From Personal Pity Party to a Profound Sense of Gratitude Overnight

Having lost out for the third time in as many months on house bidding wars, I was having a little pity party for myself last night. I was disappointed that we didn’t get the house we wanted to buy. Then, I attended the fund raising breakfast for First Place School this morning and quickly adjusted my attitude.

The keynote discussion was about poverty. Donna Beegle delivered a moving keynote about what privilege is. She said, “Privilege is being able to buy groceries with cash or check, rather than food stamps. Privilege is garbage service. Privilege is having a warm, safe, and dry place to sleep every night. Privilege is kids attending school in clean clothes…”

Beegle grew up in extreme poverty. By dint of hard work, tenacity, and many other admirable qualities, she earned her PhD. Today, Dr. Beegle is a nationally known speaker and author on communication. She moved a packed Washington State Convention Center ballroom room to tears with her story — and I know I was moved to write a generous check. I left today’s breakfast full of gratitude for my life and the privilege to contribute to the wonderful work First Place School is doing to educate children of homeless families.

Here is an excerpt:

…One day in a theology class, Beegle was given what seemed like a simple assignment: write about how freedom, or the lack of it, had affected her. That night something opened up inside of her. It was instantly clear: What was wrong was that she had abandoned her roots, and since poverty would always be a part of her, no matter how successful she became, abandoning her roots was abandoning herself. She would never be free of her story until she told her story. For hours she poured words and tears onto the keyboard.

She wrote about all the freedoms she had never enjoyed. Freedom to not see her mother crying, to not watch her father unload trucks full of watermelons for 16 hours then try to decide whether to spend the handful of cash he earned on food or shelter. Freedom to not watch police take her brothers away, to not come home to an eviction notice, to go to the doctor when she was sick, to hold her head high. And the most important of all, the one so many people had helped her discover: freedom to get an education.

The instant she turned the paper in, she was certain she’d blown it. Everybody would know she was an imposter, just a dumb poor kid pretending to be someone else. When she got the paper back, she could only stare at the words scribbled across the top by her professor: A+. Best paper I’ve ever received.

She began to tell her story again and again, speaking to various groups and being interviewed by journalists. She completed her major in communication. In the spring of 1990 she graduated with honors, and the University named the woman who spoke Middle Class English as her second language its student Communicator of the Year.

Please read Donna’s story. And, if you are so moved, make a contribution to end poverty. Start at First Place School.

My pity party is officially over. I will never forget Dr. Beegle’s powerful message. And I can promise you, you won’t either.

International Networking Week - a Timely Opportunity to Connect in Seattle This 2-7-08

If you are in the Seattle area, plan now to attend the celebration of International Networking Week at the Bell Harbor Conference Center at Pier 66 this Thursday, Feb. 7 at 6:30 p.m.

You’ll connect with professionals and business owners from a wide range of local groups ranging from BNI, eWomenNetwork, Women Business Owners, the Seattle Direct Marketing Association, and more.

The goal of International Networking Week™ is to recognize and celebrate the key role that networking plays in the development and success of businesses worldwide. The week will feature dozens of networking events around the globe, bringing together representatives of government, businesses and their communities to network and promote better understanding of effective networking.

Key networking experts will deliver special presentations filled with practical tips on how businesses can grow and succeed through effective networking practices.

International Networking Week™ is a prime opportunity to network with other business people and to learn how contact networks benefit businesses of all sizes. Events and activities are open to all business professionals, trades people, students, press representatives, government and council representatives – anyone who values business networking or would like to know more about business networking.

I think this is such a good opportunity that I am one of the event sponsors.  Come meet me this Thursday.  I look forward to meeting you and contributing to your success.

Click here to learn all about it!

TwoDaLoo - A Blog Post Just for Fun

I saw a media query today that made me laugh out loud. Apparently, there is a new bathroom fixture on the market called the TwoDaLoo. The TwoDaLoo is billed as the world’s first toilet two people can use … at the exact same time. It brings couples closer together and conserves the water supply all with one flush. The TwoDaLoo features two side-by-side toilet seats with a modest privacy wall in between. An upgraded version includes a seven inch LCD television and iPod docking station. And at the suggested retail price of $1,400, you can have one, too.

I know America is a great place, and there is a scratch to every itch. But who knew there was a market for a plumbing fixture such as this? I have no doubt that bloggers will be having a field day with this one, especially as Valentine’s Day approaches and reporters search for a new hook on togetherness.

I Love What I Do

There is a lot of instant gratification that goes with being a publicist. You find a great editorial opportunity. You pitch it in a winning way. You enlist the interest of a writer or editor. You earn commitments to bring stories far and wide to contribute to prosperity for all. And you make friends here and beyond in doing so. How cool is that?

Today I heard from a producer for a TV program that runs in 13 markets that one of my client’s products is on the short list to be featured. Just imagine the potential upside this client will enjoy at the cash register when this potential media opportunity becomes a real media opportunity. It’s just intoxicating to consider.

Think big as you consider the media avenues that are fabulous for your product, service, and expertise. Make a list of the ideal media placements you’d love to earn, and start pitching. If you are confused and overwhelmed at this prospect, take a trip to your local bookstore and browse the magazine rack. You’ll have an immediate, gut level reaction to the publications that are a perfect fit for what you offer to the world. Buy the magazine(s), read them, and visit their websites to view the editorial calendars and figure out the best reporters to pitch your story. Then, start pitching.

The thrill is in the hunt, and the wins are very sweet. I love that.