The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #498 March 30, 2010
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
http://www.publicityarticles.net (Ezine Archives)

==========================================

“Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity”

Receive this ezine direct to your desktop
http://www.publicityarticles.net/feed/rss/

===================================
In This Issue
===================================

1. What’s New in In-flight Magazines

2. $500 for Best Publicity Success Story

3. 7 Ways to Promote Yourself on Radio/TV

4. Be My Guest at Mobile Marketing Class

5. Promoting Social Media Services

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week

8. And at My Blogs…

======================================
1. What’s New in In-flight Magazines
======================================

In the old days, when you wanted to pitch the editors at in-
flight magazines, you had to stand in line behind the 2 zillion
other people who were pitching them.

Not anymore.

Today, you can sometimes find editors, freelancers,
correspondents, bloggers and others who write for those
publications at their own blogs and at Facebook, Twitter and
LinkedIn. You can connect with them there, read their stuff,
comment, build the relationship and then, when the time is right,
pitch.

But few PR people and self-promoters bother with that because the
vast majority of writers for in-flight magazines are freelancers,
and they’re too difficult to find. So the publicity mutts resort
to the one-size-fits all press releases and “spray and pray”
pitches that go nowhere.

Their laziness presents a perfect opportunity for you if you know
who’s who in the in-flight magazines and where they hang out
online.

Guess what? You’re in luck.

I just finished updating “Special Report #29: Fly High with
Publicity in the In-flight Magazines.” This year, I’ve added
contact information for several new magazines we just discovered,
and deleted magazines that no longer publish.

This year, there are 52 in all. If your PR client or your topic
is a good fit, the publicity could be fabulous because these
magazines reach a well-educated, more affluent audience of
business travelers and tourists who are a captive audience at
30,000 feet.

In this year’s update, you’ll find links to editors’ blogs and
links to their profiles on the social media sites, including
names and email addresses of editors at some of the smaller
magazines. You won’t find some of this information anywhere
online. We had to sniff it out, or call to get it. The entire
update took more than 50 hours of research and checking.

This year, I’m adding a big bonus–an interview with Orion Ray-
Jones, the North American editorial director of Ink Publishing,
which publishes 30 in-flight magazines in my report. He shared
several incredible tips that will give you an edge on your
competitors who are trying to find their way into these
publications.

He even told me which section of his magazines is traditionally
lacking for good news items. The shortage is so severe, he said,
that his editors are “absolutely desperate” for this type of
content. (Many of you can provide it.)

The entire package, including contact information and pitching
tips for 52 magazines, plus the interview, will be ready on
Friday.

Take advantage of my pre-publication offer–$25 off the $97
report, but only if you order before 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday,
March 31. Order using the link below, claim your discount, then
check your email on Friday.

You’ll receive the MP3 link and the electronic transcript of the
interview with Orion, plus all the contact information for 52
magazines.

Order the report and save $25 right now at
http://tinyurl.com/inflight2010

=========================================
2. $500 for Best Publicity Success Story
=========================================

If you can explain how the tips in this newsletter have changed
your life or your business, and you have a great publicity
success story to share, you could win $500 in products or
services from my website at http://www.PublicityHound.com

Two weeks ago, I asked you for ideas on how I can promote the
500th issue of my newsletter on April 13. A few suggested asking
for publicity success stories, and that’s what I’m doing. I’ll
ask readers to eventually vote on the best one.

See all the details on how to enter at http://ow.ly/1pUu8

=========================================
3. 7 Ways to Promote Yourself on Radio/TV
=========================================

Most people who want to get onto radio or TV think that all they
need is a clever pitch, or a book, or a good PR person.

Wrong, wrong and wrong.

You need to THINK like radio and TV producers. And you need to
differentiate yourself from all the other Hounds in the pack. In
this video, Steve Harrison shares 7 ways to promote yourself to
radio and TV news and feature shows:
http://www.freepublicity.com/get-on-tv-video/?10011

========================================
4. Be My Guest at Mobile Marketing Class
========================================

Stompernet’s first class in Mobile Marketing, the course I’ve
been writing about here, is tonight at 8 p.m. Eastern Time, and
I’m inviting you to be my guest, even if you haven’t signed up
for the course.

Dan Hollings, the mobile marketing guru, will show you how to
build a mobile site (or page). It will work on almost ALL mobile
phone platforms.

He’ll also ask you to step inside the mind of your customer and
think about what they’d want from you on their mobile phones:

–Mobile ecoupons

–Maps, directions

–Hours of operation

–Phone number (click to call)

–Menu, list of products/services

–Reviews/testimonials

–Discount offers

–Event information

–Interesting content (in micro chunks)

–Twitter, Facebook or FourSquare links

–A way to opt in for something “mobile”

Choose just one or two, and make that the foundation for your
page. Sound intriguing? Join me tonight by signing up here, and
don’t worry if you can’t make it. All the calls will be recorded,
for viewing later. Sign up here and you’ll receive instructions
on how to participate:
https://stompernet.infusionsoft.com/go/SM/SN332

======================================
5. Promoting Social Media Services
======================================

This week, eight Publicity Hounds have tips for Jennifer Melnick
Carota, aka The Gift Therapist, of Pittsburgh, Pa., who needs
ideas on how to promote her social media services.

From Bridget (Weide) Brooks:

“Offer free or low-cost teleseminars or group programs (using
social media to promote them, of course!!) to introduce your
concepts to your target audiences. Having a fixed price option to
get people started is a good way to get them in and get them
started.”

From Sonia Singh:

“Volunteer with a non-profit or government-supported organization
for small business, like a micro lender, SBA Women’s Business
Center, Small Business Development Center or SCORE.”

From Janine Libbey:

“Offer to speak at a Chamber of Commerce function. It is a great
way to get exposure. These events are always promoted in the
newspaper and in the chamber’s email newsletters. Plus, there is
implied endorsement from the chamber.”

The Publicity Hound says:

Read all the responses to this week’s “Help This Hound” question
at http://ow.ly/1pWZx

Send your own question to:
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com?subject=HelpThisHound
and include your city and state or province.

===================================
6. Help This Hound
===================================

Nancy S. Millar, director of the convention and visitors bureau
in McAllen, Texas, writes:

“I have a doozy. Our great little city in the southernmost part
of Texas is on the border with Mexico, which is having terrible
problems now with violence, though we’re fine on this side of the
border. But that’s not what people are hearing.

“McAllen has a lot going for it. It was just ranked one of the
top economies in the U.S. by the Brookings Institution, is right
in the middle of the country’s Number One birding destination
(the Rio Grande Valley), is a well-known winter destination
because we’re so far south, and we have an active arts and
entertainment culture with lots of Mexican influence.

“How can I turn this situation into something more positive–and
do it with no budget? Thanks for any ideas your Hounds can
share.”

The Publicity Hound says:

That is, indeed, a doozy, but my Hounds love challenges like this
one. Hounds with great ideas for Nancy can post them to my blog
at http://ow.ly/1ss8I

=================================
7. Hound Joke of the Week
=================================

Sign at a veterinarian’s office:

“We will be back in 5 minutes. Sit! Stay!”

DOG JOKES & QUOTES EBOOK: 170+ G-rated dog jokes and quotes,
perfect for a dog-lover, your favorite vet, or just for a few
good laughs.

BONUS: Buy the ebook and you also get a compilation of the 50
best websites for dog humor.
http://www.publicityhound.com/dogjokebook/

==================================
8. And at My Blogs…
==================================

Consider retweeting these blog posts:

75 sample press releases in free ebook
http://ow.ly/1sEyt

How Einstein Bros. Bagels exploded its Facebook fan base
http://ow.ly/1stOt

Spirit in-flight magazine wants photos of your dog
http://ow.ly/1ssve

Employees, trying something new at work? Let columnist know
http://ow.ly/1ssYM

————————————

Follow me on Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/PublicityHound

Join my Facebook Fan Page:
http://www.facebook.com/publicitytips

Connect with me on LinkedIn (and tell me how we know each other):
http://www.linkedin.com/in/publicityhound

Permission to Reprint:

You may reprint any items from “The Publicity Hound’s Tips of the
Week” in your print or electronic newsletter. But please include
the following paragraph:

Reprinted from “The Publicity Hound’s Tips of the Week,” an ezine
featuring tips, tricks and tools for generating free publicity.
Subscribe at http://www.publicityhound.com/ and receive by email
the handy cheat sheet “89 Reasons to Send a Press Release.”

If you like these tips, please pass them on to your friends,
clients and colleagues.

You are receiving this because you signed up for it at The
Publicity Hound website at http://www.publicityhound.com/ or you
told me you want to subscribe.

Privacy Statement:

The Publicity Hound respects your privacy and has a strict anti-
spam policy. Read my privacy policy at
http://www.publicityhound.com/privacypolicy.htm

================================================
Joan Stewart
a.k.a. The Publicity Hound

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #497 March 23, 2010
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com

http://www.publicityhound.com

http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
http://www.publicityarticles.net (Ezine Archives)

==========================================

“Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity”

Receive this ezine direct to your desktop
http://www.publicityarticles.net/feed/rss/

===================================
In This Issue
===================================

1. Health Care Bill Hangover

2. $500 for Best Publicity Success Story

3. What Publicity Superstars Know

4. Mobile Markeing Questions Answered

5. Media Leads

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week

8. And at My Blogs…

======================================
1. Health Care Bill Hangover
======================================

The media has covered every possible argument for and against the
health care bill that President Obama signed this morning.

But one angle I haven’t seen covered much is how to deal with the
angst and anger over this bill that has divided the country,
friends, family members and co-workers. This battle is far from
over. And if you’re an expert in one of these topics, publicity
might be waiting for you:

–Etiquette experts, how can party hosts prevent a food fight at
their next dinner party? Is it tacky to include the warning,
“Please park your politics at the door” on the party invitation
if you’re inviting guests who you know are divided on the health
care issue?

–Therapists and anger management experts, how can people deal
with the intense anger that’s playing out all over the country,
from radio talk shows to living rooms?

–Small business experts, is it stupid or smart for people who
use sites likes Twitter and Facebook for business to state their
opinions for or against the health care bill, and get embroiled
in an argument they can’t win? What should people like barbers,
massage therapists and other service providers do when their
customers start discussing health care, and they disagree with
their clients’ opinions?

Ask youself, “What expert advice can I offer?” And then choose
the appropriate media outlet. If you can offer a source on the
opposite side of the issue, all the better. TV producer Shawne
Duperon says the more you can help TV news producers create an
entire segment, the better your chances of appearing on their
news show.

She gave that advice, and dozens more tips, during the
teleseminar on “How to Get Booked on the TV News Tomorrow.” Read
more about this call that’s available as a CD or electronic
transcript, at http://tinyurl.com/getontvnews

=========================================
2. $500 for Best Publicity Success Story
=========================================

If you can explain how the tips in this newsletter have changed
or life or your business, and you have a great publicity success
story to share, you could win $500 in products or services from
my website at http://www.PublicityHound.com

Last week, I asked you for help promoting the fact that I’m
publishing the 500th issue of my newsletter on April 13. I took
ideas from the responses and decided to ask you for your best
ideas, let my readers vote on the best one fromg the 10
finalists, and take all the ideas and compile them into a free
ebooik that I invite people to share on the social media sites.

See all the details on how to enter at http://ow.ly/1pUu8

========================================
3. How Social Media Sells Bagels
========================================

So you think Facebook Fan pages are nothing more than annoying
promotions?

The folks at Einstein Bagels don’t think so. Neither do their
customers.

A coupon campaign on the company’s Fan page in January exploded
its Fan base from 7,000 to more than 405,000. Read about how they
did it at the Ragan.com blog at
http://tinyurl.com/einsteinpromotion.

And pay particular attention to the one important thing they did
for three months before they started the promotion. They
monitored what fans were writing about, and that provided
insights into the kind of promotion that would be a success.

What can a Facebook Fan page do for you, and what do you do after
you’ve created it? Plenty. See 11 Ways to Avoid Missed
Opportunities on Facebook” at http://budurl.com/facebookwithchris

=====================================
4. Mobile Marketing Questions Answered
=====================================

I didn’t see any mention in the Ragan article above whether
Einstein incorporated a mobile marketing campaign into its
promotion. If it isn’t, it isn’t too late.

A reader who has seen the discussion here on mobile marketing
says she’d never want to make obtrusive telephone calls to
people’s mobile phones while the drivers are on the road and
might become distracted.

The kind of mobile marketing I’m talking about are text messages
sent to people who have given you permission to market to them,
much like opt-in email campaigns.

If you have a question about mobile marketing, ask Dan Hollings
during the free webinar at 8 p.m. Eastern Time, sponsored by
StomperNet. Register at
https://stompernet.infucsionsot.com/go/SMW2/SN332 and submit the
questions you want him to answer. See you on tonight’s call.

======================================
5. Media Leads
======================================

–Syndicated columnist Mildred Culp, who writes the Workwise
column, wants to know about companies in any industry except
advertising and PR that have made a big contribution to the
company. Email her at mailto:workwise@comcast.net

–The Culinary Rock Show on WIFI 1460-AM in the Philadelphia anad
South Jersey markets needs guests in the food and wine industry
or the music business. It wants to hear from expeerts, authors,
entertainers or anyone else who can guarentee a great nterview.
Get contact info for this show and others at
http://radioguestlist.com/blog_index.html

See “Publicity Tips for Restaurants, Chefs & Foodies” at
http://tinyurl.com/foodpublicitytips

===================================
6. Help This Hound
===================================

Jennifer Melnick Carota, aka The Gift Therapist, of Pittsburgh,
Pa., writes:

“I have recently launched a new business, Virtual PR 101, that
specializes in affordable social media marketing strategy,
promotion, and coaching for small businesses and nonprofits.

“Services are provided a la carte, and range from basic blog set-
up to the full development and execution of Facebook and Twitter
outreach solutions.

“How can I promote my services to entrepreneurs and organizations
who may be under the impression that PR services are too
expensive or not within their budget? I really want to help small
businesses and charitable organizations get noticed! Any help
your Hounds can provide would be greatly appreciated!”

The Publicity Hound says:

A great questions, Jennifer. There are lots other PR people who
read this newsletter and don’t compete with you for these
services. Let’s hear it, Hounds. How can Jennifer promote her
social media skills? Post your best ideas to my blog at
http://ow.ly/1pWZx

=================================
7. Hound Joke of the Week
=================================

Dear God:

Why are there cars named after the jaguar, the cougar, the
mustang, the colt, the stingray, and the rabbit, but not ONE
named for a dog? How often do you see a cougar riding around?

We do love a nice ride! Would it be so hard to rename the
“Chrysler Eagle” the “Chrysler Beagle”?

DOG JOKES & QUOTES EBOOK: 170+ G-rated dog jokes and quotes,
perfect for a dog-lover, your favorite vet, or just for a few
good laughs.

BONUS: Buy the ebook and you also get a compilation of the 50
best websites for dog humor.

http://www.publicityhound.com/dogjokebook/

==================================
8. And at My Blogs…
==================================

Consider retweeting these blog posts:

How have my publicity tips helped you? Win $500 in prizes
http://ow.ly/1pUu8

Free White Paper for recruiters can help anyone who tweets
http://ow.ly/1pXbz

4 percfent of tweets recommend or criticize products
http://ow.ly/1pXkC

————————————

Follow me on Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/PublicityHound

Join my Facebook Fan Page:
http://www.facebook.com/publicitytips

Connect with me on LinkedIn (and tell me how we know each other):
http://www.linkedin.com/in/publicityhound

Permission to Reprint:

You may reprint any items from “The Publicity Hound’s Tips of the
Week” in your print or electronic newsletter. But please include
the following paragraph:

Reprinted from “The Publicity Hound’s Tips of the Week,” an ezine
featuring tips, tricks and tools for generating free publicity.
Subscribe at http://www.publicityhound.com/ and receive by email
the handy cheat sheet “89 Reasons to Send a Press Release.”

If you like these tips, please pass them on to your friends,
clients and colleagues.

You are receiving this because you signed up for it at The
Publicity Hound website at http://www.publicityhound.com/ or you
told me you want to subscribe.

Privacy Statement:

The Publicity Hound respects your privacy and has a strict anti-
spam policy. Read my privacy policy at
http://www.publicityhound.com/privacypolicy.htm

================================================
Joan Stewart
a.k.a. The Publicity Hound

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #496 March 16, 2010
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com/
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
http://www.publicityarticles.net/ (Ezine Archives)

==========================================

“Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity”

Receive this ezine direct to your desktop
http://www.publicityarticles.net/feed/rss/

===================================
        In This Issue
===================================

1. How Topsy Can Help Your Blog

2. Out of Sight, Out of Mind, Out of Luck

3. What Publicity Superstars Know

4. When Your Links Won’t Open in Gmail

5. Marketing an Expert on Mold

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week

8. And at My Blogs…

=======================================
1. How Topsy Can Help Your Blog
======================================

When you see scads of people tweeting about your competitors and
their great blog posts, do you ever just sit there and wonder,
“How do they manage to attract so much attention?”

Stop wondering.

Head over to Topsy at http://www.topsy.com/. You can use this
search engine to do some competitive intelligence, and find out
fairly quickly exactly which of your competitors’ topics are
causing the buzz. Then, start writing about those topics
yourself, or pitching them to the media, so you can capitalize on
the market insights your competitors have identified or stumbled
onto.

There are several other ways to use this site:

When you search for something on Topsy, such as “health care
bill,” Topsy finds snippets of conversations on Twitter that
match what you’re looking for. It returns to you a list of things
people link on for that search term.

Topsy ranks its results based on how well they match your search
terms and–here’s the important part–the influence of the people
talking about them. Topsy has pages for every person it listens
to, and it lists the things each person has been talking about.

My friend, social media marketing expert Don Crowther, wrote a
great blog post about 5 ways to use Topsy to help your blog at
http://tinyurl.com/howtousetopsy

Use his tips and then, check out what Patsi Krakoff has to say
about “Time-saving Tips for Smart Business Blogging.” She covers
all the basics for beginning bloggers and shares lots of tips for
advanced bloggers, including 101 places to find content for your
blog. Read more about it at http://tinyurl.com/businessblogger

=========================================
2. Out of Sight, Out of Mind, Out of Luck
=========================================

When you send an email to your list of customers or contacts, it
isn’t unusual to learn that only 12 percent of the people who
receive it open it. Only 12 percent!

Compare that to the whopping 95 percent open rate that’s easy to
achieve when you send a text message to people’s mobile phones
telling them about a new product or service, or giving them a tip
that will solve a problem or make their lives easier.

Starting with a single blog post, a retail store in California
generated online publicity and made $20,000 in a mere three hours
last year by using a combination of a compelling offer, text
messages, email and social media. It didn’t pay a penny for
print, radio or Internet ads.

Here’s the kicker. The people who stood in a line that snaked
around the store even before the doors opened weren’t allowed in
unless they showed proof of the text message they received. All
others were turned away.

If you know how to incorporate mobile messaging into your
marketing campaign, and you’re in front of your prospects on
their mobile phones, your competitors who don’t have the first
clue how to do what you’re doing will be out of sight, out of
mind, and out of luck.

Download the quick case study of the success story above,
courtesy of StomperNet, and see the replay of last week’s webinar
from Dan Hollings, the guy who created the mobile marketing
campaign for “The Secret.”

http://tinyurl.com/out-of-luck

========================================
3. What Publicity Superstars Know
========================================

Jen Groover launched her career making Butler Handbags that
organize women’s essentials in little compartments inside each
purse, much like the utensils compartment inside your dishwasher.

In February and March this year, her media appearances include
stints on MSNBC’s “Your Business,” FOX Business’s “Happy Hour,”
the “Good Morning Colorado” radio show and ABC News. She appeared
on FOX Business’s “Your Questions Your Money,” “Washington
Business Tonight” on News Channel 8 in D.C., and Better TV.

Jen became a regularly featured lifestyle expert on the Fox News
Channel and the Early Show as well as scoring coverage in
hundreds of print media outlets including O the Oprah Magazine,
Redbook, US Weekly, Success and Entrepreneur, and then, used that
coverage to catapult her business to sales of over $10 million a
year.

One reason she landed so many media appearances is that she’s
able to tell a compelling story of how she refused to listen to
her friends, relatives and industry experts who pooh-poohed her
idea for a well-organized handbag.

But she does far more than just tell stories. On Thursday, you’ll
hear about the secrets that she and other media superstars know
about, like how to become a sought-after news source and guest on
radio and TV talk shows, even with no fancy credentials or
academic degrees.

The free 90-minute webinar titled “Discover the Secrets of the
Publicity Superstars,” hosted by Steve Harrison (I’m an
affiliate), will be broadcast at 2 and 7 p.m. on Thursday, March
18. If the times are inconvenient, recruit somebody to listen and
take notes for you. Register at
http://www.freepublicity.com/superstars/?10011

=====================================
4. When Your Links Won’t Open in Gmail
=====================================

If you’re sending emails to the media, bloggers and others who
use Gmail, but few people are responding, or they’re complaining
that the links won’t open, it’s because of a change Google made
recently.

For a URL to be a live link in Gmail, it cannot have a capital
letter after “http://” without using “www.”

That means links like http://PublicityHound.com aren’t live. But
http://publicityhound.com/ is.

Read more about it, and watch the video that explains it all, at
Alex Mandossian’s blog at http://ow.ly/1lq20

Now that you know how to configure your links, learn how to send
great email or telephone pitches. Raleigh Pinskey shows you “How
to Create the Perfect 30-Second Pitch.” She is the MASTER of
pitches, and she shares her secrets. Learn more at
http://tinyurl.com/30secondpitch.

======================================
5. Marketing an Expert on Mold
======================================

This week, 10 Publicity Hounds have tips for Susan Murphy of
Pleasant Ridge, MI on how to promote her client, Connie Morbach,
an expert on mold.

From Julie Gabrielli:

“Join the U.S. Green Building Council and get active in your
local chapter. They usually have ongoing monthly programs, so you
could do a session on mold. They also have a huge, yearly
conference (15,000 to 20,000 people), and you could submit a
proposal as a speaker.”

From Doreen Overstreet:

“Not sure who your target audience is, but I bet the National
Apartment Association’s publication (and others like it) would be
interested in using her as a resource or running any of her
articles. Many in the industry are interested in learning more
about this subject–and preventing it.”

From Don Power:

“Your client could talk about how to safely remove small amounts
of mold encountered in the upcoming spring cleaning ritual.
Millions of people do this every spring and it is almost
guaranteed you will encounter some mold (but not enough to call
in a professional removal company). Therefore, there is a real
need to know how to remove small amounts of mold safely and your
client could address that!”

The Publicity Hound says:

Connie should refer to herself everywhere as a “mold expert.”
This should appear on the title bar of the home page of her
website, in her bio, in press releases, in the mini-bios she
writes at the social media sites–everywhere she has info about
her background. And she should buy a profile in “Expertclick: The
Online Yearbook of Experts” at
http://www.Expertclick.com/Referral/PublicityHound (I’m an
affiliate).

Read all the responses to this week’s “Help This Hound” question
http://ow.ly/1g9z9

Send your own question to:
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com?subject=HelpThisHound
and include your city and state.

===================================
6. Help This Hound
===================================

This week’s question is from me:

Almost every Tuesday, without fail, during the last decade, my
readers and I have been sharing our best tips in this newsletter.

If it’s Tuesday, and it’s Christmas, the ezine arrives via email
on Christmas Day, and the other 51 Tuesdays of the year.

In just a few weeks, on April 16, I’ll publish Edition Number
500,and I’m looking for a clever promotion or contest that will
engage current readers, create a buzz on the social media sites,
and attract new subscribers.

Because I’m knee-deep in three other projects, I’m not even sure
I’ll have time to pull this off.  But I’d be crazy not to ask my
Hounds for help.

What can I do to promote the newsletter, pull in new readers,
attract attention for the archived issues at
http://www.publicityarticles.net/, encourage people to submit
questions for Help this Hound, and make this a really fun
celebration?

Submit your best ideas to my blog at http://ow.ly/1mX4z and
retweet if you’re so inclined.

And then send your “Help this Hound” question to me at
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com?subject=HelpThisHound.
I have only one left, and I’ll include it here next week.

=================================
7. Hound Joke of the Week
=================================

In an upscale pet-supply store, a customer wanted to buy a red
sweater for her dog.  The clerk suggested that she bring her dog
in for a proper fit.

“I can’t do that!” The owner said. “The sweater is a surprise!”

Dog Jokes & Quotes Ebook: 170+ G-rated dog jokes and quotes,
perfect for a dog-lover, your favorite vet, or just for a few
good laughs.

BONUS: Buy the ebook and you also get a compilation of the 50
best websites for dog humor.

Http://www.publicityhound.com/dogjokebook/

==================================
8. And at My Blogs…
==================================

Consider retweeting these blog posts:

How engaging is your blog? 17 metrics to measure
http://ow.ly/1hbuK

Pros & cons of using Facebook, Twitter geo-location features
http://ow.ly/1hizB

How to generate publicity from Pi Day
http://ow.ly/1lrRS

————————————

Follow me on Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/PublicityHound

Join my Facebook Fan Page:
http://www.facebook.com/publicitytips

Connect with me on LinkedIn (and tell me how we know each other):
http://www.linkedin.com/in/publicityhound

Permission to Reprint:

You may reprint any items from “The Publicity Hound’s Tips of the
Week” in your print or electronic newsletter.  But please include
the following paragraph:

Reprinted from “The Publicity Hound’s Tips of the Week,” an ezine
featuring tips, tricks and tools for generating free publicity.
Subscribe at http://www.publicityhound.com/ and receive by email
the handy cheat sheet “89 Reasons to Send a Press Release.”

If you like these tips, please pass them on to your friends,
clients and colleagues.

You are receiving this because you signed up for it at The
Publicity Hound website at http://www.publicityhound.com/ or you
told me you want to subscribe.

Privacy Statement:

The Publicity Hound respects your privacy and has a strict anti-
spam policy.  Read my privacy policy at
http://www.publicityhound.com/privacypolicy.htm

================================================
Joan Stewart
a.k.a. The Publicity Hound

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #495 March 9, 2010
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com/
http://www.publicityHound.net/ (Blog)
http://www.publicityarticles.net/ (Ezine Archives)

==========================================

“Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity”

Receive this ezine direct to your desktop
http://www.publicityarticles.net/feed/rss/

===================================
        In This Issue
===================================

1. The Next Big Thing: Mobile

2. Time-saving Blogging Tips

3. Social Media Cheat Sheet

4. Marketing a Lifestyle for Boomers

5. Help This Hound

6. Hound Joke of the Week

7. And at My Blogs…

======================================
1. The Next Big Thing: Mobile
======================================

Ten years ago, the hot new thing was building an email list.

Seven years ago, it was blogs and video.

Last year, it was Twitter.

This year, it’s mobile marketing. In 2010, our planet already has
more mobile phones than it does TV sets, cars, credit cards or
computers.

New generations of mobile devices are being unleashed not every
few months, but every few WEEKS. Hundreds of millions of
consumers worldwide are glued to their iPhones, Blackberries or
other mobile devices. To put it bluntly, they are waiting for
YOU.

That means more new technology to learn. But the opportunities to
reach your ideal customers, whether they’re standing in line at
Starbucks or lying in bed, is huge–only if you do it right and
don’t believe the two biggest misconceptions about mobile
marketing:

–It’s just like Internet marketing, but on a much smaller
screen.

–Sending a string of text messages is just like sending a series
of autoresponder messages.

If you’re confused about how to tap into this opportunity, let
StomperNet help. I’m their affiliate and they’re letting me share
these two goodies with you:

–A free webinar at 8 Eastern tonight featuring Dan Hollings, the
creator of StomperMobile and the guy who did the Internet
marketing behind the phenomenon “The Secret.” Sign up for the
webinar at
https://stompernet.infusionsoft.com/go/SMW1/SN332 If you can’t
make it, sign up anyway in case they record it. Or recruit
somebody to watch and take notes for you.

–A free series of three video lessons that will help you get
started the right way:
https://stompernet.infusionsoft.com/go/SM1/SN332

I’ll be on the webinar tonight. See you there.

======================================
2. Time-saving Blogging Tips
======================================

The biggest excuse people use to explain why they aren’t
blogging, or why they don’t comment at other people’s blogs, is
“I don’t have time.”

Here’s a tip that that lets you do both at the same time.

Create a Google Alert at http://www.Google.com/alerts for a
keyword or keyword phrase. When you check your alerts and you
find a blog post that screams out for your expert commentary,
tell yourself: “What I’m going to write here will be the basis of
a post at my own blog.”

Write the comment. Save it to your clipboard. Then take it over
to your blog where you can expound on it a little more. Then,
link back to the blog where you commented. That’s exactly what I
did over the weekend when I saw law firm marketing expert Kevin
O’Keefe’s blog post about press releases.

The topic was perfect for me. I wrote a lengthy comment, brought
it back to my own blog and elaborated, linking back to Kevin’s
blog. You can read my post “Why a press release and not just a
blog post?” at http://ow.ly/1pVlma

This little trick also works when you’re answering questions on
LinkedIn.

The 27 pages of handouts that I offered during the teleseminar
“Time-saving Tips for Smart Business Blogging,” with Patsi
Krakoff in January, are as helpful for veteran bloggers as they
are for newbies. They include 101 places to find content for your
blog, the first 7 steps before creating your blog, how to write
better and faster, and 20 mistakes smart professionals make with
blogs.

The handouts accompany the electronic transcript, CD or MP3
recording. Learn more at http://tinyurl.com/businessblogger

=====================================
3. Social Media Cheat Sheet
=====================================

You’ll love Drew McLellan’s handy, color-coded Social Media Cheat
Sheet that will help you understand how to leverage major social
media sites: http://ow.ly/1g8CO

Notice how well Digg, the popular bookmarking site, fares on this
chart. It’s a valuable tool for brand exposure, generating
traffic to your site, and search engine optimization.
If you’re not using Digg, now is the time to start. Colin Martin
explains how during the teleseminar on “How to do Social
Bookmarking to Promote Your Expertise, Attract Followers & Pull
Massive Amounts of Traffic.” The CD, MP3 and electronic
transcript include a series of four videos in which Colin
demonstrates how to create your accounts at bookmarking sites,
how to bookmark content, how to make friends and join groups, and
everyday uses for this powerful marketing tool.

Read more about what you’ll learn at http://tinyurl.com/ybzam7u

======================================
4. Marketing a Lifestyle for Boomers
======================================

This week, three Publicity Hounds have tips for Patti Chavet of
Frisco, Texas who wants to brand herself as an expert in active
adult lifestyles for Baby Boomers who live in Texas.

From Camille Torres:

“To position yourself as an expert, I suggest starting with a
blog. Offer information that helps your target audience, finding
the intersection between their informational needs/wants and your
expertise. Mixing it up a bit and having a video blog posting
every now and then might be a good idea. It would help people
identify with you and connect with you better, and the videos can
also be posted on YouTube and other video-sharing sites for extra
exposure. Tweet and Facebook your blog postings, along with other
info that will appeal to your audience.”

From Eric Gruber:

“You should be writing articles and submitting them on top
websites and ezines that your targeted audience (Baby Boomers
looking to retire) goes to every day for solutions you provide. I
know you’re looking for a local area, but article marketing works
for you, too.”

From Reece Franklin:

“Target the Boomers: While there are usually several networking
organizations within a large community that target the senior
market, there aren’t many that target Boomers. I suggest you
either find one or two that do hit the Boomers, or start your
own. Put together a list of the top 30 companies that might
target Boomers, and can influence them to use you. Then invite
these folks to your first networking meeting. Networking really
works if you’re the founder, or the key speaker.”

Read all the responses to this week’s ?Help This Hound” question
http://ow.ly/1die7

Send your own Help this Hound question to:
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com?subject=HelpThisHound
and include your city and state.

===================================
5. Help This Hound
===================================

Susan Murphy of Pleasant Ridge, MI writes:

“I’m looking for some interesting avenues in which to promote our
client, an environmental scientist who specializes in toxic mold
education, detection and remediation.

“Connie Morbach, M.S. CHMM CIE, is a respected national authority
on indoor air quality (IAQ) who has performed over 10,000
residential/commercial air tests and environmental evaluations.

“Since 1994, her team has witnessed the illnesses and devastation
caused by many ill-equipped and unscrupulous IAQ/Mold
‘professionals’ in their industry, and they continue to help so
many who have suffered from these injustices. She has just
started a blog at http://cleanlinest.wordpress.com/ and is
tweeting to share her knowledge as well.

“Connie has been featured on a half dozen indoor air quality
investigative segments for NBC’s “Today” show (“Why your gym may
be making you sick” and “Watch out for hidden germs in
supermarkets”), as well as “Rachael Ray” and “Extreme Makeover
Home Edition.” But she hasn’t worked with a PR firm since then.
She’s looking to get the word out again about her expertise, and
I’m hoping your loyal Hounds can suggest some thoughtful ideas.

The Publicity Hound says:

What a great topic! The “your (fill in the blank) is making you
sick” theme can be used dozens of ways. Let’s see what my Hounds
have to say. If you have a great idea for Susan, post it to my
blog at http://ow.ly/1g9z9

=================================
6. Hound Joke of the Week
=================================

“Dogs have no money. Isn’t that amazing? They’re broke their
entire lives. But they get through. You know why dogs have no
money? No pockets.”

–Jerry Seinfeld

Dog Jokes & Quotes Ebook: 170+ G-rated dog jokes and quotes,
perfect for a dog-lover, your favorite vet, or just for a few
good laughs.

BONUS: Buy the ebook and you also get a compilation of the 50
best websites for dog humor.

http://www.publicityhound.com/dogjokebook/

==================================
7. And at My Blogs…
==================================

Consider retweeting these blog posts:

Job-hunters, publicity seekers: Wake up your boring bios
http://ow.ly/1frh9

Why a press release and not just a blog post?
http://ow.ly/1pVlma

Your dog can soon have its own Twitter account
http://ow.ly/1g48j

————————————

Follow me on Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/PublicityHound

Join my Facebook Fan Page:
http://www.facebook.com/publicitytips

Connect with me on LinkedIn (and tell me how we know each other):
http://www.linkedin.com/in/publicityhound

Permission to Reprint:

You may reprint any items from “The Publicity Hound’s Tips of the
Week” in your print or electronic newsletter. But please include
the following paragraph:

Reprinted from “The Publicity Hound’s Tips of the Week,” an ezine
featuring tips, tricks and tools for generating free publicity.
Subscribe at http://www.publicityhound.com/ and receive by email
the handy cheat sheet “89 Reasons to Send a Press Release.”

If you like these tips, please pass them on to your friends,
clients and colleagues.

You are receiving this because you signed up for it at The
Publicity Hound website at http://www.publicityhound.com/ or you
told me you want to subscribe.

Privacy Statement:

The Publicity Hound respects your privacy and has a strict anti-
spam policy. Read my privacy policy at
http://www.publicityhound.com/privacypolicy.htm

================================================
Joan Stewart
a.k.a. The Publicity Hound

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #494 March 2, 2010
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com/
http://www.publicityHound.net/ (Blog)
http://www.publicityarticles.net/ (Ezine Archives)

==========================================

“Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity”

Receive this ezine direct to your desktop
http://www.publicityarticles.net/feed/rss/

===================================
        In This Issue
===================================

1. Five Places to Meet Journalists

2. Google Eyes Facebook Updates

3. Media Lead

4. Marketing Sspeeches on anti-Semitism

5. Help This Hound

6. Hound Joke of the Week

7. And at My Blogs…

======================================
1. Five Places to Meet Journalists
======================================

Meeting journalists and broadcasters in person is easy if you
know where to look.

In most cases, you should start to build the relationship first,
and pitch later. Here are five places to find them:

–At your local press club events. These are great opportunities
to meet them in casual settings.

–At the many public events hosted by local business journals.
Reporters and editors often attend.

–At events where journalists are speaking. Groups hosting awards
dinners and fund-raisers frequently invite TV anchors to deliver
the keynote address.

–In the media room at conventions and trade shows. You might not
be allowed inside without a media pass, but you can hang around
near the exit. Don’t hesitate to invite a journalist for coffee,
and pitch.

–At the National Publicity Summit in New York City, April 28-May
3, where you can meet editors, reporters, freelancers and guest
bookers for TV and radio talk shows, and pitch them. You must
apply, and only 100 people will be chosen to attend. Learn more
at http://www.nationalpublicitysummit.com/?10011 I’ve been
recommending the publicity summit to Publicity Hounds who have
great story ideas but need help refining their pitches and
meeting the right journalists.

======================================
2. Google Eyes Fan Page Updates
======================================

Last week, I listed several reasons why Facebook Fan Pages are
such a powerful tool in a publicity and marketing campaign.

Here’s one more. Google is now indexing status updates on Fan
Pages.

Those simple one- and two-sentence updates that answer the
question, “What’s on your mind?” take just a few seconds to write
and now show up in Google’s results when somebody types the same
keywords into the search engines that are in your updates. What
could be easier?

Have you created your Fan Page yet? Lots of people are confused
by Facebook Fan Pages vs. Profiles, Fan Pages vs. Groups, and the
type of content that’s appropriate for a Fan Page.

Christine Buffaloe sorts it all out and gives you step-by-
directions on how to create a Page, what to include on it and how
to promote it in “11 Ways to Avoid Missed Opportunities on
Facebook.” It’s a recording of a teleseminar I hosted last
summer. Over the weekend, I emailed updated handouts to everyone
who registered, or bought the CD, MP3 or electronic transcript.

Don’t miss this one. Fan Pages are great for branding and
building a huge following. Learn more at
http://budurl.com/facebookwithchris

=====================================
3. Media Lead
=====================================

Attention motivational speakers, authors and consultants:

If you or your PR client can motivate entrepreneurs and upper
management in corporations, you might be a perfect candidate for
Motivated magazine. The editor welcomes your pitches.

Details at my blog at http://ow.ly/1dhOi

======================================
4. Marketing Speeches on anti-Semitism
======================================

This week, nine Publicity Hounds have tips for Judith Bron of
Spring Valley, N.Y. on how to market herself as a paid speaker on
the topic of anti-Semitism.

From J. Guevara:

“First, I would open with your credentials, to establish
credibility. They don’t have to be academic, especially with the
subject of racism. Personal experience throws a lot of weight.
You need to put a bizz plan together with marketing as the main
project. Presenting a message in a lecture or a novel is the easy
part. Once you get into promoting it you’ll find that’s not even
the half of it.”

From Dale Hutchings:

“Find states and communities that have a heavy Jewish population.
This will help to narrow the focus of your search. Another thing
you need to research is finding Holocaust museums throughout the
U.S…This might be one marketing segment that would be open to
having you come and speak.”

From Gail Sideman:

“In this difficult speaker’s climate, you want to highlight your
credentials for this topic almost as diligently as your ability
to capture an audience. Are you a Holocaust Survivor, or a
college professor who?s knowledgeable and has spoken about World
War II and anti-Semitism?”

The Publicity Hound says:

Read all the responses to this week?s “Help This Hound” question
at http://tinyurl.com/antisemitismspeaker and then check out my
ebook, “How to be a Kick-butt Publicity Hound,” chock full of
publicity tips for professional speakers, small business owners,
nonprofits, and anyone promoting a cause or issue. The updated
edition includes eight new chapters on social media. Learn more
at http://publicityhound.com/publicity/publicityhound.htm

Send your own Help this Hound question to:
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com?subject=HelpThisHound
and include your city and state or province.

===================================
5. Help This Hound
===================================

Patti Chavet of Frisco, Texas writes:

“I’m a sales consultant and I want to brand myself as an expert
in active adult lifestyle living in Texas.

“My target market is Baby Boomers, age 55 and older, who want to
downsize to a maintenance-free home so they’re free to explore
personal hobbies, interests, public service, education, travel,
etc., all in the company of others who share the same lifestyle.

“I work for Del Webb, whose communities traditionally have
targeted retirees looking to downsize. I’m new to marketing, and
I’d like ideas and advice on how to use traditional and social
media to become the go-to person in Texas who can help Baby
Boomers move from big houses to easy-to-manage single-family
homes in Del Webb communities.

“Where should I begin? I’ve been in this niche market for more
than 20 years, so I’m already an expert. My challenge is to now
spread the word throughout Texas. I’d love to hear suggestions
from your Publicity Hounds.”

The Publicity Hound says:

There are so many opportunities for you, Patti, that I don’t know
where to begin. But I’ll bet my Hounds do. If you have ideas for
Patti, post them to my blog at http://ow.ly/1die7

=================================
6. Hound Joke of the Week
=================================

Thanks to Leo & Dorothy Keeler of Anchorage, Ala. for this one:
“If dogs could talk, it would take a lot of the fun out of owning
one.” — Andy Rooney

Dog Jokes & Quotes Ebook: 170+ G-rated dog jokes and quotes,
perfect for a dog-lover, your favorite vet, or just for a few
good laughs.

BONUS: Buy the ebook and you also get a compilation of the 50
best websites for dog humor.

http://www.publicityhound.com/dogjokebook/

==================================
7. And at My Blogs…
==================================

Consider retweeting these blog posts:

12 tips for proofreading press releases, blogs & other copy
http://ow.ly/1dcK1

Editor of Motivated magazine welcomes pitches
http://ow.ly/1dhOi
————————————

Follow me on Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/PublicityHound

Join my Facebook Fan Page:
http://www.facebook.com/publicitytips

Connect with me on LinkedIn (and tell me how we know each other):
http://www.linkedin.com/in/publicityhound

Permission to Reprint:

You may reprint any items from “The Publicity Hound’s Tips of the
Week” in your print or electronic newsletter. But please include
the following paragraph:

Reprinted from “The Publicity Hound’s Tips of the Week,” an ezine
featuring tips, tricks and tools for generating free publicity.
Subscribe at http://www.publicityhound.com/ and receive by email
the handy cheat sheet “89 Reasons to Send a Press Release.”

If you like these tips, please pass them on to your friends,
clients and colleagues.

You are receiving this because you signed up for it at The
Publicity Hound website at http://www.publicityhound.com/ or you
told me you want to subscribe.

Privacy Statement:

The Publicity Hound respects your privacy and has a strict anti-
spam policy. Read my privacy policy at
http://www.publicityhound.com/privacypolicy.htm

================================================
Joan Stewart
a.k.a. The Publicity Hound