If you use it correctly, media begets media. Use your TV and radio appearances and magazine and newspaper articles to interest other media. Copy the article, video, or audio tape and send it out when the media requests further information on you. Update your biography to include your most recent media appearances (unless you're pitching a direct competitor). When writing or talking to the media, let them know about other segments or articles you have appeared in. Be prudent in the media you... Read Full Story
Sixty three thousand jobs were lost in the month of February. That's more than any other month in the past five years. If you were one of the lucky ones whose job was spared, chances are you know someone who wasn’t so lucky. Employers are rightsizing, downsizing, upsizing or just plain firing people all over the country. When there are no jobs, there is no spending. So in these tight times, how are businesses attracting customers?. Let’s face it, people just aren’t spending as much money as... Read Full Story
Thursday, March 20th, marks the first day of spring. Hallelujah! I am so glad I will be finally able to pack away my bulky winter coats for at least another 9 months or so! Me and cold, wintry weather just don’t get along! With springtime comes a whole new season of renewal and refreshing possibilities. This is the time of year when people start clearing out their homes, dusting off their furniture and rolling up their sleeves for that much needed spring-cleaning. Out with the old and in with... Read Full Story
It’s a common phrase used in the news industry: If it bleeds…it leads. Meaning that the more gory, tragic or devastating a story is, the more likely it will be at the top of any newscast. Seems pretty brutal, right? Why should someone’s tragedy be someone else’s leading news story? Although not all news stations follow this rule of thumb, there is some truth to that mantra. Whether you like it or not, sometimes it IS the bad news that makes the headlines. A tragic car accident that kills an... Read Full Story
We are heading towards are recession. The Stock Market is down. Foreclosures are up. Turn on CNN or any other news program this evening…and I guarantee you’ll hear those phrases at least once during the broadcast. Everyone knows consumer confidence is down all across the country…which means people just aren ’t spending as much as they used to. So what is small business owner like you to do? Don’t panic, there is hope. You have to give people a reason to make them want to give you their money... Read Full Story
There was a fun article in MarketingProfs today by Andy Marken on how to make sure your organization alienates the media. As someone who has handled media relations for my employers and clients, a lot of these rang bells: 1. Develop essential and non-essential media lists 2. Put up roadblocks 3. Return calls in due course 4. Scream when a story isn't 100% positive 5. Strike back 6. Use one-syllable words with reporters 7. Pick and choose your opportunities 8. Insist that everything be... Read Full Story
I certainly know some thing about this area as it has consumed over 34 years of my life and I have LOVED every minute of it! I became interested in Public Relations while an undergrad at Florida State University. I was President of the FSU Advertising/PR Club and needed a speaker. I searched high and low and then found Barry. As it turned out Barry became my mentor in PR. He had quite an admirable track record and quite a nice list of clients: 20th Century Fox; Playboy (he was there and... Read Full Story
I know there are a lot of community sites out there and sometimes it can get overwhelming, but I’ve found a site that has social bookmarking with social media and social networking – EarthFrisk – which is absolutely addicting. I signed on to review the site, but got caught up in looking at who’s involved and what’s going on. Besides the social networking and everything going on, EarthFrisk is hosting a contest where bloggers and other members can make money. The contest, which ends on... Read Full Story
One great way to get publicity for your event, product or idea is to find a link to a national trend or current event. It’s very simple to do. Just tune into your favorite news/talk radio station or read your local newspaper. Right now, there is a plethora of pickings to choose from. From the primaries to the struggling economy and even the upcoming Super Bowl…there’s a variety of ways for you to tie in a relevant hook to your local business. But be careful…the key word here is relevant. Your... Read Full Story
When the San Francisco Zoo needed someone to craft a message during the "Tiger Disaster" of last winter, they contacted Sam Singer. Singer is a crisis PR specialist with 15 years of experience. The SF Zoo is not the only client of Singer Associates, and the list includes many notable San Francisco firms including.. •Academy of Sciences •Alameda Alliance for Health •Anschutz Investments •Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) •Bay Meadows •Brooks Street •Calpine •ChevronTexaco •Creedon Keller... Read Full Story
