Most people buy PR the wrong way: they ask “who do you know?” and hope connections turn into coverage. We sit down with Ronica Cleary, founder of Cleary Strategies and a former TV journalist who covered the White House, to talk about what actually drives earned media for a small business: preparation, systems, and a repeatable pitching strategy that does not depend on favors.

We get concrete about what “strategy” looks like in public relations. Ronica walks us through her discovery process and why she will not pitch a new client until they have four to six clear content pillars with talking points and journalist-ready questions. That foundation makes it easier to respond fast to the news cycle, land better-fit podcast guest bookings and media interviews, and reduce the chaos that gives PR a bad reputation. We also talk pricing reality for Small Businesses and nonprofits, how to spot red flags like guaranteed results, and what transparency and case studies should look like before you sign a contract.

Then we go where everyone is curious: AI in PR. Ronica shares why AI-generated thought leadership can destroy credibility with journalists, even while AI can still be useful for planning, research, and editorial calendars. We close with the hard truth about PR measurement, why clicks do not tell the whole story, and how earned media compounds into trust, authority, and unexpected opportunities, plus how to make deliberate decisions about political or social stances before pressure hits.

If you found this useful, subscribe, share it with a founder who is chasing PR the hard way, and leave us a review with your biggest question about earned media and brand credibility.

Subscribe and tune in for new episodes of Big Talk About Small Business with Mark Zweig and Eric Howerton. Each week we focus on practical insights and real-world strategies to grow your business!

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Mark Zweig & Eric Howerton Big Talk About Small Business

Big Talk About Small Business is a podcast dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and small business owners navigate the challenges and opportunities of building and growing a successful company. Each episode dives into practical topics—ranging from financial transparency and marketing strategy to leadership and hiring—offering listeners real-world insights they can apply immediately. The show is co-hosted by Mark Zweig, a serial entrepreneur, author, and founder of Zweig Group, and Eric Howerton, a seasoned business leader and marketing expert. Together, they bring decades of experience and a no-nonsense approach to exploring what really works in small business, featuring guest interviews, personal stories, and actionable advice for business builders at every stage.