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NEXT UP AT NEXT STEP: Kate Nichols

Jul 20, 2021

Just aired: Episode 3 of Next Up at Next Step! This installment showcases the bubbly and talented Kate Nichols—an Account Executive for Next Step Communications (NSC). Kate’s passion for writing and storytelling has made her a vital part of our team and this has shown in the work produced for our clients OvuSense and Glaukos. Keep reading to learn more about Kate, including her favorite travel spots, memorable NSC moments, and any advice she has for those entering Public Relations.

WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND?

I’m originally from Ipswich, Massachusetts, and currently reside in Boston with my husband and two dogs—a mischievous Siberian Husky named Blue and a quirky Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Ozzie. I have my Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where I worked as an editor of the school newspaper – the UMass Daily Collegian. 

WHAT WORK AT NSC ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

I am most proud of the work we do at NSC that helps others. With our client OvuSense, we run an affiliate program aimed at increasing brand awareness and sales through partnerships with consumer and clinical influencers. As part of the partnership, we occasionally offer free ovulation monitors to affiliates who are trying to conceive themselves. It is extremely rewarding to watch these affiliates learn more about their cycles and bodies, or even become pregnant after years of trying, through the work that we are doing. 

I am also really proud of the work we do in sharing others’ stories. With our client Glaukos, we have the opportunity to speak with people who are living with keratoconus or glaucoma, learn about their journeys from diagnosis to treatment, and then document those stories to help spread awareness and support surrounding these conditions. It’s a great feeling to give a voice to someone who may not have the opportunity to share their story otherwise, and to help bring awareness to certain medical conditions many may not know about.

IF YOU COULD ONLY DO ONE ASPECT OF PR WORK, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

This is a toss-up between content creation and media relations. I have been passionate about writing ever since I was a little girl, so drafting blogs and press releases is definitely one of my favorite parts of the job. On the other hand, securing a media opportunity for a client is probably one of the best wins you can get, and that feels pretty rewarding as well. 

I also really enjoy the variety of work that comes along with working at an agency. One minute, I’ll be working with an influencer who is promoting a product to help women who are trying to have a baby, and the next minute, I’ll be speaking with a patient who has finally found relief for her chronic pain after 32 years of suffering. The variety keeps things exciting, and it’s very meaningful work at the same time. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY AT NSC?

I joined NSC during the pandemic, so we’ve been working from home and I haven’t actually met many of my colleagues in-person (although it feels like I have!). However, we’ve still certainly been able to create many fun memories. My favorite memory so far has been during the 2020 NSC Holiday Party, when we all attended a Zoom bartending class and learned how to make fancy cocktails. It was fun learning something new together and tasting some drinks that we may not normally have tried. 

WHAT ARE YOU UP TO OUTSIDE OF NSC?

When I’m not working at NSC, you can usually find me on a walk with my dogs, snowboarding, reading thrillers, trying new restaurants, and hanging out with friends and family. I also love to travel!

ANY ADVICE FOR THOSE ENTERING OR INTERESTED IN PR?

Get as much experience as you can! NSC offers an awesome internship program, and the interns tackle a lot of hands-on work, so it’s a great way to really learn what the PR world is like early on. Also, and I can’t emphasize this enough – networking is extremely important! 

MUST-HAVE ITEM THAT IS ALWAYS ON YOU?

Water! I’m a little intense about staying hydrated. 

GO-TO PIZZA SLICE?

Pepperoni, cooked crispy, preferably from Regina’s in Boston. That, or chicken bacon ranch from Antonio’s in Amherst. 

FIRST THING YOU WANT TO DO WHEN LIFE BECOMES MORE ‘NORMAL’?

Hug my friends and enjoy a drink at a bar. 

FAVORITE PLACE YOU’VE TRAVELLED?

Tanzania, Africa! I went on a safari with my family in 2014 and it was the coolest thing I have ever done (and probably will ever do). We watched elephants bathe in the Serengeti at sunset, spotted lions hunting in Ngorongoro Crater, and caught the tail-end of the great migration in Tarangire National Park. I enjoyed learning some Swahili (poa kichizi kama ndizi, anyone?), visiting the Masai tribe, sampling local cuisine favorites, such as plantain chips, and waking up to the sounds of nature. I hope to return one day! I have also really enjoyed visiting Thailand, France, Peru, Nashville, Miami, and Vermont, to name a few.

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Alyssa McCann

Alyssa McCann

I’m a former news reporter taking my storytelling skills to the Next Step. In my spare time you can find me on my Peloton or planning a spontaneous adventure. 
Sara von Remus

Sara von Remus

Passionate about storytelling and aesthetics. Outside of work you can find me writing music or practicing my shark tank pitches on the cat.

Kate Nichols

Kate Nichols

I’m a passionate storyteller who enjoys meeting new people and helping others achieve their goals.  In my spare time, you can typically find me reading the latest thriller, shredding the ski slopes on my snowboard or walking my two pups around Boston. 

Tom Kirwan

Tom Kirwan

When not grappling with analytics, phases of customer journeys, and how digital marketing can deliver results for clients, you will find me either traveling or planning trips for the family – from day trips to escape Brooklyn or further afield when the opportunity arises.

Devin Kincade

Devin Kincade

After first getting my PR sea-legs with NSC as an intern, I now help clients find the right journalists using skills picked up from crime documentary series binging. When I’m not working, you can find me sipping iced coffee, getting in a Crossfit workout or hiking with my dog.

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Integrated Marketing

Building effective and sustainable marketing programs requires the ability to integrate all efforts into one trackable and cohesive plan. We understand today’s need to tap into all layers of the sales journey, and work with our clients to fully understand how organic, earned, and paid activities can support each step in their sales process.

As the industry begins to embrace more than a siloed press releases and blast email strategy, it is necessary to further engage existing and future customers through creative campaigns and customized approaches. Beyond written content, we, along with our partners, help clients tell their stories visually through video, infographics, PPC campaigns, and marketing collateral. Simultaneous to creating this content, we can work alongside your sales and marketing teams to optimize your CRM engine behind the scenes for improved customer tracking and ROI.

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Content Creation

Today, companies are challenged to find the proper mix of marketing activity to introduce, engage and cement relationships with current and future customers. Despite evolving technologies for accessing media, the constant desire from readers is for compelling and interesting content, which should be customized for each desired targeted audience. Whether commenting on the direction of the industry or providing insights to help others achieve business results, we help brands and their executives fine-tune their messaging so it resonates with their target audience.  

Social media is an area where we foster true synchronization between our pitching themes and narratives within which our clients play a role. As a supplement to existing media strategies, social media can act as an excellent driver to other content or strategic landing points.

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Earned Media

Whether you want exposure in the business press, online blog, a niche trade publication, or other channels and outlets in between, we have an established track record of delivering on-message and on-target results. Beyond promoting company events and press releases, we work to connect our clients with journalists in between these landmarks to offer commentary on industry trends or breaking news.

Melissa Brouillette

Melissa Brouillette

In addition to my love for media relations and witty social media content, my favorite hobbies include trying new wines downtown or park hopping around Disney.

Cassie Smith

Cassie Smith

Helping to define craft excellence at Next Step. Addicted to coffee, stripes, wine & reality TV.

Nigel Smith

Nigel Smith

For me, success is being able to honestly say that the most important aspect of the job is enjoying the people you work with everyday – clients, partners and most importantly, my collaborators.