Substance Over Spotlight: What Business Owners Can Learn About PR from Demi Moore’s Golden Moment
In a world obsessed with quick wins and viral moments, it’s easy to feel disheartened if as a business owner you’re not landing headline features or getting those TV appearances. The reality is, PR, like any great story, is usually a slow burn, built on resilience, relationships, and staying true to your goals.
Demi Moore’s first Golden Globe win after a 45-year career for her role in The Substance is a perfect reminder of this. Her journey isn’t just a Hollywood moment, it’s a lesson for anyone wanting to be seen and heard.
In her acceptance speech, she shared how she once believed her best work was behind her: “I thought a couple of years ago that maybe this was it, maybe I was complete, that I had done what I was supposed to do.” But then The Substance came along. “The universe told me, ‘You are not done.’”
This struck a chord with me, and it’s a message for every business owner hoping for their own “golden moment.”
The Power of Consistency in PR
Just as Demi’s win wasn’t about one big movie but decades of showing up, great PR isn’t built on one big feature or viral moment. It’s about consistently sharing your expertise, building connections, and being visible, so when the right opportunity comes, you’re ready.
You might not get the cover of The Times tomorrow, but every local news interview, a guest article, or a podcast spot with the right audience can build your credibility step by step. Each win, no matter how small, adds up to something bigger.
Self-Belief Through Setbacks
Demi’s vulnerability during her speech resonated with anyone who’s ever questioned their value. I can relate. Early in my career, I was traveling the world and leading PR teams across continents, but last year, after losing my dad, my biggest cheerleader, I wondered if I’d peaked and if PR was now a younger person’s game.
The truth is, it was a blip and while I am no movie star, just as The Substance reignited Demi’s belief in herself, my dad’s belief in me reignited my passion for publicity and helping business owners step into the press to share their expertise for impact and growth. You can do this too!
Why Authenticity Beats Hype
In a world of clickbait and one-off soundbites, the brands and founders that stand out aren’t the ones chasing trends, they’re the ones being authentic, taking the rejections, and coming back to do it all again because they know they have something important to say and share.
Journalists and audiences can spot a genuine story from a mile away. They’re not looking for rehearsed taglines, they want reliable expertise and real, human stories, and that’s what business owners have in bucket loads.
Sustainable Success, Not Overnight Fame
Demi’s Golden Globe wasn’t an overnight win, it was the result of decades of dedication and PR works the same way. Sure, a trending post might bring a spike in views, but consistent media placements build trust, authority, and a lasting legacy.
A press win today, no matter how small, can open doors for months or even years to come. Just be sure go back and thank the person who made it a reality, it doesn’t happen often but goes a long way to create strong relationships.
Owning Your Voice
One of the most powerful moments in Demi’s speech was her calm confidence. The same applies to publicity. You need to own your voice, don’t copy what others are doing or fall into the comparison trap. Just be you. That is what makes a lasting impact and forges meaningful connections, see above! Whether it’s sharing your expertise in a guest blog, pitching an op-ed, or stepping into a TV interview, don’t be afraid to lead with your truth and strengths, and that is how you stand out time and again.
It’s Never Too Late
Demi’s win at this stage in her career is a reminder that it’s never too late, you’re never too small, or too niche to make an impact. If you’ve ever felt like you’ve “missed your moment” or that the press is only for the big players, it’s not true. There’s always room for your expertise, your story, and your brilliance, as long as you keep showing up and make sure to target the right media outlets, the ones your audience consumes.
Final Thought: Focus on the Work That Matters
In PR, as in business, success isn’t just about the spotlight, it’s about doing the work, even on the days when no one’s replying to your pitches or the feature doesn’t run.
If you’re ready to take your story to the next level, remember, focus on substance, not just sparkle. The recognition will come, and it will last and the celebrations will be had.
Image by Poppy Jakes Photography
