Story in Bellevue Reporter Compels Me to Bark about the New Wash Spot for Dogs

So often, I write about how you can pitch your story to the local media and earn the ink to grow your business. Today, I am writing to share how something I read in the Bellevue Reporter compelled me to act, buy, and support a new local business in town. There is a new dog wash in town, located conveniently at Marymoor Park in Redmond. This park offers a popular off-leash dog park for canine companions of every variety. Just like a car wash, you guide your pet into the Wash Spot stalls, pay conveniently by credit card, and then bring on the bubbles and the blow dry — all for just $8.75 for the express wash.

After playing in the water and rolling in the mud, my golden retriever Shadow was a perfect candidate for this experience. I put on the apron provided, rolled up my sleeves, and washed my dog. Everyone left happy and clean. I’ve read that more people in Seattle own pets than have kids. If that is the case, business at the Wash Spot should soon be booming with your local support. If you live in the Seattle/Bellevue area, make plans now to romp around with your dog at Marymoor Park soon. Splash in plenty of mud puddles. And don’t leave without first washing your dog.  And, if you have a local business story that your community would find of interest, why not make today the day to make your pitch?  If you want to connect with the Bellevue Reporter, Craig Groshart is the editor, and his email address is craig.groshart@reporternewspapers.com.

Want Even More Ease When Promoting Your Business Events? Check Out This Tool!

Every day, there is something new to learn about making it easier than ever to earn free publicity, and I can hardly contain my enthusiasm as I share this latest tip to support your intention to earn more local publicity success with greater ease.

A special thank you to Marcia Brixey, the founder of Money Wise Women Forums, for alerting me to a fabulous tool that makes alerting the media to your business events easy, time efficient, and affordable. Check out this link for www.fullcalendar.com. This site makes it easier than ever to alert the media about your upcoming events if you live and work in the areas of the USA that are currently being addressed by this service.

I took this tool out for a test drive last week to promote my May 16 Publici-Tea™ Half-Day Workshop, and within days, dozens “Google Alerts” were arriving in my inbox to let me know that the message was finding its way to the online and print media. If you haven’t set up “Google Alerts” to let you know when your name or event is earning media attention, it is easy and free to do. Just visit “Google” and set up your account. This is an easy and free way to track how often your name, company name, or products earn attention in cyberspace and beyond.

The cost to alert the media about your event is $19.95, and I think it is well worth it. Take www.fullcalendar.com out for a test drive to promote your next event and see how much more local publicity success you can enjoy with greater ease at a price that makes good business sense.

And, if you have been waiting to register for the May 16 Publici-Tea™ to take place at The Village Bellevue, just two spots are left. Claim yours today by registering now. Treat yourself to the gift of time to immerse yourself in the how-to details associated with local publicity, and you’ll be one step closer to earning the recognition that could possibly catapult your company, cause, or product to the next level of fabulous.

Tales from the Media Trenches - and a Provocative Question to Ponder

My clients have great stories to tell, and the local media here in the Puget Sound region have been receptive to telling them. But over the last several weeks, I’ve heard some feedback that gives me pause. Two reporters told me that they thought my story pitches were very interesting, but they wouldn’t be able to write about them because my clients were prior featured in other local media. They wanted to write about businesses who have not had such exposure.

Now, on the one hand, you could say that the publicist is doing her job. On the other hand, what does a publicist do when a client is over exposed in the local market?

Publicity Hound Joan Stewart has posed a very provocative question to ponder. She asked via her Squidoo lens this question. If you had to devote time and money to either online publicity or offline publicity exclusively, which would you choose? And why? Visit this site to read the commentary and weigh in with your own perspective.

These are changing times in the media, and that means finding new ways to share your message so the right people will listen.

Media Savvy Column Continues to Pack a Punch for Spreading the DIY Publicity News

If you live in the Puget Sound region, you’ve likely seen the newly redesigned Puget Sound Business Journal. It’s an extreme makeover completed with the readers in mind, and I think it looks fabulous.

I am honored that my “Media Savvy” column continues to earn a place in the “Growing Your Business” section within this prestigious business journal. Just yesterday, a neighbor told me that she looks for my column every month and shares it with her network of self employed lawyers. Another colleague got in touch to let me know that the latest column about how to write a bio that actually helps attract new clients came at just the perfect time. This kind of warm feedback keeps me motivated to create even better columns for the months ahead.

If you need help writing a better bio, you can read my latest column on this very topic in the April 25 edition of the paper. If you are not a subscriber and don’t want to wait 30 days when the column becomes available online to non-subscribers, send me an email and I’ll send the column your way by email.

And, if getting your bio in shape to attract clients is a high priority, sign up now for the press kit writing workshop taking place Friday, May 30. Here is the link to tell you more about it, make it easy for you to read the testimonials from satisfied prior event guests, and sign up today. Why struggle a minute longer trying to tell your story when help from yours truly is so easily within reach? I can’t wait to be of service to the five lucky business owners to benefit from this super customized day of press kit insights and bio writing magic.  It’s a power-packed, results-oriented day that eases your bio writing pain so you can get on with your business and your life.    Enough said.  See you there!

Check Out These Publici-Tea™ Testimonials from April 18 and How The Guests Came to the Table

These Publici-Tea™ events keep getting better and better. Last Friday’s event was a sell out, and the event attracted an amazing contingent of inspired, generous business owners eager to support each other’s success through the power of publicity. Here is what my guests had to say:

“Quick start your publicity with this program that Publici-Tea™ offers. Whether you are a solo business or a marketing guru…the system and resources will help get you going and save you money.”

Rachael Costner,Women’s Resource Directory,Tacoma,www.sandscostner.com

“I loved the intimacy of this event. Each guest could have his/her issues addressed. I learned three things that I can immediately implement to become a known expert in purposeful profitability.”

Audrey Godwin, CPA,, The Godwin Group, PLLC,www.thegodwingroup.net

“As a new business owner, Nancy Juetten has given me the inspiration and confidence I need to launch my business with a ‘walk then run’ approach…I’ll be skipping the ‘crawl first’ phase.’”

Cheryl Michaels, The Color Coach,www.thecolorcoach.com

“We knew tea was good for our health. Now those lucky enough to spend time with Nancy know Publici-Tea™ is good for our business.”

Regina Glenn,Pacific Communication Consultants Inc.,www.pccus.com

“It’s about time someone realized that small businesses need exposure, but can’t afford it through traditional means. You have armed us with some nuts and bolts to make a difference in our businesses. This is very useful to all business owners. Many are in their first years, when marketing is vital, but money is tight.”

Lisa Pike,ScribeRight Transcription Agency,www.ScribeRight.com

“Nancy gave me the opportunity to get my arms around my media and public relations strategy going forward.”

Debbie Whitlock,Sound Financial Partners,www.soundfinancialpartners.com

“The information presented introduced new ideas and reignited many dusty recommendations from past forays into the publicity arena. You managed to corral some wonderful simple and common sense approaches to getting results. Your presentation helped clarify, inspire and gave us the tools to create our individual plan for the results we desire.”

Craig Weindling,Smiley Dog,www.smileydog.com

This time, I asked all of my guests how they learned about this event, and I learned some valuable information.

- One of my guests saw publicity tips I posted to www.biznik.com and was curious enough to register.

- Another saw an article written about me in the Bellevue Reporter last July and decided now was the time to register.

- One person heard me speak about the power of publicity at a presentation I made last summer for the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce.

- One person attended at the recommendation of one of my most powerful advocates.

- One person attended as my special invited guest because having a talented freelance writer in the room is a fabulous value to offer to guests and a great way to serve a writer seeking quality assignments.

-Seven guests are people I have met at local business networking events.

This is proof positive that the actions we all take to build the buzz about our expertise DO make a difference over time. Everyone differs in their readiness to get into action, but people do most definitely take notice of information that offers the potential to help their businesses grow.

Speaking of which, the next Publici-Tea™ is set for Friday, May 16 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at my lovely Bellevue home. Zita Gustin, social networking expert, will be my special guest with insights to share to empower buzz building via social networking. And, Betsy Talbot’s “Blogging from Start to Finish” special report will be included among the day’s powerful materials to lend even more fuel to your buzz and publicity building efforts. Register at this link to secure your place. Why not attend with your mastermind partner, best colleague, business coach or CPA? Then, you can serve as accountability partners, long after the Publici-Tea™ concludes. Only seven spots remain before this event sells out, so act today.

Loving the “Big Ink” for Seattle Chocolate Company

‘Tis the season for love … and chocolate, which explains why Seattle Chocolate Company is enjoying a flurry of winning headlines lately. Check out the company’s newly launched press room that showcases a sampling of headlines captured within the last couple of weeks. In particular, this cover story from the Seattle Times really shines:

Sweeter Sales - girl power turns business around.

The plan now is to bring these winning stories to the attention of decision makers at some of our nation’s leading women’s magazines, including Good Housekeeping, Ladies Home Journal, Woman’s Day, and — of course — O. I’ll keep you posted on the success we earn as share “What Happiness Tastes Like™” with chocolate lovers everywhere. What fun!

Sweet Publicity Placement for Seattle Chocolate Company CEO Just in Time for Valentine’s Day

Oh how sweet it is. When you are the CEO and owner of Seattle Chocolate Company, getting seen, heard, and celebrated in your hometown newspaper — The Seattle Times — for your winning ways in anticipation of Valentine’s Day is a pretty sweet deal.

Check out this story that ran in the Seattle Times blog on January 28 and will also appear in this Sunday’s paper.

A few weeks ago, I called Michelle Goodman, who writes the “how did I get that cool job” feature.  I said something like this:

Wouldn’t it be delightful to highlight a local CEO who owns one of Seattle’s finest chocolate companies to learn the road she traveled to earn the top spot at the company, just in time for Valentine’s Day?

In one quick sentence, I covered the ‘timely, newsworthy, relevant’ recipe to invite her interest.  Michelle was thrilled to have the opportunity to tell this story, and I suspect the readers will be captivated to read it.

I invite you to read the story and let me know what YOU think about it.  And, as you make plans to celebrate everyone you love this Valentine’s Day, consider putting Seattle Chocolates at the top of your gift list!

Do You Have a Cool Job? Here’s a PR Avenue That Could Deliver Big Ink

The start of the new year is when the job market sections of newspapers get more readership than ever. Folks who have resolved to find a better place to land are engaged in the search. That can be good news for do-it-yourself publicists who want to tell their stories, if they know who to call.

For example, the Seattle Times has a feature within the job market section that highlights someone with a really cool job. Sunday’s feature profiled a certified financial planner™ professional who shared what he loves about his work, what a typical day is, and the value of CFP training and certification. This article was well timed, especially for those starting the new year with plans to get their financial houses in order.

If you have a cool job in Seattle and want to share it, first “Google” freelance writer Michelle Goodman to read some of the prior stories she has written along these lines. Then, you can send an email pitch to suggest why YOUR cool job is a perfect fit for this feature.

Michelle divides her stories somewhat equally between employees and business owners. If your job really is cool, why not make a pitch and see what happens? Your story could be profiled on a Sunday morning for readers all across the Puget Sound region as they enjoy their morning coffee. If you live in other parts of the country, check out the avenues that exist within your hometown newspaper to tell stories along similar lines.

And, if you are one of those readers eager to start the new year by getting your financial house in order, register for the Retirement Readiness Seminar taking place January 12 at the Avikai Spa in Issaquah. Steve Juetten, CFP™ (yes, he is my husband) is leading a workshop that does exactly that. Read the rest…

Turning Point for Local Organizer and Potential Media Placement for YOU!

It’s a brand new year and the perfect time to get organized. That’s why my hat is off to Meagan Farrell, owner of Clear the Clutter, a professional organizing services company operating in Snohomish County. She submitted her 150-word story about the circumstances in her life that led to the creation of her company to the Snohomish County Business Journal. Her story ran in the January edition of the paper to ride on the organization excitement associated with turning the page on a new year.

This brief feature invites readers to share turning points in their business lives or careers. If you work or operate a business in Snohomish County, you can submit your story for editorial consideration, too. Just prepare 150 words that capture your story in an engaging way and submit them — with your digital headshot — to hilden@heraldnet.com. You just might find your story within the pages of this local business journal in perfect timing to fuel new inquiries to engage your products or services.

The deadline for the February issue is January 15. If anyone out there has a Valentine’s Day-related story to tell that would be of interest to business readers in Snohomish County, now would be the perfect time to tell it.

Speaking of organization, I’ll share do-it-yourself publicity tips with the members and guests of the Seattle National Association of Professional Organizers on January 8, 2008. The event takes place at the Bellevue California Closet Company from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. You can read all about it and register online by visiting this link. The event is free to NAPO members and just $25 for non-members. And, everyone who attends will receive their very own copies of the Media-Savvy-to-Go Publicity Tips Booklets as a gift from NAPO Seattle. How timely is that for turning the page on business visibility for the new year? I hope you can attend and acquire timely and valuable organization and publicity tips to enhance your success in 2008.

Aunt’s Undies Make Brief Work of Blaze - a Gripping Headline to Say the Least

Reading yesterday’s Seattle Times, I smiled as I read the headline for a page two story from the Associated Press. Aunt’s undies make brief work of blaze. In London, a British woman’s underwear saved the day, doubling as an emergency fire blanket when her kitchen caught fire. When the fire broke out, one of the cooks grabbed the nearest thing from a pile of laundry to put out the fire — his aunt’s billowing, powder-blue, size XL underwear.

Thank goodness it wasn’t a thong, or else perhaps the story would have had a much different ending.

This brings to mind the value of a fun headline to grab attention. Word play can be a fun and engaging way to tell a story. Tying together the ideas of “undies” and “brief” work is a kick in the pants from my perspective. It certainly compelled me to read to learn more.

The lesson here is to have some fun when writing subject lines for your emails and headlines for your press releases. Steer clear of “blah, blah, blah” and boring headlines that put readers to sleep before they can get to the good stuff. Start with the good stuff, and find a way to make it sing, sting, or set your own story ablaze. Your story might end up on page two of the main news section of your local newspaper, just like this one did.