The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #493 Feb. 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. Please Rob Me

2. Facebook Fan Page Benefits

3. Pitching Big TV Talk Shows

4. Promoting an Art Group

5. Help This Hound

6. Hound Joke of the Week

7. And at My Blogs…

======================================
1. Please Rob Me
======================================

On social media sites, do you broadcast when you’re leaving your
home or office?

Lots of people do. And every day, their avatars and “Here’s where
I am now” messages are showing up at PleaseRobMe.com, a site that
mocks them for announcing to the world that they aren’t at home
and actually makes it easier for burglars to rob them.

You put yourself at risk when you use Foursquare.com, a social
media site that makes it easy to “check in” with your friends, in
conjunction with blasting out those messages to your Twitter and
Facebook friends.

Find out how it works and what you can do keep yourself from
showing up at this nasty site. I wrote about it at my blog at
http://tinyurl.com/pleaserobmedotcom

======================================
2. Facebook Fan Page Benefits
======================================

Of all the email I receive about Facebook, no other topic results
in more confusion than Fan Pages.

Fan Pages have several huge advantages:

–Facebook limits you to 5,000 friends. But you can have an
unlimited number of Fans. Remember, your profile has friends.
Your Pages have Fans.

–Fan Pages are the only place on Facebook where you can actively
promote. If you’re caught promoting from the status update on
your profile page, Facebook can close your account.

–Fan Pages drive traffic because Google indexes them.

–Customers can interact with you, even if they do not have their
own profile pages on Facebook. They can leave testimonials, ask
questions about your products, offer suggestions for other
products and services, and give you valuable feedback that
doesn’t cost you a penny.

–You can communicate with your fans many different ways: through
articles, tips, videos and photos.

–Your Fans can recommend your Fan Pages to their friends.
Many Facebook users are even more confused now that Facebook has
redesigned its site. We just finished updating the 29 pages of
handouts for last year’s teleseminar on “11 Ways to Avoid Missed
Opportunities on Facebook,” and there’s a lot of helpful
information on how to create and use Fan pages. Anyone who
participated in the teleseminar, or bought the product will
receive the handouts by email tomorrow–for free. It’s my way of
saying thanks for doing business with me.

If you missed the teleseminar, you can still buy the product and
get the updated handouts at http://budurl.com/facebookwithchris

=====================================
3. Pitching Big TV Talk Shows
=====================================

Debbie Meyer probably spends a small fortune on TV commercials
that advertise the kitchen items she sells, including the Green
Bags that keep fruits and vegetables fresher longer in the
refrigerator.

Yet there she was last week on Fox & Friends, doing a segment
about her V-shaped cake cutter and her special kitchen rack that
organizes lids for pots and pans, and other kitchen implements.

Why did Fox & Friends invite her onto the show instead of making
her pay for an ad? Probably because it made for a terrific
segment.

Debbie is lively and animated. She brought lots of props and
demonstrated how they work. The segment had people, color and
motion, three essential elements for TV talk shows.

Learn the other “must have” ingredients for an enticing pitch
when Michelle Anton, a former guest booker for “Oprah,” joins
Steve Harrison for a teleseminar at 3 and 7 p.m. Eastern Time on
Thursday, Feb. 25. She’ll also reveal the most important question
you must be able to answer to land a TV appearance.

Register at http://www.tvpublicityteleseminar.com/?10011

If you can’t make it, don’t depend on a replay because these
sessions often aren’t recorded. Sign up anyway because Steve
always sends out bonus videos and interviews after the call (I’m
an affiliate).

P.S. You only have 9 more months to pitch the “Oprah” show as we
know it. Starting in September 2011, she’ll be devoting her time
to starting her own cable network. Who better than Michelle Anton
to show you how?

====================================
4. Promoting an Art Group
====================================

This week, four Publicity Hounds have tips for Gabrielle Javier-
Cerulli, of Rochester, New York. She needs ideas on how to get
the word out about Global Network of Expressive Arts Facilitators
and attract new members.

From Roxana:

“Just having a Facebook and Twitter profile is not enough. Are
you creating video content? If you are, do you have your own
YouTube or Vimeo channel? There are many coaches and facilitators
that have teleconferences all the time. Have you approached them
for the opportunity to partner or interviews?”

From Heather:

“I’m not sure if this would work, but what about trying to
partner with a life coach association or organization? Both lines
of work focus on individuals reaching for fulfillment, so perhaps
working together is a viable option.”

From Gayle Carson:

“Because these are heart- and soul-centered individuals, the cost
factor will come into play, especially on a monthly basis.  You
will have to show a great deal of value for a palatable price for
them to join. Also be aware that your community will change. You
will add and lose approximately 20 percent of your members on a
monthly basis. Get a few champions and that will make a
difference.”

The Publicity Hound says:

Read all the responses to this week’s “Help This Hound” question
at http://tinyurl.com/artsfacilitators

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

Judith Bron of Spring Valley, N.Y. writes:

“It is no secret that anti-Semitism is at its highest pinnacle
since the end of World War II.

“Jews are the longest surviving civilization on the face of the
earth. I’d like to get onto the paid speaking circuit and speak
about this topic: ‘In spite of universal hatred, Jews survived.
Why?’

“My audiences would be Jewish youth and adult organizations and
non-Jewish organizations that are puzzled about the issue of
anti-Semitism. How do I start marketing myself as a paid speaker
on this topic??

The Publicity Hound says: Paid speaking engagements are very
difficult these days, even for professionals who have been on the
speaking circuit awhile. But let’s see what my Hounds have to
say. If you have suggestions for Judith, post them to my blog at
http://tinyurl.com/antisemitismspeaker

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

Bumper sticker:

More Wag, Less Bark
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:

3 of 4 LinkedIn invitations include this big mistake
http://ow.ly/1anNw

Why I don’t worry about people giving away ebooks I sell
http://ow.ly/18p2R

When you tweet, you might end up on PleaseRobMe.com
http://ow.ly/1apLN

What they’re saying about social Media Rx and our webinars
http://ow.ly/1aqk9

How to connect by phone with a LinkedIn connection
http://ow.ly/1aqmI

————————————

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 #489 Jan. 27, 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. Social Media Rx

2. Newspaper Map of the World

3. Let Bloggers Test Your Product

4. Getting Artwork onto TV/Movie Sets

5. Help This Hound

6. Hound Video of the Week

7. And at My Blogs…

======================================
1. Social Media Rx
======================================

At social media sites, act the same way you would at a backyard
barbecue.

When you arrive at a barbecue, you look around to get the lay of
the land, greet your hosts, and find out where to get a cold beer
and snacks.

If you don’t know most of the other guests, you watch and listen
for clues as to who might be the most approachable ones.

Do not:

–Walk up to the first stranger you see and shove your book into
his hand.

–Ask a woman you’ve never met if she’ll attend your telephone
seminar next week.

–Start handing out your business cards to everyone who walks by.

–Approach a small group of people and tell them they can sign up
for your ezine.

You’d never act like that at a party, would you? Yet, that
happens all the time at social media sites. Part of the reason is
that people don’t know what else to say. So they do the first
thing they can think of. They offer a free commercial.

Jeanne Hurlbert, my new business partner, and I created Social
Media Rx specifically for those lost souls who don’t know what
else to say. I introduced Jeanne to you a few weeks ago at my
blog at http://budurl.com/jeannehurlbert and told you we’d be
letting you know about Social Media Rx soon.

We’re finally ready. And we’re offering you a free webinar, chock
full of social media tips, specifically for people who haven’t
even dipped their toes into the social media waters yet, or for
those who are participating, but aren’t quite sure what they’re
doing or aren’t seeing a return on investment.

It will be at 3 p.m. Eastern Time (2 Central) on Wednesday, Feb.
3, and you’ll come away a heck of a lot smarter. We’ll also give
you a glimpse of Social Media Rx. It’s an assessment you can take
by answering a series of questions designed to show find out how
much you do or don’t know aobut social media. When you’re done,
within seconds, it delivers a customized report and your own
formula that explains exactly what you should be discussing at
social media sites, based on your job, hobbies, interests and
level of expertise. It’s already received rave reviews, and we
can hardly wait to show it to you.

Everyone who registers for the call will receive the free report
“3 Dangerous Social Media Problems & How to Solve Them.”

For instructions on how to sign up, go to
http://budurl.com/socialmediarxwebinar

======================================
2. Newspaper Map of the World
======================================

Thanks to Jill Cranford of Livermore, Colorado for tipping us off
to the incredibly helpful worldwide newspaper map that shows the
headlines in today’s newspapers in hundreds of countries.

Go to http://www.budurl.com/newspapermap and choose a continent,
country, state or city. Put your cursor on it and headlines from
today’s newspaper will pop up.

Double-click on the dot and the page gets larger. You might even
be able to read the entire story or the entire newspaper.  This
site, maintained by Newseum.org, the interactive news museum in
Washington, D.C., changes daily with new editions of the papers.

===================================
3. Let Bloggers Test Your Product
===================================

I’ve written here about BloggerLinkUp.com, a neat website that’s
getting rave reviews from people who want to write guest blog
posts for other people’s blogs, and for bloggers looking for
guest writers.

Here’s another way to use the site. Offer your product to
bloggers for review.

Sometimes all it takes is just one terrific review by a blogger,
and word starts to spread all over the Internet. And that can
turn into sales.

I submitted information last week about my free ebook, “The Best
of the Publicity Hound’s Tips of the Week of 2009″ and already
received queries from several bloggers who want to read it and
share it with their audiences.

Fill out the form at http://www.bloggerlinkup.com/review

Then share the link for my free ebook with your social media
friends, followers and fans:
http://tinyurl.com/bestof2009tips

====================================
4. Getting Artwork onto TV/Movie Sets
====================================

This week, two Publicity Hounds have tips for Consuelo Okdie from
Tampa Bay, Fla., an artist who wants tips for getting her artwork
onto TV and movie sets.

From Michael Carr:

“Research first. Most states and some larger cities around the
nation have online film production guides which list crew
members. You want to really focus on the Art Department–
particularly designers, set dressers, decorators as well as local
production companies and still photographers. These are the
decision makers who may determine the look of the production,
based on the input they receive from the director or, in the case
of production companies and still photographers, from the
client.”

From Marilynn Barber:

“At http://www.wardrobesupplies.com, under Backstage Stuff, are
source books for theatre and film, in particular, one called
Debbie?s Book.  Google ’scenic design’ in Los Angeles. Be aware,
if you should get something placed, you need to sell it to them.
Never lend–it won?t come back the same.”

The Publicity Hound says:

Check out the teleseminar I did with Amy Bates Stumpf, who rubs
elbows with lots of the Hollywood insiders, and knows how to get
your consumer products onto the sets of TV and movie sets:
http://budurl.com/productplacementips

Read all the responses to this week?s “Help This Hound” question
at http://budurl.com/artworkontv

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

Jill Starishevsky of New York, NY writes:

“I am a prosecutor of child abuse and sex crimes in New York
City. I wrote a children?s book called My Body Belongs to Me to
teach children that if someone touches them inappropriately, they
should tell a parent or teacher right away.

“In a non-threatening, engaging manner, this guide establishes
boundaries and teaches kids that when it comes to their body,
there are some parts that are for ‘no one else to see’ and
empowers them to tell a parent or teacher if someone touches them
inappropriately.

“Most importantly, this narrative assures young ones that sexual
molestation is not their fault, and by speaking out, the child
will continue to grow big and strong. A ?Suggestions for the
Storyteller? section is also included to help lead a comfortable
discussion afterward.

“How can I promote this book in traditional and social media?”
The Publicity Hound says:

I checked the media room at Jill’s website at
http://www.mybodybelongstome.com/news/ and found more than 30
reviews from bloggers. Good for you, Jill. But there weren’t
nearly as many hits in traditional media. Hounds with ideas for
Jill can post them to my blog at http://budurl.com/touching

=================================
6. Hound Video of the Week
=================================

Here’s a silly YouTube video of Romeo the Pug playing piano:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFAy84Pesb0

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

Consider retweeting these blog posts:

Membership directories could include social media URLs
http://budurl.com/directories

9 freebies artists can offer to build an email list
http://budurl.com/artistfreebie

Misnamed online media rooms can confuse visitors
http://budurl.com/misnamedmediarooms

Publicity dilemma? Let Publicity Hound readers help–for free
http://budurl.com/helpthishound

————————————

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 #488 Jan. 19, 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. Pitch Comics Artists

2. 9 Places to Find Blog Content

3. Write a Book in a Weekend

4. Promoting a Religious Book

5. Help This Hound

6. Hound Joke of the Week

7. And at My Blogs…

======================================
1. Pitch Comics Artists
======================================

The next time you need to generate publicity for a worthy cause
or issue, don’t forget the comics.

Yes, the comics. Comic strip artists might agree to make your
cause part of their storyline.

Thanks to Rebecca Morgan, publisher of the popular SpeakerNet
News ezine at http://www.speakernetnews.com/, for sharing the
fabulous tip to pitch comic strip artists as a way of getting
into newspapers large and small all over the world.

Last fall, with just one email pitch, she convinced Greg Evans,
creator of the strip Luann, to incorporate her campaign to
encourage people to give gently used books, instead of candy, for
trick-or-treaters. That brought about 6,000 visitors to her
website.

See the strip, read about how she did it and learn about a
website with links to hundreds of comics strips that might tie
into your cause or issue. Go to http://budurl.com/pitchcomics

======================================
2. 9 Places to Find Blog Content
======================================

If you’re blogging, or you want to start a blog but you’re afraid
you won’t have enough content, here are 9 places to look to find
more than enough topics to write about.

–In your email box. When someone asks you a question, answer it,
and then include the question and the answer in a blog post.

–In print newsletters and ezines for your industry.

–At other people’s blogs. (Comment on the post at your own blog,
and link to it.)

–In newspaper and magazine articles. Excerpt a few tips from an
article you’ve just read, with attribution, and comment on them.

–5 things they don’t teach you in __________ school.

–3 things I want to do in my business before I die.

–In your office. Write about the best (or worst) computer
equipment and other tools you use.

–On TV. If a show or character you saw ties into your topic,
write about it.

–Your goals for 2010.

Want 68 more sources for blog content? They’ll be on the handout
you’ll get when you register for my teleseminar on “Time-saving
Tips for Smart Business Blogging” at 4 p.m. Eastern Time on
Wednesday, Jan. 20, with Patsi Krakoff.

Only a few seats remain. Read more about it and register here:
http://budurl.com/blogcontentideas

===================================
3. Write a Book in a Weekend
===================================

If you want to be taken seriously as an expert in your topic or
industry, a book can give you credibility and put you heads above
your competitors.

The big mistake many authors make, however, is that they spend
years writing their books, then many more months editing and
proofreading them. Many non-fiction books can be written in a few
days.

Ann McIndoo, the former creative assistant to motivational
speaker Tony Robbins, has developed a system for writing the
first draft of a non-fiction book in just one weekend-?a fraction
of the time it takes most authors.

She has helped 268 authors write their books in just three days,
thanks to time-saving shortcuts.

Her system works best for authors who are writing non-fiction
books on topics they know well, particularly how-to, leadership,
business, self-help and autobiographies.

Ann will explain her system during a free telephone seminar with
Steve Harrison at 2 and 7 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, Jan. 21,
at your choice of two times. If the times are inconvenient,
recruit someone to listen and take notes for you.

Register at http://www.WriteYourBookInAWeekend.com/call/?10011

I’m an affiliate.

====================================
4. Promoting a Religious Book
====================================

This week, six Publicity Hounds have tips for Bonnie Stuempfig of
Waukesha, Wis., author of Heavenly Connections, a book of
inspirational religious stories. She wants ideas on how to sell
the book.

From Jeff Rothe:

“Why not target 10 of the largest churches in your city, and get
them to get a copy to be discussed for X weeks at a Bible study,
or even better, used by the service head if they teach a weekly
class.”

From Anne:

“If you are still thinking about selling it at churches, look
into their bulletins and see what kinds of church groups they
have that meet on a regular basis. You might be able to be a
guest speaker (and pitch your book at the end) for one of their
meetings.

“Another idea is to tie it in with a religious holiday (for
example: Ash Wednesday for Catholics). Offer a small discount to
those who purchase multiple copies.”

From Dale Hutchings:

“The first thing that comes to mind for me is for you to target
Christian book reading clubs. On the Internet, there are numerous
websites that where you can find listings of these groups. There
is even a site where they show you how to start a Christian book
club and how to join one.”

Read all the answers to this question at
http://budurl.com/religiousbook

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

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

Consuelo Okdie from Tampa Bay, Fla., writes:

“I’m hoping that you or one of your readers will be able to tell
me how to get my artwork used as set decoration for TV or films.

“My work is unique in medium and application as I am one of a
very few artists using polymer clay to create illustrations &
paintings. Any information you may be able to give me will be
greatly appreciated.”

The Publicity Hound says:

Hounds with ideas for Consuelo can post them to my blog at
http://budurl.com/artworkontv

Consuelo, you need to be willing to do the research necessary to
pitch set designers, costume coordinators, production
coordinators, prop masters and product placement decision-makers
for specific movies and TV shows. I hosted a teleseminar with Amy
Bates Stumpf two years ago on How to Get Your Consumer Product
onto the Sets of Movies and TV Shows. You can read more about it
at http://budurl.com/productplacement

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

Wanda’s dishwasher quit working so she called a repairman. Since
she had to go to work the next day, she told the repairman, “I’ll
leave the key under the mat.  Fix the dishwasher, leave the bill
on the counter, and I’ll mail you a check.”

“Oh, by the way, don’t worry about my dog, Spike. He won’t bother
you. But, whatever you do, do NOT, under ANY circumstances, talk
to my parrot. I repeat. Do NOT talk to my parrot!”

When the repairman arrived at Wanda’s apartment the following
day, he discovered the biggest, meanest looking dog he has ever
seen. But, just as she had said, the dog just lay there on the
carpet watching the repairman go about his work.  ?  The parrot,
however, drove him nuts the whole time with his incessant
yelling, cursing and name calling.  Finally the repairman
couldn’t contain himself any longer and yelled,

“Shut up, you stupid, ugly bird!”

To which the parrot replied, “Get him, Spike!”

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…
==================================

19+ story ideas to generate publicity, PR for your business
http://budurl.com/19publicityideas

Facebook makes it easy to reply to wall posts via email
http://budurl.com/facebookwallposts

9 ways nonprofits can use social media
http://budurl.com/nonprofitsocialmedia

Add comic strips to your PR campaign and pitch artists
http://budurl.com/pitchcomics

————————————

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 #476 Nov. 3, 2009
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. Undo the New Facebook Change

2. Linking from Press Releases

3. Trunk or Treat & Thanksgiving

4. How an Artist Can Defend a Lawsuit

5. Help This Hound

6. Hound Video of the Week

7. And at My Blog…

====================================
1. Undo the New Facebook Change
====================================

Facebook users are still howling about recent changes to the
homepage. If you’re one of them, there’s a quick fix to change it
back to the way it used to be.

Ten days ago, with no warning, Facebook eliminated with the
Twitter-like feed of every real-time status update. Now, instead
of displaying everything from all your friends, Facebook uses a
secret algorithm to display only the posts and status updates
that are generating a lot of comments and responses. So you never
know what you’re missing.

If you hate the change, here’s a three-step process to revert
back to the old feed:

–Log into Facebook. On your homepage, on the top of the left
column, you’ll see “News Feed.” Go to the bottom of that column
and click on “More.”

–Find the “Status Updates.” Click and drag it to the very top of
that column.

–Click “Status Updates” to load that view. Now, Facebook will
deliver your feeds just like it did before.

The News Feed option is still on the left. If you click on it,
you’ll see the new view. And if you decide later that reading
your Facebook feed is like drinking from a firehose, you can
always revert back to the smaller feed.

Whatever you choose, make sure you’re getting the most return on
investment for all the time you spend at this site. See “11 Ways
to Avoid Missed Opportunities on Facebook” at
http://budurl.com/uqp3

========================================
2. Linking from Press Releases
========================================

Follow these three important rules when you’re linking to your
website or blog from a press release:

–Link to the exact page that dovetails with the “call to action”
within your release. If you want people to buy a specific
product, for example, send them to that product page. Too many
press release writers simply send readers to the homepage, where
they’re left searching for what you’re writing about. Confused
readers bail out.

–Write the entire URL with the “http://…., preferably near the
end of the boilerplate or “about us” section. If somebody finds
your release online and cuts and pastes the content into their
own blog or website but they forget to link your anchor text,
readers won’t be able to find your website.

–Use anchor text that includes one of your keyword phrases and
turn it into a link. How many? About one for every 100 words in
your press release.

Transcripts and audio from my Oct. 21 teleseminar on “How to Use
Keywords, the ‘Magic Magnets’ That Pull Journalists and Consumers
to Your Press Releases” have been delivered to everyone who
ordered them. The illustrated handouts include a simple six-point
checklist for anyone doing keyword research, the two best keyword
research tools, links to three videos that show you how to do
keyword research, the three best free press release distribution
services, and a sample press release that’s been optimized for
the search engines.

Grab ‘em now at http://budurl.com/pressreleasekeywords

========================================
3. Trunk or Treat & Thanksgiving
========================================

Get a head start pitching stories for Thanksgiving this month,
and for Halloween next year.

These ideas are courtesy of publicist Michelle Tennant of Wasabi
Publicity, whose “blogger butt” I wrote about last week.  They’re
almost guaranteed to bring the TV cameras to your school or
company.

Just before Halloween, host a “trunk or treat” event in your
parking lot for parents and kids. Everyone dresses up. Parents
open the trunks of their cars, decorate the insides with a
Halloween theme, and give treats to the kids who make their way
from car to car.

For Thanksgiving this year, Michelle suggests you round up a
bunch of kids, dress them as Pilgrims, and give them a big basket
of fresh vegetables and a box of toothpicks. Let them make
“Pilgrim people” out of the veggies, and ask them to explain why
the Pilgrim people are thankful.

TV stations that are scrounging for ideas during Thanksgiving
week will love this one–great for schools, chambers of commerce,
brick-and-mortar businesses, churches, libraries, day care
centers and even home schoolers.

You’ll find 22 ideas for October, 23 more for November and 10
more for December on the handouts that accompany the CD, “103
Sizzling Story Ideas from July through December.” These ideas are
yours to steal. Read more about them at http://budurl.com/guu5

=======================================
4. How an Artist Can Defend a Lawsuit
=======================================

This week, nine Publicity Hounds have tips for John T. Unger of
Mancelona, MI, whose fire bowls, original art which he’s been
making since 2005, have been copied by a manufacturer. He wanted
ideas on how can he use traditional and social media to raise
awareness and money for his legal costs.
From Cheryl Pickett:

“Establish a Facebook fan page with full explanation and invite
people to follow what’s going on. Those kinds of things seem to
get passed around pretty regularly. Keep everyone informed on the
blog as to what’s going on and also invite them to the other
things you do as well.”
From Bonnie Boots:

“John should email The Crafts Report, which covers business for
the professional crafter. Their contact page is here:
http://www.craftsreport.com/contact-us.html

“He should also contact the American Craft Council at
http://www.craftcouncil.org/ Click on “The Council” at the bottom
and then “Staff” on the left. You’ll find the email addresses for
the senior editor, managing editor and assistant editor.  Email
one of them (I’d try the assistant editor first) and ask them to
suggest the names of any writers they know that might be
interested in this story.”
From Brisbane, Australia:

“Stories like this are just asking to be linked to and tweeted
about. I think you will be far more successful promoting the
injustice rather than an actual fund raising event. Also, try
contacting the stores selling their products. I’m sure they would
much rather be selling your legitimate products.”
The Publicity Hound says:

Read all the responses to this week’s “Help This Hound” question
at http://budurl.com/firebowl You have one week left to submit
your own idea in the comments section at my blog. The Hound who
submits the best entry wins a beautiful shovel mask, valued at
$59. The winner will be announced here next week.

Email your own Help this Hound question to
mailto:Jstewart@PublicityHound.com
and include your city, state and province.

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

Cheryl Muskus of Oak Creek, WI, writes:

“I’m the owner of The CarmelRose, a floral shop, and I’m looking
for ways to generate publicity in a very competitive market.

“Even though our industry is hurt to a large extent when
obituaries state ‘in lieu of flowers, the family suggests
donations to…,’ we’re trying to form relationships with local
funeral homes so they can refer us to families that are buying
flowers for the funeral. I’d also like to target the local
corporate market, because revenues from local businesses that
need floral arrangements can be significant.

“What ideas do your Hounds have for events I can sponsor at the
shop or elsewhere, story ideas I can pitch to the local media,
press releases I can write, photos I can offer the local media,
opportunities for getting onto local TV, and joint venture
partnerships I can form with other businesses?

“Also, suggestions for using social media would be appreciated.”

The Publicity Hound says:

Local businesses like yours, Cheryl, can benefit just as much
from online publicity as bigger companies, so you’re smart to
work that into the mix. Let’s see what ideas my Hounds can offer
at my blog at http://budurl.com/dcye

==================================
6. Hound Video of the Week
==================================

It’s NBA season, so here’s a cute video of a dog joining the
competition. I may have already shown you this, but it’s worth a
second look:

http://www.funnydogsite.com/videos/basketball.htm

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 Blog…
==================================

Learn how to pronounce names of radio/TV broadcasters,
journalists
http://budurl.com/l358

————————————

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
3434 County KK
Port Washington, WI. 53074
USA

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #450 May 12, 2009
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
http://www.PublicityArticles.net (Ezine Archives)

Circulation: 40,609

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

“Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity”

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

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

1. Lazy Way to Create Fun Video

2. 7 Deadly SEO Mistakes

3. ‘World’s Best Job’ PR Stunt

4. Dump That Default Avatar

5. How to Reach Doctors, Attorneys

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Quote of the Week

8. And at My Blog…

=====================================
1. Lazy Way to Create Fun Video
=====================================

Producing video has never been my idea of fun.

I have almost no technical abilities. I sometimes find video so
confusing that it eats up hours of precious time.

Talking head videos require me to fix my hair, wear make-up, put
on something that looks half decent, and clean my office.

During post-production, I hate tinkering with a video’s
resolution, frame rates and bit rates so it looks crisp.

If you’re like me, you’ll fall in love with Animoto, a
subscription service that lets you create TV-quality videos from
photos you’ve taken yourself, or from stock photos you’ve
purchased.

You can even add text. When you’re done, add a musical
accompaniment, or let Animoto choose one for you and–voila!–you
have a really cool video you can use in a publicity campaign and
share on the social media sites.

I created a two-and-a-half-minute video yesterday in less than
an hour, from start to finish, to promote my local garden club’s
plant sale. You can learn more about Animoto and see the video at
my blog at http://budurl.com/p3hs

Here are six ways Publicity Hounds can use Animoto videos:

–Authors, promote a new book.

–Speakers, create a video showing you at various presentations–
and the audience applauding and laughing.

–Nonprofits, appeal for volunteers or donations. And visit my
blog to learn how you can apply for a complimentary account.

–Artists ,you can create a video showing your artwork in various
stages of completion, or show a collage of different works.

–PR people, publicists and virtual assistants, add this to your
line-up of services. Your clients will think you belong in
Hollywood.

–Business owners, create a video demonstrating how to use your
products or services.

Share your Animoto video links with other Hounds in the comments
section at http://budurl.com/p3hs

=================================
2. 7 Deadly SEO Mistakes
=================================

If bringing more traffic to your website isn’t very important,
skip this item.

Stompernet, the Internet marketing membership association, has
identified seven deadly mistakes that people are making when
optimizing their web pages for the search engines.

Here’s Mistake #1: Badly written page titles.

On Windows, the page title is on the blue bar at the top of the
screen. I see this mistake all the time, and it’s one of the
first things I mention when I do telephone consultations with
clients.

My nominations for the worst page titles:

–”Home”

–”Welcome to my website”

–The name of your company

–Your name

–Your tagline or motto

Missing from all of the above are keywords that people would type
into the search engines if they didn’t know you but were looking
for the kind of information, products or services you provide.

The fix is fairly simple, but only if you know what you’re doing.
Full instructions, including the maximum length of each page
title, is in the f*ree report “7 Deadly SEO Mistakes.”

I’m a StomperNet member and give them my enthusiastic “two paws
up” endorsement.

Claim your course here:
http://budurl.com/37uz

===================================
3. ‘World’s Best Job’ PR Stunt
===================================

If you’re in charge of promoting a destination right now, while a
worldwide recession is putting travel plans on hold, there’s
nothing like a PR stunt to catch people’s attention.

Tourism Queensland, in charge of promoting Australia, dreamed up
the “World’s Best Job” contest in which people competed for the
job of caretaker of picture-perfect Hamilton Island, on
Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef.

The winner, 34-year-old Ben Southall, a charity fundraiser from
Petersfield, Hampshire, must live alone on the island for six
months and then report back to the world via blogs, a photo
diary, video updates and interviews.

More than 34,000 people applied for the job that pays $150,000
and comes with a three-bedroom beach home, a swimming pool and
golf cart.

The job description requires the winner “to explore the islands
of the Great Barrier Reef, swim, snorkel, make friends with the
locals and generally enjoy the tropical Queensland climate and
lifestyle.”

Thanks to Publicity Hound Gary Knowles of Madison, Wis. for
sharing this one.

This promotion was all over the social media sites, a reminder
that if you’re not including these sites in your publicity
campaigns, you’re missing reaching millions of people.

“How to do Social Networking, Run a Business & Still Have a Life”
explains how to get started, how to save time, sites where you
must have a presence, and tips for letting people know, like and
trust you BEFORE you promote. Learn more at
http://budurl.com/g6j6

========================================
4. Dump That Default Avatar
========================================

I mentioned this a few weeks ago but it’s worth repeating,
because many of you are making this mistake.

No reputable Publicity Hound would even THINK of commenting at a
blog or participating in social media without creating a
universal avatar that automatically displays their photo as they
go from site to site.

Create your own at http://www.Gravatar.com by first signing up
for an account. You can upload your smiling photo, which is far
better than those cartoon-character-like icons, or your company
logo, or a dumb photo of a landscape.

At my blog at http://www.PublicityHound.net, a small percentage
of people who comment have gravatars. Those who don’t have them
end up with my default avatar next to their comment. It looks
like a gray pawn on a chess board. What a missed opportunity to
display your smiling face in front of thousands of people!

After you’ve created your avatar, make sure your profile is as
good as it can be. Almost every profile I read can be improved.
Social networking expert Nancy Marmolejo explained what the ideal
profiles include, during the teleseminar I recorded with her,
with step-by-step instructions on how to dress up yours. It’s
called “Can Your Social Networking Profile Pass the 10-Second
Test?” and you can read more about it at http://budurl.com/ru5e

=====================================
5. How to Reach Doctors, Attorneys
=====================================

This week, five Publicity Hounds have tips for Karen Carnabucci
of Racine, Wis. who’s looking for ideas on how to draw
professionals, like doctors and attorneys, to her training
programs, individual consultations and in-service programs
dealing with psychodrama. She has a blog at
http://midwestpsychodrama.blogspot.com.

From Marilynn O’Leary:

“It’s important that you tie your offering to an outcome that is
on their mind. Lead with a tangible result and compel them to
take some action such as joining your list. And then, educate
them on your work.”

From Gail Sideman:

“I would create a separate blog/blogs that speaks directly to
these two audiences (physicians and attorneys). Share thoughts
and tips in posts and, at the end of those, post links to
information about your training programs.”

From Sophie Wajsman:

“Why not contact organisors responsible for finding guest
speakers at major conferences for doctors or lawyers? You might
offer to perform a small role play based on a real life topical
situation (you could easily find something appropriate through
your local or national media).”

The Publicity Hound says:

Using a social networking directory like Ning, at
http://Ning.com, look for niche social networking sites for
doctors and attorneys. I did a search for doctors and found 282
social networking sites for docs! Not all will fit your target
audience, but this is a good place to start. Hand-pick a half
dozen of the best sites and spend some time at the discussion
boards.

Read all the answers to this “Help This Hound” question
http://tinyurl.com/d2fndd

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

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

Karren Jeske, APR of Milwaukee, Wis. writes:

“My friend is an emerging fine artist in the Washington, D.C.
area.

“He was recently featured in Elan magazine, a publication that
showcases talented North Virginia artists. The magazine included
a photograph of one of his paintings on the magazine cover and
included photos of six more inside.

“What are some creative ways that my friend could leverage this
fantastic publicity? He has a few solo shows coming up in the
next few months.”

The Publicity Hound says:

I have three ideas.

–As I explained in item Number One above, Animoto lets you
create videos from your pictures and images and puts them to
music. It’s a fast, easy way for artists to create videos from
their artwork. People can’t steal the images. Ask the magazine
for permission to include the cover within the video. Then create
a video and upload it to the video-sharing sites with relevant
tags. Learn more about Animoto at http://budurl.com/zlye

–Tell your friend to follow Publicity Hound Alyson Stanfield, an
art marketing coach, at http://www.artbizcoach.com/

–The 2009 smARTist Telesummit, hosted by art marketing expert
Arianne Goodwin, is now available as a product. Alyson and I
presented separate sessions, and we were joined by an amazing
line-up of art experts who gave hundreds of tips on how to turn
an art hobby into a career. You can read more about it at
http://budurl.com/ew6c

Hounds with other great ideas can post them to my blog at
http://budurl.com/5mx4

================================
7. Hound Quote of the Week
================================

A groaner, but kind of cute:

What do you get when you cross a chili pepper, a steam shovel and
a chihuahua?

Hot diggity dog!

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 Blog…
================================

Promote anything by creating quick videos with Animoto
http://budurl.com/p3hs

————————————

Where to See & Hear The Publicity Hound:

Follow me on Twitter:

http://www.twitter.com/PublicityHound

Friend me on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/people/Joan_Stewart/541605146

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®
3434 County KK
Port Washington, WI 53074
USA
Phone: 262-284-7451 (Central) Fax: 262-284-1737

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #435 Jan. 27, 2009
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)

Circulation: 43,505

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

“Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity”

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

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

You are receiving this because you signed up for it at The
Publicity Hound website at http://www.publicityhound.com/ or you
told me that you want to subscribe. If you didn’t subscribe, you
can unsubscribe by clicking the link at the bottom of the
newsletter.

Please forward this ezine to anyone you know who needs free
publicity to establish their credibility, enhance their
reputation, position themselves as employers of choice, sell more
products and services, or promote a favorite cause or issue.

******************************************

New Teleseminar:

Can Your Social Networking Profile Pass the 10-Second Test?

Next time you’re surfing around Facebook or LinkedIn, pay
attention to how much time you spend on other people’s profiles
before you click away.

Then, be honest. How boring is your own? Online decisions are
made with clicks, and if your profile isn’t creating clicks TO
you instead of clicks AWAY from you, then chances are you have a
social networking profile that spells B-O-R-I-N-G.

Join Nancy Marmolejo and me for a paid teleseminar on Wednesday,
Feb. 11, when we ask the question “Can Your Social Networking
Profile Pass the 10-Second Test?”

Read about what you’ll learn, register for the session, and tell
us why Nancy should remake YOUR profile during the call. All the
details are at my blog at http://tinyurl.com/blvdby

*****************************************

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

1. When Oprah Calls on Sunday

2. 5 Big Blogging Boo-boos

3. Pitch Spring Gifts Now

4. I Don’t Want You to Disappear

5. Promoting Abstract Art

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week

8. And at My Blog…

===================================
1. When Oprah Calls on Sunday
===================================

So there you are on a Sunday afternoon, watching TV with the
kids.

The phone rings. It’s one of Oprah’s producers, following up on a
pitch you sent several months ago.

Panic time! You can’t remember the details. You can’t even
remember the pitch!

That’s what happens when you send a story idea to Oprah or one of
the big TV talk shows and mistakenly assume that if they don’t
bite within a month or two, they’re not interested.

Big mistake.

Oprah’s producers work insane hours, including Sunday afternoons.
That’s why you must be ready at a moment’s notice to discuss your
story succinctly and with passion, even when the kids are
screaming and the dog is barking in the background.

But before you receive that phone call, your pitch has to catch
the producer’s attention. It’s one of the most difficult feats to
accomplish because it must be compelling enough to pique their
curiosity, but not so long that it’s rambling.

Michele Anton, a former guest booker for “Oprah,” has accepted
and rejected hundreds of pitches. She knows what works and what
doesn’t, and she’ll share her tips during a complimentary
teleseminar that my friend, Steve Harrison, is hosting on
Thursday, Jan. 29, at your choice of two times.

Michele will explain what NOT to send to producers, what NOT to
pitch to guest bookers, and mistakes you should never make, or
the decision-makers will blackball you forever.

Then, she’ll explain the three big secrets for doing it the right
way. You’ll also hear from other veteran TV producers and
surprise guests.

Register at http://tinyurl.com/Oprahcall

Then, read about my Number One tip for getting onto Oprah and the
other big TV talk shows. It’s at my blog at
http://tinyurl.com/ab9lkh

=======================================
2. 5 Big Blogging Boo-boos
=======================================

Working too hard on your blog and seeing little traffic, hardly
any comments and zero sales?

If so, Denise Wakeman and Patsi Krakoff, aka the Blog Squad, say
it might be because you’re making one of these five frequent
mistakes:

–You’re not blogging often enough, usually because you don’t
have time. Here’s my solution. Each week, I’m trying to reduce by
at least one hour the time I spend answering email (unproductive)
and using it instead to write on my blog.

–Your blog isn’t focused on a topic, or a series of related
topics. If your content is all over the landscape, you can’t get
the Google juice necessary to pull in traffic for specific
keywords.

–Your readers don’t know who you are because your name, or your
photo, or both, are missing from your blog. If they don’t know
who you are, how in the world can they eventually like and trust
you?

–There’s no way for your readers to subscribe to your blog
updates. Either you aren’t offering an RSS feed, or you’re not
letting readers subscribe to automatic email alerts each time you
post.

–You aren’t engaging your readers and making them part of the
conversation. Instead, you’re writing only about topics you like.
Offer quizzes, write about controversial topics and ask for their
opinions, find out what topics they what to read about, or
challenge them to do something that will improve their lives.
Keep them engaged, and they’ll keep coming back.

Those are only five little morsels from the dozens of tips The
Blog Squad shared during yesterday’s teleseminar on how to “Build
Your Biz with a Blog: It’s Not an Option Anymore!–How to Build a
Professional Blog that Turns Prospects into Clients.”

You can listen to the replay at
http://blogsquad.audioacrobat.com/download/bizblog_012609.mp3

Important Note: Wednesday night, Jan. 28, at midnight is the
deadline for The Blog Squad’s special offer for Publicity Hounds
who want to take 20 percent off the price of any of their three
levels of coaching. That means that if you want them to do
everything for you, including setting up your blog so you don’t
have to bother with all that techie stuff, you can save $400.

Go to http://www.theblogsquad.net/joan and at check-out, use the
code js20 so you don’t have to pay full price.

Grab it now, or kick yourself later.

========================================
3. Pitch Spring Gifts Now
========================================

With all the shake-ups in the newspaper, magazine, TV and radio
industries the last few months, you can’t afford to rely on
outdated reference materials.

If you sell a consumer product, including a book, that would make
a great gift for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Graduation Day, a
prom, a wedding, or any other event taking place in April, May or
June, you must know about the Gift List. It’s a subscription
service that provides contact information and leads for more than
1,000 media outlets.

It profiles new product editors from a range of national
magazines, regional publications, news wires and syndicates,
national broadcast television, syndicated television, national
radio, and the top daily newspapers.

The Gift List interviews them and profiles their interests from
fashion, beauty, tech, home, fitness and more. This is the time
to kick your spring publicity campaign into high gear because
deadlines are now for major national magazines.

Nobody produces a more extensive list of consumer product media
interests, submission guidelines, contact preferences, deadlines
and more.

Learn more about the service and take a test drive at
http://tinyurl.com/9es8y

=======================================
4. I Don’t Want You to Disappear
=======================================

I recently changed servers at the list management company that
distributes this newsletter, and I don’t want you to drop off my
list.

Please add galaxy.sparklist.com to your Friends list or Whitelist
and contact me immediately if you suddenly stop receiving the
newsletter so we can find out what went wrong.

You can find back issue you have missed in the archives at
http://www.publicityarticles.net/archive/

Thanks for your loyalty, Hounds, and for your great ideas,
publicity success stories and other content for this newsletter.

Making sure readers continue receiving your newsletters is a
major problem, but the rewards are worth it. You will increase
your chances of generating publicity if you have both a blog and
an ezine, and cross-promote from each.

I interviewed online marketing expert Don Crowther, who is a
stickler for testing, on all the ways to cross-promote. He
explained the results of his tests during our teleseminar on “How
to Use a Blog and an Ezine Together to Grow Your Business.” It’s
available as a CD or an electronic transcript that you can
download and be reading as soon as your order has been approved.

Read more about what you’ll learn at http://tinyurl.com/79383q

Coming soon: My survey, asking you about what you want to read
here, how I can serve you better, and what products and services
you need that I don’t offer. And you’ll love the way I’ll say
“thanks” to everyone who completes it.

==========================================
5. Promoting Abstract Art
==========================================

This week, three Publicity Hounds have tips for Beth Stafford of
Concord, N.C., an abstract artist who is looking for a few quick,
simple ways to promote her website at
http://www.bethstafford.com/ and her blog at
http://www.airedale-art.blogspot.com/

From Michele Bailey-Lessirard:

“Your art and website are beautiful. My first reaction is why not
blog more. The last post was back in October. It’s about UFOs
which was very interesting and leaves me wanting to know more
about you–and then there is nothing…Join Facebook. Start
twittering in your dog Cassie’s voice, from Cassie’s perspective.
Play up the PiCassieO angle. It’s original and fun.”

From Shelli Johannes-Wells:

“Market to dog organizations, hotels that allow dogs, pet stores,
veterinarians, etc…”

From The Publicity Hound:

Dive into social networking right now, or leave a lot of money on
the table. Here are three of my best tips:

–Create a profile on Facebook and build one or more fan pages.
This is the place to display and promote your artwork. Fans do
not have to be followers. That’s why these pages are so valuable.

–Also, start uploading photos of your artwork to Flickr, the
photo-sharing site.

–Create videos, or an entire series of short videos (about 2
min, 30 seconds each) of you, dog Cassie and your artwork, and
upload to YouTube and the other video-sharing sites. These will
bring tons of traffic to your website.

If you’re new to social networking, find a teen-ager to walk you
through how to do all of the above. For many more tips, check out
“How Artists Can Sell More Artwork through Online & Offline
Publicity,” a recording of a teleseminar I did with art marketing
expert Ariane Goodwin, at http://tinyurl.com/yvewm8

Read all the responses to this week’s Help This Hound question
http://tinyurl.com/7jqucq

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

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

Michele Lessirard of Vero Beach, Fla. writes:

“I have been blogging for more than seven years at New Moon
Journal http://www.newmoonjournal.com and my blog
http://newmoonjournal.blogs.com

“Now, there’s a high-profile Harry Potter-type author named
Stephanie Myer who’s written a series of vampire novels. One
best-seller is New Moon. Of course, I am competing now for search
engine optimization with her New Moon book and soon-to-be movie.
The New Moon Journal is an astrology blog dedicated to creativity
and personal growth using the lunar cycles for power, healing and
problem solving.

“How can I use this name recognition and ride on the coattails of
her book. Is it possible?”

The Publicity Hound says:

It sure is. The many authors, publishers and book publicity
experts who read this newsletter can post their best ideas to my
blog at http://tinyurl.com/dnju3x

Here’s my idea. Go over to Amazon.com and review Stephanie’s
books, which will let you link back to your blogs. You can also
create “best of” lists dealing with your topic and all kinds of
other content to attract the attention of her readers.

Randy Gilbert and Don Mitchell are all over that website and pull
in tons of traffic to their own sites as a result. They were my
guests during a teleseminar on “How to Make Amazon a River of
Gold (for Authors, Speakers & Experts).”

It’s available as a CD or an electronic transcript that you can
download and be reading as soon as your order has been approved.

Read more about how to piggyback onto the popularity of other
best-selling authors or products at http://tinyurl.com/7u76e

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

Thanks to Elaine Grassbaugh of Columbus, Ohio for this one, which
I ran by the censorship police. They said go for it.

Yesterday I was buying a two large bags of Purina Dog Chow at
Wal-Mart for my dogs Dexter, Gypsy, Sky, & Blade. I was about to
check out when a woman behind me asked if I had a dog. (What did
she think, that I had an elephant?)

Since I had little else to do, on impulse I told her that no, I
didn’t have a dog, and that I was starting the Purina eating plan
again, although I probably shouldn’t because I ended up in the
hospital last time. On the bright side, though, I’d shaved off 50
p~ounds before I awakened in an intensive care ward with tubes
coming out of every hole in my body and IVs in both arms.

I told her that the way it works is to load your pockets with
Purina nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel
hungry, and that the food is nutritionally complete so I was
going to try it again. (I have to mention here that practically
everyone in the line was enthralled with my story by now.)

Horrified, she asked if I ended up in intensive care because the
dog food had poisoned me. I told her no–a car hit me after I had
stopped in the middle of the parking lot to lick my butt.

I thought the guy behind her was going to have a heart attack, he
was laughing so hard! Wal-Mart won’t let me shop there anymore.

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 Blog…
===================================

Show both sides of your life at social networking sites
http://tinyurl.com/cygctz

Here’s another keyword density tool for press releases
http://tinyurl.com/ca7haw

My #1 tip for getting onto ‘Oprah’ and other big TV shows
http://tinyurl.com/ab9lkh

Can your social networking profile pass the 10-second test?
http://tinyurl.com/blvdby

————————————–

WHERE TO SEE AND HEAR THE PUBLICITY HOUND:

Monday, Jan. 26–Teleseminar Replay

During yesterday’s “Boost Your Biz with a Blog” teleseminar,
Denise Wakeman and Patsi Krakoff, aka The Blog Squad,
explained how to draw more traffic and boost more sales from a
blog. Listen to the replay at
http://blogsquad.audioacrobat.com/download/bizblog_012609.mp3

March 6-8–Atlanta, Ga.

I’ll be at the Stompernet’s Live7 event. If you’re going, let’s
meet for coffee.

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 News 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®
3434 County KK
Port Washington, WI 53074
USA
Phone: 262-284-7451 (Central) Fax: 262-284-1737

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #434 Jan. 20, 2009
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)

Circulation: 43,628

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

“Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity”

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

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

You are receiving this because you signed up for it at The
Publicity Hound website at http://www.publicityhound.com/ or you
told me that you want to subscribe. If you didn’t subscribe, you
can unsubscribe by clicking the link at the bottom of the
newsletter.

Please forward this ezine to anyone you know who needs free
publicity to establish their credibility, enhance their
reputation, position themselves as employers of choice, sell more
products and services, or promote a favorite cause or issue.

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

1. Put Your Pet in the White House

2. The Real Power of Your Press Release

3. Formula Five is Live

4. Still Not Blogging?

5. Promoting Sensitivity Training

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Video of the Week

8. And at My Blog…

===================================
1. Put Your Pet in the White House
===================================

When the party’s over tonight, you just know that Malia and Sasha
will start pestering mom and dad for that puppy.

How about giving the First Family a taste of what the White House
will look like if they choose a pet just like yours? Heck, let’s
make your pet the Official Obama Pet–right now!

Head over to Pawfun.com, a new custom photo T-shirt site for pet
lovers and participate in the Obama spoof that lets you super-
impose a photo of your pet, and then send it as an e-card.

That’s what I did this morning. You can see Bogie, my German
Shorthaired Pointer, peeking out from under the president’s
outstretched arm, to the left of the photo, at
http://www.pawfun.com/ecards/?c=210

While you’re at the site, how about ordering a T-shirt that shows
your pet with its new owners?

Talk about perfect timing. Social media expert BL Ochman and her
partner, Caimin Jones, launched the site late Saturday night.
Since then, eager pet lovers have sent the e-cards more than
4,500 times.

Create your own card at http://www.pawfun.com/promo/

“While there’s no shortage of T-shirt sites, our goal is to make
ours more fun than the rest,” BL said. “And we’ve picked a niche
we’ll go deep into instead of trying to be all things to all
people. That’s because the Internet, and increasingly the world,
is a niche-or-be-niched place these days.”

She and her partner will be using all the social media tools on
Pawfun.com that they’re always trying to get their Fortune 500
clients to try–but now they’re the client.

What an incredibly clever tie-in to today’s world event. BL
always keeps me posted on what she’s doing, and I’ll share her
success stories with social networking, and anybody else’s, here.
(Hint: Send me your success stories.)

BL, by the way, presented a content-rich teleseminar a few months
ago on “How to do Social Networking, Run a Business & Still Have
a Life.” If you follow her on Twitter at @whatsnext, you’d swear
she spends all her waking hours tweeting. But launching a
business eats up hours upon hours, so BL has had to create
shortcuts for keeping Twitter and the other social networking
sites in which she participates within her control–so they don’t
control her.

You can order the electronic transcript or MP3 audio of our
teleseminar and download them as soon as your order has been
approved, or you can choose the CD. Read more about how to save
time and your sanity during social networking at
http://tinyurl.com/a6guxq

=======================================
2. The Real Power of Your Press Release
=======================================

How much power do you really have to promote your product,
service, cause or issue with the lowly press release?

If you’re hoping to generate a major story in the traditional
media, not much. That’s because journalists despise them and
delete nine out of 10 press releases. A big story usually
requires a customized pitch, not a one-size-fits-all press
release.

If you’re hoping to catch the attention of bloggers, consumers
and those on the social media landscape, quite a bit. But only if
you throw most of the old press release writing rules out the
window.

For example, in the old days, we absolutely could NOT write a
press release that smacked of promotion or it would repel
journalists. Today, however, smart Publicity Hounds use the press
release to give away information and tips, and then link to what
they’re promoting at their websites–not with just one link high
in the release but with several links throughout.

That tactic means you can completely bypass traditional media and
go straight to the decision-makers who will find your release, if
you’ve written it correctly, when Googling.

If you’re new to releases, or you’ve been writing them for years,
sign up for my free email tutorial “89 Ways to Write Powerful
Press Releases.” It’s an intensive 12-week course delivered by
email. Stick with it right to end and it will be like you’ve
earned a master’s degree in writing and distributing releases.
You’ll know more about the topic than most professional PR
people.

I’m honored that the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary under the
Department of Homeland Security is using the course to train its
communications officers at the grassroots level through an online
training site. Deputy Chief Tom Nunes of the Public Affairs
Department says they’re even creating quizzes for students as
part of the course. Cool!

Haven’t taken the tutorial yet? Sign up at
http://tinyurl.com/pressreleasetutorial or buy the entire course
in a handy ebook for only $27. You can read the long, long list
of glowing testimonials from happy Hounds who loved it and are
already generating fabulous publicity as a result.

========================================
3. Formula Five is Live
========================================

For the last several weeks, I’ve been raving about “Formula
Five,” the business building program that’s perfect for any
business, regardless of what you’re selling.

Now, the wait is over.

The shopping cart opened yesterday for “Formula Five.” It was
created by Paul Lemberg, who shared dozens of take-away tips
during the teleseminar with him that I hosted for several hundred
Publicity Hounds on Jan. 8.

You can pick up your copy of Formula Five here:
http://tinyurl.com/PaulLembergFormulaFive

Because the package includes ongoing support, there are limited
spots in the program.

Business owners just like you have already earned tens of
thousands of dollars only using 1/20th of Formula Five. Today,
you can be one of the first to get the whole enchilada so you
can start doubling your business this year.

Even if Formula Five isn’t within your budget right now, at
least check out the package of videos on the page, take good
notes and start tweaking your business to make more money
starting today.

P.S. This is a no-brainer. Just hope your competitors haven’t
heard about it.

=======================================
4. Still Not Blogging?
=======================================

Attention bloggers, or those who are just creating a blog.

Learn proven tips on how to drive thousands more visitors to your
blog, sell your products and services there, and write compelling
posts that build a loyal customer following and position you as
an expert.

Here’s the best part. You don’t have to be a techie.

Join me as I interview Denise Wakeman and Patsi Krakoff, aka The
Blog Squad, during a free teleseminar called “Boost Your Biz with
a Blog” from 4 to 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, Jan. 26.
Register at http://www.blogsquadteleseminars.com/joan/

==========================================
5. Promoting Sensitivity Training
==========================================

This week, five Publicity Hounds have tips for Pegine Echevarria
of Jacksonville, FL, who is launching a licensed training program
called “White Guys Are Diverse Too!” She is looking for ideas to
capture the interest of corporate and government chief diversity
officers.

From Candy Tutt:

“In all honesty, I would recommend changing the title of the
project. While it is catchy, it will be perceived as separatist
and off-putting to many people. Our society still tends to tip
the scales in favor of “white guys” and the program title
perpetuates a feeling of cultural superiority.

“If, in your experience white guys tend to walk out of D&I
programs thinking they are excluded and not valued for the unique
individualized impact that they bring, perhaps the D&I sessions
are not geared to reaching the very people at whom they are
aimed.”

From Kevin Gaydosh:

“Constant portrayals by the news media and popular culture as
Walter Kowalskis or Archie Bunkers displays a prejudice–yes,
prejudice–that is perhaps the biggest fear/largest turn-off that
the target audience has with much diversity training.

“Also, I’m not in HR, but an earlier Hound might be correct in
suggesting a name change. While an arresting, attention-getting
and (to some) a cute/funny title, it’s doubtful that many Fortune
500 companies are going to post that seminar up on their Intranet
or in the employee break rooms precisely because of the title.

“Perhaps it would be best if you pitched your program under a new
(PC) moniker but touted it as being better than the competition
because you do pay particular attention to this often
‘overlooked, under appreciated’ group.”

From Dal Jeanis:

“You might want to contact companies, especially minority-owned
companies, that do diversity (or cultural sensitivity) training.
Provide each company with two f~ree copies of your book. If they
add your book in as, say, one-third of a course, then you’re
golden.

“One current events hook you can use to promote your mix is the
following: With Obama’s success, pre-existing diversity programs
are going to need major retooling. Are they needed at all?
Diversity trainers say yes, some pundits say no, and Pegine
Echevarria says no, but they need to address all the
consistencies of diversity.”

The Publicity Hound says:

Pegine, how about going over to LinkedIn and using the question
and answer feature to generate some additional feedback and
exposure for your training? I wouldn’t post the identical
question you asked in Help This Hound, but there are lots of
other things you could ask about.

Scott Allen, a LinkedIn expert, says the Q&A feature is a
fabulous way collect information and let the world know what
you’re doing. But you have to use it correctly. He explained how
during the teleseminar I hosted with him on “How to Use LinkedIn
to Promote Anything–Ethically & Powerfully.”

It’s available as electronic transcripts and your choice of MP3
audios or CDs. Read more about what you’ll learn at
http://tinyurl.com/5zvzyd

Read all the responses to this week’s Help This Hound question
at http://tinyurl.com/829jv3

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

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

Beth Stafford of Concord, N.C. writes:

“I am an artist working in collaboration with my dog to produce
some of the wildest, most colorful and joyous abstract art
around.

“Our label is ‘PiCassieO,’ combining her name (Cassie) with an
artist name (obviously) who represents the human half of the team
(me). We have a store at CafePress which opened in July. It is
so far non-profit, even though the merchandise is really great!

“I have been attempting to promote it on my own website and
through our blog, but am spending too much time on nonproductive
promotion and not enough on the art. I need a few quick, simple
tips to get the ball rolling.

“Warning: My budget is ‘thread’ instead of ’shoestring,’ and I’m
a disaster at social networking on the web. Help!”

The Publicity Hound says:

To quote BL Ochman, mentioned in item Number One above, the
social networking train has already left the station. If you’re
not onboard now, you’ll get eaten alive by your competitors who
are. I highly suggest you read the transcript or listen to the
audio recording of the teleseminar I conducted with BL on “How to
do Social Networking, Run a Business & Still Have a Life” at
http://tinyurl.com/a6guxq

But that’s not all you can do. Hounds with great ideas for Beth
can post them to my blog at http://tinyurl.com/7jqucq

==================================
7. Hound Video of the Week
==================================

Save this video to watch on one of those Days from Hell when you
need a pick-me-up or something to make you smile.

It’s a CBS report from a few weeks ago on the Animal Odd Couple–
an 8,700-pound elephant named Tarra and her best friend, Bella
the dog.

http://tinyurl.com/8v2bza

Thanks to Publicity Hound Kim Condrin for sending it.

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 Blog…
===================================

Let’s meet at Stompernet event March 5-8 in Atlanta
http://tinyurl.com/94vmvn

How Twitter can help you fix your toilet
http://tinyurl.com/8lcjvt

————————————–

WHERE TO SEE AND HEAR THE PUBLICITY HOUND:

Wednesday, Jan. 21–Teleseminar

Join me for the third annual smARTist telesummit where
photographers, jewelers, potters, painters, metalworkers,
woodworkers and other artists will learn all the secrets for
growing their art business. I’m presenting a session on how to
use social networking, from 2 to 2:45 Eastern Time on Wednesday,
Jan. 21. Sorry, but registration is closed. You’ll have to wait
until Ariane Goodwin offers the training as a product.

Monday, Jan. 26–Teleseminar

“Boost Your Biz with a Blog,” from 4 to 5 p.m. Eastern on Monday,
Jan. 26. Denise Wakeman and Patsi Krakoff, aka The Blog Squad,
will explain how to draw more traffic and boost more sales from a
blog. You’ll also learn about the biggest mistakes bloggers make
and how they sabotage their own success. Register at
http://www.blogsquadteleseminars.com/joan/

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 News 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®
3434 County KK
Port Washington, WI 53074
USA
Phone: 262-284-7451 (Central) Fax: 262-284-1737