Publicity Tips/Like Rats on a Sinking Ship Apr 7, 2009

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #445 April 7, 2009
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)

Circulation: 41,324

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

"Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity"

Receive this seine 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.


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

Social Media Teleseminar Tomorrow, April 8:


Puzzled about the return on investment you'll get by
participating in social media?

David Mathison, once an unknown author, has one success story
after another to share about what has happened to him as a result
of joining the conversation at sites like Twitter, Facebook and
LinkedIn.

While writing his book "Be the Media: How to Create and
Accelerate Your Message...Your Way," he spent time on those sites
and others and has one success story after another to share with
you.

David will join me for a complimentary teleseminar from 3 to 4
p.m. Eastern Time tomorrow and explain how to use social media to
create a huge following and sell more books, products or
services. Only 200 people will be able to participate. Register
at http://www.Publicityhound.com/teleseminardavemathison.htm

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

1. Like Rats on a Sinking Ship

2. Google Measures Your Influence

3. Let 'em Know You Twitter

4. Before You Write a Nonfiction Book...

5. Advice for Twitter 'Unfollowers'

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week

8. And at My Blog...


=================================
1. Like Rats on a Sinking Ship
=================================

Those newspaper and magazine journalists you're pitching are
grumpier than ever.

You'd be grumpy, too, if you had an ax hanging over your head.

The 2009 PRWeek/PR Newswire Media Survey shows that half of the
2,174 journalists surveyed this year are considering careers
outside of journalism.

Doug Elfman, entertainment columnist at the Las Vegas Review-
Journal describes the situation like this:

"I know several people who have changed careers or have
considered changing their careers because they don't want to feel
like rats on a sinking ship anymore."

That confirms what I'm hearing from my friends in the newspaper
business.

PRWeek's survey results also show:

--70 percent of journalists are working harder this year than
last.

--They're taking on more work on the Web, where publishers
feel they have the best chance of recouping lost revenues.

--At magazines like Teen Vogue, journalists produce numerous
daily online-only items and blog posts to tide over readers
between issues.

--The number of journalists who have a social networking profile
has increased from 54 percent last year to 77 percent this year.
Many of them say they look for story ideas, sources and other
information on sites like Facebook and Twitter.


What this means to you:

--Pay attention to a newspaper's or magazine's website, not only
the printed edition. You might find many more opportunities for
publicity online than offline.

--The emphasis on the Web means journalists are no longer "print
journalists" or "broadcast journalists." They are all "multi-
media journalists." So think "multi-media" when you pitch by
offering a video clip for a newspaper's or TV station's website.

--If you're obsessed with generating publicity in traditional
media, you need to have a presence on the social networking
sites, where many journalists hunt for stories.

--Position yourself as a helpful source who's willing to go the
extra distance. Many journalists are still confused about how to
use sites like Facebook and Twitter. If you can help them by
showing them, in step-by-step detail, how to do something like
search Twitter by topic, you could score points.


If you're creating video for, let's say, your local newspaper,
you can recycle it in other ways for additional publicity.
Videographer John Easton does it all the time in Charlotte, North
Carolina, and the local chamber of commerce and TV stations love
him. During a teleseminar I hosted, he explained how you can do
what he does without fancy equipment or much techie know-how. "9
Clever Ways to Use Video to Become a Publicity Darling in Your
Industry or Community" is available as a CD, MP3 or electronic
transcript that you can download as soon as your order has been
approved.

Read more about how to use the power of video for publicity at
http://tinyurl.com/5pbgzn


=================================
2. Google Measures Your Influence
=================================

If you're one of the many people who thinks Twitter is a waste of
time and you refuse to participate, please reconsider.

Rumors have been circulating that Google is interested in buying
Twitter, the micro-blogging site that lets users send messages of
no more than 140 characters to everyone who follows them.

For now, it's nothing more than gossip. But if there's a nugget
of truth to the rumor, here's how it could affect you.

Google, the granddaddy of search engines, already measures your
influence.

Let's say you sell dog toys and somebody types "dog toys" into
the Google search box. Google will rank your site on the left
side of the screen according to several factors. One of the
biggest is whether your site includes those keywords in the title
bar, description, meta tags and copy on your website.

Another factor is how many other influential websites link to
yours.

It gives high ranking to videos, too. When Google bought YouTube
for $1.65 billion in October 2006, that was the company's way of
screaming "We think videos are important."

Same with Twitter.

If Google buys Twitter, chances are good that one of the factors
it will use to measure your influence is your Twitter presence,
how often you tweet and how often you join the conversation.

If your competitors are on Twitter but you're not, what kind of
message do you think that will send to Google?

At Stompernet's Internet marketing seminar in Atlanta last month,
several speakers predicted that the search engines will place a
greater emphasis on your influence in the social networking
world.

Already, you can measure your influence on Twitter with a variety
of tools and applications. One of them is Twitalyzer at
http://twitalyzer.com/twitalyzer/index.asp

Type in your Twitter name, and it will grade your impact and
success in social media according to several factors: relative
influence, signal-to-noise ratio, generosity, velocity and clout.

Compare your score to the scores of your competitors.

If you ranked really low, you can boost your score by
understanding all the ways you can join in the conversation and
be helpful to the people who follow you. Warren Whitlock
explained how to do this, and he gave dozens of tips when he was
my guest during a teleseminar on "How to Use Twitter to Amass an
Army of Followers, Customers & Valuable Contacts--and Promote."

We recorded it and it's available as a package of electronic
transcripts and your choice of CDs or MP3s that you can download
immediately. Read more about what you'll learn at
http://tinyurl.com/3lbcaw


=========================================
3. Let 'em Know You Twitter
=========================================

Hardly a day goes by when the mainstream media isn't reporting on
Twitter. It's obvious many journalists and broadcasters are still
confused about the value of this site.

If you Twitter, particularly for business, and you're seeing a
return on your investment, offer yourself as a source for this
story. Explain what has happened to you since you started
Twittering, how many followers you have, how much time you spend,
how many valuable contacts you've made, and how many clients or
customers you've generated.

Consider pitching this story to your local business journal,
daily and weekly newspapers, TV stations and even your trade
journals.

How about offering a short list of three or four Twitter tools or
apps you use that save you time and help keep you organized? I
blogged about a cool directory that separates all these tools by
category. You can find it at http://tinyurl.com/cwcnwq


===========================================
4. Before You Write a Nonfiction Book...
===========================================

Don't write one word until you've made a long list of all the
ways you can use that book as a springboard to other products and
services.

Too many authors view the book as the end product. Then, if the
book doesn't sell, they're stuck.

Smart authors use their books as calling cards. The book
"upsells" readers to a variety of other products and services.

After working with more than 9,000 authors over the last 20
years, Steve Harrison has learned that the most successful
authors simply do seven key things differently than poor authors.

Some of them are very famous bestsellers, like the creators of
the Chicken Soup for the Soul series and Rich Dad Poor Dad.

Others are happily not-so-famous but quietly raking in high six-
figure and even seven-figure annual incomes without ever being on
Oprah or hitting any bestseller list.

To learn what wildly successful authors know that poor authors
don't, join him for a free 75-minute telephone seminar at 7 p.m.
Eastern Time tonight, April 7. There's no cost to participate in
the call (except for your normal long distance charges) so go
here now and sign up:

http://www.freepublicity.com/RichAuthorSecrets/?10011


========================================
5. Advice for Twitter 'Unfollowers'
========================================

This week, eight Publicity Hounds have tips for Dan Janal of
Shorewood, Minn., owner of PRLeads.com. He subscribes to
Qwitter.com at http://UseQwitter.com and wants advice on what to
do when the service notifies him that one of his Twitter
followers has "unfollowed" him.


From David Kadavy:

"For me, it's not about reciprocity, it's about genuine
relationships and useful information. Follow that principle and
you'll know when it's right to unfollow someone."


From Gail Sideman:

"I have a small follower base compared to many of those with whom
I have Twitter relationships, but can say that all I choose to
follow are valuable minds in their industries or are lots of fun.
If they unfollow me, I'm not going to analyze why. You can't
please everybody, especially in a base as broad as social media."


From Meryl Evans:

"I signed up for Qwitter a long time ago and forgot about it.
Suddenly, it hit me with a bunch of unfollowers. Obviously, the
service was flaky. Nonetheless, I unsubscribed to the service
after that. It's just not worth getting hurt or emotional about
those who stop following you."


Read all the responses to this week's Help This Hound question
http://tinyurl.com/cnb3b2

I'm running low on HTH questions. Send your own Help this Hound
question to:
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com?subject=HelpThisHound and include your city and state.


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

Karen Nardella of Conway, N.H. writes:

"I am a sole proprietor who owns the Emporium Consignment Outlet
and Home Staging Center, a consignment shop for high-end
furniture in Conway, N.H.

"I sell gently-used, high-quality, brand-name furniture such as
Ethan Allan, and I pay the owner 55 percent of the sale. All the
furniture is no more than 10 years old.

"With the sagging economy, what's the best way on a very tight
budget to spread the word about what I'm doing? I need to attract
the attention of people who have furniture to sell as well as
people who can't afford new furniture. What tips can your Hounds
share with me, either through traditional marketing channels or
by generating publicity?"


The Publicity Hound says:

The bad economy presents all kinds of great tie-ins to your
pitches. Let's see how many ideas my Hounds can suggest. If you
have a great idea for Karen, post it to my blog at
http://tinyurl.com/dyscmt


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

Dogs have owners. Cats have staff.


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...
================================

Massive Twitter directory lists tools, apps galore
http://tinyurl.com/cnnz6n


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

Where to See & Hear The Publicity Hound:


April 8, 2009

Teleseminar with David Mathison on how to use social media to
sell books and other products. 3 to 4 p.m. Eastern.
http://www.Publicityhound.com/teleseminardavemathison.htm


Follow me on Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/PublicityHound


Friend me on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/people/Joan_Stewart/541605146


Connect with me on LinkedIn:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/publicityhound


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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
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If you like these tips please pass them on to your friends,
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=======================================================
Joan Stewart
a.k.a. The Publicity Hound®
3434 County KK
Port Washington, WI 53074
USA
Phone: 262-284-7451 (Central) Fax: 262-284-1737

Publicity tips/It's Not About You Jan 14, 2009

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #433 Jan. 14, 2009
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)

Circulation: 43,767

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

"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.

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

Teleseminar: Build a Better Blog

Attention bloggers, or those who are just creating a blog. Learn
proven tips on how to drive thousands more visitors to your blog,
sell your products and services there, and write compelling posts
that build a loyal customer following and position you as an expert.

Here's the best part. You don't have to be a techie. Join me as I
interview Denise Wakeman and Patsi Krakoff, aka The Blog Squad,
during a free teleseminar called "Boost Your Biz with a Blog"
from 4 to 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, Jan. 26. Register at
http://www.blogsquadteleseminars.com/joan/

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

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

1. It's Not About You

2. The Power of Surveys

3. Sell Books by the Truckload

4. Create Your Own Holiday

5. Promoting a Book on Marriage

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Quote of the Week

8. And at My Blog...


===================================
1. It's Not About You
===================================

Trusting the wrong doctor almost killed motivational speaker
Edward Leigh of Cleveland, Ohio.

In 1997, at age 39, Edward started having abdominal pains. His
doctor prescribed Pepto-Bismol. The doctor then performed a
sigmoidoscopy, which came back normal.

During the next two and a half years, his condition worsened and
included nausea, dizziness and rectal bleeding. His doctor
recommended that Edward continue with over-the-counter
medication.

When his symptoms became so severe that he collapsed on the
bathroom floor, he sought help from another doctor who ordered a
colonoscopy. The diagnosis: Stage III Colon Cancer.

The initial test he had, a sigmoidoscopy, is a partial colon exam
that views only the left portion of the colon. The complete colon
exam, the colonoscopy, found his right-sided tumor.

After his surgery and chemotherapy, Edward joined the Colon
Cancer Alliance and later joined a colon cancer listserv via the
Association of Cancer Online Resources.

In March 2000, when "Today" show host Katie Couric was creating
her series called "Confronting Colon Cancer" following the death of
her husband from that disease, Katie's producer contacted the
Colon Cancer Alliance seeking people who had been diagnosed
and survived.

Edward stepped forward.

"The producer interviewed me, checked back with Katie who was
the decision maker, and she said 'Bring him to New York.' A week
later, we did the taping and I was part of Katie's week-long series
that won a Peabody Award."

From there, the publicity snowballed to include:

--An appearance on "Mystery Diagnosis" on the Discovery Health
Channel which is now being repeated on the Learning Channel.

--An interview with Montel Williams in March last year. You can see
it at http://tinyurl.com/9xsvy3

--Numerous requests for speaking engagements and consulting for
the health care industry. Today, Edward teaches doctors how to
communicate better with their patients. He also helps patients
become their own health care advocates.

He said he uses many of the tips he reads in this newsletter to
pitch media large and small. Even though he has a compelling
story to tell, he follows his own advice when pitching.

"Don't be focused on your own agenda. You have to be focused on
your topic and the media outlet's audience when you're talking to a
producer. It's not all about you. If you make it all about you, that's a
death sentence as far as the media is concerned."

Ditto when the cameras are rolling. TV talk show host Connie
Dieken, who also hails from Cleveland, says that if you're bombing
on the air, producers will cut the interview short and hustle you out
of the studio--pronto--before you can do any more damage.

But why take that chance?

Know exactly how to endear yourself to the host and the producers
and get invited back. Connie explained how when she was my
guest during a teleseminar on "How to be a TV Talk Show Host's
Dream Date." 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/3z7ut

Edward, by the way, says he'll be glad to answer colon questions
from Publicity Hounds if you contact him at
mailto:Edward@EdwardLeigh.com


===================================
2. The Power of Surveys
===================================

If knowledge is power, then surveys are like a giant jackhammer in
your marketing toolbox.

You can take a fun, controversial or timely survey and report results
to the media and to consumers.

Or, you can do what I'm doing and survey your customers to see
what else they need from you that you're not currently providing.
That survey should be ready for you in a few weeks, and I'll even
reward you with some cool stuff to encourage you to complete it.

Business consultant Paul Lemberg says too many business
owners are obsessed with chasing down new leads when they
should be spending some of that time also figuring out how to sell
more products and services to their existing customers. That's one
of his five formulas for any business that wants to double its
business this year: sell more stuff to the same people.

During last week's teleseminar on "5 Ways to Double Your
Business in 2009," Paul explained that you don't need an elaborate
survey like the one I'm creating. Instead, one phone call to just one
customer can result in valuable information that can lead to new
products and services.

In fact, he suggests just one short question and he tells you
exactly how to word it. About 200 people joined us on last week's
call and heard Paul's other valuable advice on how to raise prices in
a meltdown economy, one task to do at the beginning of every day
that will make your business soar, and a really clever way to reward
your customers for bringing you new leads, without breaking the
bank.

You can read more about his tips and listen to the replay at my
blog at http://tinyurl.com/9fzrq9

Paul's Formula Five series of videos and checklists will be available
soon from Stompernet at http://tinyurl.com/a6j4pw where you'll find
an entire series of videos on this program, and dozens of take-away
tips you can start using today.


========================================
3. Sell Books by the Truckload
========================================

Too many authors try to sell books the hard way. They look for
10,000 customers so they can sell 10,000 books.

It's sometimes a lot easier to sell all those books--or even 100,000
books--to only one customer.

How? By searching for companies that typically buy books in mass
quantity and give them away as free "premium incentives" to
encourage people to buy their products. Many of these same
companies:

--Give away the books as thank-you gifts to people who buy other
products and services.

--Use the book to thank members or subscribers who renew.

--Rely on the book to help train their employees.

Matthew Bennett has used this simple strategy as an unknown,
self-published author to sell more than 5 million books.

He has written books on health, pets, fitness and inspiration and
then sold them in quantity to companies like Disney, Reebok,
NBC, Abbot Labs, Pfizer, US Healthplans and Subway.

Steve Harrison is hosting a free one-hour teleseminar with Matthew
on Thursday, Jan. 15, at your choice of two times. If you cannot
make either call, find someone who can listen and take notes for
you.

Matthew will share his tips on how he sold more than 80,000
copies of an inspirational book in just one phone conversation.
He'll also explain how you can tie in with major charities like the
March of Dimes and the American Heart Association to sell
truckloads of books and raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for
charity. You'll also learn the three things you absolutely must arm
yourself with before ever pitching your book.

Like most free teleseminars, Steve is hoping that after you listen to
the call, you'll buy their consulting services to learn how to do this
in detail. So just sit back, relax and listen.

Click here to continue reading about what you'll learn and to sign
up: http://www.freepublicity.com/mattbennett/?10011


=======================================
4. Create Your Own Holiday
=======================================

If you haven't created your own holiday, or your own day, week or
month of the year, you're missing out on the chance to generate
tons of print, broadcast and online publicity.

Take a look at some of the cool holidays that members of the
National Speakers Association have created. I found this list in the
current issue of NSA's Speaker magazine:

--Steve Hughes created "Be Kind to Lawyers Day" the second
Tuesday in April.

--Laura Stack created "National Leave the Office Earlier Day" on
June 2 to promote her book, Leave the Office Earlier. It coincides
with her birthday. Problem is, so many media outlets want to
interview her that she ends up working 12 hours on her birthday just
to accommodate them all.

--Publicity Hound Michelle Nichols created a wildly successful
nationwide campaign to promote National Hug Your Kids Day, the
third Monday in July. She convinced Clear Channel Outdoor to
donate 135 digital billboards, eight Gannett newspapers to run
"Citymoms.com" contests, and three Major League baseball teams
to announce it on their Jumbotrons.

--Publicity Hound Carol Copeland has christened June as Student
Safety Month.

--Marilee Driscoll has designated October Long-Term Care Planning
Month.


What are you waiting for? Now, it's your turn.

If you're on LinkedIn, you can use that popular social networking
site to actually promote your holiday, just like Michelle Nichols did.
Scott Allen, an expert on LinkedIn, critiqued Michelle's LinkedIn
campaign and made several suggestions which she used.
They resulted in instant feedback from the LinkedIn community
within only 48 hours.

Scott explained her campaign when he was my guest during a
teleseminar on "How to Use LinkedIn to Promote Anything--
Ethically & Powerfully." It's available as electronic transcripts and
your choice of MP3s or CDs. Read more about how to launch a
publicity campaign on the world's largest business networking site
at http://tinyurl.com/5zvzyd


==========================================
5. Promoting a Book on Marriage
==========================================

This week, 11 Publicity Hounds have tips for Sheryl P. Kurland of
Orlando, FL, author of Everlasting Matrimony: Pearls of Wisdom
from Couples Married 50 Years or More. She needs new ideas to
stimulate sales of the book in time for Valentine's Day.


From Lisa Lockwood:

"Announce your book in a press release on PR Web. I'm self-
published and landed a spot on The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch
just by announcing that I was launching my book tour."


From Cheryl Pickett:

"I suggest you check out the book The Daughter-in-Law Rules at
http://www.thedilrules.com. Author Sally Shields lists some of the
publicity success she's had with her self-published book, and you
share a similar audience. I also know she'd be willing to share more
help if you contacted her."


From Bonnie Lowe:

"Can you jump on the 'bad economy' bandwagon? Are there any
stories in your book that might show readers how to be romantic
without spending much money? Could you do a press release on
'How to spend less on your Valentine without looking cheap' or
something like that, and tie it into your book?"


The Publicity Hound says:

Sheryl, if you could round up a few couples who would be willing to
be interviewed, this would make a great segment for National Public
Radio. Go to the NPR site at http://www.npr.org and use the search
box at the top of the screen to search for words like "marriage" and
"matrimony" and see what you find. You can listen to many of the
shows in the archives before you pitch the producers.

But before you do, follow Lissa Warren's tips on how to navigate the
NPR labyrinth because it can get confusing. Lissa, a book
publicist, has successfully pitched dozens of her clients to NPR,
and she shared all her secrets during a teleseminar I conducted
with her on "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 need to get onto NPR at
http://tinyurl.com/ayms6

Read all the responses to this week's Help This Hound question
http://tinyurl.com/832mpk

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


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

Pegine Echevarria of Jacksonville, Fla. writes:

"I am launching a licensed training program called 'White Guys Are
Diverse Too!'

"I want to capture the interest of corporate and government chief
diversity offers, chief learning officers and senior leadership of large
corporations who can purchase this program to spread the word to
their employees.

"The topic is controversial. In large organizations, Diversity and
Inclusion (D&I) programs are part of everyone's training.
However, white guys tend to walk out of D&I programs thinking they
are excluded and not valued for the unique individualized impact
that they bring.

"'White Guys Are Diverse Too!' celebrates the diversity among white
guys, the value they bring to their organizations and teams along
with how managers can engage, motivate and inspire their white
male team members.

"I need ideas, help to get the word out that 'White Guys are Diverse
Too!' The website at http://www.WhiteGuysAreDiverse.com
offers a no-obligation special report. Can you give me some no
cost/low cost ideas?


P.S. I've spent my life savings on this product. It has to reach the
masses.


The Publicity Hound says:

See the fabulous movie "Gran Torino" in which Clint Eastwood
plays the racist Walt Kowalski, a tough, gruff, crotchety old man
who hates everybody who isn't white--or at least thinks he does.

Start writing press releases and articles and using the social
networking sites to write about "What Would Walt Kowalski Do?"
and then tie it into your training. Piggybacking off celebrities and
red-hot movies (this one is a contender for several Oscars) is a
fabulous way to pull in traffic from the search engines.

My "Special Report #50: How to Piggyback onto Celebrity News to
Promote Your Product, Service, Cause or Issue" gives you lots
more ideas. Only $10. Order at http://tinyurl.com/gy6bd


Hounds with other ideas for Pegine can post them to my blog at
http://tinyurl.com/829jv3


==================================
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...
===================================

Why lowering your prices can ruin your business
http://tinyurl.com/9fzrq9


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

WHERE TO SEE AND HEAR THE PUBLICITY HOUND:


Wednesday, Jan. 21--Teleseminar

Join me for the third annual smARTist telesummit where
photographers, jewelers, potters, painters, metalworkers,
woodworkers and other artists will learn all the secrets for growing
their art business. I'm presenting a session on how to use social
networking, from 2 to 2:45 Eastern Time on Wednesday, Jan. 21.
Register for the telesummit at http://tinyurl.com/5axy3x


Monday, Jan. 26--Teleseminar

"Boost Your Biz with a Blog," from 4 to 5 p.m. Eastern on Monday,
Jan. 26. Denise Wakeman and Patsi Krakoff, aka The Blog Squad,
will explain how to draw more traffic and boost more sales from a
blog. You'll also learn about the biggest mistakes bloggers make
and how they sabotage their own success. Register at
http://www.blogsquadteleseminars.com/joan/


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 cheat sheet "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
USA
Phone: 262-284-7451 (Central) Fax: 262-284-1737

Publicity tips/When the Boss Wants a Pile of Clips Nov 4, 2008

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #423 Nov. 4, 2008
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)

Circulation: 50,904

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

"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 do Social Networking, Run a Business & Still Have a Life:

This is the teleseminar many of you have been begging me to
offer.

If you didn't know any better, you'd think that BL Ochman, one of
the most prolific and well-respected bloggers and social
networkers, does social networking 24/7, but she doesn't. Join
us on Thursday, Nov. 6, for a 70-minute teleseminar and hear her
explain how she rations her time, uses a variety of social
networking tools, and still manages to set aside a huge chunk of
her schedule each day for client projects. She'll also explain
how she'll use social networking to launch a new business--tips
many of you can use to promote your existing businesses.

Register at http://tinyurl.com/6kswbc

See Item #1 below.

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

1. When the Boss Wants a Pile of Clips

2. Election Follow-up Stories

3. Headline Lessons from Cosmo

4. Help for Writers

5. Promoting T-shirt Websites

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week

8. And at My Blog...


========================================
1. When the Boss Wants a Pile of Clips
========================================

A new member of the Publicity Hound Mentor Program was lamenting
yesterday about what a difficult time she's going to have
convincing her bosses that she needs to spend her time on the
social networking sites.

She's in corporate PR, and the bosses feel more comfortable
measuring her success with a pile of clippings.

Sound familiar? If so, tell your boss about the Newspaper Death
Watch blog at http://www.NewspaperDeathWatch.com/

My friend, former business journal editor Paul Furiga of
Pittsburgh, told me about the blog last week. Newspaper junkie
and technical writer Paul Gillin created it and keeps track of
the layoffs, firings, downsizings, rightsizings and capsizings at
newspapers throughout the U.S.--in addition to the huge
circulation declines.

It isn't unusual to hear media watchers predict that newspapers,
as we know them, won't exist 10 years from now. Read Paul
Gillin's excellent summary at
http://www.newspaperdeathwatch.com/about/
why newspapers are in such big trouble.

Traditional journalism is being replaced by a whole new army of
people, he says, and "for the first time in history, ordinary
citizens have the means to publish to a global audience cheaply
and easily."

Part of that trend is called social networking, and smart
Publicity Hounds are already figuring out ways to incorporate it
into their publicity campaigns. The biggest impediment is time
and the utter confusion that results when you're trying to
determine which of the more than 200,000 social networking sites
are best for your business.

BL Ochman, one of my favorite bloggers and a social media expert,
will be my guest during a teleseminar at 4 p.m. Eastern Time on
Thursday, Nov. 6, called "How to do Social Networking, Run a
Business & Still Have a Life." Hear her explain how she rations
her time, uses a variety of social networking tools, and still
manages to set aside a huge chunk of her schedule each day for
client projects. She'll also explain how she'll use social
networking to launch her new business--a website that lets pet
owners upload photos of their pets, then customize them with
captions and doodles and have them printed on T-shirts.

If you have another commitment, that's OK. You'll receive the MP3
recording. This session is almost full and I'm expecting all 100
seats to be taken by Thursday afternoon. When they're gone,
they're gone.

Register at http://tinyurl.com/6kswbc

If you want in-depth coaching on how to use these sites, see if
you're a good candidate for The Publicity Hound Mentor Program at
http://www.publicityhound.com/mentorprogram/intro.html


========================================
2. Election Follow-up Stories
========================================

Here are ideas to consider using tomorrow, the day after an
historic election:

--People love "Top 5" and "Top 10" lists. If you blog, create a
list like "The Top 10 Things the New President Should do Before
Inauguration Day." Post a tweet leading people from Twitter to
the blog.

--People who support the losing candidate, particularly in an
election this close and contentious, often feel anger, depression
and a loss of control. Therapists and psychologists, offer your
best tips on how to deal with those feelings.

--In families that are split apart by politics, what's the best
way to deal with a gloating spouse, or kids who say "I told you
so"?

--A host of tax issues, from school levies to proposed sales tax
increases, are on ballots throughout the U.S. If the one you're
supporting doesn't pass, what happens next?

--Remember that newspaper websites are hungry for video. Shoot
video of election eve parties or interviews showing reactions to
the election outcome.

--Nonprofits everywhere are really feeling the pinch of a bad
economy. Comment on how the election outcome affects your ability
to recruit volunteers, raise money and stay afloat.


If you can't find your way into a regular news story, how about
writing a letter to the editor? "Special Report #4: How to Write
Crisp, Compelling Letters to the Editor that Promote Your
Product, Service or Favorite Cause" gives you step-by-step
instructions on how to craft the best letters. Only $10. Order
at http://publicityhound.com/publicity-products/reports.html


=========================================
3. Headline Lessons from Cosmo
=========================================

Writing a headline can be a real struggle, particularly after
you've spent more than three hours writing an article and you
don't have a creative cell left in your brain.

Cosmopolitan magazine to the rescue.

Its incredibly naughty headlines are among the best on the
planet. They're all formula headlines, and the same formulas
appear over and over again in that magazine and thousands of
others.

Check out this short video I created that shows you how to adapt
Cosmo headlines---or headlines from any consumer magazine---for
your own articles, blog posts and website copy:
http://tinyurl.com/68t77a


If you find that writing articles is as difficult as writing the
headlines, you might be interested in the teleseminar I conducted
on "How to Write How-to Articles." It comes with a handout that
includes a template for a how-to article. You can use the
template over and over again, regardless of your topic.

Read more about how to start writing articles more quickly at
http://tinyurl.com/dnxhb


=========================================
4. Help for Writers
=========================================

Writing can be a pretty lonely occupation. Just ask any
freelancer or author.

Freelance writers work in a highly competitive market that's
getting more crowded by the hour, as newspapers and magazines
continue to lay off thousands of reporters, editors and
columnists.

In addition to cranking out content for their own blogs,
articles, websites and social networking sites, writers usually
have to struggle to find the next paying gig.

As for authors, many of them devote entire years to writing a
book--in between consulting assignments and speaking engagements.
And that's AFTER they've spent months crafting the perfect book
proposal and even more months shopping it around to publishers.

Help is on the way.

The International Association of Writers offers information and
support in the areas of literary agents and publishing contracts,
self-publishing and print-on-demand, ebooks, article syndication,
speaking, media, book promotion, freelance writing, blogging and
business, as well as a myriad of special offers on everything
from books to press releases to writing conferences.

It was created by Fern Reiss, the "Expertizing" expert who's an
excellent writer, one of the smartest business people I know, and
a savvy Publicity Hound. I'm on her contributors' panel, and
you'll see a variety of articles and audio lessons from me on
everything from traditional publicity to growing your writing
business through social media marketing.

Her site formally launches in a few weeks and if you register
now, for only $149 a year, you'll get two of my special reports
of your choosing. Just use promo code "JS" when you sign up at
http://www.associationofwriters.com/Benefits.php

Even if you're not a writer, this is an inexpensive way to
publicize almost any business.


==========================================
5. Promoting T-shirt Websites
==========================================

This week, six Publicity Hounds have tips for Andrea Ayers
of Boulder, Colorado and Michelle Pratt-Lienhart of Webster, New
Hampshire on how to attract attention and generate publicity and
interest for their T-shirt companies.


From Meryl Evans:

"Contact bloggers who reach your audience and offer to send a
free T-shirt in exchange for a photo of them wearing it or
something creative (like a dog wearing it). Also, offer up the
shirts in online contests with the right sites."


From Sheridan Bushnell:

"I loved the simple but profound messages at the Tees for Change
site. How about adding a customized feature to expand your
consumer base i.e. 'Live Mindfully,' 'Laugh Often,' 'Choose
Happiness,' 'Play Golf' or 'Go Sailing.'

"You could then market to golf, sailing, skiing magazines and
resorts."


From Bruce Jones:

"My basic comment on the Just Be site is that it isn't clear that
the site is selling T-shirts. You have to get that info right on
the home page, real clear. Have some pictures of people wearing
the shirts there and also at the top of the blog."


The Publicity Hound says:

Read all the responses to this week's Help This Hound question
at http://tinyurl.com/6l4oy5

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


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

Judy Colbert of Crofton, Maryland writes:

"I'm launching my latest book, Temper Tantrum Common Sense
Handbook.

"It contains information gathered from experts and websites,
including suggestions on how to prevent tantrums, how to stop
them, and how to live with them.

"It will be great for parents, family members, baby sitters,
daycare operators, flight attendants, and others who love and
care for children in the tantrum age. It may surprise you to
learn that most daycare operators and workers receive maybe three
hours of instruction about tantrums. Teachers, flight attendants,
and others don't receive any!

"My first promotion will be distributing a release through
ExpertClick.com and a number of journalists and others who have
told me to let them know when the book is ready.

"I'd sure like suggestions from your Hounds on anything special I
should be doing after that. Is there a central operation for
providing instruction information for daycare center operators
and others who deal with children in this age range? Is there a
company (baby food, diapers) that might be interested in a gift-
with-purchase offer to parents who buy their products? Some
other mass market I'm missing?"


The Publicity Hound says:

You have a great topic and you can really target your requests
for joint ventures. Let's see what ideas my Hounds can suggest.
Hounds with ideas for promoting the temper tantrum handbook can
post them to my blog at http://tinyurl.com/5pstln


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

A minister called on a family that had just moved into a house in
his parish.

"Good afternoon and welcome to our parish," the minister said. "I
understand you are related to the Bradleys next door."

"Yes, that's right," the lady replied. "Our beagle is their
beagle's full brother."


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...
====================================

(Twitterers, can you tweet about this first one?)

Promote an ebook 26 ways--add to this list and you could win $50
http://tinyurl.com/64jkzq


Pitch an entire segment for the morning TV talk shows
http://tinyurl.com/62mgz3


Product publicity is easier if you can get into gift sections
http://tinyurl.com/64v9sl

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

WHERE TO SEE AND HEAR THE PUBLICITY HOUND:


Nov. 20--Teleseminar

"How to Use Publicity To Become an Expert and Grow Your
Business," part of the Business Owner Super Conference. It's
already started, but you can still get in on the action at
http://tinyurl.com/633m83 A terrific training session for
business owners everywhere, with a line-up of top speakers.



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
USA
Phone: 262-284-7451 (Central) Fax: 262-284-1737

Publicity tips/The Beauty of Inflight Publicity Oct 28, 2008

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #422 Oct. 28, 2008
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)

Circulation: 50,888

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

"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 do Social Networking, Run a Business & Still Have a Life:

This is the teleseminar many of you have been begging me to
offer.

If you didn't know any better, you'd think that BL Ochman, one of
the most prolific and well-respected bloggers and social
networkers, does social networking 24/7, but she doesn't. Join
us on November 6 for a 70-minute teleseminar and hear her explain
how she rations her time, uses a variety of social networking
tools, and still manages to set aside a huge chunk of her
schedule each day for client projects. She'll also explain how
she'll use social networking to launch a new business---tips many
of you can use to promote your existing businesses.

Register at http://tinyurl.com/6kswbc

See Item #2 below.

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

1. The Beauty of Inflight Publicity

2. Two More Social Networking Tasks

3. Newspaper Circulation Plummeting

4. For Authors Only & a Correction

5. Promoting a 10th Anniversary

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week

8. And at My Blog...


========================================
1. The Beauty of Inflight Publicity
========================================

Fasten your seat belts and make sure your tray tables are in
their full, upright and locked positions. It's time to fly into
the hemisphere of inflight publicity.

"I never really considered in-flight magazines until your
suggestion prompted me to contact one of the major airlines and
pitch our product, a pair of compact binoculars," says Jason
Claybrook, a public relations specialist with Carl Zeiss Sports
Optics. "It was very well-received by the editors and we ended up
in Delta Sky's 'Splurge of the Month' section."

Jason's company received such tremendous feedback from travelers
throughout the world that it allowed them to tap into a market
where they needed more exposure. His success story is one of
dozens I hear each year from happy Hounds who find their way into
the inflight magazines.

The most recent is from Publicity Hound Nancy Juetten, a
publicist who scored a major hit for her client, Zook Hooks, a
company that makes inexpensive but fashionable hooks you can hang
on the end of a table and use to keep your purse or bag off germ-
laden floors.

Zook Hooks are featured in the holiday gift section inside the
November issue of Alaska Airlines magazine. You can read the
entire story of how Nancy pitched the editors--and spiced up the
pitch with great photos and persistent follow-up that closed the
deal--at my blog at http://tinyurl.com/3l8k7q

When we updated our database this year, we found major changes
such as new publishing companies, contact information, websites,
and new locations for online media kits for 22 magazines. Three
magazines have ceased publication, one changed its name, and we
found eight additional inflight magazines we didn't know existed.
Last year's report featured 43 magazines. This year, you'll find
50.

And this time around, we added 10 more examples of how Publicity
Hounds found their way into these magazines, or new pitches you
can consider using.

Why has so much information changed in 12 months? Mostly because
the magazine and airline industries are in a huge state of flux.
Don't work off an old report and send your information to the
wrong editor. Get our updated report for only $47.

Order at http://tinyurl.com/n3pk4


============================================
2. Two More Social Networking Tasks
============================================

If your head is about to explode with all the information I'm
feeding you on social networking, try to cram two more nuggets of
information into your brain.

The first is about social bookmarking sites. The second is about
photo-sharing sites. Smart Publicity Hounds use both.

Bookmarking sites like http://digg.com/ let you record, or vote
for, your favorite websites, blogs and articles. The more votes a
particular article receives, the higher it rises to the top of
the list at those websites. You can see other people's
favorites, and they can see yours.

Social bookmarking has several advantages:

--It helps promote your expertise because when people see your
recommendation, they will be curious about what other sites
you've recommended.

--It gives you a link back to your own site. If they're
impressed with the content, they might visit your website to see
what other information you have there.

--Social bookmarking sites pull huge amounts of traffic so you
have the potential to get in front of a lot of people.

--It lets you join the conversation online.

--It's great in Google's eyes. If Google recognizes a large
number of incoming links to a particular article or blog post,
Google thinks that if a lot of people are voting for it, it must
be good. Backlinks, or sites that link to your site, are
important. Through bookmarking, you could prompt a large number
of bloggers to link to your content if the headline and content
are intriguing, controversial or funny enough.

Photo-sharing sites like Flickr at http://www.Flickr.com have
numerous advantages:

--They let you publish a collection of digital photos online.

--You can also organize and share photos, tag them with relevant
keywords, and use them to attract the attention of people who are
going to these sites and searching for specific types of photos.
If someone is searching for photos of walking shoes, for
instance, and you sell walking shoes, they'll find your photos
and maybe even click through to your website and buy a pair.

--Even though photos at these sites generally don't rank very
high in the search engines, they get huge amounts of traffic.
You never know who is going to be looking for photos associated
with your company.

--Bummed because the local newspaper won't print photos from your
event? Post the photos at these sites, where there may be far
more people looking for photos than there are reading your local
paper.


BL Ochman, one of my favorite bloggers and social media experts,
will explain how to add these two tasks to your work week without
driving yourself crazy. She'll be my guest during a teleseminar
Nov. 6 on "How to do Social Networking, Run a Business & Still
Have a Life." Only 100 seats are available, and I'm anticipating
another sell-out.

If you have another commitment, that's OK. You'll receive the MP3
recording. Register at http://tinyurl.com/6kswbc


=============================================
3. Newspaper Circulation Plummeting
=============================================

Newspapers' paid circulation continues to plummet.

Statistics released this week by the Audit Bureau of Circulations
shows that the largest newspapers in the industry continued to
lose readers. Only USA Today, the biggest weekday paper in the
U.S., and The Wall Street Journal, holding the No. 2 slot,
reported increases--and each grew only 0.01 percent.

The New York Times and the remainder of the top 25 weekday papers
all sank. Paid weekday circulation fell 3.6 percent at The Times,
5.2 percent at the Los Angeles Times, 7.2 percent at the Daily
News in New York, 6.3 percent at the New York Post, 1.9 percent
at the Washington Post, 7.8 percent at the Chicago Tribune and
11.7 percent at the Houston Chronicle.

Readers aren't the only ones leaving newspapers in droves.
Advertisers are too, taking their ad dollars online, or turning
to Craigslist.

How much time are you spending trying to chase down newspaper
reporters and editors at big papers like these, versus focusing
your efforts in the social networking communities like LinkedIn,
Facebook and Twitter where many former newspaper readers can be
found? Reporters and editors at those big papers, by the way,
often search for expert sources at these three sites. If you
aren't there, you lose.

Three teleseminars I conducted the past few months provide
everything you need to get started right now learning the ins and
outs of these sites--and knowing how to promote the right way.

Most of you are already on LinkedIn, but how many of you know how
to use it to promote? Let Scott Allen show you how. He was my
guest expert during a teleseminar series on "How to Use LinkedIn
to Promote Anything--Ethically & Powerfully." It's available as
electronic transcripts and your choice of CDs or MP3s. Read more
about how to persuade your LinkedIn connections to help you
promote whatever you're selling at http://tinyurl.com/5zvzyd


=========================================
4. For Authors Only & a Correction
=========================================

If you're writing a book, far better to know BEFORE you start
writing all the ways you can promote your book. Knowing that
beforehand will help you write the type of book that's easier to
promote.

But most authors have it backwards. They write the book first,
and then learn later that few media outlets or readers care about
what they've written because the content doesn't lend itself
to a good hook or angle.

Steve Harrison wants to give you several tips on how to do it
right. He's offering a free telephone seminar at 7 p.m. Eastern
Time tonight, that includes other strategies you can use to
promote almost any book, product or service.

To reserve your spot on this free 75-minute teleseminar, register
at http://tinyurl.com/6m93g5

You'll also learn:

--Why conventional press releases are usually not the best way to
contact journalists and what to send instead.

--What a "Good Morning America" producer told Steve is the
absolute best way to pitch his show--something very few
publicity-seekers do but dramatically increases your chances of
getting booked.

--The surprisingly simple strategy a former Oprah guest booker
says everyone should use when pitching the show.

--Five proven ways to create a compelling publicity "hook" or
angle.

You'll even learn what to never wear on TV. Sign up at
http://tinyurl.com/6m93g5


Several sharp Publicity Hounds caught my big mistake last week
when I said Mark Victor Hansen & Jack Canfield self-published
their popular "Chicken Soup" series. Shelley Lieber points outs
out: "Their publisher from the beginning to until very recently
was Health Communications, Inc. (HCI), a small publisher in
Deerfield Beach, FL. This is not the first reference I've seen to
them being self-published, so it may be that you received
inaccurate information."

No, I just didn't double-check and I should have. Thanks for the
heads-up, Hounds.


==========================================
5. Promoting a 10th Anniversary
==========================================

This week, four Publicity Hounds have tips for Jeff Elliot of
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, manager at PlanetX, a family entertainment
center. He is looking for ideas on how they can celebrate their
10th anniversary. The website is http://www.planetxfuncenter.com


From Maria Marsala, Chief Business Collaborator:

"How about rolling back the prices to what they were 10 years
ago?"


From Suzanne Sokolov:

"We have four components to suggest:

--A blowout party. One whole day, reserved for all 10 year olds.

--Public recognition. Apply for recognition from Cedar Rapids for
an official proclamation naming the day "Planet X Day"

--A fun educational element. Sponsor jugglers to go into the
schools to teach juggling--this elicits better hand-eye
coordination. Perhaps with give-away balls emblazoned with
the Planet X logo. Use the visit as a means of overlaying a
physics lesson of gravity and planetary motion.

--A charitable element. Free admission or such for adults who
sign up to be a Big Brother or Big Sister."


From Messianic Media:

"The fact that you will be offering 10th anniversary prices means
that price should be a large part of your marketing mix. Try
giving percentage off coupons for specific quarters of the year,
like 15 percent off for the first three months. And advertise
with all local stores."


The Publicity Hound says:

Read all the responses to this week's Help This Hound question
http://tinyurl.com/6okmne

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


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

This week, I received two Help this Hound questions from the
owners of businesses that sell T-shirts--Andrea Ayers of Boulder,
Colorado and Michelle Pratt-Lienhart of Webster, New Hampshire.
I'm including both of them here because their problem is
similar--how to attract attention and generate publicity and
interest for their shirts.

One company, Tees For Change, sells a line of eco-friendly
apparel that inspires positive thinking. They're available at
their website and in about 200 yoga studios, boutiques and green
stores, including Whole Foods. The company plants a tree for each
tee it sells.

The other company, Just Be, is built around an online
community/blog for people to share how they can Just Be (just be
punk, just be green, just be a breast cancer survivor). It has a
presence on several social networking sites and targets teens,
tweens and twenty-somethings.

You can read both questions and offer your best ideas at my blog
at http://tinyurl.com/6l4oy5


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

This isn't a joke, but it's a story with a happy ending--and
during fire safety month, too. Read about Leo, a terrier cross in
Australia, that was hailed as a hero on Sunday after it risked
its life to save a litter of newborn kittens from a house fire.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27381659/?GT1=43001


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

Top 75 PR blogs: Is Your Favorite on This List?
http://tinyurl.com/6f38ch

Artists, Don't Let the Bad Economy Paralyze You
http://tinyurl.com/5oqe3l



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

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

Http://www.publicityhound.com/dogjokebook/



WHERE TO SEE AND HEAR THE PUBLICITY HOUND:


Oct. 30--Teleseminar


"Using Online PR to Grow Your New Business." Join me and Brian
Soltis, creator of the social media press release, as we share
lots of tips with business owners on how to generate massive
publicity. We'll be taking your questions for a half hour, too.
Register for free at http://tinyurl.com/57smp6


Nov. 6--Teleseminar

"How to Use Publicity To Become an Expert and Grow Your
Business," part of the Business Owner Super Conference. It's
already started, but you can still get in on the action at
http://tinyurl.com/633m83 A terrific training session for
business owners everywhere, with a line-up of top speakers.



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
USA
Phone: 262-284-7451 (Central) Fax: 262-284-1737

Publicity tips/CEOs Who Twitter Oct. 7, 2008

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #419 Oct. 7, 2008
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
The Publicity Hound

Circulation: 50,851

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

"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.

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

New Teleseminar: Stop Wasting Time on Twitter

Too many Twitterers are wasting way to much time tweeting about
way too many things they're doing that are way too boring. Learn
how to keep your followers engaged, enlightened and entertained
so they pay close attention when you want to promote something.
Join Twitter expert Warren Whitlock and me for two 70-minute
teleseminars on how to use Twitter to promote. They're from 3 to
4:10 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, Oct. 13, and Tuesday, Oct. 14.
You can sign up at http://tinyurl.com/3lbcaw

See Item #1 below.

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

1. CEOs Who Twitter

2. A Cover Story in Kiplinger's

3. Why Many Authors Just Don't Get It

4. Media Leads

5. Promoting Organic Dog Shampoo

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week

8. And at My Log...


=========================================
1. CEOs Who Twitter
=========================================

Add these four CEOs to the millions of smart business people who
Twitter:

--Jonathan Schwartz, chief executive of Sun Microsystems. He uses
Twitter to announce quarterly earnings. Last week, he linked to
his bog post in which he shared a note he sent to Sun's leaders,
explaining how he wants them to focus their efforts during the
stock market's plunge.

--Michael Hyatt, chief executive of Thomas Nelson, the Christian
book publishers. He says Twitter helps him humanize his company
and connect with his employees, customers and authors.

--Christine Perkett of PerkettPR in Massachusetts. Twitter helps
her firm connect with reporters who often tweet about what their
stories are going to be before anyone else knows about them.

--Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos.com, the world's largest online shoe
company. He has almost 14,000 followers on Twitter, many of whom
are loyal customers.

You can read about the other 14 CEOs who Twitter in
BusinessWeek's article titled "Tweets from the Chiefs" at
http://tinyurl.com/566rsp

Now, it's your turn. If you're already Twittering, you're in good
company.

But are you using the site to write memorable tweets that
delight, humor and help your followers? And do you understand how
to use Twitter to promote your product, service, cause or issue
without aggravating them? Do you know the best ways to really
engage your followers so that they actually end up promoting you
to THEIR followers?

I see so many Twitterers who waste time on this site because they
don't understand that you must first give more than you get.
Then, and only then, can you promote. Do it correctly, and you
can turn "tweet tweet" into "ka-ching ka-ching."

Twitter expert Warren Whitlock is one of the savviest Twitterers
I know. That's why I invited him to be my guest expert during two
teleseminars next week on "How to Use Twitter to Amass an Army of
Followers, Customers & Valuable Contacts--and Promote."

On Monday, Oct. 13, we'll deal with the basics of the site. On
Tuesday, Warren will show you how to create a timeline for an
actual promotion and encourage your followers to promote you to
THEIR followers.

This teleseminar series promises to sell out, like the calls I
hosted recently on how to use LinkedIn and Facebook.
Registration is limited to the first 100 Publicity Hounds.

If you can't make it live, sign up anyway. You'll get the MP3
audios and the electronic transcripts to review later, at your
leisure.

Claim your seat now at http://tinyurl.com/3lbcaw


============================================
2. A Cover Story in Kiplinger's
============================================

It's a pretty good day when Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine
mentions you in a cover story.

But it's time to really celebrate when one of your clients ends
up on the cover of the same issue--thanks to you.

That's what happened to Eli Davidson, a member of The Publicity
Hound Mentor Program. During yesterday's private teleseminar with
my proteges, I asked Eli--an author, motivational coach and
speaker--to explain how she scored the huge media hit for herself
and her client, TV producer Nicole Dunn, in this month's issue.

The cover story is "What $1,000 Can Do--37 Fresh Ways to Invest
in Stocks, Funds, Your Home and Yourself." A few years ago,
Nicole's TV career had been struggling, so she decided to spend
$1,000 on one month's worth of group coaching with Eli.

"It was the best $1,000 that I ever spent," Nicole told
Kiplinger's.

Within a few months, she had landed a job with a new show as a
supervising producer, several levels above her previous position,
and nearly tripled her salary, to $3,000 a week. She credited Eli
with helping her visualize her goals, and achieve them.

Eli, who has been in my mentor program for four years, pays close
attention to everything I teach. A year ago, an editor from
Kiplinger's called her and asked for a comment for an article.

"I stayed in touch with her and kept her updated and offered her
tips," Eli said. "This year, when they were planning a story on
what $1,000 could buy, they looked at personal coaching as one
possibility."

Because Eli was already on the editor's radar screen, the editor
called her, asked to interview one of her clients and asked her
to provide tips on how to hire a coach. (Is that great or what?)
The article included Eli's web site at http://EliDavidson.com

In the short time the magazine has been on news stands, the
article has already resulted in four new coaching clients for
Eli. The Kiplinger's publicity comes just four months after she
followed one small tip I gave her on how to get onto big TV
shows. In June, she appeared on a segment on the "Today" show.

Eli is a perfect fit for The Publicity Hound Mentor Program. Are
you? Find out the kinds of people I want to work with at
http://www.publicityhound.com/mentorprogram/intro.html


=========================================
3. Why Many Authors Just Don't Get It
=========================================

My voicemail and email are filled with one sad story after
another from authors who invested their life's savings and
several years of precious time writing a book.

Broke and exhausted, the typical non-fiction author can't figure
out why she has taken such a huge financial hit on what should
have been, according to her calculations, a best-seller.

But every now and then, along comes an author who really gets it.
She's not famous, but she's raking in a six-figure annual income
without ever getting onto Oprah or hitting the best-seller
list.

Her background, tenacity and writing skills aren't much different
than those of the poor authors. But she does seven not-so-obvious
things that they don't do.

Steve Harrison, who has worked with more than 9,300 authors over
the last two decades, is hosting a free 75-minute telephone
seminar this Thursday, Oct. 9, at your choice of two times:
2 p.m. Eastern or 7 p.m. Eastern.

I know what those seven things are that rich authors do, and they
could be the most valuable tips you get in your publishing
career.

If you're a non-fiction author, or you're thinking of writing a
non-fiction book, don't miss this call. Sign up now at
http://tinyurl.com/2onv6b and mark it on your calendar.


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

--CNNMoney.com wants to know how small businesses are affected by
the economy. Is your small business struggling because the bank
won't give you credit? What are you planning to do? Have you
found other ways to get financing, or is your business in
jeopardy? Is the financial downturn affecting your sales, or have
you found a way to thrive? Send your photos and videos, and you
could be included in an upcoming story. Learn more at
http://www.ireport.com/ir-topic-stories.jspa?topicId=78304
where you'll have to create an account first.


--October 25 is the annual "Make a Difference Day" sponsored by
USA Weekend magazine. If the newspaper in your community is part
of the Gannett chain, and you're participating in this national
day of good deeds, pitch a story to the editors who will be
looking for the local angle. If you have good visuals, your local
TV stations might interested, too. Learn more about the event and
read their list of publicity tips at
http://www.usaweekend.com/diffday/tools/getpublicity.html


--The Food Network is holding auditions in six U.S. cities this
month for "The Next Food Network Star" reality show. You can find
the audition schedule at http://tinyurl.com/4n2g39 If you can't
make the auditions, complete an application and send it along
with a video to the network no later than Oct. 31.


OK, so you're not quite good enough for The Food Network. You can
still get great publicity in your own community. "Publicity Tips
for Restaurants, Chefs & Foodies" features my 51 best ideas for
food publicity. 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 how to generate delicious publicity at
http://tinyurl.com/clr26


==========================================
5. Promoting Organic Dog Shampoo
==========================================

This week, nine Publicity Hounds have tips for Dr. Shawn
Messonnier, a veterinarian and award-winning author from Plano,
Texas who needs help promoting his new line of organic pet
shampoos. So far, they are only available on line at
http://www.drshawnspetorganics.com


From Dena Harris:

"Dogster.com and Catster.com have huge followings. Try sending
samples to their bloggers and see if they'll write an entry on
your product."


From Joan Schramm:

"My hairdresser, a big dog fan, has a Golden Retriever. He
recently recently started carrying a line of dog grooming
products in his salon, right up front at the check-in counter,
and they're doing very well. With everyone going green and
organic, both for people and pets, it seems like this would be a
natural for a pet-friendly salon owner.

"Also, you might contact some local rescue groups to see if they
would promote your products on their website or newsletter. In
fact, if you contact me, I'll put something in our next
newsletter for Great Dane Rescue at http://www.magdrl.org "


From Maria Marsala:

"Many of the holistic magazines are owned by the same company.
Most have product review sections....why not send samples?"


Read all the responses to this week's Help This Hound question
http://tinyurl.com/47ldtf

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


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

Jackie Stanley of Greensboro, N.C. writes:

"I'm an attorney and recently launched a website at
http://www.NCDivorceSchool.com which offers online courses
that teach people how to handle their own simple divorce cases in
North Carolina.

"It teaches people who want to save time, money and hassle how to
handle their own simple divorce actions. There are lots of places
to go online to get divorce papers. But we teach you to prepare
the forms and walk you step-by-step through filing them and
getting your divorced finalized.

"We customize our courses to each of the 100 counties in the
state. I'm hoping your Hounds could share some creative ways to
promote the website."


The Publicity Hound says:

Hounds with great ideas for Jackie can post them to my blog at
http://tinyurl.com/4uqrs6

Why not pitch this story to the local newspapers as one more way
to save money when the economy is going south? If newspapers
won't bite, try pitching the story to your local TV stations.
This will be difficult. But if you can find a client who's
willing to be part of the story, that would make it more
enticing.

TV producer Shawne Duperon offers terrific tips on how to track
down "The Queen Bee," the person in every local TV newsroom who
assigns stories. Shawne explains how to pitch your story and how
to make it irresistible to the Queen. The teleseminar I conducted
with her called "How to Get on the Local TV News Tomorrow" is
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/yjrktx


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

I went to a movie theater the other day and saw an old man and
his dog in the front row.

It was a sad/funny kind of film. During the sad parts, the dog
cried his eyes out, and during the funny parts, the dog laughed
his head off. This happened all the way through the movie.

When it ended, I walked up to the man and said, "That's the most
amazing thing I've ever seen. Your dog really seemed to enjoy the
film."

The man turned to me and said, "Yeah, it is. He hated the book."


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...
================================

Offer advice on how businesses can cope in a bad economy
http://tinyurl.com/4he8ce


Find a freelancer with SPJ freelancer directory
http://tinyurl.com/4o4c49


Presidential politics in the workplace: A great story idea
http://tinyurl.com/4fu46u


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
USA
Phone: 262-284-7451 (Central) Fax: 262-284-1737

Publicity tips/The Twitter Handbook Sept 16, 2008

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #416 Sept. 16, 2008
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 51,005


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

"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.

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

Don't Miss These 3 Events and Downloads:

- -Learn why the college speaking circuit is one of the most
lucrative places for speakers, particularly if you speak on one
of about a dozen topics that are in demand. I'm hosting a free
teleseminar with James Malinchak, king of the college speaking
circuit, from 3 to 4 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, Sept. 17.
Register at http://tinyurl.com/6dpaud

- -Tom Antion teaches you his (and my) three-part strategy--
public speaking, Internet marketing and success principles--to
position yourself as an expert and grow your business, including
the three biggest website mistakes. Download our interview at
http://tinyurl.com/4rpwer

- -Authors, learn how to create a membership site for your
readers. An author who makes $34,000 a month from his members
will show you how during a free teleseminar sponsored by Steve
Harrison on Thursday, Sept. 18. Register at
http://www.freepublicity.com/Mr_PI/?10011 and see item #4 below.

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

1. The Twitter Handbook

2. Lipstick & More Lipstick

3. Promote Your Social Networking Pages

4. Authors, Start a Membership Site

5. How to Promote a Puppy Journal

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Story of the Week

8. And at My Blog...


=========================================
1. The Twitter Handbook
=========================================

Three bad reasons people refuse to Twitter:

- -"I don't have time."

- -"It's frivolous and silly. I don't see the point."

- -"Who cares what I ate for lunch?"

Truth is, most people probably DON'T care what you ate for lunch.
But your loyal followers do. They're also curious about whether
you cooked it yourself. And what magazine you were reading while
eating.

They want to know about your pets, your kids, what you do on the
weekends, what movies you rent from Blockbuster, your favorite TV
shows, and what keeps you up at 3 a.m.

They want to know when your printer breaks, what you're doing
during your work day, and what the weather is like in your corner
of the world. And, yes, they also want to know about new
products and services you're offering, or causes or issues you're
promoting.

With Twitter, you can tell them.

It's a free microblogging tool at http://www.Twitter.com that
lets you post as many messages, or tweets, as you want, per day.
Each must not exceed 140 characters. You can then "follow," or
read the tweets, of anyone you choose. And anyone can follow
you.

When I posted a tweet asking how to get ink stains out of a
carpet because our dog, Bogie, chewed a ball-point pen on the
living room floor, six people responded with tips. When I
offered my recipe for Tomato Pie last week, almost a dozen people
asked for it. You can get it, too, at http://tinyurl.com/5sr4vz

When I announced teleseminars I hosted earlier this summer on how
to use LinkedIn and Facebook as part of a publicity campaign,
many of my followers tweeted about it. Their followers in turn
tweeted, and both series sold out.

The one big problem with Twitter, however, is that the more you
become addicted to it, and the more you try to understand all the
ways you can use it, the more complicated it becomes. Twitter
has its own etiquette and vocabulary, in addition to hundreds of
websites, widgets and tools you can use to enhance the Twitter
experience.

That's why you'll love the Twitter Handbook, written by Deborah
Micek and Warren Whitlock. I reviewed the book at my blog at
http://tinyurl.com/6elfqv and explained how to claim your free
copy. Deb tells me that everyone who gives the authors a name
and email address will receive the handbook within a week.

This book is a must-read for every Publicity Hound and is as
helpful for veteran Tweeple (people who use Twitter) as it is for
newbies.

If you missed the Facebook and LinkedIn teleseminars, don't
despair. We recorded them and they're available as MP3s and
electronic transcripts. Both include timelines that explain
exactly what you should do, and when, during your publicity
campaign.

Get started using LinkedIn to promote yourself and your business:
http://tinyurl.com/5zvzyd

Then make Facebook a powerful publicity tool. Learn how:
http://tinyurl.com/5fyv5y


=========================================
2. Lipstick & More Lipstick
=========================================

The "lipstick on a pig" controversy is already old news, but I'm
betting that comments about lipstick stay front and center on the
campaign trail---right up to Election Day, and possibly beyond.

Even Newsweek is jumping on this one. Its Sept. 22 issue
features a tube of lipstick on the cover with the big headline
"What Women Want."

Smart Publicity Hounds, whether they love or hate Sarah Palin,
should use the lipstick controversy as a springboard for story
ideas and pitches. Here are six ideas:

- -Consumer groups worried about the chemical composition of
lipstick should restate their warnings. (Is it true that
lipstick includes fish scales???)

- -Cosmetic companies, which are the most popular lipstick colors
for fall? See how Revlon used the controversy as a springboard
last week at http://tinyurl.com/6d37pr

- --Image consultants, how about creating a video demonstrating
the proper way to apply lipstick? Or offering a list of tips on
the "5 ways women misuse lipstick."

- --If you're promoting a cause or issue, name the top 10
"lipstick on a pig" issues that tie into your topic. For
example, a taxpayers' rights group could list the top 10
"lipstick on a pig" projects that were the biggest waste of
money.

- -Social service agencies, ask women to buy lipstick, make-up
and toiletries and donate them to homeless shelters and women's
shelters.

- -Parenting experts, what's the correct age when girls can start
wearing lipstick?

Or how about creating a quiz related to lipstick? "Briefs,
Fillers & Quizzes" offers lots of ideas on how to create quizzes
and pitch them to the media. It's available as a CD or an
electronic transcript that you can be reading as soon as your
order is approved.

Get started creating quizzes on any topic at
http://tinyurl.com/d74h7


=========================================
3. Promote Your Social Networking Pages
=========================================

Publicity Hound Holly Miller of Chesapeake, Virginia emailed me
this morning and asked if it's proper to include a Twitter
address within a press release.

It's a great idea, and it got me thinking about other ways to let
people know where they can find you online.

- --If you're on MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, do you
include links to your profile pages in press releases? What
about other social networking sites your followers might want to
know about?

- --Do you cross-promote from every social networking site? For
example, can people find your Twitter address on your LinkedIn
profile?

- --Does the home page of your website include links to your
social networking profiles?

- --What about your email signature?

- --What special applications do you use at social networking
sites that let you cross-promote?

Let's see how many ideas Publicity Hounds can suggest. Post them
to my blog at http://tinyurl.com/6f59nn

Holly's question is a timely reminder that we aren't writing
press releases only for the media. "The New Rules of Press
Releases: How to Write Them for Buyers, Not Only for Journalists"
is a one-hour interview with David Meerman Scott, who explains
why the new rules present a powerful advantage to Publicity
Hounds.

It's available as a CD or electronic transcript that you can
download as soon as your order is approved. Read more about the
new rules and how you can benefit at http://tinyurl.com/ndwfo


=========================================
4. Authors, Start a Membership Site
=========================================

A first-time author has come up with a novel way of turning his
book into a membership site that brings in $34,000 a month.

In fact, last fall this former physical education teacher used
his unique model to launch a new book and promptly over sold more
than 5,000 copies, pretty impressive in itself.

Almost a year later, he's still got more than 1,700 of the buyers
paying him $19.95 each month for ongoing access to a membership
website that offers additional content based on his book.

That's more than $34,000 a month in passive recurring revenue
with practically no work.

He's come up with an ingenious yet simple model which many non-
fiction authors can use to make more from their books.

He has agreed to share his methods during a free telephone
seminar Steve Harrison is offering twice on Thursday, Sept. 18.
You can register at http://www.freepublicity.com/Mr_PI/?10011

Listen as the author describes the nitty-gritty secrets of how
you can use his strategies to create autopilot revenue from your
own book. You'll also learn:

- -Four easy-to-implement models for creating recurring income
from your own book, several of which you can implement in less
than a day.

- -Ingenious ways to re-purpose the information from your book
into other formats your readers want.

- -Key vendors and resources you need to know about. They'll
make your life a lot easier.

- -The email that took him less than 30 minutes to write but
which still makes him more than $1,000.00 a month.

If your topic is perfect for a membership site, don't miss this
call. Register at http://tinyurl.com/5kwkw4


==========================================
5. How to Promote a Puppy Journal
==========================================

This week, nine Publicity Hounds have tips for Rik Feeney of
Orlando, Florida, on how to best promote his new books, the Puppy
Lover's Journal and the Kitten Lover's Journal.


From Dena Harris:

"Look at joining the Cat Writers Association and Dog Writers of
America which will lend credibility to your work. Look at
marketing your books to pet sitters. The journals would make a
great gift for them to give to clients for the holidays. There
are national dog/cat/love your pet days. Shoot out press
releases near those events. Market to breeders who might give
the book as a gift to people who adopt their dogs."


From Gail Sideman:

"Seek out blogs and columnists that target their messages for
single people, childless or empty-nest married couples. These
demographics treat their pets like their children and would be
likely to journal about them. Now they can keep a puppy book
much like they kept, or their friends keep, baby journals."


From Joy:

"I just Googled Puppy Lovers Journal, and I see that it's been
donated as a prize to rescue organizations, which is a great
idea. What about donating it as a door prize at dog-related
events?"


The Publicity Hound says:

Don't forget about all those dog- and cat-related groups that are
worth joining at social networking sites like Facebook and
MySpace.

Read all the responses to this week's Help This Hound question at
http://tinyurl.com/6g6wx5


Send your own Help this Hound question to:
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com and put Help This Hound in the
subject line. Include your city and state.


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

Mike Michaud of Fannin County, Texas writes:

"I would like to get some ideas on how to promote a site that is
all about pooling our financial contributions to fund alternative
energy research, development and production. There are many
promising technologies that are languishing due to government
ineptness, red tape, corporate greed, banking failure and
investor panic.

"We as a nation of individuals need to go around this roadblock
and fund our own future energy development.

"I'm setting up a website to provide more information and accept
donations. I'm just looking for ideas on how to promote this in
a non-partisan way. This cuts across all lines."


The Publicity Hound says:

The heated presidential election seems like the perfect tie-in,
and I think you can use that hook and still remain non-partisan.
Hounds, what ideas do you have for Mike? Post them to my blog at
http://tinyurl.com/622sud


"Special Report #17: Powerful Ways to Promote Your Website to
Draw Traffic and Boost Sales" will give you dozens of ideas of
how to pull traffic online and offline. Only $10. Order at
http://tinyurl.com/3sa3j


==================================
7. Hound Story of the Week
==================================

No joke this week.

Instead, let's hear it for Buddy, the trained German Shepherd in
Scottsdale, Arizona that dialed 911 when his owner began having
seizures, and saved his life:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,422341,00.html


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...
================================

Twitter handbook: The bible for newbie, veteran Tweeple
http://tinyurl.com/6elfqv


Think far beyond traditional media and target niches
http://tinyurl.com/6ygm7d


3 website mistakes that derail your publicity efforts
http://tinyurl.com/4rpwer


Twitter and text-speak are poisoning the English language
http://tinyurl.com/4aubuc

Revlon ties contest to 'Lipstick on a pig' controversy
http://tinyurl.com/6d37pr


How do you promote your social networking profiles?
Http://tinyurl.com/6f59nn


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
USA
Phone: 262-284-7451 (Central) Fax: 262-284-1737

Publicity tips/How LinkedIn Connections Can Hurt You Aug 26, 2008

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #413 Aug. 25, 2008
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 50,460

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

"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.

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

Don't Miss These Deadlines & Events:

- -Labor Day is the unofficial deadline for submitting press
releases and photos of your consumer products for holiday gift
guides. Find out which media provide opportunities for publicity
with help from The Gift List at http://tinyurl.com/9es8y

- -Publicity Hounds can still get $200 off the $1,195
registration fee for Ragan Communications' Social Media Summit
Sept. 10-12 in Chicago. I'll be there, and I'd love to buy you a
cup of coffee if you're attending. Register at
http://www.ragan.com/publicityhound

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

1. How LinkedIn Connections Can Hurt You

2. Grade the Convention Speakers

3. Roach Race a Clever Publicity Stunt

4. Think Beyond Your Book

5. Where to Find Book Clubs

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week

8. And at My Blog...


=======================================
1. How LinkedIn Connections Can Hurt You
=======================================

When somebody invites you to connect with them on LinkedIn, and
their name isn't familiar to you, what do you do?

As of a few months ago, I'd just accept the connection without a
second thought. These days, however, I'll hit "reply" and ask,
"How do we know each other?"

If they don't know me, I usually won't hear from them again.
Most times, however, it's somebody who reads this newsletter, was
in the audience during one of my presentations or heard me on
somebody else's teleseminar. In that case, I'll approve the
connection.

LinkedIn expert Scott Allen says a mile-long list of connections
can actually hurt you. Here's why.

Let's say Connection A asks you to introduce him to Connection B,
who you know, like and respect. Connection B asks "How do you
know Connection A?" If you admit you don't know Connection A,
you'll look like you really don't care about wasting Connection
B's time and that could damage the relationship.

But there are far greater dangers.

In order to be connected to someone on LinkedIn, you have to
invite them. Let's say I invite 50 people--names I've culled
from my email address book. Five of those people click on the
button that says "I don't know Joan." That's all it takes--five
people who say they don't know me--to suspend my account. All
that work down the drain!

You also run the risk of one of your connections reporting you as
a spammer to LinkedIn at any time. So the longer your list of
connections, the greater the chance that somebody on your list
won't like what you're doing.

Why risk it? Only accept connections from people who you know or
are connected with in some way.

If we haven't connected on LinkedIn, you can find me at
http://www.linkedin.com/in/publicityhound but when you ask to
connect, be sure to tell me you're a Publicity Hound.

Then learn the ins and outs of how to use this valuable service
to promote your expertise, as well as a product, service, cause
or issue. Almost everything about promoting on LinkedIn is very
different than the way we promote anything else. And knowing the
rules is imperative.

Scott Allen explained them all last month, and his super-smart
strategies for launching any type of promotional campaign on
LinkedIn, complete with a timeline. The two teleseminars he
recorded with me on "How to use LinkedIn to Promote Anything--
Ethically and Powerfully" are available as electronic transcripts
along with your choice of MP3s or Cd's.

Read more about the power of LinkedIn at
http://www.PublicityHound.com/teleseminar/linkedin.htm


=========================================
2. Grade the Convention Speakers
=========================================

During the next two weeks, Publicity Hounds have opportunities
galore to piggyback onto the Democratic and Republican national
conventions:

- -Speech coaches, critique the speakers. Even though almost
everything is scripted, there's still lots of room for comment.
Witness last night's speeches by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who
much of the crowd ignored, vs. Michelle Obama, who they adored.
Which candidates best use the art of storytelling? How about
actually counting the cliches in somebody's speech?

- -Fashion and image experts, there's lots here to work with,
including Cindy McCain's ubiquitous cleavage and Sen. Joe
Biden's almost-too-white teeth.

- -Advertising executives, how effective are the instantaneous
attack ads coming from both sides, like the one that shows
Hillary Clinton praising and then dissing Barack Obama?

- -Anyone who can interpret body language can have a great time
during the next two weeks.

- -Critique the media. Who are the best interviewers? What
kinds of interviews and reporting have you seen that do or don't
support charges of liberal media bias?

TV and newspapers will be looking for the local angle to this
national story. The media will be groveling for almost anything
they can find during the long Labor Day weekend in the U.S. So
start pitching!

Raleigh Pinskey is one of the world's ultimate masters at
pitching. When she was my guest during a teleseminar on "How to
Create the Perfect 30-second Pitch," I was in awe. One by one,
she coached people who participated in the call and turned their
rambling, boring pitches into killer sound bites.

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 how to craft great pitches at
http://tinyurl.com/6xghx


=========================================
3. Roach Race a Clever Publicity Stunt
=========================================

Here's an idea you can steal. This isn't the first time it's
been done, but the presidential election makes the timing
perfect.

Last week, the New Jersey Pest Management Association kicked off
its annual clinic and trade show which would have been a real
snoozer in the media's eyes.

But they made it fun by staging a "roach race." They rigged up
paper silhouettes of John McCain and Barack Obama to two roaches
and had them race each other to the finish line, as a way of
predicting who will win in November.

McCain won. You can read about it at http://tinyurl.com/6o95p9

I Googled this story and found it all over the Internet and in
newspapers large and small.

Publicity stunts, done well, are fabulous publicity magnets. I
mention several in "How to be a Kick-butt Publicity Hound," my
most popular ebook. I'm updating the current version now and
anyone who buys it this week will receive the update free.

Read more about how to kick publicity butt at
http://tinyurl.com/2a3dp9


=========================================
4. Think Beyond Your Book
=========================================

Thinking of writing a book? Or already working on your next one?

Don't write another word until you do this assignment.

Sit down with a pen and paper and start making a list of all the
ways you can monetize the book, other than the cover price of the
book.

Think board game, calendar, workbook, subscription newsletter,
audio book, being a media spokesperson, boot camp, CD or DVD,
keynote presentations, consulting, mentor program, corporate
training, teleseminars, special reports and White Papers,
reference guide and home study course.

And those are just for starters. I hear from too many authors
who write a book, fail to follow up with some of the ideas above,
and then gripe that the book isn't making money. Unless you
don't care about multiple streams of revenue, the book should be
a springboard for spin-off products and services.

Many of the ideas I mentioned work equally well for fiction
authors. You sometimes have to think a little more creatively.

My good friend Adam Witty is hosting a marketing conference for
authors Oct. 3-4 in Charleston, South Carolina. As Adam says,
the whole point of the conference is to teach authors how to
"unlock the invisible income streams surrounding their book."

Full disclosure: Adam invited me to speak at the conference.
Adhering to the promise I made to myself to stop traveling to
speak, I kindly passed. But if the lineup of speakers is any
indication, this one isn't to be missed. My mentor, Tom Antion,
will be a keynote speaker, presenting "How Authors Make Money on
the Internet....for REAL." Also, Publicity Hound Wayne Kelly, a
Canadian talk show host, will be speaking on "Media Training 101"
for authors.

Eight marketing experts for two full days. Authors, don't miss
this one: http://tinyurl.com/5leayr


==========================================
5. Promoting Humorous Quadriplegic Stories
==========================================

This week, six Publicity Hounds have tips for Susan Carter of
Bloomington, Minnesota, on how to promote the book "Another Fine
Mess You’ve Gotten Us Into: The Life and Adventures of a Quad"
about a quadriplegic, and its humorous stories.


From Shelley Peterman Schwarz:

"As the host of the Making Life Easier, an Internet radio
program, I would be very interested in receiving a review copy of
the book. The author may have important information to share
with our more than 20,000 listeners per week. During the free,
one- hour program, guests/authors share the lessons they've
learned and the wisdom they've gained living in the world of
chronic illness and/or disability in hopes that their words will
help others. Authors may discuss and refer to their book with
the understanding that the focus is on what the author has
learned about surviving and thriving lifelong limitations."

Contact Shelley using the form at http://tinyurl.com/6o6ao8


From Stacey Kannenberg:

"I Googled humor blogs and found a site called My Senior Citizen
Humor Blog and another site that lists the top 100 humor blogs at
this link: http://humor-blogs.com/Members.aspx?MaxSites=100 Get
the bloggers involved in creating some buzz for what sounds like
a great book."


From Carolyn Howard-Johnson:

"This is a little off-subject but Authors' Coalition sponsors a
slide show that they show on big movie screens at Veterans' Week
in Branson, Missouri in November. It's huge and that would
definitely be your audience. Find more about Authors' Coalition
at http://www.authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com or email
Joyce Faulkner (she produces the video) at
mailto:katieseyes@aol.com


The Publicity Hound says:

I think National Public Radio is a perfect outlet for this story!
Start by using the search box at the NPR website at
http://www.npr.org to see which programs have featured similar
guests. Then start pitching.

Learn all the inside secrets on how to pitch NPR producers. Book
publicist Lissa Warren, who has booked dozens of clients on NPR
shows, explains "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://tinyurl.com/ayms6


Read all the comments to this Help This Hound question at my blog
at http://tinyurl.com/5nqu3v


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

Roz Wolf of Los Angeles, California writes:

"I have a fun but strange book title to promote.

"How To Woo A Bi’aaatch: The Key To Attracting Females by Brian
Zoozoo is a guide that speaks to a generation of single men and
curious women ages 18-35. The word Bi’aaatch is slang for 'a
woman who is so beautiful she gives you goose-bumps' according to
Brian.

"We are targeting college audiences and general audiences with a
book signing at a Barnes & Noble in Los Angeles Sept. 17.
However, I find that some journalists totally get it when I pitch
the title and some are turned off.

"Can I ask your Hounds if they think the term "Bi’aaatch" is the
problem? Or is the generation gap the problem? What other ways
can I get publicity for the book-signing without relying solely
on mainstream media?


The Publicity Hound says:

The problem is the age gap, but not because older people like me
think the book title is offensive. The problem is that most
people 18-35 years old don't read newspapers. They're online at
sites like MySpace and Facebook.

Time is running out, so here's my idea. I'll bet the author has
profiles on those two sites. Tell him to contact his friends on
those sites and let them know about the book and the book
signing. At Facebook, create an "event" for the book signing.
You can also buy an ad for the book signing on Facebook, and
target people 18 to 35 in the Los Angeles area.


Two weeks ago, Jason Alba explained more tips during the
teleseminar series "How to Use Facebook to Promote Your Business
or Nonprofit." The MP3s are available, and the edited electronic
transcripts should be ready within a week. You can get them both
for only $77. They're not even in the shopping cart yet, but you
can order at
http://www.PublicityHound.com/teleseminar/facebook.htm


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

This isn't a joke, it's a puzzle, courtesy of Lois Carter Fay of
Harrisonburg, Virginia and MarketingIdeaShop.com.

Put the pieces together (it takes about a minute) and then watch
for the dog coming out of the dog house.

Http://www.riversongs.com/Flas/today.swf


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...
================================

Every day is a bad day for press conferences
http://tinyurl.com/6rbhuj


Your social networking profiles shouldn't include passwords
http://tinyurl.com/6835cc


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
USA
Phone: 262-284-7451 (Central) Fax: 262-284-1737

Publicity tips/Facebook Makes the Cash Register Ring July 22, 2008

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #408 July 22, 2008
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.net/(Blog)
The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 48,851

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

"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.

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

Sell Books by the Truckload:

If you're an author, and you're selling most of your books
through book stores, you're doing it the hard way.

If your title is a good fit, and you know what you're doing, you
can sell 5,000, 10,000 books or more to corporate buyers--many of
whom give away books as special premiums along with other
products and services they're selling.

Sign up for a free teleseminar to learn how you can unload
thousands of books.

See Item #3 below.

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

1. Facebook Makes the Cash Register Ring

2. LinkedIn Also Makes the Cash Register Ring

3. Sell 120,000 Books with One Phone Call

4. How to Make News When There's No News

5. Internet Help for the Blind

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week

8. And at My Blog...


=========================================
1. Facebook Makes the Cash Register Ring
=========================================

This is for the Publicity Hound who aren't convinced that social
networking can be profitable.

I promoted last week's teleseminar series "How to Use LinkedIn to
Promote Anything--Ethically & Powerfully" by creating an event on
my Facebook page. My assistant then invited my 1,028 friends. At
$77, I wasn't sure how many Facebook friends would attend, but it
was definitely worth it.

Fifty-four people RSVP'd to tell me that they were attending, or
had already signed up. That's $4,158 in registration fees just
from Facebook! Something else started to happen. My Facebook
event started to grow legs.

Warren Whitlock, one of my Facebook friends, wrote on my wall:

"I found out about this from the Kim Beasley day celebration at
Twitter. http://www.Twitter.com/kbeasley

"I'm sharing the event with my LinkedIn subscribers and many
authors that have been asking about LinkedIn.com when I teach
publicity at http://BookMarketingStrategy.com.

"I'll be sharing this event for sure."

You can see what this wall post looks like here:
http://tinyurl.com/6qcrv4

Kim Beasley, The Blog Queen, who Warren referred to, has more
than 400 followers on Twitter, and I have no idea how many of
those people signed up after reading her tweet.

If I still haven't convinced you that sites like Facebook make
the cash register ring, you can listen to social media success
stories galore at The Social Media Summit Sept. 10-12 in Chicago,
sponsored by Ragan Communications. I attended Ragan's
"Unconference" on social media last year in Chicago. I made great
contacts, came back with hundreds of tips to share with you,
blogged about it while there, and learned about how to
incorporate social media into my own marketing campaigns.

At this year's summit, you'll learn about Web 2.0 strategies such
as podcasts, message boards, video and wikis. The conference
includes one track for internal communications and a separate
track for external and marketing communications. Curious about
what Web 3.0 might look like? You'll get a sneak preview.

I hope to see you there. This conference is so important that I
worked out a special arrangement with Ragan. Publicity Hounds
save $100 on the $1,195 registration, plus an additional $100 if
you take advantage of the early-bird registration, which has been
extended to this Friday. To get $200 off and pay only $995, you
must use this link: http://www.ragan.com/publicityhound

Let me know if you're going to the conference. Maybe we can have
a cup of coffee between sessions.


============================================
2. LinkedIn Also Makes the Cash Register Ring
=============================================

If you want to use LinkedIn to promote, here's step Number One.

This sounds like a no-brainer, but you must have a profile at the
website--preferably a darn good one.

Do nothing more than that and the cash register can start
ringing. It did for my friend, crisis counselor Jonathan
Bernstein.

"I landed one of my best clients--Craigslist--because the person
searching for a firm like mine looked at LinkedIn first," he
says.

If a multi-million-dollar company needs the kinds of products or
services you provide, and searches at LinkedIn, will it find you
there right now?

Once that you've created your profile, it's time to start making
connections with other LinkedIn users. This is an ongoing
process, but not to be taken lightly. Social networking expert
Scott Allen cautions that if you're asking somebody to connect
with you, they'd better know you, or could be digging a hole for
yourself.

"If you send out invitations to connect with people and five
people say they don't know you, your account is going to be
suspended and you're going to get a letter from LinkedIn
explaining their connection policy and asking you to adhere to it
and warning you that if you get more in the future, you'll have
your account locked," he said last week, during the first of two
teleseminars on "How to Use LinkedIn to Promote Anything--
Ethically & Powerfully."

His other tips on how to promote include:

--Give at least as much as you take. Instead of always asking
questions on LinkedIn or asking for connections, take the time to
answer questions that other LinkedIn users ask. Offer lots of
helpful advice.

--85 quality connections that include people who already know,
like and trust you are much better than 585 connections
consisting mostly of people who barely know you.

--Let's say you're hosting a live event and you want to use
LinkedIn to help fill seats. But many people would have to travel
by plane. You should be using the question-and-answer feature at
LinkedIn and asking a question that ties into the topic of the
event months before the event. This plants a seed in your
readers' minds that you care about this topic, that they can find
helpful advice related to the question or problem, and that
you're the go-to person who can help solve this particular
problem.

During the second teleseminar on Thursday, Scott created an
entire timeline that explains what you should be doing on
LinkedIn, and when, to promote. As of today, more than 150 people
have signed up for the teleseminar series, or to get the MP3
audios and electronic transcripts, a steal at only $77.

Read more about what it includes at
http://www.publicityhound.com/teleseminar.htm

You'll receive the MP3 audio download links immediately. The
electronic transcripts should be ready in about 10 days.


==========================================
3. Sell 120,000 Books with One Phone Call
==========================================

Dr. Neil Baum, author of the book Marketing Your Clinical
Practice, tried lots of different ways to promote and distribute
the book--but most of them didn't work and he ended up
frustrated.

Then he thought that perhaps a big pharmaceutical company might
want to buy his book in mass quantity and give it away to doctors
as a gift. Pharmaceutical companies have very strict regulations
on what they're allowed to give to doctors. But giving them
educational products wasn't problem.

So Dr. Baum contacted the Bayer company and asked if they'd like
to give his book away to their customer doctors as a way of
showing appreciation for their patronage. Within a week, Bayer
bought more than 120,000 copies of his book and sent it to
doctors throughout the U.S. Today, his book is on the shelf of
virtually every medical clinic in the U.S.

And it all happened from just one phone call.

These kinds of deals happen all the time. But few authors
understand the step-by-step process of how to make that happen.

Matthew Bennett, a self-published author who's relatively unknown
to the general public, has had even greater success than Dr.
Baum. He has sold more than 5 million books in quantity to
Fortune 500 corporations including Disney, Reebok, NBC, Abbott
Labs, Pfizer, US Healthplans, Subway and many others.

Want to learn how he does it--and how you too can get started
selling your books by the truckload to big companies?

You're invited to a free telephone seminar tomorrow--Wednesday,
July 23--to hear my friend, Steve Harrison, interview Matthew
about his methods for the proven system for selling tons of
books. Register here:
http://www.freepublicity.com/mattbennett/?10011


========================================
4. How to Make News When There's No News
========================================

Here's a quick trick for creating news when there's absolutely
nothing new to pitch.

Be willing to talk about your business problems and how you
solved them.

Pick up any business journal and you'll see company after company
mentioned, usually because they've figured out ways to solve a
problem, whether it's delivering the product faster to customers,
or finding and keeping great employees, or how to enter a new
market that's already crowded with competitors.

But these stories don't only play well in business journals.
They're great for general interest magazines, daily and weekly
newspapers, and television, particularly if you have enticing
visuals.

This tip is one of more than a dozen I'll be sharing Thursday
during Bulldog Reporter's teleseminar on "Evergreen Magic for PR:
Media Masters Show How to Make News When There's No News."


We'll talk, for example, about editorial hot buttons: pegging
your story to rumors, future trends, features, divisive issues,
dramatic hooks and other sure-fire ways to supercharge your hit
ratio, even when you're not breaking news.

Four other panelists will join me, and moderator Brian Pittman
will make sure we move things along quickly so we can squeeze in
everybody's tips. Don't miss this one! Sign up at
http://www.kickstartcart.com/app/?Clk=2488570


========================================
5. Internet Help for the Blind
========================================

This week, 10 Publicity Hound have tips on how Marcus Simmons,
president of the Motown Automotive Professionals, can get around
the image registration on websites. He's blind and his screen-
reader can't decipher images.


From Carol E. Dunsworth:

"I am including a link to a report describing the work of Prof.
Jonathan Lazar of Towson University, his Towson University
student Jonathan Holman and their two collaborators from the
University of Notre Dame: http://tinyurl.com/5e896x

"Abstract \CAPTCHAS are widely used by websites for security and
privacy purposes. However, traditional text-based CAPTCHAS are
not suitable for individuals with visual impairments. We proposed
and developed a new form of CAPTCHA that combines both visual and
audio information to allow easy access by users with visual
impairments."


From Linda Swisher:

"The people who brought you CAPTCHAS recommend reCAPTCHA for
those with visual disabilities.
http://recaptcha.net/whyrecaptcha.html"


From Barbara:

"I, too, am blind. I've used Internet courses offered by
YahooGroups and some on Google. I use the JAWS screen reader. If
the site has a moderator, contact them via email. They can
register you. Sometimes they have an alternative audio sign-in.
But, these have a lot of static and you may have to braille the
numbers as they come in as they run to 7 or 8 characters. Your
best bet, if no moderator is noted, would be to contact the
organization putting on or sponsoring the course and tell them
you need assistance to register for the course. All of the
courses I've taken have been willing to aid me in signing up for
their course."


Read all the responses to this week's Help This Hound question at
http://tinyurl.com/62trrn


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


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

Teresa Berger of North Wales, Pennsylvania writes:

"As marketing director for Creative Contracting, Inc., a
Philadelphia-area design/build remodeling firm, it's my
responsibility to get the company and its ownership more exposure
in the community. The owner wants me to get him in front of more
people, and find outlets for giving seminars and speeches to
consumers, business networking organizations and others.

"With a tight marketing budget and limited resources, how can I
work toward positioning the organization and owner as the premier
design/build firm in the area? Any innovative, cutting edge
suggestions from Hounds?"


The Publicity Hound says:

Here's my tip about how to get speaking engagements before
business groups. Get a copy of the Philadelphia Business Journal
and look in the back of the newspaper, where the calendar of
events is listed. Look for groups that are featuring speakers.
Call the number listed and ask for contact information for the
program chairman who books speakers. This is how I got dozens of
speaking engagements when I started my business.

You should also try to get your boss mentioned in The Business
Journal. Paul Furiga, former editor of the Pittsburgh business
Times, shares dozens of ideas on how to get in front of editors
and reporters who have the power to give you thousands of dollars
in publicity.

I interviewed him, and it's available as a CD or electronic
transcript that you can be reading as soon as your order is
approved. Read more about "How to Use Business Journals to Tell
Your Story" at http://tinyurl.com/q4rf7


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

"You may have a dog that won't sit up, roll over or even cook
breakfast, not because she's too stupid to learn how but because
she's too smart to bother."

--Rick Horowitz, Chicago Tribune

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...
================================

Campaign fun: Put yourself in this election video
http://tinyurl.com/6qt8zj


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
USA
Phone: 262-284-7451 (Central) Fax: 262-284-1737

Publicity tips/What You Don't Know About LinkedIn July 1, 2008

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #405 July 1, 2008
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.net/(Blog)
The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 48,019

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

"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. What You Don't Know About LinkedIn

2. Is Your Video Driving Away Customers?

3. "Today" Show Tips

4. "Dress Like a Cow" Day

5. Promoting a Book on Suicide

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week

8. And at My Blog...

=======================================
1. What You Don't Know About LinkedIn
=======================================

Some people collect LinkedIn connections like they collect
pennies in a big, empty mayonnaise jar.

They add them one by one, watching the pile of names grow bigger
and bigger. They keep track of how many connections they've
made. And they feel pretty darn good when their list grows to

100. ..300...500 names and beyond.

People who don't know any better view their LinkedIn connections
like the rainy fund inside the mayonnaise jar. They'll use
LinkedIn when it's time to job-hunt. But until then, their list
of contacts just sort of sits there.

That's because in the world of social networking, people have
heard that they should never ever use LinkedIn to promote.

Don't tell that to Scott Allen, an expert in social media and
social networking. Since creating his LinkedIn profile four
years ago, he has used LinkedIn to:

- -Close a 5-figure consulting deal with a company that found him
at that site.

- -Find an agent for his first book, "The Virtual Handshake:
Opening Doors and Closing Deals."

- -Collect feedback from 100 contacts who read the draft of The
Virtual Handshake. Of those, about 80 had never met Scott face
to face. Yet he established such a strong connection with them
on LinkedIn that they took the time to not only read his book but
provide valuable comments.

- -Generate media opportunities. How many? "I've lost count,"
he says.

- -Find joint venture partners.

- -Connect with authors who interview him and quote him in their
books.

Scott calls that promoting. Not the in-your-face, obnoxious kind
that most of us hate. But the smart, subtle, savvy kind that
makes it easy for people to find him if they need the kind of
help and information he can offer.

Scott goes the extra mile on LinkedIn by answering questions from
other LinkedIn users whenever he can. He has more than 500
connections and an impressive 61 recommendations, almost all of
them absolutely glowing.

He stresses, however, that someone on LinkedIn with only 70 or 80
really strong connections can make them go a lot farther than
somebody with 500 names of people who they barely know.

Scott says Publicity Hounds who aren't using LinkedIn to promote
are missing a huge opportunity. He'll be my guest during two
teleseminars from 3 to 4 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, July 16,
and Thursday, July 17, called "How to Use LinkedIn to Promote
Anything Ethically and Powerfully."

This series is limited to the first 100 people who register.
Afterward, I'll sell the recording as a CD, electronic transcript
or MP3 audio. On July 16, Scott will explain how to build an
impressive profile, use LinkedIn to position yourself as an
expert and do all the little extras on LinkedIn that most other
people don't bother doing--things that can really make you stand
out from the pack and get found by the search engines.

On July 17, he'll walk us step-by-step through the entire process
of how to use LinkedIn to promote. He'll even share case studies
of LinkedIn members who have done just that, with great success.

If you haven't built your LinkedIn profile yet, this teleseminar
series if for you. Even if you've been using LinkedIn for
several years, we guarantee you'll learn far more than you know
already. Register at
http://www.Publicityhound.com/teleseminar/linkedin.htm


========================================
2. Is Your Video Driving Away Customers?
========================================

Here's a common mistake people make when shooting amateur video.

They place the camera too low, and then point it upward, toward
the subject's face.

When I watch that kind of video, I feel like I'm in kindergarten
and the teacher is cowering over me, preaching. If you've
created the video to try to sell me something, sorry, but you've
just killed the sale.

Media coach Susan Harrow agrees. She says camera angles are just
one of several variables that can instill confidence in your
viewers, or make them recoil. Other factors include things like
the type of clothing you're wearing and even something as simple
as the backdrop.

If you're shooting video at home or in your office, and you
aren't careful about where you're standing, it might look like
you have a plant, a tree, a lampshade or even antlers, growing
out of the top of your head.

Another important factor is how comfortable you look. Some
people look so stiff that I'm afraid they'll crack if they move a
muscle.

Susan, who coaches people for TV appearances, says the first
three seconds of a video are critical to catching the attention
of a big-shot TV producer as well as a customer with a credit
card. She has evaluated hundreds of videos in the past 17 years
for everyone from Fortune 500 CEOs to celebrity chefs and
Internet millionaires. She's prepped clients for appearances on
"Oprah," "Larry King Live" and "60 Minutes."

And now she's ready to critique you during her "10-minute speed
session" for $99. She'll grade your sound bites and clothing and
provide valuable feedback on how well you connect with your
audience and whether you look authentic. If you're using your
video to sell something, she'll give you tips on how to put
viewers in a buying mood.

Read more about what the "speed session" includes at
http://tinyurl.com/3rfssn


===========================================
3. "Today" Show Tips
===========================================

Landing a spot on the "Today" show is no easy task.

But Publicity Hound Eli Davidson got a four-minute interview on
the show last Thursday morning by following a tip she learned in
The Publicity Hound Mentor Program. Ask other TV producers who
have booked you if they know of other shows that might want you
as a guest, and then ask if they'd be willing to contact the
other producer on your behalf.

That's what she did after appearing on Dr. Phil's "Decision
House" TV show. The "Today" show took the bait, and she got the
phone call she was waiting for.

Eli, an author and coach, discussed how she turned her life
around after losing her business, marriage and health, all within
18 months. She was $88,000 in debt but dug out. Today, she
coaches others on success strategies and turnaround techniques.

Other pointers she passes along for getting onto a show like
"Today":

- -Study the show closely. She noticed that hosts Kathy Lee
Gifford and Hoda Kotb both had dark tans. So to avoid looking
like a ghost next to them, she got a spray tan.

- -Talk in sound bites. "Men talk like they're laying bricks,"
she said on the show. "Women talk like we're tossing salad."

- -Offer props. She took a glue gun and a hair barrette to help
tell the story of the successful company she started to get back
on her feet.

- -Encourage friends and relatives to comment on the video that's
posted online. Producers pay attention to the number of comments
and might be swayed to invited you back if the video triggers a
big reaction. Comment on her video and she'll be more inclined
to comment on yours, or review your book, when it's your turn.

"How to Get Booked on the Morning TV Talk Shows" explains dozens
more tips on how to get onto the big morning shows. 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/ab86x

And then find out whether you're a good fit for The Publicity
Hound Mentor Program at
http://www.publicityhound.com/mentorprogram/intro.html


=====================================
4. "Dress Like a Cow" Day
======================================

Thanks to Publicity Hound Lisa Solomon for this one.

If you walk into any Chick-fil-A restaurant on Friday, July 13,
fully dressed like a cow, you'll get a Chick-fil-A Meal
absolutely free.

The publicity stunt, staged for the fourth year in a row at the
almost 1,400 stores, results in phenomenal publicity.

Last year, the Chick-fil-A restaurant in Hendersonville, N.C.
hosted a herd of 350 cow-spotted customers from summer camps, day
care centers and preschools. Another group of ambitious college
students calling themselves "The Herd" set out on a "cattle
drive" from Knoxville, Tenn. To Atlanta, Ga. On a mission to
visit 30 Chick-fil-A restaurants in one day.

In 2007, the Chick-fil-A "Eat Mor Chikin" Cows were recognized as
one of America's most popular advertising icons in a public vote
sponsored by Advertising Week and became the newest members of
New York's Madison Avenue Advertising Walk of Fame.

But you don't need to be a billion-dollar company like Chick-fil-
A to benefit from these fun publicity stunts. Create your own
special day.

"Special Report #45: How to Generate National Publicity from Your
Own Holiday (or Day, Week or Month of the Year)" gives you lots
of ideas on how small companies can create their own special
days. Only $10. Read more about how to get started at
http://tinyurl.com/6uz9g


========================================
5. Promoting a Book on Suicide
========================================

This week, eight Publicity Hounds have tips on how Patricia
"Trish" Gallagher of Worcester, Pa. Can promote the book "Don't
Jump! Out of the Shadows" about depression and suicide. It was
written by her husband, who tried unsuccessfully to commit
suicide by jumping from a building.


From Michelle Meacham:

"Patricia and John - congratulations, and thank you, for taking
on this worthy but very misunderstood issue. Have you tried
collaborating with the National Institute of Mental Health at
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/ and the Depression and Bi-polar Support
Institute at http://tinyurl.com/ynbq47 A particular angle you
might want to focus on in your promotional materials is
referencing important figures throughout history who have
suffered from depression, including Abraham Lincoln, Winston
Churchill, Billy Joel, J.K. Rowling, Michelangelo, and many, many
other intelligent and creative people."


From Gabriele Pallin:

"I recommend making a podcast and read that part from your book--
which might make others who want to jump THINK and hopefully
prevent it. You could then upload the podcast to iTunes on your
own blog, which makes you web-visible...Hearing your voice makes
it a more grabbing, moving experience. I would then contact all
the suicide hot lines and prayer lines."


From Dana Smith:

"The first step is to clarify your goals and create an online
presence. I recommend a blog-based website which is much easier
to create and will allow for interaction with others. You could
even ask readers to share their stories on the blog and use some
of those stories in the book, with permission.

"Also, I recommend creating a marketing and publicity plan for
the book as soon as possible."


The Publicity Hound says:

A publicity plan is imperative because without one, you'll be
missing lots of opportunities for coverage. "How to Create a
Media Plan" walks you step-by-step through the entire process and
even includes a handy "fill in the blanks" template for a media
plan, complete with a handy list along the side of several dozen
publicity opportunities to job your brain. Read more about how
to create a media plan at
http://www.PublicityHound.com/mediaplan.htm


Read all the responses to this week's Help This Hound question at
http://tinyurl.com/44vt26


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


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

Michelle Suter of Frisco, Texas writes:

"Our company, Administaff, is a professional employer
organization that serves as a full-time human resources
department for small and medium-sized businesses.

"We have had a great deal of national marketing, yet my best
clients are small business owners in the Dallas/Fort Worth area
who have from seven to 50 employees. How do I take our "big" PR
and marketing message and localize it so my prospects get our
message in a way they can relate to?

"I feel as though they don't understand that 'Small Business is
Good for America, and Administaff is Good for Small Business.'"

Their website is at http://www.administaff.com


The Publicity Hound says:

Here's my idea. You need to find your way into the Dallas
Business Journal which, I'll bet, lots of local business people
read. Landing a story, or even an opinion column, in this paper
will really put your business in the spotlight. Get your hands
on a copy of their editorial calendar and check to see which
topics they'll be writing about that are a perfect fit with the
type of information you can offer as an expert source.

I interviewed Paul Furiga, former editor of The Pittsburgh
Business Times, and got him to share his best tips on how local
businesses can form strong relationships with business journal
staff and give them the kinds of stories they love. We recorded
"How to Use Business Journals to Tell Your Story" 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://tinyurl.com/q4rf7


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

An older, tired-looking dog wandered into my yard. I could tell
from his collar and well-fed belly that he had a home and was
well taken care of.

He calmly came over to me. I gave him a few pats on his head.
He followed me into my house, slowly walked down the hall, curled
up in the corner and fell asleep.

An hour later, he went to the door, and I let him out.

The next day he was back, greeted me in my yard, walked inside
and resumed his spot in the hall and again slept for about an
hour. This continued off and on for several weeks.

Curious, I pinned a note to his collar: "I would like to find out
who the owner of this wonderful, sweet dog is and ask if you are
aware that almost every afternoon your dog comes to my house for
a nap."

The next day he arrived for his nap, with a different note pinned
to his collar: "He lives in a home with six children, two under
the age of 3. He's trying to catch up on his sleep. Can I come
with him tomorrow?"


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...
================================

Story idea for this week: Freedom from (fill in the blank)
http://tinyurl.com/4c777n


Best Twitter tools and resources
http://tinyurl.com/4yvxow


If you work in PR, you should be reading snarky Gawker
http://tinyurl.com/3jkds9


Working with a virtual assistant? Follow these 4 golden rules
http://tinyurl.com/4us7up


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
USA Phone: 262-284-7451 (Central) Fax: 262-284-1737

Publicity tips/Think Christmas in June June 24 , 2008

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #404 June 24, 2008
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 47,857

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

"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.

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

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

1. Think Christmas in June

2. A Big Payoff of Social Networking

3. What You Can Learn from a Dog's Obituary

4. Get 'em to Mention Your URL

5. Promoting Books on Christmas, Cooking

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Quote of the Week

8. And at My Blog...


=====================================
1. Think Christmas in June
=====================================

Now is the time to start pitching if you're hoping to convince journalists to feature your consumer product or service in holiday gift guides.

Gift guides appear in many forms:

- -As special sections in newspapers, like holiday gift guides printed by USA Today and the Wall Street Journal.

- -As special holiday features in magazines like Redbook, Allure, Wired, Stereophile, Fast Company, Organic Gardening, Cooking Light, Shape, Atlanta Magazine, Cottage Living and Elite Traveler.

- -As special segments on TV such as Oprah's "Favorite Things" show each year in which she lists her favorite holiday gifts.

- -As special radio promotions.

- -As columns, reviews or special holiday features in online magazines.

- -Even bloggers feature their favorite things to give as holiday gifts.

If your consumer product or service would make the perfect gift, getting a placement in some of these media is easy--but only if you know where to look, whom to pitch, when to contact them, and if they want photos.

The Gift List can make your job easy. Its staff contacts the top 250 daily newspapers, all the major wire services, and television shows like "Filter," "The Look for Less," and, of course, MTV, "Ellen," "The View," and hundreds more.

It doesn't bother with media outlets that won't mention products by name or those with circulations under 25,000. Broadcast outlets must reach a national or significant regional audience.

Already, The Gift List has compiled a whopping 400 leads for this year's features. You can buy a subscription to either The Gift List for Holiday 2008 Print & Broadcast, or The Gift List for Holiday 2008 Web & Blog, or both.

What if "Oprah" or USA Today changes its feature focus the week before a deadline? Not to worry. The Gift List will notify subscribers who sign up for their ezine and email alerts. You won't miss a beat. And you'll be miles ahead of the competition.

Take a test drive today at http://tinyurl.com/9es8y


=====================================
2. A Big Payoff of Social Networking
=====================================

When the media are searching for interview subjects, or guests for a TV show, they often search profiles of people who participate at social networking sites.

That's how producers for a TV series found Publicity Hound Dorothy Neddermeyer of Phoenix, Arizona. She's a board-certified regression therapist who will be featured in the series "Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal" that's being aired right now on the A&E channel.

"My role in the documentary was doing a past life regression with an 8-year-old boy who had memories of his life in Egypt," she said. "The regression was revealing, and I was amazed at the outcome."

The production company, Four Seasons International, chronicles the lives and experiences of kids with psychic abilities.

The producers found her on Ziggs, a social networking site at http://www.Ziggs.com that is devoted to "organizing and connecting people in a professional way." You can join groups and make contacts through your Ziggs account to increase your company's presence online and further your own personal career.

"It shocked me because I had only recently added my profile there," Dorothy said. "It was just my lucky day. Of course, I don't believe in luck. I, no doubt, was prompted to start posting on social networking sites."

Internet marketing expert Don Crowther says everyone should have a presence on seven social media sites. If you're pitching only traditional media, you're missing a huge opportunity to use online tools like social networking sites to promote. Learn about the seven websites Don recommends. His interview is included in the eight-part series "How to Create a Media Plan," available as a series of Cds, MP3 audios on a CD, or electronic transcripts. Each comes with handouts that include a fill-in-the-blanks template for a media plan.

Read more about how you can take the pain out of creating a media plan at http://www.publicityhound.com/mediaplan.htm


===========================================
3. What You Can Learn from a Dog's Obituary ===========================================

When Publicity Hound Michelle Tennant emailed me last week to let me know that her beloved pet, Lex, a strawberry blonde Siberian husky, had died, the obituary she wrote for him made me smile.

While reading it, I couldn't help but think that Lex's obituary is more interesting than the personal bios of many humans I know. As you read what Michelle wrote, notice the fun little details-- something that's sorely missing from so many human bios.

"Lexington (Lex) passed yesterday at 3:50 p.m. Eastern at our vet's with my husband Shannon and myself at his side holding his paws. He was the most gentle, loving dog one could know and love. He had complications from a lung condition, pancreatitis and diabetes. He is survived by Lou Lou, the black and white husky in the photos attached.

"In 1998, I rescued Lex from a Cincinnati kill shelter when he was six months and he's lived a fabulous, adventurous life traveling throughout Ohio, West Virginia and the Smoky Mountains (and other great places whitewater rivers run).

"His life's work: children.

"He attended children's birthday parties with me while I was living in Cincinnati and working on the weekends as a children's entertainer. He was my 'pirate' sidekick teaching children manners at the dinner table because he knew how to 'wait' until others were served before eating. (He would even WAIT with a small White Castle hamburger placed on his paw. Now that's a good dog.)

"He earned his 'good canine citizen award' in 1999. (This is like a Ph.D for dogs!)

"His favorite past-time--chewing/catching tennis balls, digging holes, and cooling off in a baby pool.

"Please have a moment of reflection today to celebrate this very special soul. And then hug a pet or person you love and remind everyone wanting a pet to adopt from shelters first. They are so appreciative of second chances."

We can learn two things from this:

- -Use details, details and more details.

- -Writing about the relationship with our pets in our professional bios can teach readers more about us than a monotonous list of academic degrees and other trivia we think are important.

Some of you might argue that details about your pets don't belong in a professional profile or bio. What do you think? Would you consider including information about your pet in your bio? If so, tell us something about your pet that lets us know more about you. Or link to a bio at your website that has information about your pet.

Post your comments at my blog at http://tinyurl.com/5b2nlu

"Special Report #46: Tips for Rewriting Your Boring Bio," gives you lots of examples of fun, compelling, witty bios and tips on how rework your bio--or start from scratch. Only $10. Order at http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/reports.html


=====================================
4. Get 'em to Mention Your URL
=====================================

A common frustration with media interviews results when the reporter, for whatever reason, never mentions your website.

Here's a way to solve that problem.

The next time somebody interviews you, and the reporter asks for the name of your company, use your website URL, not the actual company name.

Instead of me being the owner of "The Publicity Hound," my company is simply PublicityHound.com.

That little trick won't work every time, but it should work with telephone interviews, and especially when the reporter is rushed.

OK, but what happens if you can't even persuade reporters to call? You pitch a story and it goes nowhere. Then what?

Have you followed up your pitch at least seven times?

If you haven't, no wonder they're not calling you. Don't believe journalists when they tell you they hate follow-ups. They hate LOUSY follow-ups.

Jill Lublin, author of "Guerrilla Publicity," says following up your pitches is critical to catching the attention of hassled reporters and editors who sometimes let things fall through the cracks. I interviewed her about "Failproof Ways to Follow Up with Reporters."

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. Start following up today and getting the media stories you deserve by going to http://tinyurl.com/bmyn7


========================================
5. Promoting Books on Christmas, Cooking
========================================

This week, 10 Publicity Hounds have tips on how Tracy Arceo of Pelican Publishing of Gretna, LA can generate interest in two separate series of books on Christmas and Southern cooking.


From Julia Hillegass:

"It shouldn't be difficult to promote these great southern cities. Try doing a tasting event with area restaurants creating the recipes for people to nosh on--like a progressive cocktail party in a ballroom or at a major landmark in that town. You could create the great southern Taste Series of events: "A Taste of Charleston," "A Taste of New Orleans" perhaps in Jackson Square or the French Market, "A Taste of Savannah" maybe at Forsyth Park. Price of admission could be donated to your local food bank, so party goers get to do good too."


From Rachelle Matherne:

"Numerous discussion groups online trade free recipes. Upload a recipe from the book to these sites and include the source information. Video of the author reading from the kids' book is always fun, and can include some of the illustrations as well."


From Stacey Kannenberg:

"Find regional 'all Christmas' stores and coordinate with them to be involved in a Christmas in July Party. I did a Google search and found a few of these stores: Traditions Year-Round Holiday Store in Canoga Park, CA and Kristmas Kringle Shoppe in Fond du Lac, WI.

"Since the recipes are classics, see if you can partner with Rachael Ray, the Food Network, Martha Stewart, or online places like Recipes.com to share some of the local flavor behind these classic recipes."


The Publicity Hound says:

I know I sound like a broken record. But reach out to bloggers. Those who write about children and parenting issues might want to hear about the Christmas books. Bloggers who write about food might appreciate some recipes and tips about southern cooking. "How to Pitch the Best Bloggers & Create a Publicity Explosion" shows you how to find the bloggers who need what you have, and convince them to write about you.

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 how to start pitching them at http://publicityhound.net/cdpitchbestbloggers/


Read all the responses to this week's Help This Hound question at http://tinyurl.com/4orekj

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


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

Patricia "Trish" Gallagher of Worcester, Pa. Writes:

"My husband, John, and I are doing a print on demand book and need help to publicize it and book paid speaking engagements.

"The book is 'Don't Jump! Out of the Shadows about Depression and Suicide.' It's about how John tried to commit suicide by jumping from a building onto a cement slab. The attempt failed, and he was seriously injured.

"For nine years, he stood behind a wall of silence, hiding the truth of his resulting injuries, and sabotaging his relationships. In January this year, after reading about a teenage boy who tried suicide but was unsuccessful, John knew it was time to end the silence.

"His message will help anyone who is personally dealing with a crisis or tragedy, and will inspire caregivers, people struggling with addictions, and anyone who wants to learn how to help others during times of despair.

"We have a possible 700 Club interview, a local NPR affiliate interview, and we did a Philadelphia Inquirer story you can read at http://tinyurl.com/3vfcd2 No luck with any paid speaking or major interviews that have helped with expenses. So we're putting out the white flag."


The Publicity Hound says:

Unless I'm missing something, Patricia, I don't see a website or even a single page at your site at http://www.teamofangels.com devoted solely to the book. I even Googled the title and couldn't find anything. That could be the main reason why the book isn't selling as well as you had hoped.

Let's see what other ideas my Hounds have on how to promote the book and get speaking engagements. Hounds with tips for Patricia can post them to my blog at http://tinyurl.com/44vt26

Authors who are frustrated by their own books' slow sales can check out "Special Report #40: 42 Publicity Tips for Authors and Small Publishers" and get back on track quickly. See http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/reports.html


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

Thanks to Publicity Hound Kerry Hargraves of Oakland, California, for this one:


"Little Harold was practicing the violin in the living room while his father was trying to read in the den.

"The family dog was lying in the den, and as the screeching sounds of little Harold's violin reached his ears, he began to howl loudly. The father listened to the dog and the violin as long as he could. Then he jumped up, slammed his paper to the floor and yelled above the noise, "For Pete's sake, can't you play something the dog doesn't know?"


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...
================================

If a journalist uses humor in a query, use it in your pitch
http://tinyurl.com/3eme9u


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
USA
Phone: 262-284-7451 (Central) Fax: 262-284-1737

Publicity tips/The Worst TV Talk Show Guest Ever April 1, 2008

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #392 April 1, 2008
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 44,041

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

"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.

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

Hiring a VA or a Summer Intern?

Smart PR agencies and publicists are interviewing right now for summer interns to help with clients' publicity campaigns. These assistants can do everything from writing press releases and updating press kits to doing online research and tracking down bloggers.

If you're hiring an intern or a virtual assistant to help with any aspect of publicity, don't spend weeks training them before they start producing results. Let me train them for you.

"How to Help Your Boss or Client with a Publicity Campaign" is a graduate-level course for assistants, virtual assistants and interns. It gives them dozens of tools and resources that many professional PR people don't know about. And it walks them step-by-step through more complicated tasks that most people would never think of turning over to an assistant. Things like article writing and search engine optimization.

Read more about what I can teach your assistant at http://www.publicityhound.com/PHU_AssistantsCourse.htm

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

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

1. The Worst TV Talk Show Guest Ever

2. When 'Oprah' Features Your Competitor

3. Book Waiver Forms

4. 'The Office' Returns

5. Promoting Garage Sale Signs

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Quote of the Week

8. At My Blog...

===================================
1. The Worst TV Talk Show Guest Ever
===================================

When Madonna appeared on "The Late Show with David Letterman" on March 31, 1994, her coarse language made the episode the most censored in American network television talk-show history.

It also resulted in some of the highest ratings of Letterman's late-night career.

Three year's later, when Farrah Fawcett appeared on Letterman's show, either drunk or stoned or both, Letterman made the most of the interview, interjecting comments like "time to get into a 12-step program" into the conversation, without her even realizing he was making fun of her.

Then there's Adam Green, a singer/songwriter and member of the now-defunct band Moldy Peaches, who appeared on "Total tv," a late-night German TV talk show, recently.

After host Stefan Raab introduced him, Green sauntered onto the stage, beer bottle in hand, then jumped onto the couch next to Raab's desk and almost landed on his head. Swigging from the bottle periodically, he gave one of the oddest interviews I've ever seen.

At one point, he joked about serving in Iraq. He sat on the host's lap and kissed him. Then he threw the beer bottle at a member of the production crew. He missed, and the bottle shattered on stage. Green ranks right up there as one of the worst TV talk show guests ever.

Judge for yourself by watching the video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=XfBIz-NyQFY

Celebrity guests can often get away with disobeying one of the commandments that no other guest can break on a TV talk show: Never, ever embarrass the host.

Embarrassing the host also means:

- -Holding up your book on camera and pitching it

- -Hogging the spotlight and not letting the host control the conversation

- -Continuing to talk when it's time for a commercial break

If you're trying to get onto TV talk shows, know what's expected of you before, during and after the show. Know the 6 traits every talk show host is looking for. Know how to avoid the "freeze and squeeze" mistake that can make you sound like you're 10 years old. And the nine other commandments you must follow during taped interviews.

TV personality Connie Dieken explained them all during an interview she did with me. 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 "How to be a TV Talk Show Host's Dream Date" at http://publicityhound.net/cdtvtalkshowdreamdate


=========================================
2. When 'Oprah' Features Your Competitor
=========================================

If you're dying to get onto "Oprah," one of the worst things that can happen to you is having Oprah pass you over in favor of one of your competitors.

Unless you're Santosh Krinskey of Lotus Brands, a company in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin that sells neti pots. A neti pot is a miniature watering can that resembles an Aladdin's lamp. People like me, who are susceptible to sinus infections, use neti pots regularly to keep sinus passages clean.

Fill the pot with a homemade mixture of salt water. Hang your head over a sink. Shove the pot's long spout up one nostril. Turn your head to one side and let the water flow through your sinus cavity and drip out the other nostril. It sounds gross and uncomfortable, but it works.

Last April, Santosh didn't see the "Oprah" segment on nasal irrigation, in which she featured a neti pot from one of his competitors. But within hours after the show was broadcast, he was deluged with orders.

He air-freighted 300,000 pots immediately. Two months later, he started ordering 220,000 pots a month for the rest of the year from his Chinese supplier.

But it didn't end there. The neti pot show was aired again in November and December last year, resulting in another tidal wave of sales. Santosh estimates he sold 750,000 neti pots as a result or his competitor's publicity.

That's probably because many people still aren't familiar with neti pots. So when they saw the Oprah segment, they didn't go shopping for a particular brand.

If your competitor ends up on "Oprah" and is hawking a certain book or another product that appears, you probably won't be as lucky as Santosh. Susan Harrow shows you how to tilt the odds of being on the show in your favor. My interview with her called "How to Get Booked on Oprah" includes advice on how to tap into Oprah's hot-button topics. Susan explains what producers are listening for when they hear your pitch and the little "extras" that will make Oprah's producers more interested in you.

The interview is 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/cdoprah


======================================
3. Book Waiver Forms
======================================

If an author asks to interview you and write about your business for a new book, don't be a pain in the neck.

Give a great interview. When the author sends you a waiver form that explains who gets rights to the information and how the publisher can use it, read it. Unless there's a major problem with what the publisher wants, sign the form without a lot of fanfare or complaining.

Some people raise such a huge stink over these forms that the "negotiations" last for weeks. The interview subject assumes the role of editor and even asks for a rewrite. In some cases, the deadline lapses, and the frustrated author is forced to leave the complainer out of the book.

Publicity Hound Shelley Hunter, who helped research and write the new book "The Million-Dollar Idea in Everyone" by Mike Collins, tipped me off to this problem. Wiley published the book, but it was her job to obtain the author waiver forms from business people mentioned in it.

"While most professionals faxed back signed waivers immediately with a note of thanks, a few made the process very difficult--asking for changes to the standard waiver, insisting on seeing the completed manuscript before signature, withholding permission unless we'd change non-essential words, and so forth.

"Some delayed so long that we had no choice but to scramble and replace their stories. One woman even withdrew permission because she didn't want to contribute to a book authored by a man (I'm not kidding!)"

Ironically, Shelley says, the people who created the most fuss were those whose businesses are relatively new. The more experienced entrepreneurs returned their waivers without issue.

Getting into books is part of building a publicity platform. The more books you're in, the more TV and radio shows you're on, the more newspapers and magazines you're in, the bigger your platform. And the bigger your platform, the greater the chance that a major publishing house will publish your book. But don't even think of seeking a publisher unless you already have a huge platform.

"How to Create a Publicity Platform That Leads to a Six-Figure Book Advance" walks you step-by-step through the process of building platform so you have an edge over the thousands of other authors who are courting publishers.

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/cdbookadvance


====================================
4. 'The Office' Returns
====================================

Attention product placement watchers.

NBC's hit series "The Office" returns at 9 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, April 10.

The show is known for, among other things, its liberal use of branded products on the set. Some companies--like Staples, Sandals Resorts, Hewlett-Packard, Gateway and Cisco, for instance--pay big bucks to get their brands in front of viewers.

If you have a consumer product that you want to get onto a popular TV show or onto the set of a movie, you don't necessarily have to negotiate expensive product placement agreements like those companies have. Often, production coordinators will accept all kinds of products, from bottled water to artsy jewelry, and place them on the set for free.

Amy Bates Stumpf and Rebecca Lightsey, both experts at product placement, explained during an interview I conducted with them "How to Get Your Consumer Products onto the Sets of Movies & TV Shows" that the hard part is getting through to the right person.

They explained how the magic of technology can place your product onto sitcoms that have been in syndication for several years, how to build relationships with set designers, the types of products that are most in demand on the sets of TV shows and movies, and how to track down and pitch the correct people who have the power to get your products on the screen.

The interview is 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/cdproductplacement


========================================
5. Promoting Garage Sale Signs
========================================

This week, 10 Publicity Hounds have tips on how Nycole Pederson of Eden Prairie, Minnesota can promote her company's chic, funky, sassy garage/yard sale signs.


From Lisa Romeo:

"Find all the mom/parent bloggers in a group of targeted cities/suburban regions, as well as those whose topics touch on real estate, moving, home renovation, etc. and give away signs to those folks."


From Julie Parvis:

"Have you considered placing a classified ad on eBay? There are several categories that accept ads where you might fit in. Under specialty services, there are sub-categories such as printing & personalization, artistic services or graphic & logo design.

"Or under business & industrial, there's a sub-category called office printing & shipping. There are ads there for banners, etc. Look through the ads and see where you think you might fit. Not all categories are allowing classified ads yet."


From Kathleen Lisson:

"I suggest holding an online contest to select a design for your newest garage sale sign. Have contestants submit digital photos of their signs and post the finalists on your site with a readers’ poll that will determine the winner.

"Send details of the contest to garage sale/home organization/life coach bloggers and also send localized releases to the media markets of each of your finalists, complete with a digital picture of the local finalist’s sign.

"I watch a show on cable called Clean House. It’s all about garage sales and home organization. Could you donate a few signs to their efforts?"


The Publicity Hound says:

How about creating short videos that show you creating the signs, and posting them to video-sharing sites like YouTube? The search engines give high ranking to videos, and they'll pull traffic into your website. Start creating videos today, with help from the 2-CD set "How to Make a Fortune using Video, Even if You Don't Have a Computer." Learn more at http://tinyurl.com/y3b6wj


Read all the responses at http://publicityhound.net/helpthishound/garagesalesigns


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


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

Natasha Henry of Laurel, Maryland writes:

"I'm a communications writer for a federal credit union in Maryland. Earlier this year, we launched a year-long savings campaign in which members who make monthly deposits into their accounts get a chance to win several thousand dollars in cash prizes through monthly and quarterly drawings. When members continue making deposits every month, they have a chance to win a $20,000 cash prize in December of this year.

"I'm interested in learning what type of affordable publicity ideas your Hounds would have for a campaign of this type. I'd like to present some low-cost promotional ideas and pitches to see if any of them can be done.

"Our level of media coverage is typically within local newspapers, national trade journals and local TV news station coverage. However, we have been mentioned in one national paper to my knowledge, which was the Wall Street Journal, on the topic of employee wellness programs. "

The Publicity Hound says:

Tying children into your campaign--specifically, how to teach children to save money, would be one angle. Let's see how many more ideas my Hounds can come up with. Hounds with great ideas for Natasha can post them to my blog at http://publicityhound.net/blogcreditunion


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

Cat's motto:

No matter what you've done wrong, always try to make it look like the cat did it.


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...
=================================

Publicity plan should target blogs and ezines
http://publicityhound.net/blogezines


Promote your expertise with these five tips http://publicityhound.net/blogpromoteyourexpertise


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

Where to See or Hear The Publicity Hound


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

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


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


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

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


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

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

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

Publicity tips/The Press Release Police Feb 19, 2007

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #386 Feb. 19, 2008
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com/
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 41,356

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

"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.

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

SAVE THE DATE:

3 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, March 5; free teleseminar with Cathy Stucker on "How to Turn Your Content into Cash While Promoting Your Expertise."

This teleseminar 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.

See you there!

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

1. The Press Release Police

2. Facebook's Sticky Problem

3. Don't Trade Links Haphazardly

4. The Pitch that Landed with a Thud

5. How to Promote a Book for Christians

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week

8. At My Blog...


======================================
1. The Press Release Police
======================================

You write a brilliant press release that uses just the right touch of humor to grab the reader.

You call the folks at PRWeb, pay the 80 bucks to have your release distributed, and then email it to them.

What happens next is sort of like what happens when you're in your car, glance in your rear-view mirror, see red lights flashing and hear that obnoxious siren.

Don't be alarmed. It's only PRWeb's Press Release Police.

That's what I started calling them when I learned last week that PRWeb is "flagging" releases for objectionable content.

And what, exactly, does it consider objectionable? You won't believe this when I tell you.

BL Ochman, who wrote a very clever press release about where to buy last-minute Valentine's Day gifts so you don't get in trouble with your sweetie, was told she used "your" and "our" in her copy. In other words, it wasn't written entirely in the third person.

Sharon Dotson, an award-winning publicist, has had her releases flagged, too--for, imagine this, using humor! I've been offering Sharon's releases as great examples in my press release workshops and in my free email tutorial "89 Ways to Write Powerful Press Releases."

You can read about the ugly hole that PRWeb has dug itself into, including comments from other disgruntled customers, at BL's blog at http://tinyurl.com/37wkdg

I wrote about it too at http://tinyurl.com/2vfveu and I'm inviting Hounds to comment at the blog and share your experiences. Did you bow to PRWeb's demands? Or did you try to negotiate like BL did? Or did you take your business elsewhere?


More than 6,000 people have signed up for my free email tutorial
"89 Ways to Write Powerful Press Releases." You can, too, at http://www.PublicityHound.net/89Ways


=====================================
2. Facebook's Sticky Problem
=====================================

Every week, more than 1 million people join Facebook, the social networking site.

But last week, many of them were worried when they read the Feb.
11 New York Times article headlined "How sticky is Facebook? Just try breaking free." The article explained that it's nearly impossible for users to remove themselves entirely from Facebook.

The article ignited worries among Facebook users about how the popular site is using personal data.

Users have the option of deactivating their accounts, but its servers keep copies of the information in those accounts indefinitely. Many users who have contacted Facebook to request that their accounts be deleted, the article said, haven't been able to erase their records from the network.

Concerned users turned to unofficial guides like the Facebook users group "How to permanently delete your Facebook account."

When the Times article appeared, about 3,000 Facebook users already had joined that group. By Tuesday evening, Feb. 12, that number swelled to 7,000.

The next day, Facebook announced that it was working to solve the privacy problem and trying to make it easier for people to delete their accounts permanently.

What does all this mean for Publicity Hounds?

Have a presence on Facebook. But when writing your profile and pages, be cautious about including sensitive information that could embarrass you 10 or 20 years from now.


Facebook is one of seven sites where social media expert Don Crowther says you must have a presence. He explained more about Facebook and the other six sites during a one-hour teleseminar earlier this year as part of my training series "How to Create a Media Plan."

If you need help building a 12-month plan that will really reach your target audience and pull traffic to your website, take a look at what you'll learn:
http://www.PublicityHound.com/mediaplan.htm

The training program includes a list of more than 200 story ideas, several for every month of the year. You can incorporate them into your own plan.


=========================================
3. Don't Trade Links Haphazardly
=========================================

Do you receive those annoying emails from companies asking you to trade links?

I get about a dozen each week, and I ignore them.

That's because trading links with companies whose products and services are unrelated to your own is not only ineffective, but dangerous. The search engines will actually penalize you if your site includes lots of links to unrelated websites.

I'm mentioning this because many of you are using social media to promote your expertise. If you're on Facebook, for instance, you should certainly be asking other Facebook users to be your friend. But don't ask them to trade links with you unless your websites are compatible.

And for heaven's sake, don't spam by sending email requests to companies that haven't given you permission to do so.

There are so many more effective ways to please the search engines. I've added dozens of them to the 2008 update of "Special Report #17: Powerful Ways to Promote Your Website to Draw Traffic and Boost Sales." I included so much new information that the five-page report has swelled to 13 pages, but the price is still the same. Only $10.

The report includes a long list of social media and social bookmarking sites, as well as tools for researching your keywords.

You can order the report at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/reports.html


======================================
4. The Pitch That Landed with a Thud
======================================

I've started conducting telephone training sessions for PR firms that want a refresher course on things like press releases and pitching, as well as a look at many of the opportunities in the world of social media.

They don't have to pay my regular speaker fee. I don't have to hassle with airports. And everybody's happy.

Last week, a PR firm asked me to critique several of its pitches, including one about a ground-breaking for a new upscale retirement community.

"To round out the ceremony, a mayoral proclamation will be read, honoring (name of retirement community)," the pitch read.

No wonder it landed with a thud.

The media despise staged media events like ground-breakings, ribbon-cuttings and check-passings.

And they're especially unimpressed with politicians who attend these events. Remember, reporters who cover city hall see politicians several times a week. The last thing they want to do is see them again--at a ground-breaking, no less.

I showed the PR firm how to rewrite the pitch by offering a tantalizing story idea that's a lot of fun and eliminates the need for a tired ground-breaking ceremony. When I worked as a reporter, I told them, I would have jumped on a story like this one.

PR pro Dan Collins is a master at coming up with great ideas, including publicity stunts. He explained them all during a teleseminar called "Fun Alternatives to Boring Ground-breakings, Check-passings and Ribbon-cuttings." We recorded it, and it's available as a CD or an electronic transcript that you can download as soon as you order has been approved.

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


======================================
5. How to Promote a Book for Christians
======================================

This week, Publicity Hounds offered a long list of cool ideas on how Catherine Painter of Raleigh, can promote her Bible study book "So, You're a Christian! Now What?"


From Karina Fabian:

"Even better than MySpace or Facebook for your target audience is Shoulife at http://shoulife.com/. It's like MySpace for Christians."


From Terry Whalin:

"Your book has been out since January 2006 and you have ONE reader comment on Amazon with a five-star review. You are not making use of the free tools on the largest online bookstore on the planet (Amazon.com). Learn about them in the 6th edition of John Kremer’s excellent book '1001 Ways to Market Your Book' where he has a full chapter on Amazon."


From Cheryl Pickett:

"Approach mission/outreach/evangelism groups of all kinds. They would be candidates for individual and bulk purchases too because they need resources to use while they’re in the field, and to leave behind with newly trained leaders."


The Publicity Hound says:

Catherine, your topic is a natural for National Public Radio. See "How to Get Booked on NPR" at http://publicityhound.net/cd_get_booked_on_national_public_radio


Read all the great responses to this Help This Hound question at http://tinyurl.com/35dmgw


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

Patricia Hudak of Jersey City, New Jersey writes:

"I am a young entrepreneur and recent college graduate. I started my company, Real World 101, to help graduating college seniors transition from college to the real world.

"I've created an informational care package for college seniors that covers all of the topics they will face, such as personal finances, career, apartment living, social life, health & fitness, travel & entertainment, and success after college. The package contains seven booklets (one for each topic), a multi- media CD, and materials from colleges and corporate sponsors.

"My plan is to give the care package away for free to graduating college seniors and have it sponsored by companies that want to reach these students. However, that task is proving more difficult than I had anticipated. Do your Hounds have any suggestions on how I can gain corporate sponsorship for a new product that's targeted to an untapped market?"


The Publicity Hound says:

This is a tough one, Patricia. But my Hounds are up to the task.
Hounds with great ideas can post them to my blog at http://tinyurl.com/yumrqh


I need more Help this Hound questions. Email them to me at mailto:JStewart@publicityhound.com?subject=HelpThisHound and include your city and state.


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

Thanks to Publicity Hound Don Miller of Mansfield, Ohio for more fun crossbreeds:


Newfoundland + Basset Hound = Asset Hound, a dog for financial advisors

Terrier + Bulldog = Terribull, a dog that makes awful mistakes

Bloodhound + Labrador = Blabador, a dog that barks incessantly

Malamute + Pointer = Moot Point, owned by...oh well, it doesn't matter anyway

Deerhound + Terrier = Derriere, a dog that's true to the end

Bull Terrier + ShihTzu = Oh, never mind....


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...
=================================

Reality TV shows: How to sell your idea to Hollywood
http://tinyurl.com/yo6px3


PRWeb: Disband your press release police
http://tinyurl.com/2vfveu


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

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

Publicity tips/Dark Days at Newspapers Feb 12, 2008

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #385 Feb. 12, 2008
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 40,808

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

"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.

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

SAVE THE DATE:

3 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, March 5; free teleseminar with Cathy Stucker on "How to Turn Your Content into Cash Whle Promoting Your Expertise."

This teleseminar is perfect for authors, speakers and experts who have content and handouts in their file cabinets, on their bookshelvs 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.

See you there!

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

1. Dark Days at Newspapers

2. Do You Squidoo? I Do

3. Pitch the Wire Services

4. Media Leads

5. How to Promote The Crapper Digest

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week

8. At My Blog...


======================================
1. Dark Days at Newspapers
======================================

"An Industry Imperiled by Falling Profits and Shrinking Ads, a story in last week's New York Times, is a must-read for Publicity Hounds everywhere.

It paints a grim picture of a once-vibrant industry that's now seeing stumbling stock prices, declining ad revenues, layoffs and numerous properties for sale.

"The talk of newspapers' demise is older than some of the reporters who write about it, but what is happening now is something new, something more serious than anyone has experienced in generations," the Times article stated.

You can read the entire article at http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/07/business/media/07paper.html
The once-mighty Sun-Times Media Group, suffering deep losses, announced recently that it's closing several weekly papers and will try to sell any assets it could, including its flagship paper, The Chicago Sun-Times.

Here in Wisconsin, The Capital-Times newspaper in Madison told readers last week that it's making a "major shift" to the Internet, ceasing six-day publication and shifting to publishing a tabloid-sized edition only twice per week.

If these changes don't affect you, wait. You'll hear similar announcements soon from a newspaper near you.

Last month, I made several suggestions about how newspaper layoffs and closings affect Publicity Hounds. You can read them at http://tinyurl.com/ys737d

Here's another tip, inspired by a quote from bank robber Willie Horton. When asked, "Why do you rob banks?," he replied, "Because that's where the money is!"

Using that logic, Publicity Hounds should spend less time pitching traditional media and more time promoting your expertise online where the real traffic is. Read the next item to learn about one website where most of you should have a presence.


=====================================
2. Do You Squidoo? I Do
=====================================

Squidoo, a content-sharing site, lets you flaunt your expertise by setting up a single page, known as a lens, on a topic you know a lot about.

It's f~ree, but that's not the biggest advantage:

--The search engines love this site, and Google gives it a page rank of 7/10. So you can get more Google juice to your site and drive lots of traffic by including links within your Squidoo content.

--You can make money from your content through Google AdSense.Keep it, or donate it to your favorite charity.

--This site helps promote you as an expert.

As the lensmaster, you can share your point of view and recommendations. Lenses can be about anything, such as ideas, people or places, hobbies and sports, pets or products, philosophy and politics. Lenses aren't primarily intended to hold content. Rather, the emphasis is placed on recommending and then pointing to content on the web.

For example, a single lens could point to Flickr photos, Google maps, blogs, eBay auctions, YouTube videos, and other links.You're encouraged to promote personal agendas, causes, products and opinions.

Squidoo says building a lens "is fast, f*ree and super-easy."I'm a member of the SMARTS social media coaching program, which gave me in-depth step-by-step videos on how to build a lens and really make this site work for me. Still, it took me four and a half hours to build my lens two weeks ago. Now, I spend about a half hour several days a week updating it.

You can see my lens at http://www.squidoo.com/howtogetfree_publicity

Check out the fun items I posted on how a PR guy got an interesting product onto "The Rachael Ray Show" with just a few minutes of effort. I also wrote about how you can score some last-minute publicity that ties into Valentine's Day, even if your product or service has nothing to do with love.

Build a Squidoo lens and update it frequently. But please don't email me questions about Squidoo. I don't have time to answer them. Instead, spend some time at the learning center known as SquidU at http://www.squidu.com/

Items that work well at Squidoo are short lists, questions and answers, or round-ups of other websites you're recommending.These are called "briefs." A teleseminar I conducted several years ago called "Briefs, Fillers & Quizzes" explains the nine types of briefs, how to write them and how to use them online and offline to promote what you're selling.

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


=========================================
3. Pitch the Wire Services
=========================================

One of the best ways to get your story into dozens, perhaps even hundreds of newspapers across the U.S.--all at the same time--is to pitch one of the wire services.

The Associated Press, the world's largest news agency, is a great place to start. The AP is a cooperative owned by its contributing newspapers, radio and television stations. The media outlets contribute stories to the AP and use material written by its staffers.

I'm betting that AP reporters are among the most overlooked journalists.

They love getting scoops, too. And because AP has its own state bureaus as well as a national bureau, offering a scoop could mean that the AP covers your story and sends it to all media in your state, or throughout the U.S.

Authors, if you want to learn an incredibly simple strategy for scoring an Associated Press story about you, don't miss Steve Harrison's teleseminar, "Seven Things You Absolutely Must Know to Get Publicity in Major Magazines and Newspapers," tomorrow, February 13.

On this 90-minute call, you'll hear from writers and editors who do stories for top magazines, including Woman's Day, Woman's World and Inc. Magazine, as well as authors who will share how they got coverage in major publications.

Register for the free call at http://www.getmajorpress.com/call10011


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

--If you have an incredible mom in your family, or as a client, enter her in the search for "America's Favorite Mom." The top 25 moms will be featured on NBC's "Today" show the week leading up to Mother's Day. The audiences will vote, and the top five winners will be the focus of a prime time special airing the evening of Mother's Day, May 11. To enter, turn down your speakers if you're at work and go to http://americasfavoritemom.com/ Thanks to Publicity Hound Erin Portman for this one.


--Mildred Culp, who writes the WorkWise syndicated column, needs sources to discuss whether good music in the workplace actually improves morale and productivity. Email her at mailto:Workwise@Comcast.net


--Publicity Hound Jeanette Simpson is looking for sources for an ebook she's writing on how to go from being an intern to an employee. She needs tips from those who hire. "Tell me what you look for, as well as what you don't want in an intern or entry-level employee. Send me tips, problems, and do's and don'ts. Explain what keeps interns from being hired." If you're willing to complete her 10-question survey, email her at mailto:jsimpson@kidspaceinteriors.com


When you respond to media leads like these, start building relationships with these journalists, broadcasters and authors so the next time they need sources, you're one of the first ones they call. "Special Report #49: 17 Ways to Build Valuable Relationships with Media People" explains how. Only $10. Order at http://tinyurl.com/6uz9g


==================================================
5. How to Promote The Crapper Digest
==================================================

This week, eight Publicity Hounds have tips on how author Dave Kessler of Richmond, Indiana can promote his ebook, "The Crapper Digest." It's a collection of the humor, doggerel and vulgar verse that he's collected from restroom walls all over America for the last six decades.


From Shonika Proctor:

"Sign up for a Google alert at http://www.google.com/alerts to get notified of topics/keywords that are related to potty, toilet, poo poo or whatever. Whenever a website post, blog entry or article goes up with that related term, you will be notified in your email and can see where it posted. Then you can go to that site and either make a post/comment yourself that is related to that post and include a link to your book in your signature line, or you can contact the journalist and try to get featured in their publication."


From Kathy Lisson:
"This ebook seems like an excellent candidate for a Digg campaign. Share 'The 10 Funniest Notes Found on Bathroom Stalls,' and include information on how to buy the book on Amazon. Link to the post on Digg and related sites."


From Dan Janal:

"Send a copy to the writers at Leno and Letterman. They could eat this up, and then you'd have broad word of mouth publicity."


The Publicity Hound says:

This will take a lot of effort, but the payback could be huge. Find a way to shoot video of some of the best stalls. Incorporate the clips into one short video and post it to YouTube to pull tons of traffic to your website.

Learn more about how to make a fortune using videos even if you don't have a computer at http://tinyurl.com/y3b6wj

Read all the responses to this Help this Hound question at http://tinyurl.com/2jn6g9


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

Catherine Painter of Raleigh, North Carolina writes:

"My Bible study book, 'So, You're a Christian! Now What?' is a 12-week study for small groups in churches, or for individuals who will work through it alone.

"The book is in bookstores now and the publisher, Hensley Publishing, also sells them at their website.

"I sell books as well, dozens at the time, at book signings, especially when I'm invited to speak to religious groups.

"The book is targeted to new Christians who profess Christ as adults. However, many adults more mature in their faith, buy the book and actually recognize the quality and substance in the book more than the baby Christians do.

"Can your readers share ideas on what else I can do to promote the book? My website is at http://www.catherinepainterministries.com"


The Publicity Hound says:

Catherine, learn all you can about social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook. Millions of Christians, young and old, hang out on those two sites and are just waiting for somebody like you to ask, "Will you be my friend?"

Search online for articles on how to use those two sites. Or just about any kid can explain it to you. You can reach out to a very targeted niche audience fairly quickly. My friend, Don Crowther, created a wonderful 50-minute video and a special report that explains the power of doing what I've just explained, including how to use Squidoo. Turn down your speakers if you're at work, and watch it, then download the free report at http://www.stompernet.net/jvp/aw.aspx?B=25&A=332

Hounds with other ideas for Catherine can post them to my blog at http://tinyurl.com/35dmgw.


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

Thanks to Publicity Hound Don Miller of Mansfield, Ohio for these fun crossbreeds:

Collie + Lhasa Apso = Collapso, a dog that folds up for easy transport

Spitz + Chow Chow = Spitz-Chow, a dog that throws up a lot

Pointer + Setter = Poinsetter, a traditional Christmas pet

Great Pyrenees + Dachshund = Pyradachs, a puzzling breed

Pekingese + Lhasa Apso = Peekasso, an abstract dog

Irish Water Spaniel + English Springer = Spaniel Irish Springer, a dog fresh and clean as a whistle

Labrador Retriever + Curly Coated Retriever = Lab Coat Retriever, the choice of research scientists

(More next week)


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

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

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


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

PR types don't understand how consumers use media
http://tinyurl.com/35rrsy


Newseum, the news industry museum, to open April 11
http://tinyurl.com/2p87zv


Top 10 ways authors can make radio interviews pay
http://tinyurl.com/2uwt9l


Freelancers, journalists can connect on Reporterist.com
http://tinyurl.com/2r7typ


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

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

Publicity tips/The Power of Perfect Pitching Feb 5, 2008

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #384 Feb. 5, 2008
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com/
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 40,398


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

"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.


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

Spank the Hound on Super Tuesday:

While we're rooting for our favorite candidates to win tonight, I'll be blowing out 56 candles on the cake, then filling orders that will come pouring in from this year's birthday special.

Buy at least $100 worth of products, within the next 48 hours, and I'll knock off $56at the check-out counter. If you've been eyeing CDs, transcripts, special reports or my ebooks, take another look, and order before you forget.

This is a great time to buy the in-depth training programs "How to Create a Media Plan" and "How to Help Your Boss or Client with a Publicity Campaign" (for people new to PR and publicity). Both of these are on the CDs/Transcripts page, under the "In-depth training" category near the top.

You must first use this link which will take you to my website where you can order. The $56 coupon will be applied at the check-out counter: http://tinyurl.com/yoc9sy

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

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

1. The Power of Perfect Pitching

2. EzineArticles.com Rejects Articles

3. How Are You Dealing with the Economy?

4. A PR Crisis for PRWeek

5. Tips for Pre- and Post-natal Fitness Expert

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week

8. And at My Blog...


======================================
1. The Power of Perfect Pitching
======================================

When Publicity Hound Julie Lanuille called last week to thank me for the huge publicity hit she scored on Page 1 of Thursday's Wall Street Journal, and then explained how she got it, I pumped my fist into the air and screamed "Way to go!" in her ear.

First, the background:

Julie's mother, Suzanne Davenport, suffers from Parkinson's disease. In 2004, she entered a clinical trial through the University of California. Doctors surgically implanted an experimental drug into her brain, with the intent of improving her motor skills.

After the trial, her health went from bad to worse. She could no longer walk or sit upright. She needed a diaper. Her mouth hung open. Within eight months, she required constant monitoring. Her family eventually put her into a nursing home.

At issue was the UCLA consent form she signed before the surgery. It states that if patients are injured as a direct result of research procedures, they will be treated at no cost, but that they cannot collect additional compensation.

Last year, Julie and other family members decided to sue Titan and Berlex, the two pharmaceutical companies involved in the trials, and the UCLA Board of Regents. The legal process hit a brick wall.

That's when Julie decided to go to the media and pitch the story to the Wall Street Journal. She bought "Special Report#7: How to Write the Perfect Pitch Letter that Convinces an Editor to Write About You," and followed the step-by-step directions. She did her homework, learned that reporter Sarah Rubenstein covered health issues, wrote a succinct pitch, and piggybacked onto the controversy surrounding drug trials.

The result? Thursday's front-page article which totaled 58 column inches. You can read it at http://tinyurl.com/2twzk6.

After the reporter contacted the university and the drug companies for comment, the legal process moved forward and both sides are on the brink of resolving it.

Julie's success story touched my heart because my own mom was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at age 39 and died from it at age 74.

Her call was an early birthday gift of sorts--one of the best I've ever received.


Why not try to score a big media hit like Julie did to promote a cause or issue close to your own heart? Read more about how to do it in "Special Report #7: How to Write the Perfect Pitch Letter That Convinces an Editor to Write About You" at http://tinyurl.com/6uz9g


========================================
2. EzineArticles.com Rejects Articles
========================================

EzinerArticles.com, the granddaddy of the article directory sites, is cracking down on keyword abuse and rejecting thousands of articles by writers, many of whom are trying to beat the system.

Within the last month, the site rejected a whopping 2,416 articles.

Writers abuse keywords when they repeat them over and over again in the same article, hoping to trick the search engines and earn a high ranking.

Christopher Knight of EzineArticles.com gave this example of a paragraph that's stuffed with the keyword phrase "massage table."

"If you want to be a massage therapist, you'll have to buy a massage table. Massage tables come in many sizes, from big massage tables that are not portable to small massage tables that fold up for portability."

If keywords don't appear naturally in copy, they look, well, unnatural. And Google and the other search engines are smarter than we give them credit for. They spot that repetition within a split second and actually penalize the writer with a low ranking.

"I can't tell you specifically what our internal criteria is for when we'll reject an article for keyword and key phrase repetition vs. abuse because we need to be deliberately vague to prevent gaming of the system," he says.

Read his entire blog post, and the three tips he shares so you don't abuse keywords, at http://tinyurl.com/26jc5v

Then start writing articles and submitting them to his site.It's a fabulous way to flaunt your expertise and earn inbound links to your website or blog.

If you hate writing or you can't write, I've solved the problem for you. I've written a handy template for a how-to article.You can download it immediately when you buy the CD or electronic transcript called "How to Write How-to Articles."

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


=========================================
3. How Are You Dealing with the Economy?
=========================================

Stories about how people are coping with the uncertain economy are starting to pop up everywhere. Within the last several weeks, I've seen stories on:

--What restaurants are doing to offset the higher cost of food (perfect for food pages).

--How companies are dealing with skyrocketing premiums for employee health insurance (great for business journals--See "How to Use Business Journals to Tell Your Story" at http://tinyurl.com/q4rf7).

--Tips on how nonprofits can launch fund-raising campaigns when the economy is bad and still reach their goal (great for bloggers who write for nonprofits).

--Advice from mental health experts on how to cope with depression brought on by economic problems like bankruptcy and foreclosures.


If you're an expert who can pass along tips on how to cope, or your company or nonprofit has adopted a strategy that you hope will pull you through bad economic times, pitch away!

Write about it on your blog. Submit articles to article directory sites. Post your tips in the comments section at blogs that your target audience reads. Share your tips on social media sites like Squidoo. (More about Squidoo next week.)

Another great media outlet is National Public Radio. To find out which NPR program might be eager to book you as a guest, use the search box at the NPR website at http://www.npr.org/.
Listen to the program in the archives, and then pitch your idea. Learn how to navigate the NPR labyrinth and use pitching tips galore on the CD or electronic transcript "How to Get Booked on National Public Radio" at http://tinyurl.com/ayms6


=============================================
4. A PR Crisis for PRWeek
=============================================

On Friday, I blogged about a fascinating crisis involving PRWeek, a newspaper for the PR industry, and its email company, Adicio.com.

Thousands of subscribers to PRWeek found themselves the victims of an accidental s*pam attack that, in some cases, rendered the software programs on their computers ineffective. Online marketing expert BL Ochman, one of the victims, chronicled the ugly mess at Twitter.com, and at her own blog, then commented later on my post.

I'm calling your attention to it here because I'm challenging Publicity Hounds to explain how they would have dealt with it.You can read more about it my blog at http://tinyurl.com/2pcf7e

Crisis counselor Jonathan Bernstein says companies need to know how to handle ugly crises like this one BEFORE they happen. He explains what to say and when to say it after a disaster like this one. The CD "How to Keep the Media Wolves at Bay" is also available as an electronic transcript that you can read as soon as your order has been approved.

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


==================================================
5. Tips for a Pre- and Post-natal Fitness Expert ==================================================

This week, five Publicity Hounds have tips on how Sara Holliday of Poway, California, can capitalize on great media hits and turn them into paying customers at her website at http://www.fitbysara.com/.


From Heather Gallegos:

"A website redesign is needed to help focus the visitor on what you want them to do. You really want them to buy. But I had a hard time finding what you are selling. And I was looking for things to buy."


From Kim Bieler:

"I’ll be brutally honest about your store page: It doesn’t inspire confidence. Think about how you shop online--you want that feeling of trust that this is a legitimate business that sells things I want. Your store page starts with a bunch of scary-looking text. But what I want to see is gorgeous images of your products with persuasive marketing copy. What do you sell here? Why should I buy it?"


From Garth Gibson:

"Lots of celebs are getting pregnant these days, so you might want to put up a blog to design specific detailed programs for them.

"Word will get out that someone is designing a pre/post natal program for them and they might get curious to compare yours with what they are already doing. This also leads you into the possibility of tying your products to them like, 'Best Working Pre-Natal Health Program Female Stars Use To Look Good And Stay Healthy.'"


The Publicity Hound says:

Garth's idea of piggybacking onto celebrity pregnancies, if followed, should pull in lots of traffic from people who are searching online for info about a particular celebrity. See "Special Report #50: How to Piggyback onto Celebrity News to Promote Your Product, Service, Cause or Issue" at http://tinyurl.com/6uz9g

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


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

Dave Kessler of Richmond, Indiana writes:

"For the last 50 years, I've sold everything from airplanes to caskets. But I've got a challenge now that is proving more difficult.

"One of my ebooks published by Amazon.com is The Crapper Digest #1. It's available for 49 cents, and readers can download it for their lifetime use. It's a collection of the humor, doggerel and vulgar verse that I've collected from restroom walls all over America for the last six decades.

"Astute wall readers have sent some of the best they've found, and examples are included that date from 1896 to current days. An old school teacher, undertaker, truck drivers and college students have joined the fun sending me their finds which are included.

"What can I do to let the world know about this soon-to-be-coveted treasure of multi-generational pop art?"


The Publicity Hound says:

Start by going to the "Authors & Publishers" section of my blog at http://tinyurl.com/2xelpd and spend some time looking through the many posts that have great suggestions on how to market books. This should keep you busy for days.

Here's another idea. Write reviews of similar books at Amazon.com--a great way to call attention to your own book because you are able to mention it and link to it. (See "How to Turn Amazon into a River of Gold" at http://tinyurl.com/7u76e).


Now let's see what my Hounds have to say. Hounds with suggestions for Dave can post them to my blog at http://tinyurl.com/2jn6g9.


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

"Cats are smarter than dogs. You can't get eight cats to pull a sled through snow."

--Jeff Valdez


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...
================================

Why I hate Amazon, B&N best-seller campaigns
http://tinyurl.com/yowdne


How should PRWeek, Adicio respond to this PR crisis?
http://tinyurl.com/2pcf7e


'Pink products' media event helps you meet journalists
http://tinyurl.com/2ho7j6


Why social media? Kids advise parents on purchases
http://tinyurl.com/28a9th


New mom asks: 'Where do we put the baby?'
http://tinyurl.com/34w4gg


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

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

Publicity tips/The Social Media Myth Jan 15, 2008

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #381 Jan. 15, 2008
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com/
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 39,213

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

"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.

********************************************
Save the Dates:

Jan. 15 -- Publicity Hounds, this is your chance to learn about social media marketing and submit questions to one of the foremost experts. Join Don Crowther and me for a free one-hour telephone seminar on "Social Media Marketing: PR on Steroids" at4 p.m. Eastern Time today. See Item #1 below.

Jan. 16 -- Join Daniel Hall and me for a free one-hour telephone seminar from 3 to 4 p.m. Eastern Time. "Speakers Cruise Free:Trade Your Talents for Free Luxury Cruises" will explain how to turn your hobby or expertise into a cool presentation you can offer to cruise ship lines that are looking for experts to entertain and educate their passengers. Register at http://www.speakerscruisefree.com/hound See Item #3 below.

Jan. 17 -- Last day to register for the second annual smARTist Telesummit 2008, an art career conference that will teach artists how to turn their art passion into a successful business. I'm one of the presenters. Details and registration at http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/aftrack.asp?afid=642363

Jan. 17 -- Authors, listen to a free one-hour teleseminar as Steve Harrison interviews Matthew Bennett on how the self- published author sold 5 million books to one company--and how you can too. Stop selling them piecemeal and start selling them by the truckload. Register at http://www.freepublicity.com/mattbennett/?10011

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

1. The Social Media Myth

2. A 4-Word Mention in Family Circle

3. Speak on Cruise Ships

4. Wanted: Videos of Women Authors

5. Promoting Fitness for Boomers

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week

8. And at My Blog...

======================================
1. The Social Media Myth
======================================

I signed up for the social media coaching being offer by the guys at StomperNet, and I can hardly wait for the first teleseminar on Monday.

Many of you have emailed me to rave about the 50-minute video and the special report they're offering to whet your appetite and give you a taste of what we'll be learning. If you missed it, you can catch it here: http://www.stompernet.net/jvp/aw.aspx?B=25&A=332

Several of you, however, are still buying into the social media myth that sites like MySpace, Facebook and YouTube are only for kids with tattoos and tongue rings.

Wrong.

A Sept. 12 article in the New York Times explains that a new wave of capital is pouring into social media sites that target Boomers and offer news, commentary, photo-sharing and discussion forums on subjects like dating, fitness and health care. Most of the 78 million Baby Boomers (roughly three times the number of teen- agers), are Internet users with computer skills.

Sites like Eons, Rezoom, Multiply, Maya's Mom, Boomj and Boomertown are attracting a graying audience that has lots of disposable income. I'll bet many of these people have stopped subscribing to newspapers and even some magazines--the same publications you're targeting in your publicity campaign.

Unlike younger people who jump from one trendy site to the next, graying Internet users might be more likely to linger in one spot online--a potentially profitable characteristic that's catching the attention of investors.

Don Crowther of StomperNet, who created the video I'm recommending, knows more about social media marketing than anybody I know. I twisted his arm late yesterday and he agreed to do a free teleseminar with me from 4 to 5 p.m. Eastern Time today.

I know it's short notice, but if you can possibly join us, we'd love to have you. He'll talk about how to use social media sites to earn top great search engine rankings and pull tons of traffic to your website.

You can even post your question on the sign-up form here: http://instantTeleseminar.com/?eventid=1628391 .

========================================
2. A 4-Word Mention in Family Circle
========================================

This is for all you Hounds who are determined to get a cover story or another big feature in a national magazine.

Sometimes all it takes is just a four-word mention about your business to generate a rush of traffic to your website.

That's what I got--just four little words--in the January issue of Family Circle magazine. I wrote about it at my blog and suggested five more ways I can piggyback off this minuscule mention. You can read it here: http://tinyurl.com/23pdae

Many of the tips I suggested there are among the hundreds I shared when I hosted the teleseminar series "How to Create a Media Plan" back in October. We recorded it and it's available as CDs, MP3s or electronic transcripts. Read more about the stellar line-up of experts and what they shared at http://www.PublicityHound.com/mediaplan.htm


=========================================
3. Speak on Cruise Ships
=========================================

It was Fourth of July week and stage hypnotist Victor Maranto would leave in just four days on a nine-day vacation cruise.

Armed with a step-by-step list of instructions on how to get booked as a speaker on the cruise, he called the woman who works with speakers and ended up in her voicemail.

"I started singing to her on her voicemail," he said. "I kept chanting her name. Then I laughed and hung up. Fifteen minutes later, she calls back and says, 'What can I do for you?"'

He had no presentation planned but pitched seven ideas for programs. She told him he wouldn't be able to hypnotize any of the passengers but that she wanted to hire him to present on the last day. They settled on a program called "Take Action Now: How to Unlock Your Mind's Hidden Power."

It all happened so quickly that Victor actually had to create the presentation on-board. He used a friend's Power Point slides and substituted his own bullet points.

He had postcards about the presentation printed and took them with him. But he wouldn't know until he boarded the ship exactly when he would speak, so he left the time and date blank. Once he knew that information, he filled it in, then recruited his kids to distribute the postcards to passengers.

The day of the presentation, Victor taught one woman how to overcome her fear of crossing bridges. He instructed other passengers on how to muster enough confidence to perform Karaoke.He even videotaped the presentation and now has a video that he can show other cruise ships that need speakers.

Victor followed Daniel Hall's instructions to the letter because Daniel is the expert on how to cruise for free in exchange for presenting a program. You can too. Join us for a one-hour teleseminar from 3 to 4 p.m. Eastern Time tomorrow, January 16, called "Speakers Cruise Free: Trade Your Talents for Free Luxury Cruises." You don't even have to be a professional speaker.

If you have a hobby you're passionate about, you can turn it into a free vacation. Register for the teleseminar at http://www.speakerscruisefree.com/hound


=========================================
4. Wanted: Videos of Women Authors
=========================================

Starting Jan. 28, the Women for Hire website at http://www.womenforhire.com/ will feature a video interview with a nonfiction woman author on a topic of interest to women.

Topics can include workplace, lifestyle, health, etc. The video will appear on the homepage. They will feature an excerpt from the book as well as a link to Amazon.

They will shoot the video for authors in New York City, and the shoot will take no more than a half-hour. For authors outside Manhattan, they'll provide straightforward instructions on how to shoot your own video and submit it.

Send the title, a short synopsis, brief author bio, why women would buy your book, the target audience, publication date, and confirmation that the author is willing to do a video to Rachel Chase, Women for Hire. Mailto:Rachel@WomenforHire.com.

The WomenForHire.com website has 250,000 unique visitors each month as well as 300,000 professional women who subscribe to their newsletters. They are looking for authors who will provide valuable inspiration, information or advice.

If you want to shoot your own video, learn about the best equipment to buy, and video tips and tricks. See http://tinyurl.com/y3b6wj


============================================
5. Promoting Fitness for Boomers
============================================

This week, four Publicity Hounds have tips for Darcy Silvers of Bristol, Pennsylvania on how a friend near Philadelphia can promote a fitness business for Boomers. It focuses on aerobics and weight training.


From Gail Sideman:

"IHRSA (International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association), ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine), Club Fitness Industry and dozens of other organizations release statistics and case studies about fitness training for Boomers, which make up the industry’s fastest growing demographic. Use those stats and facts, along with clients’ success stories, to help pitch angles whether they’re for traditional or social media outlets."


From Garth Gibson:
"Develop an exercise program for the presidential candidates that helps them keep fit during their campaign. Then let the press know about it."


From Becky Williamson:

"Darcy's friend should offer to give talks in his areas of expertise to local Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs and Kiwanis Clubs.Folks in his target market will be in these groups. These groups normally don't pay for speakers, but by giving public talks he'll begin carving his niche as a local expert. In addition, he may be able to collect email addresses."


The Publicity Hound says:

Post fitness tips to the Philadelphia Craigslist. I'll bet more people read Craigslist than the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Read all the responses to this Help This Hound question at http://tinyurl.com/3dxdoe


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

Gail Sideman of Milwaukee, Wisconsin writes:

"I'm what the business calls a veteran publicist and media relations professional who has landed quality hits, and believes she does a good job in explaining how a PR or publicity campaign works to those who have never been involved in one.

"I outline the fact that an online newsroom is necessary and why, and that a foundation and reputation must be built before reporters have enough trust to include or feature the client in a big story. I also explain the differences between public relations and advertising.

"Despite all of this and making sure potential clients know what they’re getting into before they sign on the dotted line, I have found that some people, two or three months into the effort, maybe while we're still trying to build a quality online press room, question why I have not been able to score that 'big story' for them.

"How do other media relations professionals deal with complaining clients after they’ve already explained the industry to them and they’re working diligently to do things in step?"


The Publicity Hound says:

I've experienced this same problem, and it will be interesting to hear how other publicists deal with it. Hounds with helpful tips for Gail can post them to my blog at http://tinyurl.com/3yprya
If you know how to handle impatient clients, but you have too few clients, I know of two dozen ways to bring more business through the door. Marcia Yudkin brainstormed the ideas with me, and we presented them during a teleseminar called "24 Ways to Attract Clients to Your PR Practice." It's available as a CD or electronic transcript that you can download a few minutes after your order has been approved.

Read more about what you'll learn about attracting PR clients at http://tinyurl.com/8txj8


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

Thanks to the dozens of Publicity Hounds who have sent me this one.

If we were only taught by dogs, we would learn stuff like:

--When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

--Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

--Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

--When it's in your best interest -- practice obedience.

--Let others know when they've invaded your territory.

--Take naps and stretch before rising.

--Run, romp and play daily.

--Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

--Avoid biting, when a simple growl will do.

--On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

--On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

--When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

--No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout...run right back
and make friends.

--Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

--Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you've had enough.

--Be loyal.

--Never pretend to be something you're not.

--If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

--When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.


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...
================================

Whole Foods magazine will feature only its own products
http://tinyurl.com/37k4mb


Family Circle blurb leads to huge traffic spike
http://tinyurl.com/23pdae

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

Where to See or Hear The Publicity Hound:


January 15: "Social Media: PR on Steroids"

Join Don Crowther and me for a free one-hour telephone seminar from 4 to 5 p.m. Eastern Time on how to use social media sites like MySpace, Facebook and YouTube in your publicity campaign.Don't miss this one. Sign up at http://instantteleseminar.com/?eventid=1628391


January 16: "Speakers Cruise Free"

Join Daniel Hall and me for a free one-hour telephone seminar from 3 to 4 p.m. Eastern Time called "Speakers Cruise Free: Trade Your Talents for Free Luxury Cruises." He will explain how to turn your hobby or expertise into a cool presentation you can offer to cruise ship lines that are looking for experts to entertain and educate their passengers. You don't even have to be a professional speaker. If you teach arts and crafts, play bridge, or offer classes on how to use a computer, for example, you could be just the person they're looking for. Sign up for the teleseminar only if you want to participate live and be able to ask questions. If you can't make the call, I'll include the link in this newsletter so you can listen to it later. Sign up for the live call here: http://www.speakerscruisefree.com/hound


January 21: 2008 smARTist Telesummit

I will teach artists "The New Rules of Press Releases: How to Write Them for Art Buyers and Collectors, Not Only for Journalists" from 1 to 1:45 p.m. Eastern Time. Register for the entire telesummit at http://tinyurl.com/3x35vr


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/Those Annoying Follow-up Calls Nov. 27, 2007

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #374 Nov. 27, 2007
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com/
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 36,108

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

"Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity"

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

Need help with publicity?
See the resources list at
http://www.publicityhound.com/resources.htm


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

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.

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

Save the Dates:

December 3:
Learn "How To Write and Publish a Book, Quicker and Easier Than You Ever Imagined" during a free 90-minute teleseminar at 9 PM Eastern Time on Monday, December 3. Authors, don't miss this one. Sign up at http://tinyurl.com/3ck3xv and see Item #2 below.


January 8:
Artists, learn how to sell more artwork without wasting tons of time on dry business stuff and the wrong marketing strategies. Join Ariane Goodwin for a one-hour teleseminar at 7 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, Jan. 8. Three experts will give away their best marketing advice on how to succeed without sacrificing your artistic voice or wasting tons of time on dry business stuff. It's a preview to her 2008 smARTist telesummit on artist marketing. Sign up at http://tinyurl.com/3x35vr and see Item #4 below.

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

1. Those Annoying Follow-up Calls

2. A Publishing Disaster? Hardly

3. How to Get Onto TV Talk Shows

4. How to be a Star in a YouTube World

5. Promoting a Charitable Giving Campaign

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week

8. And at My Blog...


======================================
1. Those Annoying Follow-up Calls
======================================

Before you make your next call to a journalist to follow up on something you sent, read the article at http://tinyurl.com/343etg

It was written by Washington Post humor columnist Gene Weingarten, and it's a perfect example of what it's like to be on the receiving end of those annoying follow-up calls from PR people.

I know. I took calls like that during my 22 years in the newspaper industry, and they drove me crazy.

Here are some quick tips for following up:

--Journalists say they hate follow-up calls. Truth is, they hate follow-up calls like the ones Gene Weingarten writes about. If you follow up to offer an additional piece of information only for that journalist, or to suggest an idea for a photo to accompany your earlier story pitch, the journalist might welcome your call.

--Never, ever follow up to ask journalists if they received your press release and if they know when it will be printed. They won't drop what they're doing to talk to you, and they'll quickly brand you as a pest. (Why do PR firms keep doing this?)

--You may have to follow up as many as seven times, using a combination of phone and email, before you hear back. If, after seven follow-ups, you hear nothing, stop calling and emailing.

--If you follow up and hear nothing, never assume the journalist isn't interested. Sometimes, a reporter will print your email message, toss it into an "ideas" folder, then return to it two years later on a slow news day.

Author Jill Lublin interviewed journalists for their best suggestions on following up, and she discussed them during a teleseminar I conducted with her called "Failproof Ways to Follow Up." 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/bmyn7

Thanks to Publicity Hound Meredith Hamilton of Expert Communications in Clearwater, Florida, for letting us know about the Washington Post article.


========================================
2. A Publishing Disaster? Hardly
========================================

C. Ben Bosah, the Ohio man whose publishing fiasco was described in the Wall Street Journal and in this newsletter last week, takes exception of my characterization of his publishing mis-steps as a "disaster."

Publishing his wife's book "Letters to My Sisters: Plain Truths and Straightforward Advice from a Gynecologist," he says, "has been one of my most rewarding ventures in my life and I enjoyed it so thoroughly I am going to do other books next year."

Behm says he has discovered new outlets not traditionally targeted by booksellers, either at the retail or the wholesale level.

"I have forged new relationships and built a network that will be invaluable for my future efforts in publishing," he said. "The book has changed many lives. If your view of success, or lack of, is based on monetary terms, I have completely recouped my initial investment and am presently enjoying 'the long tail, just as muchas I enjoy oxtail.'

"A more apt title for your story may have been A (bumbling) Publisher Finds Success with Debut Book."

The publicity he received in the Wall Street Journal for this book may have been even better than any book review. He got it because he was willing to do something many of us are afraid to do. That is, discuss our mistakes and what we've learned from them.

If you're thinking of writing a book, don't fall into the traps above. And don't do what most authors do: spend two or more years writing the book. Join me for a complimentary 90-minute teleseminar at 9 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, December 3.

My special guest is Adam Witty, who will explain "How To Write and Publish a Book, Quicker and Easier Than You Ever Imagined." More than 500 Publicity Hounds listened in several weeks ago when Adam and Tom Antion delivered a content-rich teleseminar on how to sell books online. I was inundated with emails from happy Hounds who loved their tips. And this call will be equally valuable. Register for this complimentary teleseminar at http://tinyurl.com/3ck3xv


=========================================
3. How to Get onto TV Talk Shows
=========================================

Want to be on national TV?

Get yourself a copy of Steve Harrison's directory/database of top shows. His "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.

In February, Steve will be releasing a brand-new, 100 percent updated edition of his directory/database. To celebrate, through Friday, November 30 at 6 p.m. Eastern Time, he's offering the March 2007 directory to be shipped now, and then will ship you the newest edition as soon as it's published. Go here now to grab your copy:
http://tinyurl.com/kfrzv


=========================================
4. How to be a Star in a YouTube World
=========================================

Attention all you struggling artists, or anybody else looking for an inexpensive, easy way to expand your business.

Today's Wall Street Journal includes an article on creative ways businesses are using video to market their products and services.

Valentina Trevino, for example, a 29-year-old Chicago artist and film-maker, regularly posts videos on YouTube, showing how she created a painting. At the end of her clips, she includes a link to eBay where viewers can buy the featured piece.

So far, as a result of her YouTube videos, she has sold 49 paintings from $500 to $1,000 each.

Video has proven to be a successful marketing tool for two reasons. First, it costs nothing to post to a video-sharing site. Second, it's a creative, personal touch that seldom shows up in traditional ads.

If you want to start using video in your business and you're unsure of how to start, check out the two-CD set "How to Make a Fortune Using Video...Even if You Don't Have a Computer" at http://tinyurl.com/y3b6wj

If you're a starving artist who needs to sell more paintings or artwork, join me for Arianne Goodwin's smARTist telesummit, a series of teleseminars that will show you how become recognized, exhibited, and paid what you're worth. I'm one of the guest presenters. This year's January telesummit attracted artists from eight countries and was so successful that Ariane is presenting it again next year.

You can get a sneak peek during a free one-hour call at 7 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, Jan. 8. Three experts will give awaytheir best marketing advice on how to succeed without sacrificing your artistic voice or wasting tons of time on dry business stuff and the wrong marketing strategies.

Sign up at http://tinyurl.com/3x35vr


============================================
5. Promoting a Charitable Giving Campaign
============================================

This week, five Publicity Hounds have ideas for Harry Hoover of Charlotte, North Carolina. He wants tips on how to promote his "Holiday for Charity" promotion that encourages people to ask for charitable donations in their name in lieu of gifts.


From Stephanie Chandler:

"I recently learned about http://goodsearch.com/, a search engine that donates 50 percent of its revenues to charities and schools. The engine is powered by Yahoo and revenues are derived from advertisers. Perhaps they would be interested in forming a strategic alliance with you?"


From Janet Huey:

"If you’ve been able to track some of the charities that have benefited from your efforts in the past, tie in with their publicity to expand even more."


From The Publicity Hound:

"I wonder what the etiquette consultants have to say about this. Why not Google them, and then email them, tell them what you’re doing, and suggest they use that as fodder for their blogs, newspaper columns, newsletters or whatever."


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


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

Walt Shiel of Lake Linden, Michigan writes:

"Our publishing company has just started working with a local nonprofit foundation that operates an outstanding nature park with miles of beautiful trails and three miles of waterfront land--all of which will soon be connected to the local university's cross-country ski trails. We are casting about for ideas to publicize and promote this free, local resource. Besides providing an excellent recreational outlet for local citizens, we want to come up with some ideas that would feed into the area's broader tourism goals.

"We are in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and tourism and outdoor recreation are our meat and potatoes. We are considering some events to spark media interest beyond just our local print and broadcast media. Also, a website with maps, information, nature guides, and maybe a web cam.

"We just began brainstorming this, and any and all suggestions will be appreciated."


The Publicity Hound says:

It sounds like a winter wonderland, Walt, and I'm betting my Hounds will have some creative ideas for promotion. OK, Hounds, let's help send lots of skiers and other nature lovers to the U.P. If you have an idea, post it at my blog at http://tinyurl.com/2nqmxs


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

Thanks to Publicity Hound Carol Johnson of Schaumburg, Illinois for this one:


A lawyer's dog, running unleashed, ran into the butcher shop and stole a roast. The butcher went to the lawyer's office and asked, "If a dog running unleashed steals a piece of meat from my store, do I have a right to demand payment for the meat from the dog's owner?"

"Absolutely," the lawyer says.

"Then you owe me $8.50. Your dog was loose and stole a roast from me today."

The lawyer, without a word, writes the butcher a check for $8.50.

The next day the butcher opens the mail and finds an envelope from the lawyer: $200 due for a consultations.


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...
=================================

Fiskars word-of-mouth campaign a success
http://tinyurl.com/3xn9r7


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

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/Golden Black Friday Nov. 20, 2007

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #373 Nov. 20, 2007
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)

The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 35,972

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

"Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity"

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


Need help with publicity?
See the resources list at
http://www.publicityhound.com/resources.htm


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

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.


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

Save the Date:

Learn "How To Write and Publish a Book, Quicker and Easier Than You Ever Imagined" during a free 90-minute teleseminar at 9 PM Eastern Time on Monday, December 3. Authors, don't miss this one. See Item #2 below.


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

1. Golden Black Friday

2. Another Publishing Disaster

3. Create a Cyberbullying PSA

4. Media Lead

5. Promoting a WEbsite for Young Designers

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week

8. And at My Blog...


======================================
1. Golden Black Friday
======================================

They call it Black Friday, and for good reason.

It's the day after Thanksgiving, aptly named as the day when retailers shift into profitability or move "into the black."

For Publicity Hounds, Black Friday can be like gold. First, the media are often working with skeleton staffs. Second, PR peopleand even some publicists, believe it or not, take the day off.

That means less competition for your pitches.

Here are some story ideas to consider:

--With credit card debt at an all-time high, experts can share tips on how to be a smart shopper this holiday season and stay within our means.

--Thieves will be preying on consumers who do much of their Christmas shopping online. If you’re an expert in Internet marketing, offer tips on how people who buy and sell online can avoid becoming victims.

--It's bad enough shopping by yourself. But if you have to haul your kids, it's even worse. How do parents say "no" to children who want everything they see?

--Don't forget bloggers. Many of them don't take time off during the holidays, and they're hungry for content.

--It's worth a call to your local newspaper to see which holiday gift guides they're planning during the next four weeks. Ask for the name of the person who is editing each section, then let them know about your products and services that would make terrific gifts.

--If you've already pitched TV and radio shows where you want to appear as a guest, contact them again and offer to fill in if another guest cancels.

--If you sell anything for children and it's made in the U.S., tie your story to the many recalls of toys made in China.

This time of year, the media particularly love tips lists like "6 ways to stay safe in mall parking lots." You can submit these simultaneously to multiple media outlets. Increase your chances for publicity by writing and submitting them correctly. I explain how on "Briefs, Fillers & Quizzes: How to Submit Them & Why Editors LOVE Them."

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/d74h7


========================================
2. Another Publishing Disaster
========================================

I frequently discuss the many authors who can't park in their garages because of the towering boxes of books they can't unload.

Think I'm exaggerating?

Publicity Hound Paul Furiga tipped me off to a Wall Street Journal article about C. Ben Bosah, an environmental engineer from Ohio who was convinced that a non-fiction book about women's health, written by his wife, a gynecologist, would be a best-seller.

Unfamiliar with the publishing world, the couple self-published the book and did almost everything wrong:

--They failed to line up a distributor before publication.

--They chose a title for the book that limited potential readership. Many readers associated "Letters to My Sisters: Plain Truths and Straight forward Advice from a Gynecologist" solely with black women.

--They neglected to send galleys of the book several months before publication to the key magazines that do early reviews.

--The book was unavailable at local bookstores when the Columbus Dispatch reviewed it on Oct. 19 last year. People wanting to read the book had to borrow it from local libraries.

--The couple refused to go with a print-on-demand company and instead ordered 15,398 books. Today, 4½ pallets of books clutter the three-car garage at the Bosahs' home.

You can read the rest of the story at http://tinyurl.com/ynjgxa but do it today. The Wall Street Journal might remove the article from its website.

If you're thinking of writing a book, don't fall into the traps above. Join me for a complimentary 90-minute teleseminar at 9 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, December 3.

My special guest is Adam Wittey, who will explain "How To Write and Publish a Book, Quicker and Easier Than You Ever Imagined." More than 500 Publicity Hounds listened in several weeks ago when Adam and Tom Antion delivered a content-rich teleseminar on how to sell books online. I was inundated with emails from happy Hounds who loved their tips. And this call will be equally valuable. Save the date. I'll give details on how to sign up in next week's newsletter.

In the meantime, authors who want to park in their garages can learn "How to Revive a Dying Book Marketing Campaign." Book publicist Lissa Warren has a bag of tricks designed to boost sales for even the most lethargic titles. They work for her and they can work for you too.

Continue reading more about what you'll learn from this CD or electronic transcript at http://tinyurl.com/67bhu


=========================================
3. Create a Cyberbullying PSA
=========================================

Here's a great project for videographers, schools, nonprofits or other groups.

Help end cyberbullying by creating a public service announcement on the issue. Sony Creative Software, the National Crime Prevention Council and the Ad Council want entries from independent producers and schools (K-12). The top submissions may be eligible for national broadcast, and their producer or sponsoring school will receive a complete multimedia editing suite valued at over $18,000.

All entries must be received by January 11, 2008 to be eligible.

Read more about it at http://tinyurl.com/274lu5

Unsure of how to create video? This two-CD set on how to produce videos tells you everything you need to know and more. It includes hundreds of tips on how to get broadcast quality productions on the tightest budget possible, even if you don't have a computer.

Read more about what you'll learn about creating video at http://tinyurl.com/y3b6wj


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4. Media Lead
=========================================

Leah Ingram’s blog, The Lean Green Family (formerly Suddenly Frugal), will soon be syndicated nationally through a third-party syndicator whose clients include the Associated Press, The New York Times, CNN, LexisNexis and other major media outlets. She is looking to the PR community to keep a steady stream of "lean and green" story ideas coming her way for inclusion in future blog postings.

When syndicated, they will link to other relevant news on the topic including stock tickers of companies in related industries. The heart of her blog is about how going green can save you green, but she'll write about tangential topics as well, including reusable shopping bags and green limos that the stars hire to take them to Hollywood events. She’d also like to cover affordable, green products (beauty, household, cleaning, fashion, home furnishings, etc.).

Please add her to your media list. Snail-mail samples to 77 Old Mill Rd., New Hope, PA 18938. Read previous postings from her blog at http://suddenlyfrugal.blogspot.com Emailed information is fine to start with. Please use mailto:leah.ingram@comcast.net and put "Lean Green Family Blog" in the subject line.

The Publicity Hound says: If you're pitching Leah, please stick to the topic. If you don't know how to pitch succinctly, with a killer message, Raleigh Pinskey will show you "How to Create the Perfect 30-Second Pitch." You'll see lots of examples of how Raleigh turned long, rambling pitches into 5- or 10-second attention-getters.

Her tips apply mostly to phone pitching, but you can use the same techniques when pitching via email. 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/6xghx


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5. Promoting a Website for Young Designers
==========================================

This week, 12 Publicity Hounds have tips on how Rebecca Witek of Buffalo Grove, Illinois can promote her website for young designers at http://www.youngdesignersguide.com


From Shonika Proctor:

"Spend some time on student design related forums and social networking sites like LinkedIn or Facebook."


From Shel Horowitz:

"A great service would be a portfolio section where young designers could post their best pieces and contact information.You could either charge for this or make it free, sort by type of project, and eventually become the destination site for people looking to hire young graphic artists. This should be worthy of significant press, especially in trade journals and student/alumni magazines."


From Meryl K. Evans:

"Hold a graphics design contest or something creative and email or post the info on sites, communities, and blogs like Digital-web.com, Web-graphics.com, Smashingmagazine.com, LissaExplains.com (targets kids--but they may not be far from college) and SitePoint.com. Perhaps you can find a sponsor for a cool prize."


The Publicity Hound says:

Start posting your articles at article directory sites where the search engines can find them. Use my handy template on how to write a how-to article. It comes with the CD or electronic transcript "How to Write How-to Articles for Newspapers, Magazines & Trade Journals." You can learn more about what it includes at http://tinyurl.com/dnxhb

Read all the responses for this week's Help This Hound question at http://tinyurl.com/353xdy


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

Harry Hoover of Charlotte, North Carolina writes:

"Since 2002, I have promoted a project each holiday season called Holiday For Charity. It encourages people to ask for charitable donations in their name in lieu of gifts. I’ve gotten solid local coverage of this program, but I’d like to take it up a notch. I’m hoping your readers can provide ideas to augment my plan.

"Here are my ideas:

--Local media relations with key media like Charlotte Observer, Business Journal, etc.

--PRWeb news release at http://tinyurl.com/2dzaz8

--Story in my ezine

--Continuing coverage on my blog

--Post an article on social media sites

"Thanks in advance for any assistance."


The Publicity Hound says:

What a nice gesture, Harry. Hounds who want to help make this the best year yet for donations can post ideas to my blog at http://tinyurl.com/ypmezl

Harry, how about contacting influential bloggers who write about the nonprofit sector? Or those who blog for specific charities? Let them know what you're doing and suggest they ask their readers to participate in your campaign and donate to that specific cause.

See "How to Pitch the Best Bloggers & Create a Publicity Explosion" at http://tinyurl.com/m7ymr


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

Cats are smarter than dogs. You can't get eight cats to pull a sled through snow.


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

Oprah crisis: Topic of my first blog for Huffington Post
http://tinyurl.com/27yrjd


How to publicize a solo law practice
http://tinyurl.com/yrpwks


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/


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

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/Get Your Product into Target Oct 30, 2007

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #370 Oct. 30, 2007
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com/
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 37,734


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

"Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity"

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

Need help with publicity?
See the resources list at
http://www.publicityhound.com/resources.htm

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

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.

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

2 Deadlines on Wednesday, October 31:

--Wednesday, Oct. 31, is the deadline for the double-dip discount offered by Expertclick, the Online Yearbook of Experts that not only gets you into their experts database, but lets you post up to 52 press releases a year with no per-release charges. You get both their $100 Early Discount and a $100 Publicity Hound Discount when you join at http://tinyurl.com/253za3. Unlike most of the freebie press release distribution services, they have a customer service support line at 202-333-5000. You can call that number from 9 to 5 Eastern if you have questions about what your membership includes. I've been a member for several years. You can see my pressroom page and news releases at http://www.expertclick.com/19-2429

--Steve Harrison is accepting applications until 6 p.m. Eastern Time Wednesday, Oct. 31, for his Quantum Leap Marketing Coaching Program for authors, speakers and experts. Apply at http://www.YourQuantumLeap.com/apply/?10011 See Item #4 below.

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

1. Get Your Product into Target

2. Tweak Your Pitch

3. Confusing Social Networking

4. When Writing a Book is a Bad Idea

5. Promoting a Dental Drill

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week

8. And at My Blog...

======================================
1. Get Your Product into Target
======================================

If you sell a book or other product that's a good fit with customers who shop at Target, you have a lot of work to do.

For starters, you should be pitching a story to the Minneapolis Star Tribune that ties into what you're selling. That's because most buyers for Target live in Minneapolis, where the chain is headquartered, and most of them read the local daily newspaper.

Let's say the Star Tribune prints a story. The long, arduous job of winning coveted shelf space in Target is just beginning and could take a year or more.

It will require a formal presentation to a buyer. At that meeting, you must provide details for your advertising and publicity campaigns, as well as your plans for marketing, merchandising, in-store demos, point-of-sale displays, giveaways, promotion with credit cards, special events and more.

Unless you're a huge household name, Target is unlikely to include you in their circulars or advertising, so you will have to help sell your products at Target through your own efforts and use every trick up your Publicity Hound sleeve.

Margie Zable Fisher, president of Zable Fisher Public Relations in Boca Raton, Florida, may well be one of the foremost experts on getting your books and other products into Target stores.

When a potential client asked Margie for help getting her products into Target, Margie could barely find any information. She spent hours researching the topic and talked to current and former Target buyers, manufacturers and distributors, licensing companies, sales rep companies and more. Most of them asked her to use the information anonymously.

The result of her research is the special report "Skyrocket Your Sales by Getting Your Product in Target." It shows you, step-by-step, how to do it, even if you're a small business.

I love Target, and I found the report fascinating. The next time I shop there, I'll be looking at the merchandise a whole new way. She even teaches you how to search the shelves for valuable clues about the kinds of products Target loves.

Even Guy Kawasaki, Entrepreneur magazine's "Wise Guy" columnist, endorses the report.

It's only $49, a real deal considering that the initial order for Target stores is often 9,000 products or more. Click here to continue reading more about what you'll learn: http://www.profcs.com/app/?Clk=2137388

What? You say you'd rather sell to Wal-Mart? Click anyway and you'll get 7 tips on how to do just that.

By the way, if Target, Wal-Mart or any of the other big box stores accepts your product, that's a terrific story for your trade journals and business publications.

========================================
2. Tweak Your Pitch
========================================

When you pitch a story to a magazine editor and the editor declines, sometimes all it takes is a little tweaking to change the editor's mind.

That's what happened when Tina Lancy emailed the editor of Go, Airtran's inflight magazine, last November. She pitched a story about College Assistance Plus, the Rochester, New York-based consulting firm she works for that helps high school students find the right college at the right price.

He liked the story idea but said it wasn't a good fit with his audience because Rochester isn't on Airtran's route.

"I told him this isn't a Rochester story," she said. "This is a story that affects business travelers who have college-age kids and families everywhere because high school students everywhere are looking for colleges. I also told him we are selling franchises in many cities the airline serves."

The franchise angle caught his attention. In March this year, Go featured a story and photos about College Assistance Plus that took up three and a half pages. The feature generated a whopping 40 applications for franchises.

"Not everyone who applied bought," Tina said. "But our company is still working off those leads."

Tina didn't stop there. When she pitched the editor of Entrepreneur magazine, she included in her pitch information about the story in Go, a non-competing magazine. Mentioning other major hits in non-competing media often works in your favor and lets journalists know you're already media-savvy.

Entrepreneur wrote a short story about Tina's company in the November issue, which has been on newsstands for about a week. That story already has generated nine more applications for franchises.

Tina, by the way, considers herself a publicity puppy. She has no formal training in PR and is self-taught. If she can do it, so can you.

If you're targeting inflight magazines like she did, but you're working off an old media list, you might be pitching editors who are long gone. "Special Report #29: Fly High with Publicity in the Inflight Magazines" offers updated contact information and lots of pitching tips for 42 inflight magazines. Only $37. Order at http://tinyurl.com/6uz9g

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3. Confusing Social Networking
=========================================

I don't know about you. But when I read about all the opportunities to do social networking, I feel like a rat in a maze.

It's all I can do to keep up with the emails and invitations from my MySpace and LinkedIn friends.

Then there's Twitter. Gather. SmugMug. Wetpaint. StyleHive. ShoutWire. Furl. MeetUp. Frappr. Flickr. 43 Things. Ma.gnolia. WikiHow. Del.icio.us. Reddit. And Ning.

Some of them look like typos. Others I don't know how to pronounce. My eyes glaze over just reading the list.

Do yours?

If so, don't miss my teleseminar series on "How to Create a Media Plan for 2008" which starts today. It includes a presentation on Wednesday by Internet marketer Don Crowther, who will name the top 8 social networking sites or tools that we should work into next year's media plan.

Convinced social networking isn't for you? Don will change your mind by the end of the hour.

If you can't participate in all eight teleseminars, that's OK. I'm recording them all, and you'll get the audio downloads, including 30 days of free email support.

Click here to continue reading more about what you'll learn: http://www.PublicityHound.com/MediaPlan.htm

I'll be offering the entire series as a product afterward, and I'll let you know as soon as it's available.


=========================================
4. When Writing a Book is a Bad Idea
=========================================

Heather Gallegos says it's a shame that so many women won't visit day spas because they're intimidated by the way they look sans clothes.

So she decided to write a book to bust day spa myths and explain that nobody cares what you look like at a spa. Besides, lots of other women are relaxing with cucumber slices over their eyes and can't look anyway.

Heather, a marketing business consultant to the day spa and medical spa industry, attended Steve Harrison's Quantum Leap program last November for authors, speakers and experts because she wanted the book to be a success.

She learned rather quickly, however, that the book must upsell readers to other products and services that she didn't have. That convinced her to put the book on hold and start creating products.

"The Quantum Leap coaching program was one of the best investments I ever made because it saved me a lot of time and alot of money publishing a book I wasn't ready to publish," she said.

Fast-forward to last week, when Heather approached me to help her create a training program that teaches day spa and medical spa owners about publicity. I said yes immediately because we're a perfect fit. We'll decide next week exactly what it will entail.

In the meantime, other authors, speakers and experts who don't want to make the mistake Heather almost made, or who want to take a quantum leap in their careers, have until 6 p.m. Eastern Time tomorrow, October 31, to apply for this year's program. Only 65 people will be accepted. Click here to read more about what the program can do for you: http://www.yourquantumleap.com/apply/?10011

If all you care about is selling books, consider attending Steve's "Sell Books by the Truckload" event in Philadelphia Nov 8-10. Southwest Airlines serves Philly, so you can save on travel. Click here to read more about what you'll learn: http://www.sellbooksbythetruckload.com/?10011

==========================================
5. Promoting a Dental Drill
==========================================

This week, eight Publicity Hounds have tips for Elbert Mackey of Austin, Texas. He wants ideas on how to promote a new FDA-approved disposable dental drill.


From Jessica Satterfield:

"Your customers probably don't know they need this product. So maybe your first step would be to pitch some trend stories to women's and men's health magazines (Self, Men's Health, Fitness, etc.) to shed some light on the issue. The story can be an exposé on the disturbing trend of disease being spread at the dentist’s office, and what readers can do to protect themselves. Then, your product can be part of the solution."


From Dory Willer:

"Affiliate with those that can endorse your product and sell it for you via an affiliation code, providing an incentive of passive income, such as 1-800-DENTIST at http://1800dentist.com/ Have their marketing team create the pitch to their customers. Or go the brokerage route where you add your product to a list of products that brokers present to dentists."


From Leo Willcocks:

"Robert Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad Poor Dad, in a radio interview, said his book was available at all bookstores. At the time, only one was stocking it! But it got people asking, and pretty soon all the bookstores were calling him to place orders. You could say that your product is available at all good dentists, and make sure you have the systems ready for when the orders pour in."


The Publicity Hound says:

Elbert, pitch this to the new product section of parents magazines. See "Secrets of Perfect Pitching to Reporters" at http://tinyurl.com/s3tyx and make sure you have a good-quality photo available.


Read all the responses to this week's Help This Hound question at http://tinyurl.com/223o3f


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

Tamra Engle of Oakland, California writes:

"I've worked for over 25 years as a musician. But the 'rock star' in the mirror is now in her late 40s, but still able to crank out tunes that TV, films and new media are willing to pay me for. I write songs to pitch to the few TV/film folks I am establishing relationships with.

"So my publicity focus is to that very small behind-the-scenes group of music supervisors and film producers who can give me the work, as well as any other company that needs music for their corporate presentation, video game, or whatever. What, pray tell, are the best publicity tactics I can use to convince those people I'm their gal? I have gotten on to blogs like The Muse's Muse and ProBlogger, I have a monthly newsletter that I send out to my fan base and have generated a few press releases to industry trades.

"Your Hounds can read about me and hear samples of some of my personal as well as TV music at http://www.tamraengle.com/ if that helps them formulate some suggestions."


The Publicity Hound says:

Lots of musicians and music publicists read this newsletter. They and other Hounds will hit the right notes when it comes to giving you lots of ideas. Hounds with suggestions for Tamra can post them to my blog at http://tinyurl.com/36zm3l


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

I'm taking Bogie to her last dog-training class at the vet's office tomorrow night, where she will learn to "stay." So this one is appropriate:


Sign at a veterinarian's office:

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


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...
=================================

How to pitch bloggers: 21 tips
http://tinyurl.com/ytwkad


Entrepreneur's almanac features press release tips
http://tinyurl.com/yq7k2h


FEMA's phony press conference a PR disaster
http://tinyurl.com/youhan


CVBs, chambers: Bring 'Ellen' to your town
http://tinyurl.com/yqxwug


Learn 5 legal issues for online businesses
http://tinyurl.com/26rtub


Radio-TV Interview Report gets good reviews
http://tinyurl.com/2y386l


Holiday gift guide tips featured weekly in free ezine
http://tinyurl.com/yqhdhv


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

Where to Meet or Hear The Publicity Hound®


Oct. 30-Nov. 2: "How to Create a Media Plan for 2008"

This teleseminar series features eight sessions that will show you how to create a media plan, research targeted traditional and social media and milk every opportunity to promote your product, service, cause or issue. Two one-hour teleseminars each day for four days. See the stellar line-up of guest experts at http://www.PublicityHound.com/mediaplan.htm


Nov. 8: Gurnee, Illinois

"Savvy Media Relations: How to Generate Thousands of Dollars in Free Print, Broadcast and Online Publicity," 9 a.m. to noon. "The New Rules of Press Releases: How to Write Them for Consumers, Not Only for Journalists" from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Central Time. At the Rink Side Sports & Family Entertainment Center meeting room in the Gurnee Mills Mall. Register at http://www.PublicityHound.com/gurnee.htm


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/Create a 2008 Media Plan Oct. 16, 2007

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #368 Oct. 16, 2007
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 34,944

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

"Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity"

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

Need help with publicity?
See the resources list at
http://www.publicityhound.com/resources.htm


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

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.

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

Attention Shoppers, Attention Shoppers:

--When my workshops are done for the day on November 8 at Gurnee Mills Mall in Gurnee, Illinois, Publicity Hounds can shop till they drop, if they have any energy left. Everyone who attends one or both sessions will receive a coupon book worth $500 at stores within the mall. Is that cool, or what?

My host, Jeanne Lundgren, a Publicity Hound extraordinaire from Rink Side Sports & Family Entertainment Center, made it all possible. Click here to continue reading about what other fun we'll be having that day:http://www.PublicityHound.com/gurnee.htm

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

1. Create a 2008 Media Plan

2. Authors Worry About the Wrong Things

3. Your Favorite Online Calendar Sites

4. My Big, Dumb Speaking Mistake

5. Promoting a Festival of Owls

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week


======================================
1. Create a 2008 Media Plan
======================================

If you were leaving home on a 1,9000-mile car trip, and you knew where you wanted to end up, I'll bet you wouldn't leave your driveway without a road map or two.

Otherwise, you'd be making dozens of wrong turns, wasting time and gasoline. At long last, you'd arrive several days later than you had planned.

So why would you even attempt a publicity campaign without a handy road map also known as a publicity plan? Why risk dead ends, backtracking and wasted effort?

This time of year, professional publicists and do-it-yourself promoters start emailing me about how to create a media plan for next year. Many of them are new to PR, and they don't know what a media plan looks like.

If you've been around PR Land for awhile, you might be just as puzzled as the newbies.

But you can't just throw a few story ideas on paper, and then start pitching. If you do, good luck getting from here to there! You'll end up sidetracked when a breaking news story throws you off-course.

And follow up? It will be non-existent. That means starting from scratch all over again.

There's an easier, more efficient, more productive way.

If you start mapping out a strategy now on how to promote your product, service, cause or issue in the traditional media, and figure out how to join the many online conversations under way at the many social media websites, you have a good chance of crushing your competitors, most of whom won't be as smart as you.

A 12-month plan with realistic, achievable action steps will point you toward your goal. It will keep you focused, while still giving you room to react to unforeseen events.

For the first time ever, and due to your many requests, Publicity Hound University will offer a series of teleseminars on "How to Create a Media Plan for 2008."

It starts October 30 and it comes with 30 days of email support. No crowded airplanes, crummy hotels, unhealthy road food, or ice-cold meeting halls. Relax and enjoy each lesson from the comfort of your home or office. You don't even have to be present at each session because I'll send you the link where you can download the audio.

Click here to continue reading about how to join us: http://www.PublicityHound.com/MediaPlan.htm


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2. Authors Worry About the Wrong Things
========================================

Authors, like many other Publicity Hounds, waste too much time worrying about the wrong things when it comes to selling books online.

They spend precious time, for example, fretting about the perfect shade of lavender, the primary color at the site, so it doesn't clash with the green cover of the book that's displayed prominently.

They dream up ways to add spark to the site with gaudy flash openings in which things bounce around the screen, blink on and off, and jump from side to side. Instead, the website looks like a gaudy carnival midway.

They rely on those outdated "guest books" to capture email addresses, and those silly "counters" that tally, embarrassingly, too few visitors at their site.

Missing are a gold mine of free articles, a link to a content-rich blog, pages optimized for the search engines, and one of those obtrusive boxes that bounces down from the top of the screen as soon as a visitor arrives.

Yes, those boxes are indeed annoying. But they capture email addresses quickly, and they bypass the pop-up box filters. Still, authors think the boxes are too "over the edge" for them. Then they wonder why they sell only an armful of books from their website within one long year.

Tom Antion and Adam Witty would rather see authors worrying about other things. Like which web pages pull in the most traffic. Or which pages lose the most visitors. Or how to blog about their topic. Or how to manage their own websites without having to rely on expensive techies who take two days to fix one lousy typo.

Tom, an internationally acclaimed expert at Internet marketing, and Adam, founder and CEO of Advantage Media Group, a leading author-centric publisher, want authors everywhere to stop relying only on bookstores to sell the bulk of their books. They want you to know about their "three-pronged attack" for making books flyout the door, thanks to a website that goes ka-ching, ka-ching.

I've bribed them to be my guests during a f*ree teleseminar for authors or wanna-bes. It will be from 9 to 10:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, October 22. It's called "How Authors Make Money on the Internet...FOR REAL."

Curious? Sign up at http://publicityhound.net/authors


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3. Your Favorite Online Calendar Sites
=========================================

When you have a special event to promote, are you doing more than just pushing out your message to traditional media?

Are you pulling in traffic by posting your event to online calendar directories?

Learn about the six we're using, and then join the conversation at my blog at http://tinyurl.com/2xeogp

Let's see how many we can share with each other.

I've got more than 847 other ideas on how to plan and promote special events. You can hear them on the 6-CD package called "How to Plan & Promote Sizzling Special Events." Or read about them on the electronic transcripts. I created the package with Debra J. Schmidt, a former event planner who was never at a loss for ways to pull in the media and the crowds.

My favorite special event success story is the one about the women's golf tournament organizers who decorated all the Port-a-potties with delicate finger towels, scented candles, and pretty toilet paper. Guess what the golfers were buzzing about at the banquet that night and even the following year?

Click here to continue reading about what you'll learn, and download five of our handy checklists: http://tinyurl.com/46jzg


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4. My Big, Dumb Speaking Mistake
=========================================

During last week's teleseminar with James Malinchak, who explained how to get onto the college speaking circuit, I was kicking myself for being naive when I started my business more than 10 years ago.

When I hit the speaking circuit, I never even considered speaking at colleges because, well, they're not my market.

Then last Tuesday, I heard James rattle off a list of 20 categories of topics that are ideal for people who want to speak at colleges and universities.

Three of them fit in beautifully with my publicity expertise:

--Marketing and management. I could have done a marketing segment on the importance of publicity and public relations.

--Staff development training. I could have worked with the PR staff and even the professors and shown them how to generate publicity for a particular class, a special event, or the entire college or university.

--Entrepreneur-related. What's it like to climb to the top of the corporate ladder, and then suddenly realize it's time to jump off the ladder and have no idea what awaits below? I could have explained how I took the plunge without knowing where I was headed. And I landed with my feet on the ground and started my own business.

If you're a speaker, and you're making the same big, dumb mistake I did--writing off colleges and universities as too unworthy or too poor or too "lowly" for your important topic, please reconsider.

If you're a wanna-be speaker who isn't considering colleges either, take 60 minutes to listen to the replay of last week's teleseminar with James. He thinks every speaker has a presentation that fits neatly into one of the 20 categories. He also explains where the big pots of money (paid to speakers) are located on campus. Once you know where they are, you can target the correct administrators and staff.

It could be the most valuable 60 minutes you spend on your career this year. Click here to see if your topic is a great fit: http://www.collegespeakingsuccess.com/stewart


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5. Promoting a Festival of Owls
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This week, 10 Publicity Hounds have tips on how Karla Kinstler of Houston, Minnesota can promote the International Festival of Owls at http://www.festivalofowls.com It's held annually the first weekend in March in the tiny little town of Houston.


From Janet Huey:

"There are many organizations dealing with wildlife. A Google search will get you a bunch of places to send your info. Many rehabbers, as they are called, specialize in specific animals, so your info will be forwarded to generalists as well as owl-specific people."


From Doris Appelbaum:

"The owl is the mascot for Mensa members (Wisconsin for sure -but I think internationally). I would suggest a tie-in with Mensa International. I know they would love to place an article about your event in their monthly publication. These folks are also a great source of puns, if you want some humor."


From Donna Cook:

"We went to the Hummingbird Festival in Mississippi, and found out about it on a flyer at the Visitors Information Center rest area. They have over 800 people over their weekend. We just happen to be driving through the neighborhood.


The Publicity Hound says:

Have you created a Google Alert for "owls"? If so, Google will deliver a list of websites, online articles and news stories dealing with owls. Then you can really target like a laser!


Farm out this task to your assistant or VA. But give them far more than just that. Check out my CDs, MP3 files or electronic transcripts called "How to Help Your Boss or Client with a Publicity Campaign." By the time assistants are done reviewing these materials, they'll know more about how to do PR than many PR people. Click here to continue reading about everything they'll learn: http://www.publicityhound.com/PHU_AssistantsCourse.htm

Read the rest of the responses to this Help This Hound question at http://tinyurl.com/26rs9p


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

John Easton of Charlotte, North Carolina asks:

"My new web video portal, Broadcast Charlotte, features local small business events, and I would like some help from your Hounds who can suggest ways to generate publicity for this portal.

"Broadcast Charlotte provides on-demand video coverage of grand openings trade seminars. We want to attract not only small business owners, but anyone whose busy schedule keeps them from missing important local business news."

The Publicity Hound says: I love your site, John, and small business Hounds in Charlotte should be beating down your door! Video is hot right now, and my Hounds' tips will be even hotter.

If you have a terrific tip on how John can publicize this website, post it to my blog at http://tinyurl.com/22eyn7


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

To err is human; to forgive, canine.

--Unknown


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

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

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


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

Where to Meet or Hear The Publicity Hound®


Nov. 8: Gurnee, Illinois

"Savvy Media Relations: How to Generate Thousands of Dollars in Free Print, Broadcast and Online Publicity," 9 a.m. to noon. "The New Rules of Press Releases: How to Write Them for Consumers, Not Only for Journalists" from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Central Time. At the Rink Side Sports & Family Entertainment Center meeting room in the Gurnee Mills Mall. Register at http://www.PublicityHound.com/gurnee.htm


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/Join Your Local Press Club Sept 18, 2007

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #364 Sept. 18, 2007
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 35,437

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

"Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity"

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

Need help with publicity?
See the resources list at
http://www.publicityhound.com/resources.htm


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

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.

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

Announcements:

--Host the Publicity Hound in Wisconsin and Illinois. I'll be hitting the road this fall, presenting public seminars in Wisconsin and Illinois. I'm looking for a company or group to host me in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Janesville and LaCrosse, Wisconsin and in Chicago or northern Illinois. If you'll host me, I'll let you bring three members of your staff, or three clients, gratis. Please contact my assistant, Christine Buffaloe, at 262-238-0868 or email mailto:Chris@SerenityVA.com?subject=HostTheHound if you're interested, and she'll tell you if we're a good match.


--Your 2008 Media Plan. Many of you have emailed me and asked how to create a media plan for next year. I've decided to sponsor a series of telephone seminars in October on how to do just that. It will include not only traditional media, but the all-important social media such as bloggers and social networking sites. To help me design the course, I need to know specifically what you want to learn. Mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com?subject=MediaPlan and tell me what you'd like me to include in this course.

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

1. Join Your Local Press Club

2. Sell 100,000 Books to One Buyer

3. Write Like a Journalist

4. GoodSearch Helps Charities, Schools

5. Promoting a Health Bar

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Quote of the Week

8. And at My Blog...


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1. Join Your Local Press Club
======================================

Here's an easy way to meet lots of journalists face-to-face in a relaxed social setting.

Join your local press club. Press clubs promote journalism excellence through a variety of programs, activities and monthly meetings. Most members are from the working press, but plenty of PR people also belong.

David Niles, former editor of the Small Business Times in Milwaukee and a former president of the Milwaukee Press Club, says press club membership is a no-brainer for Publicity Hounds. Here's why:

--Anybody can join. The only requirement is that you "have an interest in the media."

--Dues won't break the budget. In Milwaukee, non-journalists pay just $75 a year. Students pursuing a communications degree pay only $10.

--You can meet journalists in your community numerous times throughout the year at major events and monthly meetings.

--About one-fourth of the members are PR people, which means you won't feel out of place.

--You can pitch the journalists in a relaxed setting, often over lunch or dinner. But be diplomatic. David recommends you say,"I've got some great things going on. Is it OK if I talk to you now?"

--Press club membership in your local chapter means you can have access to the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

David says press clubs in Atlanta, New Orleans, Cleveland and Denver are particularly strong. The Milwaukee Press Club has one of the most comprehensive lists of press clubs in the U.S. and Canada at its website at http://www.milwaukeepressclub.org/resources/links.php

Now that you're thinking of joining, know what you must do to build those valuable relationships that will pay huge dividends later. See "Special Report #49: 17 Ways to Build Valuable Relationships with Media People."

Click here to continue reading about what you'll learn: http://tinyurl.com/6uz9g


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2. Sell 100,000 Books to One Buyer
========================================

Too many authors try to sell books the hard way. They look for 10,000 customers so they can sell 10,000 books.

It's sometimes a lot easier to sell all those books--or even 100,000 books--to only one customer.

How? By searching for companies that typically buy books in mass quantity and give them away as free "premium incentives" to encourage people to buy their products. Many of these same companies:

--Give away the books as thank-you gifts to people who buy other products and services.

--Use the book to thank members or subscribers who renew.

--Rely on the book to help train their employees.

Matthew Bennett has used this simple strategy as an unknown, self-published author to sell more than 5 million books.

He has written books on health, pets, fitness and inspiration and then sold them in quantity to companies like Disney, Reebok, NBC, Abbot Labs, Pfizer, US Healthplans, and Subway.

Steve Harrison is hosting a free one-hour teleseminar with Michael on Thursday, September 20, at 2 p.m. Eastern or 7 p.m. Eastern Time. Michael will share his tips on how he sold more than 80,000 copies of an inspirational book in just one phone conversation. He'll also explain how you can tie in with major charities like the March of Dimes and the American Heart Association to sell truckloads of books and raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity. You'll also learn the three things you absolutely must arm yourself with before ever pitching your book.

Like most free teleseminars, Steve is hoping that after you listen to the call, you'll buy their consulting services to learn how to do this in detail. So just sit back, relax and listen.

Click here to continue reading about what you'll learn and to sign up: http://www.freepublicity.com/mattbennett/?10011


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3. Write Like a Journalist
=========================================

One of the very best ways to attract journalists' attention for your story idea is to write the pitch the same way they would write a story.

But how do you write a pitch that takes less than 30 seconds to read? And how do you know how they'd write a story? One way is to search for what journalists refer to as the "nut graph" in almost every story. That's short for "nut paragraph."

It's the paragraph just after the lead in which the writer explains in a nutshell why the story is important. It frequently includes perspective and statistics. And it often makes comparisons between the way something used to be and the way it is now.

I wrote more about the nut graph and gave two examples in this item at my blog: http://tinyurl.com/ynohys

Finding the nut graph, studying it, then trying to write a pitch that sounds like a nut graph is one of the many tips I'll share when I join three other experts during a teleseminar next week on how to write. It's called "PR Writing Bootcamp: Give Your PR Writing More Polish, Punch and Power" and you'd be crazy to miss it.

Sponsored by Bulldog Reporter, the 90-minute teleseminar will be packed with news writing exercises designed to streamline the writing process and strengthen your press release or pitch. You'll learn how to craft the first 25 words of your pitch precisely the way a journalist would and why word choice matters.We'll share credibility-building language, as well as the fuzzy, jargon language traps that many PR people fall into.

The handout will incl