When somebody asks “What do you do?” how do you respond? If your answer includes words with multiple syllables or jargon, words that only people in your industry can understand, you’ve probably forced their brain into shut-down mode. The Philadelphia Inquirer article “Too many firms use jargon to convey ideas” offers example after example of… Read More
Publicity Blog
Newspaper food sections shrinking, so pitch wisely
If you’re pitching food editors and reporters at daily or weekly newspapers, your job is more difficult than ever. As newspapers continue to cut staff, lifestyle-related sections are among the first on the chopping block. Also, at many papers, sections such as food, travel and entertainment are no longer stand-alone sections. They’re combined under one… Read More
How does musicians’ social networking site spread the word?
Kevin Gardiner of Tolland, Connecticut writes: “I am the president of Tune Rooms, a social network for musicians that lets users collaborate in virtual song-writing sessions. “Since we launched our site, we’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback. But the main gripe that we don’t have enough users. I need to figure out how to grow the… Read More
McDonald’s iced coffee showing up on TV news desks
Here’s another example of how the line between news and advertising is more blurred than ever. The next time you’re watching the news on your local FOX station, or on a station owned by the Meredith Corporation, look on the desk in front of the anchors. You might spot a cup of iced coffee from… Read More
Hungry reporter gets a free gourmet burger, thanks to Twitter
Twenty years ago, when I worked in the newspaper business, if a local company had delivered to my newsroom a free gourmet burger that I could enjoy at lunch, I probably would have turned red from embarrassment, then eaten it, with my fellow newsroom buddies watching. Gourmet burgers, after all, didn’t fall into the “anything… Read More
8 interview mistakes you don’t want to make
Of all the possible mistakes you can make when interviewing with the media, the worst one in my book is lying. Bend the truth, even just a little, and that little white lie can suddenly become the story and have far more traction than the original story you were being interviewed for. Remember Watergate? And… Read More
Natural hair care products company needs publicity ideas
Dalia Wallach of New York, New York writes: “My company has a line of specialty hair care products. Our Get Glow products nourish your hair with formulas that include vitamins, minerals and plant extracts. “As your hair gets healthier, it starts to look better and you don’t have to wash it as often which is… Read More
When doctors shill for pharmas, what’s a PR person to do?
Leigh Ann Hubbard, managing editor of MyFamilyDoctorMag.com, writes: Periodically, in response to a request, I’ll get a quote from a doctor (via a publicist) that mentions a specific product. Inevitably, I Google the doctor and he or she has been or is on the payroll for the folks who make the product. There’s no mention… Read More
How to make news when there’s no news
Here’s a quick trick for creating news when there’s absolutely nothing new to pitch. Be willing to talk about your business problems and how you solved them. Pick up any business journal and you’ll see company after company mentioned, usually because they’ve figured out ways to solve a problem, whether it’s delivering the product faster… Read More
Philadelphia remodeling firm needs marketing ideas
Teresa Berger of North Wales, Pennsylvania writes: “As marketing director for Creative Contracting, Inc., a Philadelphia-area design/build remodeling firm, it’s my responsibility to get the company and its ownership more exposure in the community. The owner wants me to get him in front of more people, and find outlets for giving seminars and speeches to consumers, business networking organizations… Read More