it. Research shows that women tend to work better when we’re not freezing cold. That’s why I love my All-American Throw Blanket from Red Land Cotton. It keeps me warm, while being lightweight enough that I can comfortably work.
Go Green: Studies also show that having plants in the workspace can boost productivity, lower stress and improve job satisfaction. I’m not sure if cut flowers were included in the research, but I can report anecdotally that having hydrangeas on my desk always makes my day better.
Take Breaks: It can be tempting when we’re in the zone to want to keep working, but taking small breaks throughout the day to take a walk outside, or prepare and eat a (screen-free) healthy lunch actually promotes sharper focus and helps avoid burnout.
Exercise a Different Part of Your Brain: I’m a huge fan of time-blocking to keep my schedule streamlined, but sometimes it also helps to switch things up a bit. For example, after hours of typing, sometimes I turn my attention to mailing press kits (each with a handwritten note) or listening to a podcast interview.
Social Media Masterclass: Back By Demand
We love hosting our Masterclasses as a way to engage and educate other business owners and industry experts. Which is why we are excited to launch our Social Media Masterclass: Build Your Brand Through Instagram again! This Masterclass is Monday, February 13, 12-2 p.m. CST and is an amazing way to launch your Instagram account or reenergize your social media skills to ensure they’re impacting your business in a positive way.
I hope you’re having a happy and productive month. To learn more about some of the things we’re working on, please follow Carolyn Sutton PR and Brand Your Brand on Instagram.
