July 18, 2008
Personal Branding
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A few years ago, my “look” was basic black. With a simple black business suit, white blouse, and pearl earrings, I was ready to go just about anywhere. I was appropriately dressed but not necessarily very memorable or remarkable. Some truth tellers in my life took me aside and gently suggested that some wardrobe adjustments would serve me well. Fast forward to today. Now, I wear vibrant, bold colors and sassy jewelry to better reflect my way of being in the world. My personality shows, and I stand out in a crowd. Heck, why wear a taupe trench coat when hot pink is an option?
I bring this up because I had the most remarkable thing happen in Dallas at the eWomenNetwork conference. A woman came up from behind, tapped me on the shoulder, and said she recognized me by my signature blue dress. We had a fabulous conversation and will now be working together to support each others’ success. Here is a link to Kathie Nelson’s blog post so you can read how we met.
The buzz about you and your business goes beyond your products and services. It is reflected in how you show up in the world. Ask the truth tellers in your life about how you are showing up, and listen carefully. There may be some pearls of wisdom to take in and act upon to put your best image forward to reflect powerfully on your brand, your products, and your services.
July 18, 2008
Just for Fun
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I met the founders of a company called Motivation in a Minute at the eWomenNetwork International Conference and Business Expo. I was impressed with the authenticity of the owners, even though we met for a very brief moment. I just had a sense they had something special to offer. When they followed up with a personal email after the conference, I was not disappointed.
The folks at Motivation in a Minute make short, inspiring videos, and they’d like them to travel around the world as they spread motivation in minutes. Sign up for their ezine and learn more.
In the meantime, because it’s Friday and we all need a little reminder to remember what is important, I invite you to take two minutes to watch The Grumpy Movie. It’s just wonderful. Here is the link. And these folks have plenty more to inspire you.
Next time you attend a networking function, see how bright your own authenticity can shine beyond the typical elevator pitch you’ve shared hundreds of times prior. And send a personal follow up after the first meeting to see what win-win-win possibilities can manifest. By doing so, you and your business will be well served. And don’t be grumpy.
July 16, 2008
Media Savvy 101, PR Beyond the Backyard
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Did you know that I have a number of free audio files posted at my consulting website that make it easy for you to listen to my DIY publicity guidance without spending a penny? Well, it’s true. You can visit this site and listen to a number of prior teleconferences and radio interviews that offer great tips to help you earn free publicity.
I bring this up because I know many folks are searching for assistance to grow their businesses in challenging times, and gaining access to free insights and information is welcome, now more than ever.
If you have the opportunity to participate in radio interviews or teleconferences, be sure to record them. Then, you can make the decision to offer them to others for free or for fee to serve those who most need your help. You can spread the good news and information without ever leaving your office, and the impact your insights can have on others’ success can be powerful.
A “Hear Nancy on the Radio” button is posted to my website to make it easy for folks to listen in. People have called me to book me for speaking engagements, invite me to be on their radio shows, and purchase my information products as a direct result of listening to these radio interviews. And, people who have viewed my TV interview with BizTalk with Zita have done the same thing. I invite you to get your audio and video files in order and figure out the best way to share them with your customers and prospects to be of service in the ways that matter most to you and your business — and theirs.
As for me, I am really energized about bringing the Publici-Tea™ Half-Day Workshop to business owners everywhere, either in person or virtually, so they can gain confidence, skills, resources, tools, and connections to bring their success stories out of the darkness and into the media spotlight.
After listening to Robyn Spizman speak about the concept of WOW at the eWomenNetwork International Conference & Business Expo in Dallas, I am convinced that this event format is something unique, remarkable, and worthy of taking on the road and beyond.
Spizman says that WOW is that indefinable “something” that makes you really stand out. WOW happens when you and your business, ideas, and abilities exist in that very small zone called distinctive. You do something that’s so fresh, innovative, and impressive that you are memorable. And you make it look effortless.
The joy and passion I feel for these events is matched only by the light I see in my guests’ eyes when they realize that they really can do their own publicity, and they can’t wait to get started. The next session is August 15 in Tacoma, followed by another great event on September 12 in Bellevue. Thanks for helping to spread the word and signing up. And, if you’d like to bring the Publici-Tea™ to your hometown, let’s talk about it! Give me a call at 425-641-5214 or send me an email at nancy@nsjmktg.com.
July 15, 2008
PR Beyond the Backyard, PR in Action
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Temperatures are rising all over the nation, giving people everywhere good reason to head for the pool, the hot tub, or the beach to relax and enjoy. Steve Greenberg, the author of Gadget Nation, was so taken with the Aqua Reader from the e-store at Olympic Hot Tub Company that he elected to make it the first pool gadget he highlighted on this “Cool Pool Gadget” segment of Better.TV. And, he was good enough to include it in a special segment last week on CBS This Morning. And, the Aqua Reader was included in another video segment that aired in 20 markets across the USA. We are still waiting for the 
rush of orders for Aqua Reader at the Olympic Hot Tub e-Store, though we are delighted with the media coverage that is helping to spread the good news. Now that you know about this amazing gadget that holds your book and your drink and keeps both dry while you soak, perhaps you’ll be among the many to soon enjoy it in the comfort of your own backyard hot tub! Operators are standing by… By the way, I learned about Steve and his TV segments as a result of receiving a media query via a service I use called ProfNet. The media leads flow to my in box, and I reply with brief, compelling replies by the stated deadline. You can subscribe to this service or another very similar service called PR Leads. It’s well worth the investment for the results you enjoy by responding in a timely way to stories in progress right now. Jump right in and give this service a try so your products, services, and expertise can reach much wider audiences with ease — and you can spend more time relaxing.
July 14, 2008
Media Savvy 101, Networking PR
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I’ve been out of touch for a few days because I attended the eWomenNetwork International Conference & Business Expo 2008 in Dallas, Texas with about 3,000 other women business owners and a few men besides.
Robyn Spizman, nationally recognized television personality, lecturer and author of dozens of how-to books, was among the top notch speakers at the event, and she offered a sound bite worth repeating. She said if you break down the word “media” into two parts, the first is “me” and the second is “do it again.” Her point was that consistency is key when sharing your story with the media. Keep at it, and great results will flow. She also made clear the importance of showcasing your WOW, just in time to bring attention to her own latest WOW — the book entitled “Where is Your WOW?”
Spizman says that WOW is that indefinable “something” that makes you really stand out. WOW happens when you and your business, ideas, and abilities exist in that very small zone called distinctive. You do something that’s so fresh, innovative, and impressive that you are memorable. And you make it look effortless.
She offered at least three ways to showcase your WOW.
1) Always ask, “How can I help you?”
2) Be the first to say “hello.”
3) It’s better to be interested versus interesting. Spizman credited this tip to Pat Burns.
Those are great tips. I can’t wait to read the book for even more great ideas.
What is your WOW? And, how are you sharing your story with the world?
I’ll share more highlights from the eWomenNetwork International Conference & Business Expo 2008 in the days to come. Stay tuned.
July 9, 2008
PR in Action
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I love that my clients are ideally suited to be featured in the magazines I love to read. There was a time a few years ago when I was reading trade journals like Disaster Recovery Today to source media opportunities for a very fine client. Of course, I did a fine job for the client, but I wasn’t exactly thrilled to be reading about mainframe computer disaster recovery in my off hours. Today, my clients are well suited to be featured in magazines I love to read — magazines like O, More, and Pink. That’s a joy.
Over the weekend, I picked up the latest issue of Pink magazine to look for media opportunities for one of my clients. I found a feature called “My Time” that highlights the busy schedule, success tips, and personalty of a prominent business executive. It occurred to me that this would be a perfect placement for Seattle Chocolate Company CEO Jean Thompson. I visited the magazine’s website to identify to perfect person to pitch in the “Contact Us” section, and I made my pitch. Later that afternoon, I received a cordial and very interested reply from the editor, indicating that my client was perfect and she would be seeking an avenue to feature her within the magazine. I just love that.
Why let any more grass grow under your own feet. Get into action to earn media placements in the media venues that are perfect for your story. When you ask for what you want, demonstrate that your pitch is perfect for the magazine and its readers, and give just the right content to enlist interest, great rewards are waiting. It may be a few months before you see your story within the pages of your top choice magazine, but I can assure you that it will be well worth the wait.
July 8, 2008
Business Success
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I had the good fortune to interview Karen Salmansohn, author of the Bounce Back Book. We chatted specifically about how to be resilient in the pursuit of the trials and tribulations of do-it-yourself publicity. Check out her answers to some pressing questions that have no doubt crossed your mind since you started your own journey to DIY publicity success.
Question:
Pitching stories to the media can be challenging to those who fear rejection and have trouble picking up the phone to ask for what they want. Based on what you’ve learned along your journey to write and earn an audience for the Bounce Back Book, what advice can you offer to visitors of this Do-it-Yourself Publicity Blog to guide their future actions to put their stories forward?
Karen’s response:
In your question, you assume people know exactly what it is they want. That’s not only the case, and herein lies my advice — be honest and direct about your goals. Pinpoint exactly what you want from someone, and offer them ways to follow through with your demands. For example, if you have a connection within a magazine and wish to promote your new book, don’t just ask that person what they can do for you. Instead, let the editor know you’re well read with the magazine and ask that he promote your new book in their monthly “Must Reads” section. Do your research. Find out what’s possible and what’s out of line. Always be well versed and don’t burn any bridges if you don’t get exactly what you’re looking for! According to tip #68 of my Bounce Back Book, I warn ‘When in a negatively charged state, be careful about the decisions you make.’ If you don’t get your desired publicity results, don’t lash out. Simply thank your magazine connection and keep them for further reference. You never know when they may come in handy again!
Question:
In DIY Publicity, how important is it to keep a positive attitude?
Karen’s Answer:
A good attitude is essential! Attitude is destiny. If you can master your thoughts you can master your destiny. But even with this mind –I want to add an important caveat! After a setback, you should not rush back to being ‘I’m fine, I’m fine, I’m fine!’ too quickly! You might wind up bruising yourself further! The Dalai Lama said, ‘If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy,practice compassion.’ In other words, you shouldn’t be impatient about your progress — or impractical either. Trying to feel 100% better 100% of the time is unrealistic and will only lead to further disappointment. I encourage people to come up with an achievable goal for feeling better, and take baby steps toward reaching that goal. It helps if you keep track of your progress in a journal, by putting little + and – signs in it every time you feel positive or negative. Your goal is to eventually see a trend of more + signs! And I’m hoping the 75 psychological techniques which I offer in THE BOUNCE BACK BOOK will help create a nice paced upward trend of positive signs in people’s journals!
For more tips about bouncing back, check out Karen’s new book — The Bounce Back Book. Thanks Karen! And best wishes on the balance of your blog tour to bring your book to the attention of a much wider audience of potential readers who can benefit.
July 7, 2008
New Audio File to Support Your DIY Publicity Success
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If you did, you can still listen in and benefit! I’ve created Audio Presentation #7 that includes the hour-long conversation, along with a sassy handout that lists the 15 best ways I’ve found and applied to get known as an expert. You can apply the same tips to your buzz-building benefit.
Rhonda Aflakian listened in, and she said, “I just listened to your teleconference from June 26th and loved it! My favorite part was your attitude of: ‘Give your service for free and it will come back to you. Help others and in turn you will be helped…”
Here are just a few of the valuable benefits that can come from listening in to this engaging conversation, packed with stories from the media trenches about earning ink in O magazine, the local business media, and so much more:
- Getting more, higher quality clients
- The ability to charge more for your products or services
- An increase in website or blog traffic
- Higher search engine rankings for your name
- Better, longer term, and more satisfying engagements
- Being booked solid with a wait list
- The ability to help more people with you specialized skills and knowledge
- More opportunities to spread your knowledge and reputation via speaking engagements, interviews
and articles writing
- You can do more of what you love
- And, most importantly, you can create more success with greater ease!
You can purchase Audio Presentation #7 for the very low price of just $7. It’s not quite free, yet it’s a fee sufficient to cover the cost of posting the file to the DIY Publicity Store for your benefit.
If you are out enjoying the weather, download the file to your iPod and listen while you walk, bike, or jog around town. You’ll learn a lot to propel your business forward as you get in shape. All for $7. Thanks in advance for your purchases, and please keep me up to date about the success you enjoy as a result of following this time-tested, proven do-it-yourself publicity advice.
July 7, 2008
Just for Fun
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If you’ve been following this blog for any length of time, you know that I’ve been searching for a new house to call home for the last nine months. I am happy and grateful to report that my husband, son, and golden retriever have officially moved into our new home. It is everything we dreamed it would be. I can hardly contain my joy.
I am a huge believer in the Law of Attraction, so I have journaled very specifically about the house I was looking for and the features and attributes it would offer. From the window seat in the living room to the inspiring view from the deck, this house offers everything I was dreaming of and a few unexpected and delightful surprises.
Of course, we had to endure one deal that fell through and no less than three unsuccessful bidding wars (yes, even in today’s real estate marketplace), but this house was well worth the wait. It’s just perfect.
Now, when our prior home sells to the perfect, courteous, appreciative, respectful buyer at a fair price point and the deal closes on or before July 31, 2008, my joy will be complete. Plenty of fabulous folks are relocating to the area this summer to accept career positions at T-Mobile, Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing. Many intend for their kids to attend equally fabulous public schools such as Somerset Elementary School, Tyee Middle School, and nationally ranked Newport High School. I hope lots of them flock to our place to appreciate the tender loving care and quality updates we’ve made over the last 20 years. If you are curious and/or interested, you can check out the listing at this link. Maybe you know the perfect buyer and just need to give him or her a nudge in this direction. All quality referrals are welcome!
One thing I know for sure. My enthusiasm for doing great work is at an all time high because I now have an inspired space from which to live and work. I am very grateful, and I can’t wait to report all the magic I can manifest for my clients as a result of deploying the power of publicity to their buzz building benefit.
July 4, 2008
PR in Action
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Susan Schreter’s column in today’s Seattle PI is a must-read for those engaged with PR firms who are wondering how patient they really need to be to earn the big placements. Lorne Richmond, president of Richmond Public Relations, offers some good tips to help business owners decide if it is time to cut their ties with their PR firms of record. Whether you operate as your own publicist, following the DIY publicity tips such as those provided in this blog, or you engage a firm to tell your stories, Richmond’s tips are right on the money. Read on at this link.
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