September 24, 2009
Event Promotion, Publici-Tea™ Graduate Success Story
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Here’s another Publici-Tea™ graduate success story from Married with Luggage Blogger Betsy Talbot:
“I’m so excited to share with you my recent media placement in the October issue of Redbook Magazine. Since I write about lifestyle design, it was a real perk to be talking about making friends at 40 in a magazine geared toward my ideal customer!
Your instructions from the Publici-Tea events I have attended over the last two years keep paying off, and it is almost second nature now to pitch the Married with Luggage story at the drop of a hat. I would have been way too shy to do that before. You taught me to:
Find story ideas that logically tie into my expertise
Utilize free resources like HARO to locate journalists who want my story
Craft a compelling pitch to a journalist and include all the resources needed to make their job easy
Have a professional head shot available
Promote the heck out of any publicity.
I answered a query from HARO looking for women who were good at making friends in adulthood. I am very good at this (partly from moving around, partly because I’m curious about other people), and the subject tied in well with my blog about lifestyle design and happiness. The journalist wanted specific tips as well as a head shot, so I included a brief story, bullet-pointed tips with examples, and a professional, high-resolution photo. And then I waited. After a couple of weeks I assumed I had not made the cut and went about my everyday business. And then I got an email asking me to ‘fact check’ my submission before the print deadline. Wow! For the first time, I didn’t even speak to the journalist. We just exchanged emails. And because I was prepared and had everything she needed, I made it into the magazine (the online version does not have my picture, but the actual magazine does). There are two other women with a similar storytelling style in the article with me, and I’m guessing they both used the same PR-Ninja strategies that you teach. Thank you again for the gift that keeps giving. This is my second national magazine placement this year, and I’ve got several online and newspaper placements in the same time period. Things are really heating up for Married with Luggage, and I want to thank you for teaching me how to sizzle!”
Betsy Talbot
Congratulations Betsy. You practice what I preach, which is to be consistent, tenacious, and passionate about the pursuit of favorable publicity that puts your expertise in the spotlight. Keep up the great work and enjoy the recognition and other rewards that result.
Publici-Tea™ Express Anyone?
September 21, 2009
Event Promotion, Publici-Tea™ Graduate Success Story
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Do press releases deliver results? Yes, they do. Especially when you have timely, newsworthy, relevant, and interesting information to share.
Case in point — on September 3, I got a call from Beatles Expert Bill Stainton. The new Beatles edition of the popular game “Rock Band” was scheduled to debut to the marketplace on September 8. Bill wanted to get some media attention for his expertise to coincide with the release of this new game. I recommended he post a press release to PRWeb for September 8 so he could invite invitations to speak to the media in short order. The headline he used invited attention: Noted Beatles Expert Explains Continuing Appeal of the Fab Four.
Bill embedded engaging video in his press release to showcase his expertise, and he even played a Beatles tune on his piano. Is it any wonder his schedule was packed with interviews? In this email to me, Bill writes:
Hi Nancy,
Just wanted to let you know that, unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend your Publici-Tea™ Express event tomorrow…because I have radio interviews scheduled! I did about 8 or 9 last week, have three scheduled for today, a couple tomorrow, and a two-hour guest slot on an San Diego station Thursday evening…
– Bill Stainton
It’s amazing what great results can manifest if you just get into action. If you want to achieve similar results to those that Bill achieved by taking some of my publicity advice, attend the next Publici-Tea™ Express event at Seattle Design Center on Friday, October 16 from 9:30 a.m. – noon.
Guests from the 9-16 event had GREAT things to say about Publici-Tea™ Express.
Clarina Morency of Renee Blackwell Design said, “Nancy didn’t just share a few pearls of wisdom. She gave us her entire pearl necklace. I got so many great ideas that I took four pages of notes.”
Leslie Irish Evans of Calm by Leslie said, “More useful information falls out of Nancy Juetten’s pocket than most of us have in our most secure spots. She’s a gem!”
Joli Mosier of Mosier McCann said, “Simply the best informational presentation I have been to in years.”
Erica Rado from The Center for Vibrant Life LLC said, “The program lit a fire under my PR quest! A must-do for all businesses!”
Mary Stursa of Noble Furs said, “I’d recommend this event and these speakers to others because Nancy and Social Media Expert Steve MacDonald share relevant and useful information without holding back. Only true experts can do this.”
Retirement Coach Janice Williams said, “Nancy and Steve team up to provide valuable information on how to maximize all forms of media to establish business presence and credibility.”
Vicki Draper, owner of Vi Miere, said, “This is a great workshop. An invaluable resource for business owners ready to grow.”
Kris Kero said, “I am just starting my own business. This workshop gave me hope, inspiration, and a boost.”
Ann Rohlman, CFA, CFP™ for Sonata Capital said, “Your seminar and the materials provided beforehand gave me actionable steps that I can immediately implement to begin my DIY marketing.”
Inderjeet Ramgotra, owner of Inner Renewal and the Healthy Path, said, “This program was highly informational, light-hearted, and motivating. I am inspired to become media savvy.”
With glowing feedback like this, Is it any wonder that I can’t wait for the next event on October 16? Register today so you can benefit and find your place in the media spotlight FAST. It happened for Bill Stainton, and it can happen for you, too, if you just get into the game!
September 9, 2009
Publici-Tea™ Graduate Success Story
1 Comment
One good media interview often leads to another. Debbie Whitlock, president of Sound Financial Partners, offers a case in point. A few weeks ago, she followed up on a media query asking to speak with women who earn more than their husbands. She was quoted in an article about this topic on Forbes.com. As master at building quality relationships, Debbie was also invited to comment on a story about women and estate planning with the same reporter just a few weeks later. Here is that story link.
Here’s the part of the story that is too delicious not to share.
Debbie makes a lot of connections with lawyers, CPAs, and other professional service providers to earn the opportunity to be their quality referral partner. Sometimes, those folks don’t take her calls or return them in a timely manner. When the most recent story ran on Forbes.com, one of those professional service providers noticed. He picked up the phone and called Debbie.
He said, “I’ve been meaning to get back to you. Now I see that you are nationally recognized in Forbes.com. Perhaps I should have called before you became famous and expensive.” The two shared a laugh and had a winning conversation. Now it looks like they will be doing business.
DIY Publicity Lesson of the Day: Favorable national publicity in prestigious media outlets often opens new doors for follow up stories in the same or other media venues, while also contributing to quality business connections in your own backyard.
Oh, by the way, now Debbie Whitlock can note in her bio that she has been interviewed by Forbes.com, among other prestigious media outlets. That certainly helps set her apart from other financial advisors in a winning way, and isn’t that the big idea in the first place?
If you want to learn how to tell your story so the media will listen, sign up to attend the 9-16 Publici-Tea™ Express Workshop taking place at Seattle Design Center. Steve MacDonald, noted social media expert, will be my VIP guest presenter as we delight publicity-seeking business owners with essential tips, resources, and inspiration to earn their own publicity without spending a bundle or wasting a moment of precious time. Join us!
September 7, 2009
Event Promotion, Publici-Tea™ Graduate Success Story, Social Media Marketing, Special Savings
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Today seems a fitting day to consider the stunning results you bring about for your clients, your family, or your employers, and others you serve. What are your stunning results?
- Is your book a best-seller, translated into many languages, to empower others to be their very best?
- Do you make phones ring, emails flow, and sales happen as a result of your consistent, tenacious sales actions every day?
- Have you empowered thousands of people to eliminate chaos and achieve organization at work so they can invite more abundance in their lives?
Speaking of eliminating chaos, did you see the HUGE story in Friday’s Puget Sound Business Journal about Laura Leist’s company called Eliminate Chaos? Laura and I connected first at a local networking event, and she mentioned that earning a story just like this was on her priority list. We talked a while, and the more I learned, the more I knew that her story would be a perfect fit for a “Growing Your Business” feature. I told her how to approach her pitch and to whom to send it. Laura subsquently attended the Publici-Tea™ Workshop to learn a bit more. She followed up, waited, and wondered. And Friday’s story was the result of her effort. (The photo is by Dan Schlatter.) A full page Growing Your Business feature is a stunning result to flow from a productive conversation with an expert at a networking event and attendance at a DIY publicity workshop.
The next Publici-Tea™ Express is September 16, 2009. And here is an offer you can’t refuse. Sign up today to be a FAN of the event on Facebook. Then, you can attend the event at the $25 VIP rate!
Here is the link to become a Facebook fan.
Here is the link to sign up for Publici-Tea™ Express.
These events are a labor of love for me because the results that guests experience demonstrate that the mission I am on to empower others to get seen, heard, and celebrated is well worth the journey. Become a VIP and attend. Can’t wait to meet you!
July 20, 2009
Article PR, New Audio File to Support Your DIY Publicity Success, Publici-Tea™ Graduate Success Story
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Here — for one week only — you can have access to the audio file of my one-hour talk that earned rave reviews at Seattle Design Center last week. It is entitled How to Pitch an Article the Media Can’t Resist and Why You Should.
During this presentation to about 65 members of the design trade and others, I share a wide range of publicity success stories from Fran’s Chocolates Ltd., Peter Swindley Architects and Interiors, Award-Winning Interior Designer Midori Yoshikawa, Robin “Paint Princess” Daly, HGTV Designer Vern Yip, and Sound Financial Partners Founder Debbie Whitlock as I demonstrate specifically how to ask for the media coverage you want — and get it — through the power of a fabulous pitch.
(By the way, Midori, Robin, and Debbie are all Publici-Tea™ graduates who are enjoying remarkable success in the local and national media.)
I often say that action is the key. Putting a one-week time limit on your access to an audio file such as this offers one more reason for you to ACT NOW to benefit. Otherwise, you’ll need to invest a modest fee to purchase this and future audio files at the DIY Publicity Store in order to benefit.
Listen in now for one week for free. It’s my gift to you. What you do with the information you hear is the buzz-building gift you give to your business. Enjoy!
July 1, 2009
Event Promotion, Publici-Tea™ Graduate Success Story
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I’ve heard from three Publici-Tea™ graduates who are having some fabulous success earning their own publicity.
Just yesterday, Certified Financial Planner Professional Steve Juetten of Juetten Personal Financial Planning, LLC was quoted extensively by a reporter from BankRate.com in an article about bonds. Here is that link. This is the fourth time Steve has been interviewed by this particular reporter. Steve says he is always very responsive to the reporter’s need for information. He asks about her deadline, makes himself available to suit her schedule, and prepares thoughtful comments to inform her reporting. Is it any wonder that she keeps coming back for more? By the way, you can read more from Steve at his personal finanace blog at this link. His two-part series on doing a mid-year financial check-up is certainly timely, relevant, and useful.
Todd Martini, founder of Alex’s Coupons, has earned a flurry of media placements on a DIY basis since attending the Publici-Tea™ Workshop. He started Alex’s Coupons to raise money to buy Christmas presents for his daughter Alex, who had been diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. Over the last four years, Alex’s Coupons has raised over $20,000 to support research to find a cure for childhood cancer charities. In these trying times, it is certainly timely to save money on the everyday things we buy. It is all the more rewarding to buy using Alex’s Coupons because the dollars that flow make a powerful difference for children striving to survive and thrive. Please visit Alex’s Coupons and see what good your purchases can do for a most worthy cause.
Paul Anderson of Prolango Consulting has earned good press in these venues:
The messages he is sharing are very timely for the demanding times in today’s employment marketplace.
What all three of these Publici-Tea™ graduates share in common is that their content and ideas are making powerful, timely contributions to much bigger conversations.
What DIY publicity success have you earned in the media in your own backyard and beyond as a result of the lessons you have learned by reading the Authentic Visibility blog or treating yourself to the DIY publicity training and tools I offer? Please share your successes so others can be inspired to follow your lead. The next Publici-Tea™ Half-Day Workshop is scheduled for Friday, September 11. If earning results like those reported here by Steve Juetten, Todd Martini, and Paul Anderson captures your interest, make plans now to attend. Register here.
June 15, 2009
Event Promotion, Publici-Tea™ Graduate Success Story
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Sometimes, it really pays off to spend time really listening to people while doing things you love. Last Monday, June 8 offers a case in point. I invited Publici-Tea™ graduate, colleague, and financial advisor Debbie Whitlock to join me at The Bellevue Club to exercise and have some girl chat. We talked about a variety of things, and it was really great to connect while getting in shape.
The very next day, one of the media query services to which I subscribe asked to be connected with financial advisors and real life examples in which the wife earns more than the husband. I passed this lead to Debbie since it sounded like a “perfect fit” story to which she could add value. She replied in a very timely and compelling way. Here is the text from her email pitch:
As a woman financial advisor in business with her husband, your query caught my attention. Married for 13 years, my husband and I began working together eight years ago and opened our own practice in 2002. During the early years, we were pretty evenly matched with our income. Strategically we made some changes, and it is my income now that is the greater of the two. I am certainly fortunate to have a business and life partner who checks his ego and celebrates all our success as steps towards our greater goals without attaching labels. Ours is a true partnership in our business and personal life. In the world today, many of the traditional stereotypes of who makes the money are gone – but not talked about.
We both bring value and worth to our business and relationship in hundreds of ways without needing to keep a tally and assigning a higher or lower value.
While this topic is not easily balanced; one of our keys has been humor. You know what you are doing is working when he says to me, “Alright sugar-mama – get busy so I can be kept in the lifestyle to which I’m ready to become accustomed.”
I am thrilled to see you are doing this piece for Forbes Woman Magazine. As a subscriber to Forbes, I was excited to see the debut issue of Forbes Woman and personally feel you are onto something big. Congratulations!
I have attached my bio and professional photo, and can forward one of the two of us, as well. I look forward to hearing from you. Let me know if you need additional introductions as I know another advisor here in Seattle, whose practice centers on vows and values for newly engaged and newly married couples of all ages. I am certain she would have excellent insight into these relationships as well.
Regards,
Debbie Whitlock
Sound Financial Partners
The same day, the reporter got in touch with Debbie by email and a telephone interview quickly followed. On June 12, the story debuted on Forbes.com. Here is the link, and Debbie’s comments and expertise are highlighted in the lead paragraph.
I asked Debbie how she prepared for her interview. She said, “When Heidi contacted me, I remembered your words of wisdom — always make yourself available to suit their schedule. So I asked about her availability and made my schedule mirror hers. I took some time to outline my key points before we spoke and kept focus on the idea of being concise and precise. I did a ‘Google’ search on the reporter’s name prior to talking with her and read some of her work. That made it possible for me to comment on some things she had written prior. It was easy and natural, and she obviously appreciated me taking some time to learn about her. I think the outcome is terrific. My name is spelled correctly. The story says where we work and what we do. And even though our company name is not mentioned, Debbie Whitlock Seattle is very easy to find in a ‘Google’ search. To be featured in the lead paragraph is outstanding.”
DIY Publicity Tips: Notice that Debbie demonstrates that she is a subscriber to Forbes magazine, is paying attention to the publication’s plans to shine a light on women, and that she very neatly qualifies herself as the perfect fit candidate to contribute to the story at hand. She even offers a sassy quote that makes this touchy subject more engaging to talk about. She offers links that make it easy for the reporter to view her photo and her professional bio to make it that much easier for the reporter to know she is dealing with a credible professional. She also offers to introduce the reporter to another professional who can add value to the story in development. This is a stellar example of the right way to respond to a media query. And, the results are now in plain view to everyone who reads Forbes.com.
Sometimes, favorable publicity can happen just this fast. You just have to listen, pay attention, and act. Rock on Debbie Whitlock and all the other DIY publicists out there who see the value in making their own magic manifest in the media as a result of do-it-yourself publicity. Keep up the great work.
And, if you are someone eager to learn even more about DIY publicity, check out the new Publici-Tea™ Express event coming up on June 24 from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. in Tacoma, WA. Here is the link to learn more.
June 3, 2009
Publici-Tea™ Graduate Success Story
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I just received a wonderful email from Publici-Tea™ graduate Betsy Talbot with more DIY publicity success to report.
“Hi, Nancy. Big things are happening at Married with Luggage. Thanks to your excellent coaching, I have gotten national media attention in First Magazine, which has a readership of 4 million readers. The photo spread was gorgeous, and I loved getting calls from friends all over the country when it came out. After that, I took another step from you (publicize your publicity) and called my hometown newspaper to tell them about the story. They did a weekend feature. Last but not least, I’ve been asked to be a ‘charity auction item’ for a large nonprofit in the Pacific NW this fall after being seen in the magazine. I’ve been asked to donate my recipe as well as chat with the highest bidder. The featured recipe was for Mexican soup, and the nonprofit helps the Latino community with social issues. As a woman on her way to South America, this is a win-win. Think of all the great people I’ll meet. The publicity from this 10-minute response to a query on HARO is going to last me … well, forever, it seems! Thank you again for providing such a valuable service to people like me. I know for sure this won’t be my last success story for you.”
Betsy Talbot | www.marriedwithluggage.com | Twitter @marriedwluggage
Congratulations Betsy. You did it all on your own, and I am thrilled for you. And blog readers, check out the amazing photo spread in the active link above. It’s FANTASTIC.
DIY Publicity Tip: When your story earns national attention — thanks to your stellar pitching efforts with HARO or other resources like PR Leads or Gift List Media – immediately consider how many additional ways you can leverage that media attention to enjoy even greater awareness of your message. Alert your hometown newspaper. Be gracious in accepting emails and invitations from people who learn about you as a result of the media coverage. Post the coverage to the online newsroom on your website or blog. Create a new signature file for all your emails that invites readers to check out your latest media feature, award win, or other important news. Every good media win should enjoy at least five additional applications. It’s your task to make the most of every media opportunity because no one cares more about your success than you. If you are serious about sharing your story with millions of potential readers around the nation or all the people who live in your own backyard, treat yourself to the Publici-Tea™ Workshop on June 12 in Portland and June 24 in Tacoma. I’ll show you the way. The next Publici-Tea™ graduate success story you read about here could be your own, if you just get into the game.
May 29, 2009
Event Promotion, Publici-Tea™ Graduate Success Story
1 Comment
I heard from a couple of my Publici-Tea™ workshop graduates this week that good things are unfolding in their businesses as a result of their DIY publicity efforts.
The Gifted Teen Coach Margit Crane writes:
“Back in early November, I answered a HARO query regarding troubled teens. The author of the query, Marcia Stein, ended up interviewing me and that interview is an expert chapter of her newly released book, “Strained Relations: Help for Struggling Parents of Troubled Teens” Yee-haw! And here’s a link if any parents are interested in purchasing the book. It’s a goody! Thanks, Nancy, for blogging about HARO way back when.”
Sports Hypnotist Craig Sigl writes:
“Just wanted to let you know that I will be on TV on Monday June 1st at 7pm on King 5 “Evening Magazine” show. It will be a story on sports hypnosis and a gymnast client I worked with.”
This opportunity came up after Craig was interviewed by Jim Moore, a sports columnist for the Seattle Times. One good thing certainly leads to another, and it’s a beautiful thing. Be sure to tune in and watch.
And, if you want to learn how to learn the powerful lessons of DIY publicity to build the buzz about your products, services, expertise, or cause, sign up for the June 12 Publici-Tea™ in Portland or the June 24 event in Tacoma. Learn more and register at this link.
Special DIY Publicity Bonus When You Sign Up for Publici-Tea™: When you sign up for either event, you’ll receive as a special bonus the new “Bye Bye Boring Bio eToolkit” to make writing a winning bio on a DIY basis fun, productive, and rewarding for all of your client attraction efforts. This is a very comprehensive, engaging kit that makes it so easy to write a fabulous bio that you will wonder why it took you so long to finally get yours in order before now. Templates, worksheets, fabulous examples, and great resources are all included to make writing your winning bio a breeze. This product will debut on the online shopping cart in July for a fee, so act now to get this high value item as a gift with your Publici-Tea™ registration! You must sign up for the Portand event by June 8 or the Tacoma event by June 19 to qualify for this high value bonus. Don’t delay! Here is the link to make it easy.
May 13, 2009
Blogging Basics, Publici-Tea™ Graduate Success Story
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Today’s blog post hits a bit close to home, but the story is worth telling because it shows how powerful blogging about a topic of passion can be to building community, inviting quality business leads, and contributing to greater prosperity.
My husband Steve Juetten is a Certified Financial Planner™ professional based in Bellevue, WA who offers fee only financial planning. His message is that you can take control over your money and your life, and he blogs about this message just about every other day at Examiner.com. He started the blog because we agreed that sharing his expertise in a manner that would reach a wide audience of potential clients would be a powerful way to attract the right clients to his door.
Steve prefers connecting with people in small groups or on a one-on-one basis. That means that attending networking lunches and other group events isn’t the perfect way for him to invest his time. Blogging opens the door for Steve to share his valuable expertise and empowering point of view with a growing audience so they can sample his approach and find their way to him.
Steve has been learning from Darren Rowse of www.problogger.net and Yaro Starak of www.blogmastermind.com and getting into action on the tried-and-true approaches they recommend for building blog traffic and influence.
To follow is Steve’s account of what has happened in his financial planning practice since he started blogging in January.
My new business activity is about double in the first four months of the year compared to the same time in previous years. I can’t give all the credit to the new blog because the economy has been terrible and people have felt the need to seek help from my specialty. However, as a result of the blog, I’ve been asked to review three books on personal finance and several online sites that offer personal finance software. In addition, three investment product suppliers have found me and opened a dialogue about their products. Many of them are linking back to my blog posts from their sites, bringing new readers my way.
The top tactics I use to build viewership are:
Finding a voice and being consistent in using it (mine is “you can take control of your money and your life”);
Writing good content that is timely, useful and relevant to anyone who reads my column; I spend about an hour per post and each post averages 250 words;
Writing headlines that are clear and compelling. My rule is “content over cute“;
Using relevant SEO key words in headlines and the first paragraph;
Searching Google trends regularly for hot topics to which I can anchor my posts;
Posting often (I’ve written almost 60 columns since I started — about every other day);
Inviting guest writers and ask them to link to my blog when they post their guest column.
So, Steve is growing his influence and enjoying more new business activity than in prior years. A Google search for his name reveals plenty of favorable and influential results that reinforce his expertise, and his Examiner.com blog appears on page one.
He is inviting opportunities to connect with influential authors, business owners, and others who are happy to link back to his posts about them, bringing his potential blog readership to even wider audiences. Business is good and getting better every day. And all of this has happened since January 30, 2009.
So, if you are pondering the prospect of blogging, Steve’s progress over four months offers proof that good results await.
DIY Publicity Tip: Learn more about blogging from Darren Rowse and Yaro Starak via the active links above. Both offer abundant, free, and fee services. Their blogs and free reports are high value and worth your time. If ths timing is right for you to add blogging to your marketing mix, you know it. What you do next is up to you.
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“I’m so excited to share with you my recent media placement in the October issue of Redbook Magazine. Since I write about lifestyle design, it was a real perk to be talking about making friends at 40 in a magazine geared toward my ideal customer!
