Publicity tips/Build a DQ Waffle Bowl Sundae July 31, 2007

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #357 July 31, 2007
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com/
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 32,921

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

"Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity"

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

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You are receiving this because you signed up for it at The Publicity Hound® website at http://www.publicityhound.com/ or you told me that you want to subscribe. If you didn't subscribe, you can unsubscribe by clicking the link at the bottom of the newsletter.

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.

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Every week, people looking for publicists, virtual assistants, graphic designers, press release writers and other PR products and services consult The Publicity Hound's Resources List.

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If you provide products and services for people who need publicity, or if you're looking for a service provider, learn more about the Resources List at http://publicityhound.com/resources.htm
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In This Issue
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1. Build a DQ Waffle Bowl Sundae

2. Great Pitch + Enthusiasm = Publicity

3. My Press Release Boo-boos

4. Email Pitches That Work

5. Promoting NYC Rehearsal Space

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week

8. And at My Blog...


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1. Build a DQ Waffle Bowl Sundae
======================================

Attention restaurants, chefs, foodies and anyone who wants to promote a fund-raising event that ties in with food.

Take a lesson from the Dairy Queen in Elgin, Illinois, which was featured last week on the news on WLS Channel 7, ABC's station in the Chicago market.

Owner Steve Gordon and son Greg did an in-studio demonstration of how to make DQ's new treat, the Waffle Bowl Sundae, at home. The segment showed Greg pouring batter on the waffle iron, as Steve provided step-by-step narration.

Greg placed the still-warm waffle inside a bowl, dipped the top in melted chocolate, then filled the bowl with a big helping of soft-serve custard, complete with DQ's signature curly Q on top.

Then co-anchors Sylvia Perez and Linda Yu, giggling like a couple of little kids, looked over the array of toppings, such as crushed Oreo cookies and pieces of peanut butter cups, and heaped their favorites onto their own sundaes.

Sylvia even kicked off the segment with an enthusiastic, "We love Dairy Queen!"

It doesn't get much better than that.

The segment, which ran almost four minutes, also attracted attention for DQ's participation in Miracle Treat Day on August 9. DQs in the Chicago area will donate proceeds from Blizzards that day on August 9 to Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

The story idea, pitched by Jennifer A. Raaths Public Relations, was brilliant. Simply contact your local TV newsroom and offer an in-studio demonstration on how viewers can cook something at home. Never mind that most people don't have an expensive soft-serve frozen custard machine. The producers loved the idea because it made for a fun segment. You can watch it at http://www.jarpr.com/press_room.html It's the second item.

OK, Hounds. What make-it-yourself, in-studio demonstration can you pitch to tie into an upcoming special event or fund-raiser that you're sponsoring?

You'll find more than 800 other ideas for generating publicity before, during and after your special events on "How to Plan & Promote Sizzling Special Events." The 6-CD set is also available as an electronic transcript. The package comes with 15 can't-do-without checklists for event planners.

Stop sweating the details of how you're going to pull crowds and the media to your event. Read more about what you'll learn at http://tinyurl.com/46jzg


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2. Great Pitch + Enthusiasm = Publicity
========================================

Back in the 1970s, when I worked as a reporter, the switchboard operator at my newspaper would occasionally summon me to the lobby to meet with a visitor who walked in and asked for me, unannounced.

I'd swear under my breath all the way to the lobby, and vow to rid myself of the pest ASAP so I could get back to work.

Sometimes, I'd meet a visitor who surprised and delighted me.

He'd introduce himself, shake my hand, and deliver an enthusiastic pitch, right there in the lobby, about something that was happening in his neighborhood. He might even suggest a fun angle, something I never would have thought of.

A few minutes later, we'd set up a time and date for the interview. And I'd walk back to my desk with a great story.

What convinced me?

Not only a compelling pitch. It might have been the enthusiasm in his voice. Or the sparkle in his eyes as he described the idea. Or the great photos he brought with him from last year's event so he could show me what it looked like.

Getting in front of reporters at local newspapers, like the one at which I worked, isn't that difficult. But there's absolutely no way you could ever pitch reporters in person if you're trying to get onto national TV shows or into major newspapers and magazines.

Except if you attend the National Publicity Summit October 24-27 in New York City, a one-of-a-kind conference where you'll get to personally meet more than 100 top journalists and producers and pitch your story to them, one-on-one and face-to-face.

Here are just a few success stories from people who have attended past publicity summits:

--Ron & Lisa Beres were booked on the "Today" show.

--Steve Shapiro was the subject of a big story in "O the Oprah Magazine" after meeting the writer at the summit.

--Lauri Loewenberg appeared on both ABC's "The View" and "Good Morning America."

--Jim Vonmier appeared on the "CBS Evening News" and "Early Show"as a result of the training and contacts he got at the summit.

--Kelly McCloskey used what she learned to get booked on "Oprah."

--Barry Spilchuk was interviewed on Fox News Channel within just five hours of meeting the producer at the summit.

--Sandy Clemmons was written up in Health Magazine, Money magazine and TV Guide--all from meeting journalists face-to-face. Since attending, her royalty checks have gone up over 700 percent.

Steve Harrison, who is hosting the summit, is accepting only 100 people for the October event. Learn how you can be a part of it at http://www.NationalPublicitySummit.com/?10011

Or be content with publicity in your local newspaper.


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3. My Press Release Boo-boos
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I did something really dumb last week.

I was in a hurry to post press a release about my August 14 media relations and press release writing workshops, in Norfolk, Virginia, to Expertclick.com, where it would be picked up by the Google News feed.

So I sent the release to Expertclick without asking somebody else to proofread it.

A few days later, an alert reader saw the release, emailed me and pointed out not one, but three errors. Gulp. I almost died right there on the spot.

So I quickly asked my virtual assistant to call Expertclick and notify them of the errors. Their helpful staff made the corrections in just a few minutes.

That's one of the major advantages to using a paid press release distribution service. Almost all the free services offer no telephone support. Which means those big ugly mistakes live online forever. One of my mistakes was an incorrect phone number to call for reservations. Ouch!

Today, July 31, is the final deadline to be included in "Expertclick: The Online Yearbook of Experts," which will be published in October. Expertclick will distribute directories at the Society of Professional Journalists Convention & National Journalism Conference, Oct. 4-7, in Washington, D.C.

It will also be contacting hundreds more journalists to let them know that the database of experts is also available online. If staff writers, broadcasters or freelancers consult the database looking for someone with your level of expertise, will they find your contact information?

If not, don't miss the deadline. A subscription also lets you post up to 52 press releases a year with no additional per-release charges. Publicity Hounds get $100 off the subscription price. Learn more at http://snipurl.com/ExpertClick or call them at 202-333-5000.

Learn more about my two workshops in Norfolk at http://www.PublicityHound.com/norfolk.htm


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4. Email Pitches That Work
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One of the biggest complaints you'll hear from a journalist is the amount of worthless pitches that litter their email box.

Yet, time and again, when a Publicity Hound shares with me a success story about a big media hit they got, and I ask them how they did it, the response often is, "I emailed the reporter."

Why is it that journalists are responding to other people's email pitches, but not to yours?

Because the other pitches:

--Stop journalists in their tracks with a "sticky" subject line of six words or less.

--Make each journalist think the pitch was written only for him or her when, in fact, the person pitching sent an identical or similar pitch to dozens of other journalists. With a little tweaking, the pitch looks like it was created only for a specific newspaper or magazine.

--Press an editorial hot button by using magic words and key phrases that entice the journalist to keep reading. For example, the email pitch might mention a tie-in to a breaking news event.

--Made it past numerous spam filters and avoided getting blacklisted. (Admit it. Do you really know how many journalists actually received you email pitches?)

--Were delivered to the journalist's iPhone, Treo or Blackberry. A journalist, for example, read the pitch while he was on assignment waiting to interview somebody else. The other PR person happened to catch the reporter at a good time when he had a few minutes to catch up on email. Your pitch, on the other hand, was among hundreds of others in his email box back at the office.

--Were void of the specific words and phrases that turn off journalists and make them hit the "delete" key. (One of those words, by the way, is "publicity.")

--Included an enticing follow-up email. (How many times have you followed up, with no success?)

On Thursday, John Byrne, the executive editor of BusinessWeek(circ. 971,756), and Kate Carlisle, managing editor of the Washington Post/Los Angeles Times News Service, will join two PR people and share their easy-to-apply, practical ideas for writing powerful, compelling subject lines and body copy that will help you escape the pitch-reject trap.

You can listen in and even ask questions during this 90-minute teleseminar, at 1 p.m. Eastern Time, sponsored by Bulldog Reporter. It's ideal for PR agencies because multiple people can attend for one price. You can even ask questions.

Bulldog Reporter is hosting the 90-minute conference. Read more about what you'll learn at http://tinyurl.com/3az7vy


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5. Promoting NYC Rehearsal Space
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This week, seven Publicity Hounds have ideas on how Emily Bowles, of New York, New York, can promote three websites that offer free resources to performing artists who are looking for rehearsal space in New York.

The websites are http://www.nycmusicspaces.org/, http://www.nycdancespaces.org/ and http://www.nyctheatrespaces.org/.


From VDO Vault:

"I would contact every performing artist you can find on MySpace(and there are literally tens of thousands of them), have them add you to their Friends list, and then comment on their page about your available services.

"Then when you have built up a big ‘famous’ Friends list, I would contact the media (both the entertainment focused media and then the larger media) to let them know about this novel way to advertise your services and get out the word that you help performers (big and small) find venues for their art. Chances are some of the people who add you as Friends at MySpace will want to pay to use the spaces you enlighten them about and may also be willing to help you out with fundraising either by donating their own money and time to your organization or perhaps in the form of goods that could be sold in a charity auction to raise the money you need to keep the venture going."


From Cheryl Pickett:

"There are multiple social networking sites beyond MySpace so I would apply the techniques mentioned already to as many of them as possible.

"Shoutlife.com, a Christian focused space, is set up to let people sign up by the categories author, musician or group which might make it easier to communicate with your target audience.

"Ning at http://www.ning.com/ another network space that has some search features."


From Rachel Bucci:

"Have you considered pitching your story to the business section or a real estate writer? The rising cost of real estate and rent, and how it affects a segment of the community that may not be on their radar (artists), is another angle that might draw some interest."


The Publicity Hound says:

Bob Baker is one of the foremost experts on how entertainers can generate publicity online and offline. I'll bet lots of the ideas that he shared during a teleseminar, called "Do-it-Yourself PR Tips for Songwriters, Musicians & Bands on a Budget," would help you.

It's available as a CD or an electronic transcript that you can download as soon as your order is approved. Read more about what you'll learn at http://tinyurl.com/mqsug

Read all the responses to this Help This Hound question at http://tinyurl.com/2fcfth


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6. Help This Hound
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Nancy Mills, of Los Angeles, California, writes:

"I'm the founder of Spirited Woman, a growing on-line and off-line women's empowerment community. We've just had some dynamite news. The Spirited Woman Website at http://www.thespiritedwoman.com/ is on Typepad, a blog platform owned by Six Apart, an enormously successful blogging company.

"They have over 10 million blogs on Typepad and they picked Spirited Woman as their featured website of the day for August 11 this year. I would so greatly appreciate your advice, tips, and suggestions on the best ways to promote this outstanding PR opportunity, both off-site and on-site, either via the Internet or traditional press.

"What would you do to the site to prepare for the big day? I really want to make the most of it."


The Publicity Hound says:

Nancy, you're so smart to be asking this because you definitely want to capitalize on all that traffic. OK, Hounds. Go over to Nancy's site at http://www.thespiritedwoman.com/ and give your impressions. What does she need to improve or add to capture as much of that traffic as possible, starting on August 11? Post your best suggestions to my blog at http://tinyurl.com/37nlvh

If Nancy's name sounds familiar, it might be because you've read about her several times here. She's the Craigslist expert who joined me for a teleseminar called "How to Use Craigslist as a Global Publicity Tool." 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/geog2


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7. Hound Joke of the Week
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A New York City yupette was shopping in an upscale pet center.

"I want a dog of which I can be proud," she told the salesman. "Does that one have a good pedigree?"

"Miss," declared the clerk, "if she could speak, she wouldn't talk to either one of us."


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8. And at My Blog...
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Spring gift show alerts media to gift-related products
http://tinyurl.com/2s8vfz


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/


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Where to Meet or Hear The Publicity Hound®


August 14: Norfolk, Virginia

9 a.m. to noon: "Savvy Media Relations: How to Get Free Print, Broadcast & Online Publicity." 1:30-4 p.m.: "The New Rules of Press Releases: How to Write Them for Consumers, Not Only for Journalists." Each session is $97. Or attend the entire day for $147, and save $47. Register at http://www.PublicityHound.com/norfolk.htm


August 15: Virginia Beach, Virginia

I'll be spending the day with Internet marketing expert Tom Antion, my mentor, in his office, learning the latest strategies for Internet marketers. It's the annual daylong training session for members who join the Internet Association of Information Marketers at the highest level. If you earn most of your revenue through Internet marketing, you can join at the Outer Circle level, then meet us at Tom's place for this day of training. This one day alone is worth 50 times more than the price of membership. Learn more about the association at http://tinyurl.com/54dp6


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

Reprinted from "The Publicity Hound's Tips of the Week," an ezine featuring tips, tricks and tools for generating free publicity. Subscribe at http://www.publicityhound.com/ and receive 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.


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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/Donate Yourself for a Day July 24, 2007

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #356 July 24, 2007
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com/
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 32,589

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

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

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

You are receiving this because you signed up for it at The Publicity Hound® website at http://www.publicityhound.com/ or you told me that you want to subscribe. If you didn't subscribe, you can unsubscribe by clicking the link at the bottom of the newsletter.

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.

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

Join Me in Norfolk, Va. August 14:

As some of you may know, I've drastically curtailed my travel schedule to give me more time to devote to my Internet marketing business. But I'll be in Norfolk, Virginia to present two half-day workshops on Tuesday, August 14--one on online and offline publicity and the other on the new rules of press releases. I hope you'll join me.

And, yes, I'm bringing a big Wisconsin Cheesehead Hat to give away as a door prize at the end of the day. Winner need not be a Green Bay Packers fan. Learn more at http://www.PublicityHound.com/norfolk.htm

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In This Issue
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1. Donate Yourself for a Day

2. How Much is That Doggie in the Window?

3. Two Time-sensitive Deadlines

4. Media Leads

5. Promoting a Gift Shop

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week

8. And at My Blog...

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1. Donate Yourself for a Day
======================================

When Mary Jo Rulnick of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania learned that a new tip-oriented TV show for busy women and moms would debut in Pittsburgh on June 3, she knew it was a perfect tie-in to her area of expertise.

"This was the target audience for my new book 'The Frantic Woman's Guide to Feeding Family and Friends.' I wanted to offer something different, catchy, out of the norm."

She emailed Jennifer Antkowiak, host of the new show "Jennifer" on Sunday mornings, and suggested a contest for frantic women. Mary Jo donated the grand prize--her services for one full day.

Jennifer loved it and immediately invited Mary Jo onto the show, which aired a few weeks ago, so viewers could see the grand prize in the flesh.

Almost 200 women entered the contest, including 53 entries from outside Pennsylvania.

The result? Mary Jo's book ranking on Amazon.com jumped from 450,000 to 696, thanks in large part to the TV appearance and other local publicity she received.

She will spend a full day helping the frantic winner get organized sometime in August, and that show will air in October.

"I took her concept and my concept and blended the two and it worked," Mary Jo said.

I can see why:

--The host had an instant idea for not one, but two segments, for her new show.

--The contest could turn into an annual event.

--Jennifer didn't have to hunt for a grand prize.

--Who wouldn't want a full day of lessons on how to get organized? The idea virtually guaranteed a huge response.

What kind of a contest can you pitch to local or national TV shows, newspapers, radio stations or bloggers--with your services as the grand prize?

Contests are one of the many ideas that TV producer Shawne Duperon suggested when she was my guest on a teleseminar called "How to Get Onto the Local TV News tomorrow." It's available as a CD or an electronic transcript that you can be reading as soon as your order is approved. Read more about what you'll learn at http://tinyurl.com/4zpuz


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2. How Much is That Doggie in the Window?
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Thanks to Publicity Hound Howard Pierpont of Greeley, Colorado for passing along this item about a creative way to generate publicity when your organization is short on ideas.

Provide a work sheet or checklist for children on a topic that ties into your organization.

For example, the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants recently created "The True Cost of Owning a Pet: A Pet Owner's Worksheet." It helps children calculate how much it will cost to own and care for a pet, taking into consideration everything from veterinary bills to cat litter liners.

You can see it at http://tinyurl.com/2xb8v6

Public Relations Specialist Sarah Seals said the worksheet is part of the accounting profession's nationwide financial literacy effort.

"This worksheet is the Texas component," she said. "CPAS are doing this because the financial world is more complicated. This work sheet is a great way to start teaching kids about money when they're young."

Offering a work sheet or other assignment for children is also a wonderful way to introduce them to your profession, or get them into your circle. If a worksheet isn't a practical idea for you, I can suggest other things.

See "Special Report #51: 55 Free Things You Can Offer to Generate Publicity or Capture People's Email Addresses." Only $10.

Read more about what you'll learn at http://tinyurl.com/3sa3j


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3. Two Time-sensitive Deadlines
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--July 30 is the final deadline for being included in "Expertclick: The Online Yearbook of Experts," which will be published in October. Expertclick will distribute directories at the Society of Professional Journalists Convention & National Journalism Conference Oct. 4-7 in Washington, D.C. It will also be contacting hundreds more journalists to let them know that the database of experts is also available online. If staff writers, broadcasters or freelancers consult the database looking for someone with your level of expertise, will they find your contact information? If not, don't miss the deadline. Publicity Hounds get $100 off the subscription price. Learn more at http://snipurl.com/ExpertClick or call them at 202-333-5000.

--If you want to get onto big national TV shows to promote a book, or other product, service, cause or issue, don't miss a f~ree teleseminar with Steve Harrison, publisher of Radio-TV Interview Report. It's this Thursday, July 26, and you can listen either at 2 PM Eastern (11 Pacific) or 7 PM Eastern (4 Pacific). His guests will include Michelle Anton, a former guest booker for "Oprah." They will teach you what 95% of all publicity-seekers don't know, including how to increase the odds of getting onto big shows like "Oprah," the "Today" show and "Montel." You'll also learn how to understand the marketing mindset of national TV producers, and what prompts them to book you as a guest. To register for this call--which is fr~ee except for your long-distance charges, go to http://tinyurl.com/2qnjrp


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4. Media Leads
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--Author Jordan McAuley is finishing a book tentatively titled "Celebrity Leverage: How to Harness the Power of Celebrities To Make Your Business Famous" and he's looking for people who have successfully used celebrity endorsements to sell a product or service, or simply used celebs in their marketing and publicity campaigns. Submit a short explanation to him at mailto:jordan@contactanycelebrity.com Include your name, email address and phone number so he can let you know if he included your story in the book. If you want to see more testimonials of how businesses and entrepreneurs have used his company, Contact Any Celebrity, to get valuable celebrity endorsements and more, visit http://tinyurl.com/2w7dy3

--WomenEntrepreneur.com, which launched May 1, is looking for content for its website, which discusses all facets of entrepreneurship, work/life balance and success. Read more about what they need and how to pitch in this article from "The Navigator" newsletter: http://tinyurl.com/2nrzaa

--"The Next Food Network Star" will be back for a new season in 2008. Do you have what it takes to be a TV star and host your own food show? The network is looking for people with cooking know-how, either self-taught or professionally trained or somewhere in between, but you should know the basics. Ideal candidates will also have a personality that pops, and teaching skills. Preliminary applications and completed online submissions--or printed submissions with VHS, DVD or DV--must be postmarked by July 30, 2007. Learn more at http://tinyurl.com/3ar4a4


Not yet ready for The Food Network? You can still get fabulous publicity for your food-related product, service, cause or issue. Learn how from the CD or electronic transcript "Publicity Tips for Restaurants, Chefs & Foodies." Each comes with a handout listing all 51 story ideas. You can download it as soon as your order has been approved.

Read more about what you'll learn at http://tinyurl.com/2qyxye


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5. Promoting a Gift Shop
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This week, five Publicity Hounds have tips for Ted Fuller of Lafayette, California. His friend, who owns a gift store in downtown Antioch, California, needs advice on how to draw customer traffic during the evening.


From Michael Carr:

"Create a night life scene that ties into the culture of your community and make your shop the destination to go to with regularly occurring events that draw people in the evening. Bring in some local music or provide a showcase for local artists; tap into California wine country with bottle signings, meet the winemaker or wine tastings. Serve beverages along with light fare and use the products you sell during your party--you'll be able to demonstrate and talk about the things you sell."


From Cheryl Pickett:

"What about partnering with other complementary shops in another area? Could be down the road, could be across the country. If she carries (or could create) a specialty product that could be distributed by a few select partners, maybe it would expand her reach and increase sales."


From Stephanie Chandler:

"What about looking for other ways to capture revenue?...Is your friend selling items online? If it were my store, I would use those evening hours to focus on building online sales. There are many opportunities for selling gift items online, and over time, this could result in generating a tremendous percentage of her company revenue!"


The Publicity Hound says:

Internet marketing is a fabulous idea. I'm betting the online gift business is a multi-million-dollar industry, and there's no reason why Ted's friend can't claim a slice of the pie. She should read the ebook "Click: The Ultimate Guide to Electronic Marketing," my bible when it comes to selling online. Learn more about it at http://tinyurl.com/s57vc

Read all the responses to this Help This Hound question at http://tinyurl.com/38z6f8


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6. Help This Hound
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Emily Bowles of New York, New York writes:

"I work for a small New York City-based nonprofit that provides f~ree website resources to performing artists (musicians, dancers, choreographers, producers/directors, actors, etc.)seeking rehearsal and performance spaces in NYC.

"Our websites--http://www.nycMusicSpaces.org/, http://www.nycdancespaces.org/ and http://www.nyctheatrespaces.org/ enable performing artists to search for spaces that match their space and budgetary needs.

"We provide detailed rental information about more than 1,300 rentable spaces in all five NYC boroughs, at no cost to users. No membership or registration is required.

"Our resources have not been an easy sell to the media. We may be heroes to those who have used our websites to find spaces that enabled them to perfect their art and present it to an audience (we have lots of testimonials), but we are "unsung"and not widely known. Space is highly coveted in NYC and the need is great, but our product isn't compelling enough.

"Our nonprofit organization, NYC Performing Arts Spaces, at http://www.nycpaspaces.org/ is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and we are on the verge of consolidating our online resources, so that all three websites may be searched simultaneously. Any suggestions for how to create significant 'buzz' within the music, theatre and dance communities for little or no money, and reach an even wider audience (which we hope will include potential funders)?"


The Publicity Hound says:

Emily, your question is a perfect example of why I preach to Publicity Hounds about pitching bloggers. I have several suggestions, which I'll post in a few days, but I first want to see what tips my Hounds offer. If you have a great idea for Emily, post it to my blog at http://tinyurl.com/2fcfth


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

Thanks to Lois Carter Fay of MarketingIdeaShop.com for this one:

Four workers were discussing how smart their dogs were. The first was an engineer who said his dog could do math calculations. His dog was named "T-Square," and he told him to get some paper and draw a square, a circle and a triangle, which the dog did with no sweat.

The accountant said he thought his dog was better. His dog was named "Slide Rule." He told him to fetch a dozen cookies, bring them back, and divide them into piles of three, which he did with no problem.

The chemist said that was good, but he felt his dog was better. His dog "Measure" was told to get a quart of milk and pour 7 ounces into a 10-ounce glass. The dog did this with no problem.

All three men agreed this was very good and that their dogs were equally smart. They all turned to the union member and said, "What can your dog do?" The Teamster called his dog named "Coffee Break" and said, "Show the fellows what you can do."

Coffee Break went over and ate the cookies, drank the milk, went to the bathroom on the paper, claimed he injured his back while eating, filed a grievance for unsafe working conditions, applied for Worker's Compensation and left for home on sick leave.


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/


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

Pitching top-tier editors? Let them critique your pitch
http://tinyurl.com/yv3xrs

Denver Business Journal: Who's oblivious?
http://tinyurl.com/2axunp

Thank-you notes make a lasting impression
http://tinyurl.com/ypmwph

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

Where to Meet or Hear The Publicity Hound®


August 14: Norfolk, Virginia

9 to noon: "Savvy Media Relations: How to Get Free Print, Broadcast & Online Publicity." $97. 1:30-4: "The New Rules of Press Releases: How to Write Them for Consumers, Not Only for Journalists." Each session is $97. Or attend the entire day for $147, and save $47. Register at http://www.PublicityHound.com/norfolk.htm


August 15: Virginia Beach, Virginia

I'll be spending the day with Internet marketing expert Tom Antion, my mentor, in his office, learning the latest strategies for Internet marketers. It's the annual daylong training session for members who join the Internet Association of Information Marketers at the highest level. If you earn most of your revenue through Internet marketing, you can join at the Outer Circle level, then meet us at Tom's place for this day of training. This one day alone is worth 50 times more than the price of membership. Learn more about the association at http://tinyurl.com/54dp6


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

Reprinted from "The Publicity Hound's Tips of the Week," an ezine featuring tips, tricks and tools for generating free publicity. Subscribe at http://www.publicityhound.com/ and receive 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® respects your privacy and has a strict anti-spam policy. Read my privacy policy at http://www.publicityhound.com/privacypolicy.htm


=======================================================
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/Where Journalists Lurk July 17, 2007

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #355 July 17, 2007
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com http://www.publicityhound.com/
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 32,259

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

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

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

You are receiving this because you signed up for it at The Publicity Hound® website at http://www.publicityhound.com/ or you told me that you want to subscribe. If you didn't subscribe, you can unsubscribe by clicking the link at the bottom of the newsletter.

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.

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

Join Me in Norfolk, Va. August 14:

As some of you may know, I've drastically curtailed my travel schedule to give me more time to devote to my Internet marketing business. But I'll be in Norfolk, Virginia to present two half-day workshops on Tuesday, August 14--one on online and offline publicity and the other on the new rules of press releases. I hope you'll join me.

And, yes, I'm bringing a big Wisconsin Cheesehead Hat to giveaway as a door prize at the end of the day. Winner need not be a Green Bay Packers fan. Learn more at http://www.PublicityHound.com/norfolk.htm

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

1. Where Journalists Lurk

2. How to Follow Up

3. Will Harry Potter Live or Die?

4. Read Editors' Blogs

5. Promoting a Kids' Cafe

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Quote of the Week

8. And at My Blog...


======================================
1. Where Journalists Lurk
======================================

When personal assistant Christie Gaderson of Austin, Texas read my tip about how to set up a Google Alert to learn which bloggers are writing about her topic, she did as a I instructed.

She set up an alert for "personal assistant" and immediately started receiving daily email reminders from Google about which articles and blogs were discussing that topic.

One of the alerts led her to Unclutterer, a blog about getting and staying organized. She read the post at http://tinyurl.com/2uvf2a about personal assistants, and decided to submit a comment. It included a link back to her website.

"Today I had a follow-up interview with MORE magazine, which has well over 1 million circulation and reaches my target audience of mostly upscale women," she said. "The writer found me based on the comment I posted."

The writer was researching an article on chores that mid-lifewomen are outsourcing. She saw Christie's comment and thought she'd be perfect for the article. The first interview went so well that the writer followed it up with a second one.

Need I say more?

Posting comments at influential blogs is a powerful way to get infront of people who need your products and services, or journalists who are researching your topic.

The Unclutterer blog has a Google page rank of 3/10. Can you imagine how much more exposure Christie would have gotten if that blog had a high page rank such as 7/10? Page rank, by the way, is the level of importance that Google assigns to your blog. The most important criteria it considers are the number of inbound links.

If you aren't blogging or posting comments at influential blogs, you're missing one of the powerful ways to generate online publicity and interest from consumers who are searching for what you are selling or promoting.

"How to Pitch the Best Bloggers & Create a Publicity Explosion"walks you step-by-step through the entire process of pitching bloggers and posting to other blogs. Denise Wakeman and Patsi Krakof, aka The Blog Squad, offered their best tips along with mine. Our interview is available as a CD or an electronic transcript that you can be reading as soon as your order is approved.

Read more about what you'll learn at http://tinyurl.com/m7ymr

For a quick video on how to use Google Alerts, go to http://tinyurl.com/c82rm


========================================
2. How to Follow Up
========================================

When I worked as a newspaper reporter and editor, I'd never encourage people to follow up after sending a press release or contacting me with a story idea.

That's because most people are pests. The typical follow-upsounds like this:

"Hi, Joan. I'm just following up to see if you received the press release I sent you last week and if you know when it will be printed."

No and no.

I don't have time to stop and look for your release. And I don't know when it will be printed. That depends on how big the newspaper will be, and the size of the paper depends on how many ads we sell.

Mega-pests would then ask this dumb question, which would brand them as totally clueless:

"OK, I'll send the press release again. When it's printed, can you send me a copy of the paper when it appears so I don't miss it?"

At this point, I've made a mental note to never deal with this person again, and to purposely ignore their release. (Yes, some journalists do this out of spite but will never admit it.)

How do you follow up? Do you obey a journalist's orders and never contact them after you've sent important information? Or are you a savvy Publicity Hound who knows a clever way around that situation?

Publicity expert Jill Lublin does. In fact, she interviewed a variety of reporters and learned first-hand that many of them do appreciate the types of follow-ups that are truly helpful."Failproof Ways to Follow Up After Sending a Press Release or a Story Pitch," a one-hour teleseminar, is available as a CD or an electronic transcript that you can be reading as soon as your order has been approved.

Read more about what you'll learn at http://tinyurl.com/bmyn7


=======================================
3. Will Harry Potter Live or Die?
=======================================

Here's a great publicity idea for book clubs, libraries, bookstores, author groups or any organization that relates in any way to books or reading.

Offer predictions on how you think "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" will end. It's the last book in the record-breaking by author J.K. Rowling.

The article asks whether Rowling could kill off Harry Potter"without devastating her audience, many of whom are young children."

Hmmmmm. Sounds to me like child psychiatrists and even day care centers could piggyback onto this story with their own commentary.

Start pitching to your local newspapers and even TV stations. Don't forget the bloggers who might be interested in this story. And how about writing a press release offering your predictions? Post it online for all the world to find.

Get in the Yearbook of Experts and send up to 52 press releases a year, with no additional per-release charges, by subscribing to Expertclick, the Online Yearbook of Experts. A subscription includes the Power Media BlueBook, the talk show guest directory of America's leading print and broadcast journalists.

Publicity Hounds get $100 off the subscription price. Learn more at http://snipurl.com/ExpertClick or call them at 202-333-5000. The deadline is July 31 for the new edition of the printed Yearbook of Experts that will be out in October. Expertclick will send about 7,000 of those editions to journalists. CNN just called and requested two editions for its own newsroom.

Will they find you in the Yearbook of Experts?


======================================
4. Read Editors' Blogs
======================================

If you're pitching newspapers or magazines, and you're targeting a particular reporter or editor, are you checking to see if your media contact blogs?

You should be. While thousands of other Publicity Hounds are all competing for the journalist's attention via phone and email, the smartest Hounds are posting comments at the journalist's blog.

For example, over at the blog written by editors of Redbook magazine, four editors are writing about their participation in the magazine's Real Life Healthy Life challenge.

Alyssa Yano, 29, assistant managing editor, is a self-described late-night snacker and junk food junkie who would like to build healthy habits. Yesterday, for example, she blogged about eating"fried dough for dinner" at her community's annual Italian festival. You can read it at http://tinyurl.com/2vdtno

"I always try to eat a healthy dinner of grilled chicken and then splurge on zeppoli and Italian ices," she wrote. "This year I decided to just admit I was going to eat crap. Sorry. I don’t eat fried dough smothered in powdered sugar on a daily basis and I wasn’t going to miss my only chance to indulge in this treat that brings me back to my childhood."

While it wasn't healthy, she rationalized, "it was still fewer calories to do that than eat the junk plus the chicken that, let’s face it, is being grilled in the fat from neighboring burgers and sausage and probably a bunch of oil. So even the healthy choice is not that healthy."

Health experts, nutritionists and fitness trainers could get in front of Alyssa by posting a comment to the blog.

Want more ideas on how to get close to media people you're targeting? "Special Report #49: 17 Ways to Build Valuable Relationships with Media People" explains them all. Only $10. Order at http://tinyurl.com/6uz9g


=======================================
5. Promoting a Kids' Cafe
========================================

This week, 13 Publicity Hounds have great ideas for Kelly Parthen, who will be opening Bean Sprouts, a new kids' cafe outside Madison, Wisconsin. She asked for suggestions on how to promote the week-long grand opening.


From Julie Lichtman:

"Are there any well-known children’s musicians in your area who would like to perform at your cafe at your grand opening or on a regular basis? Often, these musicians sing songs about food. For instance, kids (and parents) in the DC-Metro area love a band called Milkshake. Maybe someone can write a song just for Bean Sprouts about the joys of eating vegetables."


From Viceca Stone-Berry:

"People love to have their photos taken and to stick their heads into funny costumes and scenes.

"Have an artist make up single vegetables. A child could stick their head in the hole and actually be a carrot head! You could make up a 'Salad Bowl' where the entire family could be in the photo.

"Then give them the photos for free (in exchange for their contact info--newsletter data mining). Finally, at the bottom of each photo, have your business name, address and phone number in large, easy-to-read type.

"This photo will end up on their fridge and be a constant reminder of you!"


From Terri Lynn:

"I would get children to plant a vegetable garden at a school, church or maybe a park. This would be sponsored by Bean Sprouts."

The Publicity Hound says:

Kelly, you have some great ideas here, no excuse for resorting to the boring ribbon-cutting ceremony like so many other business owners would be inclined to do. "Fun Alternatives to Boring Ground-breakings, Ribbon-cuttings and Check-passings" gives you even more suggestions for ways to interest the public and the media.

Read more about what you'll learn at http://tinyurl.com/7cl6z


Read all the responses to this Help This Hound question at http://tinyurl.com/2yw5b7


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

Ted Fuller of Lafayette, California writes:

"My friend has a gift store in downtown Antioch, an older suburban city in California. At night, nearly all the shops shut down, and the streets are almost deserted.

"She's tried without success to stir up some action with the merchants association. After a brief period of remaining open at night, she gave up.

"Perhaps your readers can give her some tips."


The Publicity Hound says:

I can envision all kinds of fun special events to bring people to the area during the evening. Let's see what ideas my Hounds have. Post your best suggestions to my blog at http://tinyurl.com/38z6f8

One of the best ways to bring the locals, and outsiders, to your town is by hosting a fabulous special event. "How to Plan & Promote Sizzle Special Events" is the only guide you'll need to planning a special event that will draw the crowds and the media like a magnet. Read more about what you'll learn at http://tinyurl.com/46jzg


=================================
7. Hound Quote of the Week
=================================

"I know that dogs are pack animals, but it is difficult to imagine a pack of standard poodles...and if there was such a thing as a pack of standard poodles, where would they rove to?
Bloomingdale's?

--Yvonne Clifford, American actress


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/


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

Book tour connects authors with audiences
http://tinyurl.com/2pxulc


CIO magazine offers pitching tips
http://tinyurl.com/2lzvd5


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


August 14: Norfolk, Virginia

9 to noon: "Savvy Media Relations: How to Get Free Print, Broadcast & Online Publicity." $97. 1:30-4: "The New Rules of Press Releases: How to Write Them for Consumers, Not Only for Journalists." Each session is $97. Or attend the entire day for $147, and save $47. Register at http://www.PublicityHound.com/norfolk.htm


August 15: Virgina Beach, Virgina

I'll be spending the day with Internet marketing expert Tom Antion, my mentor, in his office, learning the latest strategies for Internet marketers. It's the annual daylong training session for members who join the Internet Association of Information Marketers at the highest level. If you earn most of your revenue through Internet marketing, you can join at the Outer Circle level, then meet us at Tom's place for this day of training. This one day alone is worth 50 times more than the price of membership. Learn more about the association at http://tinyurl.com/54dp6


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

Reprinted from "The Publicity Hound's Tips of the Week," an ezine featuring tips, tricks and tools for generating free publicity. Subscribe at http://www.publicityhound.com/ and receive 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® respects your privacy and has a strict anti-spam policy. Read my privacy policy at
http://www.publicityhound.com/privacypolicy.htm
=======================================================
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/Learn from Paris Hilton July 10, 2007

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #354 July 10, 2007
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com/
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 32,027

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

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

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

You are receiving this because you signed up for it at The Publicity Hound® website at http://www.publicityhound.com/ or you told me that you want to subscribe. If you didn't subscribe, you can unsubscribe by clicking the link at the bottom of the newsletter.

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.

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

Write Smarter Press Releases:

I seldom promote other people's teleseminars, but I wanted to let you know about this one sponsored by Bulldog Reporter. It includes an all-star line-up of experts on the topic of press releases. "Supercharging Press Releases: How PR Can Use SEO, RSS and Multimedia to Craft 'Smart' Releases for Wider Audiences"will be held at 1 PM Eastern Time on Thursday, July 12. One of the guest presenters is David Meerman Scott, author of the newbook "The New Rules of PR." Learn more at http://tinyurl.com/25gwkf

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

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

1. Learn from Paris Hilton

2. Tip Sheet Tips

3. Astrologers & Fortune-tellers

4. Ask the New York Times Editors

5. Promoting a Surfboard Stunt

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Quote of the Week

8. And at My Blog...


======================================
1. Learn from Paris Hilton
======================================

OK, so you're sick of hearing about Paris Hilton.

Keep reading anyway, because she made a major mistake during her exclusive interview with Larry King last week. Understanding what it was, and knowing how to avoid it, will make all you Publicity Hounds a lot smarter the next time you interview.

Hilton mentioned that when she was behind bars, she read the Bible.

When King asked, "What's your favorite Bible passage?" she hesitated a long time, then said, "I don't have a favorite."

That wasn't a trick question. Interviewers frequently ask you to describe the "best" or "worst" of something, and she should have been ready for that one. Not having an answer made her appear even more disingenuous than she already is. You can see for yourself by watching highlights of the interview at http://tinyurl.com/2qza6s

If you're going to introduce a topic during your interview that's sure to pique the interest of the interviewer, you had better be ready to elaborate. Or risk looking unprepared and foolish.

By the way, exclusive interviews like that one provide a great opportunity for media coaches and speech coaches to critique the performance of the celebrity. Many people who missed the interview on TV will be searching for it the next day online. That's why your blog is a great place to comment on it. You can also post comments at other influential blogs that discuss the interview. And offer commentary to the TV columnist at your local newspaper.

What else do you need to know so you don't step on a land mine during a TV interview? Crisis communications counselor Jonathan Bernstein provided a checklist when he was my guest during a teleseminar called "How to Keep the Media Wolves at Bay." It's available as a CD or an electronic transcript that you can be reading within minutes as soon as your order is approved.

Read more about what you'll learn at http://tinyurl.com/b8wcy


========================================
2. Tip Sheet Tips
========================================

Publicity expert Fern Reiss of http://www.publishinggame.com/ offers great tips on how authors can generate publicity, even for fiction titles, in print publications large and small.

Write tip sheets that tie into the topic of your book. Example: If your book is about how to get into a top college, go with "Six Routes to the Ivies."

Fern's article in the July issue of the Publishers Marketing Association Newsletter offers these suggestions for creating great tip sheets:

--Highlight the best tidbits. Non-fiction books lend themselves to multiple tip sheets. Simply excerpt tips from your book. Add a great headline, a catchy lead at the top and an "About the Book" section at the bottom.

--Craft the tip sheet around niche items. If your novel prominently features a Golden Retriever, write your tip sheet on Golden Retrievers.

--For poetry books, try a mega-tip sheet by focusing on territory beyond the poem itself. If you've written a poetry book for toddlers, suggest ways parents can introduce young children to poetry.

--Keep your tone consistent. Is your book humorous? The tip sheet should be humorous, too.

Tips sheets are one of only nine types of briefs you can write about any product, service, cause or issue. Learn about all of them, and the best ways to submit your briefs on "Briefs, Fillers & Quizzes: How to Write Them and Why Editors Love Them." It's available as a CD or electronic transcript you can be reading as soon as your order is approved.

Read more about what you'll learn at http://tinyurl.com/d74h7


=======================================
3. Astrologers & Fortune Tellers
=======================================

Few people have a harder job getting publicity than astrologers, fortune tellers and others of their ilk.

The media are naturally suspicious--except when their predictions or comments tie into a hot, timely topic.

Thanks to radio publicity expert Wayne Kelly for tipping us off to this great and super short press release written by Steve Allen Media for client Maria Shaw, the astrologer for the National Enquirer. It was written just before the final episode of "American Idol." Here's the release:


Who will win on "American Idol"?

Ask Hollywood astrologer Maria Shaw.

Shaw appears on VH1, MTV, E! and other national TV programs and is the National Enquirer's weekly horoscope columnist. She says she knows who the next Idol winner will be.

Arrange an interview through Chris Tourigney: 661-255-8283.

Or send mailto:chris@steveallenmedia.com


The PR agency said it got at least 20 media hits from that release, and at least 40 more from a release it wrote about Maria Shaw's commentary on July 7, 2007, the luckiest day of the millennium.

Just for the heck of it, I Googled her name and found another great ad mentioning her in Radio-TV Interview Report at http://tinyurl.com/2xxr3q Look at all the ways she piggybacks her predictions onto the celebrities.

If you specialize in a New Age topic, check out Alex Carroll's new media list of 213 broadcast and Internet radio shows that welcome guests who can speak on topics related to New Age, self-improvement, mind/body/spirit, and empowerment. It's the only list of its kind, and because many of these shows reach very niched audiences, they have a loyal following. Learn more at http://www.PublicityHound.com/NewAgeradioresources.htm


If you're an expert on any other topic, you might be able to tie your news into celebrity gossip. Learn more from "Special Report#50: How to Piggyback onto Celebrity News to Promote Your Product, Service, Cause or Issue" at http://tinyurl.com/6uz9g

Read Wayne Kelley's latest audio newsletter, with terrific summer pitching tips, at http://www.onairpublicity.com/newsletters.html


======================================
4. Ask the New York Times Editors
======================================

Got a beef with the way the New York Times covered--or didn't cover--a story?

Curious about why such a high-brow publication seems obsessed with Paris Hilton?

Wondering why topics you think are important seldom show up in The Times?

From now through Friday, Times culture editor Sam Sifton answers your questions. Register at the Times website, then read the most recent Q&As at http://tinyurl.com/2m9w5k Email your question to mailto:asktheeditors@nytimes.com

Editors of other Times sections will answer questions in the months ahead.

If you'd rather have your question or comment appear in the print edition, write a letter to the editor. Every letter writer can get fabulous publicity, but only if you know how to write your letter so it doesn't sound overly promotional. I explain how in"How to Use Newspaper & Magazine Editorial Pages" at http://tinyurl.com/5wh45


=======================================
5. Promoting a Surfboard Stunt
========================================

This week, 13 Publicity Hounds have great ideas on how Jeff Flowers can help his client, Tom Jones, get publicity. Later this summer, Jones will paddle a surfboard the entire length of the California Coast, more than 1,200 miles, to call attention to the problem of plastic pollution in our oceans.


From Stephanie Barko:

"Think strategic partnerships and co-op advertising. You need to be hooking up with outfits like Greenpeace and The Ocean Conservancy, who will put their monster PR machines and huge e-lists to work for your client."


From Emily Bowles:

"It seems that the Surfrider Foundation at http://www.surfrider.org/ would take a great interest in Tom’s efforts. Not only is there a happy coincidence with the organization’s name and what Tom will be doing, but their mission matches his.

"The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit, environmental organization that has fighting ocean pollution at the top of its priority list. Their headquarters are in California, and many of their chapters line the California Coast. Perhaps, in addition to website and newsletter publicity that Surfrider could give to Tom, local chapters could rally to cheer him on as he paddles by their coastline. Maybe a beach-clean-up event to tie in with the event?"


From Shel Horowitz:

"Seems like there’s a potential to tie in not only with community environmental groups, but also with business: manufacturers of cleanup supplies, surfing and fishing shops, even perhaps the manufacturers of the yucky stuff he’s cleaning up, looking for ways to 'greenify' their image.

"Lots of press potential, too, both for immediate coverage and magazine feature articles later that could inspire others (airline magazines? AAA newsletters? National Geographic, Travel & Leisure, The Smithsonian, Discover, etc.)

Read all the responses at http://tinyurl.com/2hss6p


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

Kelly Parthen of Madison, Wisconsin writes:

"My partner and I are opening Bean Sprouts, a new kids' cafe outside Madison, Wisconsin. We would love your readers' help coming up with some fresh ideas for our grand opening.

"It will specialize in freshly-made, healthy food for children, along with adult-friendly food and coffee.

"Its mission is to spark children's appetites for good-for-you food, while providing a happier meal for parents. Bean Sprouts will also serve freshly made organic baby food, as well as provide a weekly baby food delivery service.

"More information is available on our website at http://www.beansproutscafe.com/

"We're planning a week's worth of fun events for families such as a PB & Jammies day in which everyone wears pajamas, a dinner theater with a puppet show, a book/cook club that features a story time with a coordinating meal, and taste tests in which participants can taste samples and guess the secret ingredient.

"We need more ideas. Can your Hounds help?"


The Publicity Hound says:

Of course they can. This sounds like a really fun business, Kelly, with publicity opportunities galore! Hounds with great ideas can post them to my blog at http://tinyurl.com/2yw5b7

Think beyond the food angle. You and your partner are entrepreneurs, and you'd make a great story for local business publications.


For dozens more ideas on food-related publicity, see "Publicity Tips for Restaurants, Chefs & Foodies" at http://tinyurl.com/clr26


=================================
7. Hound Quote of the Week
=================================

"Every time I go near the stove, the dog howls ..."

--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/


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

AARP pitching tips needed
http://tinyurl.com/yo9oze


When your favorite reporter changes jobs
http://tinyurl.com/25cpew


Bad landing pages include four fatal flaws
http://tinyurl.com/34q3g6


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

Where to Meet or Hear The Publicity Hound®


July 19: Teleseminar for Fitness Trainers

"How to Promote Yourself as an Expert Fitness Trainer and Generate Online & Offline Publicity," 1 to 2 Eastern Time, with Sean Greeley. Details pending.


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

Reprinted from "The Publicity Hound's Tips of the Week," an ezine featuring tips, tricks and tools for generating free publicity. Subscribe at http://www.publicityhound.com/ and receive 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® respects your privacy and has a strict anti-spam policy. Read my privacy policy at http://www.publicityhound.com/privacypolicy.htm


=======================================================
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/Slow News Week Alert July 3, 2007

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #353 July 3, 2007
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com/
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 31,087

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

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

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

You are receiving this because you signed up for it at The Publicity Hound® website at http://www.publicityhound.com/ or you told me that you want to subscribe. If you didn't subscribe, you can unsubscribe by clicking the link at the bottom of the newsletter.

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. Slow News Week Alert

2. Farm & Food Tours

3. 1,300 Toothbrushes

4. Media Leads

5. How to Promote a Technology Center

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Quote of the Week

8. And at My Blog...


======================================
1. Slow News Week Alert
======================================

Tired of competing with everybody and their brother for primo TV time, and space in your local newspaper?

With the Fourth of July holiday plopped right in the middle of the week, it seems like everybody and their brother are busy preparing for the holiday, or on vacation.

That means prime pitching opportunities for smart Publicity Hounds who understand this is one of the slowest news weeks of the year.

To find out what the media will be covering, check out Al Tompkins' excellent column for PoynterOnline.org at http://www.poynteronline.org/column.asp?id=2&aid=125963 Each week, he gives journalists a long list of timely story ideas that are just as valuable for Publicity Hounds. This week's include:

--Fireworks safety tips. In 2005, four persons died, and an estimated 10,800 were treated for fireworks-related injuries in the United States. This is a perfect time for hospital PR people to talk about what goes on inside their emergency rooms during a typical holiday week like this one, and how to avoid ending up there.

--Are sparklers OK? The Center for Disease Control says sparklers are the second-leading cause of fireworks injuries and the leading cause among little kids.

--Fireworks are being banned in some communities from California to Florida because of dry weather. If that includes your locale, what are you doing on the night of the Fourth?

--Al suggests newsrooms ask their photographers/videographers to do a multimedia piece showing the public how to take great fireworks pictures. I think any professional or amateur photographer or videographer could offer tips on how amateurs can take great photos of the fireworks.

--Some communities are banning those wildly popular fire pits. Why? Have a great story to tell about how you use your fire pit? This is the week to share it.

--One idea I didn't see on Al's list is how to keep dogs and cats calm during the big fireworks displays. Should pets ever be drugged? Do vets dispense drugs? How often?

--Michigan TV producer Shawne Duperon says lots of people, including her daughter, are getting married Saturday, on 7-7-07. She suggests wedding planners, historians, religious experts and numerologists comment on the significance of those three sevens.

How about creating a fun quiz that ties into your holiday-related product, service, cause or issue? "Briefs, Fillers & Quizzes: How to Create Them & Why Editors Love Them" will show you the value of briefs, those short little items that fill odd-size holes on a page. It's available as a CD or an electronic transcript that you can be reading as soon as your order has been approved.

Read more about what you'll learn at http://tinyurl.com/d74h7


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2. Farm & Food Tours
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While you're reading this, scores of foodies are visiting cheese factories in Wisconsin, picking lavender and peaches in Texas, and sampling wine in northern California.

They're participating in what's called agritourism, which lets tourists pick fruits and vegetables, ride horses, taste honey, learn about wine, and shop in gift shops and farm stands for local and regional produce or hand-crafted gifts.

In some states and countries, families can live on a farm for a week, pick their own food and even milk the cows in the morning. More sophisticated foodies can tour a particular region, talk with growers or vintners, then cook under the guidance of a professional chef.

Here in Wisconsin, you can go on a Cheese Tour, learn about cheese curing caves, then visit a chocolate and cheese house where you pair those two foods with wine. Then it's off to a chalet for a lesson on how to prepare and taste fondue.

Agritourism creates a valuable revenue stream for farmers, ranchers and food producers. Some farms, for example, get together to form festivals, tours or other events.

If you're participating in one of these tours as the host or the guest, pitch the story to travel and food writers, and even to business reporters. Collect some recipes along the way and offer them to your media contacts.

If I were in charge of the promotion for an agritourism event, I'd pay particular attention to the inflight magazines for airlines that serve the city were my event was occurring. Getting a calendar listing in one of these magazines could bring additional tourists who just happen to be in the area.

If you're pitching inflight magazines but you're not having much luck, try submitting a good-quality stand-alone photo with a caption.

"Special Report #27: Fly High with Publicity in the Inflight Magazines" gives you dozens of tips for pitching these magazines, many with high circulations. It also includes contact information for 42 magazines. Learn more at http://tinyurl.com/6uz9g


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3. 1,300 Toothbrushes
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Sometimes all it takes is a little twist to turn a pretty good story into a really great story with fabulous visuals and real media appeal.

When Dr. Ronald Henderson, owner of Healthy Smiles dental office in Dover, New Hampshire, planned a medical mission to Peru, his publicist came up with the perfect twist.

"We appealed to the community's heart and asked for donations in the form of toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss and mouthwash," publicist Traci Bisson of Bisson Barcelona said.

Local residents donated more than 1,300 toothbrushes and other dental supplies. That made a great photo and story. Healthy Smiles was featured on the front page of the Dover Community News and Fosters Daily Democrat and on two local radio stations.

Dr. Henderson also did interviews with the New Hampshire Business Review regarding not only his trip to Peru but his state-of-the-art technology called Cerec®, the world's only system for the fabrication of all ceramic dental restorations in one office visit. The newspaper wrote a full-page article.

He was also featured in Business NH Magazine.

Up until then, Dr. Henderson didn't generate even an ounce of publicity even though he had been in business for more than 33 years.

"Our publicity team needed to position his expertise with the local media in order to build credibility and generate interest in Healthy Smiles," Traci said.

Can your company ask for donations that tie into something else you're doing? Campaigns like this one side step the boring fund-raising drives that usually result in the equally boring check-passing photo.

"Fun Alternatives to Boring Ground-breakings, Ribbon-cuttings and Check-passings" offers even more ideas for generating far more publicity than you've ever imagined. It's available as a CD or an electronic transcript that you can be reading as soon as your order is approved.

Read more about what you'll learn at http://tinyurl.com/7cl6z


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4. Media Leads
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--OverTime (OT) Magazine, the leading business and lifestyle guide for professional athletes, is looking for product pitches for its annual "Holiday Hot List" featuring gifts that athletes will be giving and receiving this holiday season. Items range from the affordable to the elite and customizable, and include bigger gifts, stocking stuffers and hostess gifts based on their uniqueness and specific appeal to athletes who might need a little help deciding what to buy others. Previous lists have included custom-fitted earphones, gift certificates for an ultimate NASCAR experience, and handmade purses by Spacia. If you think you've got the right product for this elite demographic audience of more than 40,000 professional athletes and sports industry insiders, send a brief introductory email outlining your product suggestion and its price to Melissa Gillespie at mailto:mgillespie@ot-magazine.com No photos or image attachments. She will ask for them if she likes the pitch. Learn more about the magazine at http://www.ot-magazine.com/


--Connie Bennett, author of the book "Sugar Shock" and a member of The Publicity Hound Mentor Program, says a producer of a well-known national TV talk show is looking for someone with diabulimia to interview. If you have type 1 or 2 diabetes and you skip your insulin hoping that it will help you peel off the pounds, you might be part of what the producer says is "a sensitive piece on diabulimia." You can read more about this at Connie's blog at http://tinyurl.com/2f9gwx Or contact her by using the form at http://www.sugarshock.com/contact_connie.html#contact


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5. Promotion for a Teleconferencing Center
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This week, three Publicity Hounds have tips for Nellie Lamers of Reeds Spring, Missouri. She wanted ideas on how to promote a teleconferencing site that offers interactive video services, classes from other colleges across the state, training, and free public access to computers.


From Kim Duke:

"Contact the nearest chapter of the National Speaker’sAssociation at http://www.nsaspeaker.org/. Speakers are always on the lookout for fabulous facilities as well as alternatives they can present to their clients for training.


From Dawn Lanier:

"Use Craigslist at http://www.craigslist.org/ to advertise it in Missouri...Identify information sites, portals, businesses, organizations, in and around your local area. See if they’d be willing to link to your website, mention the center in their newsletter, and blog about you." See "How to Use Craigslist as a Valuable Publicity Tool" at http://tinyurl.com/geog2


From The Publicity Hound:

"Contact all the local Toastmasters groups and let them know about your facility. Also, let every small-business group and all the fraternal organizations and service clubs know. Sometimes their members include speakers, and they might like to take advantage of your facility.

"Get in touch with your local chamber of commerce and see if you can host an after-work networking session there. Wouldn't it be fun to take photos of people who attended, then project the images within minutes on the screen in front of the room? I see this all the time at conferences, and it really creates a buzz.

"Team up with some of the nonprofits that serve the over-60 demographic and offer free classes on how to use computers and the Internet."

Many of the ideas in "Special Report #15: Publicity Tips for Schools, Colleges and Universities" would work equally well for facilities like Nellie's. Only $10. Order at http://tinyurl.com/6uz9g

Read the complete responses to this Help This Hound question at http://tinyurl.com/2875c8


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6. Help This Hound
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Jeff Flowers of San Diego, California writes:

"I am an advertising guy in California and I am working with a man named Tom Jones.

"Tom is an extreme athlete and he takes on unbelievable challenges to support causes that he believes in. For example, Tom has run across the entire country, from L.A. to New York, at a pace of a marathon a day for 120 straight days to raise money for foster kids.

"Now, he is paddling a surfboard the entire length of the California Coast (over 1,200 miles) later this summer to draw attention to the problem of plastic pollution in our oceans. He calls the event California Paddle 2007--A Campaign for a Plastic-Free Ocean. You can learn more about it at http://www.californiapaddle.com/

"I would like the advice of your fellow Hounds to see how we can get exposure for this very worthwhile, world-record setting event and the cause it supports."


The Publicity Hound says: Calling all Hounds with great ideas, particularly those who know how to publicize a publicity stunt like this one. Post them to my blog at http://tinyurl.com/2hss6p


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7. Hound Quote of the Week
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Cats are smarter than dogs. You can't get eight cats to pull a sled through the snow.


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/


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8. And at My Blog...
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Get Organized with Organize magazine
http://tinyurl.com/ytjvvr


Writers, photographers: Check out Gather, social networking site
http://tinyurl.com/yqpoo6


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Where to Meet or Hear The Publicity Hound®


July 19: Teleseminar for Fitness Trainers

"How to Promote Yourself as an Expert Fitness Trainers and Generate Online & Offline Publicity," 1 to 2 Eastern Time, with Sean Greeley. Details pending.


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


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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