The Publicity Hound's Tips of the Week » Media Interviews

Publicity Tips—What Was Sandusky’s Lawyer Thinking?

JStewart — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:56:17 +0000

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #581 Nov. 15, 2011
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. What Was Sandusky’s Lawyer Thinking?

2. Worst Way to Monetize Your Blog

3. Publicity for Handmade Things

4. Your Own TV Show

5. Help This Hound

6. Hound Photos of the Week

7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site…

=====================================
1. What Was Sandusky’s Lawyer Thinking?
=====================================

Crisis Communications 101 teaches that before you agree to a
media interview, you must anticipate every killer question you’ll
be asked.

Create a well-thought-out response to each one, and rehearse
until you can answer each question confidently.

Criminal Law 101 teaches that your client who is charged with a
crime has the right to remain silent.

It was disaster on both fronts last night when Bob Costas of
NBC’s “Rock Center” interviewed disgraced Penn State football
coach Jerry Sandusky, charged with sexually abusing children.

Sandusky denied being a pedophile but said he had a serious lapse
in judgment when he showered with young boys.

Here’s an excerpt, in which Sandusky was interviewed by phone,
with his lawyer seated next to Costas.

Costas: “Are you sexually attracted to young boys, to underage
boys?”

Sandusky: “Am I sexually attracted to underage boys…sexually
attracted? No, you know, I enjoy young people. I love to be
around them….I…I…But no, I’m not sexually attracted.”

It wasn’t until this morning that NBC released the full
transcript of the Costas interview, which is far more damaging
than just that sound bite. You can read it here:

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/college/jerry-sandusky-i-
seeking-young-person-sexual-helped-article-1.977730#ixzz1dniwDav7

PR experts and criminal defense attorneys said the interview will
work against Sandusky in his criminal case and in civil lawsuits
that will most likely be filed against him.

A USA Today poll asked, “Did Jerry Sandusky help himself with the
Costas interview?”

As of this afternoon, 85 percent of the 4,026 respondents said
no. I agree, and I was surprised the percentage wasn’t higher.

=====================================
2. Worst Way to Monetize Your Blog
=====================================

If you want to make money from your blog, don’t assume that
quality copy alone can make it happen.

You must be proactive and do things like go after sponsors, use
Google AdSense ads, and turn blog content into information
products that you can sell.

And you can do it all without aggravating your readers.

On Black Friday, while the masses are at the shopping malls
spending money, I’ll be teaching Publicity Hounds how to make
money by blogging. I’ve identified 27 ways to monetize your blog,
and I’ll explain them all during a webinar at noon Eastern Time.

If the time is inconvenient, sign up anyway because you’ll get
the video replay and other materials. Register here:
http://www.PublicityHound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/howtomonetizeyourblog.htm

If you have a clever way of monetizing YOUR blog, let me know. I
might include your tip in the webinar and help drive traffic to
your blog.

======================================
3. Publicity for Handmade Things
======================================

Thanks to the Etsy.com newsletter for four more websites where
Publicity Hounds who make handmade things can promote their
items:

http://craftmarketer.com/sites-for-getting-publicity-for-your-
handmade-things/

Artists, don’t miss out on the dozens of other tips I shared with
Ariane Goodwin when she interviewed me on “How Artists Can Sell
More Artwork through Online & Offline Publicity.”

You can access the CD or electronic transcript at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/artists.htm

=====================================
4. Your Own TV Show
=====================================

How much more credibility would you have with your audience and
customers if you had your own TV show?

It’s a powerful way to deliver your message, heighten your
platform and really make a name for yourself.

Wine expert Gary Vaynerchuck has his own WineLibraryTV show on
the web. It helped turn his family’s wine store into a $50
million
enterprise.

Relationship expert Tamara Schilling reaches a much larger
audience with her show, called “RelationShift TV.”

My friend Steve Harrison is hosting a webinar/telephone seminar
this Thursday, Nov. 17, with veteran video producer Perry
Lawrence, who’s helped many people launch their own direct-to-web
TV shows and use them to become the “go-to” experts in their
fields.

He’ll give lots of examples of other people who are using their
own web TV shows to enhance their expertise, and show you how to
get started.

Here’s the best part: Your videos do NOT have to be perfect, just

good enough.

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

This week’s Help this Hound question is from Barbara Roy, a
communications specialist in Oakland City, IN:

“I need ideas on how to promote an upcoming charity car raffle in
2012 through the Mad Mac Foundation, a group that sponsors
educational programs for at-risk youth.

“Proceeds from the raffle will be used to get teenagers, who
illegally race their cars on streets, into the classroom where
they can learn how to build tuner cars from the ground up. The
training will help them transfer their skills, which they’ve been
using illegally, into career paths that might include auto
engineering and design, auto repair, and creating video games
that involve cars. The curriculum includes science, technology,
engineering and math.

“Two cars will be given away during the July raffle.

“The winter months will be spent on materials prep and strategy.
But beginning in January, we’ll focus more on going after
sponsors and businesses to carry the raffle tickets. I could
really use recommendations on how to gain mass awareness for this
nationwide event.

“We will have branding, messaging and content on the website by
January, as well as a Facebook event page. Can your Hounds offer
their best ideas on how to promote the raffle and the training?”

The Publicity Hound says:

I can think of so many ways to reach this niche audience,
particularly through social media. Hounds, start your engines and
race over to my blog at http://publicityhound.net/?p=9750 with
your best ideas.

=====================================
6. Hound Photos of the Week
=====================================

Thanks to Meryl K. Evans of Plano, Texas, for these photos of 10
Extreme Dog Houses:
http://www.oddee.com/item_97267.aspx

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

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

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

======================================
7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site…
======================================

Create sound bites that the media find scrumptious
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9727

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,
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=======================================
Joan Stewart
The Publicity Hound

Publicity Tips— I am Not a Flake

JStewart — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 15:54:03 +0000

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #561 June 28, 2011
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. I am Not a Flake

2. Use Glue to Grab Facebook Fans

3. Pull Journalists with Video

4. Why You Should Care About Klout

5. Confidence in Media Still Low

6. Hound Quote of the Week

7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site…

=====================================
1. I am Not a Flake
=====================================

Pay attention to the way the 2012 presidential candidates answer
tough questions on the talking head shows.

On “Fox News Sunday” with Chris Wallace this past weekend, GOP
candidate Michele Bachmann–love her or hate her–gave Publicity
Hounds a valuable lesson on how to bridge from a very difficult
question to a talking point.

Wallace told Bachmann that she has a history of making
“questionable statements” or gaffes.

“Are you a flake?” he asked.

Without flinching, Bachman responded, “I think that would be
insulting to say something like that because I’m a serious
person.”

She launched into a recitation of her background and
accomplishments.

Here’s the important part. At no time did she ever respond, “I am
not a flake.”

If she had, the video clip of her saying, “I am not a flake”
would have been rebroadcast thousands of times between now and
the election–on political ads, news shows, blogs, YouTube and
elsewhere.

If a reporter asks you a question that you think is unfair,
insulting, or irrelevant to the interview, say so. Then, use a
transition and bridge to one of your talking points.

Wallace, it turns out, ended up issuing a video apology to
Bachmann and also calling her.

In my “Special Report #2: Questions You Can Expect Reporters to
Ask During an Interview,” I explain which questions are innocent,
and which are deliberate traps. If you want to be media-savvy,
you must know the difference.

Read more about the report here and stay out of trouble for only
$10:
http://publicityhound.com/publicity-
products/reports.html#SpecialReport2

=====================================
2. Use Glue to Grab Facebook Fans
=====================================

Why is it that some people have so much trouble generating
interest in their Facebook pages?

Yet, other people, like Mari Smith, one of the world’s foremost
experts on Facebook, seem to have a big pot of glue that they
slather onto their pages and capture whoever happens to stop by?

Mari’s glue is in the form of interesting videos, status updates
that tip off fans to other people’s how-to articles about
Facebook and Internet marketing, and compelling polls and
surveys. She promotes other people’s webinars, teleseminars and
products that she thinks her fans will find valuable.

And she sparks lively discussions that make readers stick like
glue to the page and, often, participate.

Mari does something else that keeps those fans coming back for
more—-and this is the page’s real value. Almost every day, she
answers people’s questions about Facebook and a variety of other
topics. Sometimes the same questions keep popping up. And she
keeps giving the answers. And attracting even more fans.

Tomorrow, at 4 p.m. Eastern Time, she’ll dip into her Facebook
glue pot and show you what’s inside, when she’s my guest on the
webinar, “The Best Ways to Attract Facebook Fans, Provide
Sterling Content and Keep Them Coming Back for More (Just Like
the Celebrities Do).”

In my eyes, Mari is the Number One expert on Facebook. You do not
want to miss this one.

Join us by registering here:
http://www.on2url.com/app/adtrack.asp?MerchantID=20214&AdID=
559760

=====================================
3. Pull Journalists with Video
=====================================

What are the two hottest online trends right now?

For my money, it’s online video and social media.

And the cool thing is, social media expert Don Crowther has just
posted a new free video revealing how his clients are combining
the two to generate a TON of traffic every month and make a LOT
of money. You can do the same thing they’re doing to attract the
attention of journalists who are searching online for people with
your expertise.

What’s really nice is that Don reveals his super simple, nothing-
fancy-needed, video creation strategy that lets you create
multiple videos in no time–maybe an hour tops.

He has made things even easier with a downloadable worksheet you
can use to brainstorm your video ideas and customize your own
traffic strategy.

Plus, Don’s giving away his list of exactly what you should buy
to put together your own video studio, no matter what your budget
is. Finally, someone is answering that key question for all of
us!

If you want to use social media to drive traffic, make money and
pull journalists to you, this video is a must.

Check out the driving traffic video here:
https://btconsulting.infusionsoft.com/go/vid3/a342/

======================================
4. Why You Should Care About Klout
======================================

If journalists are thinking of calling you, but want to find out
how influential you really are online, all they have to do is go
to Klout at http://www.Klout.com and plug in your Twitter handle
in the search box in the upper-right corner.

Klout will deliver your score, from 0 to 100.

This is quickly becoming the Number One site for measuring online
influence.

Previously, Klout based your score on your activity on Twitter
and Facebook. It recently added LinkedIn to its algorithm.

If you’re on LinkedIn, good for you. But are you using it to
connect with the right people, flaunt your expertise to your
target market, generate sales leads and raise your Klout score?

Let Wayne Breitbarth take you by the hand and walk you step-by-
step through the most important parts of LinkedIn. He was my
guest during the webinar on “Your LinkedIn Power Formula Part 2:
Advanced Strategies for Writing a Killer Profile, Cashing in on
Groups and Creating Company Pages.”

We recorded it, and I’m offering the video replay. Read more
about what he’ll teach you to do here:
http://www.Publicityhound.com/linkedinpowerformulapart2.htm

=====================================
5. Confidence in Media Still Low
=====================================

A new Gallup Poll shows Americans’ confidence in newspapers and
television news rebounded slightly in the past year, having been
stuck at record lows since 2007.

The 28 percent of Americans who express a great deal, or quite a
lot, of confidence in newspapers and the 27 percent who say the
same about television news still lag significantly behind the
levels of trust seen through much of the 1990s and into 2003,
however.

Newspapers and television news rank 10th and 11th in confidence,
respectively, among the 16 institutions tested.

Read the results here:

http://www.gallup.com/poll/148250/Americans-Regain-Confidence-
Newspapers-News.aspx

The results of this poll demonstrate why social media is
paramount in a publicity campaign.

======================================
6. Hound Quote of the Week
======================================

Thanks to Publicity Hound Paula Daniel Peconic, NY, for this
quote about dogs:

“A dog is not ‘almost human,’ and I know of no greater insult to
the canine race than to describe it as such.”

–John Holm

======================================
7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site…
======================================

Mari Smith to share her Facebook ‘pot of glue’ Wednesday
http://publicityhound.net/?p=8764

——————————————-

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

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

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:

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
The Publicity Hound

Publicity Tips—Weinergate’s 5 PR Lessons

JStewart — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:01:15 +0000

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #558 June 7, 2011
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. Weinergate’s 5 PR Lessons

2. Facebook Best Practices Guide

3. Duck Makes Home at Home Depot

4. Your Biggest Publicity Problem?

5. Inventory Closeout Next Week

6. Hound Video of the Week

7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site…

=====================================
1. Weinergate’s 5 PR Lessons
=====================================

What a week for learning about crisis communications.

Here are five important lessons that Rep. Anthony Weiner taught
Publicity Hounds. You’ve heard them all before:

–Don’t lie. Weiner thought he could fib his way through the
crisis. But at almost every media interview, he got himself
tangled up in his own lies and kept changing his story.

–Don’t criticize the messenger. He called a reporter a “jackass”
for asking a logical question, and that showed he was combative.

–Prepare talking points and stick to them. Weiner agreed to
numerous media interviews but kept digging a deeper hole because
he wasn’t prepared.

–When dumping bad news, tell it all, tell it first and tell it
fast. The drip-drip-drip of bad news throughout last week helped
this story grow long legs.

–Take responsibility. Weiner claims “responsibility for my
actions” but adamantly says he won’t resign. Expect politicians
from both parties to pile on throughout the week and keep this
story at the top of the news. A resignation would end the media
frenzy.

Learn more about how to respond in a crisis. Crisis counselor
Jonathan Bernstein was my guest during a teleseminar on “How to
Keep the Media Wolves at Bay” and explained how to deal with a
variety of issues, from tape-recorded interviews to hostile
reporters. Read more about what you’ll learn at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/media_wolves_atbay.htm

=====================================
2. Facebook Best Practices Guide
=====================================

Still puzzled about how to make Facebook work for you?

Check out the free Facebook Best Practices Guide from Facebook-
Studio.com. They did a super job of presenting their tips in an
easy-to-understand format.

All their tips fall into one of five categories of guiding
principles:

–Build a strategy that’s social by design.

–Create an authentic brand voice.

–Make it interactive.

–Nurture your relationships.

–Keep learning.

I found incredibly helpful tips on how to use Facebook ads, apps,
widgets, social plugins and more. Claim your copy here:
http://www.facebook-
studio.com/fbassets/media/856/FacebookBestPracticeGuide.pdf

Used in combination with the webinar I offered on “12 More Ways
to Avoid Missed Opportunities with Facebook,” you’ll have more
than enough ideas on how to make Facebook work for you. Read more
about what Christine Buffaloe taught during the webinar at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/facebook12ways.htm

=====================================
3. Duck Makes Home at Home Depot
=====================================

Home Depot in Bangor, Maine, generated fabulous publicity on CNN
recently with a feel-good story about a mallard duck that built a
nest and laid its seven eggs in the garden aisle.

The story had three key elements that TV cameras love: people,
color and motion.

And two more things: a sales associate named Brenda Hatch (great
last name) who made for a fun interview, and the fact that the
duck has returned for the second year to make its nest in the
same place.

Watch:
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2011/06/02/me.home.depot.duck
.wvii?hpt=hp_t2

TV producer Shawne Duperon says it’s often easy to call a TV
station and get onto the news the same day. Read more about the
TV pitching tips she shared during the teleseminar I hosted with
her:
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/getinthenews.htm

======================================
4. Your Biggest Publicity Problem?
======================================

I had a second set of botox injections into my vocal chords, last
week, to remove the straining in my voice caused by spasmodic
dysphonia (you can read about it at my blog at
http://publicityhound.net/?p=8142).

So far, I’ve noticed only a slightly higher pitch to my voice,
and I’m thrilled! The after-effects should disappear within a
week.

That means I can start planning more webinars on topics that will
help you with publicity, PR and social media.

But I don’t want to guess about topics you need. I want you to
tell me.

What’s your Number One publicity problem that keeps you up at 3
a.m.? What PR training do you need? Is there a certain expert who
I should invite as a guest?

Click here and suggest a topic:

Mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com?=SuggestedWebinar

=====================================
5. Inventory Closeout Next Week
=====================================

I’m still clearing out my inventory, and finding more CD and
transcript titles to add to my inventory clearance.

It will be ready next week. Promise.

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

Thanks to Elaine Grassbaugh of Columbus, Ohio, for this video of
Bizkit, the sleep-walking dog:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2BgjH_CtIA

======================================
7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site…
======================================

Lulu.com: You get what you pay for, says Book Shepherd
http://publicityhound.net/?p=8586

Nonprofits: Patch.com offers volunteers, free ad space
http://publicityhound.net/?p=8571

——————————————-

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

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

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:

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
The Publicity Hound

Publicity Tips—Fail to Prepare? Prepare to Fail

JStewart — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 16:01:39 +0000

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #551 April 19, 2011
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. Fail to Prepare? Prepare to Fail

2. Your Twitter Lists

3. Top-quality Animoto Videos

4. Jack Canfield’s Tips for Authors

5. Promoting Photos on Glass

6. Hound Video of the Week

7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site…

=====================================
1. Fail to Prepare? Prepare to Fail
=====================================

If you, or your PR client, are interviewing with the media, and
you haven’t prepared answers to difficult questions, particularly
if you’re in a bad news situation, you’ve blown it.

That’s what happened last week when a correspondent for the BBC
interviewed Mike Lazaridis, the co-chief executive of Research In
Motion (RIM), the Canadian firm behind Blackberry.

After discussing the new Playbook tablet, the focus of the
interview shifted to the company’s problems in India and the
Middle East, where governments want to gain greater access to the
tight security system used for Blackberry’s business users.

Lazaridis wasn’t ready for the question and complained that it
was unfair. His PR person tried to intervene. Things got ugly.

The correspondent kept his cool. But Lazaridis got flustered and
eventually ordered the camera person to “turn that thing off.”
Bloggers, like PR consultant Greg Simpson in the UK, started
writing about it and sharing the YouTube video. Take a look:
http://pressforattention.com/2011/04/15/back-off-the-rim-
blackberry-ceos-pr-tussle-with-bbc/

Ben Franklin had it right when he warned: “By failing to prepare,
you are preparing to fail.”

Be prepared. Crisis communications counselor Jonathan Bernstein
explained how to deal with sharp reporters (and nasty, hostile
ones) when he was my guest during the teleseminar, “How to Keep
the Media Wolves at Bay.” Learn more about what we discussed
here:
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/media_wolves_atbay.htm

======================================
2. Your Twitter Lists
======================================

Frustrated that you aren’t getting in front of the right experts
and journalists on Twitter?

Do you have too few quality followers?

Is hardly anyone retweeting your fabulous content?

You can change all that by using Twitter lists. Here are three
ways to use lists:

Save hours of time researching journalists, broadcasters,
Internet radio hosts, freelancers, beat reporters, editors and
others by looking for lists that other people on Twitter have
created. Within seconds, you can even find lists of journalists
in specific cities.

Want to get in front of influential bloggers who write about a
particular topic? Save hours of time by finding them on Twitter
lists that other people have created. (You can do this even if
you aren’t tweeting.)

If your favorite journalists, or journalists who you want to
notice you, are on Twitter, and you have a Twitter account,
create a “(Fill in the blank) Journalists” list and add them. If
you have a food-related story to pitch, for example, and you want
to get in front of food journalists, add them to a “Favorite Food
Journalists” list. And then let them know you’ve done so.
They’ll be flattered. This is a great way to start a
relationship with journalists before you pitch them.

You’ll find two more ideas at my blog at
http://publicityhound.net/?p=6929

And you can access the video replay of a webinar I hosted on
Twitter lists and directories at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/twitterlists.htm

=====================================
3. Top-quality Animoto Videos
=====================================

I love Animoto, the web-based program that lets me create slick
videos, accompanied by music or my recorded voice, within
minutes, using stock photos and text and even video clips.

The program is particularly helpful when I don’t have time to get
all dolled up for a talking-head video.

But I just realized I haven’t been adding my Publicity Hound logo
to the beginning and ending of all my videos. This important step
introduces newcomers to my brand, and solidifies the brand in the
minds of those who know me. No problem. My assistant can log into
my account and correct this problem for me very quickly.

Publicity Tips—Journalists’ Trick Questions

JStewart — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 14:53:36 +0000

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #550 April 12, 2011
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. Journalists’ Trick Questions

2. Cross-promote on Social Media

3. Don’t Upgrade on LinkedIn

4. For Non-fiction Authors Only

5. Help This Hound

6. Hound Photos of the Week

7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site…

=====================================
1. Journalists’ Trick Questions
=====================================

Let’s see how savvy you are when it comes to interviewing with
journalists.

Which of the following would you consider a trick question:

A. “What’s your annual revenue?”

B. “I know you feel uncomfortable commenting on that topic, but
how about telling me off the record?”

C. “What’s the worst business mistake you’ve ever made, and what
have you learned from it?”

Take a minute and actually write your answer on a piece of paper.
A, B or C, or any combination of the above?

As a former journalist, I’ve asked those three questions many
times.

Now, go to my blog to find out whether you’re correct:
http://publicityhound.net/?p=8208

======================================
2. Cross-promote on Social Media
======================================

Now that you’re on a variety of social media sites, do your
friends, followers and fans know where to find you on other
sites?

Let’s say that after searching online for information, they end
up on one of your YouTube videos. Do you have a YouTube channel
that explains where they can find you on LinkedIn and Facebook?

Linking to the channel is easy. But, too often, we forget to
link from it. On my YouTube channel, I include links to several
social media sites from the sub-head that says, “About Me”:
http://www.youtube.com/publicityhound

I’m also revisiting my Google profile and adding links to social
media sites, like Quora, that I’ve added in the last few months.

Those are only two of 13 ways I cross-promote on the social media
sites. Read about the other 11 at my blog at
http://publicityhound.net/?p=8176

=====================================
3. Don’t Upgrade on LinkedIn
=====================================

In some LinkedIn groups, members are discussing whether it’s
worth it to upgrade to the paid version of LinkedIn.

The concensus is that unless you’re a recruiter, or you’re using
the site for a very active job search, it isn’t worth it to pay.

LinkedIn expert Wayne Breitbarth says LinkedIn has enough other
features, like the ability to ask for an introduction, that let
you do just about anything other than having direct access to
more people.

When he was my guest on a webinar last month, he demonstrated
several ways to use the Advanced Search feature to find sales
leads within minutes. And he explained what to do with those
leads once you have them.

Regardless of your industry, if you’re not using Advanced Search,
you’re leaving money on the table. Learn more about what Wayne
taught, and how you can access the video replay and all the
materials we covered during the webinar at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/linkedinpowerformula.htm

=====================================
4. For Non-fiction Authors Only
=====================================

Have you ever wondered why some authors make a fortune while so
many others with equally good books always seem to struggle
financially?

Would you like to make a whole lot more from your own non-fiction
book(s), without a lot of work or expense?

After working with 9,300+ authors over the last 20 years, Steve
Harrison knows that rich authors simply do seven key things
differently than poor authors.

Some are very famous bestsellers, like the creators of the
Chicken Soup for the Soul series and Rich Dad Poor Dad.

Others are happily not so famous but quietly raking in high six-
figure and even seven-figure annual incomes without ever being on
Oprah or hitting any bestseller list.

To learn what rich authors know that poor authors don’t, join
Steve for a free 75-minute telephone seminar this Thursday, April
14, at your choice of two times: 2 p.m. or 7 p.m. Eastern.

There’s no cost to participate in the call, except for your
normal long distance charges. I’m a compensated affiliate.
Register here:

http://www.freepublicity.com/richauthorsecrets/?10011

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

Matthew Bivens of Gainesville, FL, writes:

“I work at a startup company called Fracture at
http://www.FractureMe.com, which gives people an innovative way
to print, mount and display their personal photographs. Send us a
photo and we’ll print it on a pane of shatter-proof glass.

“We’ve been in business a little over a year, and we’ve received
press from various news and media outlets (both local and
national), and our product has been pretty well received. For
example, a TechCrunch blog post back in October 2010 drove in
hundreds of orders in a matter of hours–a huge leap from the 10
to 20 orders per day we were seeing at the time.

“We’ve had other media coverage here and there, but we have yet
to see real sustained growth. All of our focus is currently on
sales and marketing, and we’d love any advice you or your readers
can give as to different cost-effective strategies a startup can
use to gain exposure and spread the word.”

The Publicity Hound says:

Hounds, keep this in mind for all your dog photos, too!

Take a minute and post your best marketing ideas for Matthew at
my blog at http://publicityhound.net/?p=8200

======================================
6. Hound Photos of the Week
======================================

Thanks to Publicity Hound Meryl K. Evans of Plano, Texas, for
tipping us off to this journal of 16 photos of authors and their
dogs. They were taken by Jill Krementz, who says these top dogs
“over the years have wagged their tails into my photographs…and
into my heart.”

http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/node/205235

======================================
7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site…
======================================

13 ways to cross-promote on social media sites
http://publicityhound.net/?p=8176

Beware of journalists’ trick questions during an interview
http://publicityhound.net/?p=8208

——————————————-

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:

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

Publicity Tips—Hyper-Local Site Covers 19 States

JStewart — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 22:33:57 +0000

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #536 Dec. 21, 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. Hyper-Local Site Covers 19 States

2. Inspiration for Clever Taglines

3. Problems Downloading My Ebook?

4. No Gifts for Journalists

5. Year-end Recommendation

6. Hound Video of the Week

7. And at My Blogs & Mobile Site…

=====================================
1. Hyper-Local Site Covers 19 States
=====================================

Here’s another website to add to your media list if you want
publicity for local news.

It’s Patch.com at http://www.Patch.com/about and it already
covers more than 600 communities and neighborhoods in California,
Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia,
Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri,
New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia,
Washington and Wisconsin.

The site, owned by AOL and based in New York, hires professional
journalists and contracts with freelancers to cover local news
and events, business and government, police and fire news, and
more. Users can submit their own announcements, photos and
reviews, and participate in discussions.

Here are Patch’s advantages, mentioned in several articles I’ve
read the last few weeks:

–It hires experienced journalists, many of whom have been laid
off by local newspapers and are already familiar with the
communities they cover.

–Patch makes it easy to find whoever covers your community. Just
go to http://www.Patch.com and click on the state where you live.
Choose the community where Patch already has a presence. Contact
information for every Patch editor is at the top of every local
site. All Patch.com contributors can be contacted via email
through the local site.

–It encourages participation. Send a news tip, put an event on
the calendar or submit an announcement. If you’re a business
owner who wants to be listed, just send an email to
support@patch.com.

–It fills a void created by the demise of local newspapers.

Here are Patch’s disadvantages:

–It pays many journalists far less than what they made before,
and some editors have suffered from burnout and left.

–Critics say it can strangle many other smaller local websites.
But I think competition helps, not hurts, the news consumer.

–It needs to make enough money to support all those journalists,
and its growth might be too aggressive.

But you won’t hear me complaining.

Most important: Local means local! Patch.com sites are hyper-
local. The focus is very specific–on the community or
neighborhood served by the Patch site.

A smart Publicity Hound will want to develop story ideas that are
directly related to a Patch.com community. As always, take the
time to review each site before developing the pitch. Better
yet, introduce yourself to the Patch editor.

If you have experience with getting news placed on Patch, or you
have other comments to add, share them at my blog at
http://publicityhound.net/?p=7584

Also see “50+ Places Online to Promote Your Live & Virtual Events
to Reach Your Target Market & Pull Sell-out Crowds” at
http://www.publicityhound.com/events.htm

======================================
2. Inspiration for Clever Taglines
======================================

Need a tagline for your business or non-profit? Or looking for
some inspiration to create your own?

You can access more than 4,800 nonprofit taglines and a guide to
making yours great, for free, courtesy of nonprofit marketing
expert Nancy Schwartz. Her All-New Tagline Database and report
includes tons of tips for high-impact taglines that people
remember. They include 10 have-tos, 6 deadly sins, and tips on
what makes a winning tagline.

Go to
http://gettingattention.org/nonprofit-taglines/get-nonprofit-
tagline-report-database.html and complete the form.

=====================================
3. Problems Downloading My Ebook?
=====================================

If you’re having trouble downloading “The Best of The Publicity
Hound’s Tips of the Week” from 2010, email me and I’ll send the
ebook as an attachment.

This is my annual gift to you, and it includes the best 25 tips
from last year’s newsletters. Hundreds of Hounds already have re-
gifted the ebook on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. A few have
encountered technical problems and can’t access it.

If you missed it, go here: http://Ez.com/bestof2010

Email JStewart@PublicityHound.com for help.

=====================================
4. No Gifts for Journalists
=====================================

Just a few quick reminders about sending gifts to your media
contacts:

–It’s best to not send gifts to journalists. Many media
companies have ethics policies that prohibit accepting gifts.
Sending a holiday greeting card is fine, however.

–If you’re going to a TV or radio studio to do an interview,
take food. They love it!

–Don’t take food if you’re visiting a newspaper or magazine.

–As for bloggers, it depends on the blogger. If you’re not sure,
ask first. Remember that many traditional journalists also blog.

I think the very best gift you can give traditional or new media
is a big fat scoop.

======================================
5. Year-End Recommendation
======================================

I’ve received so much great reaction from Publicity Hounds who
have already created ebooks for the Kindle that I’m suggesting
you add this to your year-end to-do list.

Daniel Hall was my guest during a webinar a few weeks ago, and he
offered exact step-by-step instructions on how to create an ebook
and offer it for sale on Amazon within a day.

The replay is free. It’s more than four hours and includes two
bonus sessions. Daniel has sliced and diced the video so you can
watch it in segments.

The Kindle is the hot gift this year, and millions of Kindle
users might be looking for ebooks about your area of expertise.
Will you have something to sell them? If you haven’t seen the
video yet, it isn’t too late. This is an excellent year-end task
to accomplish so you’re positioned on Amazon as we enter 2011.

Access the replay here:
http://www.realfastbook.com/joankindle.html

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

Watch this dog, crazy with anticipation, on Christmas Eve:
http://budurl.com/doggieChristmaseve

Way too cute.

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…
====================================

How to un-Google yourself & push bad news off Page 1
http://publicityhound.net/?p=7525

Manage your online reputation BEFORE bad news hits
http://publicityhound.net/?p=7570

Hyper-local Patch.com covers 600+ communities
http://publicityhound.net/?p=7584

——————————————-

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:

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

Publicity Tips—A Poop-Free Zone

JStewart — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:42:38 +0000

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.

=====================================
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.

======================================
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:

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

Publicity Tips—Why You Shouldn’t Quit Facebook

JStewart — Wed, 19 May 2010 01:15:11 +0000

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.

=====================================
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:

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

Publicity Tips—Experts Research; Amateurs Guess

JStewart — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:32:14 +0000

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #474 Oct. 20, 2009
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
http://www.PublicityArticles.net (Ezine Archives)

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

“Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity”

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

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

1. Experts Research; Amateurs Guess

2. Estee Lauder’s Makeover Promotion

3. Balloon Boy Hoax

4. How to Penetrate Pittsburgh TV

5. Help This Hound

6. Hound Joke of the Week

7. And at My Blog…

====================================
1. Experts Research; Amateurs Guess
====================================

One of the biggest mistakes I made early in my career cost me
dearly.

I assumed that people who wanted information on how to write
press releases were typing “news releases” into the search
engines. So I used the phrase “news releases” in my articles, at
my website and in the titles of products I created on that topic.

Then one day, an Internet marketer told me that people were
typing “press releases” into the search engines seven times more
often than they were typing “news releases.”

Seven times more! My heart sank. I could have had seven times
more traffic.

He was an expert because he had done his keyword research. I was
an amateur because I simply guessed.

If you sell telephones, do you know if people are typing
“telephones,” “phones” or “phone systems” into the search
engines?

If you’re a management consultant who teaches leadership skills,
do you know how many people search for “leadership skills” vs.
“lead more effectively” vs. “management coaching”?

The only way to know is to do your research, an important step
that nine out of 10 press release writers skip. The one in 10 who
do the research can know within a minute or two the answers to
the three questions above. If they take a few additional steps in
their research, they can also learn which keywords are the most
competitive. Using two or three keywords that don’t have as much
competition can still help your press releases and articles rank
on Page 1 on Google.

Press release expert Janet Thaeler has created three videos that
show you in step-by-step detail how to use two keyword research
tools that make you a whole lot smarter than the people who don’t
want to bother with this. The links are in handouts that I’m
emailing later this afternoon to everyone who has signed up for
tomorrow’s teleseminar on “How to Use Keywords: The ‘Magic
Magnets’ That Pull Consumers & Journalists to Your Press
Releases.”

The handouts also include a checklist you can refer to every time
you start writing a press release.

Read more about what you’ll learn on tomorrow’s call, and
register at http://tinyurl.com/yeygbqb

========================================
2. Estee Lauder’s Makeover Promotion
========================================

I love Estee Lauder’s recent promotion that offers free makeovers
and photo shoots at its cosmetics counters so women can use them
for their online social media profiles.

The promotion, which started Oct. 16 at Bloomingdale’s department
stores in New York, will extend to Macy’s, Saks and other
Bloomingdale’s stores in Southern California, Miami and Chicago.

After a free makeover, Estee Lauder will shoot your photo which
you can then use as the avatar at sites like Facebook, LinkedIn
and Match.com. The company’s logo is in the background and, if it
isn’t erased with Photoshop, can live on the social media sites
forever.

You can read about the promotion in an AdAge article at
http://adage.com/article?article_id=139524 and see the great
before-and-after photos of Kunur Patel, an Ad Age reporter who
took advantage of the makeover and then wrote about it at
http://adage.com/article?article_id=139749

If you aren’t getting journalists and bloggers involved in your
promotions, you’re missing a great opportunity. See “Special
Report #42: Tips for Letting Reporters Experience Your Story, Not
Just Write About It.” You’ll learn how to create memorable
experiences for the media and entice them to cover your product
or service. Only $10. Order at http://tinyurl.com/invitereporters

========================================
3. Balloon Boy Hoax
========================================

So much for publicity stunts gone bad.

Law enforcement officials say that if Richard Keene is charged
with perpetrating the hoax, it probably won’t be until next week.
That means there’s plenty of time to piggyback off this story and
get some good publicity for yourself. The most obvious angle is
the way the parents recruited their children to be part of the
hoax.

–Mommy and daddy bloggers, what are your readers saying about
what happened? Share your comments with other bloggers and the
media.

–Child development experts, what do stunts like this teach
children about right and wrong and common sense? What’s the long-
term damage?

–PR experts, what should the Keenes have done when their 6-year-
old son vomited on the set of the “Today” show? I found it
unsettling that they barely skipped a beat and continued the
interview, as if nothing unusual had happened.

Authors, speakers and experts, if your topic ties into this
bizarre story, pitch it.

=======================================
4. How to Penetrate Pittsburgh TV
=======================================

This week, three Publicity Hounds have tips for John and Bobbi
Robinson of Vanderbilt, PA on how to pitch local TV stations for
their non-profit organization that makes wishes come true for
people with severe illnesses.
From Gail Sideman:

“With a family?s permission, invite one of these television
reporters to accompany Unity to an event with a local recipient.
Suggest that reporters talk to the family, someone from your
organization and a physician about how these outings and trips
help them forget about their health challenges and simply focus
on a good time.”
From Bonnie Harris:

“TV stations are more willing to run footage they take
themselves. Extend individual invitations to members of your TV
stations to accompany you on these outings. If you get no takers,
ask just one of their team to go along, perhaps the weather
person. A good reporter will also want to talk to participants
about what the program means to them.”
From The Publicity Hound:

Try pitching the morning news/feature shows in Pittsburgh,
including the weekend shows. They’re often easier to get onto
than the weekday news, where you’re facing more competition from
hard news stories. If you’re granting a wish that ties into
Thanksgiving, like sending someone to see their relatives on
Turkey Day, pitch that a few days before Thanksgiving. Likewise
with Christmas.”
Read all the responses to this week?s ?Help This Hound” question,
or add your own, at http://budurl.com/5krx

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

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

Ivy Mendoza of Manila, Philippines writes:

“My small PR firm just got an account that needs a lot of
exposure in the lifestyle sections. The previous PR person had
been sacked due to some anomalies which she was supposed to have
committed while conniving with the client?s marketing department.

“To neutralize the situation, the marketing people have gradually
been replaced, the marketing manager was asked to resign, and the
contract of the old PR consultant was no longer renewed.

“The problem is that the previous PR person has already started
badmouthing the client to editors whom she is very close to. One
particular editor of a very highly circulated newspaper has
already declared that our client?s press releases will not see
print in her section anymore. They liked the old PR person and
they believed everything that person said about the client.

“The client (not us, the PR firm) wants us to start on a clean
slate, so they made an effort to appease this particular editor
by setting up a meeting. But the editor flat out refused to meet
with them and directly said that she cannot help the client
anymore as far as press releases are concerned.

“What should we do? Her paper and her section are very important
for our client because of its target readership and circulation.
I advised the client to let the editor ?thaw? first and just use
other sections of the same newspaper (Business, Entertainment,
etc.) in the meantime. Would you have other tips for me as far as
?power tripping? media is concerned?
The Publicity Hound says:

Ouch! There’s more than one way around this problem, however.
Let’s see what my media-savvy Hounds would do. If you have ideas
on how Icy can deal with this problem and generate publicity for
her client, post them to my blog at
http://tinyurl.com/editorsaysno

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

Thanks to Publicity Hound Barry Lebow of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
for this one:

A dog went to a telegram office, took out a blank form and wrote:
“Woof. Woof. Woof. Woof. Woof. Woof. Woof. Woof. Woof.”

The clerk examined the paper and politely told the dog: “There
are only nine words here. You could send another ‘Woof’ for the
same price.”

The dog replied, “But that would make no sense at all.”
Dog Jokes & Quotes Ebook: 170+ G-rated dog jokes and quotes,
perfect for a dog-lover, your favorite vet, or just for a few
good laughs.

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

==================================
7. And at My Blog…
==================================

How to thrive as an author, speaker, expert in any economy
http://tinyurl.com/thriveasanauthor
————————————

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:

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

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

Privacy Statement:

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

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

Joan Stewart
a.k.a. The Publicity Hound
3434 County KK
Port Washington, WI 53074
USA
Phone: 262-284-7451 (Central) Fax: 262-284-1737

Publicity Tips—It’s All About Relationships

JStewart — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:42:10 +0000

         The Publicity Hound’s
           Tips of the Week
       Issue #461 July 28, 2009
        Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
     http://www.PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
http://www.PublicityArticles.net (Ezine Archives)

Circulation: 38,964

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

“Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity”

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

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

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

1. It’s All About Relationships

2. Social Bookmarking How-to

3. TV Interviews from Hell

4. Growing Hunger for Food News

5. Promoting a Website for Black Doctors

6. Have You Signed Up for My Newsletter?

7. Hound Joke of the Week

8. And at My Blog…

=====================================
1. It’s All About Relationships
=====================================

When Publicity Hound Gail Sideman met freelancer Alyson McNutt
English at a writers’ conference more than a year ago, she
pitched a story about her client, a Wisconsin jeweler who makes
diamond encrusted jewelry and other blingy rings, necklaces and
baubles for professional athletes.

Soon after the interview, Alyson wrote the story for ESPN the
Magazine. But with the economy headed south, Gail said, “I
figured it was a dead story. The last thing people want to read
about is athletes buying expensive jewelry.”

Gail kept the relationship with Alyson alive. They followed each
other on Twitter, connected on LinkedIn, and stayed in even
closer contact on Facebook.

Then it happened.

A few weeks ago, Gail learned that her client, jeweler Harry
Glinberg, is shown in a huge photo on Page 2 of the July 27 issue
of the ESPN magazine, holding up a fistful of flashy necklaces
and diamond-studded brooches. It accompanies a feature titled “6
Things About Dealing Athlete Ice.”

Read it, and check out the great quotes, at
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?id=4344204

The story caught the attention of Charlie Villanueva, who plays
for the Detroit Pistons and is one of Harry’s clients.

“Charlie’s active on Facebook and Twitter and asked on those
sites how his jeweler got into ESPN’s magazine,” said Gail, a
sports publicist.

Traditional and social media publicity, she says, can work hand
in hand.

“A traditional pitch to a freelance reporter who writes for a
magazine turned into publicity on the social media sites. As a
publicist, that’s what I’m aiming for.”

While face-to-face communication with journalists isn’t always
possible, Gail says it can cement the relationship. Alyson has
since invited Gail to join her Fantasy Football League.

As you know if you’ve been reading this newsletter,
relationships with freelancers can prove incredibly lucrative. A
freelancer who writes for several publications might come back to
you again and again.

Publicity Hounds can meet writers, editors, freelancers and
broadcasters face to face at the National Publicity Summit Oct.
21-24 in New York City. Only 100 people will be chosen for this
event. Learn more about how to attend at
http://www.NationalPublicitySummit.com/?10011

=====================================
2. Social Bookmarking How-to
=====================================

I know what you’re thinking. One more social media task to worry
about.

That’s right. It’s called social bookmarking, and it can increase
the power of everything you do in social media.

Unlike your blog, or Facebook pages, you don’t have to create
massive amounts of content. Instead, you simply need to find it
elsewhere online, and then bookmark it for others to enjoy. And,
yes, you can also bookmark your own content, with care.

Here’s the best part. Once you get the hang of social
bookmarking, you can turn over much of this to an assistant who
can do most of the nitty-gritty work for you.

The results of my Customer Profile Survey show many of you want
more how-to information on this topic. So I’m hosting a
teleseminar on “How to do Social Bookmarking to Promote Your
Expertise, Attract Followers & Pull Massive Amounts of Traffic”
at 8 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, Aug. 13. If the time is
inconvenient, sign up anyway and receive the MP3 download.

My guest is Colin Martin, a social media expert and avid
bookmarker who will share his best tips on how to use bookmarking
to build valuable relationships online.

About a week before the call, everyone who registers will receive
a link to four videos Colin is creating. They show in step-by-
step detail how to create your accounts at these sites, how to
bookmark content, how to make friends and join groups, and
everyday uses and results of this powerful marking tool.

Read more about the teleseminar and register at
http://www.snipurl.com/social_bookmarking_teleseminar

=====================================
3. TV Interviews from Hell
=====================================

Don’t feel bad if you make mistakes when you appear as a guest on
TV news or talk shows. It’s part of the learning curve.

Being boring, overtly promoting your book, talking too much, and
failing to deliver pithy sound bites pale in comparison to the
mistakes two authors have made on shows where they appeared.

Watch both videos, which I’ve posted at my blog, and then comment
on which of the two you think is the worst. Promise me you’ll
watch both of them to the bitter end.

I can’t wait to see your comments.

Go to http://budurl.com/c764

=====================================
4. Growing Hunger for Food News
=====================================

You can say what you want about the bad economy. Foodies haven’t
cut back on their intake of food and beverage news.

I know. I’m a foodie from way back. And I’m still devouring the
Food Network, new recipes I find in magazines, and food feature
stories in local and national newspapers.

If you’re trying to pitch a food or beverage story idea, tying it
to the economy, or an emerging trend, or a celebrity, can be the
best way to grab a journalist’s attention.

But what if the newspaper you want to get into has laid off the
food editor? With so many journalists losing their jobs these
days, a good story idea just isn’t enough. You need to know how
to contact them and keep them on your radar screen.

Bulldog Reporter’s PR University will host an audio conference at
1 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, July 30, on “Maximizing Food and
Beverage Media Coverage in the New Economy: Epicurean Journalists
Field Live Pitches, Reveal Best PR Practices and Top Food Media
Trends.”

Learn how to tap into a growing hunger for food and beverage
news–and get your culinary offering on the menu at top
media today. Panelists include Hugh Garvey of Bon Appetit, Regina
Ragone of Family Circle, Megan Steintrager of Epicurious.com and
Nancy Hopkins of Better Homes & Gardens will explain how.

Learn more and register at http://snipurl.com/foodpublicity

========================================
5. Promoting a Website for Black Doctors
========================================

This week, six Publicity Hounds have ideas on how Cynthia Barnes
of Fort Wayne, Ind., can market her website,
http://www.BlackHealthCareProviders.org It’s a nationwide free
referral service that helps consumers find African-American
health care providers in their own neighborhoods.

From Sonia Singh:

“Get involved with your local Black Chamber of Commerce.”

From Jen Fitzgerald:

“Create a competition nominating your favourite African-American
doctor. Also, there could be an African-American doctors’
association you could target.

From Jeff Rutherford:

“I would be willing to bet that there are online listservs or
LinkedIn groups for African-American doctors and medical
professionals to network. Start making personal, one-on-one
connections with five to 10 African-American doctors. Once you’ve
built a rapport, explained your site, and ask them to alert their
colleagues.”

The Publicity Hound says:

Read all the responses to this week’s Help This Hound question
at http://budurl.com/e7xr

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

=========================================
6. Have You Signed Up for My Newsletter?
=========================================

Help This Hound takes a vacation this week, a great opportunity
for me to remind you to be sure to sign up for the new version of
this newsletter, or risk being dropped.

I’m changing email marketing companies and don’t want to lose
you. To stay with me, you must do two things:

First, subscribe to the new version of the newsletter by going to
http://www.PublicityHound.com/aweber/optin.htm and entering your
name and email address into the form.

Second, check your email inbox for a message with the subject
line: “Response Required: Confirm Your Publicity Hound
Subscription.” Click on the link inside the email. If you miss
this step, you’ll miss receiving the weekly tips and you’ll be
like a lost puppy wandering the streets, looking for its mama.

Questions? Email me at mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com If you
ever suddenly stop receiving the newsletter, let me know and
we’ll get you back onto the list.

P.S. I need Help This Hound questions. Send them to
JStewart@PublicityHound.com?=HelpThisHound Be sure to mention
where you live.

================================
7. 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 and you also get a compilation of the 50
best websites for dog humor.

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

=================================
8. And at My Blog…
=================================

Which of these author TV-interviews-from-hell is the worst?
http://budurl.com/c764

Meeting a journalist? 9 magic phrases the media love
http://budurl.com/vsjv

Blog content in short supply? 9 ideas for bloggers
http://budurl.com/5uab

————————————

Where to See & Hear The Publicity Hound:

Aug. 5 — Teleseminar for Restaurants

“How Restaurants Can Use Social Media to Create a Loyal Following
and Keep Customers Coming Back–Even in a Rotten Economy.” 3 p.m.
Eastern. Host: Jaime Oikle of RestaurantReport.com. Register at
http://budurl.com/m6tl

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

Friend me on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/joanstewart

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:

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

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

Privacy Statement:

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

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