Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Publicity tips/Crash Through TV Gatekeepers March 25, 2008

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #392 March 25, 2008
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)

The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 43,857

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

"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.

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

How to Find a Lost Dog:

Thanks to the dozens of Publicity Hounds who wrote with helpful tips on how to find a lost dog, and how to keep dogs safe while walking them. You inundated me with responses, and I'm grateful. Read them all at my blog at http://tinyurl.com/2n5l9j

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

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

1. Crash Through TV Gatekeepers

2. The Power of Facebook

3. Speak at Colleges

4. New Inflight Magazine

5. Promoting Twin Authors

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Quote of the Week

8. At My Blog...

===================================
1. Crash Through TV Gatekeepers
===================================

Most large TV talk shows--the ones authors and experts want to get onto--have their own gatekeepers, designed to keep pests away from busy producers who are working like mad to create the next segment.

That's because almost daily, boring guests, clueless publicists and people who refused to take no for an answer inundate anyone with the word "producer" in their title with emails and phone calls. It's gotten so bad that some TV talk shows have removed the producers' names from the rolling credits at the end of each episode.

Some shows, however, now assign one guest producer to sort through the entire mess, pick out the little gems, and forward them onto segment producers who might truly be interested in your story idea.

"The Rachael Ray Show," for example, funnels pitches through a booking producer who sifts through them and passes them along to his co-workers. But if you don't have his name or email address, who knows where your pitch might end up.

Knowing whom to contact still isn't enough. You also must know what a certain show wants.

One way is to watch, for two full weeks, a particular show you want to get onto, take notes, and look for a pattern of topics that starts to emerge.

Or you can consult a media directory that has all this information for you. Steve Harrison just finished updating his directory/database of top shows, and the ink is barely dry. "Harrison's Guide to the Top National TV Talk & Interviews Shows" gives you key contacts and "how to get booked" info for 259 top shows including Oprah, Good Morning America, Today, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, Larry King Live, Bloomberg TV and many more.

You can grab your copy at http://www.appearontoptvshows.com/special/?10011 The price is being reduced from $347 to $297 for a single-copy and $697 to $497 for a one-year subscription, including monthly updates.

In addition to the printed directory and database, you'll also get great bonuses including a special report "Getting On Oprah," plus a one-on-one, private telephone consultation with a former NBC producer to help craft your own strategy for getting booked on top national TV shows.

Also at that web page, you can get four free sample listings from Steve's directory, including those for ABC World News Now, Dateline NBC, Larry King Live and The Rachael Ray Show. Learn which Rachael Ray producer sifts through all those pitches and how to contact him.

This offer is good only until 6 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, March 28. Take advantage of it now at http://www.appearontoptvshows.com/special/?10011


====================================
2. The Power of Facebook
====================================

Here's another success story about Facebook, one of the top three social networking sites. Publicity Hounds who want to get in front of the right journalists will love it!

Three months ago, Peter Shankman of The Geek Factory, a New York boutique PR firm, started a Facebook group called "If I Can Help a Reporter Out, I Will." Its purpose was to link reporters who are researching stories with the right sources. Sort of like a mini ProfNet. Peter has many friends who are journalists, and they send him requests when they need certain kinds of sources to interview. He then emails his Facebook group.

Once the group reaches 1,200 members, Facebook won’t allow him to send mass messages. So he's launching the Help A Reporter website with the same mission. He's recommending that Publicity Hounds already in the Facebook group switch over to the website.

"It takes me a few minutes each day to do this, and the good Karma is immeasurable," Peter says. "So I'm not charging. If you really feel like sending me a donation or something, why not just send a few bucks to an animal hospital or animal rescue society somewhere. Some good places are Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, or The National Search Dog Foundation. That'll keep the good Karma flowing."

If you join the list, Peter wants you to promise that you'll ask yourself these questions before responding to a query: "Is this response really on target? Is this response really going to help the journalist, or is this just a BS way for me to get my client in front of the reporter?"

If you have to think for more than three seconds, he says, chances are, you shouldn't send the response.

To join Peter's list, go to http://www.helpareporter.com/

Facebook and sites like it are about more than just asking people to be your friend. Once you have a group of friends, you can do amazing things, like Peter is doing. The one-hour interview I conducted with social media marketing expert Don Crowther called "Extend Your Reach with Social Media" is part of the 8-part series on "How to Create a Media Plan."

If you don't have a plan in front of you, you're in danger of veering off track, targeting media too broadly and forgetting what you're supposed to do from one month to the next.

Everyone who orders the "How to Create a Media Plan" package gets a half-hour of consulting with me, to use when you need it. Read more about what you'll learn at http://www.PublicityHound.com/mediaplan.htm


======================================
3. Speak at Colleges
======================================

If you're a professional speaker, author, trainer, coach or consultant, or an expert with a topic that college students, faculty or staff would find appealing, market yourself as a speaker to colleges and universities.

The best topics include anything dealing with leadership, being successful in and out of school, relationships and dating, overcoming challenges, alcohol awareness and drug prevention.

If you book a gig at a college, you can get publicity:

--In college newspapers.

--On the college radio and TV stations.

--In the newspapers and radio and TV stations in communities where the college is located.

--In blogs and ezines read by students, faculty and staff.

--In alumni magazines for your college or the colleges where you speak.

Not only that, but if they like your program, they'll probably refer you to people at other colleges and universities who hire speakers.

James Malinchak, "The King of the College Speaking Market," says many colleges have up to 17 types of key people who book speakers for events. Those events include student leadership gatherings, student government events, lectures sponsored by fraternities and sororities, career and job fairs, commencements and graduations, student conferences and summer programs. Add to the list academic, athletic and club events, and other meetings where an "outside" expert is needed.

James also says there are enough colleges and universities to keep a speaker busy for the remainder of their speaking career. But you have to know how to get in front of the decision-makers who do the hiring.

Colleges have large budgets for booking speakers, authors, trainers, coaches and consultants. The trick is knowing who the people are who have the money.

Starting this Thursday, March 27, you can listen to a call with James, who will host his College Speaking Success Bootcamp May 1-4 in Las Vegas, and learn:

--Why there's BIG money in the college market.

--Which topics are most in demand and why?

--Which departments have the budgets to book you?

--Who are the people you must contact to get booked as a college speaker?

--How to create marketing materials that will get you noticed and booked.

And much more.

If you can’t attend the live calls, register anyway, and afterward James will send you a link to a recorded audio--you’ll be able to listen online or download it to your MP3 player.

Go now to: http://www.collegespeakingsuccess.com/stewart


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4. New Inflight Magazine
====================================

EOS CLASS is the new in-flight magazine for Eos Airlines, which travels between London and New York City. In May, the airline will add Newark, New Jersey.

Topics cover lifestyle, business, and personal interests including travel, shopping, food and the arts.

The quarterly magazine is published by Elite Traveler. It is distributed onboard, in the Eos lounges and at selected businesses in the destination cities.

Are you using inflight magazines in your publicity campaign? If your target audience includes consumers who are upscale, well- educated and frequent travelers, these magazines could be powerful publicity tools for you.

Each year, my researcher contacts editors of more than 40 inflight magazines for updated pitching tips and contact information. I use this information annually to update "Special Report #27: Fly High with Publicity in the Inflight Magazines." You can order the report now for only $37 at http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/reports.html


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5. Promoting Twin Authors
========================================

This week, six Publicity Hounds have tips on how Sharon Dotson of Houston, Texas can promote identical twins Anabel Stenzel and Isabel Stenzel Byrnes, 35, of Redwood City, CA, who between them have survived three lung transplants.


From Stephanie Trahd:

"Sometimes it’s just a matter of building momentum. National TV shows often want to know that your topic was of interest to local markets first. Get booked on a few local TV news and talk shows (it’s a lot easier than national). You got some small mentions in a few periodicals--go for feature stories. If you can’t get them yourself, pitch some popular freelance writers. It will be a lot easier to get on national TV shows when you have a portfolio of published and television credits."


From Cheryle Gagnon:

"Who are the nonprofits that are widely known and respected for raising awareness and money for Cystic Fibrosis in New York City? Tell them you will do a FREE advertisement for their organization. And you will attend their annual fundraiser to help raise money for other kids who might die before their high school prom."


From Garth Gibson:

"If you haven’t already, remember to pitch Dr. Gupta, religious shows from Pat Robertson to Joel Olsteen, and local talk shows. Pitch ideas: Twins Who Made A Deadly Disease Come Alive; Why Miracles Happen In Twos; and Three Transplants, Two Hearts Of Gold, One Amazing Story


The Publicity Hound says:

Sharon, as you probably know, National Public Radio has numerous radio shows that invite guests to speak on health-related topics. Go to the NPR website at http://www.npr.org and use the search box at the top to search for shows.

Book publicist Lissa Warren has booked dozens of her own clients on NPR using that method and lots of other tricks. She outlines them all on the CD or electronic transcript titled "How to Get Booked on National Public Radio." It's available as a CD or an electronic transcript that you can download and be reading as soon as your order has been approved.

Read more about what you'll learn at http://publicityhound.net/cdnpr


Send your own Help this Hound question to: mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com?subject=HelpThisHound and include your city and state.


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

Nycole Pederson of Eden Prairie, Minnesota writes:

"My sister and I love to have garage sales and have always made our own fun, creative, bright signs to attract shoppers.

"We had so many people asking us where we bought our signs that we realized there really was a huge need for chic, funky, sassy garage/yard sale signs. We started doing some research and found there was nothing on the market other than the boring black/white, red/white garage sale signs.

"With a lot of hard work, we started Sassy Signs and are currently selling them at retail outlets such as Lowe’s, and independent hardware, scrapbook and party stores. We have also been selling online at http://www.sassysigns.com/ since we started the company two years ago.

"We would really like to increase our online sales and we’re hoping for advice on how to do this. We’re already paying for Adwords with Google and Yahoo, among other advertisers. We are also trying to get the word out with the bloggers of America. Do you have any other ideas?"


The Publicity Hound says:

The signs look like a lot of fun. Hounds with ideas for Nycole and her sister can post them to my blog at http://publicityhound.net/helpthishound/garagesalesigns


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

Thanks to Llewellyn Security, the Canadian canine security company, for this one:

One of the questions we're constantly asked is, "My Doberman is two years old. Is it true that they turn on their masters when they turn three?"

Or, "I heard that Shepherds turn on their masters when they are six years old."

Then there's, "How old are Rotts when they turn on their masters?"

My answer is: "We have had hundreds of dogs. The reason they don't turn on us, is because we never tell them how old they are."


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. At My Blog...
=================================

High schools musical contest sponsored by USA Weekend http://publicityhound.net/cdhighschoolmusicals


Goodie bag, promo opps listed at ProfNet blog
http://publicityhound.net/bloggoodiebag


Associated Press hires 21 writers to cover celebrities http://publicityhound.net/blogapcelebrities


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

Where to See or Hear The Publicity Hound


March 27: Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin

"Red Hot Tips to Set Your Publicity Campaign on Fire," Menomonee Falls, Sussex and Germantown Business to Business Networking Breakfast; networking and breakfast from 7:30 to 8, presentation from 8 to 8:45 a.m. Tickets are $15. Guests welcome. For reservations, call Diane Henning at the Menomonee Falls Chamber at 262-251-2430.


April 22: Shorewood, Wisconsin

"Savvy Media Relations: How to Get FREE Online & Offline Publicity," 8:30 to noon, and "The New Rules of Press Releases: How to Write Them for Consumers, Not Only for Journalists," 1 to 3:30 p.m.; North Star, 4515 W. Oakland Ave., sponsored by the Shorewood Business Improvement District. Tickets are $75 each or $65 for two or more persons. To register, contact Barb Caprile at barb@shorewood.com or 414-962-7008.


April 30: Teleseminar

"How to Create a Media Plan," part of the teleseminar series "Intro to Internet Marketing" for health professionals. Perfect for doctors, nurses, spa owners, holistic health counselors, massage therapists, etc. Register at http://publicityhound.net/introinternetmarketing


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

Labels: , , , , , ,

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Publicity tips/Be Like the Gabby Cabby Mar 18, 2008

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #391 March 18, 2008
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com/
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 43,546

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

"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.

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

I Lost My Dog:

I lost Bogie on Sunday night. And, of course, I figured out a way to tie it into a few publicity tips for you. The whole story about two horrible hours of my life is at my blog at http://tinyurl.com/2n5l9j

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

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

1. Be Like the Gabby Cabby

2. AngryJournalist.com

3. An Idea for Computer Geeks

4. For Health Professionals

5. Promoting a Book for Children

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Quote of the Week

8. At My Blog...

=================================
1. Be Like the Gabby Cabby
=================================

Radio talk show host Wayne Kelly says that if you've been booked as a guest on talk radio, forget about being politically correct.

Wayne says far too many guests try way too hard to sanitize their interview responses so that they don't offend listeners.

"I hate these interviews," he says.

I do, too, and I change the channel when I hear somebody trying to be overly polite.

Wayne co-hosts a morning drive-time show on KBS Radio in British Columbia, Canada. He offers these three tips for being the kind of guest who gives a prickly interview and gets invited back:

- -Be the kind of personality listeners can get excited about.

- -Give more information than anyone who has ever talked about your topic.

- -Have an opinion and say it LOUD (yes, I'm shouting).

One of his favorite talk show guests is Peter Franklin, aka The Gabby Cabby, a street-smart, Bronx-born cab driver who broadcasts news about New York City to over 300 million listeners in 71 countries around the world.

Wayne has been interviewing the Gabby Cabby on his radio show for eight years and even conducted one interview from inside Gabby's cab. Wayne knows that those interviews will always make somebody mad--so mad that if they're driving in their car listening to the radio, they'll pull over and whip out their cell phone and call the station.

In the world of talk radio, that's the goal.

Listen to Wayne's four-and-a-half-minute interview with Gabby, who weighs in on the current crop of presidential candidates. If you've already chosen your favorite candidate, and you're from a red state or a blue state, I guarantee you won't like what you hear. Go to http://publicityhound.net/gabbycabby and click on the arrow under the photo.

You can sign up for Wayne's free publicity tips at http://www.onairpublicity.com/ezine.shtml

Once you know how to interview, it's time to start pitching. Radio talk show host George McKenzie was my guest on a telephone seminar called "How to Get onto Drive-time Radio Shows." He explained how to "play the game" when you pitch TV and radio talk show hosts, the one word to never use in your pitch, how producers create programs, whom to call when pitching a radio station, and an example of a great pitch.

We recorded it and it's available as a CD or an electronic transcript that you can download and be reading as soon as your order has been approved.

Read more about what you'll learn at
http://publicityhound.net/drive-timeradio


====================================
2. AngryJournalist.com
====================================

The next time a journalist hangs up on you, or yells "no thanks" into the telephone, or refuses to answer your emails, she might be more than just busy.

She might also be angry. Really angry.

At what?

Her lousy pay. Her horrible work schedule. Her editor who cow- tows to the advertising department. And bad PR people who make twice as much money as she does.

AngryJournalist.com is for "the underpaid, overworked, frustrated, (expletive deleted) off, and ignored media professionals to publicly and anonymously vent their anger."

It offers an inside look at the hundreds of things that journalists snipe about.

From Angry Journalist #2269:

"I'm a photographer or a photojournalist. Not a camera lady, photo lady or camera girl."

From Angry Journalist #2172:

"I contacted a pastor to do a story about his church’s expansion and he said the earliest he could meet with me was Tuesday. Please, give me a break, I'm sure you could find 20 minutes out of your day before then to talk to a journalist so I can do a puff piece on your stupid church."

From Angry Journalist #2185:

"I'm angry because my editor has a crush on a photographer I work with and he let’s (sic) this guy get away with all kinds of (expletive deleted)."

Warning for the easily offended: Many posts at this site include profanities and four-letter words.

Even though journalists are angry, they still need trustworthy sources and compelling stories. "Special Report #49: 17 Ways to Build Valuable Relationships with Media People" explains all the ways to bring a little joy into their lives and get a great print or broadcast story. Only $10. Order at http://publicityhound.net/SpecialReports


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3. An Idea for Computer Geeks
====================================

Within the last few years, several school administrators or teachers in Wisconsin have been caught visiting adult websites while using school computers.

Dumb, dumb, dumb.

If you're a website developer, a computer geek or somebody who knows how computers work, and you see a story like this in your own community, it's a great chance to promote your expertise by offering your commentary to the local media and including advice in your blog and in online articles.

Most people know that if they simply clear the history of websites they've visited, it's usually difficult for a computer user in their household or company to follow the footprints. But computer experts will tell you that that isn't enough. An expert knows where to look to follow the trail.

Share your information by creating a quiz on how computer users can cover their tracks, or on how computers work. A quiz is one of nine types of briefs that can get you fabulous media publicity, particularly in national magazines, and pull traffic to your website.

A teleseminar I conducted explains all nine forms of briefs and how to use them to promote a product, service, cause or issue. It's called "Briefs, Fillers & Quizzes" and it's available as a CD or an electronic transcript that you can download and be reading as soon as your order has been approved.

Read more about what you'll learn at
http://publicityhound.net/briefs


====================================
4. For Health Professionals
====================================

Attention doctors, nurses, health educators, healers, spa owners, massage therapists, nutritionists, health care business owners, network marketers, and even stay-at-home moms.

Learn how to build a thriving Internet business and pull journalists and other customers to you, even if you already make significant revenue offline.

Marilee Tolen, a graduate of The Publicity Hound Mentor Program, is presenting a series of teleseminars called "Intro to Internet Marketing" for health professionals. You can take the course over the phone on five consecutive Wednesdays starting April 2.

She'll cover dozens of topics, including affiliate commission, and explain how health professionals can earn money selling other people's products and services. Marilee, by the way, created a two-minute video on how women can "wear" essential oils in a neat charm bracelet, as well as on how to make their business cards smell nice by using the oils in a fancy business card holder.

She earns commission selling essential oils for another company. So she sent the link to the video to about 3,000 people who have given her permission to email them. Within one hour, she earned commission on a $400 sale from somebody who saw her email, watched her video and bought essential oils. You can see the video at http://snipurl.com/viewaromathxjewelry or see the entire line of jewelry at http://www.kickstartcart.com/app/?Clk=2299239

I'm one of the guest experts who will be teaching during Marilee's course. At 7 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, April 30, I'm presenting a one-hour session on "How to Create a Media Plan," with specific examples for health professionals and lots of story ideas they can steal from me.

Sign up for the entire course before it's sold out:
http://publicityhound.net/healthprofessionals


========================================
5. Promoting a Book for Children
========================================

This week, eight Publicity Hounds have tips on how Angie Dzalamanow of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina can promote picture books for children that include science, math and nature themed stories.

From Cheryl Stroup:

"I immediately thought of the home schooling community. Many, many resources for home schooling parents or sending a sample book or book list to the well-traveled home schooling resource sites could prove beneficial. Word of mouth is the best press you can get and from what I've seen, the home schooling community is a worthy ally.

From Yvette Stanton:

"I suspect that these sorts of books are likely to be purchased by grandparents for their grandchildren. As a grandparent, who could pass up something that will entertain AND educate the grand kiddies? I suggest you work on getting reviews into seniors media--newspapers, blogs, websites."

From Garth Gibson:

"Identify media/celebrity with children on the way and send them a book. I know, for example, that Penelope Cruz is very into having a family right now.

"I think TV’s Al Roker has a book review for kids that he does on air, so send him a book."

The Publicity Hound says:

If you're trying to contact celebrities or work them into your media plan, here are two great resources. ContactyAnyCelebrity at http://publicityhound.net/contactanycelebrity/ sells a database that will help you contact 54,565 celebrities worldwide. It includes contact information for more than 7,000 celebrity representatives and over 4,000 entertainment companies with phone, fax and email addresses--all cross-referenced and cross- linked so you can find who you need fast.

Also, my "Special Report #50: How to Piggyback onto Celebrity News to Promote Your Product, Service, Cause or Issue" gives you lots of ideas of how to tie celebrities to your publicity campaign and pull tons of traffic to your website from all the surfers who are Googling celebrities' names. Only $10. Order at http://publicityhound.net/SpecialReports

Read all the responses to this week's Help This Hound question at http://tinyurl.com/2lsp74

Send your own Help this Hound question to: mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com?subject=HelpThisHound and include your city and state.


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

Publicity Hound Sharon Dotson of Houston, Texas writes:

"I am working with two other publicists to promote identical twins Anabel Stenzel and Isabel Stenzel Byrnes, 35, of Redwood City, CA, who between them have survived three lung transplants.

"Half Japanese and half-German, the sisters were born with cystic fibrosis and were not expected to live to adulthood, yet they have defied the odds. Cystic fibrosis is rare in people of Asian descent, and as daughters of a Japanese mother, their risk was supposed to be minuscule.

"Their father, a German physicist who loved statistics, calculated the odds when the twins were diagnosed with CF as infants: he and his wife had a 1 in 200 chance having identical twins, and the odds of having half-Japanese twins with CF were roughly 1 in 1.8 billion.

"Their recently-published autobiography, 'The Power of Two: A Twin Triumph over Cystic Fibrosis,' has been well-received with small mentions in People, Publishers Weekly and USA Today. Last month, Reuters published a very nice feature on the Stenzels.

"Our job is to pitch national shows including Ellen, Rachael Ray, Montel, Oprah and the 700 Club. We also pitched half-Japanese Today show host Ann Curry. Other news hooks are Donate Life Month, Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month and in July, the U.S. Transplant Games where the Stenzel twins will be among those competing.

"Thus far, we've scored zero on big-time TV shows. We're aiming high, but we're sure Anabel and Isabel have a message that could knock the socks off a broad segment of the media. Do you think your Publicity Hounds could throw in some new ideas?"

The Publicity Hound says:

What a great story, Sharon. I know my Hounds are already thinking of some super ideas on how to promote your clients. I noticed you never mentioned anything about online publicity. So I hope my Hounds include tips for scoring publicity online as well as offline when they post their best ideas to my blog at http://tinyurl.com/2dxlgr


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

"My dog is worried about the economy because Alpo is up to 99 cents a can. That's almost $7 in dog money." -- Joe Weinstein

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. At My Blog...
=================================

How to find a lost dog or a lost (fill in the blank)
http://tinyurl.com/2n5l9j


Sploggers bring traffic, so why the complaining?
Http://tinyurl.com/2ajdbo


Health pros: Learn Internet marketing from the experts
http://tinyurl.com/yu3eeh


Media bias helped Spitzer's rise to power
http://tinyurl.com/2xw3y9


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

Where to See or Hear The Publicity Hound

March 27: Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin

"Red Hot Tips to Set Your Publicity Campaign on Fire," Menomonee Falls, Sussex and Germantown Business to Business Networking Breakfast; networking and breakfast from 7:30 to 8, presentation from 8 to 8:45 a.m. Tickets are $15. Guests welcome. For reservations, call Diane Henning at the Menomonee Falls Chamber at 262-251-2430.

April 22: Shorewood, Wisconsin

"Savvy Media Relations: How to Get FREE Online & Offline Publicity," 8:30 to noon, and "The New Rules of Press Releases: How to Write Them for Consumers, Not Only for Journalists," 1 to 3:30 p.m.; North Star, 4515 W. Oakland Ave., sponsored by the Shorewood Business Improvement District. Tickets are $75 each or $65 for two or more persons. To register, contact Barb Caprile at barb@shorewood.com or 414-962-7008.

April 30: Teleseminar

"How to Create a Media Plan," part of the teleseminar series "Intro to Internet Marketing" for health professionals. Perfect for doctors, nurses, spa owners, holistic health counselors, massage therapists, etc. Register at http://publicityhound.net/introinternetmarketing

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

Labels: , , , ,

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Publicity tips/The Spitzer Scandal, Mar 11, 2008

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #390 March 11, 2008
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog) The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 43,792

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

"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.

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

To SMARTS students:

If you are part of the SMARTS social networking coaching program and you're going to the Stompernet conference in Atlanta April 4, 5 or 6, please email me and let me know. Mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com?subject=SMARTS

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

1. The Spitzer Scandal

2. March Madness

3. Turn One Product into Three

4. Newspapers: Online vs. Offline

5. Promoting a Book on Military Wives

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week

8. At My Blog...


=================================
1. The Spitzer Scandal
=================================

Just a few hours after the news broke about New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer's hiring a high-priced prostitute, authors were all over national TV news shows commenting on the story.

And savvy book publicists were working the phones this morning, trying to get their clients onto shows like MSNBC's "Hardball" with Chris Matthews, "Hannity & Colmes" on FOX, and "Larry King Live" on CNN.

You don't have to be an author to find your way onto these national shows, or even local news shows in your own community. Here are some ideas on how to piggyback onto the Spitzer scandal and take advantage of the 24-hour news cycle:

- -What implications does the scandal have for the presidential campaign? Does Hillary Clinton, another woman who was wronged by her political husband, have anything to gain or lose in her race for delegates? Spitzer supports her candidacy.

- -Was Spitzer's minute-long press conference, with his wife by his side, appropriate? Or has he already put her through enough? Should he have stood behind the microphone alone? Crisis counselors and PR practitioners, how would you have advised Spitzer?

- -How does a wife forgive a husband who has put her through this? Therapists, mental health experts, marriage counselors and ministers can offer their thoughts.

- -Why do so many politicians, from former presidents Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton to former Congressman Larry Craig and former New Jersey Gov. James McGreevey, have secret lives? If your book or area of expertise ties into this topic, let the media know.

- -The Number One question the last 24 hours seems to be "How could Spitzer have been so stupid?" Experts will be debating this one for months, so comment on your blogs and in op-ed columns.

- -Should history's oldest profession be legalized?

You'll find lots more ideas in this article at the Huffington Post website: http://publicityhound.net/spitzerreaction

Now that you have an idea, learn how to pitch it. Publicity Hound Julie Languille followed all the pitching tips I recommended in "Special Report #7: How to Write the Perfect Pitch Letter That convinces an Editor to Write About You" and scored a Page 1story in the Wall Street Journal. The report is $10. Order it at http://PublicityHound.net/SpecialReports


====================================
2. March Madness
====================================

This is the month to use the phrase "March Madness" in your pitches, even though the stories you're pitching have nothing to do with basketball or the NCAA tournament.

For example:

- -It's been March Madness for weather-watchers, like the blizzard that dumped two feet of snow on Ohio over the weekend. If you can tie your story to the crazy weather, "March Madness" is a great phrase to slip into the pitch.

- -Spring break is under way for many students at colleges and universities. I think the "March Madness" theme is a perfect fit.

- -If you're a Wall Street expert and you're commenting on the market's tumble this month, work that phrase into your pitch.

- -Ditto for the mortgage crisis.

If you can't think of any tie-ins to March Madness, that's OK. TV producer Shawne Duperon teamed up with me to brainstorm dozens of story ideas for the first half of the year. "116 WOW! Story Ideas from January through June" includes something for everybody. We encourage you to steal the best ideas and use them in your publicity campaign.

It's available as a CD or an electronic transcript that you can download and be reading as soon as your order has been approved. Read more about what you'll learn at http://publicityhound.net/116storyideas


====================================
3. Turn One Product into Three
====================================

If you create information products, don't make the big mistake that most information marketers make.

They create one product. Then they fail to understand all the ways they can turn that product into two additional products, or three, or four, or even five, with just a little more work.

For example, let's say you've written a book that sells for $25 in the bookstores. Why not create a spiral-bound workbook that ties into the topic of your book and that you can sell at your website?

For a third product, host a teleseminar, record it and sell it as a CD or MP3 file. But don't just offer the audio. Hire an inexpensive transcriber and offer the product as a downloadable PDF for all those people who prefer to learn by reading and not by listening.

Cathy Stucker, the Idea Lady, is an absolute genius when it comes to figuring out ways to tweak, retool, reposition, and slice and dice content into related products quickly and easily.

She was my guest during a teleseminar last week called "How to Turn Content into Cash" and shared lots of her tricks on how she turns one product into multiple products.

Many people on the call had questions about what technology she uses to make it happen, specific vendors she uses when creating products, and what she does to save time. You can listen to the recording at http://www.PublicityHound.net/contentcall

Another tip: Both of us made a special offer you'll want to know about, but it expires tomorrow night.


====================================
4. Newspapers: Online vs. Offline
====================================

If you're pitching reporters who write for daily newspapers, are you spending most of your time pitching the ones who write for the print versions?

Or have you taken the time to research whether different reporters write for the online versions?

This article by Scott Karp, president and CEO of Publish2 Inc., should be must reading for everyone who pitches newspaper reporters. He writes:

"Newspapers used to see the web as a complement, a value add to the print edition. Now they have to flip the equation. The web is at the center, and the print newspaper must add value, as a complement."

Read the entire article here: http://publicityhound.net/printversusonline

Now, work online reporters and editors into your media plan. If you don't have a plan, or you don't know where to start, let me and my team of experts help you. The training course "How to Create a Media Plan" walks you step-by-step through the process, gives you more than 200 story ideas you can use in your own campaign, and tells you which social media sites are the best ones to incorporate into the plan.

Read more about what you'll learn at http://www.PublicityHound.com/mediaplan.htm


========================================
5. Promoting a Book on Military Wives
========================================

This week, 13 Publicity Hounds have advice for Marna A. Krajewski of Wakefield, Rhode Island on other markets beyond just the military that she can target for her next book titled "HOUSEHOLD BAGGAGE HANDLERS: Celebrating the Lives of Military Wives."


From Linda Swisher:

"How about spouses of law enforcement officers, who also have esprit de corps (many are also ex-military or in the Guard/Reserves); veterans organizations and auxiliaries, base exchanges or card/bookstores near major posts, companies whose large international workforces frequently relocate, and moving companies (sell in quantity to movers specializing in military relocation--they can give the book as a good-bye or welcome gift)."


From Stephanie Trahd:

"Piggyback your press releases onto the Lifetime TV show 'Army Wives.' There is definitely a wider market for you, as evidenced by the intense popularity of that show. 'Civilians' are very curious and still romanticize Army life."


From Jenni Hilton:

"Another popular TV show that features military wives is 'The Unit.' You could offer expert advice about a problem featured in one of the shows and pitch your book. Blogging about military wife life might also help. Find stories in newspapers that are relevant and include links. Women’s magazines are always interested in your story as a woman and, more specifically, a military wife. What about writing tips for moving frequently and meeting new people, and contacting Welcome Wagons and other groups as well?"


The Publicity Hound says:

Using the tips above, how about reviewing books at Amazon.com that deal with themes such as the military and relocating?

Randy Gilbert and Don Mitchell explain many of the 17 ways to use Amazon.com to market yourself--even at pages where your competitors' books are listed! I interviewed them during a teleseminar on "How to Make Amazon.com a River of Gold (for Authors, Speakers and Consultants)."

It's available as a CD or an electronic transcript that you can download and be reading as soon as your order has been approved. Read more about what you'll learn at http://publicityhound.net/amazonriverofgold


Send your own Help this Hound question to:
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com?subject=HelpThisHound


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

Angie Dzalamanow of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina writes:

"I am the public relations manager for Sylvan Dell Publishing, a children’s book publisher committed to exciting children’s imaginations with artistically spectacular science, math and nature themed stories. We’re doing fairly well at securing reviews for our 29 titles with key trade publications, regional parenting magazines and bloggers, but we would like to create a bigger buzz and score some national attention.

"In the back of every book, we include a ‘For Creative Minds’ educational section with fun facts, crafts and other educational activities. We also offer free supplemental parent/teacher resources on our website, including 30-80 cross-curricular teaching activities, child-friendly learning links, audio readings, interactive quizzes and a bi-monthly e-newsletter.

"However, our books are first and foremost fun-to-read picture books, and we want parents and educators to understand that there doesn’t need to be a strict line between educational and entertaining.

"The public relations team consists of me and two interns, and our budget is limited. We need some creative, affordable ideas for media kits and pitches, but we’ve yet to think of that ‘big idea’ we need to garner national media. Help from your Hounds would be greatly appreciated!"


The Publicity Hound says:

Your books make me wish I were a kid again. Hounds, let's help Angie and her interns reach parents and kids all over the world. Post your best publicity ideas at my blog at http://tinyurl.com/2lsp74


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

Two fleas are coming out of the movie theater and it's raining very hard outside.

One flea says to the other flea, "What should we do? Walk or wait for a dog?"


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. At My Blog...
=================================

Free ebook can help you promote your business or nonprofit http://publicityhound.net/freeebook


Marketing in a down economy? This webinar can help http://publicityhound.net/marketinginadowneconomy


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

Where to See or Hear The Publicity Hound


March 27: Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin

"Red Hot Tips to Set Your Publicity Campaign on Fire," Menomonee Falls, Sussex and Germantown Business to Business Networking Breakfast; networking and breakfast from 7:30 to 8, presentation from 8 to 8:45 a.m. Tickets are $15. Guests welcome. For reservations, call Diane Henning at the Menomonee Falls Chamber at 262-251-2430.


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

Labels: , , , ,

Tuesday, March 04, 2008

Publicity tips/Brett Favre's Retirement Mar 4, 2008

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #388 March 4, 2008
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com/
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 43,481

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

"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.

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

Deadline March 7 for ExpertClick.com Upgrade:

Publicity Hounds who have a subscription to Expertclick.com: The Online Yearbook of Experts, have until Friday, March 7, to upgrade their subscription to a full-page ad in the next online and print directory for $595.

A full page will give you better positioning on the Expertclick website. Journalists, by the way, search the Expertclick database frequently when they need experts. For example, I'll bet lots of journalists and broadcasters are using Expertclick today to search for experts who can comment on Brett Favre's retirement. (See Item #1 below.)

You can only upgrade if you already have a subscription or if you subscribe by Friday. Subscribers who mention The Publicity Hound will get $100 off the price of their subscription, but not the $595 upgrade.

Learn more by calling Randy at 202-333-5000.

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

1. Brett Favre's Retirement

2. 10 Dirtiest Hotels

3. Turn Content into Cash

4. Media Leads

5. How to Promote an ACT! Contest

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week

8. At My Blog...


======================================
1. Brett Favre's Retirement
======================================

You don't have to be a Cheesehead like I am to mourn the announcement just a few hours ago that Brett Favre is retiring as quarterback of the Green Bay Packers after 17 seasons.

Gail Sideman of PubliSide Personal Publicity in Milwaukee, who comes from a sports publicity background, says she thinks this is an ideal time for Publicity Hounds everywhere to piggyback off this news. I agree.

The news media's 24-hour news cycle, she says, combined with its insatiable appetite for copy and film footage, means sports shows like those on ESPN and CNN, as well as other non-sports programs and news shows right in your own community, will be looking for experts who can comment on the retirement. I asked her to brainstorm with me ways that experts can piggyback onto this news.

Here are our ideas:

- -Authors, speakers and experts on the topic of leadership can comment on what made Favre such a great leader.

- -Are you an expert on grief? If so, comment on Favre's amazing performance on "Monday Night Football" on December 21, 2003, the day after his father died of a heart attack and drove his car into a ditch in Kiln, Mississippi. Favre decided to play the game, and passed for four touchdowns in the first half and 399 total yards in a 41-7 victory over the Raiders on international television.

- -What can kids learn from Favre's well-publicized problems with drugs and alcohol? And his rehab?

- -Despite their fame and fortune, Favre and his wife, Deanna, together have experienced more horrific events in just a few years than most people experience in a lifetime. His problems with drugs and booze. Her b~reast cancer. A marriage that almost fell apart. His father's death. The death of Deanna's brother in an ATV accident in Mississippi. The Favre family home in Mississippi that was destroyed in August 2005 by Hurricane Katrina. Brett and Deanna's property in Hattiesburg, Mississippi that was extensively damaged by the storm. Yet Favre chose to continue to play. And his wife wrote a book and has established her own fund-raising foundation to support women with b~reast cancer. What lessons can we learn from their resiliency?

- -Sports experts can comment on whether Favre is the greatest quarterback of all time. Or one of the top three, or the top five.

- -Bloggers, can your readers learn a lesson about a particular topic from Favre's long career?

- -PR people, how about commenting on Favre's and the Packers' botched PR moves? Just last week, for example, a Packers exec was quoted as saying he's confident Favre will return this fall.

Regardless of where you live, commenting on topics such as these can make you the local angle to this national story. That means your local TV station might jump at the chance to interview you. TV producer Shawne Duperon explains the step-by-step process of "How to Get onto the Local TV News Tomorrow" on a CD or electronic transcript that you can be reading as soon as your order has been approved.

Read more about what you'll learn at http://publicityhound.net/cdgetlocaltvpublicity


======================================
2. 10 Dirtiest Hotels
======================================

TripAdvisor.com has released this year's list of the "10 Dirtiest Hotels"--one list each for the U.S. and the UK.

"The grossest thing...was the drain clogged with years worth of hair. It literally came out in a solid mass. I gagged," said one hotel visitor, whose comment is among thousands at the company's website at http://www.tripadvisor.com/DirtyHotels?nl=MU&pid=831

Other comments, some with photos and videos, include complaints about bad plumbing, mold, crumbling ceilings and walls, no heating or air conditioning, peeling paint, broken locks on the doors, elevators that don't work, broken windows, used tissues under the bed, and even one room where the headboard fell off the bed.

Consumers are invited to weigh in with their own comments. As of this morning, more than 600 people had commented on Hotel Carter in New York City, which made the Hotels from Hell list.

Do a search for "10 Dirtiest Hotels" and you'll see that the contest provides great fodder for the bloggers and for consumers who participate in a variety of forums.

The annual contest draws attention to TripAdvisor's "Travelers' Choice Award Winners" in 10 categories, from the Best Luxury Hotels to the Best Inns and B&Bs.

Here's what Publicity Hounds can learn from this contest:

- -Know what consumers are saying about you online. Create Google Alerts for your own name, your URL and the name of your company.

- -Respond to bad reviews and explain what you're doing to solve the problem. If you hide in the shadows when the news is bad, the conversation will continue without you.

- -The best way to avoid being nominated for these "10 Worst" lists is to clean up your act and provide outstanding customer service and a great product.

Let's see how sharp you are. What else does this contest teach you? Post your comments to my blog at http://publicityhound.net/10dirtiesthotels

Crisis counselor Jonathan Bernstein has fabulous tips for responding to the media when the news is bad. He explained them all, including the tip about the one sure-fire way to ensure the media quote you accurately, on the CD "How to Keep the Media Wolves at Bay." It's available as a CD or an electronic transcript that you can download and be reading as soon as your order has been approved.

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


====================================
3. Turn Content into Cash
====================================

Most authors, speakers and experts are sitting on a gold mine, and they don't even know it. Chances are, you're not getting all you can out of the knowledge you have and the content you have already created.

Have you written a book? Or articles for a newsletter or ezine? Do you blog?

Do you present speeches or workshops? Or teleseminars? Have you created handouts or workbooks?

Do you ever respond to emailed questions, or post to forums?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you may have a wealth of content ready to start making more money for you.

Even if you don't have a lot of existing content, there are ways to quickly and easily create products using what you know.

Using the content you already have--and learning simple, fast ways to create new, quality content--will get you off the hours-for-dollars treadmill and empower you to create multiple streams of passive income. It will also attract the attention of the traditional media, bloggers, and many others who will invite you to share your expertise.

Cathy Stucker--one of the foremost experts on how to create, package, repurpose and market content--will by my guest on a free 60-minute teleseminar at 3 p.m. Eastern Time tomorrow, March 5.

I'll be picking her brain about her time-saving tips and asking her to explain how she earns a six-figure income with her information empire and how you can, too.

We only have 250 slots available, so if you aren't prompt, you might not get onto the line. You pay your own long-distance charges. Call 1-218-486-1300. The access code is 1-8-2-2-2-2#.


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

- -Do you know a great military dad? For Father's Day, USA WEEKEND magazine is planning a cover story that will show the commitment of countless military dads to their families even as they serve thousands of miles away. Thanks to improved technology, dads can now be "with" their kids, no matter where they're serving. Submissions also will be considered for publication in both "Army Times" and "Navy Times." Nominate your favorite dad at http://publicityhound.net/militarydads


- -CD Vann, editor of Magazine SOHO, a Milwaukee-based magazine, is looking for experts who live anywhere and who can write a monthly column for a new website specifically for entrepreneurs. She needs an entrepreneurial mom to write a column called "Baby and Me, and Business Makes Three" which will offer tips and advice on how to balance work duties and mom duties. She needs an expert who can comment on dating at any age. She also needs a writer for a column called "Soho Today" which will highlight news topics of the day that affect a SOHO's business and personal life. All columns should be 500 words and must be submitted before the 25th of each month. "We are looking for a conversational writing style--writers who are well-versed, and can reach out to our audience and inspire or inform them with words." Submit at least two writing samples in Microsoft Word to mailto:cdvann@sohobusinessmagazine.com


=========================================
5. How to Promote an ACT! Contest
=========================================


This week, three Publicity Hounds have tips for Lori Feldman of St. Louis, Missouri on how to publicize a contest in which people can register to win ACT! Software and training.


From Gail Sideman:

"You need to publicize this as a traditional group of news stories during the course of the contest. Each service that ACT! Software provides should be molded into story angles to be pitched to media. Highlight the benefits of each one of the services and provide comments from people whose sales have increased and time has been better managed as a result of using it. Since ACT! profits from its software sales, the mention of the contest should be introduced through the 'back door'--via details at the end of your press releases."


From Chelsea Quinn:

"Search online for work-at-home and small business ezine publishers who might be willing to get the word out for you. Telling their members about your drawing gives the ezine publisher owner something new, free and practical to offer their readers."


The Publicity Hound says:

You have almost two months to promote this. A more time-consuming but very effective way to pull traffic to the contest page is to create a Squidoo lens at http://www.squidoo.com/ or a HubPage at http://www.hubpages.com/ and fill it with original content. The search engines love these two content-sharing sites and will bring lots of traffic to you.


Read all the responses to this Help This Hound question at http://tinyurl.com/2wcw9g


Send your own Help this Hound question to: mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com?subject=HelpThisHound


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

Marna A. Krajewski of Wakefield, Rhode Island writes:

"I am an Army wife who had her first book published in May 2006 (HOUSEHOLD BAGGAGE: The Moving Life of a Soldier's Wife). It's a collection of first-person stories about Army family life.

"My next book, HOUSEHOLD BAGGAGE HANDLERS: Celebrating the Lives of Military Wives, is coming out in May. This one is an anthology which I compiled and edited. A good friend tells me marketing it only to the military community is a mistake, yet this is my niche.

"Should I broaden my intended market, and if so, what are your publicity ideas?"


The Publicity Hound says:

The more niched your topic, or the more niched your audience, the easier your job of promoting it will be. But I'm curious. Does anyone out there who is not a military wife have any interest in reading a book like this one? If so, where should Marna promote it? Hounds with ideas for Marna can post them to my blog at http://publicityhound.net/militarywives

Marna, National Public Radio interviews hundreds of authors each year. Go to their website at http://www.npr.org/ and type "military wives" into the search box at the top of the screen and you can see a list of programs that have included information about your topic.

For the inside scoop on how to find out which shows are perfect for you, and how to pitch them, see "How to Get Booked on National Public Radio" at http://tinyurl.com/ayms6


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

Thanks to Darlene Arden of Framingham, Massachusetts for this one.

A man wrote a letter to a small hotel in a Midwest town he planned to visit on his vacation. He wrote:

Dear Hotel,

I would very much like to bring my dog with me. He is well- groomed and very well-behaved. Would you be willing to permit me to keep him in my room with me at night?

An immediate reply came from the hotel owner, who said, "I've been operating this hotel for many years. In all that time, I've never had a dog steal towels, bedclothes, silverware or pictures off the walls. I've never had to evict a dog in the middle of the night for being drunk and disorderly. And I've never had a dog run out on a hotel bill. Yes, indeed, your dog is welcome at my hotel. And, if your dog will vouch for you, you're welcome to stay here, too."


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. At My Blog...
=================================

TV interview tip: Don't use the anchor's name
http://publicityhound.net/anchorname


Zvents sends your calendar listings to local, national media
http://publicityhound.net/zvents


Get your products into celebrities' hands
http://publicityhound.net/sendproductstocelebrities


Comment on popular videos with your own video comment http://publicityhound.net/videocomments


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

Where to See or Hear The Publicity Hound


March 5: Teleseminar on "How to Turn Your Content into Cash"

Join me for a free teleseminar at 3 p.m. Eastern Time with Cathy Stucker. This one-hour call is perfect for authors, speakers and experts who have handouts in their file cabinets and on their bookshelves and hard drives. Cathy will show you how to take your content and spin, retool or tweak it to create information products and lots more. She promises a teleseminar packed with content, and she'll take your questions, too. This call is limited to the first 250 people. You don't have to sign up. Simply call 1-218-486-1300. The access code is 1-8-2-2-2-2#.


March 27: Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin

"Red Hot Tips to Set Your Publicity Campaign on Fire," Menomonee Falls, Sussex and Germantown Business to Business Networking Breakfast; networking and breakfast from 7:30 to 8, presentation from 8 to 8:45 a.m. Tickets are $15. Guests welcome. For reservations, call Diane Henning at the Menomonee Falls Chamber at 262-251-2430.


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

Labels: , , , , , , ,