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Great PR tips

October 23rd, 2015 | Posted by Sara in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

Happy Friday all!

Today I read some great articles about PR.  The first is about getting the media’s attention and the next is about blog tours and blog hops.

http://www.copyblogger.com/irresistible-pr/

http://www.molly-greene.com/author-promotion-blog-tours-hops-sharing-contests/

Very relevant.

What strikes me most about the media article is the great advice that I often see not taken.  For example, one should say yes to a reporter if they wish to interview you that day.  

It’s short notice but do it no matter what.

Also, treat journalists with respect.  They are doing you a favor and that favor can be taken away very quickly.

If authors want to succeed, it takes work.  Again, success is hard work and there is no way around it.

There are so many great movies coming out this fall!

One I am looking forward to seeing is The Martian.  There are many lessons authors can learn from the movies and how a movie comes to the silver screen.

1. Self-publishing can lead one to the movies.  Author Andy Weir self-published The Martian and posted it on Amazon for .99 cents.  To gained a following and by word of mouth it was sold to Hollywood.

2. Peanutize-The Peanuts movie is coming out in November and I was not interested.  I do now know why Hollywood has to keep remaking movies.  However, last week the studio came out with an app to Peanutize yourself.  This was a genius marketing tool.  I did it.  Everyone in my office did it.

What can we learn.  Try something different and brand it.  You never know who will be watching.

3. Bond-The next James Bond movie hits the market in November.  They constantly have news stories about their stunts, who would make a good Bond and any controversy is good for the movie.

At the end of the day, remember that as an author you have a product to sell.  You need to educated the audience about that product and think of creative tactics to get anyone interested.

Have a great weekend.

Go here to create our Peanut Character!

http://www.peanutsmovie.com/

 

 

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

Whenever I pitch a story, I try to make sure that the story I am telling is informative and interesting.  I don’t want the pitch to be self-promotional.

Here are today’s tips to think about when pitching a story:

1. Has the contact covered a story like this in the past?  If you are pitching the 5 p.m anchor about a clothing line, it is not relevant.

2. Speaking of being relevant..Make sure the story is very relevant to the media outlet.  Don’t pitch a story about puppies to a cat magazine!

3. Spell check.  Make sure your grammar is on point.  A journalist can delete a pitch based on a misspelling.

4. FWD: I have seen this many times.  A person puts FWD: in the subject line.  I can be intentional or unintentional, however it never works.

5. Establish a relationship first.  I have received many emails from individuals I have no relationship with. If a story is good, it may work but try to establish a relationships before you pitch.

Speaking of St. Patrick’s Day, here is my favorite St. Patrick’s story that deserves more attention.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/margiewarrell/2015/03/17/create-the-luck-youve-been-wishing-for/

Public Relations is all about relationships.  We learned it in kindergarten.  Treat others the way you wish to be treated.  The same applies to work and especially PR.

I saw this article yesterday on PR Daily and had to share it!  Enjoy.

Happy Holidays!

Imagine for a moment that each mistake that you made would live forever on YouTube, as seen inthis not-safe-for-work video, or each time you produced something, it would be open for public comment and sharing (usually with a headshot of you next to it).

Then imagine that you chose to do this, not for pay (because there isn’t much), but because you really love a good story.

For all of the criticism of the press (and media should be criticized), there is no reward when they perfectly deliver a story. That is just the expectation. With that in mind, a small dose of empathy for the press can go a long way.

I know the following behaviors are guaranteed to irritate any editor, reporter or producer because I have been guilty of them myself. You don’t have to go down that road.

Don’t do these:

Flake.

You’ve worked hard to craft the pitch and, finally, the producer says he will go with your story. There’s just one problem: Your source decided to flake completely. Best of luck trying to explain yourself or offer other options. It doesn’t work.

If you pitch a person (or yourself) as a resource or expert, know what is expected, have a strategy and talking points. Flaking out hurts your reputation far more than a boring interview.

Overpromise.

News outlets always want to be the first with a story. It’s how they compete. If you offer a scoop or tell a reporter they will be the first to cover an announcement or story, then you need to make good on that.

Avoid telling everyone after you’ve made that promise. Be strategic with whom you pitch first. You will need to read, research and find the best fit.

You may think, “I don’t owe them anything. It’s my story. I can pitch as many people as I want.” You’re right. You can sleep well tonight knowing you are right. Meanwhile, your competitors will be the ones getting coverage.

Be vague.

Let’s say you’re a reporter and I tell you I have a story idea for you that will be perfect for your audience. Of course, I have said that it would be perfect to every media person on this list I downloaded, and I’m not offering up solid details as to why it’s so perfect for you. Are you interested?

Slow down before you pitch. Be sure you know who you are pitching, why they would like it, and stats or contacts to back up your idea. Then pitch individually. Save time for the reporters you pitch and yourself.

Be transactional.

Reporters owe you nothing. It’s important to keep in mind when you’re framing a story. They serve their audience, not you. Treat them accordingly.

When I was an editor, I had people asking regularly me when their story was going to be on the cover. With that attitude, the guaranteed answer was, “Never.” You can have enthusiasm. By all means, sell your idea, but do it in a respectful way

Bill Cosby and PR

December 11th, 2014 | Posted by Sara in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

Bill Cosby has an enviable career.  From his early days as a stand-up to his award-winning turn on “I Spy” to his legendary, groundbreaking TV show, “The Cosby Show,” he has always achieved and been recognized.  His comedy is some of the best in the world.  His storytelling technique is creative and fun.  I used to listen to “Bill Cosby Himself” as a child.  His different voices were hilarious! I was a Cosby fan and proud of it.

I still enjoy listening to his Fat Albert and Old Weird Harold stories.

Now, he finds himself in the middle of a PR crisis.  With several women making sexual accusations toward him, his reputation has taken a serious hit.  In show business, that reputation is everything.  For decades audiences idolized Cosby and now it is these accusations that are grabbing the headlines.

Cosby refuses to comment on the accusations.

As a PR professional, this situation is fascinating.  It is very true that the higher one climbs in show business, the harder they fall.

What is the most fascinating aspect of this case is the silence.  Not only the silence from Cosby but the silence from his supporters.  For years many fellow comedians and co-stars have gushed over Cosby and his role in their careers.  Now… silence.

One has to wonder what Joan Rivers and Robin Williams would have said.  I doubt they would be quiet.

Garth Brooks was a multi-platium performer in the 90s.  He sold out stadiums and sold millions of albums.  Then he went into retirement to raise his children.  While in retirement, the music industry changed.

This year he has launched a comeback with a tour and new album which goes on sale today.

However, he is breaking new ground by sticking to the old rules.

*His music is not on iTunes, Pandora, or Spotify.  Instead he is using a platform called Ghost Tunes in which he sells only entire albums.

* He announces tour dates individually and goes to the city for a week to 10 days.

*He does more than one show per night.

* He recently signed on to social media but I’m sure he will handle it differently.

Brooks is still selling out stadiums and more albums than most.  He is doing it by making his own rules. He did not follow the crowd and as a result lost millions or is not being paid for his trade.  Garth found his own way and his fans are embracing it. His music is heartwarming and he continues to make fans by being honest and human.

Keep rolling on, Garth!

Love, Love this Post

December 19th, 2013 | Posted by Sara in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

Being a PR professional is not easy but here is a list of tactics that every PR person should follow.  Thank you to NY PR girls for this wonderful list.  http://nycprgirls.com

    • Respond quickly and accurately. Time is of the essence. If you’re not sure of an answer, double check and let the reporter know you’ll get back to them. (My comments: Always, always stop what you are doing and response with information.)
    • Be respectful of deadlines. Don’t bother them when they’re on one.  (They are always on a deadline.  Always ask if they have time to hear your story.)
    • Stick to your word. Always follow through with what you say you’ll do and send. (Honesty is the best quality.)
    • Stay truthful. Getting caught in a lie ruins any relationship.
    • Give instead of receive. Don’t be selfish in thinking that a reporter should write about everything for you without anything in return. Offer them an exclusive or an interview if you can.  (Never be selfish with them.  Be a diplomat! People always want something from the media.  Be the person who sees their side.)
    • Don’t be spiteful or rude. If the story from a reporter doesn’t come out as planned, remember it’s editorial and you can never fully control a story. The reporter is just doing his/her job. Don’t take it personal and give attitude in return. (Mean people suck!)
    • Show you’re grateful. Letting them know how much you appreciate their feedback or support by sending a little something (product from around the office, etc.) goes a long way.
    • Send a thank you. An old fashioned note in the mail is much better than an email. Or a nice holiday card. (This is the best tactic!)
    • Don’t be pushy. If you ask them for something and they don’t send the first time, don’t ask again. Being that annoying PR pro is a sure way to the naughty list.
  • I’ll add:                 * Be on Time:  No matter what make sure your client is prepped and on time.

* Don’t backpedal.  If you want press, you may get it.  Don’t turn them down!

* Make sure to tell a good story.  If you are not interested, they won’t be interested.

Happy Holidays.   I won’t be blogging next week.  Take care!

PR Swatting

November 26th, 2013 | Posted by Sara in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

Here is a very interesting article about PR pitching.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/24/your-money/swatting-at-a-swarm-of-public-relations-spam.html?_r=0
The journalist writes about unsolicited and untargeted PR pitches.   The world of public relations is very interesting and in my opinion the best way to reach people is to send relevant pitches with newsworthy information.
There are ways to connect that are advantageous to both the journalist and the publicist.
Here are a few of my suggestions:
1.    Make sure you know your audience.  Do your research.
2.    Call the journalist before you email them.
3.    Email them information on their beat.
4.    Take the time to form a relationship.
5.    Take no for an answer until you have more information.
Have a wonderful holiday!
Sara