At 23 years of age, Professional Organizer and Founder of Simply Efficient Kammie Lisenby has more poise than people twice her age. And she has big intentions. She attended the Oprah Winfrey Live Your Best Life Weekend Celebration in NYC and took advantage of a “live” opportunity to share her dreams with the producers of the new Oprah Winfrey Network. Guess what? A portion of her audition was featured in a promotional trailer sent to the entire Oprah mailing list yesterday, bringing her infectious energy and message to a very wide audience. Here is a link to the video so you can check it out.
And, she is making some magic happen in her business, too. I just received this email from Kammie yesterday:
Hi Nancy!
I had to share my exciting news with you. Since spending our time together at the Build YOUR Buzz All Day Publici-Tea™ Retreat, I’ve been busy implementing your advice about getting clear and consise about my message and my offerings. Just this last week, I welcomed seven new leads, one clean sweep and four repeat clients!
Big virtual hug to you.
Kammie
Something about Kammie that you may not know is this. Kammie once was a Sea Gal cheerleader who danced in inspired synchronicity to bring football fans to their feet. Today, she guides desperate and disorganized housewives to turn chaos into divine order, while giving their families reason to stand up and cheer. It is a beautiful thing.
Congratulations to you, Kammie, for acting on your plans so you can get seen, heard, celebrated and COMPEN$ATED in powerful, welcome ways. That offers a Simply Efficient cause for celebration!
If you haven’t yet signed up for Blogger Link Up, I hope this blog post compels you into action. It’s a free service, and you can click on the link to read more about it.
A couple of weeks ago, I saw a post on Blogger Link Up from Janet Vasil of Your Media Moment and Beyond. She was seeking business owners to interview about how publicity was playing a part in their success. I responded and recommended she speak to three people I know who are having a fair amount of success.
The end result was that she interviewed all three of them. Visit this link to listen to interviews with Publici-Tea™ Graduates Debbie Rosemont and Betsy Talbot and my good friend and co-collaborator Amber Singleton Riviere who is host of the Rock Your Genius radio show, among other things.
And, here is another great outcome from that connection. As I was checking out Janet’s website before I made my pitch to her media query, I couldn’t help but marvel at her broadcast expertise. I sent her an email and invited a conversation for relationship. We hit it off right away.
Very shortly, Janet will be guest blogging at Authentic Visibility to elaborate about the best ways to use broadcast media to tell your story. She’s got the track record and the insights to share, and I know it’s going to be great.
One good thing often leads to another. In this case, a simple query on Blogger Link Up helped three great gals earn their media moment, and it also helped me connect with a quality resource to serve your broadcast media training needs in a deeper way.
Everyone is a winner, and that is the point. Love that.
I love it when Publici-Tea™ graduates get into action to tell their stories and earn a much wider audience for their message. A few weeks ago, I saw a query that was right on target for Betsy Talbot, so I sent it her way for reply. She got into action, applied the lessons she learned about responding in a winning way to a media query, and got her sound bites in order via this radio interview with Janet Vasil of Your Media Moment and Beyond. Listen in to learn how Betsy designed her life to allow for a year-round trip with her husband Warren around the world.
By the way, if you want to be a Publici-Tea™ graduate, let me make it easy for you. Starting March 1, when you purchase the Bye-Bye Boring Bio Action Guide, you get the Publici-Tea™ Express Digital Workshop as a BONUS GIFT. You can learn all the lessons Betsy has learned so well. And, if you want to go deeper in your learning, you can then rent my PR brain by the hour at Publici-Tea™ graduate rates. Such a deal!
This is all part of my nine-year business anniversary sale, which starts on Monday.
People continue to RAVE about the Bye-Bye Boring Bio Action Guide, and here is a testimonial I received just today from Kelly Wise of One Woman Marketing:
“As a professional copywriter, I thought I knew everything when it came to writing bios. But Nancy’s ‘Bye-Bye Boring Bio Action Guide‘ gave me tons of new insight. Her worksheets helped me add humor and credibility to my existing bio, and inspired several unique talking points for speeches and networking events. Now, I recommend the Action Guide to almost everyone I know.”
So, if you want what Betsy Talbot is having, treat yourself to the anniversary sale and get into action on the abundant audio and written materials that are part of the bundle. You’ll be so glad you did.
It’s always a treat to share some of the successes Publici-Tea™ graduates are enjoying as a results of the lessons they learn via this workshop. Here is the latest from Debbie Rosemont, founder of It’s Simply Placed.
“I’ve earned some favorable publicity lately that I know you’ll appreciate. In August I was quoted in a Seattle Metropolitan Magazine article. In September I was invited to do a Biznik group “Personal Bloom” interview. In October, I received an invitation to be the speaker at eWomen in Bellevue. I also parlayed a series of articles I wrote for the Issaquah/Sammamish Reporter in 2008 into an eBook and eWorkbook and publicized that. Zita Gustin, the executive managing director of eWomenNetwork, got wind of it and asked me to speak on the topic. In November I was quoted in a RachelRay.com article as a result of responding to a HARO query. And in December I was a guest on a KKNW radio show and was featured in a Seattle Times article.
That featured stemmed from news spreading about a speaking engagement I did called Organize Your Career Search for Lesa Keller’s Job Seekers Network. Lesa had heard of me from some mutual networking contacts (oh, the value of networking!) and from prior speaking engagements. She invited me to speak to her group, which I did on December 7th. Randy Woods, the Times writer, got wind of that and heard good things, and called me to interview me for his blog, Hire Ground (posted on 12/12), and the Times piece (which ran on 12/20). Wuhoo!
While there are tactics you teach in the Publici-Tea™ workshop that I used regularly before taking the class (public speaking, writing — I submit articles regularly and even achieved a goal this past year of writing a book!), social media activity, building a strong network, etc.), your workshop validated that my efforts were intentional, purposeful and would lead to great things. I’m hoping this trend continues. I know I’ll be doing the work it takes to make it happen. For me, the goal of the publicity is to educate people about the work we do, earn recognition as an expert and authority in my field, and open doors of opportunity so that I can help more people get the results they want by increasing their organization and productivity. Thanks for your interest in the story Nancy, for your support and encouragement.”
Thanks Debbie for sharing your story and your results.
It is examples like Debbie’s that validate that this journey I am on to empower others to earn their own publicity is worthwhile. And this work is so timely and relevant. In these daunting times, we are all living in what Best-Selling Author Dan Pink describes at “Free Agent Nation.” BusinessWeek recently reported about the permanent temporary workforce and declares that no segment of the workforce has escaped the temp revolution that is likely to last for years. Randy Woods, blogger for Hire Ground, says that the age of “the portfolio career” is here to stay for quite some time.
Here is what I know is true. Those who take responsibility for their own storytelling and message sharing to the right audiences often accomplish remarkable things in the best and the worst of times, just as Debbie has. These also are the people who will survive and thrive in Free Agent Nation.
If you want some of what Debbie Rosemont is having and need some guidance to show you the way, the Pubilci-Tea™ Workshop is NOW a digital experience you can access from anywhere in the world. You can read more about it here. Please do. And, when your successes start to roll in, tell me all about them. I’ll be proud to post them to the blog to lend even more inspiration to those who haven’t yet gotten on the bandwagon. When the timing is right, you’ll know it, and I’ll be ready to help.
He wrote his own press release. Then, he uploaded his effort into www.pressreleasegrader.com to learn how well his effort scored on a scale of 1-100 with 100 being best. He upgraded the content of his release and paid attention to keywords and links to bring his score to 90. Then, he asked me to review it one last time to make additional refinements.
The press release was issued over PR WEB on 12-29, and Steve’s hopes are high that consumers who earn $100,000 or more all across America will be compelled to visit his site to learn more about the comprehensive and helpful guide he’s created to help consumers make their best decision. Already, Steve’s site is ranking very high on Google, and hundreds of people have visited so far to learn more about his new ebook. You can learn more and buy at this link. You can also but it at my DIY Publicity Store at this link.
By the way, to meet strong demand, my new press release/pitch review service is debuting at the DIY Publicity Store today so you can benefit from my expert guidance as Steve has. In 2009, I received scores and scores of requests from DIY publicists across the nation to take a quick minute to review their press releases. I am listening to this need and creating a service that delivers what so many people are asking for. You should know that it takes more than a quick minute to transform an average press release into a results-generating message. Investing in an hour of my time to make your press release or story pitch rock is well worth it. Remember, it’s your story. Tell it well. And if you can’t, get proper help. Help is one click away. Hurray!
I have to hand it to Betsy Talbot of Married with Luggage for walking her talk. She and her husband Warren have been downsizing for the last couple years so they can upsize their lives. They are less than one year away from taking their long-awaited trip around the world. Betsy will be first to report that it is quite a process to de-clutter home and closets, save enough money to fund the trip, and work through the many logistical details associated with taking a journey like this. (Oh, by the way, Betsy wrote an e-book that explains how she and Warren saved enough money to take a year or more to travel around the world, and you can get your copy for free at this link.)
To celebrate her 39th birthday last night, Betsy hosted a “My Favorite Things” reverse gift exchange party during which she invited her best gal pals to bid on 39 of her most treasured possessions. If more than one guest wanted the same item, they had to do a “style off” so the rest of the guests could vote on who wore it best. The guests then modeled their selections to the beat of “You’re So Vain” and “Anticipation” by Carly Simon. There were laughs and happy tears all around.
Betsy labeled all her favorite things with tags explaining the stories behind each item. There were some pretty sassy, memorable stories, which I am sucker for — as you might expect. Sexy, high heeled black leather boots, a silk scarf from France, a red cashmere wrap from Italy, a multicolored evening jacket with Murano glass beads from Venice, and a perfect red wool beret were among the delights on display. Every item went home happily with a new owner who will have a very personal keepsake to hold Betsy close to her heart as she travels around the world in less than a year’s time.
In this season of gift giving, I think Betsy Talbot has come up with a brilliant idea that folks around the world can enjoy, while bringing smiles all around. Thinking big and with some anticipation of my own, I venture to say that this is just the kind of gal pal gathering that Oprah Winfrey could celebrate as a new take on her very popular “Favorite Things” holiday broadcast. I sense a new movement afoot in these demanding economic times that could really elevate Betsy’s reverse gift exchange to a worldwide stage.
(Featured in this photo are Betsy Moore, Nancy Juetten, Birthday Girl Betsy Talbot, and Debbie Whitlock. The “ladies in red” have Betsy to thank for their purchases! Photo taken by Karen Rosenzwieg)
When that happens, we’ll all have Betsy Talbot to thank. In the meantime, I’ll snuggle up in my new red cashmere wrap and happily wear the lovely necklace and earring set I chose from among Betsy’s favorite things. They are now my favorite things.
Be sure to visit Femme Finance, which is Debbie Whitlock’s blog, for her take on Betsy’s party. Her blog post should be “live” by Wednesday, December 16. She’s also got a new radio show by the same name that you can enjoy on the I’m Thankful Network.
(Both Betsy Talbot and Debbie Whitlock are Publici-Tea™ graduates. They make me so proud.)
I love it when my clients get into action to earn media attention that delivers sales. Here is a compelling and very recent success story shared by Alice Cunningham, co-owner of Olympic Hot Tub Company.
“Now, I want to say that the blog idea of YOURS is still really cooking along and I love it. It has improved my writing and customers love it!! So, THANK YOU again for encouraging me to do it. On the PR front, you taught me well I ran an ad on KING-FM for saunas. This was the only station or medium I used. I ran the ad about a month. It was a very inexpensive radio buy. The results were amazing. People actually called, came in & bought! I’m not sure why exactly. Maybe the weather; maybe the product is hot; maybe they trusted my voice or knew of Olympic. At any rate, they bought. So, thinking of you, I volunteered to do a testimonial for KING about my experience with the station. I wrote it in 20 minutes & it took two takes to record. So far they’ve played it 57 times! And, we sold one today from the ad which is running at no charge. FREE! I highly recommend that anyone who has had success with an advertising medium ‘volunteer’ to do a testimonial. It works and makes you look good.”
Listen to Alice’s testimonial ad by clicking on the play button right here:
Thank you Alice for getting into action and setting a wondeful example to inspire other DIY publicists and marketers to follow your lead. You all can enjoy Alice’s blog at www.hottubbliss.com.
And, of course, if Santa is looking for a bit of inspiration to warm up the holiday, a hot tub or sauna could be just the ticket to make everyone in the family very happy. This photo at right is of the three cheerful Olympic delivery team members who happily shared a cup of tea at my home two years ago after successfully delivering my holiday hot tub. Ah, bliss. Ho, ho ho and go to Olympic Hot Tub Company. Why wait another minute?
My husband Steve Juetten is a Certified Financial Planner professional who is also married to a publicist. He can’t escape my enthusiasm for helping him earn a wider audience for his expertise and commitment to serve others. Yesterday, he shared a blogging success story that I am happy to pass along to you. It showcases how one good blog post can lead to even better things to come.
“Here is a blogging success story I wanted to share with you because without your support (okay, nagging) I would not have started writing a personal finance blog in February 2009. Earlier this week, I wrote a blog post about an idea I gleaned from the book Save Your Retirement that is co-authored by one of my personal finance idols Frank Armstrong, III. Frank is one of the top 100 Financial Planners in the U.S.according to Barron’s magazine. I’ve long admired Frank through several personal finance and investment books he has written. Frank’s publicist read my blog post and contacted me. He offered to send me Frank’s newest book to review and to set up an interview with Frank. Of course, I jumped at the chance to review the book and talk with Frank. I’m scheduled to interview him in early December and am eagerly looking forward to this rare opportunity. The chance to create a personal relationship with a superstar in my field happened through the power of one blog post. Thanks Nancy.”
Steve Juetten, Juetten Personal Financial Planning, LLC
Helping you make smart financial decisions so you can do more of what you love! Check out my personal finance columns at Examiner.com.
Authentic Visibility Tip of the Day -- Whether you are blogging, speaking, or writing articles for the media, always remember that the rising tide lifts all boats. Write about leaders and authors you genuinely admire. Target publications for your perspectives that are prestigious and preferred by your ideal clients. Aspire to speak to audiences that are comprised of the successful people with whom you intend to earn greater influence. One step at a time, you’ll earn new followers, fans, and friends. You’ll invite new opportunities to serve in powerful ways. And, you’ll attract more opportunities to grow your own influence.
Authentic Visibility Challenge — What specific steps will you take today to grow your influence among your ideal clients? Remember, all the planning and note taking in the world won’t replace the power of deliberate action.
The Get Away with GMA Contest rewards individuals who have done something extraordinary for their community, making friends and neighbors thankful for the effort. As a winner, Todd will receive a trip for two aboard the November 19, 2009 pre-inaugural sailing of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas including round trip air transportation. Todd and the other winners will be in the audience when Good Morning America broadcasts live from the Oasis of the Seas on Friday, November 20, 2009.
Todd Martini is one of 15 nationwide winners, and KOMO TV 4 News — the Seattle affiliate of the ABC television station — will be interviewing him in connection with this story.
This just goes to show that responding to national contests that are well supported by the media can bring abundant rewards in your own backyard and well beyond.
Congratulations Todd Martini for getting into action and making something really fabulous happen for your business and everyone around the nation who can benefit from what you offer to consumers through Alex’s Coupons.
How I love it when Publici-Tea™ graduates get in touch to share their success stories in the media. Today’s success story comes from Publici-Tea™ graduate Annie Cheng of Netstar Inc.
Hi Nancy,
As a Publici-Tea™ graduate, I wanted to say thank you for hosting such a great event. Now that we have a new marketing assistant, I’ve been working with him to coach him on the secrets to pitching a good story. And it worked! Justin wrote a great pitch to the Puget Sound Business Journal and then used social media to follow up with the reporter – and he asked to write our story! So today we are featured in the “Growing Your Business” section. I know you like to share success stories – and you are welcome to share ours! Here is a link to the article. Thank you again and I look forward to hearing from you again soon!
This story is just one of many Annie and her team have earned since she attended the Publici-Tea™ Workshop. She has clearly learned her lessons well and has the favorable publicity to show for it. What sets Annie apart is that she is always in action to make the most of the lessons she learned on event day. That is making a powerful difference for the visibility and business success of Netstar, Inc.
Authentic Visibility Question of the Day: Do you want to have a bit more of what Annie and her team are having at Netstar Inc? If your answer is YES, we have room to welcome more action-oriented guests to the November 6 Publici-Tea™ Express at Seattle Design Center. Why not treat yourself to an empowering event experience that will put you in great position to get your company seen, heard, and celebrated in your own backyard and beyond? Great results await for a return on a very modest investment that you just cant’ beat. Register today.
At 23 years of age, Professional Organizer and Founder of Simply Efficient Kammie Lisenby has more poise than people twice her age. And she has big intentions. She attended the Oprah Winfrey Live Your Best Life Weekend Celebration in NYC and took advantage of a “live” opportunity to share her dreams with the producers of the new Oprah Winfrey Network. Guess what? A portion of her audition was featured in a promotional trailer sent to the entire Oprah mailing list yesterday, bringing her infectious energy and message to a very wide audience. Here is a link to the video so you can check it out.
