June 10, 2010
Bye-Bye Boring Bio Success Story, Good News
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Congratulations to the five lucky winners of the Extreme Bio Makeover as a result of the Done for You Giveaway Sweepstakes of the Century:
- Charlotte Marshall, Aim Higher Coaching
- Victoria Cook, The Guilt Free Coach
- Sharon Day, Miabella Design Group
- Erika Kalmar, Career Wellness Coach
- Dawn Martinello, Monday Morning VA
I am looking forward to working with all the winners.
Since the contest launched May 17, 2010, 798 people entered to win the Extreme Bio Makeovers. That tells me that there are a lot of people who are fed up with their boring bios, fired up and ready to do something about them.
If the timing is right to get into action now, you know it. If the Done for You approach resonates for you, get in touch to schedule YOUR Extreme Bio Makeover today. If you love to do things yourself, treat yourself to the Bye-Bye Boring Bio Action Guide. Either way, you get what you need, and you’ll be beaming with pride as you invite more clients, more media attention, or both to your business.
Speaking of which, I received this wonderful email today from a Bye-Bye Boring Action Guide customer that makes me beam with pride.
Hi Nancy,
… One thing I’d like to say is that your book is helping me to not only change the way I think about presenting myself in my bio but also in all of our marketing and PR materials. My husband and I own Red Paper Clip , and we find that it’s easy to write about other people’s businesses with fun, funky copy that takes them from being just another price point to consider to being a business that people are STOKED to work with. However, it’s much more difficult to do that for yourself…
Your book was recommended to us by Tad Hargrave, who Red Paper Clip hired for a one-on-one marketing session over the weekend. Tad is absolutely awesome, and when he recommends something, we trust him. However, when I visited your website, I checked out some of the other people who had given you testimonials, just to see what their bios look like and how the book has worked for them. One stood out in particular, and that was Kelly Watson of One Woman Marketing. I clicked on the link to her website, and was really impressed by what I saw. So, Tad gave us the referral to you, and Kelly helped seal the deal. I bought the book immediately.
I’m already on a roll with my bio, and once I’m finished, I would be happy to send it to you along with a testimonial for you to share on your website. And, if (or, as is more likely the case, when) we ever need a one-on-one PR session, I’ll know who to call.
Thanks a bunch!
Geneve Champoux, Partner
Red Paper Clip
Thank you Geneve! And thank you to the Done for You Giveaway Sweepstakes organizers for creating an engaging event that delivered so much value for all.
Authentic Visibility Tip of the Day:
Whether you like to do things yourself or have them done for you, just DO something to get what you need. Nothing happens without action.
May 10, 2010
Good News
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Over 5,000 women and a few good men traveled from around the nation, around the world, and across town to join in the 10-year anniversary celebration for O The Oprah Magazine in New York City last weekend.
Best friends, mothers and daughters, stay-at-home moms, business owners, working women, and everyone in between happily met and become friends for the weekend. Some were celebrating 50th birthdays. Others were treating themselves to that “bucket list” experience they had been dreaming of for years. Others were taking in that too long delayed gal-pal weekend, or perhaps celebrating their first Mother’s Day away from their children in a most magnificent, one-of-a-kind way.
Each with reasons all her own, we all came to celebrate, laugh, cry, and express gratitude to Oprah for the role she has played as we’ve journeyed forward to do the best we can with our lives and careers.
The Live Your Best Life mission set at the launch of O The Oprah Magazine has stayed true all along. Millions of lives have been touched, shaped, and made better with every advice column, every book club recommendation, and every coveted treasure fortunate to earn a place on that influential and oh-so-revered O List.
What Oprah has built over the last 10 years is a tribe to which millions belong and from which we all find pearls of inspiration to journey toward the purposeful, meaningful lives we desire, deserve and design. I know that I am not alone in declaring that we are all returning home very glad to have made the journey and much enriched by the experience.
Oprah’s influence has been deeply felt in my life and work. I, like so many others, am proud to have overcome personal and professional odds to create a life and a business filled with purpose, passion, and possibility.
Those of us who wanted to say “thank you” to Oprah for the impact she has contributed to their lives had that opportunity this weekend. Those who wanted to take stock over their own progress in living their own best lives over the last decade took the opportunity to do so, each in her own way.
As I waited in line to take my seat at the workshops, participate in the Sunday 5K walk to benefit a host of 
worthy charities, and take in the other displays and exhibits, it was inspiring to meet people and to see, hear, and celebrate with them as they shared their accomplishments, forgave their failures, and gave themselves permission to anticipate their future opportunities. It was very special to share the experience with Lori Richardson and Kammie Lisenby, who are featured in these photos taken at the opening ceremony on Saturday morning and the 5K walk on Sunday.
Now, the question for each and every one of us is what is next?
Oprah would likely say that it is time to dream a bigger dream, listen to the whispers, and step more boldly toward what is truly possible.
What I know for sure is that my passion to serve others is fierce. To play a role in guiding others to learn how to tell their own stories so they can walk taller, proceed more boldly in the pursuit of their purpose, and accomplish more of what they want in their lives and businesses is the most satisfying, rewarding work that I do. And, the stories I help others tell will continue to make an impact as I gain the courage to tell stories in an authentic voice that speaks my own truth.
While I don’t know for sure the exact shape things will take in my own life and work, I can tell you that over the last ten years, Oprah has taught me a lot about how to ask the right questions. Like millions of others on the journey to create my own best life, my story is still unfolding. I look to the future with high hopes, high expectations, and the belief that great things are possible for those who believe in unlimited possibilities and are willing to do the work to bring them to life.
I’ll close this post with a quote Oprah shared during her magnificent one-woman-show at Radio City Music Hall and on page 256 of her ten-year anniversary magazine.
“I don’t know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future.”
– Oprah Winfrey
March 28, 2010
Good News
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March brought a bit of personal drama my way. After an abnormal mammogram, followed by another more detailed test, I had a biopsy to remove suspicious cells that the doctor feared could be breast cancer. Since this was my second experience with this kind of news over a series of years, I spent the better part of March wondering and worrying about what might become of the rest of my life. As a wife to my devoted husband of 23 years Steve, an almost 13-year-old son Kyle, and a 7-year-old Golden Retriever named Shadow, I lost a fair amount of sleep about this turn of events. And, that biopsy wasn’t fun at all.
The good news is that I am cancer free, and I couldn’t be more relieved. For those of you who lent personal support during this challenging time, I thank you.
This was just the wake-up call I needed about a lot of things in my life and business. I realize that I’ve been planning my life around my business instead of the other way around. That is going to stop right now. Enough already about putting my life and personal plans on hold until such time that the business is doing this or that. “Someday” isn’t on the calendar, and this isn’t a dress rehearsal.
How are things different already?
1) I’ve declared Friday nights and all day Saturdays as “technology free” days. The focus is on family and personal time with my husband and son.
2) Shadow and I are taking more walks.
3) I am tending to my garden and loving it.
4) I started taking Yoga today, and I am going to stick with it and make regular appointments.
5) I am going to see Oprah in person at the Live Your Best Life 10 Year Anniversary Celebration for O Magazine this May 7 – 9. I’ve been a fan for a decade. It’s time to be in the same room with her. And maybe I’ll get lucky enough to share that cup of tea with her that I’ve been dreaming of for so long to thank her for the impact she has had on my life.
6) And, on the business front, I am make Extreme Bio Makeovers a priority service in my business. I love providing this service. I love connecting with clients in this very personal way. And I know I can help people walk taller and act more boldly in telling their stories to invite the right opportunities, especially for those who find talking about themselves difficult or who just can’t find the right words.
For reasons stemming from my own life experience, I really understand how important it is to be seen, heard, and celebrated. It’s my gift to pay close attention and ask the right questions to uncover what makes you special and different. I love listening to your stories and turning them into media opportunities and other avenues to share your magic with the marketplace.
And, when you love doing something as much as I love doing this and clients get so much value out of it, why wait a moment longer before making it a priority?
For starters, I’d love Thursdays to be Extreme Bio Makeover Days in my practice. When that day books up consistently, I’ll add a second day to provide that service. And then we’ll see what happens after that.
If Anastasia Soare of Anastasia Beverly Hills can be known as the eyebrow guru (she’s also Oprah’s very own favorite) who travels the world arching women’s brows to frame their faces in the best possible way, I can start blazing my trail as “The Bio Whisperer” who coaxes your best story out of you so you can do more of what you love, while making you sound like the rock star you are as you are doing it. If not now, then when? At least I a boldly declaring what I want to happen next. That feels really good. And I can’t wait to get started.
And, if you are overdue for your mammogram, make your appointment today so you can hopefully have the peace of mind and gratitude that come with a “cancer free” diagnosis.
March 15, 2010
Good News
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I got my ticket to the Oprah Live Your Best Life anniversary celebration just moments ago. When the transaction completed, I had tears. This is a big deal for me. I can’t wait to meet up with all the great people who are going to be there and be as up close and personal to Oprah as I’ve ever been. Hurray!
October 27, 2009
Blogging Basics, Good News
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Did you know that the Urban Dictionary actually includes a definition for a new affliction of the digital age? It’s called “Blogger Butt.” The definition is – Weight gain in the gluteal region which is directly related to spending large amounts of time blogging. I found out about this by reading Publicity Hound Joan Stewart‘s Ezine today, and it made me laugh.
Check out the treadmill desk Shannon Nicholson created for Michelle Tennant Nicholson at this link to help her get fit while blogging. This just goes to show that there are extraordinary solutions waiting to address common problems — if you just have enough ingenuity to figure them out. Best of all, there are media opportunities waiting for those who take advantage of them. Michelle landed an interview with FOX News later today on the topic of how women can stay healthy while in front of their computers 14 hours a day. Now that the weather has turned cooler in so many regions of our nation and Halloween and holiday treats stand ready to tempt us all, the timing is certainly right to find suitable antidotes to blogger butt.
Authentic Visibility Question of the Day? What solutions have you found to counter blogger butt? My favorite solution is working out regularly with a heart rate monitor, eating mindfully, and drinking lots of water. It’s not a particularly newsworthy answer, but it works for me — and the skinny jeans fit. How about you? Inquiring minds want to know!
July 12, 2009
Blogging Basics, Good News
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July 12, 2006 was a big day. I took delivery of my first shipment of Authentic Visibility Publicity Tips Booklets with high hopes that small business owners everywhere would buy them and that big businesses in service to small business owners would buy they by the boatload.
The first part of that dream has come true. The second part is still a work in progress, yet my hopes and expectations are still very high. Why? Because the economy has proven more demanding than most of us would have thought possible, and the need to share the useful information within the tips booklets to empower others’ success has never been more timely. For the $10 investment, the 147 powerful ways to build business and profit from free publicity continue to be an extraordinary value. People who apply the tips are having fabulous success.
Here is a link to preview example tips.
Here is a link to read the real life testimonials from happy customers in my own backyard … and beyond.
And, with high hopes, here is a link to learn about quantity purchases and booklet customization requests.
Why not share Authentic Visibility Publicity Tips Booklets with your small business customers as a way to support their success and invite their gratitude to you for unlocking a powerful way to build business and profit from free publicity. It’s a client appreciate gift that will return abundant value to all.
Finally, if you didn’t read Darren Rowse’s blog post today about how to build credibility, this one is a must read. Rowse is the powerful blogger behind ProBlogger, and his wisdom is priceless beyond measure.
Happy 3rd Birthday, Authentic Visibility Publicity Tips Booklets! May you have many, many more and may everyone who applies the tips to their buzz building advantage have all their dreams come true.
June 24, 2009
Event Promotion, Good News
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Today was a great day of connection, conversation, and sharing about DIY publicity and social media marketing at the very first Publici-Tea™ Express DIY publicity event and Q&A session at the award-winning Metropolitan Apartments in Tacoma. Practical Social Media Founder Steve MacDonald contributed useful tips and suggestions to empower 40 event guests to deploy social media for purpose and profit. Growth Strategist Tammy Redmon of Redmon and Associates kicked off the session with inspiring words to invite action. Puget Sound Business Journal Circulation Director Mark Rollo connected with guests about the value of reading the paper as a pre-curser to getting seen and heard within it. And, I delivered useful tips and resources to empower everyone in the room to get into DIY publicity action today, along with plenty of publicity success stories to demonstrate the value and impact of getting into the media relations game.
Based on the warm feedback we received from event guests, chances are good that another Publici-Tea™ Express event will be added to the planning calendar soon.
Special thanks to Joel Semanko and John Gibson for inviting us to their Grand Residence at the Metropolitan Apartments for an empowering day of buzz building education. Sweet thanks to Seattle Chocolate Company for providing exquisite and beautifully packaged truffle bars to delight every guest. And, finally, special thanks to Cool Cycles Ice Cream Company for offering premium ice cream to offer the perfect ending to a great event.
About 1/3 of the guests who attended today’s event found out about it via BizNik, and the other fabulous guests came from a variety of sources, including my Authentic Visibility ezine, blog mentions, prior speaking gigs at the Seattle Graphic Artists Guide and Seattle Design Center, plus powerful recommendations delivered by Tammy Redmon to her South Sound network. I mention this because so often people ask if participating in social networking contributes to dollars coming in the door. The answer in this particular case is YES.
Oh, by the way, I was thrilled that so many event guests decided to purchase the Bye-Bye Boring Bio Action eGuide review copies today. I think this new product is really striking a nerve among business owners and meeting a really important need. Check it out at this link and make your $29 review copy purchase today. This offer expires on July 31, so don’t miss out!
Signing off for a few days. Enjoy the weekend ahead. Thanks for reading and being part of my community.
May 22, 2009
Good News, La Panzanella
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If you have the courage to ask for what you want, you just might get what you ask for — or something much better. Here is a case in point.
If you’ve been following my work for any length of time, you know that I started my business with a desire so very simple — to earn enough money to buy better groceries. Having grown tired of generic brand wheat crackers that I purchased on a tight budget, what I really wanted was to earn enough money to buy Nabisco brand wheat thins.
Just yesterday, I was engaged by La Panzanella — an award-winning specialty retailer famous for herb-inflused, rustic Italian crackers called Croccantini and Croccantini Bites — to create a publicity plan to announce their new line of gourmet, artisan snack crackers called Fieri. These are three uniquely-seasoned snack crackers in Serrano Lime, Red Chili Basil, and Chipotle. These flavorful, delicious crackers are delights you will be proud to serve guests, pair with your favorite artisan cheeses, and enjoy with your favorite wine — especially on holiday weekends like the one upon us. These crackers offer great taste, crunch, and remarkable flavor that go well beyond what any wheat cracker delivers. If ever there was a perfect engagement for this publicist, this is it!
I’ll be telling you more about the publicity success stories we cook up in the weeks and months to follow. In the meantime, if you need to shop for holiday gatherings of good friends, visit better grocery stores and specialty retailers across the nation to find La Panzanella Croccantini wherever better crackers and the things that go with them are sold. Fieri won’t be far behind.
I share this story to demonstrate that if you ask for what you want, you often get what you ask for — or something better. And it’s a beautiful, delicious thing.
DIY Publicity Challenge: What do you want, and how specifically can you describe it? Whether you want a “Growing Your Business” profile within the Puget Sound Business Journal or an interview with Matt Lauer of The Today Show, the more specifically you can describe what you want, the more deliberately you can get into action to bring your wish to reality. When you get into action, you just might find you get what you want — or something better.
May 20, 2009
Awards PR, Good News
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For all the reality TV show fans here and beyond, the big wins this week have been something to see. First, Shawn Johnson wins “Dancing with the Stars.” Then, Kris Allen wins “American Idol” in what will no doubt be considered an amazing underdog victory over Rocker Adam Lambert. Oprah crowned the most talented kids in the world, many of whom delighted and amazed viewers with their remarkable singing, dancing, and musical prowess.
And here in the DIY publicity trenches, I’ve been blessed with some wonderful customer reviews. I received a hand written ‘thank you’ note that brought happy tears to my eyes:
Dear Nancy,
Thank you for an amazing training on Friday!!! It was beyond my expectations, and I look forward to implementing what I’ve learned! The testimonial for your website is coming, too!! More thant that, I want to thank you for your generous heart, your humility, your integrity, and the impact you bring. You are a rare gem and I am so grateful to have you on my team! May you be blessed richly!
Shannon Bruce, CPCC, Inner Wisdom Coaching Services
And, a new blog post by Seattle PI Reader Blogger Trisha Nerney makes me beam with pride.
To make a good week even better, I got word earlier in the week that a proposal I submitted earned a new, perfect client to add to my full service public relations practice. And, this engagement could not be better suited to my skills and passions.
I had a boss once (thank you Mike Sick, wherever you are) who said to celebrate the good days when they happen. Today has been a very good day for lots of reasons. I am grateful.
Enough reality TV for me. I’ve got plenty of great work to do, and I can’t wait!
March 5, 2009
Be Heard, Good News
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If you are hungry to watch, listen to, or read good news, put on your do-it-yourself publicity hat and get into the game. Last night, while watching Brian Williams sign off the NBC Nightly News, he asked the viewers to share their good news at his blog. I jumped into action to share a good story about a remarkable woman from Grand Junction, Colorado. You can read more about Bette James Laughrun at this blog post. If you have good news to share, why not share your story idea for consideration for the NBC Nightly News. Here is the convenient link to make it easy to share your story. While you are at the site, read all the good news viewers have shared so far. It just might lift your mood and remind you that good things are happening all over the nation, even during these challenging times. Bette says, “I read somewhere that you can change your life when you change your mind. I know that from my personal experience, it is really true.” Treat yourself to her story by reading the link above. You’ll be glad that you did.
DIY Publicity Tip: More major television news outlets are inviting viewers to share their perspectives on Twitter, Facebook, and other social media. Many are sharing the verbatim answers directly from their computer screens with the viewers. If you have value to add to stories as they unfold, chime in, offer your perspective, and be heard.
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