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Dear Friends,


As we welcome October, I’m reminded that this season is all about connection, reflection, and new opportunities. The cool air, fall colors, and the buzz of back-to-school and business summits always make me feel energized. This month’s Marshall Report is packed with insights designed to help you strengthen your personal brand and professional relationships—something I’m always passionate about sharing.


In this issue, you’ll find:


  • A new Forbes Agency Council article on contextual digital PR, which explains how relevance and timeliness can make or break your PR strategy today. It’s no longer just about getting coverage; it’s about showing up in the right places at the right times.
  • My MaineBiz column on networking that feels genuine rather than transactional. Networking is more than just exchanging business cards—it’s about making authentic connections that last.
  • A piece on turning angry customers into allies. Every business faces tough moments, but handled with empathy and creativity, those moments can actually become opportunities to build trust and loyalty.
  • And finally, tips on how to confidently say no in business. It’s something many of us struggle with, but learning how to set boundaries can actually strengthen both your brand and your well-being.
  • Alongside these articles, I’m thrilled to share some upcoming events where I’ll be speaking:
  • Magnetize Maine Annual Business Summit – Friday, October 10, 2025. This is always a highlight for me, bringing together Maine’s most dynamic leaders to talk about growth and innovation.
  • Riding To The Top 17th Annual Triple B - Saturday, October 18, 2025. Excited to serve as Master of Ceremonies for this fun night supporting Riding To The Top!
  • BLITZ Conference – Tuesday, October 28, 2025. I’ll be speaking about digital PR strategies that work in today’s ever-changing landscape.
  • Maine Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony – Saturday, November 1, 2025. This event is close to my heart, celebrating the people who have shaped the skiing and snowboarding culture in our state.


October is a month for both learning and celebrating. I hope these articles inspire you to look at your own professional growth with fresh eyes, and maybe even spark some ideas for how to approach your network, your customers, and your boundaries differently.


As always, thank you for reading, for being part of my community, and for sharing this journey with me. I look forward to seeing some of you at these events and continuing to connect in meaningful ways.


Warmly,


Nancy Marshall 

The PR Maven®

nancy@prmaven.com

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As events season starts to ramp up again, guest columnist Nancy Marshall offers handy networking tips from first impressions to follow up.

Turning angry customers into allies — and opportunities

The best response to hostile emails is to stay calm, composed and laser-focused on listening, our guest columnist writes.


How to say 'no' in business — with confidence and no regrets

At a certain point in our lives, constant “yeses” become unsustainable even if we have been “yes” people all our lives, writes guest columnist Nancy Marshall.

Tip of the Month

In a world where technology evolves faster than ever, the human touch has never been more valuable. Artificial intelligence may be powerful, but it will never be authentic. That’s why I like to call what we bring to the table “Authentic Intelligence” — the trust, empathy, and personal connections that no bot can replicate.



Building and nurturing a large network of people who know, like, and trust you is your best insurance policy against being replaced by algorithms. When people feel a genuine connection to you — your story, your values, your reliability — they’re not just hiring a service or buying a product; they’re choosing you.


This doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of consistently showing up, delivering on promises, sharing your expertise freely, and being generous with your time and attention. Over time, your network becomes your most powerful asset — a community of advocates who refer you, vouch for you, and bring opportunities your way.


AI can analyze data, write copy, or automate tasks. But it cannot sit with someone over coffee, sense what matters to them, or create a moment of trust. That’s your superpower. And in the PR world especially, your reputation, your relationships, and your Authentic Intelligence will always give you an edge that machines simply can’t match.

Start today: reach out, listen, and build relationships. Because in the future of work, the deepest human connections will matter more than ever.


Upcoming Speaking Engagements

PROPEL's 2025 Magnetize Maine Annual Business Summit


Breakout Session 1: Upskilling: LinkedIn Tips & Tricks


Friday, October 10, 2025

8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Session from 10-10:45 a.m.


The Roux Institute at Northeastern University

100 Fore St.

Portland, Maine

Riding To The Top 17th Annual Triple B Event


Master of Ceremonies


Saturday, Oct 18, 2025

5:30 p.m.- 11:00 p.m.


Riding To The Top Therapeutic Riding Center

14 Lilac Drive

Windham, Maine

UpStart Maine's BLITZ Conference 2025


Panel: “Say It so They Get It: Communicating What You’re Really Worth”


Tuesday, Oct 28, 2025

8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Panel at 1:30 p.m.


Hilton Garden Inn

250 Haskell Road

Bangor, Maine

Maine Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony


Saturday, November 1, 2025

4:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.


Pineland Farms

15 Farm View Drive

New Gloucester, ME 04260

Connect With Me

prmaven.com

nancy@prmaven.com

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