We’re only a few months into 2025, and already the pressure to grow—on social media, in sales, in visibility—feels relentless. But here’s a reminder: growth doesn’t always have to mean chasing bigger numbers. It can also mean refining your voice, deepening your connections, and showing up in a way that feels right for you.
Relationship building has been on our minds a lot, especially with this month’s membership lesson, Understanding the Media Landscape and How to Work with Media (read/watch a preview here). With all the noise online, meaningful relationships—whether with your customers, press contacts, or collaborators—are what truly move the needle. Before social media, building relationships felt simpler. You’d just pick up the phone or send an email and set up a time to chat over coffee or drinks. Now we connect via DM, Zoom, LinkedIn, etc. But in many ways, social media has also leveled the playing field. You can start a conversation with anyone—by putting yourself out there, sending a direct message, or engaging with someone’s content.
We’re especially energized by the authentic connections happening on Substack. It’s refreshing to see how different people—traditional writers, editors, experts, content creators, and now brands—are using it in unique ways. This Substack post by Rachel Karten (Link in Bio) about how brands are joining and using the platform is super interesting.
As you map out your next steps for the spring and beyond, remember: you don’t have to do it all at once. Maybe you experiment with a new platform, or maybe you double down on what’s already working. Focus on what aligns with your brand, trust the process, and know that we’re right here in it with you.
For a peek at our latest lesson, we shared a clip here.
-C&K
Think Spring
Set aside time this month to plan your April and May content— your newsletter, social posts, website, blog, etc. Think about what you have coming up that needs support - whether it’s an event, launch, or collaboration - as well as what your audience needs/wants right now.
Here are a few spring content & pitch ideas to get the ball rolling:
Spring Refresh & Organization – Share tips for resetting your space, wardrobe, finances, or mindset. Whether you’re in home design, fashion, wellness, or consulting, this theme resonates across industries.
Spring Travel – Create a packing guide or share financial planning or wellness tips around travel. Outlets often share seasonal, problem-solving content.
Mother’s Day & Graduation Gift Ideas – Now is the time to create gift guides, showcase bestsellers, and pitch products for upcoming editor roundups. You can also spotlight mother/daughter stories or share your own.
Spring Trends & Fresh Perspectives – Highlight seasonal colors and trends, and update your owned channels to feel fresh and seasonally appropriate.
If you’re a member, login to look at our full list of spring pitch and content ideas as well as our media list with over 50 contacts from outlets including Domino, Southern Living, and Vogue, to name a few.
Don’t Be Intimidated
If there is an influencer you admire who you think would love your product/service and be a good fit to collaborate with, don’t be afraid to send them a DM or email. Even if your business is still growing, you have something of value to give – whether that is a gifted product, service or expertise to share. Look for micro or nano-influencers (under 10k followers) who would appreciate cross promotional opportunities and get creative with how you can partner with them. Maybe you do a content trade or collaborate on a giveaway, or host Q&A features on each other’s channels. *Remember to keep all of your outreach super personalized.
We’re excited to introduce you to AYN member Theodora Miller, an artist and creative mentor. Theodora's artist journey was part of her path to healing after a traumatic brain injury. Her story and artwork, inspired by nature and her Greek heritage, are both incredible. When she is not creating art she is mentoring other artists and leading workshops, like her Art of Living Well retreat in Greece. Follow her and say hello @theodoramillerfineart.
“I’m truly blown away by the wealth of knowledge that Kathryn and Carla are willing to share. What’s even more impressive is how they demystify the PR world with thought-provoking monthly lessons, worksheets, and planning tips to help me stay focused and strategic. Plus, I love the video check-ins with other members — it always leaves me feeling fearless and motivated to take action!” - Theodora
Reading:
Tory Burch’s Substack, What Should I Wear? curated by Tory Burch editors. We love this fresh take on a brand’s content and have been enjoying reading their “Women at Work” series.
Listening:
to The Blink podcast. It is a thriller based on the true story of Jake Haendel, the only living survivor of a rare, terminal brain disease. Jake was locked-in, fully awake and aware while his doctors assumed he was braindead for 18 months.
Following:
@andrewjhow we don’t know what we like more about Andrew, his hilarious Instagram captions or his impeccably designed rooms. Follow along for a good laugh and inspiring design. Thank you to our member, Beetle Hillery for sharing his account!