Ivy Mendoza of Manila, Philippines writes: “My small PR firm just got an account that needs a lot of exposure in the lifestyle sections. The previous PR person had been sacked due to some anomalies which she was supposed to have committed while conniving with the client’s marketing department. “To neutralize the situation, the marketing people have… Read More
Public Relations
Should publicists be compensated for bigger publicity hits?
Joel Kweskin of Charlotte, NC, asks another question this week: “I’d like to hear your Hounds’ opinions on how to compensate publicists. “Some press releases result in a little blurb in a publication, which can be considered satisfactory. And then there’s a query to a business publication that results in a full feature article, which… Read More
Did this PR pro err by chastizing a Forbes reporter publicly?
If a reporter at a magazine interviewed you for a story, reassured you that he wouldn’t present you in a bad light, and the story that was published described you exactly as you had feared, would you criticize the reporter publicly? In the old days, most people wouldn’t. “Don’t pick fights with people who buy their ink… Read More
How can nonprofits get free PR help? Ideas?
Vicki Young of Dallas, Texas writes: “What’s the best way for a very worthy nonprofit agency to get free help with their PR campaign? “I’ve been doing PR work for Captain Hope’s Kids as a nonprofit client for years, but I have to step down. It’s a great organization in Dallas, Texas, that’s dedicated to meeting the critical needs… Read More
Author explains how to apologize, after outbursts by celebs
In this week’s issue of my ezine, I wrote about how Rep. Joe Wilson, tennis star Serena Williams and rapper Kanye West are handing anger management experts and others a perfect opportunity to piggyback their story ideas and expertise onto the well-publicized outbursts. I suggested that therapists, sports coaches, etiquette experts and anyone else who needs a good angle pitch… Read More
How to land a corporate sponsor (even in a bad economy)
The never-ending dream of many authors, speakers, business owners and entrepreneurs is to have a giant corporation pluck them out of the mass of working stiffs and whisk them away to a life of luxury. They see themselves representing those big companies onstage at giant speaking events, at book signings that draw hundreds of readers at… Read More
Artists, new book shows how to meet your PR goals
Lots of books on PR dole out advice on how to generate publicity, but few encourage the reader to take the next step needed to reach a particular goal. Power Up with PR—A publicity guide for artists by Jackie Abramian does just that. The 105-page softcover book (ArtNetworkPress, $14.95) is packed with information on how artists can claim their share of… Read More
How to launch a career as a paid speaker
If you use public speaking to promote your expertise and generate publicity, don’t believe what the naysayers tell you about how all speakers are suffering during this bad economy. The July/August issue of Speaker magazine, published by the National Speakers Association, features 25 men and women who are shaping the speaking profession. The “Who’s Hot?”… Read More
Cheap PR tactics for independent restaurants
One of the best PR tactics is dirt cheap, and I’m surprised more businesses don’t take advantage of it: offering free meeting space. Banks do this all the time, and it’s particularly powerful for restaurants, which have been hit hard by the recession. In the latest issue of RunningRestaurants.com, PR pro Jenny Brooks offers this tip and… Read More
PR interns shouldn’t pitch the media on your behalf
Companies that want to hire a PR firm, or do their own publicity, can find some helpful suggestions in the Forbes.com article The Single Greatest Marketing Tool. One tip, however, is just plain wrong. The article recommends hiring a PR intern from a local college on the cheap, and then using that intern to deal with the press: “Mine… Read More