Almost 20 Publicity Hounds took me up on last week’s offer to critique their news releases and story pitches that piggyback onto Hurricane Katrina. In all but a few cases, I gave thumbs-down to what I saw. Several Hounds came up with “Buy from me and I’ll donate a portion” offers which sounded tacky. Another… Read More
Don’t make these mistakes with follow-up calls to the media
Big PR agencies seem to be the worst offenders when it comes to following up on news releases. They usually assign a woman who sounds like an 18-year-old twinkie to call reporters and editors after the agency has mailed a release. The twinkie, usually using an annoying sing-songy voice, says: “Hi. This is Brittany. I’m… Read More
Use history as a hook for publicity
The next time you’re searching for an angle for your story pitch, consider using history. For example: —If you’re sponsoring an event that’s been held for 50 years, offer the media a sidebar that highlights the most significant aspects of your event during the last five decades. —Pitching a profile story of your new CEO?… Read More
Appropriate vs. inappropriate hurricane publicity
In the last week, several Publicity Hounds have asked my opinion on news releases or other tips they want to issue to piggyback off Hurricane Katrina. In at least two instances, the tips were inappropriate and invited criticism. Regardless of how well-meaning your intentions, it’s important that you understand the difference between acceptable publicity and… Read More
How to Generate Publicity at Trade Shows
Most people who exhibit at trade shows overlook a powerful publicity tool that’s just waiting for their news. It’s the trade show daily, the newspaper that offers a bird’s-eye view of what’s happening that day at the show. When I first attended the BookExpo America convention last year, I was kicking myself for not paying… Read More
Marketing and publicity tips for a professional organizer
Kyna Morrison of Zephyrhills, Florida asks: “I am just starting a Professional Organizing business. I need something at my website or in my advertising that will differentiate me from all the other professional organizers and make people remember me and say ‘Oh yeah, I saw her ad…’ or ‘I remember, she’s the one who…’ “I… Read More
Hold off on non-hurricane news
If you’re planning to pitch a news story like a new product announcement, or an upcoming event or whatever to the national media , hold off a week or two. Media everywhere are concentrating on the newest developments from Hurricane Katrina, from the horrible looting and shooting in New Orleans to the effects on local… Read More
Donate a second home for the homeless
Publicity Hound Jerice asked me to help spread the word about a campaign under way to help find housing for the homeless in New Orleans, Mississippi and Alabama. Here’s what she’s asking: Please donate the use of your camp, vacation home, empty apartment or second home for this emergency response to Hurricane Katrina. If you… Read More
How to profit from advice on how to get a raise
Norman Lieberman of Aliso Viejo, California, asks: “You know how uncomfortable it is for most people to ask for a pay raise and how they end up being underpaid? I coach people in what to specifically do and say that will easily and quickly get them the biggest raise possible. However, even though most people… Read More
How to Promote Community Meeting Rooms
Publicity Hound John Faisandier of Karori in New Zealand writes: “I would love a few tips to help with a small business I have. We have two training rooms for hire by corporate and community groups in central Wellington. Mostly we want to increase our business for Monday-to-Friday hire, but also weekend hire. “The rooms… Read More