Publicity tips/Al's Morning Meeting February 28, 2006

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #283 - February 28, 2006
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com/
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 14,478

=====================================
"Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity"
Receive this ezine direct to your desktop:
http://www.publicityhound.com/tipsoftheweek/

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Please forward this ezine to anyone you know who needs free publicity to establish their credibility, enhance their reputation, position themselves as employers of choice, sell more products and services, or promote a favorite cause or issue.

================================
In This Issue
================================

1. Al's Morning Meeting

2. Customize Press Releases

3. The Harley Museum

4. Media Leads

5. Promote a Big Bank in a Small Town

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week

8. And at My Blog...


==================================
1. Al's Morning Meeting
==================================

Ever wish you could get inside the minds of journalists to watch how they think?

Puzzled about what journalists consider news because it bears no resemblance with what you think is newsworthy?

How would you like an inside track on what could be the next hot story of the day? And wouldn't it be cool if you could pitch that next hot story to journalists in your own community?

Start reading Al's Morning Meeting, the online column filled with story ideas that journalists can localize for their own print and broadcast media. It's written by Al Tompkins of The Poynter Institute, the school for journalists in St. Petersburg, Florida. And it includes not only his own ideas, but items about great stories reported elsewhere that could be localized by just any other media.

I left the newspaper business 10 years ago, but I still read Al's Morning Meeting fairly regularly because it's chock full of story ideas I'd love to assign if I worked as an editor.

Al posts several ideas each week. Here's a sample of recent items:

--Some schools offer high-speed Internet access and lightning-quick computers, while others have outdated machines and no Internet connection. Much of the determining factors have to do with how much money the PTA raises or whether a benefactor steps forward.

--The Detroit News found that more than 100 dead people "voted" in the last election.

--WTVF-TV in Nashville reviewed more than 136,000 parking tickets for the past two years. Of those that have been adjudicated--88,000 were guilty--the drivers paid the fines. But almost 16,000 parking tickets were dismissed or, in court language, retired--and no one can say why.

--Police are upset about a video game that allows players to shoot officers.

--The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all levels in counting birds and reporting their results to create a mid-winter snapshot of the numbers, kinds and distribution of birds across the continent. Participants count birds for as little or as long as they wish during the four-day period and tally the highest number of birds of each species that they see at any one time.

--For parents who want to spy on their kids, Wired.com gives parents a "cheat sheet" on how to see what their kids are posting on their MySpace.com pages.

If you read Al's ideas regularly, chances are good you'll find something that ties into what you do. Then you can pitch the idea to reporters in your own community and look like a hero. If they cover the story, guess who they'll probably quote? This column is for serious Publicity Hounds only. Check it out at http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=2

When you have a great idea, learn how to pitch it in 30 seconds or less. Publicity pro Raleigh Pinskey is the Queen of Pitching, and she shows you exactly how to do it on the CD or electronic transcript "How to Create the Perfect 30-Second Pitch." Watch how Raleigh turns long, boring pitches that can put you to sleep into sizzling sound bites that practically grab a reporter by the throat. It comes with a list called "Raleigh's 26 ways to reel 'em in with your pitch" that you can download and be reading as soon as your order is approved. Read more about what you'll learn at http://tinyurl.com/6xghx


===============================
2. Customize Press Releases
===============================

When you write a press release, how many different versions do you write?

Just one? You'll kick yourself when you hear about what Publicity Hound Kathi Petersen does.

When Kathi told me she wrote nine versions of one release for a fund-raiser she was publicizing, I thought she was kidding.

Then she told me about "The Doors of Asheville," a fund-raiser in which local artists in Asheville, North Carolina painted doors that were sold at an auction to raise money for an affordable housing agency.

She could have written the same one-size-fits-all release, then crossed her fingers and hoped for the best.

Instead, she identified nine different media where she wanted the story covered. And because no two media were the same, she wrote nine different versions of the release.

The result? An absolute glut of publicity in local newspapers and magazines, on TV and in community newsletters. Each media outlet felt as though the press release it received was exactly what their audience wanted.

I asked her to write about her strategy for the March/April issue of The Publicity Hound subscription newsletter, and she did. Her article shows how she took just one event--and with some creative twisting, tweaking and retooling--turned it into nine separate stories.

The March/April issue also includes 3 rules for working with celebrities who you want to appear at your special event, how to follow up with reporters, 4 new magazines and a new technology column to add to your media list, how to write killer blog posts and comments, an inexpensive subscription service where you can have access to pitching tips for 149 magazines, where to learn what's hot at Los Angeles radio stations, where to get a free manuscript critique and a free book marketing newsletter, and how to be a guest on an Atlanta talk radio show. All for only $10.

Order the March/April issue for $10 at http://tinyurl.com/rg7zs

Or save time ordering individual issues and get a year's subscription for $49.95 at http://tinyurl.com/co57d


==================================
3. The Harley Museum
==================================

When Harley-Davidson unveiled plans last week for a $95 million museum here in Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel splashed a big beautiful color photo of the museum on the front page.

Since the museum isn't built yet, but bikers and other visitors appear in the foreground of the photo, I'm guessing that what I saw was a computer-generated architect's rendering.

It was a lot more interesting than the cliche shot of company executives pulling a piece of cloth off an architect's rendering that's sitting on an easel at a press conference. You know what I'm talking about because you see these all the time on the news--staged press conferences with smiling people in suits and ties making "announcements" and acting as if the press conference is, in fact, the news.

Yawn.

The next time you're tempted to do something like that, think twice. The media hate, hate, HATE press conferences. The only thing they despise even more are ribbon-cuttings. And ground-breakings. And check-passings. And what they call "grip and grin" photos of somebody receiving an award---gripping the hand of the presenter---and looking into the camera with a dumb grin on their face.

No Publicity Hound worth its pedigree would ever try to wimp out with something like that.

"Fun Alternatives to Boring Ground-breakings, Check-passings and Ribbon-cuttings" gives you dozens of ideas on how to lure the media to an interesting, fun event without resorting to a cliche production they've seen a million times before. Read more about what you'll learn from this CD or electronic transcript at http://tinyurl.com/7cl6z

"Creative Alternatives to Boring Press Conferences" shows you how to steer clear of the tired press conference and plan a special event, or even a publicity stunt, that will attract reporters in droves. Read more about what you'll learn at http://tinyurl.com/c6mnh

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4. Media Leads
===============================

--Freelance writer Marika Flatt is creating a gift guide for moms for Austinwoman magazine, a 25,000-circulation monthly, to be published in May. She's interested in a broad range of products and services that would make good gift ideas for mothers. Email a one-paragraph description of the product, the price, and where it can be bought. If you have specific retail information for Austin, Texas, please note it. She will accept press releases by email only. Deadline is March 15. Mailto:marika@prbythebook.com Put "Mother's Day Gift Guide" in the subject line. Marika is a freelance writer, and hard copy press kits sent to the publication's office will be delayed. Don't send images unless they are requested. Tips courtesy of The Gift List, a subscription-based service that has done more than 600 hours of research to find the the national magazines, regional magazines, the top 250 newspapers, top radio stations and news services that want news about products and services. Learn more at their website at http://www.tinyurl.com/9es8y.

--Executive recruiter Norman Lieberman is writing a book on how to get a significant pay raise and wants to interview people about their experiences with raises--good or bad. "Plus, for a very select few people, I will offer to help them secure a great pay raise in return for use of their story. In order for me to help someone, there are some criteria they need to meet before I'd accept them. I'll cover that when they email me their interest level." He prefers people who make up to $250,000 a year. Real names and company names don't have to be used. Mailto:Norman@thepayraisecoach.com


================================
5. Promote a Big Bank in a Small Town
================================

This week, nine Publicity Hounds have tips for Michelle Meacham. She wants ideas on how to promote her big bank in a small town in Wisconsin.

From Tom Reitz:

"Why not tap into the nostalgic Baby Boom generation by offering everyone who opens a new account a toaster oven...I’m sure there’s a U.S.-based appliance company that would work with you to reduce the wholesale price. Play up the nostalgia factor in graphics and advertising for the campaign. Acknowledge that it’s a cheesy gimmick--poke some fun at yourselves and the banking industry when they did give away such things as toaster ovens years ago. If you’re looking for young people to open up accounts, then is there a toy toaster oven, akin to an Easy Bake Oven, which could be given to kids?"


From Casey Fryda:

"My employer operates in many of the same 'I know all my neighbors' communities. We’ve found that the best community relations still come from having our own executives and employees go out and talk with small groups--town hall meetings, civic and religious groups, etc. Bring big paper and markers to leave a real picture in people’s minds. You might want to get a few people to volunteer to make the circuit, talking about issues like 'How to Keep a Construction Project Under Budget' or 'Creating Kids who are Super Savers' or 'What That Credit Card Company Doesn’t Want You To Know' or 'Improve Your Finances in Just Two Hours Per Month.'"


From Marcia Yudkin, author of the book "6 Steps to Free Publicity":

"A year ago I presented a seminar to the New England chapter of the American Banking Association Marketing Network on creative publicity ideas for banks. I suggested dozens of angles for getting local publicity and explained how to execute the ideas. Here are just a few of those dozens:

--Banking trends: local usage of online banking/bill-paying versus national usage

--Banking-related measures consumers can take to prevent identity fraud

--Job growth and how the bank is helping

--Insights from your vantage point on how the local real estate market is changing

--What you’re doing about your environmental impact"

Read all the responses at http://publicityhound.net/?p=501


The Publicity Hound says:

Write how-to articles for local newspapers, magazines and even small community newsletters. They position your executives as experts, and getting these articles printed is like the publication giving you its stamp of approval. "How to Write How-to Articles for Newspapers, Magazines & Trade Journals" shows you how to write a simple 500-word article and gives lots of advice on how to work with editors and recycle the same article over and over again. When you order the CD or electronic transcript, you'll also be able to download a how-to article on how to write how-to articles. Use it as a template to write your own article. Read more about what you'll learn at http://tinyurl.com/hwymo


===================================
6. Help This Hound
===================================

Tom Wray of Chicago, Illinois writes:

"I publish a small webmagazine that covers a portion of the gay community in the Great Lakes area. My core coverage area is Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan with some coverage of Ohio, Minnesota and other states near the region. I’ve had it for four years, and the last year it's been called the Great Lakes Den at http://www.greatlakesden.com/

"What are some good ways to publicize a publication that doesn't have a print edition? I have a pretty decent readership--about 2,000 hits a month. But I would like to expand the readership so I can sell more ads, encourage groups to send me press releases, approach print publications and increase sales from the web storefront I have in conjunction with the magazine. I have good coverage and I’m already considered one of the best resources for news in this community for the region. The problem is getting more people to know it.

"I have almost no budget until I can start selling more ads. Also, the community I cover can be hard to reach. It’s the niche of a niche of a niche, with people often in isolated areas away from large cities and who may not want to advertise their membership in a gay leather community. Any suggestions?"

The Publicity Hound says: Generating publicity on the Internet is one of the specialties of my Hounds. C'mon, Hounds. Tom has offered lots of his own ideas when other Hounds needed them. Now let's return the favor and help him find readers in the Midwest who need the kind of information he offers. If you have a great idea, post it to my blog at
http://publicityhound.net/?p=507


================================
7. Hound Joke of the Week
================================

Sign at a veterinarian's office:

"We will be back in five minutes. Sit! Stay!"


================================
8. And at My Blog...
================================

Raleigh Pinskey coming to Wisconsin
http://publicityhound.net/?p=508

How to brand yourself in your blog
http://publicityhound.net/?p=509

What to do when newspapers view you as competition and won’t cover your news
http://publicityhound.net/?p=506

Create your own holiday before April 15
http://publicityhound.net/?p=500

Posting on Craigslist helps your PR, website page ranking
http://publicityhound.net/?p=505

***If you missed last week's teleseminar on "How to Use Craigslist as a Global Publicity Tool" you can order the CD or electronic transcript at http://tinyurl.com/jmkg3 Both are in production and will be sent to you in about a week.

DOG JOKES & QUOTES EBOOK: 170+ G-rated dog jokes and quotes, perfect for a dog-lover, your favorite vet, or just for a few good laughs.

BONUS: Buy the ebook and you also get a compilation of the 50 best websites for dog humor.
http://www.publicityhound.com/dogjokebook/

---------------------------------------------------------------

Where to Meet or Hear The Publicity Hound®:


March 22: Waukesha, Wisconsin

2006 Micro Entrepreneur Expo, "How to Get F~ree Publicity," Part 1 from 5:30-6:15 and Part 2 from 8-8:45 PM, Waukesha Area Technical College; pre-registration $25 or $30 at the door (includes dinner). To register, call 262-695-3468.


May 16: Washington, D.C.

I'll be hosting a half-day public seminar called "Savvy Media Relations: How to Use Your Expertise to Get Thousands of Dollars in F~ree Publicity." Don't miss out on the early bird sign-up. Read all about it at http://www.Publicityhound.com/washingtondc.htm


May 17: Washington, D.C.

PMA University, Washington D.C. Convention Center. Robin Bartlett and I will present "Advanced Website Tricks to Pull More Traffic and Sell, Sell, Sell," 8:30-10:00 a.m. Sponsored by Publishers Marketing Association. Register at
http://www.pma-online.org/pmau2005/1.cfm


May 18: Washington, D.C.

PMA University, Washington, D.C. Convention Center. Penny Sansevieri and I will present "How to Turn Your Ezine into a Cash Machine." Sponsored by Publishers Marketing Association. 8:30-10:15 a.m. Register at
http://www.pma-online.org/pmau2005/1.cfm


***If you're in the National Speakers Association or the Public Relations Society of America--or another business, marketing or PR group--and you want details on how to bring in The Publicity Hound to do a fund-raiser for your chapter, or you want me to host a teleseminar customized just for your group, contact me at
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com?subject=speaker_inquiry or call 262-284-7451.

***Attention Meeting Planners: If you're booking speakers for winter, spring or summer conferences or events, keep me in mind--even if you have a last-minute cancellation. I deliver high-content, interactive programs that are lots of fun. Call 262-284-7451 or mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com?subject=speaker_inquiry for details.

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=======================================================
Joan Stewart
a.k.a. The Publicity Hound®
3434 County KK
Port Washington, WI 53074
U.S.A.
Phone: 262-284-7451 (Central) Fax: 262-284-1737

Publicity tips/Comment on the Olympics February 22, 2006

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #282 - February 21, 2006
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com/
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 14,349

=====================================

"Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity"

Receive this ezine direct
to your desktop:
http://www.publicityhound.com/tipsoftheweek/

=====================================

Please forward this ezine to anyone you know who needs free publicity to establish their credibility, enhance their reputation, position themselves as employers of choice, sell more products and services, or promote a favorite cause or issue.

**********************************************

NEW TELESEMINAR: How to Use Craigslist as a Global Publicity Tool

Time: 4 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, February 22

In this 70-minute teleseminar, you'll learn how to use Craigslist--a free website that features community classified ads and forums, to target publicity about your product, service, cause or issue to specific cities in the U.S., Canada and around the world. There are still a few seats left.

To register or order the CD or electronic transcript: http://www.PublicityHound.com/teleseminar.htm

If you missed reading about this last week, you can find it at my blog at http://publicityhound.net/?p=496

***********************************************

================================
In This Issue
================================

1. Comment on the Olympics

2. Make House Calls

3. The "Oprah" Challenge

4. Don't Fight with Reporters

5. How to Get in Front of McDonald's

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week


==================================
1. Comment on the Olympics
==================================

I can hardly tear myself away from the Olympics coverage on NBC.

I know, I know. The ratings were never lower, and most of you are a lot happier watching "American Idol," "Desperate Housewives" and "Grey's Anatomy."

But I don't care. From the couch where I'm sitting, there's more gripping drama in one hour of Olympics coverage than in an entire week's worth of junk on all the other stations.

Take the last two nights, for instance. On Sunday night, three couples competing for the gold in the ice dancing competition--the least risky of the four figure skating events--either let go of each other, tripped, or wabbled, then fell over and landed on the ice.

Italians Barbara Fusar-Poli and Maurizio Margaglio, who returned from retirement for the Torino Games, were among them. Going into Sunday night's first round of ice dancing in their home country, they were in the lead. As they skated past the judges, Margaglio lifted Fusar-Poli to shoulder level. She wobbled, he lost his balance and they stumbled down, touched the ice and watched the gold disappear.

But that was just the warm-up for what would become an Italian soap opera for all the world to see. Fusar-Poli got up off the ice, stood and stared holes through her partner, then refused to look at him or talk to him the rest of the evening--at least while they were on camera. When she broke down in the "kiss and cry" area, her partner knew better than to try to comfort her.

Just before last night's competition, the two arrived at the arena separately, warmed up separately, and barely acknowledged each other. Then they took to the ice for a sterling performance that resulted in--ta da!--a lovefest on the ice.

So what does this mean to you, just a plain old Publicity Hound? If I were working in the media, I'd love to hear these kinds of pitches:

--Sports coaches, psychologists and skaters commenting on Fusar-Poli's behavior. Was it tacky to take it out on her partner? Or, in the end, are they both real pros for pulling off a great performance during their hissy-fit?

--A fashion expert commenting on the outrageous costumes. Some are stunning. Many look like they came from my rag bag. A few look more at home in a strip joint. Read more about it at http://www.nbcolympics.com/figureskating_icedancing/
5116205/detail.html

--How about lining up two snowboarders at your school to take opposite sides and comment on Friday's horrible display by snowboarder Lindsey Jacobellis? With just a short distance to the finish line, she was far ahead of her closest competitor, then lost the gold when she performed what's called a backside method grab, wiped out, then continued down the hill to win the silver medal. Was she showboating, or is it all part of the artistry of the sport? There's a real debate under way, depending on how old you are. You can read about it at http://www.nbcolympics.com/snowboarding/5116870/detail.html

--If you aren't watching the Olympics, try contacting the TV columnist for your local metro newspaper and explain why. You could be the local angle to this international story.

--Ad agency execs can comment on the best and worst TV commercials with an Olympics theme. My favorite? The Allstate commercial where an out-of-shape couple rent skates and go for a whirl on the ice to the 70s tune "The Hustle," until the guy skates backwards into a building, and snow from the roof falls onto his car and crushes it. My least favorite? That annoying SBC commercial with the lyrics from "All Around the World." It's permanently embedded in my brain.

--Will somebody out there please explain why curling is a sport? If you're a curler, this is your chance to defend yourself.


How about taking a quick poll or survey and reporting the results to the media before the games end Sunday? "Special Report #19: How to Use Polls and Surveys That Brand You as an Expert" gives you lots of ideas on how to use these for some quick publicity. Order at http://tinyurl.com/6uz9g


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2. Make House Calls
===============================

Sometimes all it takes just a little twist to turn a story idea that goes "thud" into one that scores a home run.

Thanks to Nancy Pierce of Racine, Wisconsin for reminding me about this when I spoke to the Association of Women in Communications last week. She told me The Racine Journal Times recently featured an article on the front page of its business section about her husband, Thomas Hall, an attorney who makes house calls.

In addition to listing virtually every service he provides, the article even said that his hourly rate of $265 is far lower than the $365 he charged when was with one of Milwaukee's biggest law firms. And an accompanying photo shows Tom, leaning back in a chair and looking relaxed, while visiting with a client at the client's office.

Here's the best part. At the end of the article, the reporter listed Tom's telephone number and email address. It doesn't get any better than that. The article was picked up by MyShingle.com and Findlaw.com.

"It has resulted in a mixed range of work that has been fun for him," Nancy said.

The Publicity Hound asks: Do you make house calls in your business? If so, it could be the perfect hook.


Sole proprietors can generate just as much publicity as the Goliaths. Jeff Zbar, the SBA Small Business Journalist of the Year for 2001, explained how when he was a guest during a teleseminar I conducted called "The Fastest, Cheapest and Easiest Ways to Publicize Your Small Business--Even If You're a Solo Entrepreneur." It's packed with Jeff's best tips on how make a big publicity splash. Read more about what you'll learn from this CD or electronic transcript at http://tinyurl.com/q559j


==================================
3. The "Oprah" Challenge
==================================

Dan Janal of PRLeads says no authors came forward to prove they made at least $10,000 in book sales after one appearance on "Oprah."

Thousands of authors read this newsletter and some of them have been on "Oprah." So I'm not quite sure what to make of it.

"I am so sick of hearing authors say, 'If only I can get on Oprah, then my book will really take off," Dan wrote in his blog at http://prleads.com/blog/2006/02/take-oprah-pr-leads-challenge.html

I agree with him. Too many authors are looking for the magic bullet that will propel their book to the top of the best-seller's list. About the only time that happens is when Oprah anoints an author with star status in her Book of the Month Club. For the rest of the authors, it's a lot of hard work, and it means experimenting with any and all marketing strategies just to turn a profit.

Does that mean you should cross "Oprah" off your media list? Of course not. But don't even waste one minute pitching her producers unless you have a lot of experience with TV interviews, and unless your topic hits one of her hot buttons. Learn what they are by listening to the teleseminar I conducted with Susan Harrow, who outlines the entire strategy for getting onto America's Number One daytime talk show. The interview is available as a CD or an electronic transcript that you can download and be reading in minutes. Read more about what you'll learn at http://tinyurl.com/855eb


===============================
4. Don't Fight with Reporters
===============================

Don't pick fights with reporters if you think they didn't credit you adequately in an article. But stand your ground and ask the reporter to explain why.

That's what I told JoAnn Hines, a.k.a. The Packaging Diva, when she emailed me a few days ago with this problem:

"I have been contacted by a reporter for a well-known newspaper several times. I have openly shared information and resources, hoping to be cited in the paper as a resource in the article.

"Recently this writer contacted me about an article I wrote in November for a follow-up story. I happily shared all my resources and information. The story came out this weekend with no mention of me but citing all my sources and examples. In addition, the new story bears a remarkable resemblance to mine written previously. I don't want to alienate the reporter but I'm really ticked about this. Do I say something to the reporter who used my material?"

I worked as a reporter and I know the immense deadline pressure that comes with the job. But she won't gain anything by picking a fight. I suggested she thank the reporter for using her as a resource, then ask: "I'm curious. Was there a reason you didn't attribute the information I gave you to me?" Listen to the response. The relationship might still be worth developing so you might end by saying, "Please feel free to call on me again."

You can read more responses to a similar problem at my blog at http://publicityhound.net/?p=384

Stay in the media's good graces whenever possible. But you must know what to expect, depending on which type of reporter you're dealing with. "The Dangerous Hidden Secrets of Print and Broadcast Reporters" explains the pros and cons of working with reporters from newspapers, magazines, TV stations, radio stations, websites, and wire services. Read more about what you'll learn from this CD or cassette tape at http://tinyurl.com/g54jk


================================
5. How to Get in Front of McDonald's
================================

This week, three Publicity Hounds have tips for Jon Merz of Albany, New York on how to get in front of McDonald's and Burger King with a marketing idea that involves a joint venture with his company.


From Candy Tutt:

"If McD and BK don’t want your idea, why not pitch it to a local chain that is just as deserving of high-profile publicity? Hey - we’ve all eaten better burgers and fries at places other than the Big Two!! So try going down the 'food chain' and see if a competitor will work with you."


From Carl Bromley:

"In McDonald’s Corporation FAQs, there is a small amount of additional information that corporate employees, franchise owners, and suppliers have an inside track. If you know anyone that fits one of the three categories above, that might be your best channel."


From The Publicity Hound:

"If you can find their agency of record, you might try going through that door."


You can read the complete responses or add your own at my blog at http://publicityhound.net/?p=464


===================================
6. Help This Hound
===================================

Michelle Meacham of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin writes:

"While I represent a fairly large bank with $1 billion in assets, all of our 27 locations are in small Wisconsin markets. The largest is in Green Bay.

"It seems that nearly all of the public relations resources I have found are oriented to national or at least multi-state (large regional) organizations. How does a big fish in a little pond make a continual splash within the limits of local media and conservative community thinking?

"I know many PR tips can be translated to any scale, but a lot of the really good stuff (i.e. Google searching on media contacts) is of extremely limited value in these itty-bitty markets. Even blogging hasn't really caught on here yet. I know I'm asking for the best of both worlds, but how do I bring big-city PR value to "I-know-all-my-neighbors" communities?


The Publicity Hound says: Even though we're both small-town Cheeseheads, Michelle, I'm sure lots of Hounds from little burgs and the big cities all over the world will have terrific ideas for you. Hounds with tips for Michelle can post them at my blog at http://publicityhound.net/?p=501


==================================
7. Hound Joke of the Week
==================================

Why did the thoughtful father buy his six children a Dachshund?

So they could pet it all at the same time.



DOG JOKES & QUOTES EBOOK: 170+ G-rated dog jokes and quotes, perfect for a dog-lover, your favorite vet, or just for a few good laughs.

BONUS: Buy the ebook and you also get a compilation of the 50 best websites for dog humor.

http://www.publicityhound.com/dogjokebook/


---------------------------------------------------------------

Where to Meet or Hear The Publicity Hound®:


March 22: Waukesha, Wisconsin

2006 Micro Entrepreneur Expo, "How to Get F~ree Publicity," Part 1 from 5:30-6:15 and Part 2 from 8-8:45 PM, Waukesha Area Technical College; pre-registration $25 or $30 at the door (includes dinner). To register, call 262-695-3468.


May 16: Washington, D.C.

I'll be hosting a half-day public seminar called "Savvy Media Relations: How to Use Your Expertise to Get Thousands of Dollars in F~ree Publicity." Don't miss out on the early bird sign-up. Read all about it at http://www.Publicityhound.com/washingtondc.htm


May 17: Washington, D.C.

PMA University, Washington D.C. Convention Center. Robin Bartlett and I will present "Advanced Website Tricks to Pull More Traffic and Sell, Sell, Sell," 8:30-10:00 a.m. Sponsored by Publishers Marketing Association. Register at http://www.pma-online.org/pmau2005/1.cfm


May 18: Washington, D.C.

PMA University, Washington, D.C. Convention Center. Penny Sansevieri and I will present "How to Turn Your Ezine into a Cash Machine." Sponsored by Publishers Marketing Association. 8:30-10:15 a.m. Register at http://www.pma-online.org/pmau2005/1.cfm


***If you're in the National Speakers Association or the Public Relations Society of America--or another business, marketing or PR group--and you want details on how to bring in The Publicity Hound to do a fund-raiser for your chapter, or you want me to host a teleseminar customized just for your group, contact me at mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com?subject=speaker_inquiry or call 262-284-7451.


***Attention Meeting Planners: If you're booking speakers for winter, spring or summer conferences or events, keep me in mind--even if you have a last-minute cancellation. I deliver high-content, interactive programs that are lots of fun. Call 262-284-7451 or mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com?subject=speaker_inquiry for details.


PERMISSION TO REPRINT: You may reprint any items from "The Publicity Hound's Tips of the Week" in your own print or electronic newsletter. But please include the following paragraph:

Reprinted from "The Publicity Hound's Tips of the Week," a free ezine featuring tips, tricks and tools for generating free publicity. Subscribe at http://www.publicityhound.com/ and receive free by email the handy list "89 Reasons to Send a News Release."

If you like these tips, please pass them on to your friends, clients and colleagues.

You are receiving this because you signed up for it at The Publicity Hound® website at http://www.publicityhound.com/ or you told me you want to subscribe.

PRIVACY STATEMENT: The Publicity Hound® will never distribute your address to anyone. Period. Promise.

=======================================================
Joan Stewart
a.k.a. The Publicity Hound®
3434 County KK Port Washington, WI 53074
U.S.A. Phone: 262-284-7451 (Central) Fax: 262-284-1737

Publicity tips/Use Craigslist to promote February 14, 2006

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #281 - February 14, 2006
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.net (Blog)
The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 14,271
=====================================
"Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity"
Receive this ezine
direct to your desktop:
http://www.publicityhound.com/tipsoftheweek/
=====================================

Please forward this ezine to anyone you know who needs free publicity to establish their credibility, enhance their reputation, position themselves as employers of choice, sell more products and services, or promote a favorite cause or issue.

**********************************************
NEW TELESEMINAR: How to Use Craigslist as a Global Publicity Tool
Time: 4 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, February 22

In this 70-minute teleseminar, you'll learn how to use Craigslist--a free website that features community classified ads and forums, to target publicity about your product, service, cause or issue to specific cities in the U.S., Canada and around the world.

To register or order the CD or electronic transcript: http://www.PublicityHound.com/teleseminar.htm

See Item #1 below
***********************************************

================================
In This Issue
================================

1. Use Craigslist to Promote

2. Valentine's Day Ideas

3. Attention "Oprah" Authors

4. Try a Publicity Stunt

5. How to Market Networking Seminars

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week

8. And at My Blog...

==================================
1. Use Craigslist to Promote
==================================

If you’re looking for a job, an apartment, a date, or people in your own community with common interests, you probably already know about Craigslist.

But did you realize you can also use these f~ree online community classifieds and forums to promote an event, announce a new employee, advertise a workshop months before it will be held, publicize an award, announce your new book, find people to attend your events, and enhance your visibility in specific cities in the U.S. and around the world?

Just about anything you publicize in the traditional media is worth publicizing someplace on Craigslist, a trustworthy, efficient, relatively non-commercial place for folks to find all the basics in their local area. Each month, more than 10 million people generate more than 3 billion page views.

Nancy Mills, a former journalist, was telling me last week about how she uses Craigslist for publicity. I was so intrigued with her command of this popular forum--and the creative way she uses it for publicity--that I invited her to join me on a teleseminar next week so we can share the information with Publicity Hounds who want one more weapon for their publicity arsenal.

For years, Nancy was a successful publicist in Beverly Hills. Later, she moved over to the media side of the business and became a well-known freelance journalist, writing for such publications as The Hollywood Reporter and MORE magazine. Now she's an inspirational writer for women, a workshop leader, and the founder of Spirited Woman, a very inspired woman's empowerment community at http://www.TheSpiritedWoman.com.

Nancy knows the importance of publicity--from all angles. That's why she's a true believer in Craigslist and thinks it's an invaluable source of free publicity for her business. She "spins her post" from city to city, keeps her ads updated and fresh, and cherry-picks certain cities where the publicity will do her the most good, depending on what she's promoting. She also uses Craigslist to increase the community recognition of her business, create more sales, get better search engine optimization and localize generic news.

But using the service is a little tricky. Break the rules and you could be banned. Forget a detail here or there and you could miss out on massive exposure.

"Craigslist must be included in your company's ongoing public relations and marketing strategy or you'll miss out," she says.

Seats for this teleseminar are limited. You can register or buy the CD or electronic transcript at http://www.PublicityHound.com/teleseminar.htm

===============================
2. Valentine's Day Ideas
===============================

It's too late for most of you to get into the news today by using a Valentine's Day pitch, but remind yourself to start pitching Valentine's Day ideas early enough next year.

Here are some creative ways others have piggybacked onto Valentine's Day:

--Friday's Wall Street Journal included an interesting article about how February 14 is the perfect opportunity for private investigators to catch their clients' cheating spouses. The cheaters unintentionally sprinkle all sorts of little clues along the way. They drive to a rendezvous unaware that a detective is following them, or that they will be photographed in public with their secret sweetie. Other cheaters sometimes use a credit card to pay for gifts for Number Two, thus allowing the purchases to show up on their credit card statements.

--Yesterday's Dear Abby column included a letter from Sheryl Cates, executive director of the National Domestic Violence Hotline, reminding us that for many women whose husbands and boyfriends abuse them, Valentine's Day is filled with fear, anxiety and violence. The association tied its message into Valentine's Day and, as a result, got exposure in thousands of newspapers around the world.

--Yesterday's column written by syndicated humor columnist D.L. Stewart featured the book "The 50 Most Romantic Things Ever Done" by Dini von Mueffling. I don't know if von Mueffling pitched the book idea to Stewart (no relation), but I know for a fact that columnists are always looking for timely topics that tie into the holidays. Keep columnists in mind and tie your pitch to the holidays.

--My friend Barbara Bartlein, author of "Why Did I Marry You Anyway?" already has done 10 radio interviews and has four more planned for today as a result of a news release she sent that ties in with Valentine's Day. "I always end the interviews letting the listeners know that I have a free quiz called "How is The Health of Your Relationship?" on my website at http://www.whydidimarryyouanyway.com/marriagequizzes.html That drives traffic and sales. I do get ezine sign-ups and I see an immediate increase in sales."

If you missed out on this holiday, don't forget the next one. "116 WOW!Story Ideas from January through June" gives you the heads-up on opportunities galore for print, broadcast and online publicity. The CD comes with a list of all 116 ideas that you can download and be reading as soon as your order is approved. Read more about what you'll learn at http://tinyurl.com/6k7zk

==================================
3. Attention "Oprah" Authors
==================================

Does an author's appearance on "Oprah" automatically guarantee fame and fortune?

My good friend Dan Janal, president of PR Leads, a company that provides leads from working journalists, and a former journalist himself, is skeptical.

Last week, he posted a blog item at http://prleads.com/blog/2006/02/take-oprah-pr-leads-challenge.html in which he doubted whether any author could sell more than $10,000 worth of books after just one appearance on "Oprah."

He isn't talking about the authors like Jacqueline Mitchard or James Frey whose books are chosen for Oprah's Book of the Month Club. Rather, he is referring to all the other ones who appear on the show, then are lucky enough to have Oprah mention their books or, even better, hold up the books in front of the camera and maybe even discuss them.

"I don't know ANYONE who went on Oprah and sold 10,000 books to catapult themselves to best-sellers status on a truly legitimate Best-Seller List, with the exception of the authors Oprah selected for her Book Club," Dan wrote. "But I could be wrong."

So here's the challenge. And he's even willing to make it easy for you.

If you have sold $10,000 worth of books--not 10,000 books--from one appearance on "Oprah," send Dan proof and you'll get a year of PR LEADS for free. At $25 per copy, that's only 400 copies, an amount that many speakers can sell from the back of the room at one speaking engagement. He'll also tell your story at his blog.

"If I'm really off target, I'll limit this offer to the first five people who respond with proof," he says.

Even though his original deadline was last Friday, he's extending it to this Friday for Publicity Hounds only.

Send your proof to him at mailto:dan@prleads.com and you could win a subscription to PR Leads. See his blog for full details.

If Dan is right, and nobody can prove they sold $10,000 worth of books on "Oprah," I have just the answer. There's always big radio shows which, if done right, can make your books fly out of your fulfillment center. "Get Booked on Big Radio Shows in the Top 20 Markets" walks you step-by-step through the process of booking yourself on a big radio show so you can sell thousands of dollars in books or other products. Alex Carroll, a veteran guest of 1,264 radio talk shows, tells you exactly how it's done--without an expensive publicist. Read more about what you'll learn on this CD at http://tinyurl.com/asgyx

===============================
4. Try a Publicity Stunt
===============================

Thanks to Jeff Crilley, an Emmy Award-winning TV reporter from Dallas, Texas for letting me excerpt this tip from his ezine:

A disc jockey in Dallas named Alan Kabel knew he couldn’t fight the media attention being given to opening day for the Texas Rangers. So he came up with an angle to complement the coverage--and suddenly it was a whole new ball game. Alan sent out a news release announcing that in a show of support for the Rangers, he and his morning show co-host would be sitting in every seat in the ballpark on the day before opening day.

Pure publicity stunt, right? You bet it was. But you know what? It was so timely no one could pass it up. To use a baseball analogy, Alan hit a grand slam. Every TV station in town showed up to cover his stunt. Alan knew the TV folks would be out at the ballpark that day anyway doing a preview of opening day, and all of them would be looking for an angle. It was either get video of Alan going from seat-to-seat in the 50,000-seat ballpark or interview the head groundskeeper on field conditions. He had the right story at the right time. If he had tried it on opening day, the game itself would have overshadowed his stunt. Two days before--he would have been too early. The day after opening day? Too late. When it comes to news, timing is truly everything. Jeff's book Free Publicity, chock full of ideas just like this one, is available at http://www.jeffcrilley.com

OK, Hounds, so you're going to steal Alan Kabel's idea. No problem. Just make sure you know how to get through to the right person at your local TV station. "How to Get Booked on the Local TV News Tomorrow" tells you how to know exactly which person inside each TV newsroom makes the decision about what gets on the air. The CD or electronic transcript explains how to pitch, the kinds of other ideas TV stations are hungry for, and how to get great coverage for holidays, seasonal events and even business topics. Read more about what you'll learn at http://tinyurl.com/4zpuz

================================
5. How to Promote Networking Seminars
================================

This week, four Publicity Hounds have tips for Corinne Donlin of San Francisco, California, who needs ideas on how to promote networking seminars for real estate agents, financial planners, salespeople, insurance agents and other business people.

From Ankesh Kotheri:

"Get an elephant and sell elephant rides a few days before the seminar. Donate all the money to charity. And pitch a story of how you "networked" to get an elephant in town for a good cause. Drop in a few hints of how you can teach others to network like a pro too if they attend a seminar to be given in a few days time. (OK, so you might not be able to get an elephant but you get the idea--do something outrageous before the seminar for a good cause. And promote that outrageous event by pitching how you pulled it off because of your networking skills.)"

From Phyllis Cambria:

"We contacted the local professional associations that many of these people belong to. They are usually non-profit groups and have to raise money for their own purposes. So we presented proposals explaining the seminar and how it would benefit their members and how, if they agreed to promote the seminar to their members, we would give them a percentage of the ticket sales from any of their members who attend. They literally jumped at the opportunity."

From Lorie McClory:

"As a chamber of commerce executive, I am trying to figure out why we have poor turnout at our social events (Business After Hours). After talking with some very outgoing individuals, I found out they don’t attend because they don’t know how to network. What a great topic for a chamber of commerce to promote! Join your local chamber and offer your seminars."

Read all the comments, or add your own, at http://www.PublicityHound.net/?p=489

My "Special Report #21: 67 Great Publicity Tips for Professional Speakers" offers lots of ideas on how you can generate interest and publicity for your programs. Stop relying only on expensive press kits and cold-calling. Follow many of these tricks and meeting planners will start contacting you. Order at http://tinyurl.com/6uz9g

===================================
6. Help This Hound
===================================

Publicity Hound Jon Merz of Albany, New York writes:

"I have an idea for a great publicity campaign for McDonald's or Burger King that invoices partnering with my business. The problem is, these companies say they don't accept unsolicited publicity ideas. My question is this: how do I get some type of audience with them to pitch this idea? I know movies somehow partner with these big companies all the time, so there must be some system to it. I just don't know what it is. Can you or any of your other Hounds help?"

The Publicity Hound says: Media Mutts would just give up. But Publicity Hounds are a persistent bunch. Hounds with idea on how Jon can get in front of McDonald's or Burger King can post them at my blog at http://publicityhound.net/?p=464

==================================
7. Hound Joke of the Week
==================================

My dog chewed the tongue on one of my new, very expensive running shoes. I hoped to save my investment, so I took the sneakers to a shoe repair shop. I placed them on the counter and told the man, "My dog got hold of this."

The repairman picked up the shoe, looked it over, and placed it back down on the counter.

"Well, what do you recommend?" I asked.

He looked at me and replied, "Give your dog the other shoe."

DOG JOKES & QUOTES EBOOK: 170+ G-rated dog jokes and quotes, perfect for a dog-lover, your favorite vet, or just for a few good laughs.

BONUS: Buy the ebook and you also get a compilation of the 50 best websites for dog humor.
http://www.publicityhound.com/dogjokebook/

==================================
7. And at My Blog...
==================================

Here's what you can read in recent posts at my blog:

--Blogging for publicity? Here are 5 tips on how to write a better bloghttp://publicityhound.net/?p=495

--New publicity leads posted for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and graduation giftshttp://publicityhound.net/?p=494

--Fitness, weight loss still big during February sweeps--and ‘Oprah’ says sohttp://publicityhound.net/?p=493

--Archive of past issues of this newsletter http://publicityhound.com/tipsoftheweek/

My blog at http://www.publicityhound.net/ has 20 categories so you can read only items on whatever publicity-related topics interest you. Click on the blue "Topics" bar on the right side.
---------------------------------------------------------------

Where to Meet or Hear The Publicity Hound®:

March 22: Waukesha, Wisconsin

2006 Micro Entrepreneur Expo, "How to Get F~ree Publicity," Part 1 from 5:30-6:15 and Part 2 from 8-8:45 PM, Waukesha Area Technical College; pre-registration $25 or $30 at the door (includes dinner). To register, call 262-695-3468.


May 16: Washington, D.C.

I'll be hosting a half-day public seminar called "Savvy Media Relations: How to Use Your Expertise to Get Thousands of Dollars in F~ree Publicity." Don't miss out on the early bird sign-up. Read all about it at http://www.Publicityhound.com/washingtondc.htm


May 17: Washington, D.C.

PMA University, Washington D.C. Convention Center. Robin Bartlett and I will present "Advanced Website Tricks to Pull More Traffic and Sell, Sell, Sell," 8:30-10:00 a.m. Sponsored by Publishers Marketing Association.


May 18: Washington, D.C.

PMA University, Washington, D.C. Convention Center. Penny Sansevieri and I will present "How to Turn Your Ezine into a Cash Machine." Sponsored by Publishers Marketing Association. 8:30-10:15 a.m. Details pending.

***If you're in the National Speakers Association or the Public Relations Society of America--or another business, marketing or PR group--and you want details on how to bring in The Publicity Hound to do a fund-raiser for your chapter, or you want me to host a teleseminar customized just for your group, contact me at mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com?subject=speaker_inquiry or call 262-284-7451.

***Attention Meeting Planners: If you're booking speakers for winter, spring or summer conferences or events, keep me in mind--even if you have a last-minute cancellation. I deliver high-content, interactive programs that are lots of fun. Call 262-284-7451 or mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com?subject=speaker_inquiry for details.

PERMISSION TO REPRINT: You may reprint any items from "The Publicity Hound's Tips of the Week" in your own print or electronic newsletter. But please include the following paragraph:

Reprinted from "The Publicity Hound's Tips of the Week," a free ezine featuring tips, tricks and tools for generating free publicity. Subscribe at http://www.publicityhound.com/ and receive free by email the handy list "89 Reasons to Send a News Release."

If you like these tips, please pass them on to your friends, clients and colleagues.
You are receiving this because you signed up for it at The Publicity Hound® website at http://www.publicityhound.com/ or you told me you want to subscribe.

PRIVACY STATEMENT: The Publicity Hound® will never distribute your address to anyone. Period. Promise.
=======================================================
Joan Stewart
a.k.a. The Publicity Hound®
3434 County KK Port Washington, WI 53074
U.S.A.
Phone: 262-284-7451 (Central) Fax: 262-284-1737

Publicity tips/Internet predators February 7, 2006

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #280 - February 7, 2006
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.net (Blog)

The Publicity Hound®
Circulation: 14,271

=====================================
"Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity"
Subscribe to the RSS feed at
http://www.publicityhound.com/tipsoftheweek/
=====================================

Please forward this ezine to anyone you know who needs free publicity to establish their credibility, enhance their reputation, position themselves as employers of choice, sell more products and services, or promote a favorite cause or issue.

**********************************************
Attention Washington, D.C. Hounds:

If you live in or near Washington, D.C., or you're coming for the Publishers Marketing Association University or to BookExpo, join me for "Savvy Media Relations: How to Get FREE Print, Broadcast and Online Publicity" from 7:30-11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 16, at the City Club of Washington at Franklin Square, 1300 I Street, NW. Take advantage of the early-bird sign-up. Read more about it at http://www.Publicityhound.com/washingtondc.htm

***********************************************
================================
In This Issue
================================

1. Internet Predators

2. Spy on Your Competitors

3. The Dreaded Ground-breaking

4. When Reporters Keep Stalling

5. How to Market a Helicopter Service

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week

8. And at My Blog...


==================================
1. Internet Predators
==================================

After watching "To Catch a Predator" on NBC's "Dateline" Friday night, I was so upset I could hardly sleep.

It was the third installment of a show that illustrates a growing epidemic in the U.S.--grown men, trolling the web searching for minors in hopes of engaging in something that rhymes with hex.

To expose them, "Dateline" set up multiple hidden cameras in a house in Riverside, California.

The show enlisted the help of volunteers from Perverted-Justice, a watchdog group that regularly catches online predators by posing as kids online. They were also assisted by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

Over a three-day period, Perverted Justice volunteers accepted invitations from dozens of men who set up liaisons with what they thought were minors who would be home alone. But once each man arrived at the Riverside house thinking he would find the 12- or 13-year-old who lived there, he met up with "Dateline" correspondent Chris Hansen.

By the end of the three-day sting, 50 men of all ages had been arrested. Their names, faces--and in some cases their long criminal records--were shown to viewers around the world. You can read more about it, including the entire transcript, at http://msnbc.msn.com/id/3032600/

NBC promises to keep reporting on this crime, which means lots of opportunities to use this story as a springboard to publicize your related cause or issue:

--Child advocacy groups can weigh in with commentary about the problem, from light sentences for offenders, to parents who are unaware of what their children are doing on the Internet.

--In Hartford, Connecticut, police are investigating whether as many as seven teenage girls have been assaulted by men they met through MySpace.com, a popular social networking website that allows users to create profiles that can include personal information, cellphone numbers and even photos of themselves in suggestive poses, or worse. Internet experts familiar with MySpace.com can advise parents on how to check these kinds of websites to see if their own children have profiles.

--Computer consultants and other techies can let parents know about safeguards such as programs that filter, block and monitor Internet use.

--Child psychologists can comment on age-appropriate discussions that parents should have with their children about online predators.

--Police can discuss the kinds of minors that most susceptible to being victims.

--Do you think people in your state should be alerted when a predator moves into the neighborhood?

--What are the schools doing, if anything, to keep children safe?

--Should parents snoop in their children's rooms, pockets, backpacks and drawers? Or does this ruin the trust between parent and child?

If you have more ideas, you can post them to my blog at http://publicityhound.net/?p=488

TV reporter Shawne Duperon says pitching stories like the ones above to your local TV station that's affiliated with the network where you first saw the story is an excellent strategy. But how do you get through to busy newsroom people? She knows how, and she give you all her best tips on "How to Get on the Local TV News Tomorrow," available as a CD or electronic transcript. Read more about it at http://tinyurl.com/4zpuz


===============================
2. Spy on Your Competitors
===============================

Thanks to Publicity Hound George McKenzie for this tip, which you'll find in his "Free Publicity Action Plan" at http://tinyurl.com/927g5

Use your competitor's online media room to generate publicity for yourself.

Simply check the media room on their website. George says they’ll probably be crowing about their media successes (as they should).

You can contact the media outlet that gave them publicity, and strike up a relationship by offering to help reporters next time they do a similar story.

You can even find out when your competitor has gotten publicity beforethey have a chance to post it to their website, so that you can immediately contact the reporter and offer a follow up or "another angle."

That’s where Google Alerts and similar services come in very handy.

I wrote about Google Alerts last year in this newsletter. If you missed it, you can see the short video that Publicity Hound Terry Brock, created for me at http://tinyurl.com/c82rm It shows you how to use Google Alerts to find journalists.

"Special Report #22: How to Create an Online Media Room and Keep the Media Coming Back" explains why you need an online media room if you expect journalists to take you seriously. It tells you what your media room must include, and gives you lots of ideas for other things you can offer, even if you're a one-person business. It's $10. Order at http://tinyurl.com/6uz9g


==================================
3. The Dreaded Ground-breaking
==================================

A friend whose company is opening a new addition called to ask for my best tips on how to stage a ribbon-cutting ceremony the media will love.

"That's an oxymoron," I said. "The media don't love ribbon-cuttings. They despise them."
So stop wasting your time trying to make a big pair of cardboard scissors, then lining up your execs in front of a long red ribbon and asking somebody to do "the honor" of cutting it. These kinds of staged media events are cliche and just plain dumb. There are far more creative ways to get publicity for a new addition:

--Why was it built? Are you bursting at the seams and need more office space to accommodate all your new employees?

--Is there anything unusual about the architecture or construction? Was it built with environmentally friendly materials? If so, why did you choose that kind of construction?

--What will take place inside the addition, or how will your customers or clients be affected?

--If you can't think of an interesting story idea, call the media and ask for a stand-alone photo and caption. Suggest photogenic things inside the addition, like employees filling their coffee mugs at the latte bar in your new cafeteria, or the employee work-out room.

Dan Collins, one of the best PR people I know, has dozens of suggestions on how to avoid these cliche events and, instead, offer the media enticing story ideas, photos and special events. He explained them all on the CD or electronic transcript called "Fun Alternatives to Boring Ground-breakings, Ribbon-cuttings and Check-passings." Read more about what you'll learn at http://tinyurl.com/7cl6z


===============================
4. When Reporters Keep Stalling
===============================

A publicist emailed me last week, asking my advice on this dilemma.

She pitched a story about her client, whose company is the local angle to a major national business story. A reporter from a big newspaper (one that most Publicity Hounds would give their right arms to get into), bit on the idea in November and asked for exclusivity.

But the reporter kept stalling and wouldn't schedule the interview because he was either on another assignment, or the timing wasn't right. He kept telling the publicist to be patient and that his editor was still interested.

Here we are two months later, and the client is getting antsy. He even suggested that his publicist offer the story to other major newspapers.

This one was an easy call. Here's what I told her.

Every time the journalist has replied, his answer has been positive, and that means he and his editor are still interested. If you offer this story to somebody else, you'll forever ruin your relationship not only with this reporter, but with the newspaper.

Tell the client it's not unusual for the media to sit on a story for several months, or even up to a year, before they cover it. But in this case, the story idea is timely and the topic will be in the news for many months, so give the reporter several more weeks and see what happens.

Sure enough, the very day I replied to her, the reporter called to schedule an interview. If this ever happens to you and the story is timely, give the reporter an ultimatum without using the word ultimatum. Just say something like, "I have to know by the end of the week if you're interested in this story. If not, I'll be offering it to others." If they aren't interested, they'll tell you.

This is just one of many important steps in learning how to be patient so you don't blow a great opportunity. I know all the other steps, and I shared them with George McKenzie when he interviewed me on how to "Get Free Publicity in Print," my very favorite interview. It's available as a CD or an electronic transcript that you can download and be reading as soon as your order is approved. Read more about what you'll learn at http://tinyurl.com/4kpmx


================================
5. How to Market a Helicopter Service
================================

This week, a whopping 18 Publicity Hounds have tips for Lauren Tarne of Dallas, Texas on how to promote her client's high-end helicopter charter service in New York City.

From Theresa Krump:

"Would your client be willing to donate a free ride to a charity auction attended by people in his target demographic? I am working on several different events in Westchester County, New York, the affluent suburb just north of NYC...If this firm donated a ride to one of these auctions as an auction item, it would be written up in tempting terms in the Journal and a poster or display would be set up featuring his firm on the auction bidding table."

From Carol Stevens:
"Focus on the benefits of the service. Such as if you’re flying to the Hamptons for the day as opposed to driving--or what are some other destinations that you can compare drive time to? Is the service available 24 hours a day? If so, talk about it. Do you have to schedule well in advance or can you go last minute in the event a client needs you to come right away and other forms of transportation will delay the meeting? And focus on celebrity status--everyone wants to feel special and that their time is extremely valuable so if you want that VIP treatment hop on the heli pad."

From John Elmore:

"Even rich business guys like simple toys--so how about printing the company business name and contact information on a box of those plastic twirly helicopter blade toys that launch from between your hands with a quick rub of the hands in opposite directions? Mail that out to the top executives in New York along with a color flyer or brochure."

Read all the responses at my blog at http://publicityhound.net/?p=479


===================================
6. Help This Hound
===================================

Corinne Donlin, San Francisco, California writes:

"I am looking for recommendations as to how to get publicity to promote seminars which will present how individuals (real estate agents, financial planners, salespeople, insurance agents, etc.) as well as small business owners can increase their sales through networking. I'd like ideas as to 1) Where to start, 2) Any promotion/publicity/marketing ideas anyone can provide and 3) How can I find partners to help publicize the seminars with them receiving compensation for the referrals?"

The Publicity Hound says: This is a difficult one, simply because there's probably more free information out there an how to network than on any other business topic. But my Hounds love tough questions that keep their minds sharp. Hounds with ideas should post them to my blog at http://www.PublicityHound.net/?p=489

In the meantime, I shared my best tips on how free or professional speakers can get a boatload of free publicity when Tom Antion interviewed me for "Kick up a Media Storm." It's available as a CD and you can read all about it at http://tinyurl.com/buq8s


==================================
7. Hound Joke of the Week
==================================

Thanks to Publicity Hound Sophie Wajsman of Australia for this one:
"Oh, that dog! Ever hear of a German Shepherd that bites its nails? Barks with a lisp? You say, 'Attack!' and he has one. All he does is piddle. He's nothing but a fur-covered kidney that barks. --Phyllis Diller


DOG JOKES & QUOTES EBOOK: 170+ G-rated dog jokes and quotes, perfect for a dog-lover, your favorite vet, or just for a few good laughs.

BONUS: Buy the ebook and you also get a compilation of the 50 best websites for dog humor.
http://www.publicityhound.com/dogjokebook/


==================================
7. And at My Blog...
==================================

Here's what you can read in recent posts at my blog:

--Ghostwritten or mass-produced articles can spell troublehttp://publicityhound.net/?p=486

--Looking for a job in PR? Your media contacts might help decide if you get ithttp://publicityhound.net/?p=485

--8 things that aren't newsworthy, so don't bother pitching themhttp://publicityhound.net/?p=487

--Archive of past issues of this newsletter http://publicityhound.com/tipsoftheweek/
My blog at http://www.publicityhound.net/ has 20 categories so you can read only items on whatever publicity-related topics interest you. Click on the blue "Topics" bar on the right side.

---------------------------------------------------------------
Where to Meet or Hear The Publicity Hound®:

February 10: Washington, D.C.

National Speakers Association Winter Workshop, concurrent session for staff on "How to Position the Boss as an Expert the Media Love," 4:30 to 5:45 p.m., Crystal Gateway Marriott. Details and registration at http://www.nsaspeaker.org/dc/online_schedule.shtml


February 14: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Association for Women in Communications, "How to Use the Media to Position Yourself as an Expert," noon to 1:15 p.m., Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St.; $30 for members, $40 for future members, $20 for students. Register online at http://www.awcmilwaukee.org/register.htm before Feb. 10.


March 22: Waukesha, Wisconsin

2006 Micro Entrepreneur Expo, "How to Get F~ree Publicity," Part 1 from 5:30-6:15 and Part 2 from 8-8:45 PM, Waukesha Area Technical College; pre-registration $25 or $30 at the door (includes dinner). To register, call 262-695-3468.


May 16: Washington, D.C.

I'll be hosting a half-day public seminar called "Savvy Media Relations: How to Use Your Expertise to Get Thousands of Dollars in F~ree Publicity." Don't miss out on the early bird sign-up. Read all about it at http://www.Publicityhound.com/washingtondc.htm


May 17: Washington, D.C.

PMA University, Washington D.C. Convention Center. Robin Bartlett and I will present "Advanced Website Tricks to Pull More Traffic and Sell, Sell, Sell," 8:30-10:00 a.m. Sponsored by Publishers Marketing Association.


May 18: Washington, D.C.

PMA University, Washington, D.C. Convention Center. Penny Sansevieri and I will present "How to Turn Your Ezine into a Cash Machine." Sponsored by Publishers Marketing Association. 8:30-10:15 a.m. Details pending.

***If you're in the National Speakers Association or the Public Relations Society of America--or another business, marketing or PR group--and you want details on how to bring in The Publicity Hound to do a fund-raiser for your chapter, or you want me to host a teleseminar customized just for your group, contact me at mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com?subject=speaker_inquiry or call 262-284-7451.

***Attention Meeting Planners: If you're booking speakers for winter, spring or summer conferences or events, keep me in mind--even if you have a last-minute cancellation. I deliver high-content, interactive programs that are lots of fun. Call 262-284-7451 or mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com?subject=speaker_inquiry for details.

PERMISSION TO REPRINT: You may reprint any items from "The Publicity Hound's Tips of the Week" in your own print or electronic newsletter. But please include the following paragraph:

Reprinted from "The Publicity Hound's Tips of the Week," a free ezine featuring tips, tricks and tools for generating free publicity. Subscribe at http://www.publicityhound.com/ and receive free by email the handy list "89 Reasons to Send a News Release."
If you like these tips, please pass them on to your friends, clients and colleagues.

You are receiving this because you signed up for it at The Publicity Hound® website at http://www.publicityhound.com/ or you told me you want to subscribe.

PRIVACY STATEMENT: The Publicity Hound® will never distribute your address to anyone. Period. Promise.
=======================================================
Joan Stewart
a.k.a. The Publicity Hound®
3434 County KK
Port Washington, WI 53074
U.S.A.
Phone: 262-284-7451 (Central) Fax: 262-284-1737

Publicity tips/Internet predators February 7, 2006

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #280 - February 7, 2006
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.net (Blog)

The Publicity Hound®
Circulation: 14,271

=====================================
"Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity"
Subscribe to the RSS feed at
http://www.publicityhound.com/tipsoftheweek/
=====================================

Please forward this ezine to anyone you know who needs free publicity to establish their credibility, enhance their reputation, position themselves as employers of choice, sell more products and services, or promote a favorite cause or issue.

**********************************************
Attention Washington, D.C. Hounds:

If you live in or near Washington, D.C., or you're coming for the Publishers Marketing Association University or to BookExpo, join me for "Savvy Media Relations: How to Get FREE Print, Broadcast and Online Publicity" from 7:30-11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 16, at the City Club of Washington at Franklin Square, 1300 I Street, NW. Take advantage of the early-bird sign-up. Read more about it at http://www.Publicityhound.com/washingtondc.htm

***********************************************
================================
In This Issue
================================

1. Internet Predators

2. Spy on Your Competitors

3. The Dreaded Ground-breaking

4. When Reporters Keep Stalling

5. How to Market a Helicopter Service

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week

8. And at My Blog...


==================================
1. Internet Predators
==================================

After watching "To Catch a Predator" on NBC's "Dateline" Friday night, I was so upset I could hardly sleep.

It was the third installment of a show that illustrates a growing epidemic in the U.S.--grown men, trolling the web searching for minors in hopes of engaging in something that rhymes with hex.

To expose them, "Dateline" set up multiple hidden cameras in a house in Riverside, California.

The show enlisted the help of volunteers from Perverted-Justice, a watchdog group that regularly catches online predators by posing as kids online. They were also assisted by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

Over a three-day period, Perverted Justice volunteers accepted invitations from dozens of men who set up liaisons with what they thought were minors who would be home alone. But once each man arrived at the Riverside house thinking he would find the 12- or 13-year-old who lived there, he met up with "Dateline" correspondent Chris Hansen.

By the end of the three-day sting, 50 men of all ages had been arrested. Their names, faces--and in some cases their long criminal records--were shown to viewers around the world. You can read more about it, including the entire transcript, at http://msnbc.msn.com/id/3032600/

NBC promises to keep reporting on this crime, which means lots of opportunities to use this story as a springboard to publicize your related cause or issue:

--Child advocacy groups can weigh in with commentary about the problem, from light sentences for offenders, to parents who are unaware of what their children are doing on the Internet.

--In Hartford, Connecticut, police are investigating whether as many as seven teenage girls have been assaulted by men they met through MySpace.com, a popular social networking website that allows users to create profiles that can include personal information, cellphone numbers and even photos of themselves in suggestive poses, or worse. Internet experts familiar with MySpace.com can advise parents on how to check these kinds of websites to see if their own children have profiles.

--Computer consultants and other techies can let parents know about safeguards such as programs that filter, block and monitor Internet use.

--Child psychologists can comment on age-appropriate discussions that parents should have with their children about online predators.

--Police can discuss the kinds of minors that most susceptible to being victims.

--Do you think people in your state should be alerted when a predator moves into the neighborhood?

--What are the schools doing, if anything, to keep children safe?

--Should parents snoop in their children's rooms, pockets, backpacks and drawers? Or does this ruin the trust between parent and child?

If you have more ideas, you can post them to my blog at http://publicityhound.net/?p=488

TV reporter Shawne Duperon says pitching stories like the ones above to your local TV station that's affiliated with the network where you first saw the story is an excellent strategy. But how do you get through to busy newsroom people? She knows how, and she give you all her best tips on "How to Get on the Local TV News Tomorrow," available as a CD or electronic transcript. Read more about it at http://tinyurl.com/4zpuz


===============================
2. Spy on Your Competitors
===============================

Thanks to Publicity Hound George McKenzie for this tip, which you'll find in his "Free Publicity Action Plan" at http://tinyurl.com/927g5

Use your competitor's online media room to generate publicity for yourself.

Simply check the media room on their website. George says they’ll probably be crowing about their media successes (as they should).

You can contact the media outlet that gave them publicity, and strike up a relationship by offering to help reporters next time they do a similar story.

You can even find out when your competitor has gotten publicity beforethey have a chance to post it to their website, so that you can immediately contact the reporter and offer a follow up or "another angle."

That’s where Google Alerts and similar services come in very handy.

I wrote about Google Alerts last year in this newsletter. If you missed it, you can see the short video that Publicity Hound Terry Brock, created for me at http://tinyurl.com/c82rm It shows you how to use Google Alerts to find journalists.

"Special Report #22: How to Create an Online Media Room and Keep the Media Coming Back" explains why you need an online media room if you expect journalists to take you seriously. It tells you what your media room must include, and gives you lots of ideas for other things you can offer, even if you're a one-person business. It's $10. Order at http://tinyurl.com/6uz9g


==================================
3. The Dreaded Ground-breaking
==================================

A friend whose company is opening a new addition called to ask for my best tips on how to stage a ribbon-cutting ceremony the media will love.

"That's an oxymoron," I said. "The media don't love ribbon-cuttings. They despise them."
So stop wasting your time trying to make a big pair of cardboard scissors, then lining up your execs in front of a long red ribbon and asking somebody to do "the honor" of cutting it. These kinds of staged media events are cliche and just plain dumb. There are far more creative ways to get publicity for a new addition:

--Why was it built? Are you bursting at the seams and need more office space to accommodate all your new employees?

--Is there anything unusual about the architecture or construction? Was it built with environmentally friendly materials? If so, why did you choose that kind of construction?

--What will take place inside the addition, or how will your customers or clients be affected?

--If you can't think of an interesting story idea, call the media and ask for a stand-alone photo and caption. Suggest photogenic things inside the addition, like employees filling their coffee mugs at the latte bar in your new cafeteria, or the employee work-out room.

Dan Collins, one of the best PR people I know, has dozens of suggestions on how to avoid these cliche events and, instead, offer the media enticing story ideas, photos and special events. He explained them all on the CD or electronic transcript called "Fun Alternatives to Boring Ground-breakings, Ribbon-cuttings and Check-passings." Read more about what you'll learn at http://tinyurl.com/7cl6z


===============================
4. When Reporters Keep Stalling
===============================

A publicist emailed me last week, asking my advice on this dilemma.

She pitched a story about her client, whose company is the local angle to a major national business story. A reporter from a big newspaper (one that most Publicity Hounds would give their right arms to get into), bit on the idea in November and asked for exclusivity.

But the reporter kept stalling and wouldn't schedule the interview because he was either on another assignment, or the timing wasn't right. He kept telling the publicist to be patient and that his editor was still interested.

Here we are two months later, and the client is getting antsy. He even suggested that his publicist offer the story to other major newspapers.

This one was an easy call. Here's what I told her.

Every time the journalist has replied, his answer has been positive, and that means he and his editor are still interested. If you offer this story to somebody else, you'll forever ruin your relationship not only with this reporter, but with the newspaper.

Tell the client it's not unusual for the media to sit on a story for several months, or even up to a year, before they cover it. But in this case, the story idea is timely and the topic will be in the news for many months, so give the reporter several more weeks and see what happens.

Sure enough, the very day I replied to her, the reporter called to schedule an interview. If this ever happens to you and the story is timely, give the reporter an ultimatum without using the word ultimatum. Just say something like, "I have to know by the end of the week if you're interested in this story. If not, I'll be offering it to others." If they aren't interested, they'll tell you.

This is just one of many important steps in learning how to be patient so you don't blow a great opportunity. I know all the other steps, and I shared them with George McKenzie when he interviewed me on how to "Get Free Publicity in Print," my very favorite interview. It's available as a CD or an electronic transcript that you can download and be reading as soon as your order is approved. Read more about what you'll learn at http://tinyurl.com/4kpmx


================================
5. How to Market a Helicopter Service
================================

This week, a whopping 18 Publicity Hounds have tips for Lauren Tarne of Dallas, Texas on how to promote her client's high-end helicopter charter service in New York City.

From Theresa Krump:

"Would your client be willing to donate a free ride to a charity auction attended by people in his target demographic? I am working on several different events in Westchester County, New York, the affluent suburb just north of NYC...If this firm donated a ride to one of these auctions as an auction item, it would be written up in tempting terms in the Journal and a poster or display would be set up featuring his firm on the auction bidding table."

From Carol Stevens:
"Focus on the benefits of the service. Such as if you’re flying to the Hamptons for the day as opposed to driving--or what are some other destinations that you can compare drive time to? Is the service available 24 hours a day? If so, talk about it. Do you have to schedule well in advance or can you go last minute in the event a client needs you to come right away and other forms of transportation will delay the meeting? And focus on celebrity status--everyone wants to feel special and that their time is extremely valuable so if you want that VIP treatment hop on the heli pad."

From John Elmore:

"Even rich business guys like simple toys--so how about printing the company business name and contact information on a box of those plastic twirly helicopter blade toys that launch from between your hands with a quick rub of the hands in opposite directions? Mail that out to the top executives in New York along with a color flyer or brochure."

Read all the responses at my blog at http://publicityhound.net/?p=479


===================================
6. Help This Hound
===================================

Corinne Donlin, San Francisco, California writes:

"I am looking for recommendations as to how to get publicity to promote seminars which will present how individuals (real estate agents, financial planners, salespeople, insurance agents, etc.) as well as small business owners can increase their sales through networking. I'd like ideas as to 1) Where to start, 2) Any promotion/publicity/marketing ideas anyone can provide and 3) How can I find partners to help publicize the seminars with them receiving compensation for the referrals?"

The Publicity Hound says: This is a difficult one, simply because there's probably more free information out there an how to network than on any other business topic. But my Hounds love tough questions that keep their minds sharp. Hounds with ideas should post them to my blog at http://www.PublicityHound.net/?p=489

In the meantime, I shared my best tips on how free or professional speakers can get a boatload of free publicity when Tom Antion interviewed me for "Kick up a Media Storm." It's available as a CD and you can read all about it at http://tinyurl.com/buq8s


==================================
7. Hound Joke of the Week
==================================

Thanks to Publicity Hound Sophie Wajsman of Australia for this one:
"Oh, that dog! Ever hear of a German Shepherd that bites its nails? Barks with a lisp? You say, 'Attack!' and he has one. All he does is piddle. He's nothing but a fur-covered kidney that barks. --Phyllis Diller


DOG JOKES & QUOTES EBOOK: 170+ G-rated dog jokes and quotes, perfect for a dog-lover, your favorite vet, or just for a few good laughs.

BONUS: Buy the ebook and you also get a compilation of the 50 best websites for dog humor.
http://www.publicityhound.com/dogjokebook/


==================================
7. And at My Blog...
==================================

Here's what you can read in recent posts at my blog:

--Ghostwritten or mass-produced articles can spell troublehttp://publicityhound.net/?p=486

--Looking for a job in PR? Your media contacts might help decide if you get ithttp://publicityhound.net/?p=485

--8 things that aren't newsworthy, so don't bother pitching themhttp://publicityhound.net/?p=487

--Archive of past issues of this newsletter http://publicityhound.com/tipsoftheweek/
My blog at http://www.publicityhound.net/ has 20 categories so you can read only items on whatever publicity-related topics interest you. Click on the blue "Topics" bar on the right side.

---------------------------------------------------------------
Where to Meet or Hear The Publicity Hound®:

February 10: Washington, D.C.

National Speakers Association Winter Workshop, concurrent session for staff on "How to Position the Boss as an Expert the Media Love," 4:30 to 5:45 p.m., Crystal Gateway Marriott. Details and registration at http://www.nsaspeaker.org/dc/online_schedule.shtml


February 14: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Association for Women in Communications, "How to Use the Media to Position Yourself as an Expert," noon to 1:15 p.m., Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St.; $30 for members, $40 for future members, $20 for students. Register online at http://www.awcmilwaukee.org/register.htm before Feb. 10.


March 22: Waukesha, Wisconsin

2006 Micro Entrepreneur Expo, "How to Get F~ree Publicity," Part 1 from 5:30-6:15 and Part 2 from 8-8:45 PM, Waukesha Area Technical College; pre-registration $25 or $30 at the door (includes dinner). To register, call 262-695-3468.


May 16: Washington, D.C.

I'll be hosting a half-day public seminar called "Savvy Media Relations: How to Use Your Expertise to Get Thousands of Dollars in F~ree Publicity." Don't miss out on the early bird sign-up. Read all about it at http://www.Publicityhound.com/washingtondc.htm


May 17: Washington, D.C.

PMA University, Washington D.C. Convention Center. Robin Bartlett and I will present "Advanced Website Tricks to Pull More Traffic and Sell, Sell, Sell," 8:30-10:00 a.m. Sponsored by Publishers Marketing Association.


May 18: Washington, D.C.

PMA University, Washington, D.C. Convention Center. Penny Sansevieri and I will present "How to Turn Your Ezine into a Cash Machine." Sponsored by Publishers Marketing Association. 8:30-10:15 a.m. Details pending.

***If you're in the National Speakers Association or the Public Relations Society of America--or another business, marketing or PR group--and you want details on how to bring in The Publicity Hound to do a fund-raiser for your chapter, or you want me to host a teleseminar customized just for your group, contact me at mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com?subject=speaker_inquiry or call 262-284-7451.

***Attention Meeting Planners: If you're booking speakers for winter, spring or summer conferences or events, keep me in mind--even if you have a last-minute cancellation. I deliver high-content, interactive programs that are lots of fun. Call 262-284-7451 or mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com?subject=speaker_inquiry for details.

PERMISSION TO REPRINT: You may reprint any items from "The Publicity Hound's Tips of the Week" in your own print or electronic newsletter. But please include the following paragraph:

Reprinted from "The Publicity Hound's Tips of the Week," a free ezine featuring tips, tricks and tools for generating free publicity. Subscribe at http://www.publicityhound.com/ and receive free by email the handy list "89 Reasons to Send a News Release."
If you like these tips, please pass them on to your friends, clients and colleagues.

You are receiving this because you signed up for it at The Publicity Hound® website at http://www.publicityhound.com/ or you told me you want to subscribe.

PRIVACY STATEMENT: The Publicity Hound® will never distribute your address to anyone. Period. Promise.
=======================================================
Joan Stewart
a.k.a. The Publicity Hound®
3434 County KK
Port Washington, WI 53074
U.S.A.
Phone: 262-284-7451 (Central) Fax: 262-284-1737