The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #518 Aug. 17, 2010
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com
http://www.publicityHound.mobi
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. Grade Your Online Presence

2. TweetBeep Saves Time

3. Your Darn Smart Competitors

4. Make Money While Writing Your Book

5. Publicity & Survey Secrets

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Video of the Week

8. And at My Blogs & Mobile Site…

=====================================
1. Grade Your Online Presence
=====================================

For all the time we spend discussing how to build an online
presence, we spend too little time talking about how to measure
the results.

That’s why Hubspot’s 10 grading tools at http://grader.com/ are a
good place to start.

They grade your influence on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. They
measure the effectiveness of your website and press releases.
There’s even a fun little tool that shows you how to get the most
out of FourSquare.

Authors, there’s one for you, too, that helps you improve the
marketing of your books.

If you sell anything online, http://Action.Grader.com lets you
optimize your calls-to-action. You can determine which content is
likely to generate the most clicks.

I used several of the tools to see how I rank and found some of
my scores overly generous, particularly my 100 percent Twitter
ranking, or falling far below where I thought they should be.
This isn’t scientific, but it’s one way to get a quick overview
of your online presence. In a few cases, your results will
include specific instructions on how to improve your scores.

Try it and let me know what you think.

======================================
2. TweetBeep Saves Time
======================================

Thanks to Publicity Hound Tom Ciesielka, a PR pro from Chicago,
Ill., for recommending TweetBeep.com, a free tool at
http://www.TweetBeep.com that can save you hours of time hunting
for conversations about your area of expertise.

The web-based application lets you create a search for any
keyword or phrase on Twitter, and receive hourly updates via
email when any tweets include that keyword, phrase or hashtag.

“TweetBeep is an easy tool for tracking talk on Twitter about
your company, website, events or products and services,” Tom
says. “By monitoring the conversation about your brand, you can
make sure you are managing your reputation and engaging with
people who are interested in you–people who can become potential
clients.”

You can also use TweetBeep as a way to measure the level of
interest in various campaigns, or track the reactions to your
company’s announcements or events.

“With targeted information delivered directly to your inbox,
you’ll be sure to never miss a beat–or a tweet,” says Tom, who
included this tip in his excellent PR newsletter at
http://www.tcpr.net/tips.php

=====================================
3. Your Darn Smart Competitors
=====================================

Ever read a blog post, article, or tweet from one of your
competitors, and wonder how Little Miss Smarty Pants got so darn
smart?

I have. But I don’t just sit here and scratch my head. I go to
her Twitter profile and check out her Twitter lists.

Does she have a list of the smartest PR people? The top marketing
gurus? The very best social media coaches? A list of people who
blog about blogging? If so, am I on any of them?

Whether I am or not, I’ll add her best lists to my lists. I’ll
read the tweets from top experts she follows, including those who
provide stellar content worth retweeting so my more than 15,000
followers retweet that information to their tribes, making me
look good.

But that’s only one way to use Twitter lists. Publicity Hounds
have sent me so many questions about this topic, and about
Twitter directories, that I’m hosting a webinar at 3 p.m. Eastern
Time on Thursday, Aug. 26. Come with questions! Register at
http://www.Publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/twitterlists.htm and, as one of your bonuses, get a copy of
my special report “How to Use Twitter for Business to Network,
Promote, Sell, Recruit & Profit.”

======================================
4. Make Money While Writing Your Book
======================================

Yesterday, I emailed you the three disarmingly simple tips from
publishing and marketing mentor John Eggen on how to start making
money from your book long before it’s published.

John has many more tips he’ll share with you tomorrow night, Aug.
18, from 8 to 9:15 p.m. Eastern Time when we present the
teleseminar on how to “Write a Client-Attracting Book Fast that
Makes Up to $150,000 Before It’s Published.” He’s including a
package of three bonuses at the end that I’ve never seen offered
before, including one worth $265. Your time will be well spent.
Promise.

This session applies primarily to Publicity Hounds who are
writing or thinking of writing a non-fiction book. If you write
fiction, you’ll benefit, too.

We’re expecting several hundred people on the call. Register at
http://mypublishingopportunity.com/joans/ and come with your
questions!

======================================
5. Publicity & Survey Secrets
======================================

Two things you don’t want to miss:

–The replay of Jeanne Hurlbert’s content-packed session last
week on how to use surveys for PR and to grow your business. Find
out if you’re guilty of “survey suicide.” Grab the replay before
5 p.m. Eastern tomorrow, Aug. 18. Learn more about it at my blog
at http://publicityhound.net/?p=6893

–The video from Steve Harrison on “The Biggest Secret for
Getting Major National Publicity for Your Book, Product or
Message”:
http://www.thebigsecrettogettingpublicity.com/?10011

(Both are good fodder for retweets.)

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

Lois Kirkpatrick of Fairfax, Va., writes:

“I work for a large county government that has a variety of
groundbreaking/grand opening events.

“The facilities range from libraries, parks and public safety
buildings to homeless shelters and mental health centers.

“What are some things we can do instead of the dreaded VIPs-
holding-shovels groundbreakings and VIPs-holding-scissors ribbon-
cuttings? I’m looking for general ideas that can be applied to
most types of facilities.”

The Publicity Hound says: While we’re on the subject, Hounds, how
about giving Lois some ideas for those equally obnoxious check-
passing ceremonies with the giant, oversized cardboard checks?
Post your best ideas to my blog at
http://publicityhound.net/?p=6913

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

You’ll love this short video which proves that many dog owners
do, indeed, look like their dogs:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=642qxehEcGg

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 & Mobile Site…
====================================

Great fodder for retweeting:

7 ways to use surveys for publicity, PR, business-building
http://publicityhound.net/?p=6893

21 ways to promote your webinars and teleseminars
http://publicityhound.net/?p=6877

——————————————-

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 or you told me you want to subscribe.

Privacy Statement:

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

================================================
Joan Stewart
a.k.a. The Publicity Hound
3434 County KK
Port Washington, WI 53074
U.S.
Phone: 262-284-7451
Fax: 262-284-1737

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #514 July 20, 2010
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com
http://www.publicityHound.mobi
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. A Poop-Free Zone

2. How to Follow Up

3. Five Social Media Tactics

4. Your Survey Questions Answered

5. Back-to-School Stories

6. Hound Joke of the Week

7. And at My Blogs & Mobile Site…

=====================================
1. A Poop-Free Zone
=====================================

When employees of an ad agency in Roanoke, Va., became annoyed
with local dog owners whose pets were pooping on the sidewalk
outside the agency’s offices, they fought back with a clever
publicity stunt.

The Becher Agency posted signs outside its building declaring the
area on Warehow Row a poop-free zone. They even created a special
Facebook Fan Page called “A Partnership for a Poop-Free
Workplace” at
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Partnership-for-a-Poop-Free-
Workplace/129321853770020?ref=ts

And they proved themselves true Publicity Hounds when they called
Dan Casey, Metro columnist for the Roanoke Times, to let him know
about the campaign. Brilliant!

Thanks to Publicity Hound Brett LaGue of Roanoke for tipping us
off to this one. You can read Dan’s column about it at
http://www.roanoke.com/columnists/casey/wb/253427

The next time you’re thinking about a publicity stunt, remember
this. And consider all the ways you can use a Facebook Fan Page.
See “11 Ways to Avoid Missed Opportunities on Facebook” at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/how_to_use_facebook.htm

Note: We’ve updated the handouts for the third time since this
teleseminar was presented, to reflect all the new changes on
Facebook.

======================================
2. How to Follow Up
======================================

Five annoying things you should never do when following up with a
journalist or blogger who doesn’t reply to your pitch:

–Emailing and asking, “Did you get my email?”

–Calling and leaving a voicemail message reminding them that
they haven’t replied to your pitch.

–Emailing the same pitch with an obnoxious reminder in the
subject line that says something like “Second attempt to contact
you.”

–Any type of message that berates the recipient for not
replying.

–Stopping by the magazine or newspaper office unannounced and
asking the receptionist to call the reporter to the front desk to
meet you so you can pitch in person. (Yes, clods actually do
this.)

The best publicists know all kinds of sneaky ways to follow up
without making it look like they’re following up. Publicist
Michelle Tennant of Wasabi Publicity does this better than
anybody I know. She has a particularly clever strategy of
following up when news is breaking and she’s trying to place one
of her clients on a TV news or talk show to comment on the news
event.

Michelle will share that tip and others when she’s my guest on
“How to Tie Your Story Idea to Breaking News and Make the Media
Interview YOU,” a webinar at 3 p.m. Eastern Time tomorrow, July
21.

Your email pitches will be a lot easier if you follow Michelle’s
lead and pattern your pitches after hers. The handouts will
include two email pitches she used successfully to land her
clients fabulous publicity.

Get a taste of the type of tips she’ll be discussing, and
register for the session, at http://publicityhound.net/?p=6699

If the time is inconvenient, register anyway and you’ll get a
link where you can watch the video replay.

=====================================
3. Five Social Media Tactics
=====================================

If you missed my email yesterday, this is a reminder that today’s
free webinar with social media expert Don Crowther is at 3 p.m.
Eastern Time.

He’ll share 5 social media tactics that will help you make more
money than friends on social media sites. I promise your time
will be well spent.

Register at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/250760784

=====================================
4. Your Survey Questions Answered
=====================================

Taking a survey on a burning hot topic and reporting the results
is one of the best ways to generate publicity. The more
controversial, the better.

But if you don’t have the time to take a survey, the next best
thing is to piggyback onto one that’s already been taken, and
offer your commentary.

Really smart Publicity Hounds do both. My partner, Jeanne
Hurlbert, a survey expert, will answer all your questions about
surveys when she hosts a free Q&A coaching call from 3 to 4 p.m.
Eastern Time on Wednesday, July 21. Come with as many questions
as you can think of and Jeanne will get you off to a great start.

Register at http://mixiv.com/vp/47965/18826

======================================
5. Back-to-School Stories
======================================

This is the time to pitch back-to-school stories to bloggers,
newspapers, TV stations, and magazines with short lead times.

Tie your expertise to topics like drugs and binge drinking, how
to decorate dorms, eating on a budget, bullying, discipline in
the classroom, mobile phones and texting in class, preparing for
the job market, staying fit, and good study habits.

If you do PR for a school, college or university, you should be
in high gear right now, laying the groundwork for working with
local and national media throughout the new school year, from
lining up campus experts to educating your faculty and staff
about how the media game is played. See “Special Report #15:
Publicity Tips for Schools, Colleges and Universities” at
http://publicityhound.com/publicity-products/reports.html

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

“I named my dog Stay so I can say ‘Come here, Stay. Come here,
Stay.” — Steven Wright

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 & Mobile Site…
====================================

Consider retweeting:

Commenting at blogs? Mention your expertise
http://publicityhound.net/?p=6721

6 ways to tie your pitch to breaking news for PR, publicity
http://publicityhound.net/?p=6699

——————————————-

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 or you told me you want to subscribe.

Privacy Statement:

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

================================================
Joan Stewart
a.k.a. The Publicity Hound
3434 County KK
Port Washington, WI 53074
U.S.
Phone: 262-284-7451
Fax: 262-284-1737

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #509 June 15, 2010
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com/
http://www.publicityhound.mobi/
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/

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

ADV:
Why agonize when you can energize & italicize
your bio with ‘Bio Whisperer’ Nancy Juetten’s
expert help?
http://www.mainstreetmediasavvy.com/rent-a-brain

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

1. LinkedIn’s Badge of Honor

2. How to Get LinkedIn Recommendations

3. The Power of Guest Blogging

4. Advice for Family Experts

5. Help This Hound

6. Hound Video of the Week

7. And at My Blogs & Mobile Site…

====================================
1. LinkedIn’s Badge of Honor
====================================

Here’s a powerful way to promote your expertise and outstanding
work.

Generate more than 10 recommendations on your LinkedIn profile
and you can become a member of LinkedIn’s Top Recommended People
group. Its logo will show up on your profile, along with those of
your other group memberships.

You’ll also find six sub-groups. You can join at the Gold level,
like I did, if you have from 25 to 99 recommendations, at the
Platinum level for 100 to 499 recommendations, and at the Elite
level for more than 500.

Of the more than 50 million people on LinkedIn, only about 1,600
are in the TRP group, so you’ll be in elite company.

Learn more about TRP, which was created by LinkedIn member Ross
Dodwell, at http://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=1857786

After you join, you can also display the badge proudly at your
website or blog, and in your online press kit. Mention that
you’re a member of LinkedIn’s Top Recommended people in your
email signature, and in your social media profiles.

A gourmet doggie treat for Dustin Martin, one of my LinkedIn
connections, who tipped me off to this group.

======================================
2. How to Get LinkedIn Recommendations
======================================

How do you get LinkedIn recommendations so you can become a
member of Top Recommended People?

Here are my three favorite ways:

–Give recommendations. Every time you recommend someone,
LinkedIn will notify that person and ask them if they want to
recommend you. But don’t go hog wild. Space out your
recommendations every few days or you’ll raise a red flag on
LinkedIn.

–Every time someone compliments you, tell them, “I’d be honored
if you’d say that in a recommendation on my LinkedIn profile.”
That’s what I do, and many people reciprocate. Pay particular
attend to compliments in your email.

–Ask co-workers, people in your trade associations, clients and
vendors. But be very careful. Make absolutely sure they are
familiar with your work.

Social media strategist Scott Allen (who has 70 recommendations
on LinkedIn) was my guest during a teleseminar on How to Use
LinkedIn to Promote Anything–Ethically & Powerfully.” Learn
about how to create a promotional campaign on this high-powered
site without looking like you’re promoting. He shows you how at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/linkedin.htm

=====================================
3. The Power of Guest Blogging
=====================================

The two biggest complaints from people who blog is that they
don’t have enough time to write, and their blogs aren’t
generating enough traffic.

Smart bloggers have this indispensable tool at the top of their
toolbox: guest-blogging.

They can recruit guest bloggers to provide content for their blog
over the holidays or while they’re on vacation.

They can offer their own expertise to other high-profile blogs
and reach audiences they could never reach on their own.

If they write a guest blog for a popular site, it can bring tons
of traffic, give them valuable back-links, and attract more
subscribers to their own blog and newsletter.

But there’s a lot of confusion. How do you find guest bloggers
and know if they’re any good before you commit to publishing
their content? Why do some bloggers reject duplicate content like
last week’s leftovers, and should you? How much liberty can you
take editing someone else’s copy? And what if you disagree
vehemently with the opinions of a guest-blogger?

I’ll give you those answers and show you how to let guest
bloggers do some of the heavy lifting for you, when I host a
webinar at 3 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, June 30. Join me for
“How to Find Valuable Guest Bloggers (and Be One Too!). Register
at
http://www.PublicityHound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/guestblogging.htm

If the time is inconvenient, sign up anyway. You’ll get the link
afterward where you can watch the video.

=====================================
4. Advice for Family Experts
=====================================

This week, six Publicity Hounds have tips for Rosemary Lichtman,
PhD, and Phyllis Goldberg, PhD, of Los Angeles, Calif., family
relationship experts, on how to promote their blog and ebook.

From Mary Jane Hurley Brant:

“Put an additional link on your email signatures indicating that
you are offering a free ebook.”

From Rekaya:

“Set up a Virtual Book Tour. It’s an online tour of websites,
blogs, radio shows, etc. Research the ones that are a good fit.
Ask the blog owner if you can be a guest, or stop by their site
during your tour. Some will ask you to complete interview
questions about your book or write a short piece. During a set
amount of time, such as two weeks, your information will appear
on a series of websites/blogs. Don’t forget to mention your free
ebook and to include the link to your blog.”

From Bruce Jones:

“I have no idea what your book is about, so I would put a picture
of it right above the sign-up box and a short text description
right below. Make sure the picture is really clear, with oversize
type because it will be just a thumbnail on the blog. You could
even use a different picture for the blog than it is in reality
so that the image really stands out.”

The Publicity Hound says:

Read all the responses to this week?s “Help This Hound” question
http://publicityhound.net/family-relationship-experts-need-tips-
for-promoting-free-ebook/

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

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

I’m all out of questions, so here’s one of mine (send
questions!):

“If you use coupons on your Facebook Fan Pages, particularly if
those coupons are bringing more leads and sales, I’d like to see
them.

“Include the link in the comments section at my blog at
http://publicityhound.net/wanted-examples-of-facebook-fan-page-
coupons/ and explain how you created the coupon, and the results.

“I’m looking for examples for a course I’m teaching. I’m familiar
with coupons used by the big companies like Coke and  Zappos. But
I’m particularly interested in those used by entrepreneurs and
small businesses.”

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

You’ll love this “Bailey Plays Dead” clip from a segment of David
Letterman’s Stupid Pet Tricks:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DalB-CvO7Qc

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 & Mobile Site…
====================================

Consider retweeting:

12 more fill-in-the-blank headlines for your articles, blog
http://publicityhound.net/12-more-fill-in-the-blank-headlines-
for-your-articles-blog/

Wanted: Examples of Facebook Fan Page coupons
http://publicityhound.net/wanted-examples-of-facebook-fan-page-
coupons/

——————————————-

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 or you told me you want to subscribe.

Privacy Statement:

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

================================================
Joan Stewart
a.k.a. The Publicity Hound
3434 County KK
Port Washington, WI 53074
U.S.
Phone: 262-284-7451
Fax: 262-284-1737

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #508 June 8, 2010
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com/
http://www.publicityHound.mobi
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 to Catch CNN’s Attention

2. Add Facebook’s ‘Like’ Button

3. Still Not Done Writing Your Book?

4. Promoting a Course for Execs

5. Help This Hound

6. Hound Joke of the Week

7. And at My Blogs & Mobile Site…

====================================
1. How to Catch CNN’s Attention
====================================

If you’ve been pitching CNN and you’re getting nowhere, take
matters into your own hands.

Go to the network’s IReport page at http://www.ireport.com/ where
you’re invited to write your own story, be heard and shape what
CNN covers.

“One of the goals of CNN IReport is to expand the current
definition of news. Please share the stories you think are
newsworthy and participate in discussions you think are
interesting. CNN’s producers will check out the most compelling,
important and urgent stories, so we can verify the information
and add them to CNN’s coverage.”

The stories in this section are not edited, fact-checked or
screened before they post. Only ones marked “CNN IReport” have
been vetted by CNN.

But if you can pique the network’s interest here, where you KNOW
they’re paying attention, you might end up on the televised news.
Be sure to stop by the assignment desk at
http://www.ireport.com/community/assignment so you know exactly
what kinds of sources they’re seeking. Your IReport article
doesn’t have to tie into one of the assignments, but it helps to
know what they need.

If you’re content with being on the news in your own community,
increase your chances. Check out the teleseminar I hosted with TV
producer Shawne Duperon on “How to Get on the Local TV News
Tomorrow” at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/getinthenews.htm

======================================
2. Add Facebook’s ‘Like’ Button
======================================

Make it easy for people to spread the word about your website,
blog articles and other online content.

Add Facebook’s “Like” button to those pages.

The button lets users share content with their friends on
Facebook with just one click. Since the content is hosted by
Facebook, the button can display personalized content whether or
not the user has logged into your site. For logged-in Facebook
users, the button is personalized to highlight friends who have
also “liked” the page.

If you aren’t tech-savvy, let your webmaster insert the button
for you by following instructions here:
http://developers.facebook.com/docs/reference/plugins/like

Then make sure you’re taking advantage of the power of Facebook.
See “11 Ways to Avoid Missed Opportunities on Facebook” at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/how_to_use_facebook.htm

=====================================
3. Still Not Done Writing Your Book?
=====================================

Is it taking you longer to write your book than you ever
expected…a lot longer?

Is watching the whole thing come together like watching grass
grow?

If so, you’re invited to a free telephone seminar on Thursday,
June 10, with Ann McIndoo, who has developed a unique system for
writing a quality non-fiction book in 90 days! I’m a compensated
affiliate for this program.

Discover the speed writing system she’s used to help 268 authors
get their books done quickly. Register at
Http://www.freeauthortraining.com/call/?10011

=====================================
4. Promoting a Course for Execs
=====================================

This week, three Publicity Hounds have tips for Anne Graham of
Vancouver, British Columbia who needs help launching a new
product,a toolkit for executives on how to survive and thrive
during the recession.

From Eric Gruber:

“Do article marketing. Target top websites and ezines. For
example, FastCompany.com (they have member blogs), CEO Refresher
and hundreds more.”

From Flo Selfman:

“Send the information to Karen E. Klein, a leading business
journalist who writes the InBox column every week in the Los
Angeles Times Business section.  Karen could use you and your
product to answer a reader’s question.  Reach her at
http://www.kareneklein.com/”

From The Publicity Hound:

Video, video and more video!

Create short videos of no more than two and a half minutes packed
with tips in a specific sub-category within your course or your
ebook.

Each video should include the landing page URL where people can
opt into the ebook.

The more videos you create, the more keywords, or tags, you can
use.  All those keywords and videos will be pulling in traffic
from the search engines.

Read all the responses to this week’s “Help This Hound question,
or join the discussion, at
http://publicityhound.net/consultant-needs-help-launching-new-
product-for-business-leaders/

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

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

Rosemary Lichtman, Ph.D. & Phyllis Goldberg, Ph.D of Los Angeles,
Calif. write:

“We are family relationship experts who have developed an ebook,
‘Courage and Lessons Learned.’ It’s full of practical tips that
help you take the first steps toward a new goal–running a 5K,
starting your own business, reconnecting with an old friend. By
logging on to our blog at
http://www.nourishingrelationships.blogspot.com/, you can join the
email list and download a complimentary ebook, in PDF format.

“We’re looking for some creative ways to let bloggers and
organizations know about this free ebook. We already have an auto
responder on our blog and website at
http://www.hermentorcenter.com/  But a broader reach would help us
spread the word.”

The Publicity Hound says:

One of the first things you should do is get your blog off of
Blogspot’s server and onto another server where you have complete
control over it. I learned this the hard way. With no warning,
Blogspot denied me access to my ezine archives, and I never
learned why. Luckily, I backed up the archives and was able to
import almost all of it into a Wordpress blog at
http://www.publicityarticles.net/ where it’s now safe.

Hounds with other tips on how to promote your ebook can post them
to my regular blog at
http://publicityhound.net/family-relationship-experts-need-tips-
for-promoting-free-ebook/. What are some ways that Rosemary and
Phyllis can tie into breaking news events?

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

Dogs are better than kids. They eat less, don’t ask for money all
the time, are trained, usually come when called, never drive your
car, don’t hang out with drug-using friends, don’t smoke or
drink, don’t worry about whether they have the latest fashions,
don’t wear your clothes and don’t need a gazillion dollars for
college.

And if they get pregnant, you can sell the pups.
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 & Mobile Site…
====================================

Consider retweeting:

New to publicity? Here’s a free 6-part email course
http://publicityhound.net/new-to-publicity-heres-a-free-6-part-
email-course/

Think social media is a fad? I dare you to watch this video
http://www.mysocialmediasolution.com/think-social-media-is-a-fad-
i-dare-you-to-watch-this-video/

Online visibility: 13 ways to build a following
http://publicityhound.net/online-visibility-13-ways-to-build-a-
following/

2 ways to use controversy: At your blog and in a poll
http://www.mysocialmediasolution.com/2-ways-to-use-controversy-
at-your-blog-and-in-a-poll/

Need an expert? Look at one of the article directory sites
http://publicityhound.net/need-an-expert-look-at-one-of-the-
article-directory-sites/

——————————————-

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 or you told me you want to subscribe.

Privacy Statement:

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

================================================
Joan Stewart
a.k.a. The Publicity Hound
3434 County KK
Port Washington, WI 53074
U.S.
Phone: 262-284-7451
Fax: 262-284-1737

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #505 May 18, 2010
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com/
http://www.publicityhound.mobi/
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. Why You Shouldn’t Quit Facebook

2. Questions the Media Love

3. How Survey Publicity Snowballs

4. Story Ideas for June

5. Hound Joke of the Week

6. And at My Blogs & Mobile Site…

====================================
1. Why You Shouldn’t Quit Facebook
====================================

A lot of angry Facebook users are abandoning the site and urging
their friends to bolt, too, because of its confusing privacy
policies.

You have to navigate through 50 settings with more than 170
options. By default, Facebook can share your profile information
with third-party sites, and if you don’t want that, you have to
opt out. Many users think that’s deceptive and that it should be
the other way around.

I won’t abandon Facebook, where I’ve managed to attract more than
5,000 friends and fans–at least not yet.

With enough pressure, Facebook might alter its policy and reach
some kind of compromise that won’t necessarily placate users, but
will at least encourage them to refrain from jumping ship.

Already, the marketplace is stepping in. ConnectInPrivate.com,
developer of a comprehensive suite of anonymous surfing and
Internet privacy tools, will soon announce the launch of its new
“Secure My Profile” application for Facebook.

Hang in there a little while longer and let’s see how this plays
out. In the meantime, check out this two-minute video that
explains how to adjust your privacy settings:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/13/facebook-privacy-
settings_n_575732.html

Now, use the site to its greatest advantage. See “11 Ways to
Avoid Missed Opportunities on Facebook” at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/how_to_use_facebook.htm

====================================
2. Questions the Media Love
====================================

The next time a journalist interviews you, or a blogger is
interested in an idea you’re pitching, ask this question: “Do you
need other sources?”

They love that question. It shows you’re trying to make their job
easy and you don’t want to hog the media spotlight.  If you can
provide a name, email address and phone number for an expert or
source who you know would agree to be interviewed, you’ll
position yourself as helpful.

After 22 years working at newspapers, I can tell you that almost
NOBODY asks that.

Here’s another question that people almost never ask: “Are you
looking for photo ideas?”

Those two questions are among 10 magic phrases to use with the
media. I’ll explain all of them when I present the 90-minute
webinar, “How to REALLY Use Publicity as an Online Marketing
Channel and ZIG When Everyone Else is ZAGGING,” from 1:30 to 3
p.m. Eastern on Wednesday, May 19.

This session is perfect for beginner and intermediate self-
promoters. I presented it a few weeks ago to Stompernet, the
association of Internet marketers, to rave reviews.

Come with your questions and I’ll answer them all, either during
or after the call.

I’ll also explain the missing link–how to create relationships
with journalists and bloggers.  And I’ll share my favorite free
tools that help you know instantly which journalists need other
sources in addition to your expertise, and how to contact them.

The session will be recorded, and you can watch the video replay
after the call.

Register at http://www.PublicityHound.com/onlinepublicitytips.htm

=====================================
3. How Survey Publicity Snowballs
=====================================

Two weeks ago, I wrote about Brian Kluth, a former church pastor
who takes an annual “State of the Plate” survey that reports on
whether people are donating more or less money to their churches.

More than 160 media outlets covered the results of his most
recent survey.

Jeanne Hurlbert, my business partner who is an expert on surveys,
interviewed Brian. He explained how he got an initial story on
the front page of the Washington Times, how it snowballed from
there, the simple way he found names of religion editors, and how
he partnered with Christianity Today magazine.

This is great stuff for anybody who wants to use inexpensive
surveys to position themselves as experts, call attention to
emerging trends and build strong relationships with the media.

The best part is that Brian now has names and contact information
for 160 journalists and broadcasters who are interested in his
topic.

Jeanne is offering the free download of the half-hour interview
at http://mixiv.com/vp/47965/18826 How about sharing it with your
Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn friends?

======================================
4. Story Ideas for June
======================================

Here are five story ideas worth pitching during June:

–Speakers, authors and experts: Do you have advice for college
graduates? Offer tips on careers, finances and relationships.

–What about advice for newlyweds? Mortgage lenders, marriage
counselors and professional organizers, offer your best tips for
getting started on the right foot.

–Gardening is booming. How can people use small spaces to grow
veggies and save on grocery bills?

–What kind of summer clothing is unacceptable in the workplace?
Image consultants and HR experts, share your horror stories.

–Tell people how to save on summer travel. Share tips on saving
gasoline, buying cheap airline tickets and finding inexpensive
lodging.
Now, look ahead and start thinking about ideas you can pitch in
July and beyond. Shawne Duperon and I can help. We recorded the
teleseminar I hosted on “103 Sizzling Story Ideas from July
through December.” It includes a handout listing all of our
ideas, which we invite you to steal. Learn more at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/JulyIdeas.htm

=====================================
5. Hound Joke of the Week
=====================================

Thanks to Publicity Hound Maria Antonia for pointing out this
excerpt from the book “Alfred Hitchcock: A Life in Darkness and
Light” that explains how Hitchcock directed Sean Connery on the
set of Marnie:

“Every once in a while the director did venture minor
‘adjustments and suggestions’ (Connery’s words) in the rhythm of
scenes–which, according to one Connery biographer, largely
consisted of advising the actor to shut his mouth while listening
for his cues, and inserting ‘dog’s feet’ into his lengthier
speeches.

“Dog’s feet?” asked a mystified Connery.

“Pawses,” Hitchcock drawled.

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/

====================================
6. And at My Blogs & Mobile Site…
====================================

Consider retweeting:
Calculate the value of your Facebook Fan Page
http://publicityhound.net/calculate-the-value-of-your-facebook-
fan-page/

Fiction authors: Blog about these 19 topics
http://publicityhound.net/fiction-authors-blog-about-these-19-
topics/

9 ways chambers of commerce can use social media
http://www.mysocialmediasolution.com/9-ways-chambers-of-commerce-
can-use-social-media/

———————————————

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 or you told me you want to subscribe.

Privacy Statement:

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

================================================
Joan Stewart
a.k.a. The Publicity Hound
3434 County KK
Port Washington, WI 53074
U.S.
Phone: 262-284-7451
Fax: 262-284-1737

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #503 May 4, 2010
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com/
http://www.publicityhound.mobi/
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. 5 Facebook Security Dangers

2. Press Release & Pitching Problems

3. State of the Plate Survey

4. Webinars & Teleseminars

5. Promoting Job Training

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Quote of the Week

8. And at My Blogs & Mobile Site…

====================================
1. 5 Facebook Security Dangers
====================================

If you’re on Facebook, LinkedIn or MySpace, Consumer Reports says
you’re putting your security in danger if you do these 5 things:

–List your correct birthday.

–Use a weak password.

–Overlook the control you have in your privacy settings.

–Post a child’s name in a caption.

–Mention being away from home. I’m astonished at how many people
do this, and about the popularity of FourSquare.com, the hot new
site where you can “check in” with your followers and advertise
where you are at any second of the day. Connect FourSquare with
your Twitter account, and you could end up on the site
PleaseRobMe.com.

Read about two other social media dangers at the L.A. Times blog
at http://ow.ly/1GSty

And then once you’re safety is assured, follow Christine
Buffaloe’s tips on 11 Ways to Avoid Missed Opportunities on
Facebook at http://budurl.com/facebookwithchris

====================================
2. Press Release & Pitching Problems
====================================

When other pubicity mutts are zigging, Publicity Hounds should be
zagging.

what’s zigging?

–Sending press releases and hoping they will result in major
stories. Too few mutts understand what press releaases can and
cannot do. They’re great if you want the search engines to find
you and reach consumers directly. But they seldom generate major
publicity.

–Pitching blindly, without taking the time to research
journalists and bloggers. Letting them know who you are BEFORE
you pitch says, “I care about the topics you cover, and I can
help you.” that’s o much better than delivering a pitch out of
left field that says, “I don’t know who you are or what you
cover, but I’m contacting you anyway.”

I’ll be hosting a webinar called “How to REALLY Use Publicity as
an Online Marketing Channel and ZIG When Everyone Else is
ZAGGING.” It will be from 12:30 to 2 p.m. on Wednsday, May 19,
and you can start registering next week. You don’t need to be in
front of a computer to participate. The session will be recorded
so you can watch it later.

=====================================
3. State of the Plate Survey
=====================================

Here’s a rare exception of when a press release results in a huge
story.

The headline on the release reads, “Economy Hits Churches at
Unprecedented Rate.” The release goes on to say that almost 40
percent of churches across the United States saw a decline in
church giving and offerings last year, according to a survey.

It was taken by Brian Kluth and Christianity Today International.
Kluth is a former church pastor and best-selling author who now
works as “Generosity Minister at Large” at the First Evangelical
Free Church of Colorado Springs. Two large colorful graphs within
the press release show the survey results at a glance, and
include regional statistics that the media can devour.

More than 150 media outlets covered the story. You can see the
press release, the survey results and the array of dozens of
media logos on Brian’s website at
http://www.stateoftheplate.info/

All that, from just one survey.

My business partner, Jeanne Hurlbert, is presenting a free
webinar at 2 p.m. Eastern Time today on how surveys can uncover
information about your customers, your market and other aspects
of your business that you could never imagine. You’ll learn how
to use surveys to guide you in creating products and services,
and spot trends within your industry that can result in fabulous
publicity. Register for the webinar at
http://snipurl.com/surveycustomers

=====================================
4. Webinars & Teleseminars
=====================================

Tuesday, May 4:

–”Words That Work in the Press, Politics & Public Relations,”
featuring word wizard Frank Lutz, sponsored by Bulldog Reporter.
1 p.m. Eastern Time. Register at http://ow.ly/1DtxK

–“How To Get A Whole Lot More Media Publicity And Exposure And
Make A Name For Yourself As An Expert In Your Field,” sponsored
by Steve Harrison, at 2 and 7 p.m. Eastern. Register at
http://www.YourQuantumLeap.com/PreviewCallFour/?11577

–”Your Cash-Generating Crystal Ball: How to Use Simple Surveys
to Read Your Prospects’ and Customers’ Minds, Build Lists, Create
Products and Make Money,” featuring Jeanne Hurlbert, PhD, 2 p.m.
Eastern. http://snipurl.com/surveycustomers

======================================
5. Promoting Job Training
======================================

This week, eight Publicity Hounds have tips for Deborah Avens of
Temple Hills, MD, on how to market job training programs for
disadvantaged girls and women.

From Doug Smith:

“Networking with some of the organizations serving the D.C. area
may be helpful. There is a group out of Oakton, VA, called Women
Entrepreneurs, Inc. Also, the National Association of Women
Business Owners is based there in DC. I am sure the DC and
Maryland Better Business Bureau and Chambers of Commerce would
assist in getting the word out.”

From Eric Barton:

“With no budget, social media would be great and free. Articles,
blogs, press releases and YouTube videos all generate leads and
customers/clients.”

From Margaret Vos:

“Contact the Junior League. I think they would LOVE to help.
Other non-profits can be just what you’re looking for!”

The Publicity Hound says:

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

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

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

Katie Schwartz Chattanooga, TN, asks:

“What are some ways to reach education reporters, or parents of
students about to enter college?

“I have written an ebook called Portable Parent at
http://www.portableparent.com/contents.htm for parents and
college students, with advice the students need on life skills
such as time and money management, as well as much more. Parents
download it, add their input and upload it to the students’
computers so the advice is ready when they are. Instant info,
with a parent’s input, 24/7. How can I publicize this?”

The Publicity Hound says:

Back-to-school sections, which magazines and newspapers print in
late summer, are ideal places to publicize your book. Google
“back to school section” and see if you can find contact
information for editors. Start pitching magazines right now.
Pitch newspapers in mid-summer. Don’t forget bloggers who write
about parenting issues. See “How to Pitch the Best Bloggers and
Create a Publicity Explosion” at
http://snipurl.com/pitchbestbloggers

Hounds with other ideas can post them to my blog at
http://snipurl.com/collegestudentebook

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

Thanks to Publicity Hound Michael Acklam for this one:

“We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we
can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all. It’s the best
deal man has ever made.”

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 & Mobile Site…
====================================

Consider retweeting by coping these headlines and links into
Twitter:

Do you say ‘I love you’ to your pet? Guess how many owners do?
http://snipurl.com/petownersurvey

Speakers: 7 ways to use text messages to wow audiences
http://ow.ly/1GPgg

———————————————

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 or you told me you want to subscribe.

Privacy Statement:

The Publicity Hound respects your privacy and has a strict anti-
spam policy.

================================================
Joan Stewart
a.k.a. The Publicity Hound
3434 County KK
Port Washington, WI 53074
U.S.
Phone: 262-284-7451
Fax: 262-284-1737

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #499 April 6, 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. Facebook’s Royal Mess

2. Colleges Need Speakers on 17 Topics

3. In-flight Magaziness Pitching Tips

4. Vote for the Best Success Story

5. Promoting McAllen, Texas

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Video of the Week

8. And at My Blogs…

=========================================
1. Facebook’s Royal Mess
=========================================

Just when you think you understand Facebook Fan Pages, and you’re
starting to build your own Fan base, Facebook gums up the works:

–Within a few weeks, the bloggers are reporting, Facebook will
change the “Become A Fan” button on Fan Pages to read “Like,” and
it looks as though it may eventually do away with the entire
concept of “Fans,” though nobody knows what those Fans will then
be called. (“Likers?”)

–Adding to the confusion is the thumbs-up “Like” button that
already appears under every item in your news feed. If you like a
post, you can click on “Like.” As for Fan Pages, I think “Like”
sounds like a casual endorsement and “Fans” sounds like a group
of people who can’t wait to see what you have for them.

–Late last week, Facebook introduced its new “Community Pages”
which several bloggers were convinced was an April Fool’s Joke.
Unsuspecting Facebook users who intended to create a Fan Page
suddenly found themselves faced with another choice: they could
create a Community Page, designed to support topics and causes.
These pages can also be “unofficial” pages that support a
company, a brand, or a public figure. They’re different than the
“official” Fan Pages a company creates for itself.

–If you create a Community Page, and it eventually spikes in
popularity, Facebook can yank the administrative function from
you and hand it over to the Facebook community, thus turning it
into a public wiki. A wiki is a Website that allows users to add
and update content on a site, like Wikipedia, using their own Web
browser.

–Facebook never explained any of this on its blog–the logical
place you’d expect to see details of any major changes. Social
media bloggers got wind of it through confidential memos that
someone had leaked.

If your head feels like it’s ready to explode trying to
understand all this, you’re not alone. In comments at social
media blogs, Facebook users understandably are screaming about
the changes. Here’s one example: http://tinyurl.com/facebookmess

One comment I saw at a blog stated that the “Become a Fan” vs.
“Like” issue is only for paid ads on Facebook. Some people are
even speculating that Facebook might eventually start charging
companies to keep their own Fan Pages.

Stay tuned.

But don’t abandon Facebook just yet. There are still plenty of
ways you can use the site to build a following. Christine
Buffaloe explains how in the electronic transcript or audio
recording of “11 Ways to Avoid Missed Opportunities on Facebook,”
one of my most popular learning tools. Read more about it at
http://www.tinyurl.com/facebookwithchris

=========================================
2. Colleges Need Speakers on 17 Topics
=========================================

These are grim times for professional speakers. But they don’t
have to be, if you know how to tweak your topic for the college
market.

–A speaker who trains corporate executives on leadership can
take the fundamental points of the presentation and teach college
students how to be leaders, whether it’s within their
fraternities or sororities, student government or special-
interest groups on campus.

–An expert on corporate recruiting and retention can teach
college fraternities and sororities how to recruit and retain
members. Greeks, by the way, have their own budgets for hiring
speakers, yet another recession-proof pot of money.

–Speakers who specialize in motivating corporate audiences as
convention keynoters can take their message to college campuses,
where motivational speakers are in high demand.

–Diversity trainers who target corporate America can teach
college faculty, staff and students about diversity. At a four-
year college, a kid from the inner city and a farm kid from
Kansas can suddenly find themselves roommates, with all kinds of
potential problems.

Those four topics are among 17 categories of topics that are in
demand at colleges, universities, two-year colleges and tech
schools. James Malinchak, “King of the College Speaking
Circuit,” will review them all during a teleseminar at 2 p.m.
Eastern Time on Wednesday, April, 14.

His teleseminar will also include a look at how speaking at
colleges can generate fabulous publicity without you lifting a
finger, because the colleges do all the PR for you.

James says his sign-up page isn’t quite ready, so I’ll send you a
separate email tomorrow with details on how to register.

======================================
3. In-flight Magaziness Pitching Tips
======================================

Here are the three biggest mistakes people make when they try to
get their story into in-flight magazines:

–They treat all magazines the same. Different airlines serve
different geographic markets, and many of those markets have
different audiences with different needs.

–Authors send unsolicited copies of new books to every magazine
editor. This is a very expensive mistake because most in-flight
magazines don’t do book reviews. Those who do accept books prefer
business titles, and if you can get your book featured in just
one high-circulation magazine, you can be in front of several
million people in just one month.

–They fail to pitch freelancers, staff writers and local
correspondents who are often more accessible than busy editors.
Did you know that many of these people drop valuable clues at
their blogs about topics they love, and many of them can also be
found on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook?

My updated special report, “Fly High with Publicity in the In-
flight Magazines,” is the most comprehensive database of contact
information and pitching tips for in-flight magazines that you’ll
find anywhere. This update includes 56 magazines (I added four
more since I wrote about this last week). You’ll find dozens of
links to editors’ and writers’ blogs as well as profile pages at
the social media sites where you can connect with them.

Read more about the update and what you’ll find at
http://ow.ly/1t36W

======================================
4. Vote for the Best Success Story
======================================

Ten success stories that resulted from tips in this newsletter
are waiting for your vote.

They’re all at my blog at
http://snipurl.com/publicitysuccessstory

Read them and vote for your favorite at
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PJQPLF2

I’ll announce the winner next week, when I publish edition Number
500 of this newsletter. The winner will receive $500 in
consulting services or products.

Also next week, the HTML version of this newsletter will have a
new, upbeat look.

======================================
5. Promoting McAllen, Texas
======================================

This week, three Publicity Hounds have tips for Nancy S. Millar,
director of the convention and visitors bureau in McAllen, Texas
on how to promote McAllen, a Texas border town that’s feeling the
effects of the bad publicity stemming from violence in Mexico.

From Gayle Carson:

“My niece-in-law is an avid birding enthusiast. If you found a
list of birding enthusiasts (which I am sure there is), you could
develop a campaign just for them and get it out either by email,
a great postcard or a terrific sales letter. When someone is that
passionate about something, they will tell others, and the
destination will go viral.”

From Gail Sideman:

“Post a brief, open and honest letter from your city’s mayor
about the safety record in McAllen and what law enforcement is
doing to deter the Mexican violence from spilling over. I would
include comments from area residents about how they feel secure
in McAllen, and invite others to come enjoy the great things it
has to offer.”

From Pacharee Pantoomano:

“Who’s your target market? Has the Convention and Visitors Bureau
in McAllen, Texas decided whom you want to campaign to, i.e.
senior citizens, retirees, backpackers, student on spring breaks?
When you narrow that down, brainstorm with a team on the best
approach to market/PR to this group on a shoestring budget.”

The Publicity Hound says:

Those are all good ideas. I suggested that once Nancy starts
incorporating some of these ideas, she should pitch a story to
travel writers and bloggers, telling them what you’re doing, and
why.

If she can round up a few other sources from border towns who are
doing interesting things to offset the negative publicity, that
could make for an interesting story. Read all the responses to
this week’s “Help This Hound” question http://ow.ly/1ss8I

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

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

Kathy Slattengren of Kenmore, WA writes:

“I have an online parenting class. It’s $99 for three months of
instruction, and parents can take the course at their own pace.
You can learn more about it at http://snipurl.com/parentingclass2

“For $139, students take the same course, starting April 19, and
get email reminders and a weekly conference call with me. You can
learn about it at http://snipurl.com/parentingclass1

“The classes include issues like chores, how to set limits but
allow mistakes, controlling your temper, avoiding arguments,
creating consequences for bad behavior, and being a good mentor
and role model.

“What are some quick and creative ways I can market the course
and reach the right people-—parents who need help?”

The Publicity Hound says:

Many of my Hounds could use your help raising their pups. Others
will have great ideas for you, which they can post to my blog at
http://ow.ly/1vctJ

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

It’s almost beach season, and my VA, Christine Buffaloe, shares
this video of doggy beach bums getting an early start. It’s
precious.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkPNa4DBFHI

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:

Free contact info, pitching tips for 9 TV producers
http://ow.ly/1v53k

Tips for updating your LinkedIn profile
http://ow.ly/1uIt4

Questions to ask press release writing services
http://ow.ly/1uY8a

Magazine turns typo in ad into a contest
http://ow.ly/1uY6W

———————————–

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 #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

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

————————————

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Reprinted from “The Publicity Hound’s Tips of the Week,” an ezine
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================================================
Joan Stewart
a.k.a. The Publicity Hound