Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rachel Gillman Rischall. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Rachel, appreciate you joining us today. 

As someone who is obsessed with the power of introductions, I embarked on a connection journey.

At the end of 2023 during a brainstorming dinner, an industry friend posed a challenge…

What if I tracked the number of connections I made in one year?

I took the bait and started a list, noting every time I put two people in touch over text or email.

Roughly 18 months later, I just made my 252nd intro, ranging from job opportunities, to travel agent referrals, to new business connections, to journalist sources, to a possible collaboration between someone I met on an airplane and a friend of 20 years.

I share this because I learned a few valuable lessons as a compulsive connector.

1) Close the loop.
The only thing that feels better than introducing two good people is hearing about a great outcome. Many times, those I connect don’t follow-up to tell me what happened…and that’s the best part! My advice for anyone on the receiving end of a helpful intro is to proactively share what transpired. This is the easiest way to keep the connector invested in your success and motivated to make future intros on your behalf.

2) Pay it forward.
While a referral fee is always appreciated, money wasn’t the goal of this challenge. I wanted to be a bridge between people who should know each other. In turn, I’ve been the beneficiary of incredibly generous introductions that expanded my client roster and forged helpful new relationships. I truly believe that if you make introductions without expectation or ulterior motives, you’ll experience that same goodwill in return.

3) Open your network.
I’ve never seen the point of hoarding relationships. If I know someone that could help you, I want to make that intro. In turn, if you know someone I’d love to meet, I hope you’ll feel the same way. At a time when far too many people are losing their jobs and forced to reimagine their career paths, this is an opportune moment to be especially thoughtful in tapping your network for those who could use a boost. I will always remember the people who supported me during a tough transition and I think it’s critical to do the same for others.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a hyper-curious connector with an innate passion for finding, crafting and sharing compelling stories. I have 20+ years of agency and client-side PR experience, ranging from startup concepts to global brands.

I currently lead Three PR, an agency focused on better-for-you food brands, and co-host the podcast The Connection Code focused on improving personal and professional relationships.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

When I started my PR agency eight years ago, I assumed I would regularly pitch and compete for new business. I anticipated short-term projects and a continual cycle of searching for work. I was wrong on both fronts. Every single client has been a referral and instead of quick turn engagements, I’ve become a long-term partner.

I underestimated the power of word of mouth – and how an activated network could be the best driver of new business leads.

The experience has been a valuable reminder to stay in touch with peripheral connections, find the right outlets to share your work for visibility, and pursue longevity in client relationships where you can ideally thrive together.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In PR or any sales-focused role, hearing “no” is an unavoidable part of the business. But I love chasing yes.

While pursuing small, achievable goals makes sense, I believe in also taking moonshots and aiming for big, impactful wins as well.

As I was starting with a new client, I set my sights on Oprah’s Favorite Things – a coveted endorsement for any consumer product. Despite long odds, I sent a cold email to Oprah’s Creative Director and heard…nothing. The magic is in the follow-up, so I sent one more message. This time, it worked. He recommended I send the product to Gayle King.

After a 15 month journey involving numerous deliveries, messages, Zooms and behind the scenes scrambling, my client was named on of Oprah’s Favorite Things, leading to a influx of press and sales.

When I told the Creative Director how happy I was – and how I couldn’t believe all the time that elapsed since our first email exchange – he summed up the lesson perfectly.

“Persistence pays off.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.three-pr.com
• Instagram: @rachelgillmanrischall
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelgillmanrischall/
• Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-connection-code-with-rachel-and-jeana/id1805506463