Publicity Tips/How About a Little Good News? Mar 3, 2009

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #440
March 3, 2009
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)

Circulation: 42,341

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

"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.

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

My Survey is Being Emailed Now:

During the next several days, you'll receive my Customer Profile
Survey. Complete it, and you'll get $40 off of any products or
services I sell, by March 13. Your name will also be entered in a
drawing for a Kindle 2, the new wireless reading device that
Amazon sells for $359. If the winner doesn't want the Kindle,
I'll send an Amazon gift certificate for that amount.

We're already tabulating responses, and the results are
illuminating. I'll share them with you in a few weeks once all
the surveys are tabulated.

If you've already completed yours, thank you! Your honest
feedback will help me improve this newsletter and every other
aspect of doing business with me.

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

1. How About a Little Good News?

2. It's Square Root Day

3. 3 Teleseminars to Help You

4. The Advantage of Freelancers

5. Ugly Patio Furniture

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week

8. And at My Blog...


====================================
1. How About a Little Good News?
====================================

You and I aren't the only ones sick of bad news.

TV news producers are sick of it too. That's what my friend, TV
producer Shawne Duperon, told me a few days ago. We were talking
about the demise of the Rocky Mountain News, one of Colorado's
two biggest daily newspapers.

"Are things as bad in the TV industry as they are at newspapers?
"I asked her.

"It's not even the same conversation," she said. "Everything is
fine. But TV people are sick of all the gloom and doom.

"What does that mean to Publicity Hounds?

Pitch good news stories:

--My local newspaper had a story on Page 1 yesterday about how a
little small-town bank, where the bosses commute to work on foot,
is doing just fine, thank you, while bigger financial
institutions are grabbing bail-outs right and left. That bank
might never have received front-page publicity in a boom economy.
But today, it's the exception to the rule.

--Has your family found creative ways to skirt high grocery
bills? Are you and the kids cooking more instead of eating out
and, in the process, learning more about each other? If so, pitch
lifestyle reporters, bloggers, and explain your own story at your
blog.

--My friend opened The Chocolate Chisel, a gourmet chocolate shop
in my town of Port Washington, Wisconsin a few weeks ago. When I
asked her if she had second thoughts about opening in this
economy, she said no. While creating her business plan with her
partner, they researched the history of chocolate and learned
that it's one product that does well during bad times. People
might not be able to afford a $300 day at the spa, but a $10
sample pack of gourmet chocolates makes the world right again. I
told her that's a terrific angle she ought to pitch.

--Moore Oil Company in Milwaukee has its own economic stimulus
plan. President Scott Haag is offering employees $2,000 if they
buy a new car, or $1,000 for a used car. "It's just a gift.
There's no there's no payback," he said. "It's tough out there,
and a little positive news today goes a long way.

"Indeed. That story made it onto the local ABC station's news last
night.What good news story can you pitch? If you're having trouble
identifying it, you can learn all their inside secrets about what
TV stations want. Shawne Duperon was my guest during a
teleseminar on "How to Get on the Local TV News Tomorrow." 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 how to get your story onto TV at
http://tinyurl.com/4zpuz

Learn three more ideas on how to piggyback your story idea onto
the economy by joining my "Friends of The Publicity Hound"
Facebook group at http://tinyurl.com/bawp2z

In the next day or two, I'll email the group with more ideas on
how to piggyback your story ideas onto the economy.


====================================
2. It's Square Root Day
====================================

Today is Square Root Day, a holiday celebrated on dates where the
day and the month are both the square root of the last two digits
in the current year.

For example, the last square root day was March 3, 2009 (3-3-09),
and the next square root day will be April 4, 2016 (4-4-16). The
final square root day of the century will occur on September 9,
2081 (9-9-81). Square root days fall on the same nine dates each
century.

Ron Gordon, a Redwood City, California high school teacher, first
created the day for 9-9-81. He's the official PR person and sends
press releases to media outlets around the world.

There's even a Facebook group devoted to Square Root Day at
http://tinyurl.com/d7gz39 and it has more than 2,600 members.
Many of them have written wall posts that explain how they're
celebrating.

For all you foodies, one suggested way of celebrating the holiday
is by eating square radishes, or other root vegetables cut into
shapes with square cross sections.

If you think this is silly, check out the mountains of publicity
Square Root Day has received throughout the world:
http://tinyurl.com/ak4hjs

Now quite smirking. Go over to Chase's Calendar of Events at
http://www.Chases.com and create your own holiday, or your own
day, week or month of the year by clicking on "Submit an Entry"
on the left side of the screen. You have until April 15 to submit
an entry for the 2010 printed edition.

Once you've created your day, use it as a springboard to pitch to
the media. When Dan Janal interviewed me about how to pitch, I
explained all the ways sources caught my attention with their
pitches when I worked as a newspaper editor. I shared them all in
the recording "Secrets of Perfect Pitching."

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 pitch the right way at
http://tinyurl.com/s3tyx


===================================
3. 3 Teleseminars to Help You
===================================

--"Media Star Power: How To Become a Celebrity and a Media
Darling All at the Same Time," with Tom Antion and Judy Jernudd.
Judy is a former Los Angeles talk show host who has interviewed
presidents, Oprah Winfrey, Tom Selleck, Tom Cruise, Regis
Philbin, Larry King, Barbara Walters and hundreds of other
superstars. At 9 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, March 5. This is a
paid teleseminar. Register at http://tinyurl.com/ako5x7


--"Best-seller Blueprint--How To Make Your Book An Almost Instant
Best-seller and Sell Tons of Copies Even if You're A Marketing
Novice," with Steve Harrison, Randy Gilbert and Peggy McColl. At
2 or 7 Eastern on Thursday, March 5. Register for this
complimentary call at http://tinyurl.com/ccdbb7


--"How to Create Your own Strong Economy This Year with Online
Information Marketing," with Alexandria Brown, The Ezine Queen,
on Thursday, March 5. Learn 5 ways to recession-proof your
business. Register for this complimentary call at
http://tinyurl.com/bnh627


=====================================
4. The Advantage of Freelancers
=====================================

How many freelance writers have you built relationships with this
past year?

How many freelancers are you trying to court this year?

Publicity Hound Pam Lontos of PR/PR at http://www.prpr.net says
getting to know freelancers has paid off big.

Her company pitched one if its clients, Dr. Kenneth Christian, a
psychologist and author of "Your Own Worst Enemy," to a writer at
Self Magazine a few years ago.

The writer, a freelancer, was going to interview Dr. Christian,
but the magazine decided to kill the story. The writer also wrote
for Parade magazine and decided to write the whole story for
Parade around Dr. Christian's new book. In fact, she needed more
sources so she ended up using another one of PR/PR's clients, Dr.
Pamela Brill, author of "The Winner's Way." The story skyrocketed
the ranking for both authors' books on Amazon.

Dr. Christian's new book jumped from 35,000 to 35. Dr. Brill's
book, which was available pre-sale, jumped to 300 before it was
even released."

Be helpful and give the media more story ideas and resources
than they ask for," Pam says. "You never know which small town
newspaper writer also writes for a major media outlet."

"Special Report #40:42 Publicity Tips for Authors and Small
Publishers" shows you how to target niche markets, position
yourself as an expert and pull the media and others to your
website. Only $10, and you can download it as soon as your order
has been approved. Read more about it at http://tinyurl.com/6uz9g


====================================
5. Ugly Patio Furniture
====================================

This week, four Publicity Hounds have tips for Jill Cranford of
Livermore, Colo., on how to publicize her "Ugly Patio Furniture"competition at http://tinyurl.com/auhj8e


From Tonya:

"I am a huge fan of design, especially green design and I have a
Google reader full of design blogs. I would recommend that Jill
put together a little blurb about the competition along with some
photos of her products, and submit them to different design
blogs. I have a bunch of them in a list if she'd like to email
me, but she can go to Google and type in 'design blog' and she
will find a ton of them."


From Hendry Lee:

"These competitions are all over the place within Twitter. Zappos
has done it successfully, as well as solopreneurs.

"Nothing allows you to interact with your target market more
directly than Twitter. With the power of retweets, your info
can go viral. Not to mention that it makes a good case study for
many bloggers to write about, increasing your publicity even
more."


The Publicity Hound says:

I love those ideas. Twitter expert Warren Whitlock shows you "How
to Use Twitter to Amass an Army of Followers, Customers &
Valuable Contacts--and Promote." My teleseminar series with him
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 all the ways you can use Twitter at
http://tinyurl.com/3lbcaw


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

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


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

Colleen Schmid of Heathrow, Fla. writes:

"I've recently started a new business teaching families how to
start going green in their homes. I go through their homes and,
room by room, show them what things they can be doing to save on
power and water bills as well as removing toxins. I will also
begin showing small businesses how to do the same.

"Earth Day is on April 22, and I'm trying to come up with a big
idea to get media attention for my business. It's so critical
that we all become aware of what we're are doing to harm our
environment, waste precious resources and pollute. It's also
important to show people how living green saves them money and
takes care of our Earth.

"Can your Hounds thing of some powerful ways for me to tie my
business into Earth Day for some publicity?" Her website is at
http://green-colleen.com


The Publicity Hound says:

Some media people say they're suspicious about green pitches
which seem to be everywhere. So my Hounds need to come up with
some really clever angles for you, Colleen. Hounds with tips for
Colleen can post them to my blog at http://tinyurl.com/besbzg


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

The average dog is a nicer person than the average person.- Andy Rooney.


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

Hiring a VA to book speaking gigs sends a bad message
http://tinyurl.com/akmxfv


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

WHERE TO SEE AND HEAR THE PUBLICITY HOUND:

March 6-8--Atlanta, Ga.
I'll be at the Stompernet Live 7 event. If you're going, let's
meet for coffee.


March 16--Teleseminar on Internet Marketing

I'll be Marilee Tolen's guest from 8 to 9 p.m. Eastern Time for
her teleseminar series "Introduction to Internet Marketing" for
nurses, healers, coaches and holistic professional solopreneurs.
If this is your niche, and you're tired of running after the next
client, this is the training session for you. It starts Feb. 23.
Learn more at http://tinyurl.com/dl3xhm


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/Grand Slam Giveaway Feb 17, 2009

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #438 Feb. 17, 2009
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)

Circulation: 42,573

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

"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.

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

Complete My Survey, Get a $30 Coupon & Chance to Win a
Kindle:

I'll be sending 500 readers of this newsletter, chosen randomly,
my customer satisfaction survey as soon as it's ready later this
week. If you complete it, you'll get a $30 coupon good for any
products or services I sell, and your name will be entered in a
drawing for a Kindle 2, the new wireless reading device that
Amazon sells for $359.

The first batch of 500 surveys will help me identify any glitches
I need to fix before sending it to everyone else. Your honest
feedback will help me improve this newsletter and give you
products and services I might not be aware that you need.

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

1. Grand Slam Giveaway

2. Don't Ask to Review an Article

3. How to Recycle Publicity

4. 2 Events for Hounds

5. Promoting a Farmer's Market

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week

8. And at My Blog...


========================================
1. Grand Slam Giveaway
========================================

Call it what you want--a handout, a sample, a giveaway.

When the economy is tanking, consumers want a good deal. That's
exactly what Denny's restaurant delivered two days after the
Super Bowl when it gave away 2 million of its signature Grand
Slam Breakfasts.

Denny's reported that its $3 million commercial drew that many
people to its 1,600 outlets in North America and Puerto Rico. The
company spent $5 million for the promotion that generated $50
million in news coverage.

"A lot of people have forgotten what Denny's is, or they think
they know, while we've come out with a whole lot of new products.
We felt like we needed to jump start the brand," said Mark
Chmiel, Denny's chief marketing and innovation officer.

Mitchell Davis, who owns Expertclick.com and
NewsReleaseWire.com, loved the Denny's promotion.
If it could work for people who needto eat breakfast,
why can't it work for Publicity Hounds who need to
write press releases, he reasoned.

Mitch wants you to "taste his service" and send news releases
this week without cost or obligation.

"I got the idea after seeing Denny's give out 2 million Grand
Slam breakfasts and thought more people should see how good our
News Release Wire service works--and understand our
commitment to customer service," he said.

So here's the deal. For one week, you can test-drive his service
by sending press releases and creating a Press Room Page about
your business. Watch his video about how it all works at
http://www.ExpertClick.com/brochure

I subscribe to the service, which helps me claim the first three
spots on Google for the keyword phrase "publicity expert" and
drives my competitors crazy.

Don't expect those kinds of results within one week, however,
because Google probably won't index your pages that quickly. But
if you call Mitch at 202-333-5000 and ask him for The Publicity
Hound special, he'll set it up for you so you can see how the
service works--with no commitments to subscribe. I love the fact
that they answer their own phones and jump through hoops for
their customers--like the time I spotted a heinous typo after I
posted my release. I called them, and they corrected it within
minutes.

If you don't want to call Mitch, you can create the test-drive
yourself at https://www.ExpertClick.com/create

Choose the Gold Level at $995. Then scroll down and complete
the "Participant" information (who the account will be about)
and the "Subscriber" info (for the person in charge of the
account).

Check the credit card box but don't enter your number because you
aren't paying for this.

In the "Special Offer" box enter:"F*ree Week from Publicity
Hound." Then click on "Create Your Press Room Page" and you'll
be able to edit instantly. Once they approve your account, you'll
be able to start sending press releases instantly. Their standard
editorial policies at http://www.TermsandConditions.com apply, so
be sure to read them.

Try it for a week and let me know how you like it.


==============================================
2. Don't Ask to Review an Article
==============================================

Publicity Hound Gail Sideman saw a Twitter post that caught her
attention recently.

It was from someone who said that Inc. magazine was doing a
feature on him until he asked the magazine to let him review the
article for his final approval.

"Was I wrong to ask? Yes or no?"

She replied and told the guy he was wrong. That led to a spirited
debate on Twitter. So she emailed me and several others in the
journalism world and asked our opinions.

Here's what I told her:

--You were right. He was wrong. By asking that question, he
showed he wasn't media-savvy, and it sounds as though it cost him
publicity in Inc. magazine.

--He certainly could have asked the writer, "Would you be willing
to run by me any direct quotes you are attributing to me?" Some
journalists will say yes, some will say no. It never hurts to ask
because some journalists will want to make sure their quotes are
accurate. But the deal is, if you hear the quote and you know you
said it, but you don't like the sound of it, you can't ask the
writer to change it. That's one of the ground rules they never
teach you.

--He could also have asked if the magazine will fact-check the
story. Inc. most likely has its own fact-check department and
would do this anyway. But again, it never hurts to ask.


Bottom line: Never ask a journalist to show you a story before
it's printed so you can "approve" it. For sensitive interviews,
you can negotiate the terms of the interview, but little else.

I devoted an entire chapter of my ebook "How to be a Kick-butt
Publicity Hound" to what you should do before, during and after
an interview. These are the ground rules the media never tell you
about and hope you never learn. The ebook is the most
comprehensive product I offer on all aspects of generating free
publicity. The 2009 update includes six new chapters on social
media.

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


========================================
3. How to Recycle Publicity
========================================

When you generate a publicity hit in a newspaper or magazine, on
a TV or radio station, or in the social media, don't be
satisfied.

Try to recycle that hit into multiple hits, or multiple
promotions.

I'm one of three experts featured in the January/February issue
of SUCCESS magazine, offering my advice on how to promote
online.
You can read more about it at my blog at
http://tinyurl.com/bg33ml

Here are six ways I've already recycled that publicity:

--I tweeted about it at Twitter.

--I included some of the tips that didn't make it into the
magazine in the "What's New" section of my Facebook group
called Friends of The Publicity Hound. If you already have a Facebook
profile, join the group by logging into Facebook, then pasting
this link into your browser and join: http://tinyurl.com/d2h8gk
I'll be sharing more tips over there and I might not always
remember to share them here.

--I went to the blog of Joel Comm, who was featured along with me
in the article. I posted a comment to an unrelated blog post and
then mentioned in a "P.S." how interesting it was to read his
advice alongside mine in SUCCESS.

--Ditto for Scott Fox, the other Internet marketer featured in
the article.

--I added a line to my email signature that lets people know I
was in the magazine, and I linked to the article.

--I'm writing about it here.

That's only six ways! And I know you Hounds can think of many
others. Add them to my blog at http://tinyurl.com/bg33ml

Recycling publicity is an important part of a media plan because
you must follow up, follow up and follow up. I explain in step-
by-step detail how to create a yearlong plan, follow up, and take
advantage of every publicity opportunity in front of you. The
teleseminar series "How to Create a Media Plan" is available as
CDs, MP3s and electronic transcripts. Read more about why you
need a plan and how to create one at
http://www.publicityhound.com/mediaplan.htm


==========================================
4. 2 Events for Hounds
==========================================

Event #1: Teleseminar on how to start a coaching program

Do you offer coaching services? If not, consider it.

Coaching is one of the quickest ways almost any non-fiction
author or anyone with expertise can make more while also helping
a lot of people. For example, I have three types of coaching
programs: one-on-one coaching over the phone, my group mentor
program at
http://www.publicityhound.com/mentorprogram/intro.html
and teleseminar series devoted to specific topics.

You'll be surprised how much others will gladly pay for what you
know, even though you take it for granted.

To discover how to get started offering coaching services, you're
invited to a free telephone seminar on Thursday, February 19.
Hear Steve Harrison interview Tim Paulson, an author, speaker and
coaching expert who's helped many people start thriving coaching
practices. You'll learn how to get others to pay you from $100 to
$1,000 an hour, or more, for your expertise.

Register for the call at
http://www.CoachingTrainingTeleseminar.com/?10011

If you have another commitment, register anyway and recruit
somebody to take notes for you. Steve doesn't record most of
these teleseminars and if you miss it, it's gone.


Event #2: Media event for products tied to celebrities or good
causes.

If you have a consumer product that's tied to a celebrity or a
good cause, consider displaying it at the annual Celebrity
Connections Media Event and the Good Causes Media Event, to be
held April 1 in New York City.

Journalists are always looking for a great angle when it comes to
covering new products, and many journalists are looking for
products with either a celebrity connection or products that help
worthy causes. The events draw an impressive list of top-tier
media.

Read more about them at my blog at http://tinyurl.com/awdwlx


==========================================
5. Promoting a Farmer's Market
==========================================

This week, 12 Publicity Hounds have tips for Rose Strong of
Springtown, Pa. on how to publicize a local farmer's market.


From LisaMarie Dias:

"Send an online newsletter through a company like Constant
Contact. You could profile the vendors, post a calendar and
include recipes. If you send the newsletter out monthly, you
could do weekly reminders in a smaller form--with links back to
your website. You could have prizes and giveaways to gather email
addresses."


From Michael Carr:

"Invite local chefs to create an ongoing set of promotional
opportunities. Book your chefs in advance and publicize their
participation. Your chefs can shop the market to select fresh
produce to use in their demonstrations. Customers will appreciate
sampling what the chef has made as well as learning about using
fresh seasonal ingredients at home."


From Tara Bright:

"Kick off your season with a Raw Food Uncook-off. Host a Green
Foodie Contest. Join forces or initiate a "Buy Local, Live
Sustainable" group. Host weekly potlucks on a day you are closed.

"Why not set aside a space where children can start seeds while
their parents shop? They will need to come back every week to
check the progress and water their little sprouts. Also, do a
comparison shopping trip at a local chain grocer. If your cart
ends up costing less at the farmer's market, publicize it."


The Publicity Hound says:

Team up with local artists, musicians and other entertainers. One
week, feature an art show and let the artists manage it. The
next week, how about a bluegrass band? The following week,
feature arts and crafts vendors. All would provide one more
reason to shop the farmer's market.

The teleseminar I hosted on "Publicity Tips for Restaurants,
Chefs & Foodies" offers 51 ideas you can use for almost any food-
related story. The recording is available as a CD or electronic
transcript that you can download as soon as your order has been
approved. Each includes a downloadable list of all 51 ideas.

Read more about how to generate food publicity at
http://tinyurl.com/clr26


Read all the responses to this week's Help This Hound question at
http://tinyurl.com/bayg2c

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


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

Lori Feldman of St. Louis, Mo. writes:

"My client is a home and garden show that's produced in four
cities--Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Indianapolis and Portland from
late February through early March.

"We're launching a social media plan for this company that has
done nothing but traditional advertising for the last 50 years!
Last year was the first time they even attempted to collect email
addresses from attendees, so we have a list of 20,000 we can use.

"As you can imagine, ad costs significantly increase each year
with significantly declining ROI. So the challenge was to find
alternative media to combat the ineffectiveness of old media.
They also face these hurdles: Home starts and real estate are way
down. Young people have not supported these live shows (but this
could be due to a lack of an online presence). All marketing is
local--you're not going to jump on a plane to attend.

"Because time is short, I'd like to get as many suggestions from
your readers as possible to consider every option to increase
traffic. The pre-show promotions site is
http://www.ImproveYourHomeAndGarden.com We'll be press
releasing, tweeting, and social networking between now and show day.
I can do a shopping spree contest winner. Thoughts?"


The Publicity Hound says:

You--and my Hounds--are up against a tough deadline. But that's
when my Hounds are most creative! I know a lot of them publicize
events, so they'll post their best ideas to my blog at
http://tinyurl.com/atm843

Don't have time to wait to hear their ideas? "How to Plan &
Promote Sizzling Special Events" will give you hundreds of ideas.
Read more about what you'll learn at
http://publicityhound.com/publicity/promote.html


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

Thanks to Publicity Hound Kerry Hargraves of Oakland, Calif. 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 the dog's ears, it 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...
===================================

Online promotion tips in Jan/Feb issue of SUCCESS magazine
http://tinyurl.com/bg33ml


The Number One mistake of online press releases
http://tinyurl.com/d86hxx


Media event to feature products tied to celebs, good causes
http://tinyurl.com/awdwlx


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

WHERE TO SEE AND HEAR THE PUBLICITY HOUND:


March 6-8--Atlanta, Ga.

I'll be at the Stompernet Live 7 event. If you're going, let's
meet for coffee.


March 16--Teleseminar on Internet Marketing

I'll be Marilee Tolen's guest from 8 to 9 p.m. Eastern Time for
her teleseminar series "Introduction to Internet Marketing" for
nurses, healers, coaches and holistic professional solopreneurs.
If this is your niche, and you're tired of running after the next
client, this is the training session for you. It starts Feb. 23.
Learn more at http://tinyurl.com/dl3xhm


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/Put Your Pet in the White House Jan 20, 2009

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #434 Jan. 20, 2009
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)

Circulation: 43,628

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

"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. Put Your Pet in the White House

2. The Real Power of Your Press Release

3. Formula Five is Live

4. Still Not Blogging?

5. Promoting Sensitivity Training

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Video of the Week

8. And at My Blog...


===================================
1. Put Your Pet in the White House
===================================

When the party's over tonight, you just know that Malia and Sasha
will start pestering mom and dad for that puppy.

How about giving the First Family a taste of what the White House
will look like if they choose a pet just like yours? Heck, let's
make your pet the Official Obama Pet--right now!

Head over to Pawfun.com, a new custom photo T-shirt site for pet
lovers and participate in the Obama spoof that lets you super-
impose a photo of your pet, and then send it as an e-card.

That's what I did this morning. You can see Bogie, my German
Shorthaired Pointer, peeking out from under the president's
outstretched arm, to the left of the photo, at
http://www.pawfun.com/ecards/?c=210

While you're at the site, how about ordering a T-shirt that shows
your pet with its new owners?

Talk about perfect timing. Social media expert BL Ochman and her
partner, Caimin Jones, launched the site late Saturday night.
Since then, eager pet lovers have sent the e-cards more than
4,500 times.

Create your own card at http://www.pawfun.com/promo/

"While there's no shortage of T-shirt sites, our goal is to make
ours more fun than the rest," BL said. "And we've picked a niche
we'll go deep into instead of trying to be all things to all
people. That's because the Internet, and increasingly the world,
is a niche-or-be-niched place these days."

She and her partner will be using all the social media tools on
Pawfun.com that they're always trying to get their Fortune 500
clients to try--but now they're the client.

What an incredibly clever tie-in to today's world event. BL
always keeps me posted on what she's doing, and I'll share her
success stories with social networking, and anybody else's, here.
(Hint: Send me your success stories.)

BL, by the way, presented a content-rich teleseminar a few months
ago on "How to do Social Networking, Run a Business & Still Have
a Life." If you follow her on Twitter at @whatsnext, you'd swear
she spends all her waking hours tweeting. But launching a
business eats up hours upon hours, so BL has had to create
shortcuts for keeping Twitter and the other social networking
sites in which she participates within her control--so they don't
control her.

You can order the electronic transcript or MP3 audio of our
teleseminar and download them as soon as your order has been
approved, or you can choose the CD. Read more about how to save
time and your sanity during social networking at
http://tinyurl.com/a6guxq


=======================================
2. The Real Power of Your Press Release
=======================================

How much power do you really have to promote your product,
service, cause or issue with the lowly press release?


If you're hoping to generate a major story in the traditional
media, not much. That's because journalists despise them and
delete nine out of 10 press releases. A big story usually
requires a customized pitch, not a one-size-fits-all press
release.

If you're hoping to catch the attention of bloggers, consumers
and those on the social media landscape, quite a bit. But only if
you throw most of the old press release writing rules out the
window.

For example, in the old days, we absolutely could NOT write a
press release that smacked of promotion or it would repel
journalists. Today, however, smart Publicity Hounds use the press
release to give away information and tips, and then link to what
they're promoting at their websites--not with just one link high
in the release but with several links throughout.

That tactic means you can completely bypass traditional media and
go straight to the decision-makers who will find your release, if
you've written it correctly, when Googling.

If you're new to releases, or you've been writing them for years,
sign up for my free email tutorial "89 Ways to Write Powerful
Press Releases." It's an intensive 12-week course delivered by
email. Stick with it right to end and it will be like you've
earned a master's degree in writing and distributing releases.
You'll know more about the topic than most professional PR
people.

I'm honored that the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary under the
Department of Homeland Security is using the course to train its
communications officers at the grassroots level through an online
training site. Deputy Chief Tom Nunes of the Public Affairs
Department says they're even creating quizzes for students as
part of the course. Cool!

Haven't taken the tutorial yet? Sign up at
http://tinyurl.com/pressreleasetutorial or buy the entire course
in a handy ebook for only $27. You can read the long, long list
of glowing testimonials from happy Hounds who loved it and are
already generating fabulous publicity as a result.


========================================
3. Formula Five is Live
========================================

For the last several weeks, I've been raving about "Formula
Five," the business building program that's perfect for any
business, regardless of what you're selling.

Now, the wait is over.

The shopping cart opened yesterday for "Formula Five." It was
created by Paul Lemberg, who shared dozens of take-away tips
during the teleseminar with him that I hosted for several hundred
Publicity Hounds on Jan. 8.

You can pick up your copy of Formula Five here:
http://tinyurl.com/PaulLembergFormulaFive

Because the package includes ongoing support, there are limited
spots in the program.

Business owners just like you have already earned tens of
thousands of dollars only using 1/20th of Formula Five. Today,
you can be one of the first to get the whole enchilada so you
can start doubling your business this year.

Even if Formula Five isn't within your budget right now, at
least check out the package of videos on the page, take good
notes and start tweaking your business to make more money
starting today.


P.S. This is a no-brainer. Just hope your competitors haven't
heard about it.


=======================================
4. Still Not Blogging?
=======================================

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/


==========================================
5. Promoting Sensitivity Training
==========================================

This week, five Publicity Hounds have tips for Pegine Echevarria
of Jacksonville, FL, who is launching a licensed training program
called "White Guys Are Diverse Too!" She is looking for ideas to
capture the interest of corporate and government chief diversity
officers.


From Candy Tutt:

"In all honesty, I would recommend changing the title of the
project. While it is catchy, it will be perceived as separatist
and off-putting to many people. Our society still tends to tip
the scales in favor of "white guys" and the program title
perpetuates a feeling of cultural superiority.

"If, in your experience 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, perhaps the D&I sessions
are not geared to reaching the very people at whom they are
aimed."


From Kevin Gaydosh:

"Constant portrayals by the news media and popular culture as
Walter Kowalskis or Archie Bunkers displays a prejudice--yes,
prejudice--that is perhaps the biggest fear/largest turn-off that
the target audience has with much diversity training.

"Also, I'm not in HR, but an earlier Hound might be correct in
suggesting a name change. While an arresting, attention-getting
and (to some) a cute/funny title, it's doubtful that many Fortune
500 companies are going to post that seminar up on their Intranet
or in the employee break rooms precisely because of the title.

"Perhaps it would be best if you pitched your program under a new
(PC) moniker but touted it as being better than the competition
because you do pay particular attention to this often
'overlooked, under appreciated' group."


From Dal Jeanis:

"You might want to contact companies, especially minority-owned
companies, that do diversity (or cultural sensitivity) training.
Provide each company with two f~ree copies of your book. If they
add your book in as, say, one-third of a course, then you're
golden.

"One current events hook you can use to promote your mix is the
following: With Obama's success, pre-existing diversity programs
are going to need major retooling. Are they needed at all?
Diversity trainers say yes, some pundits say no, and Pegine
Echevarria says no, but they need to address all the
consistencies of diversity."


The Publicity Hound says:

Pegine, how about going over to LinkedIn and using the question
and answer feature to generate some additional feedback and
exposure for your training? I wouldn't post the identical
question you asked in Help This Hound, but there are lots of
other things you could ask about.

Scott Allen, a LinkedIn expert, says the Q&A feature is a
fabulous way collect information and let the world know what
you're doing. But you have to use it correctly. He explained how
during the teleseminar I hosted with him on "How to Use LinkedIn
to Promote Anything--Ethically & Powerfully."

It's available as electronic transcripts and your choice of MP3
audios or CDs. Read more about what you'll learn at
http://tinyurl.com/5zvzyd


Read all the responses to this week's Help This Hound question
at http://tinyurl.com/829jv3

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


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

Beth Stafford of Concord, N.C. writes:

"I am an artist working in collaboration with my dog to produce
some of the wildest, most colorful and joyous abstract art
around.

"Our label is 'PiCassieO,' combining her name (Cassie) with an
artist name (obviously) who represents the human half of the team
(me). We have a store at CafePress which opened in July. It is
so far non-profit, even though the merchandise is really great!

"I have been attempting to promote it on my own website and
through our blog, but am spending too much time on nonproductive
promotion and not enough on the art. I need a few quick, simple
tips to get the ball rolling.

"Warning: My budget is 'thread' instead of 'shoestring,' and I'm
a disaster at social networking on the web. Help!"


The Publicity Hound says:

To quote BL Ochman, mentioned in item Number One above, the
social networking train has already left the station. If you're
not onboard now, you'll get eaten alive by your competitors who
are. I highly suggest you read the transcript or listen to the
audio recording of the teleseminar I conducted with BL on "How to
do Social Networking, Run a Business & Still Have a Life" at
http://tinyurl.com/a6guxq

But that's not all you can do. Hounds with great ideas for Beth
can post them to my blog at http://tinyurl.com/7jqucq


==================================
7. Hound Video of the Week
==================================

Save this video to watch on one of those Days from Hell when you
need a pick-me-up or something to make you smile.

It's a CBS report from a few weeks ago on the Animal Odd Couple--
an 8,700-pound elephant named Tarra and her best friend, Bella
the dog.

http://tinyurl.com/8v2bza

Thanks to Publicity Hound Kim Condrin for sending 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. And at My Blog...
===================================

Let's meet at Stompernet event March 5-8 in Atlanta
http://tinyurl.com/94vmvn


How Twitter can help you fix your toilet
http://tinyurl.com/8lcjvt


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

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. Sorry, but registration is closed. You'll have to wait
until Ariane Goodwin offers the training as a product.


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/Attract Media with an Ezine Nov 25, 2008

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #426 Nov. 25, 2008
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)

Circulation: 50,500


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

"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.

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

3 Tips for Corporate, Nonprofit Sponsorships

If you missed Steve Harrison's teleseminar last week on how to
convince a corporation or nonprofit to sponsor you, don't miss
his 14-minute bonus session in which Brendon Burchard gives three
valuable tips for finding sponsors for your book, product or
business. I especially like the tip on how to get the attention
of nonprofits. Unfortunately, Steve didn't record last week's
teleseminar so you can't listen to the entire call.
But you can find the 3 bonus tips here:
http://tinyurl.com/64nbql

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

1. Attract Media with an Ezine

2. "Someday I'll Start My Book"

3. The YouTube Boo-boo

4. The Dating Service of PR

5. How to Promote Italian Diorama Art

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week

8. And at My Blog...


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

1. Attract Media with an Ezine

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

When the wildfires swept through California earlier this month,
firefighting consultant Mike Archer of Glendora, California was
one of the go-to experts for the media.

His weekly international wildfire "News of the Day" ezine,
published six days a week, kept subscribers abreast of what was
happening, why it was happening and what could be done to stop or
at least subside the fires.

"I use a piece of software called a Feedreader to collect news in
areas of interest, and link to the more interesting stories from
my newsletter," he says.

He also posts them to his blog at
http://firebomberpublications.blogspot.com/
Michael has a measly 49 subscribers. Yes, only 49.
But it's a line-up of fire experts, from the U.S. Forest Service
to local fire departments and even firefighting contractors.
Now comes the important part. Subscribers include editors and
reporters at major newspapers like the Los Angeles Times, San
Diego Union Tribune and others.

"I'm now on a first-name basis with a number of editors and
reporters who can be approached about doing stories on my for-
profit and nonprofit business activities," Mike says. "If any of
your Hounds are experts in their fields, or newbies trying to
make a splash, offering a free newsletter on breaking events can
be a great way to open the door with media outlets in their area,
or even farther afield. Mine is read by folks from a number of
states in the U.S., as well as by folks from Canada and
Australia."

A local cable TV show invited him to participate in an hour-long
show about the wild fires last week. And Los Angeles Weekly, the
largest weekly in the U.S., called him for an interview.
"The newsletter adds credibility to my wildfire consultant
status, which, in turn, opens up more opportunities for my
businesses," he adds.

Some of his earlier suggestions on how to fight fires, which have
been poo-pooed by some in the firefighting community, are now
used. For example, years before it became an accepted practice,
he proposed mixing water and firefighting gel when fighting a
fire from an airplane. Water alone evaporates too quickly. He
also advocated the use of fireproofed firefighting vehicles
to rescue people trapped by wildfires, something which is being
done by firefighters in Germany now.

Subscribers have sent emails remarking on how much they enjoy
"News Of The Day." One subscriber, Deputy Chief Brian Fennessy of
the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, called it "the best I had
seen in 32 years in the fire service," which boosts credibility
further when talking to firefighters, media folks, and the
general public.

And it's only a simple collection of items harvested from the
news, six days a week, along with a short half-sentence
commentary on each headline.

Michael has shattered two myths about ezines: That you need
thousands of subscribers, and that they'll be angry if you
contact them more than once a week.

I'll shatter a third myth: That you must write a long ezine like
this one. Sometimes a helpful tip of the week can be just as
effective--a huge time-saver, particularly for Hounds who can't
write or hate to write.

Dan Janal interviewed me for an hour on "How to Turn Your Ezine
into a Cash Machine," and I spilled the beans on how I make up to
$12,000 a month just from this newsletter. I shatter more
newsletter myths and offer lots of helpful tips on what kinds of
vendors to use, where to find content, and how to keep your
readers coming back for more.

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 get started as an ezine publisher at
http://tinyurl.com/y6mp2c


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

2. "Someday I'll Start My Book"

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

I can't begin to count the number of times an author contacts me,
frustrated that it takes two, three, four years or more to write
a book.

And another year rewriting it after an editor rips it apart.
And another six months finally getting Draft Number Two edited,
proofread and to press.

And another six months on a publicity campaign.

Tired and exhausted, the author often wants nothing to do with
the book when it doesn't hit the New York Times Best Seller List.
If you know there's a book inside you, but you just can't start
writing it because you've heard horror stories like this one,
you're a perfect fit for the Procrastinator's Guide to
Authorship, a seven-month training program taught by Publicity
Hound Rita Emmett.

At $37 a month per person, this seven-month program is a good
alternative for Publicity Hounds who can't afford the higher-
priced, more intensive book coaching programs.

Here's why you should claim a spot right now:

-Rita's system allows your book to practically write itself. The process takes very little of your own willpower to see results.

-You want a proven way to get a reputable agent and major publisher, so you get the prestige and cash of a big-time author.

-You want a program that works naturally with the procrastinating way you like to do things so you can end self-sabotage and inner conflict and actually get a winning book
published.

Stop being paralyzed by fear and let somebody help you turn that
book idea into a book that sells. Read more about how Rita can
help you get started at http://tinyurl.com/5rc6ub


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

3. The YouTube Boo-boo

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

It's one of the biggest mistake Publicity Hounds make when they
create videos, and it's costing them viewers, website traffic,
and sales.

They create a few good-quality videos, upload them to YouTube,
and then sit back and wait for the traffic to start flowing in.
Problem is, even though YouTube is the most popular video-sharing
site, many people who are hungry for the kind of information
shared in those videos will be missing them entirely.

That's because they're searching at one of the other three dozen
video-sharing sites like LiveVideo.com, AOLVideo,com or
GoogleVideo.com. This is what I call the big YouTube Boo-boo. You
can't rely on that website alone.

Mike Koenigs, the video marketing guy who owns Traffic Geyser,
the subscription site that uploads one video to several dozen
video sharing sites with just one click of the mouse, has created
a series of four videos that, collectively, amount to a killer
Internet video marketing course. I've shared some of them with
you the last few weeks in this newsletter and at my blog, but you
may have missed one or two.

If you give Mike your email and let him show you how Traffic
Geyser works, here's give you the video course. Here are all the
titles:

-The Video Camera Buyer's Guide: What to Buy and Where to Get It

-Mac or PC? Desktop or Laptop? Web Video Producers Want to Know

-How to Get Your Point Across to Any Personality Type by Answering 4 Simple Questions

-The 10×10×4 Market Domination Formula

Even if you're already using another program like TubeMogul to
upload your videos, watch these videos anyway for some valuable
tips you can start using today: http://tinyurl.com/5b3aak


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

4. The Dating Service of PR

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

PR Week calls it the "dating service of PR."

The New York Times refers to it as "dial-an-expert."

CNN says it's an "invaluable tool" when journalists are
researching experts.

The Chicago Tribune describes it as the "type of tool great
stories are made of."

And the Associated Press calls it the "encyclopedia of sources."
They're all referring to Expertclick: The Online Yearbook of
Experts which doubles as a press release distribution service
that can push out your message to hundreds of journalists and
millions of consumers who search online.

My Expertclick profile appears on Page 1 of Google when people
search for "publicity expert." My press releases pull in traffic
to my website and blog. And my listing in its experts database
results in calls and emails from journalists asking for my expert
commentary for stories they're writing.

The deadline for your text and topics for the 2009 printed
yearbook is Friday, December 12. Tell them I sent you and they'll
knock $100 off your subscription price. For your listing, call
Mitch Davis and his staff at 202-333-5000. (They even answer
their own phone.)

Read more about it at http://tinyurl.com/588gqs


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

5. How to Promote Italian Diorama Art

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

This week, seven Publicity Hounds have tips for Susan Sogaro of
Tomball, Texas, an Italian Diorama artist who needs help
promoting her online store at http://www.shsartandgift.com


From Janine Libbey:

"Have you considered donating a piece to a nonprofit for a
fundraiser? It could be a door prize or an item for a silent
auction. Donors are listed in the program and are often
mentioned in press write-ups of the fundraiser. You could get
some free publicity from your support of a worthy cause."


From Christine Buffaloe:

"Have you thought of contacting any travel agencies that
specialize in Italian travel? They may have clients who are
particularly interested in this form of art. You could also set
up a Facebook page, with an added product page that would then
create a fan-base for your work."


From Flo Selfman:

"Susan, your work is beautiful and unusual. Please, immediately,
get visuals on the home page...Look at other artists' websites
and see how they display their art on their home pages."


The Publicity Hound says:

Artists who are struggling with ways to market their art and turn
a hobby into a career won't want to miss the Virtual Opening Day
Reception from 7 to 8 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, Dec. 4, the
free kick-off teleseminar leading up to the 2009 smARTist
Telesummit, hosted by Ariane Goodwin.

I'll be on next week's call along with the other art career
experts, and we'll be passing along los of great tips to make
your mouth water for the entire telesummit. Join us by signing up
for next week's call at http://tinyurl.com/5haqs5

During the telesummit, I'm presenting a 45-minute session on
social networking on Jan. 21. Take a look at all the great topics
we'll be covering at http://tinyurl.com/5axy3x

Read all the responses to this week's Help This Hound question
http://tinyurl.com/6hycv8

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


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

6. Help This Hound

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

Rachel Mielke of New York, New York writes:

"I have a high-end designer jewelry company, Hillberg & Berk,
at http://www.hillbergandberk.com/ and we wholesale across
Canada. We have just broken into the U.S. market by being invited
to do a trunk show with Bloomingdale's in New York City the
second week in December.

"This is an unheard of opportunity for our company and could
really change our business forever if the show goes well. Only
problem is that no one in NYC has ever heard of my company. I
want to do something to generate publicity and get some radio or
news press the day of my trunk show but I have no idea what to
do.

"I know it needs to be something huge and crazy to get the
attention of the New York media. Can your Hounds help?"


The Publicity Hound says: Talk about cutting it close! You have
little time to build the buzz for this show, so I'm asking my
Hounds to kick into "emergency mode" when answering this
question. Hounds with quick, effective ideas for Rachel can post
them to my blog at http://tinyurl.com/6b5b5l


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

7. Hound Joke of the Week

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

Here's a cute, short video that explains real reason your dog
goes outside. Watch it to the very end:

http://tinyurl.com/6hdv4k


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 track Twitter quitters who don't follow you anymore
http://tinyurl.com/6njlmx


Offering testimonials can pay publicity dividends for years
http://tinyurl.com/6s46ey


Attleboro, MA threatens granny for past-due bill of 1 cent
http://tinyurl.com/6po6dy


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

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 Virtual Opening Day Reception from 7 to
8 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, Dec. 4. It's a free teleseminar
leading up to the telesummit, in which all the speakers offer a
few of their best tips. Register for next week's call at
http://tinyurl.com/5haqs5 or for the telesummit at
http://tinyurl.com/5axy3x


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/Avoid Spray-and-Pray Publicity Nov 18, 2008

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #425 Nov. 18, 2008
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)

Circulation: 50,749

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

"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.

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

Let Corporate Sponsors Promote You on Their Dime

Of all the questions I receive each year from Publicity Hounds
who have a product or service to promote, one of the most
frequent is "How do I land a corporate sponsorship?"

I don't have a step-by-step guide on how to do that, but author
and speaker Brendon Buchard does, and he'll tell you about it
during a free teleseminar tomorrow.

See Item #2 below.

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

1. Avoid Spray-and-Pray Publicity

2. Let Corporate Sponsors Promote You

3. 'Buy My Stuff' Videos

4. LinkedIn Events

5. Promoting a Web Design Business

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week

8. And at My Blog...


========================================
1. Avoid Spray-and-Pray Publicity
========================================

If you're guilty of any of the following, you could end up with a
publicity campaign that falls on its face:

--To reach journalists that write about your area of expertise,
you rely primarily on a list of media contacts you've bought from
a company, without knowing whether the contact information is a
month old, or a year old, or whether the journalist receiving
your pitch is dead or alive.

--You use the "spray and pray" method of distributing press
releases. You spray the same one-size-fits all release to a
variety of journalists and bloggers, and then pray that one of
them bites.

--You use the same "spray and pray" approach with pitches,
spraying the same pitch to everybody without bothering to
customize it for different audiences.

--You know you're supposed to post comments at other people's
blogs. But you don't know how to make them sound like anything
other than "Visit my website. I have something to sell to you."

--You don't know about the secret weapon that can penetrate TV
and radio newsrooms and get you on the air. Instead, you keep
spraying and praying.

--You "spray" your press releases and pitches to everyone at the
same time. You're unaware that you can sometimes get onto TV the
same day you pitch but that if you want that same story in a
national magazine, you must sometimes pitch six months before the
magazine hits the newsstands.

--You rely primarily on press releases to get big publicity hits.

--You think the word "media" refers only to newspapers,
magazines, TV and radio stations.

--If you're an author, you foolishly pitch your book.

Do any of these sound familiar? If so, I'm betting you don't know
how to create a media plan, also known as a publicity plan.

A well-thought-out plan tips you off to journalists and bloggers
who are hungry for the kind of content you provide. It will help
you know, instantly, which TV stations you should be pitching
TODAY so you can get onto tomorrow's shows and which magazine you
should be pitching TODAY so you can get into the May issue.

A good plan also includes lots of ideas you can pitch during the
months when there's absolutely nothing happening at your business
or nonprofit and the idea well is dry. It includes evergreen
story ideas that will work just as well next year as they did
five years ago.

I conducted a series of eight teleseminars that explain how NOT
to make the types of mistakes I've described above and how to
create a 12-month media plan that targets your message like a
laser to the audiences that want and need to hear your message.

It's called "How to Create a Media Plan," available as CDs or
electronic transcripts, and it comes with a half-hour of
consulting which you can use now or later. Let me help you devise
a strategy that will get you maximum exposure. We can even
brainstorm story ideas that are irresistible.

Read more about how to create a 12-month media plan at
http://www.publicityhound.com/mediaplan.htm


=========================================
2. Let Corporate Sponsors Promote You
=========================================

Let's say you don't have the time or the inclination to create
the kind of media plan I've mentioned above. You'd rather have
somebody else do most of the work, but you can't afford a PR
firm.

In that case, go after a corporate sponsorship.

Brendon Buchard, an author and speaker, has figured out some
really ingenious ways to land corporate and nonprofit
promotional sponsorships and use them to fund his marketing
efforts.

--Sony, for example, featured his company on a website with more
than 5 million visitors for free. That allowed him to quickly
build a mailing list of more than 30,000 people.

--Brendon knows the magic phrase you must use to quickly convince
nonprofits to publicize your book or product to their thousands
or millions of members.

--His corporate sponsorships have been responsible for the
publicity he has gotten on ABC World News, Oprah & Friends,
National Public Radio and 63 major radio stations. (The company
pays its PR firm or uses internal PR staff to get him media
exposure.)

--Corporate sponsors have made it possible for him to receive
$500,000 in advances for his second book.

--He has figured out how to get major companies like Wachovia,
Coke and Toyota to promote and sponsor his books, publicity, and
speaking tours.

Are you listening, speakers and authors?

If you can convince a company to pay you to travel around the
country speaking about your topic, you don't have to join the
chorus of thousands of other speakers who are all pitching
meeting planners. All you have to do is mention the company's
product or service during your presentation and let your
audiences know about the corporate sponsor arrangement.

In other words, you're using somebody else's influence, somebody
else's contacts and somebody else's money.

But Brendon says the process most people use to do what he does
is hit and miss, at best. They don't know the right people to
approach within a company or nonprofit. They don't know the five
elements they must include in their written proposal. And they
don't know about the website they can use to find potential
sponsors and promotional partners.

Curious about how he does it?

Listen to him explain during a free teleseminar tomorrow with my
friend, Steve Harrison. You can choose from two times: 2 p.m.
Eastern or 7 p.m. Eastern.

Sign up here and Steve will send you the handout and details for
tomorrow's call: http://tinyurl.com/5eosqa


========================================
3. 'Buy My Stuff' Videos
========================================

We've all seen them, and we hate them.

Mike Koenigs calls them "Buy My Stuff" videos, and they're all
over the Internet.

You click on a video thinking you'll see something funny, or
inspiring, or helpful. It turns out to be an author or a business
owner hawking a book or a widget and leading you to a sales page
where you can place the order.

"Buy My Stuff" videos have their place. But the correct place to
use them is never in front of the prospect when you're connecting
with them for the first time.

Videos can be so incredibly powerful to your publicity campaign
because Google sometimes indexes them within minutes after they
appear at a video-sharing site. So why waste your time on "buy my
stuff" videos that send prospects running from you?

Mike has a strategy he calls the 10 x 10 x 4 formula that shows
you exactly when you can use your "buy my stuff" video and what
you must do first. He explains it in a 20-minute video, and once
you see it, you'll understand why his method is so much better.
It establishes you as a credible expert and authority who
educates, informs, entertains and builds rapport with your
prospective audience so they feel a sense of connection with you
and, eventually, buy your stuff.

He'll send you the link to the video in exchange for your name
and email address. The video explains, by the way, that asking
for the prospect's name and email address is part of his
strategy.

Go to http://tinyurl.com/6ay5ab and learn how, and when, to use
"buy my stuff" videos.


=========================================
4. LinkedIn Events
=========================================

LinkedIn has a new application that's perfect for Publicity
Hounds who are speaking, attending or exhibiting at a live event.

It's called LinkedIn Events and it appears on the right side of
every LinkedIn user's homepage (log into your LinkedIn account
and scroll down on your homepage).

It lets you know about live events you might be interested in
attending. LinkedIn chooses which ones to display, based on the
information you've included in your profile. Unfortunately, it
doesn't let you submit information about your own events, and it
doesn't include events like teleseminars and webinars.

You can watch a short video that demonstrates how it works at
http://tinyurl.com/642j7t

This information is valuable in several ways:

--The application shows which other LinkedIn users within your
network are attending the event, a great heads-up if you want to
make plans beforehand to connect with any of them at the event.

--You can search for events by industry, date and location.
Speakers can use this functions to search for events that would
fit perfectly with their topic and area of expertise.

--It lets you announce to your contacts whether you are speaking,
exhibiting or attending the event.

The application is in beta, and judging from comments to the blog
post at the link above, it has several bugs. But it's one more
way to spread the word about your expertise.

Don't just create a LinkedIn profile and let it sit there
gathering dust. Make sure you know all the ways to connect with
your contacts.

Social media expert Scott Allen was my guest during two
teleseminars earlier this summer in which he created for us an
entire timeline of everything you should be doing on LinkedIn
several months before you're launching a product or sponsoring an
event. Scott says the secret is not to promote directly to your
contacts but, instead, to encourage them to let their contacts
know what you're doing. In other words, ask for their help and
they'll oblige.

He walks you step by step through the entire process of "How to
Use LinkedIn to Promote Anything--Ethically & Powerfully." 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 using LinkedIn the right way at
http://tinyurl.com/5zvzyd


==========================================
5. Promoting a Web Design Business
==========================================

This week, 10 Publicity Hounds have tips for Nancy Cavanaugh
of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a web designer who needs quick ideas to
boost sales at her website, Cavanaugh Interactive, at
http://www.cavanaughinteractive.biz/


From Meryl K. Evans:

"Contact business and nonprofit organizations to offer to speak
to their members at no charge. Be sure the presentation adds
value. 'How to turn visitors into customers' sounds like a good
one for you." Do a good job presenting it and the members might
prefer to have you do the work for them."


From Efia Moore:

"It seems like your website is lacking a theme. Sure, everything
is neat and easy to navigate, but what is it that makes your site
stand out above the rest?

"Also, if you're an interactive design company, where is all the
Web 2.0 stuff? If I can't Digg you, add you to my RSS feeds, or
get your Twitter updates, what's the point of calling yourself
interactive?"


From Judy Vorfeld:

"The purpose of the first page above the fold is to connect with
the visitor. Instead of the two graphics in the middle column
(which are totally impersonal and not valuable enough to be near
the top of the home page), consider some text that addresses the
issues potential website owns have and show how you can make
their life a lot better."


The Publicity Hound says:

Even though you offer tips in the margins, your website cries out
for free articles. This is one of the first things visitors look
for, and it's a great way to build your expertise. If you have
difficulty writing, use the template I've provided that comes
with the CD or the electronic transcript on "How to Write How-to
Articles." You can use the same template over and over again.
Read more about what I taught during this teleseminar:
http://tinyurl.com/dnxhb


Read all the responses to this week's Help This Hound question
http://tinyurl.com/6lzg8e


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 Susan Sogaro of Trumbull, Texas writes:

I am an Italian Diorama artist, and my handmade, three-
dimensional Nativities include town scenes which have homesteads,
vendors, shops and market scenes. Our art and gift shop caters to
Italian art lovers in the U.S. and crafts range from the Dioramas
to small travertine coasters and ceramic boxes and tiles.

I can't find anyone in the Houston area doing the same work and
would really like to get the word out there about my artwork,
with very limited resources. We invested all our savings in
setting up the company. Do your Hounds have any suggestions on
how to promote the artwork and our online store? You can find us
at http://www.shsartandgift.com,
http://www.youtube.com/susansogaro and
http://www.susansogaro.blogspot.com/


The Publicity Hound says:

With the Internet, you should be thinking far beyond attracting
potential buyers only in the Houston area. Many of my Hounds do
just that, and some of them are artists. Hounds with great ideas
for Susan can post them to my blog at http://tinyurl.com/6hycv8


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

Thanks to Publicity Hound Elaine Grassbaugh of Columbus, Ohio for
this one:


Who is your REAL friend, your spouse or your dog?

If you're not sure, just try this experiment. Put your dog and
your spouse in the trunk of the car for an hour. When you
open the trunk, who is really happy to see you?


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:


Wednesday, Nov. 19--Teleseminar

"Write Like a Journalist: Media Wordsmiths Share Proven
Copywriting Secrets for Earning More Ink," 1 to 2:30 p.m.,
sponsored by Bulldog Reporter. Join me and three other panelists
for our best writing tips. Register at http://tinyurl.com/5cs6p7


Thursday, 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.


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 2:45 to 4:30 p.m. You can start
registering next week.


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/Grade Your Press Release June 3, 2008

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #401 June 3, 2008
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)

The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 46,792

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

"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.

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

Save the Dates:

June 11: Teleseminar

PR whiz Robert Smith explains "How to Earn An Extra $100,000 This Year as a Publicist, Even in a Bad Economy." 3-4 p.m. Eastern Time. Register at http://www.publicityhound.com/teleseminar.htm See Item #3 below.

June 18: Teleseminar

Business coach Leili McKinley shows you "How to Outsource Almost Any Part of Your PR Campaign or Your Business." 3-4 p.m. Eastern Time. Register at http://www.publicityhound.com/teleseminar.htm

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

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

1. Grade Your Press Release

2. How to Mimic a Star Reporter

3. For Energetic Publicists Only

4. Do Criminals Use Twitter?

5. Promoting a Dawg Art Exhibit in Michigan

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week

8. At My Blog...


=========================================
1. Grade Your Press Release
=========================================

Wouldn't it be great if you could write a press release, run it past a press release expert and then, within a few seconds, know whether the release passes or fails?

Here's the next best thing. It's called the Press Release Grader, a nifty piece of software that not only assigns your press release a grade of 1 to 100, but tells you exactly what you must do to improve it.

It was created by Hubspot, a Cambridge, Massachusetts company that helps small businesses have a huge presence online so that people in their target market can find them, and convert a higher percentage of prospects into customers.

Simply cut and paste your press release into the window at http://www.pressreleasegrader.com/, complete the form and click on "Grade Press Release." Within seconds, you'll see your score and a list of suggested improvements.

The grader deducts points for:

- -Not having an "About Us" section on your press release. I could quibble with this, but it's a minor point in an otherwise cool tool.

- -No links high in the release.

- -Not using "###" at the end of the release, the universal code for "the end."

- -Incorrect use of anchor text. That is, the words on the page that link to a website.

- -Gobbledygook words like "flexible," "scalable" and "robust."

It even tells you whether the readability level of your press release is "graduate school" or one of several lower levels.

Before you start, watch the video on that page for a better understanding of how it works. When Hubspot grades your release, it gives you a full report that you can email to other members of your team.

I'll be incorporating this tool into my free email tutorial "89 Ways to Write Powerful Press Releases" at http://www.PublicityHound.com/pressreleasetips/art.htm

Thanks to Publicity Hound Debra Helwig of Athens, Georgia for alerting me to this one.


========================================
2. How to Mimic a Star Reporter
========================================

If you're a member of your local Chamber of Commerce and the only thing you have to show for it is the receipt for your annual dues, don't even think about dropping out.

Because you're a smart Publicity Hound, you have an opportunity right at your fingertips to be a star in the organization and generate so much publicity for yourself that all the other members will be green with envy. Nonprofits, this applies to you, too.

Here's what you do.

The next time the chamber has an event that the local media won't cover, act like a reporter and cover it yourself. Buy an inexpensive Flip video camera and interview people at the event.

If it's a routine chamber breakfast meeting with a speaker, interview the speaker after the presentation for a segment of two to three minutes. At the same breakfast, create another short video. Ask the chamber president to provide a brief infomercial of upcoming chamber events like the annual golf outing or street festival.

At bigger events, like the annual awards banquet, interview the Business Person of the Year. If you really want to create a stir, choose a controversial topic that chamber members are buzzing about. Interview one person on each side of the issue. You've just created two more videos.

Import the videos into your computer, which takes a minute or two, edit them, upload them to your website, give the chamber the link to the videos, and then watch what happens.

The chamber will probably email all its members and tell them to go to your website. Many of those members will share the link with their friends. The link will end up in the next chamber newsletter. And who knows where else.

And here's the best part. You can offer that same video to the local newspapers, magazines and TV and radio stations for use at their websites. Print media, in particular, are hungry for user- generated video, even if it's of events that they decided not to cover.

That's what videographer John Easton does in Charlotte, North Carolina. He covers local business events and uploads them to his blog at http://www.eastonsweb.wordpress.com/ or to his own streaming video channel, sort of like his own TV station, at http://www.broadcastcharlotte.com/ and then he offers the video to local media.

Too busy to fuss with all these details? John says every community is teaming with people who you can hire for next to nothing to shoot and edit the video for you. He explained how to find them when he was a guest on a teleseminar I conducted recently on "9 Clever Ways to Use Video to Become a Publicity Darling in Your Industry or Community." We recorded it, and the interview is available as a CD, electronic transcript or MP3 audio.

Learn how to start covering your own community's news right now, or find somebody to do it cheaply, by going to http://tinyurl.com/66xshb


==============================================
3. For Energetic Publicists Only
==============================================

I can hear some of you publicists groaning already.

During next week's teleseminar, when Robert Smith describes the wild strategies he uses to pull in so many potential clients that he has to refer some of them to other publicists, one of you will complain, "You expect me to do WHAT?"

Consider this fair warning.

Robert doesn't like doing what all the other publicists are doing. So he dreams up unconventional ideas on his own, like recruiting drivers for an overnight delivery service to hand- deliver his brochures when they drop off packages at businesses.

He's the PR equivalent of Willie Sutton, but in a good way. Sutton said he robbed banks because that's where the money is. Robert knows where the clients are, and he'll do just about anything to find them. If they're a good fit, he'll close the deal.

I knew him back when he was a frustrated bill collector who wanted to learn how to write press releases just for grins.

When he told me that, I thought he was crazy. But here he sits today with a full-time staff of eight and four sub-contractors. In 10 years, he's gone from a net worth of zero to more than $1 million.

If you're not prepared to entertain off-the-wall ideas about how to grow your business or work incredibly hard to find new clients, you'd be wise not to sign up for the call.

As for the rest of you, join us from 3 to 4 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, June 11, for "How to Earn An Extra $100,000 This Year as a Publicist, Even in a Bad Economy."

This teleseminar is perfect for publicists, PR practitioners, wanna-be PR people, and even virtual assistants whose clients are in PR.

Everyone who attends gets a copy of the MP3 recording to listen to afterward. I expect this session to be packed, and seating is limited, so sign up today: http://www.publicityhound.com/teleseminar.htm

And please make sure your seat belts are securely fastened.


========================================
4. Do Criminals Use Twitter?
========================================

Maybe it's just me.

But I fear that one day soon, criminals will discover that Twitter is one of the best places to find empty houses vulnerable to a break-in, or tweets that make it easy for them to commit far more serious crimes.

At Twitter.com, I expect to see lots of details about what people are doing in their jobs because using Twitter for business and publicity is just plain smart. (See "Special Report #52: How to Use Twitter for Business to Network, Promote, Sell, Recruit & Profit" at http://tinyurl.com/4tyl76 for ideas.)

But I'm amazed at some of the personal details people include. Like announcing they're closing up the house and leaving for two weeks in the Florida Keys. Or visiting San Francisco for a three- day conference. Or saying good-bye to their cabin on the southeast corner of such-and-such a lake and heading back home.

Last week, I was guilty of tweeting that I'd be in Las Vegas for two days, but our house wasn't vacant at the time. Had it been empty, I wouldn't have let the world know that.

With the number of social networking sites multiplying daily, it wouldn't take a savvy criminal long to put two and two together and go hunting for our profiles and...well...you know the rest. Just look what the slime balls have been able to accomplish with phishing and identity theft.

What about you? Do you police yourself so you don't share too much information? Do you know of guidelines anywhere that discuss the kinds of details we should or shouldn't include in our tweets?

Or am I just being paranoid?

Join in the conversation at my blog at http://tinyurl.com/5sge6v


=============================================
5. Promoting a Dawg Art Exhibit in Michigan =============================================

This week, seven Publicity Hounds have tips on how Lynne Scheible of Big Rapids, Michigan can promote the Year of the Dawg so that people will come to Big Rapids and the surrounding area to see bulldogs that are artistically designed by local artists.


From Nancy Stephen:

"Make sure you're talking to the local, regional and state tourism offices. Make sure you've got pictures that they, too, can post and use on their website."


From Kim Stezala:

"Have Ferris State tie in with the event and promote it with alumni. Perhaps alumni could vote for their favorite dawg."


From Cheryl Pickett:

"Once you get the sponsors together, how about putting together a joint flyer including special events or offers beyond those that your group is planning? The goal would be to increase the likelihood of visitors going into the stores instead of just walking by to view the dawgs. You could also post a downloadable version on everyone's websites or include it with maps."

"Example: A salon could offer a coupon for a massage/pedi for dawg tired feet after all the walking around town. A restaurant couuld offer a special on their hot dawgs."


The Publicity Hound says:

Start pitching this story to the gazillion pet bloggers. Why not ask them to ask their readers to vote, based on photos of the dawgs? See "How to Pitch the Best Bloggers & Create a Publicity Explosion" at http://tinyurl.com/m7ymr


Read all the responses to this Help This Hound question at http://tinyurl.com/6m9hmc

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


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

Merri Cvetan of Big Bend, Wisconsin writes:

"As an interior designer, I'm always looking for ways to drive people to my website at http://www.mecdesignstudio.com and business.

"I am creating a fun survey to find out the relationship between a woman's wardrobe and the colors she decorates her home with. I will offer a designer notebook to one or two entries.

"It won't be scientific, but I think the results should be interesting and garner some publicity. I can post the questionnaire on my site and at a few blog sites as well as Craigslist. Any other suggestions on how to get it to women across the country?"


The Publicity Hound says:

Have you seen the new movie "(Fill in the blank) and the City?" I haven't seen it, but can you tie into the characters' wardrobes and how they decorate? That movie could be one of the summer's biggest hits, and your online press releases, articles, blog posts and other content that refers to the survey could pull in a lot of traffic from SATC fans who are googling.

Hounds, let's hear your ideas. Post your best comments to my blog at http://tinyurl.com/6bq6ns


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

Thanks to Dan Poynter of Santa Barbara, California for sharing these Canine Letters to God.


Dear God: Why do humans smell the flowers, but seldom, if ever, smell one another?


Dear God: When we get to heaven, can we sit on your couch? Or is it still the same old story?


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 long before criminals start monitoring Twitter?
Http://tinyurl.com/5sge6v


The Musician's Guide to Brides includes press release tips
http://tinyurl.com/5lw7w3


Promote artwork with video using these 11 tips
http://tinyurl.com/5rjb7v


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

Where to See or Hear The Publicity Hound


June 11: Teleseminar for Publicists

PR whiz Robert Smith explains "How to Earn An Extra $100,000 This Year as a Publicist, Even in a Bad Economy." 3-4 p.m. Eastern Time. Register at http://www.publicityhound.com/teleseminar.htm


June 18: Teleseminar on Outsourcing

Business coach Leili McKinley shows you "Outsourcing Secrets: Your Guide to Getting the Best Quality, Price and Teamwork from Freelancers." 3-4 p.m. Eastern Time. Register at http://www.PublicityHound.com/teleseminar.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
USA
Phone: 262-284-7451 (Central) Fax: 262-284-1737

Publicity tips/How to Bury Bad News May 7, 2008

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #398 May 7, 2008
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 47,121

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

"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.

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

An Alternative to Pitching:

If you're one of the millions of frustrated Publicity Hounds whose pitches to the media have gone absolutely nowhere, keep reading.

Publicity Hound John Easton, who you have read about many times in this newsletter, has an alternative to pitching that will turn you into a media darling in your own community and attract a worldwide audience. It's video. And it will help put you miles ahead of your competitors who are too lazy or reluctant to learn it.

If you don't want to be bothered with video, then go ahead and stand in line behind all the millions of other people who are pitching.

But don't say I didn't warn you. See Item #2 below.

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

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

1. How to Bury Bad News

2. How Alpha Dogs Use Video

3. Explain How to Pamper Mom

4. For Internet Marketers Only

5. How to Promote an Organizing Service

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Quote of the Week

8. At My Blog...


===================================
1. How to Bury Bad News
===================================

It could be a lawsuit against your company.

Or a health department violation against your restaurant.

Or a post at somebody's blog, written by a rabble-rouser who wants to drag your name through the mud and destroy your business.

If it's bad news and it's online, it could live online forever. Anybody who uses the search engines to research companies can find it. That is, unless you know how to bury it.

Enter Glen Selig who writes and distributes press releases for his clients to bury or "push down" the bad news on the organic search list. That's the list that appears on the left side of the screen when you type a keyword or keyword phrase into a search engine like Google.

"You still need something newsworthy to disseminate, but then it's about strategy and technique," says Glen of http://www.pressreleasepros.com

I'd go one step further and say you don't even need something newsworthy to write about. Let's say you sell jewelry. Three years ago, a consumer group incorrectly accused you of selling fake gems. Their accusations appeared online and kept popping up in the search engines when people typed certain keyword phrases related to gems.

Here's how you could bury it:

- -Write and distribute a press release about your new money-back guarantee.

- -Then write and distribute another release about how to buy gems.

- -And then another on what to do if people love wearing jewelry, but are allergic to certain types of metal.

- -And then another on the most popular types of gems.

- -And then another on what to look for when buying gems.

Get the idea?

You aren't writing these releases for journalists. You're writing them for consumers. If journalists find them, that's great. But the whole point of the exercise is to bury the bad news. Google and the other search engines usually give higher ranking to fresher information. The more press releases you distribute over time, the lower the bad news drops on the list.

"I help large and small companies use this secret weapon all the time," says Selig. "And it works like a charm."

He distributes his press releases through PRNewsChannel at http://www.prnewschannel.com,which sends press releases to search engines like Google, Google News, Ask.com, Yahoo and MSN.

You can hire someone like Glen to write and distribute press releases for you. Or you can do it yourself with help from my free email tutorial called "89 Ways to Write Powerful Press Releases." Sign up for the tutorial or buy the entire 12-week course in a handy ebook for only $27.

Learn more at http://www.PublicityHound.com/pressreleasetips/art.htm


====================================
2. How Alpha Dogs Use Video
====================================

In the world of four-legged dogs, "alpha dog" is the title bestowed upon the most dominant dog in the pack.

Certain privileges accompany that title, such as having first pick of food, female and resting place.

In the world of two-legged Hounds, an Alpha Hound is someone who dominates the competition by using strategies and tactics so clever that once the competition gets wind of it, they don't know how to begin playing catch-up.

Videographer John Easton says video is one of the most powerful ways to become the Alpha Hound of your industry or community. Last week, my jaw dropped as he was explaining some of the many ways he's using video to become a media darling in Charlotte, North Carolina where his video company is located.

For example, without even being asked, John attends public events sponsored by local newspapers and shoots video there. Then he turns over the edited video to the media outlets for use at their websites.

Journalists are word people. Many of them find video production very difficult. So they love John who does it for them. They remember him. And reporters call on him for background, commentary and story ideas when writing stories.

John says you don't need to be a videographer to do what he does. "This can be a huge opportunity for anybody who can turn around this kind of content quickly," he says.

If you don't want to get your hands dirty, John knows where to find inexpensive people who can help you forge these valuable relationships.

He will be my guest during a teleseminar at 3 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, May 21, called "9 Clever Ways to Use Video to Become a Publicity Darling in Your Industry or Community." Everything he will share will be very different than the tips Mike Stewart passed along during the teleseminar he did with me several weeks ago. If you missed that one, you can listen to it at http://JoanandMikeStewart.com

Read more about the secrets John will discuss and how you can sign up. I'll be offering this as a CD, MP3 file or electronic transcript afterward. So if you can't make the live event, you can order the product later.

Register at http://www.PublicityHound.com/teleseminar.htm


=========================================
3. Explain How to Pamper Mom
=========================================

When I turned on the TV yesterday, I saw a Milwaukee chef demonstrating how kids can whip up a gourmet breakfast for mom on Mother's Day, without having to use a knife.

It was an omelet, and he showed how to cut the cooked bacon with a scissors. The feature was part of the morning news segment and a perfect story leading up to Sunday.

What a clever idea, I thought. Why can't you do something similar?

- -A day spa can demonstrate how to give mom a foot massage.

- -A florist can show kids how to make a pretty arrangement of daffodils, tulips and other spring flowers in a simple vase.

- -A house cleaning company can provide tips on how kids can give mom a very special Mother's Day gift: a clean house.

I know you can think of more ideas. Once you've come up with one, pitch it to the local TV stations. But know how to find the right person in the newsroom who has the power to assign the story and get it onto the news.

Shawne Duperon explains how on "How to Get onto the Local TV News Tomorrow," one of my most popular products. Shawne explains how TV newsrooms operate, how to track down the "Queen Bee" of the newsroom, and ways to make your pitch so enticing that the Queen immediately assigns your story to a reporter.

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/localtvnews


========================================
4. For Internet Marketers Only
========================================

If you do business of any type on the Internet, you'll want to see the new Going Natural 3.0 video released by Stompernet.

This video isn't for everybody--only for those who sell online, or want to. If you've bought pay-per-click advertising in the past and didn't do as well as you expected, or if your eyes popped out of your head like mine did the first time I launched a pay-per-click campaign, this video is must-viewing.

You'll learn how an Internet marketer's website got dumped by Google--that's half his traffic, half his sales and half his business. With help from a smart friend, he went on to have his best six months ever, without a homepage listing in Google.

Do yourself a favor and give them your name and email address so you can stay in touch with them and see more videos like this one and the cool video on social media marketing earlier this year.

I was so bowled over by the social media marketing course I just completed through Stompernet that I joined Stompernet's membership program. I'm devouring what they're teaching, and taking advantage of the one-hour telephone calls with a different faculty member Monday through Thursday, plus private coaching. They're reopening membership, but only for a few days. So act now.

Take a look at the video: http://www.stompernet.net/jvp/aw.aspx?B=44&A=332


============================================
5. How to Promote an Organizing Service
============================================

This week, eight Publicity Hounds have tips on how professional organizer Debbie Jordan Kravitz of York, PA can market her virtual organizing and consultation programs.

From Bonnie Lowe:

"How about a series of funny YouTube videos?

"They don't have to be professional or expensive...You could show some funny consequences of being unorganized, and then end each video with a push to your website landing page that markets your service. Funny videos get lots of hits, and the good ones go viral. The potential return is huge."


From Biana Babinsky:

"Since you already identified your target market, how about going where they are? Chances are, they are hanging out at social networking sites!

"Join a few social networking sites, and start networking and participating in groups your target market participates in. This way, you'll meet more people in your target market AND your target market will get exposed to your knowledge and expertise.

"I also recommend a free gift that you can give away in exchange for a subscription for your newsletter."


From Leah Ingram:

"As a writer and blogger who focuses on green topics, I would write about your service if you could provide a green angle--assuming that getting organized offers environmental benefits. Not only could you pitch me but the other green blogs like Treehugger, or producers of the slew of green shows coming out on Planet Green, DIY Network and HGTV."


The Publicity Hound says:

Debbie, sponsor a contest and have people create videos showing them with their messy desks, offices, bedrooms, kitchens or cars. Then award a cool prize. I'll bet some of these videos would even go viral.


Read all the responses to this Help This Hound question at http://publicityhound.net/professionalorganizer


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


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

Milan Stevanovich of Detroit, Michigan writes:

"Michigan just passed a 40 percent rebate to companies filming movies and TV programs in the state. If you use Michigan companies and labor, you get a 40 percent instant rebate after production---big savings for number-crunching entertainment financiers.

"For the last three weeks, my associates and I have schmoozed a dozen Hollywood actors, producers, and those in charge of locating properties for shoots.

"My client owns 100 buildings in Detroit and eventually will have the lion's share of any studios built on his properties. Recently, production companies have been coming to us looking for investors for productions. The laws here make it incredibly competitive because of the rebates.

"How do we take advantage of this window of opportunity to be the epicenter of everything Hollywood in Michigan? How do we best get the word out that my associates are one degree of separation from the best locations, investors, suppliers and vendors at the epicenter of this new burgeoning industry in our great state?"

The Publicity Hound says:

OK, sharp Hounds. If you've been paying attention the last few weeks, you'll be able to come up with some powerful ways for Milan and his company to promote their state. I can think of three ways right now. Let's see how many you can think of. Post your best ideas to my blog at http://publicityhound.net/michigan


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

"I like driving around with my two dogs, especially on the freeways. I make them wear little hats so I can use the car-pool lanes."

- -Monica Piper, author


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

Video tour of your website will impress journalists, others
http://publicityhound.net/videotour


Artists, photographers: Comment on Miley Cyrus photo
http://publicityhound.net/mileycyrus


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

Where to See or Hear The Publicity Hound


May 21: Teleseminar on Video

Learn "9 Clever Ways to use Video to Become a Publicity Darling in Your Industry or Community" with guest expert John Easton, a videographer and media darling in Charlotte, NC. Register at http://www.Publicityhound.com/teleseminar.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/Pan for Gold Using Web Video April 8, 2008

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #393 April 8, 2008
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.net/(Blog)
The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 44,189

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

"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.

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

USA Today Says Web Video is Marketing Gold

The story on the front page of the Business section in Friday's USA Today says it better than I ever could.

"You don't need a pan and a stream in California to join the next video gold rush. A video camera, computer and high-speed Internet connection will do."

If you're a Publicity Hound who's willing to spend a little time learning how to use video to promote your product, service, cause or issue, you'll pull traffic to your web site, gain attention from traditional media, and make your phone ring by attracting dozens and maybe even hundreds of new customers.

Read the USA Today story here: http://publicityhound.net/usatodaywebvideo

Or skip to item #1 below.

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

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

1. Pan for Gold Using Web Video

2. Will Journalists Find You on LinkedIn?

3. How to Hire a Virtual Assistant

4. Going Ape over Bananas

5. Promoting a Credit Union

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Quote of the Week

8. At My Blog...


===================================
1. Pan for Gold Using Web Video
===================================

Tired of relying on newspapers, magazines, TV and radio stations to decide whether your story is worth telling?

Tell it yourself by creating a two-minute video and posting it at your website. Watch the traffic flow to your site, listen for the ringing telephone, and figure out a way to handle all those additional sales.

Entomologist Hal Coleman in Alpharetta, Georgia, for instance, has been using video for a little more than a year to sell his exterminating services. Watch the 90-second video at http://www.northfultonexterminating.com

And then, head over to his video blog at http://www.YuckyNastyBugFacts.com and give him your name and email address.

You'll be treated to a series of informative and sometimes hysterical videos about yucky, nasty little critters that are having fun right now, as you're reading this, in the bottom of your toaster, inside your gas grill and maybe even on your toothbrush. (Warning: Don't watch this video immediately before or after a meal.)

I saw Hal's videos over the weekend at the Stompernet conference in Atlanta, where more than 400 Internet marketers learned how to promote anything using video and lots of other cutting-edge strategies.

Hal owes his video expertise to my good friend Mike Stewart (no relation), who teaches business owners, experts and Publicity Hounds everywhere how to promote a product, service, cause or issue using short online videos.

During Mike's presentation on Saturday, he demonstrated how you can create video quickly and easily with a $150 camera, a $12 miniature tripod, a piece of paper with notes scribbled in felt-tip pen (it doubles as a dirt-cheap teleprompter), video editing software, and a laptop computer.

It took him less than 30 minutes to create a short video of himself, edit it, post it to his Wordpress blog and play the video live on the Internet.

I got so excited about the possibilities for Publicity Hounds that I invited Mike to do a free teleseminar with me on how to create video clips that you can use at your website, in your publicity campaign, at a video blog, or anyplace else.

It will be from 3 to 4 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, April 17. The call is limited to the first 300 people, and I'm expecting registration to be closed within a week. So sign up here right now: http://www.PublicityHound.com/mikestewartvideo.htm


=========================================
2. Will Journalists Find You on LinkedIn?
=========================================

Journalists are turning to social networking sites such as LinkedIn, MySpace and Facebook to supplement their news coverage or find sources to interview.

That was one of the findings of the 2008 PRWeek/PRNewswire Media Survey.

Of 1,231 media members surveyed, one out of four say they have a profile on MySpace. About one-third have a profile on Facebook, and one-third are on LinkedIn.

More than 57 percent of those surveyed report using blogs to measure sentiment. About half of the respondents use blogs to find what other mainstream publications are writing about. Almost one-third use blogs to find industry experts.

Here's what the survey results mean for Publicity Hounds:

- -If you aren't blogging, start today. You can have a blog up and running in less than 10 minutes at Blogger.com. Or use a more stable, flexible platform like WordPress, Typepad or MovableType.

- -Post comments at blogs that your target audience reads. Comments give you a backlink to your own blog or website and positions you as an expert.

- -Pitch bloggers, but don't just send press releases. Most bloggers want a customized pitch, and they want to know you read their blogs. See "How to Pitch the Best Bloggers & Create a Publicity Explosion" at http://www.PublicityHound.net/cdpitchbestbloggers

- -Create a profile on MySpace, Facebook and LinkedIn and use relevant tags, or keywords, so journalists can find you easily when searching these social networking sites.

If you're intimidated by social networking sites, don't be. Don Crowther peels away the mystery and gives you lots of solid tips you can start using today to build a huge presence online and reach many people who have abandoned traditional media. He was one of my guest experts when I presented the teleseminar series "How to Create a Media Plan" last year. The entire course, including a template for a 12-month plan, is available in audio format, or as electronic transcript that you can download as soon as your order has been approved.

Find out how you can start creating your publicity plan today, and learn about the social media sites where you must have a presence. Go to http://www.PublicityHound.com/mediaplan.htm


======================================
3. How to Hire a Virtual Assistant
======================================

I'm in love with Jennie-O fresh turkey sausage links and eat them most mornings for breakfast.

When my local supermarket stopped carrying them, I had to start calling the meat department every few months and order them by the case. But making calls like that chips away at time I should be spending teaching Publicity Hounds how to promote.

So I started assigning calls like this one to Christine Buffaloe, my virtual assistant. Yesterday, she hunted for the cheapest 16- foot USB cord she could find online and ordered it. She orders my books from Amazon.com. She even researched where I can get reasonably-priced printer cartridges for my ink jet printer (there is no such thing as reasonably priced cartridges for an ink jet printer).

This afternoon, she's calling the sewing machine repair shop to see if my sewing machine is ready to be picked up. When that's done, she'll make a doctor's appointment for me.

I can't tell you the number of hours she's saved me, not only doing business tasks, but making personal phone calls that eat up my precious time.

Isn't it time you found a virtual assistant to free you from annoying chores so you can concentrate on the important stuff that brings in the bucks?

"How to Find a Virtual Assistant to Help with Your Publicity Campaign," a 70-minute interview I conducted with two top-notch VAs, explains everything you need to know about virtual assistants. You'll learn where to find them, how to interview them, tasks you can give them, how to work within your budget, and how to make the relationship smooth sailing all the way.

It's available as a CD or an electronic transcript you can be reading as soon as your order is approved. Start down the road to outsourcing and find out more at http://publicityhound.net/virtualassistant


=================================
4. Going Ape Over Bananas
====================================

When Tom Holubowicz wanted publicity for his custard stand in Grafton, Wisconsin, he donned an ape costume and visited the local Pick 'n Save supermarket to buy bananas for Monkey Pox, his "flavor of the day."

The recipe calls for bananas, custard and chocolate-covered peanuts.

Before he left, he called The News Graphic, his local weekly newspaper and told them it would make a great photo op.

The result? Two black and white photos on page 3 of last week's issue, one showing a big hairy ape reaching for a bunch of bananas and another showing the ape at the check-out counter.

The 6-by-9 inch package of photos cost him nothing. Even better, he sold out of Monkey Pox a few days later, as a result of the publicity. If he had bought an ad the same size, he would have paid $627.48 for it.

Which of the two do you think readers would remember--the photos or a paid ad?

Are you pitching photo ideas to your local newspapers and magazines? If not, you're letting lots of publicity opportunities slip through your fingers. The next time a creative idea strikes, call the photo department of your local newspaper and pitch it.

This also works particularly well if you call an editor or reporter and pitch an idea for a story, and they say no. Photo desks love it when readers call with ideas for photos because photographers are under immense pressure to produce great stand- alone photos.

You'll find hundreds more ideas in my ebook "How to Use Photos & Graphics in Your Publicity Campaign." It's chock full of tips on what kinds of photo equipment to buy on a budget, how to take your own great photos and submit them to the media, and how to sweeten your story pitch with your own graphics, or ideas for graphics that the publication can produce on their own.

Learn how to start using powerful photos and graphics today at http://www.publicityhound.com/publicityphotos.htm

If you live in the Milwaukee area, join me April 22 for a daylong workshop where I'll share hundreds of tips like this one, and teach you how to write and distribute press releases online. I'm speaking to the Shorewood Business Improvement District. For details, see "Where to See and Hear The Publicity Hound" below.


========================================
5. Promoting a Credit Union Contest
========================================

This week, eight Publicity Hounds have tips on how Natasha Henry of Laurel, Maryland can promote a savings contest for a credit union.


From Carol Rademan:

"How fitting that Joan mentioned a possible angle of tying into teaching money habits to children, especially since National Credit Union Youth Week is celebrated April 20-26 by credit unions around the country. I think that’s a great angle!"


From Kathleen Lisson:

"Since you are so close to Washington D.C., crafting a partisan pitch might be effective. Local media might enjoy reporting on a story where members of Congress and their staffs actually tried to SAVE money instead of spend it!

"Which party will be better at saving, Democrats or Republicans? See if you can round up a credit union member from both parties and have them available for interviews, promoting their party as the party of saving money."


From Paulette Ensign:

"Natasha, how about sending a tip of the month? You also have a salable product there by putting those tips into autoresponders and licensing that series to a credit union. Joan created her 89- autoresponder series about press releases. You can do a tip of the month (or week) autoresponder series to license out rather than give it out."


The Publicity Hound says:

How about sponsoring a local contest in which kids in your community submit short videos of how to save money? Lots of kids know how to quickly shoot video on their cell phones and upload it to YouTube. The producer of the best video wins a cool prize. The videos will live online forever. Don't forget to notify your local TV stations and make the video available. Tell your members to sign up for the Mike Stewart teleseminar on how to create videos at http://www.PublicityHound.com/mikestewartvideo.htm


Read all the responses to this week's Help This Hound question at http://publicityhound.net/blogcreditunion

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


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

Steve Mock of Henderson, Nevada writes:

"I am an uncle who was trying to impress my nieces with making my gift-giving to them an adventure.

"As a result, I've created my own company, Giftventure, at http://www.GiftVenture.com It gives children a personalized week-long treasure hunt that comes in the mail.

"At our website, the parents enter a location in their house where they will hide a gift, such as in the closet. We take that information and print out and mail a series of personalized letters from a mythical character such as a dragon, pirate, fairy, Santa Claus, etc.

"The child reads the letters and solves the puzzle which leads him or her to the hidden location and the gift.

"It takes five minutes for the parents to order, the adventure lasts a week, and the experience for the child lasts a lifetime. They are excited to get mail, amazed it's from a mythical character, and even more amazed to have everything come true when they find the actual gift.

"How can we spread the word about our service and get some media attention?"

The Publicity Hound says: Your question makes me wish I were a kid again, Steve. And I know my Hounds are going to have a blast answering this one. Hounds with ideas for Steve can post them to my blog at http://publicityhound.net/giftventure


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

This isn't a joke, but it'll make you smile. It's from the April issue of My Midwest, the inflight magazine of Midwest Airlines.

To make it easy for people to travel with their dogs, Loews Hotels has introduced "learning vacations" for your favorite pooch at three of its hotels.

At "The Hound of Music" at Loews Vanderbilt Hotel in Nashville, your dog can head into the recording studio with a voice coach for a professional recording session where it will howl along with a musician or bark to its favorite karaoke beat.

If you're targeting your publicity at an upscale, well-educated audience, in-flight magazines might be the perfect vehicle for your story. "Special Report #27: Fly High with Publicity in the Inflight Magazines" saves you hours of research with pitching tips galore and contact information for 43 inflight magazines. Read more about the report at http://publicityhound.com/publicity-products/reports.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. At My Blog...
=================================

Spanish-language newspapers buck industry's dismal trend http://publicityhound.net/spanish-languagenewspapers


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

Where to See or Hear The Publicity Hound


April 17: Teleseminar

Mike Stewart demystifies the process of creating video for your website; 3 to 4 p.m. Eastern Time. Registration is free. Http://www.PublicityHound.com/mikestewartvideo.htm


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 414-962-7002.


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/Meanest Mom on the Planet Jan 29, 2008

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #383 Jan. 29, 2008
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com/
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 39,991
(I'm almost at 40,000!)

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

"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.


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

Internet Marketing Blueprint-in-a-Box Update:

Ali Brown has only 70 copies remaining of the 2008 version of her "Online Success Blueprint-in-a-Box" and they'll go fast. She's the Internet marketer who will teach you how to sell your expertise online and quit your day job.

I know her well and she's the real deal. The product includes shipping but only until Feb. 2. If you're at work, turn down your speakers, listen to her greeting and hear more about what you'll learn at http://tinyurl.com/ea6od

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

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

1. Meanest Mom on the Planet

2. Can People with Problems Find You?

3. What TV Talk Show Producers Want

4. Grab a Page in a Desk Calendar

5. Create Your Own TV Show

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week

8. And at My Blog...


======================================
1. Meanest Mom on the Planet
======================================

Buying newspaper classified ads is an expensive way to spread the word about whatever you're promoting.

But guess who reads the classifieds?

Reporters--lots of them. That's where they find the low-hanging fruit in the form of clever, funny or unusual ads. With one or two phone calls, they can turn that ad into a free article.

That's what happened to Jane Hambleton, a disc jockey in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Last month, she found a booze bottle under the front seat of her 19-year-old son's OLDS 1999 Intrigue.

She and her husband set two rules when they bought the car at Thanksgiving: No booze, and always keep the car locked.

And what good are rules if you don't enforce them? She called The Des Moines Register's classified advertising department and bought this ad:

"Totally uncool parents who obviously don't love teenage son, selling his car. Only driven for 3 weeks before snoopy mom who needs to get a life found booze under front seat. $3,700/offer. Call meanest mom on the planet."

After the ad appeared, two things happened:

--More than 70 people called her, including emergency room technicians, nurses, school counselors and a Georgia man, who wanted to congratulate her.

--A reporter from the Des Moines Register saw the ad and called her for an interview. You can read the article at http://tinyurl.com/2d4opv

"The ad cost a fortune, but you know what?" she told the newspaper. "I'm telling people what happened here. I'm not just going to put the car for resale when there's nothing wrong with it, except the driver made a dumb decision. It's overwhelming, the number of calls I've gotten from people saying, 'Thank you, it's nice to see a responsible parent.' So far, there are no calls from anyone saying, 'You're really strict. You're real overboard, lady.' "

The lesson for Publicity Hounds?

Don't rule out the classifieds as a place to spread the word about what you're promoting. But take the time to write the ad so it catches attention.

If you don't want to spend a fortune on an ad, hop on over to Craigslist at http://www.craigslist.org/ and find the list for the city closest to where you live. Post a free ad, and then see what happens. Reporters, by the way, LOVE to lurk at Craigslist where they find story ideas galore.

Craigslist expert Nancy Mills was my guest during a teleseminar called "How to use Craigslist as a Global Publicity Tool." It's available as a CD or an electronic transcript that you can download and be reading as soon as your order has been approved.

Read more about what you'll learn at http://tinyurl.com/geog2

Thanks to Publicity Hound Bryan Todd of Lincoln, Nebraska for tipping me off to this fun story.


========================================
2. Can People with Problems Find You?
========================================

Millions of times each month, people searching for solutions to their problems type phrases like these into the search engines:

--"Disgruntled employees"

--"Relationship commitment issues"

--"Non-engagement letter"

You can generate lots of attention, new business and even journalist interviews when you write press releases or articles that address your customers' problems, and then post them online.

For example, management consultant Alan Weiss wrote a press release with the phrase "creating loyal employees," and distributed it through Expertclick: The Online Yearbook of Experts. So far, more than 1,400 people have opened it.

When psychologist Debra Burrell wanted attention for her services, Expertclick devised the phrase "relationship commitment issues" for her, which showed up again and again in her online release. That phrase has a high Keyword Effectiveness Index, which means that there are many searches but few web pages using that exact phrase.

Expertclick found the phrase "non-engagement letter" for Ed Poll, who has a legal marketing firm. Law firms search on that phrase when they're firing clients who don't pay and they need Ed's help to get new business.

If you don't know the phrases that your ideal clients type into the search engines, let Expertclick help you with one of their fee-based services. Or write your own releases--up to 52 a year--and let Exertclick distribute them online. Dozens of Publicity Hounds have raved about this service.

When you register for an ExpertClick.com page, you get a search-engine optimized Press Room page, and you can add content instantly to the Web.

Lock in a $100 Publicity Hound discount on top of its double early-order discount to drop the cost from $895 to $695. Save $200 on all sizes when you order from the link below by Thursday, January 31. Prices go up $100 in February.

Call the office in Washington, D.C., at 202-333-5000, and ask for the "Publicity Hound Discount" or order online at http://www.ExpertClick.com/Discount/The_Publicity_Hound

See all the benefits at http://www.ExpertClick.com/Brochure.

You can use the $200 savings on any level of membership in the Yearbook of Experts, too.


=========================================
3. What TV Talk Show Producers Want
=========================================

Every time I let Publicity Hounds know about Steve Harrison's teleseminars with Michelle Anton, a former guest booker for "Oprah," I get numerous emails thanking me for tipping off my Hounds.

That's because Michelle can tell you better than anybody the kinds of shows and compelling guests that "Oprah" producers are looking for.

Steve, publisher of Radio-TV Interview Report (RTIR), will introduce you to Michelle and a few other surprise guests during another free 90-minute call on Thursday, January 31, titled "The Three Big Secrets for Getting Booked as a Guest on Top National TV Shows."

Choose from two times:

--2 PM Eastern (11 Pacific)

or

--7 PM Eastern (4 Pacific)

They will teach you things unknown to 95 percent of all publicity-seekers.

To register for this call--which is free except for your normal long distance charges--go here now:

http://www.GetMajorPress.com/tvcall/?10011

On the call, you'll learn things like:

--How to increase your odds of getting onto "Oprah," "Fox News," CNN, the "Today" show, "Montel" and other top shows.

--Understanding the mindset of national TV producers and what gets them to book you as a guest.

--The strategy a husband-and-wife team used to land a 7-minute segment on the "Today" show.

--What you should send TV producers (and what you shouldn't).

--An important lesson from one author who got on "Oprah" and saw sales soar as a result.

--The most important question you must be able to answer to land a TV appearance.

--The biggest mistakes to avoid when pitching TV producers (including ones that could get you black-balled forever!).

--Case histories of four other authors and entrepreneurs and the strategies they used to get on top TV shows.

Again, to register go here now:

http://www.GetMajorPress.com/tvcall/?10011

Once registered, within five minutes, you'll receive all the details on how to participate on the call.

P.S. If you end up on TV, be sure to let me know and I'll include your success story in my newsletter.


=========================================
4. Grab a Page in a Desk Calendar
=========================================

Thanks to Publicity Hound Roberta Beach Jacobson for this tip on how to grab a page of free publicity in the Bylines 2009 Writers' Desk Calendar.

The deadline to submit a short piece, maximum 300 words, to editor is Sylvia Forbes is Friday, Feb. 1.

See http://www.bylinescalendar.com/guidelines.php for full details.

"This marks my third year in a row appearing in this calendar," Roberta says.

A word of caution. I read the guidelines and here's what they say about your bio:

"You're not dry and boring, so your bio shouldn't be either. Give us your accomplishments but round out your profile so our readers feel like they'd like to meet you for coffee. Or a beer."

Most bios I read, especially author bios, are real yawners.
"Special Report #46: Tips for Rewriting Your Boring Bio" gives you ideas galore and lots of examples of how to rewrite your bio so it makes people smile. Only $10. Order at http://tinyurl.com/6uz9g


============================================
5. Create Your Own TV Show
============================================

I wish I had a nickel for every Publicity Hound who asks me how they can get their own TV show.

Stop waiting around for a producer to call, I tell them. Instead, create your own show and buy time on the leased access channels throughout the U.S.

If you're trying to get in front of, say, 1 million people, you don't have to lease expensive time in a big market like New York City. Instead, you can lease less expensive time in many smaller markets and still get in front of 1 million people.

Once you're on TV, you stand a far better chance of being contacted by a producer than if you just waited for the phone to ring.

PR pro Robert Smith has been creating programs for himself and his own PR clients, and buying leased access time, with great results. I interviewed him, and he provided step-by-step instructions on the CD or electronic transcript "How to Get Your Own TV Show for Less Than $400 a Month."

Read more about what you'll learn at http://tinyurl.com/y4by43


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

Sara Holliday of Poway, California writes:

"I specialize in pre-and post-natal fitness and relationship issues.

"I've had a lot of press: Oprah & Friends Radio, Martha Stewart Living Radio, Playboy Radio, PBS Radio, KABC, KNBC and KTLA, and I'm a columnist for several women's health and fitness publications.

"But it hasn't led to an increase in sales on my website at http://www.fitbysara.com/ and I continue to write all my columns for free. Do your Hounds have any suggestions to help me use my media hits and PR to increase sales and get even more exposure?"


The Publicity Hound says:

They sure do. Hounds, post your best ideas to my blog at http://tinyurl.com/2ogcrq

Sara, I see you're collecting email addresses of people who can subscribe to your newsletter. Good for you! You also have several info products, so I can't understand why you aren't making money from the newsletter.

Are you offering lots of free tips in the newsletter, then promoting a product you sell that ties into your tips? That's what I do.

Dan Janal interviewed me on "How to Turn Your Ezine into a Cash Machine." I share all the tips on how I've turned this newsletter into my Number One revenue generator. It's available as a CD or electronic transcript that you can read as soon as your order is approved.

Read more about what you'll learn at http://tinyurl.com/y6mp2c


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

Thanks to Mark Viergutz of Ventura, California for this one:

Wanda's dishwasher quit working so she called a repairman.Since she had to go to work the next day, she told the repairman, "I'll leave the key under the mat. Fix the dishwasher, leave the bill on the counter, and I'll mail you a check.

"Oh, by the way don't worry about my dog Spike. He won't bother you. But, whatever you do, do NOT, under ANY circumstances, talk to my parrot! I repeat: DO NOT talk to my parrot!"

When the repairman arrived at Wanda's apartment the following day, he discovered the biggest, meanest looking dog he had ever seen. But, just as she had said, the dog just lay there on the carpet watching the repairman go about his work.

The parrot, however, drove him nuts the whole time with its incessant yelling, cursing and name calling. Finally, the repairman couldn't contain himself any longer and yelled,

"Shut up, you stupid, ugly bird!"

To which the parrot replied, "Get him, Spike!"


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

Get mentioned in books: Subscribe to Dan Poynter's newsletter
http://tinyurl.com/2mul7y


Green marketing: 5 simple rules to follow
http://tinyurl.com/2l6l4l


Meet journalists at writers conference in April
http://tinyurl.com/24ynot


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

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/Embarrassing a Reporter Can Backfire Jan 1, 2008

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #379 Jan. 1, 2008
Publisher: Joan Stewart
JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com/
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 37,811

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

"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.

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

My Gift to You: The Annual "Best of" Ebook

If you're back from vacation, or you missed my free gift to you last week, there's still time to claim it. It's "The Publicity Hound's Tips of the Week of 2007," the best 28 tips from last year's newsletter. Put your 2008 publicity campaign into high gear by downloading the ebook now at http://tinyurl.com/32avtz

Once again, many thanks to all of you loyal Publicity Hounds who read this newsletter, contribute to it, and comment on it.
I wish you the best success this year.

--Joan

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

1. Embarrassing a Reporter Can Backfire

2. 11 Challenges for Digital Literacy

3. Ditch the Shovels, Scissors & Checks

4. Speak on Cruise Ships for Free

5. How to Promote a Decorators' Association

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week

8. And at My Blog...


======================================
1. Embarrassing a Reporter Can Backfire
======================================

Experienced Publicity Hounds know that when a reporter asks you a question you'd rather not answer, one of the worst things you can do is to say "no comment."

It labels you as:

--Guilty, even when you're not

--Wimpy and cowardly

--Unable and unwilling to defend yourself

So what's worse than "no comment"? Trying to embarrass the reporter by asking an unrelated question so preposterous that it's designed to throw him off guard. People who do that usually end up embarrassing themselves.

Sharon Dotson of Bayou City Public Relations in Dallas, Texas sent a link to a video interview conducted by investigative reporter Elliott Davis of WTVI Channel 2 in St. Louis, Missouri back in 2002. Elliott hosts a segment called "You Paid for It"
in which he uncovers government waste and corruption.

In this particular interview, he was asking St. Charles County Executive Joe Ortwerth about the battle between Ortwerth and county judges over the new $5.3 million county justice center that had been standing vacant for several months. The judges wanted metal detectors and a full security detail in the building. Ortwerth refused. Taxpayers were left paying for utilities and other expenses while the disagreement wound its way through the courts.

When the reporter asked Ortwerth about the squabble, Ortwerth first said he would answer questions but only if the reporter submitted them in writing.

When Elliott Davis persisted with his questions, Ortwerth
asked: "Do you know that Jesus loves you, Elliott?"

"Yes, and I love Jesus," Davis replied. Then he kept questioning Ortwerth. The county executive continued digging a deeper hole for himself with responses and questions related to Jesus.

Instead of trying to embarrass the reporter, the politician ended up embarrassing himself. Not only did his responses make him look guilty, wimpy, cowardly and unable and unwilling to come to his own defense, they made him look clueless. The reporter, on the other hand, appeared cool, calm, collected-- and completely in charge of the interview. That, in turn, gave the investigation more credence.

Judge for yourself by seeing the entire interview at http://tinyurl.com/2pwkqk


If you know which questions to expect during an interview, you'll be better prepared to answer them. "Special Report #2:
Questions You Can Expect Reporters to Ask During an Interview"
lists the questions reporters ask frequently and explains which ones are trick questions designed to loosen your lips--and how you should respond. Only $10. Read more about it at http://tinyurl.com/6uz9g


========================================
2. 11 Challenges for Digital Literacy
========================================

Online journalist Howard Owens has issued an interesting list of challenges to journalists everywhere to help them better use the Internet to report the news.

His list is so intriguing that I've turned it into my own to- do list. Publicity Hounds should, too, because the more you understand how journalists can excel at their craft online, the better you will understand the many online tools you can use to get through to them and to anyone who communicates online.

Owens is challenging journalists to do 11 things, from creating a blog to spending at least two hours a week for six weeks studying YouTube videos about any topic they wish.

You can read his entire list of challenges at http://tinyurl.com/22uasl

How can studying YouTube videos for 12 hours help you?

Seeing what other people have done online to promote their product, service, cause or issue will give you ideas galore on how to use videos to promote whatever you're selling.

For example, during my live presentations, I show my audiences a variety of videos I've created that demonstrate how to do things like capture email addresses at a website, or create a Google Alert, or write a press release that's optimized for the search engines.

I used a software program called Camtasia Studio which captures what it sees on my computer screen, then turns it into a video.
There's no reason I can't post snippets of some of those videos to YouTube to pull in traffic to my website and generate interest from people who don't already know about me.

Are you up to Howard's challenge? How many of his 11 tasks will you try to accomplish this year?

Some of the social media sites he suggests are among the seven that Internet marketing expert Don Crowther says you should be adding to your publicity toolbox. Don breaks through the confusing clutter of social media and recommends the top seven sites to concentrate on during 2008. The one-hour interview I conducted with him is part of the teleseminar series called "How to Create a Media Plan." Read more about what you'll learn at http://www.PublicityHound.com/mediaplan.htm


=========================================
3. Ditch the Shovels, Scissors & Checks
=========================================

This week's edition of my local weekly newspaper had another one of those ghastly ground-breaking photos.

You know what it looks like because you've seen hundreds of them. Four guys wearing business suits and hard hats are posing, each with their foot on a shovel, looking very uncomfortable and out of place.

These photos belong in the same category with the photos of oversized cardboard checks being passed from one person to another, or the ribbon-cutting photos that feature a 3-foot pair of cardboard scissors.

C'mon, Hounds. You can do better than that.

How about promising yourself that from now on, you will never assign, allow, take or request one of those horrible ground- breaking, ribbon-cutting or check-passing photos?

Instead, think creatively about how to promote a donation, the opening of a new business, or a new construction project.

If you're coming up dry, Dan Collins can help. He's the creative media relations director at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. When I interviewed him during a teleseminar a few years ago on "Fun Alternatives to Boring Ground-breakings, Ribbon-cuttings & Check-passings," I knew there was no excuse to resort to those cliche photos or staged media events. The teleseminar is available as a CD or an electronic transcript that you can be reading in minutes, as soon as your order is approved.

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

Dan offers dozens more creative ideas on how to promote a hos- pital or medical center. "How to Make Hospital PR an Easy Pill to Swallow" is also available as a CD or an electronic transcript. Read more about what you'll learn at http://tinyurl.com/lr6qf


=========================================
4. Speak on Cruise Ships for Free
=========================================

If those enticing travel ads to warm-weather places leave you frustrated because you can't afford a winter vacation, this item is for you.

Daniel Hall says cruise ships everywhere need speakers year- round to teach and entertain their guests.

Here's the best part. 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.

Daniel will present a free teleseminar for Publicity Hounds at
3 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, Jan. 16. He'll explain not only how to get booked on a cruise ship and travel free, but how to turn your presentation into a series of products you can sell long after the cruise is over. And, of course, he'll also explain how a gig on a cruise ship can generate lots of free publicity for you and your business.

Save the date: 3 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, Jan. 16. Sign- up details will be in next week's newsletter.


============================================
5. How to Promote a Decorators' Association ============================================

This week, four Publicity Hounds have tips on how Nicka Stewart of Middletown, New Jersey can promote her organization, The Decorators' Alliance of North America.


From Wendy Terrado:

"Teaming up with Realtors, mortgage brokers, escrow offices and investors would serve DANA in two ways: 1) providing business to current members and 2) getting the word out about the organization. As a Professional Organizer, I'd recommend a DANA table at upcoming National Association of Realtors'
Conferences, which feature both local and national events. Do consult with your target regions' top Realtors to determine what venues they recommend for your target market.


From Ginny Wiedower:

"It might be wise to promote your organization through the Interior Design programs at colleges nationwide. This could help you recruit a young demographic that can remain involved in your organization for years to come. Another way to reach that demographic would be through social networking sites such as Facebook or MySpace. Look for groups focused on interior design and home decorating."


From Leyla Farah:

"You could partner with a local women's shelter or other type of home for those in need and donate decorating services to brighten their living space. You could get great media coverage for your organization, involve your members in a fun activity, and give back to the community at the same time."


The Publicity Hound says: Nicka, are you submitting press releases about your association to online press release distribution sites? If not, you should. Those releases live online forever, to be found by journalists and potential members. They will also pull traffic back to your website. Read my article "The New Rules of Press Releases: How to Write a Press Release for Buyers, Not Just for Journalists" at http://tinyurl.com/y8wgat

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


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

Genevieve Frederick of Carson City, Nevada writes:

"I am the executive director of Feeding Pets of the Homeless, an organization that helps to feed pets of the homeless and disadvantaged in cities across the country. Our website is at http://www.petsofhomeless.com/

"We enroll members who collect pet food and partner with a food bank that distributes the pet food to those in need. When pet- related businesses and veterinarian clinics and hospitals join, they received step-by-step instructions on how the program works and how they can receive publicity while helping pets in their community.

"We are going from for-profit to non-profit which will allow us to offer grants to vets so they can provide medical care for the pets of the homeless. What are some additional steps we can do to make our organization more visible?"


The Publicity Hound says: My two-legged Hounds love questions about four-legged hounds and other critters. And I know they'll have great ideas on how to promote your group. Hounds who want to help Genevieve can post ideas to my blog at http://tinyurl.com/34smzz


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

You never realize a dog is a man's best friend until you start betting on horses.


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

Product launch publicity:
7 steps if you're on a small budget
http://tinyurl.com/345agn


Hollywood bad girls provide pitching opps galore
http://tinyurl.com/398324


New Year's resolutions: Don't make them on Jan. 1
http://tinyurl.com/3c3434


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

Where to See or Hear The Publicity 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 If you want a taste of what you'll be learning, you can register 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. To register for that call, click on the link above, then "Register" at the top of the page.


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/Don't Drink from Hotel Glasses Dec 11, 2007

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #376 Dec. 11, 2007
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com/
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 37,023

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

"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 13: Product Placement Teleseminar

If you sell a consumer product, from something as simple as bottled water to something as lavish as diamond-studded jewelry--don't miss the telephone seminar I'm hosting at 3 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, December 13, with product placement experts Amy Bates Stumpf and Rebecca Lightsey. They'll share all the secrets of how to get your consumer product onto the sets of TV shows and movies. Register for the teleseminar at http://www.PublicityHound.com/teleseminar.htm See Item #3 below.


January 8: Artists, Don't Miss This One

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, and I'm a guest presenter who will talk about press releases. Register for the entire telesummit at http://tinyurl.com/3x35vr. Or, to sign up for the Jan. 8 preview call, click on that link, then click on "Register" at the top of the page. See Item #2 below.

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

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

1. Don't Drink from Hotel Glasses

2. Recycle Your National Media Hit

3. Send Your Product to Hollywood

4. Attract More PR Clients

5. Promoting Compassionate Friends

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week


======================================
1. Don't Drink from Hotel Glasses
======================================

The next time you stay in a hotel, you'll think twice about drinking out of the glasses and coffee cups if you watch the four-and-a-half-minute video at http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=a7f_1194813218

It's an I-team investigation from a TV station, presumably in Atlanta, Georgia. The team took hidden cameras into guest rooms at three major hotels--Embassy Suites, Holiday Inn and Sheraton Suites. In all three instances, housekeepers never used soap and water to clean dirty drinking glasses and coffee cups.

The Holiday Inn simply rinsed the glasses under running water in a dirty sink and left them to dry.

At the Embassy Suites, a housekeeper put a used glass inside the dirty sink, sprayed a blue liquid on it, and then dried it with a cloth. She held it up to the light to make sure it looked squeaky clean.

At the Sheraton Suites, a housekeeper also used spray from a bottle to clean a glass, then picked up the guest's used washcloth from the sink, smelled it, and wiped the glass with the washcloth. As for the rubber gloves on her hands, well, you'll have to watch the video to learn where those gloves had been just before they touched the drinking glasses.

I don't know when this report was first aired. But what's so remarkable about it is that in all three cases, when asked to comment, the hotel management never fessed up to any wrongdoing, even though they were caught on camera and admonished by the local health officials. A spokesperson from the Sheraton refused to comment, saying "It's too controversial an issue."

Let's see how media-savvy my Publicity Hounds would be in a situation like that one. Put yourself in the place of any one of those three hotels. Pretend you're the spokesperson. Then go over to my blog at http://tinyurl.com/28aqm9 and post a comment, telling me what you'd say--or whether you'd say anything at all--in response.

Your comment won't appear until next week, when I compare your answers with advice from crisis counselors. And I'll award a very cool prize to the Hound whose response comes closest to the response from the crisis experts.

Clarence Jones, a former TV and newspaper investigative reporter, says that in cases like the one above, attorneys will almost always advise clients not to comment. He was my guest during a teleseminar called "In a Media Crisis, Your Lawyer Will be Wrong," available as a CD. Read more about what you'll learn at http://tinyurl.com/zu7td


========================================
2. Recycle Your National Media Hit
========================================

When a major newspaper, magazine or niche publication prints a story about you, or when you're featured on a national network newscast, recycle that publicity by letting your local media know about it.

Mystic Pop magazine, which features articles about holistic living and spirituality topics, wrote about surrealistic artist Mickie Bellah of Austin, Texas, and included photos of her oil paintings, in its November/December issue.

Mickie wrote a press release about the media hit and distributed it through PRWeb. More than 500 people have viewed the release online at http://tinyurl.com/34rd8m. She also sent it to media in Austin.

Directions, a magazine about the Texas "hill country," saw the release, called her, and then featured a photo of one of her oil paintings on the masthead page of the magazine along with a short blurb.

"I took advantage of your free tutorial '89 Ways To Write Powerful Press Releases' and picked up a lot of excellent tips, including the one about publicizing national media hits," Mickie said.

Sign up for the tutorial at http://www.PublicityHound.com/pressreleasetips/list.htm

Then check out PR Web's services at http://snipurl.com/PRWebDistribution

Artists like Mickie who want to keep the publicity machine cranking on all gears should sign up for Ariane Goodwin's smARTist Telesummit, an outstanding training program that will teach them how to build an entire business around their artwork. I'm one of the guest experts, and I'll be teaching artists how to write and distribute press releases just like Mickie did. In fact, I'm going to use the example above in the course. Learn more about the telesummit at http://tinyurl.com/3x35vr


=========================================
3. Send Your Product to Hollywood
=========================================

If you're willing to pay big bucks, your product can be the star of an entire episode of a popular TV program.

For example, writers for the NBC hit comedy "The Office" wrote a script in which the folks at Dunder Mifflin paper company exchanged "Secret Santa" gifts that were supposed to be worth no more than $20. Controversy erupted when the boss contributed a video iPod worth about $400 for the gift exchange.

"It may be the most creative half-hour commercial for Apple ever, but the viewers are not put off because it's pure entertainment, "says Amy Bates Stumpf, an expert on product placement.

It's also an extreme example of the expense that some companies will go to just to get their products in front of consumers.

On the other end of the spectrum, even if you have a tiny budget for product placement, or no budget at all, your product could end up on the set of a TV show or movie.

Decorating a set takes thousands of objects, from bath products to kitchen appliances, from lamps to artwork. Everything from fashion accessories to food are necessary parts of a set, and product placement coordinators are responsible for locating thousands of items over the course of production.

Take bottled water, for instance. Movie sets need bottled water--lots of it--for the actors and actresses and the many staff members who work months at a time on the production. If you're willing to donate your brand of water during the entire production schedule, the producers might agree to film an actor or actress drinking your water, and include the clip in the final version of the movie.

But how do you get through to the right people to even pitch your product? And who's in a better position to do the pitching--the person who created the product, or their PR person?
Learn how Publicity Hounds can get product placements large and small, and take even small placements and publicize them after-the-fact for more exposure.

Amy will team up with Rebecca Lightsey, publicity director for a product placement company, during a 70-minute teleseminar at 4 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, December 13, called "How to Get Your Consumer Product onto the Sets of Movies and TV Shows." Sign up at http://www.PublicityHound.com/teleseminar.htm You can order the CD, MP3 file or electronic transcript next week.


=========================================
4. Attract More PR Clients
=========================================

If you work at a PR agency, or you're a sole proprietor PR pro, one of the very best ways to attract clients is to teach PR in your own community or online.

--Teach adult education classes through your local school district.

--Offer to teach public relations for a niche audience, like small businesses, through your local college or university.

--Call your chamber of commerce, offer a half-day workshop for members, charge the chamber a flat fee and let them keep any revenue over and above that.

--Teach a free course on how to write press releases or how to do media interviews. Sell your products from the back of the room.

--If you have email addresses of people who will let you market to them, offer a free telephone seminar on how to do one aspect of a publicity campaign.

Once you use these venues to position yourself as an expert, you'll have more business than you can handle. Truth is, many people just don't have the time or inclination to manage their own publicity campaigns. And they're willing to hire somebody like you to do it.

Publicity expert Marcia Yudkin teamed up with me to present "24 Ways to Attract Clients to Your P.R. Practice," a teleseminar that we recorded and are making available as a CD or electronic transcript. Each comes with a list of 24 ideas that we've used to successfully pull clients into our own practices.

Read more about what you'll learn at http://tinyurl.com/8txj8


============================================
5. Promoting Compassionate Friends
============================================

This week, six Publicity Hounds have ideas on how Wayne Loder of Milford, Michigan can promote The Compassionate Friends/USA. It's a national self-help bereavement organization with a mission to assist families toward the positive resolution of grief following the death of a child of any age and to provide information to help others be supportive. The second week in September of 2008 has been designated as the first "Compassionate Friends Week" and he'll be helping local chapters promote it in their own communities.


From Linda Swisher:

"National Association of Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutions, and its member hospitals, would be a natural place to contact. NACHRI apparently publishes 'Children’s Hospitals Today,' in which you might advertise. It's at http://www.childrenshospitals.net/"


From Leyla Farah:

"Because your organization focuses on the loss of children, something that you might consider is asking people to submit digital photographs of their loved ones that can be assembled into a dynamic online image grid or 'quilt.' The idea of a quilt evokes childhood and memory in very positive ways, and allows for individual expression within a cohesive whole.

"It would make a great story for both national and local press because it’s so visual, and local chapters could generate large-scale graphics that would each be slightly different, but within the same theme."


From Michelle Meacham:

"I bet there’s even a celebrity out there who would be willing to align himself/herself with Compassionate Friends. Eric Clapton quickly comes to mind, since the loss of his young son is quite well known."


The Publicity Hound says: I was going to suggest the celebrity angle, too. Contact Any Celebrity, a subscription service, provides contact information for more than 54,000 celebrities, agents, managers and publicists. Learn more at http://tinyurl.com/lorvx


Read all the responses to this Help This Hound question at http://tinyurl.com/3adgay


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

Kammy Thurman of Laurel, Montana writes:

"I hope your Hounds can help our photography studio, Anchor Photography, at http://www.anchorphotography.net/. We’ve been in business several months and we want to become the most recognizedstudio in our area.

"That will be tough because we’re up against studios that have been in business for 30 to 50 years, and more. I am trying to think of ways to use publicity because the other studios don’t do this, and I know it would build visibility fast. I’m just trying to think of ways to that aren’t blatant advertising."


The Publicity Hound says:

Most of the ideas that my Hounds will suggest, Kammy, won't have even a tiny whiff of advertising. They'll be publicity tactics and strategies so solid, that your competitors won't know what hit 'em. Hounds with ideas for Kammy can post them to my blog at http://tinyurl.com/yptul3


Jeff Zbar, the 2001 U.S. Small Business Administration's Journalist of the Year, knows all the ways to catch the media's attention. He explained them when he was my guest during a teleseminar called "The Fastest, Cheapest, Easiest Ways to Publicize Your Small Business" at http://tinyurl.com/3tbbp


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

Top 10 things heard at Fido's office Christmas party:

10. "Wow! Check out the hot poodle with Rover."

9. "So I says to him, throw in toilet bowl privileges, and you
got yourself a deal."

8. "Look, I gotta go chase a cab..."

7. "Hey you--cat! You work here?"

6. "Not the Macarena again! Somebody cut off the boss' bar
tab..."

5. "Did you see the neat photocopies of Bowser's rear end?"

4. "Hey, good lookin'. Wanna swing by the ol' doghouse later?"

3. "Who ordered the hot dog pizza with everything?"

2. "Dead Cats--We're Still for 'Em!"

1. "Gainesburgers? Who catered this disaster?"


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 or Hear The Publicity Hound:


Dec. 13: Write Like a Journalist Teleseminar:

I'll be one of four guest experts on Bulldog Reporter's 90-minute teleconference "Write Like a Journalist: Newsroom Vets and PR Wordsmiths Reveal How to Write Compelling, Credible Copy That Sells" at 1 p.m. Eastern Time. Come with your questions. Register at http://tinyurl.com/2vuku4


December 13: Product Placement Teleseminar

"How to Get Your Product onto the Sets of Movies & TV Shows," 4 to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Product placement experts Amy Bates Stumpf and Rebecca Lightsey will share the secrets of product placement. Register at http://www.PublicityHound.com/teleseminar.htm


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 If you want a taste of what you'll be learning, you can register 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. To register for that call, click on the link above, then "Register" at the top of the page.


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/Google Alerts' Big Payoff Nov 13, 2007

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #372 Nov. 13, 2007
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com/
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 35,957

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

"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.

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

1. Google Alerts' Big Payoff

2. Pizza Hut's Job Offer

3. Ferret Poop to the Rescue

4. Promote Interesting Places

5. Ideas for a Dryer Vent Company

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week

8. And at My Blog...


======================================
1. Google Alerts' Big Payoff
======================================

Google Alerts might well be the most valuable online tool you can use in your publicity campaign.

Just ask publicist Renee Young, whose client, Dr. Amiya Prasad, a New York City plastic surgeon, appeared on a two-minute segment on this morning's "Good Morning America" as a result.

Google Alerts is a nifty service that notifies you as soon as something appears online about your area of expertise.

Renee went to http://www.google.com/alerts and created a Google Alert for "plastic surgery" so she could pitch her client and piggyback off related breaking news events. Google scans news stories, blogs, websites, videos and even user groups to find information related to "plastic surgery" and emails her whenever it finds something.

Yesterday, Google alerted her that Donda West, mother and manager of hip-hop star Kanye West, had died, possibly of complications from cosmetic surgery.

"I dropped what I was doing and got on the phone to pitch my doctor as an expert to the national morning shows and local television news," said Renee, of Renee Young & Associates in Scarsdale, New York. "Three hours later, I was in my client's office with a crew from Good Morning America."

Here are other ways to use Google Alerts:

--To find bloggers who are writing about your topic, so you can post comments at their blogs, or pitch them.

--To find journalists who cover your area of expertise. Once you know the name of the journalist who wrote a particular story, you can do even more research on them before pitching. How? By creating a Google Alert for their name.

--To get up to speed quickly on hot topics.

If you haven't created Google Alerts yet, get going. Then, while you're waiting for your information, learn more about how to get yourself or your PR client onto shows like "Good Morning, America," the "Today" show and "Fox & Friends." My CD and electronic transcript on "How to Get Booked on the Morning TV Talk Shows" explains how to pitch each show, what they're looking for, and how to make your pitch stand out from the thousands of other people who are pitching.

Click here to continue reading more about how to score a publicity coup on these shows: http://tinyurl.com/ab86x


========================================
2. Pizza Hut's Job Offer
========================================

Kudos to Pizza Hut for jumping on celebrity Reece Witherspoon's innocent, but not-so-nice, comment about pizza delivery drivers and turning it into some fun publicity.

The actress told a journalist that her 4-year-old son, Deacon Phillippe, wants to be a pizza delivery driver when he grows up.

"Not that there is anything wrong with that, but it's hard to see how it could be a career as such," she said.

Pizza Hut responded immediately. Sandi Karrmann, identified as the "Chief People Officer" for the pizza chain, wrote a letter to the boy, offered him a job when he's older, and even sent him a package of gifts. It included a Pizza Hut uniform "that's just your size," writes Karrmann, and a mini-delivery car "for you to polish your driving skills." She also sent gift cards for Pizza Hut pizzas.

"We have delivery drivers who have worked for us for 10, 15, even 20 years!" says the letter. "And the same Pizza Hut drivers who deliver hot, fresh pizzas right to your door have gone on to become successful business people, doctors, lawyers and, yes, actors."

That, my fellow Hounds, is brilliant. And thanks to Publicity Hound Andrea Swinton of Toronto for pointing it out and sending the link to the article at http://tinyurl.com/2ejzoc

Want more ideas on how to do what Pizza Hut did? "Special Report#50: How to Piggyback onto Celebrity News to Promote Your Product, Service, Cause or Issue," gives you lots of ideas. Only $10. Order at http://tinyurl.com/6uz9g


=========================================
3. Ferret Poop to the Rescue
=========================================

Here's another example of how a trade association jumped on a news story for publicity.

Last week, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration announced an experiment in which people can dispose of harmful prescription drugs safely without flushing them down the toilet, which can harm the environment.

More than 6,300 pharmacies throughout the U.S. have signed up for the pilot project. When patients fill prescriptions for a list of abuse-prone medicines, the pharmacist also will hand over a flyer urging them to hide whatever pills are left over in cat litter, then wrap it up and throw it in the garbage.

Another way to disguise leftover pills is to mix them with used coffee grounds.

What if you don't drink coffee or own a cat, but you have a ferret?

"Ferret waste, like nearly any other form of pet waste, can be effectively used to help prevent the abuse of unused prescription drugs," said a spokesman for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Enter the American Ferret Association, which responded by saying, "The U.S. government declares ferret poop to be an effective weapon against drug abuse."

Hmmm. Do you think the association learned about this through a Google Alert? Thanks to Publicity Hound Traci Browne of Cheltenham, Pennsylvania for tipping us off to this one.

Opportunities like this are perfect for writing press releases and posting them online. If you struggle with releases, I have good news. Gone are the days when we had to write them only when we had "legitimate" news. Today's smart Publicity Hounds are writing press releases and posting them online not only for journalists, but for consumers.

My free tutorial "89 Ways to Write Powerful Press Releases" is a graduate-level course on how to write and distribute them. Sign up at http://www.PublicityHound.com/pressreleasetips/list.htm


=========================================
4. Promote Interesting Places
=========================================

If you're promoting a tourist attraction, an event, a neighborhood, or even something as mundane as your local firehouse, here's a cool social media tool to use in your publicity campaign.

It's called waymarking, and you can do it at http://www.waymarking.com/. Publicity Hound Rebecca Davey of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio emailed me last week to tell me about it.

"The website is dedicated to marking interesting places from abstract public sculptures to firehouses to Minor League baseball stadiums to even Starbucks stores plus many, many more," Rebecca says.

She does publicity for the Irish community in the Akron area and waymarked the newest Irish-American Historical marker in Ohio.You can see her entry at http://tinyurl.com/yt84fx

Post photos, link back to your website, search for locations similar to yours, and have fun with this site. You don't need a GPS unit but you must know the longitude and latitude of what you're promoting.

You can post for free, but a premium membership for $3 a month or $30 a year gives you full use of the site.

This is a great way to promote special events. Debra J. Schmidt and I came up with 847 more ways when we created "How to Plan & Promote Sizzling Special Events." It's available as a package of 6 audio CDs or electronic transcripts that you can download as soon as your order has been approved. Both formats come with 15 "can't do without" checklists for event planners and publicists.

Click here to continue reading more about what you'll learn:http://tinyurl.com/46jzg


==========================================
5. Ideas for a Dryer Vent Company
==========================================

This week, seven Publicity Hounds have tips on how Janice Bittner of northern Virginia can promote her company, Dryer Vent Wizard, which cleans, fixes and installs dryer vents in an effort to help prevent dryer fires.


From Tom Reitz:

"Most fire departments have public education officers who do lots of fire prevention education in schools, shopping malls, etc. In our region, the fire departments hold a Fire Prevention Day where people can learn about fire safety, get free batteries for smoke detectors, sit in a fire truck, etc., and often the fire department will distribute loot bags of information and products to local citizens. If they say 'no' because you’re a commercial company, offer a coupon for your services to be used as a give- away at their next public event."


From Cheryl Pickett:

"There are a ton of Mom/Family-type websites and magazines that I’m sure would welcome a tips list, article or even review the product for their readers."


From Linda Swisher:

"Janice should visit Chase's Calendar of Events at http://www.chases.com/ to create her own commemorative holiday like "Dryer Vent Safety Day. Once her holiday is created, write White Papers, fact sheets and create publicity around the event she created."


The Publicity Hound says:

Janice, start pitching the bloggers and offer lists of tips on how to prevent vent fires. Use the Technorati search engine at http://www.technorati.com/ to search for bloggers by topic.


"How to Pitch the Best Bloggers & Create a Publicity Explosion"shows you how to find influential bloggers, start building a relationship, then pitch them with information that will help their readers. Patsi Krafoff, Denise Wakeman and I shared our best tips on this audio or electronic transcript that you can read as soon as your order has been approved. We even tell you which major mistakes to avoid when pitching bloggers.

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

Read all the responses to this Help This Hound comment at http://tinyurl.com/37t4jb


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

Rebecca Witek of Buffalo Grove, Illinois writes:

"I started a website for young designers at http://www.youngdesignersguide.com/ that focuses on the soon-to-be or newly graduated. I was in their shoes not too long ago, and I've realized as a graphic designer that it's important to understand and learn skills that compliment their creative talents such as marketing, networking, public relations and business.

"I post articles monthly, but I need to build up awareness and hopefully get input from other experts. I would really like to see it grow. Any ideas?"


The Publicity Hound says:

I'll bet many experts who read this newsletter would love to get in front of your audience with their articles and other information. OK, Hounds. What does Rebecca need to do to find more content for her website and attract more young designers? I see one thing on the homepage that might be discouraging visitors, and at least one thing that might be creating problems for the search engines. Let's see if other Hounds can find them. Post your best ideas to my blog at http://tinyurl.com/353xdy


=================================
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."


P.S. Bogie received her diploma last week at our final puppy training class. We both got straight As when asked to demonstrate "sit," "stay," "come" and "down." She "stayed" longer than Emma, Kokomo and Rebel, the other hounds, even when I turned and walked away from her. And we got bonus points when I issued the command "Shake!" and she lifted her paw to shake, something they didn't teach in class. Now it's onto Big Dog School.


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

Authors lose during writers strike
http://tinyurl.com/3dgqxv


Nonprofit bios: Keep 'em short and credible
http://tinyurl.com/2q2cno


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/Oprah's Scandal Nov 6, 2007

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #371 Nov. 6, 2007
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 35,452

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

"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.

*******************************************************
Spiders, Cheeseheads & Those Funny Plastic Thingamajigs:
Everybody receives a plastic spider ring. And a chance to win a big Wisconsin Cheesehead hat. And an odd-looking plastic thingamajig that got worldwide publicity on CNN. That's just the fun part.

Spend the day with me on Thursday in Gurnee, Illinois and you'll know how to create a blog in 10 minutes or less. My daylong workshops on publicity will also teach nonprofits how to use free publicity to pull in volunteers and donors. Businesses will learn how to use publicity to boost holiday sales this year. Everyone will learn how to build strong relationships with journalists and use social networking sites to call attention online to your product, service, cause or issue. Read more about what I'll be teaching and how you can join the fun at http://www.PublicityHound.com/gurnee.htm

See Item #3 below.

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

1. Oprah's Scandal

2. Rosie's Book Signing Hot Seat

3. Spider Rings & Press Releases

4. How Are You Using YouTube?

5. Promoting a Guitarist & Songwriter

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Joke of the Week


======================================
1. Oprah's Scandal
======================================

Maybe Oprah had the best crisis counselors money can buy.

Or maybe she has already dealt with so many crises that she knew exactly how to handle the latest one: charges of s~exual allegations at the Oprah Winfrey Academy in South Africa.

CEOs and Publicity Hounds everywhere can learn several lessons from the way she responded when she learned of reports that girls had been abused at her school, which has been open less than a year.

--In October, when she first heard the news, she immediately hired her own independent investigative team, headed by a former detective and commander of the Child Exploitation Unit of the Cook County Sheriff's Office in Chicago, to investigate.

--Tempted to talk to the press, she kept quiet, on the advice of investigators who told her not to say anything until they made an arrest. You can read the transcript of yesterday's entire press conference and watch the video at http://tinyurl.com/ywyrue

--She traveled to the school to personally talk with students and their parents and to encourage the girls to come forward with whatever other details they could provide. Several did.

--Oprah "cleaned house from top to bottom." She fired the head mistress who was later charged, and she removed all the remaining dorm matrons and replaced them with faculty members. She also admitted that the process of background checks was inadequate.

--She accepted full responsibility, stressing "the buck stops with me."

--She spoke with heartfelt honesty about what happened, calling it "one of the most, if not THE most devastating experience of my life." She talked about how, when she first heard the news, she cried for a half hour while walking from room to room in her house, in shock.

--Oprah is in the process of buying cell phones for all the girls so they can contact her personally if other problems arise.

Many of the steps she took are those recommended by crisis counselor Jonathan Bernstein, who was my guest during a teleseminar on "How to Keep the Media Wolves at Bay." Jonathan discusses the most important things anyone can do when faced with bad news of any kind. He explained the top 5 mistakes people make when they find themselves knee-deep in a crisis.

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.
Click here to continue reading more about how to deal with the media wolves: http://tinyurl.com/b8wcy


========================================
2. Rosie's Book Signing Hot Seat
========================================

Attention, authors.

I doubt you'll be ambushed by a TV reporter at your next book signing, but it happened to Rosie O'Donnell over the weekend. If you or your topic are controversial--the stuff that radio and TV talk show hosts love--it can also happen to you.

A staff member from Bill O'Reilly's "No Spin Zone" on FOX approached Rosie with a camera crew on Saturday afternoon as she was signing copies of her book "Celebrity Detox" at a Long Island bookstore.

He invited her to appear on O'Reilly's show to discuss comments she has made about how 9-11 was an "inside job."

Rosie, who is bitter enemies with O'Reilly, kept calm and used one of the strategies that crisis counselor Jonathan Bernstein recommends (see Item #1 above). She asked the crew to turn off the camera.

They refused and were eventually escorted out of the bookstore. You can watch the video at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21535945/

Knowing the little tricks TV reporters use to encourage you to talk are very different than the tricks used by print reporters. Radio reporters have their own quirks, too. So do reporters for the wire services.

Former reporter Al Guyant explains them all on "The Dangerous Hidden Secrets of Print & Broadcast Reporters," a CD that comes with a chapter from his book in which he outlines the advantages and disadvantages of working with each type of reporter. You can download it as soon as your order has been approved.

Click here to read more about what you must know when dealing with each type of reporter: http://tinyurl.com/g54jk


=========================================
3. Spider Rings & Press Releases
=========================================

Everyone who attends one of my workshops on how to write press releases gets a black plastic spider ring to take home with them.

Wear it on your finger. Or hang it on a string so it dangles in front of you while you're at your computer writing press releases.

It's my way of reminding Publicity Hounds to write press releases for the spiders--the search engine spiders, that is.

After all, the key reason you write press releases isn't to get the great big stories we all love. (You get those by delivering a customized pitch.) Instead, we write them primarily to pull traffic to our websites.

Before you write, you must know the keywords or keyword phrases that people type into the search engines to find the kind of information that's in your release. Using those keywords in your release, over and over again, will flag the spiders and pull traffic to your site.

Writing and posting press releases online also means that even if the traditional media ignore our releases and our stories, we can still pull people into our sales funnel.

At Thursday afternoon's workshop in Gurnee, Illinois, I'll explain how to write press releases for the search engines. I'll also discuss the 6 key elements in every press release and emphasize the one element that most people overlook. Without it, it's impossible to measure the success of your press release or pull anyone to your website.

Everybody also gets a fun little tchotchke to take home with them. It's long, it's plastic, and it was the subject of a worldwide feature story on CNN. You'll also get $500 in coupons to be used at stores at Gurnee Mills Mall, where I'm speaking.

Read more about what you'll learn at Thursday's two workshops in Gurnee, Illinois at http://www.PublicityHound.com/gurnee.htm


=========================================
4. How are You Using YouTube?
=========================================

Smart Publicity Hounds are using YouTube in creative ways to self-promote, and I want to start featuring some of the more clever videos and strategies.

If yours is one of them, drop me a line at mailto:jstewart@PublicityHound.com?subject=YouTubeVideo and explain how you use it and, more importantly, what kind of feedback you've gotten. And please provide a link to the video.

If you feel like you're living in the Dark Ages because you aren't using video yet in your publicity campaign, don't despair. Tom Antion has been raking in the bucks using video for several years, and he shows you how to get very smart about video very quickly.

His two-CD set explains how to:

--Shoot simple video clips and get them up on your website all by yourself. This costs hundreds or even thousands of dollars to hire out.

--How to get broadcast quality productions on the tightest budget possible.

--How you can get someone to provide financing for the production.

--How you can get paid to air your promotional production on TV. You'll learn exactly how to do this to make yourself a celebrity.

Continue reading more about all the cool stuff you'll learn about video at http://tinyurl.com/y3b6wj


==========================================
5. Promoting a Guitarist & Songwriter
==========================================

This week, six Publicity Hounds have tips for Tamra Engle of Oakland, California. She's a guitarist and songwriter who needs ideas on how to market herself to music supervisors and film producers who can give her projects.


From Jennifer:

"Don’t forget to network through 'official' organizations like ASCAP, BMI and NARAS--they can all put you in touch with other people who can help."


From Jason Feinberg:

"I run a music industry online marketing company at http://www.otmg.net and the key is niches. Find the hundreds (or more) of websites that cater to niches you fit into. This includes music, lifestyle, social networks, and more. It isn’t always easy to make an enormous instant splash, but a lot of coverage across many niche sites can add up to something big."


From Bill Georgi:

"Work with a political campaign that will be producing its own TV commercials."


The Publicity Hound says:

Music publicity expert Bob Baker knows every trick in the book for promoting, whether you're a big band or a musician on your own. He explained them all, including some of the best websites for music publicity, on the CD or electronic transcript "Do-it-Yourself PR Tips for Songwriters, Musicians and Bands on a Budget."

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.

Click here to continue reading more about what you'll learn: http://tinyurl.com/mqsug


Read all the responses to last week's Help This Hound question at http://tinyurl.com/36zm3l


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

Publicity Hound Janice Bittner of northern Virginia writes:

"Our company, Dryer Vent Wizard, cleans, fixes and installs dryer vents in an effort to help prevent dryer fires. I've sent at least three media kits to 10+ newspapers in our area over the last year that covered fire safety. I even gave out free dryer vent check kits to provide helpful tips and warning signs to readers.

"We live in a highly populated area with several weekly newspapers, all of which have extremely expensive advertising rates and not much editorial and news space. I haven't been able to get a story printed in any of them, even after speaking to a reporter whose paper covers the area where a family recently experienced a dryer fire due to a clogged dryer vent (I even secured permission from the family to be interviewed).

"Any help from your Hounds on how to get publicity in a news environment that doesn't have room for filler-type articles would be greatly appreciated!"


The Publicity Hound says:

That's an admirable goal, Janice. But why target only traditional media? I'll bet my Hounds will suggest lots of tips on how to break through that brick wall at your local newspapers AND use social networking sites and other online tools to generate publicity. Hounds, let's hear your best ideas. You can post them to my blog at http://tinyurl.com/37t4jb


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

"Do you know the present value of your husband's policy?" the life insurance salesman asked his client.

"What do you mean?" countered the woman.

"If you should lose your husband, what would you get?" asked the salesman.

The woman thought a minute, then brightened up and said, "Probably a poodle."


P.S. Tomorrow night, Bogie and I stand before the entire class at puppy training school and the instructors will grade me (not Bogie) on how well I can get her to "sit," "stay," "come" and "down." Here's hoping for straight As. But don't count on 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/


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

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 KKPort Washington, WI 53074
U.S.A.
Phone: 262-284-7451 (Central) Fax: 262-284-1737

Publicity tips/Michael Moore Health Challenge September 4, 2007

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #362 Sept. 4, 2007
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com/
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 35,057

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

"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.

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

"How to Help Your Boss or Client with a Publicity Campaign"

Dozens of you have asked about how to buy the audio recordings or electronic transcripts of my weeklong training program for assistants, virtual assistants and interns. The sales page isn't even completed yet, but I'm selling the product this week only to readers of this newsletter and with a special offer that expires at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, September 7.

Here's the offer. Order the CDs, electronic transcripts, or the MP3 files by Friday night, and you can choose any three electronic transcripts priced at $39.95 from my inventory at http://publicityhound.com/publicity-products/tapes.html -- for free. That's a $119.85 value. I'm making this offer because I couldn’t include every topic in this course, and your assistant might need more help in a particular area. In the comments section of the order form, tell me which 3 titles you want.

Read more about what you and your assistant will learn at http://tinyurl.com/yvwdje


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

1. Michael Moore Health Challenge

2. Don't Announce an Announcement

3. Pre-event Publicity on Weekend TV

4. Media Leads

5. Promoting a Retreat to Tuscany

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Quote of the Week

8. And at My Blog...


======================================
1. Michael Moore Health Challenge
======================================

When Michael Moore released his movie "Sicko," which helps promote free universal health care for everyone in the United States, fitness trainers Jim Labadie and Ryan Lee of North Palm Beach, Florida knew it was the perfect opportunity for Publicity Hounds like them to use two strategies I advocate.

First, piggyback off celebrities and current movies. Second, don't be afraid to become embroiled in a controversy.

With help from Tampa PR pro Lizz Harmon, that's exactly what they did.

"Mr. Moore is a walking advertisement for heart disease and diabetes," Jim says in an open letter to all fitness instructors."This is not to bash him. This is not to be viewed as an attack on him. This is not about aesthetics. This is not about looking good in a bathing suit. This is about Michael Moore exercising regularly and improving his diet so he can become a better role model for preventative care."

The letter at http://tinyurl.com/3ylxto urges fitness instructors to also write a letter that calls on the filmmaker to become a healthy role model.

"I haven't done too much with the letter other than promote it to people who have given us permission to email them," Jim says. He and Ryan emailed about 130,000 people in the fitness industry, and others who they thought would be interested.

Their campaign is starting to gain traction on the Internet because the topic is perfect fodder for special interest websites and bloggers, whether they write about fitness, health insurance or politics.

It's also edgy enough for drive-time radio interviews and local TV shows. If you're a fitness trainer, how about joining this campaign, then pitching your local TV stations?

Think the campaign is downright nasty and are you refusing to participate? Sounds like a story to me.

Shawne Duperon will explain exactly who to call in the TV newsroom, how to get through to the person who decides which stories get on the air, and how to deliver an enticing pitch that makes them say "yes." She was my guest during a teleseminar called "How to Get on the Local TV News Tomorrow."
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/yjrktx


========================================
2. Don't Announce an Announcement
========================================

My skin crawls every time I see somebody "announcing" something in a press release or a news story.

They act as though the announcement is the news when, in fact, it isn't. The content of the announcement is all anybody cares about. That's why I'd love to ban the words "announce, announced, announcing" and "announcement" from publicity campaigns and news stories.

Then along comes former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson, a Republican who has been acting for months like he's running for president. Late last week, his office "announced" that on Thursday of this week, he'll make his official "announcement" that he's running.

Thompson and other big-name politicians might be able to get away with this kind of silly PR, but don't you ever try it.

How many times do you use the A-words when you write press releases?

Guilty? That's what I thought.

It's time to learn how to write releases that people will not only read, but find interesting and respond to. Sign up for my free email tutorial "89 Ways to Write Powerful Press Releases."It explains how to write press releases not only for journalists, but for the search engines, which can deliver your press release directly to consumers who are searching for the kinds of information you're writing about.

Warning: This is an intensive 12-week course, but please stick with it. By the time you're done, you'll know more about how to write and distribute press releases than most professional PR people. As of today, 6,665 people have signed up for the course.

Don't have 89 days to spare? You can scroll to the bottom of the page and buy the entire course in a handy ebook for only $27.

Sign up now at http://www.PublicityHound.com/pressreleasetips/list.htm and I'll email you your first lesson within 15 minutes.

Bloggers and ezine editors, do your readers a favor and tell them about this. If you really want to get their attention, challenge them to take this press release quiz at my blog at http://tinyurl.com/pwnu7


=========================================
3. Pre-event Publicity on Weekend TV
=========================================

If you're planning a special event, are you paying attention to the TV news shows in your community that are sometimes desperate for guests?

You should be. It can mean the difference between no pre-event coverage and tons of it. One of the best places to look is the weekend news shows at your local TV stations.

On Sunday morning, I caught the tail-end of an interview on a Milwaukee TV news show with somebody who was promoting the Kettle Moraine Jazz Festival in West Bend, Wisconsin, about a half hour from where I live.

The in-studio guest was talking up the event, and I immediately paid attention because the jazz festival is the highlight of our summer. We've attended the last several years and we'll be there again this weekend.

Last week, I noticed several email messages from the festival organizers which gave me the impression they were still trying to get rid of tickets for what's usually a sold-out event. I wouldn't be surprised if the PR people called the TV station and asked for an interview. Smart.

Saturday and Sunday mornings are perfect times for this kind of publicity. People like me, who seldom have time to catch the 10 o'clock TV news during the week, often tune in on the weekends, when life is just a little bit slower. If you have video from last year's event, offer it. That makes the story more enticing.

I know 846 other ways to generate publicity before, during and after your special event. Debra J. Schmidt and I explain them on "How to Plan & Promote Sizzling Special Events," a set of 6 audio CDs and a seventh CD that includes 15 can't-do-without checklists for event planners and publicists. The package is also available as an electronic transcript.

If you're planning or promoting a special event this year or next, your reputation, not to mention your job, could be at stake. Read more about what you'll learn at http://tinyurl.com/46jzg


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

If you're an expert who lives in New York City, or you're planning to visit there, apply to be on "Better TV," a daytime nationally syndicated lifestyle show debuting this month. They're looking for experts, guests, celebrities, chefs, entertainers and more.

The show is produced in New York by the Meredith Corporation for women ages 25-54 who want to make their lives better with programming focused on family, home and life. The show launches in 14 markets, reaching 10 percent of all American households.

To pitch "Better TV," email Marianne Mancusi at mailto:booking@better.tv

Thanks to Shawne Duperon's publicity newsletter for this lead. Subscribe at http://www.shawnetv.com/


==========================================
5. Promoting a Retreat to Tuscany
==========================================

This week, nine Publicity Hounds have tips for Kathy McCabe of Washington, D.C. She needs ideas on how to promote a weeklong goal-setting retreat in Tuscany, Italy for men and women in their 30s to 50s. You can read about it at http://www.dreamofitaly.com/public/365.cfm


John Easton says:

"Consider having those who have already signed up for your retreat post videos commenting on why they are attending. You can even run a contest for the best story. Brightcove.com has a free service level that will allow you to embed a video player within a page on your website and allow users to upload their videos to your player. There is a very robust content management back end where you can view/approve submissions and control the sequence of videos. You can even include advertising within videos or between videos."


Andrea Kinney Says:

"If you are amenable to paying travel agent commissions, partner with agents by marketing to them through the travel trade magazines such as Travel Trade or Travel Weekly. Every agent has their own lists of hundreds or thousands of clients that you maybe able to reach out to through these specialists."


Paula Baldoni Says:

"Overall...I can’t get a sense of who the hosts would like to have on their retreat (looking through the site and the links). Who is the ideal customer? (In something like this, I would imagine you want participants that really get you juiced!) So, what does that client look like? Where is she in her life? What does she do for a living, what is her financial situation, where does she shop, what does she eat? Is she a stay-at-home mom? A corporate woman? A small business owner? Does she prefer noodle casserole over Pasta Carbonara? Both are great customers, but who do you want?"


Read all the responses to this Help This Hound question at http://tinyurl.com/2ghdn7

Then consider reaching out to the travel media with your travel-related story. Holly Johnson has generated fabulous publicity for her travel clients, and she shares all her secrets on the CD "How to Work with the Travel Media." Read more about what you'll learn at http://tinyurl.com/38825k


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

Brenda Rogerson of Highland, Michigan writes:

"The American Sewing Expo is the largest independently owned sewing expo in the country with over 15,000 people attending our three-day show from all over the U.S. In addition to classes, vendors, a sewing cafe and special exhibits, we have several challenges for sewers of all abilities and interests.

"We are having a hard time getting contestants for our Baby Lock Passion for Fashion design contest inspired by Project Runway. This a live challenge that will let avid sewers showcase their sewing and design talents, complete with professional models and a fashion show. The participant will be given a design challenge scenario and have all day Friday, September 28, to create their' secret project.' Expo attendees will have the opportunity to follow the progress of the designers as they work on their creations. Contestants return on Saturday, September 29, for a last-minute fitting on their professional model before the fashion show in the afternoon.

"We have contacted the local colleges, run ads in several sewing publications, posted several places on the web, and have information and rules on our website at http://www.americansewingexpo.com/ but have not had much response. Any ideas?"


The Publicity Hound says:

I'm not sure where on the web you're promoting this contest, but there are a zillion websites for women, including those devoted to art, fashion, design, sewing, crafts, modeling, etc. Because you're working on a short deadline, I'd pitch bloggers who write about those issues. Play up the grand prize: the trip to New York City.

OK, Hounds. I know many of you have ideas better than mine. Post them to my blog at http://tinyurl.com/2w95vv


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

Thanks to Publicity Hound Karen Russell of West Hills, California for this one:

At one home on my husband's letter-carrying route, the dog on the other side of the mail slot always barked excitedly, and eagerly grabbed the mail. One day the dog's owner explained that the Labrador had started bringing the mail upstairs to him soon after he got him, so he promptly rewarded the dog with a treat.

After several months, there was a slight change in procedure: The dog still delivered the mail upstairs--but only one piece at a time.


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

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

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


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

Papa Jack Weil, oldest CEO, great Labor Day story
http://tinyurl.com/2oyejz

Charlotte Observer business sections pitching tips
http://tinyurl.com/25nkdf

Free meeting rooms: A great PR tactic
http://tinyurl.com/2sbmgv


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

Where to Meet or Hear The Publicity Hound®


September 4: Teleseminar

I'll be among the four guests joining Michelle Nightengale for a free one-hour roundtable teleseminar. It's a sneak preview of her teleseminar series Sept. 11 to Oct. 2 for speakers, coaches, consultants, trainers, programmers, designers, and personal assistants on simple, effective marketing strategies to breathe life into your business and multiply your client base and profits in six months or less. I'll present my one-hour segment on Tuesday, Sept. 18. Sign up for the Sept. 4 call at https://paydotcom.com/r/18572/JoanStewart/1612861/


September 11: Brookfield, Wisconsin

Association for Volunteer Administration of Southeastern Wisconsin, keynote presentation on "Savvy Media Relations: How to Get Thousands of Dollars in FREE Online and Offline Publicity," 9:45 a.m., University of Phoenix Metro-Milwaukee Campus, 20075 Watertower Blvd. $30 for AVA/SEW and IAVC members, $40 for non-members. Deadline August 31. Learn more at http://www.ava-sew.org/content/blogcategory/5/4/or call Kay Bloesl at 414-571-1327 to register.


September 12: Germantown, Wisconsin

Menomonee Falls Rotary Club, noon, "How to Generate Thousands of Dollars in Free Print, Broadcast and Online Publicity," Lohmann's Steak House, W183 N9609 Appleton Ave. To attend, you must come as a guest of a current Rotary member.


September 18: Teleseminar

"How to Use FREE Publicity to Drive Tons of Traffic to Your Web Site," 8 p.m. Eastern Time. This is part of Michelle Nightengale's four-part teleseminar series for speakers, coaches, consultants, trainers, programmers, designers, and personal assistants on simple, effective marketing strategies to breathe life into your business and multiply your client base and profits in six months or less. Sign up at https://paydotcom.com/r/18572/JoanStewart/1612861/


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

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #360 Aug. 21, 2007
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com/
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 34,424

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

"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.

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

While I'm Gone...

I will be out of the office Aug. 20-24. If you have a customer service problem you need solved, please contact Christine Buffaloe, my customer service manager, at mailto:serenityva@wi.rr.com or call 262-238-0868.

Also, Chris has solved the problem many of you PayPal customers have experienced with not being able to download your electronic documents after your order has been approved. The entire ordering process should be smooth sailing from now on.

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

1. Mattel's Toy Recall

2. A Tip for Grant Recipients

3. A Fun Event for Food Pantries

4. The Shrinking Newsroom

5. Promoting a Book on Hawaii

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Quote of the Week


======================================
1. Mattel's Toy Recall
======================================

Mattel's second toy recall in less than two weeks presents publicity opportunities galore for smart Hounds:

--Pediatricians and other medical experts can offer advice on what parents can do if they think their children have been exposed to hazardous toys.

--How do you take toys that have been recalled away from children without resulting in temper tantrums from them and long explanations from you?

--Can your company, agency or school offer other alternatives to entertain kids? What about simple home-made toys you can make yourself?

--How can parents best protect their kids against dangerous toys and jewelry? Consumer experts can comment.

--Should we be more suspicious than ever of anything with a "Made in China" label? Let journalists know if you have manufacturing experts who can comment on this topic.

--If your company makes things that are used by children, what kinds of safety regulations do you follow?

--Mattel did a lousy job of damage control when this crisis hit. If you're a crisis counselor or PR expert, what do you think the toy maker should have done?

--Mattel has warned that it could announce more recalls. That has led some experts to question the fate of the Mattel brand in the wake of the bad news. Branding experts should offer comment on how this crisis might affect Mattel.


When a crisis like this hits, will journalists be able to find your experts who can comment? One of the first places they look is Expertclick: The Online Yearbook of Experts at http://tinyurl.com/f5evn Publicity Hounds get $100 off the subscription price.


========================================
2. A Tip for Grant Recipients
========================================

Thanks to Publicity Hound Beth Bilderback, public relations specialist for Nauticus, a marine science center in Norfolk,Virginia.

She was in the audience on Tuesday when I presented my "Savvy Media Relations" workshop, and she passed along this great publicity tip for anyone who receives grant money:

"This summer, we received a hefty grant to fund two oceanography camps for two separate groups of 10th-graders. One requirement was that the students put together a PowerPoint presentation detailing all of their marine biology activities throughout the week and show it on the last day of the camp.

"For one of these last days, we invited both the board of the funding organization and a local reporter, who sent a photographer to follow the kids on their field trip that afternoon so they could get a good visual.

"It was win-win all around. The granters got to see the very real return on their investment. The students were delighted at the attention (parents were of course also invited). The hard work of all who put the camp together was recognized, and the media highlighted a really successful partnership.

"We ended up getting an article on the front page of the local news section. Lesson: Don’t just announce that you've received grant money. Follow up with a happy ending."


That's great advice, Beth. OK, Hounds. If you've put grant money to good use, let the media know the rest of the story.


Nonprofits think they face a more difficult time than businesses generating publicity, but that isn't necessarily so. Paul Hartunian knows lots of tricks that nonprofits can use to get media attention. He explained them all during a teleseminar I conducted with him called "Failproof Publicity Tips for Your Nonprofit." 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/29dba


=======================================
3. A Fun Event for Food Pantries
=======================================

During Tuesday's session in Norfolk, I came up with a great idea for Jan Cline who works for the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia.

The foodbank gets a fair share of publicity for routine news events, he said, like when the agency really needs donations. But he wanted an idea for something really different that would catch the media's attention.

Here's what I suggested. Have a fun competition between several local chefs. Take five of the same items from your food pantry, like a can of pork and beans, a box of macaroni and cheese, a can of tomato soup, a jar of black olives and a loaf of bread. Then ask each chef to cook a dinner using those items.

Offer the recipes to your local newspaper's food columnist. You can even turn it into a fund-raiser, sell tickets, and serve samples of the chefs' creations.


More great tips involving food are on the CD and electronic transcript called "Publicity Tips for Restaurants, Chefs & Foodies." It comes with a list of all 51 ideas that you can download as soon as your order has been approved. Read more about what you'll learn at http://tinyurl.com/clr26


======================================
4. The Shrinking Newsroom
======================================

Are you paying attention to the layoffs taking place at newspapers of every size, all over the U.S.?

If not, you'll probably be very aware of them the next time you call or email a reporter or editor and don't receive an answer.

Getting a callback was difficult enough even 10 and 20 years ago. Today, however, newsrooms are leaner than ever. Declining readership and advertising, coupled with the millions of dollars in classified ad revenue that has been taken away from newspapers by online bulletin boards like Craigslist, are resulting in massive layoffs.

Editors are relying more on freelancers. And staff writers who still have their jobs are often shuffling multiple beats--sometimes not very well.

I'm writing an article for PR Tactics, the newspaper published by the Public Relations Society of America, and I'm looking for Publicity Hounds to quote in my article.

Is the problem of gaining access to journalists getting worse at your local papers? What tips or tricks can you pass along on how to encourage journalists to call you back? Have you been successful in meeting busy journalists for lunch or coffee? If so, how did you get them to say yes?

Mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com?subject=BusyJournalists

I may follow up with a phone interview sometime next week.

In the meantime, let the newspapers' loss from Craigslist be your gain. Craigslist is still one of the very best tools for Publicity Hounds, regardless of what you're promoting. You'll find separate lists for cities all over the world, and dozens of sub-categories where you can post news about classes, events, fund-raisers, new products and services, politics, real estate and lots more. You'll even find discussion forums for whatever topic floats your boat.

But before you start posting, you must know the rules and understand how to develop a publicity strategy that pays big dividends. Nancy Mills explains how on "How to Use Craigslist as a Global Publicity Tool." It's available as a CD or an electronic transcript that you can download and be reading as soon as your order has been approved.

Read more about what you'll learn at http://tinyurl.com/geog2.


==========================================
5. Promoting a Book on Hawaii
==========================================

This week, seven Publicity Hounds have tips for Karma Bennett of Ulysses Press. She wants advice on how to promote a new edition of the book Hidden Hawaii, which focuses on the places locals love instead of the same tired tourist traps. She's concerned that book reviewers won't pay much attention to a new edition.


From Michael Draper:

"I would recommend keeping each book separate and focused on a new market. It is best to have more products for sale. It will help make you look like the real experts on Hawaii. There is a separate market for each book, and a market that would buy both books. When you release your new book, it will be reviewed as a new book. But I would make sure that the new book is tailored for that different market and not just a redo."


From Andrea Kinney:

"Why not partner with travel agencies to help promote the series? I am a travel specialist who specializes in culinary travel and I am always looking for the genuine aspects of any destination. Offer the books to travel specialists for a free or reduced rate in return for advertising in their newsletters and on their websites. I’m already excited to check out the series for myself!"


From Kellee White:

"I got so much use out of my first copy of Hidden Hawaii. I am thrilled to know it is being updated! Try to get the news into Daily Candy Travel at http://www.dailycandy.com/ They love things like this."


The Publicity Hound says:

National Public Radio is the perfect publicity opportunity for authors. Go to the NPR website at http://www.npr.org/ and use the search box on the top of the homepage to search for travel-related programs. Then pitch the producers on a fun program that ties into the book.


Book publicist Lissa Warren has lots of other tips to pass along on "How to Get Booked on National Public Radio," available as a CD or electronic transcript. She's booked dozens of her clients on NPR shows. Read more about what you'll learn at http://tinyurl.com/ayms6


Read all the responses to this Help this Hound question at http://tinyurl.com/2l97no


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

Julie Ann Kodmur from St. Helena, California writes:

"How do you get American writers and, of course, families, interested in Shawnigan Lake School, a Canadian boarding school at http://www.sls.bc.ca/?

"I’ve been doing publicity for the wonderful school where my step-son goes and now find that we need some fresh ideas. The school is frankly a cousin of Hogwarts---uniform Tudor architecture in all the buildings on campus which slope down to a lake, then bordered by a forest and a huge 'great hall' dining room with fireplaces. The faculty are not only very intelligent but enormously empathetic and caring.

"We’ve thought of having J.K. Rowling come to do a reading or present an award. We’ve thought of having the Headmaster write some op-ed pieces for U.S. papers.

"We’re trying to 'junket' some writers up to the campus to shadow some students and go back to their U.S. papers and write up the experience. Do your Hounds have any fresh ideas for publicity?"


The Publicity Hound says:

Many Hounds who read this newsletter do PR for schools, colleges and universities, so I know they'll share some of their best tips. If you have an idea for Julie Ann, post it to my blog at http://tinyurl.com/2hu4o9


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

Thanks to Dan Poynter of Santa Barbara, California for this one:

Terrier + Bulldog = Terribull, a dog that makes awful mistakes

Bloodhound + Labrador = Blabador, a dog that barks incessantly

Collie + Malamute = Commute, a dog that travels to work

Deerhound + Terrier = Derriere, a dog that's true to the end.

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®

September 11: Brookfield, Wisconsin

Association for Volunteer Administration of Southeastern Wisconsin, keynote presentation on "Savvy Media Relations: How to Get Thousands of Dollars in FREE Online and Offline Publicity," 9:45 a.m., University of Phoenix Metro-Milwaukee Campus, 20075 Watertower Blvd. $30 for AVA/SEW and IAVC members, $40 for non-members. Deadline August 31. Learn more at http://www.ava-sew.org/content/blogcategory/5/4/or call Kay Bloesl at 414-571-1327 to register.


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/Start an ezine January 30, 2007

The Publicity Hound's Tips of the Week
Issue #331 - Jan. 30, 2007
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.net
(Blog) The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 27,934
=====================================
"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 Generate Publicity in Big Magazines & Newspapers:

Every smart Publicity Hound knows that one of the best ways to get into top-tier publications is to have a copy of the publication's editorial calendar, so you know months in advance what kinds of topics they'll be covering.

But don't stop there. On Thursday, Feb. 1, Steve Harrison will present a free teleseminar called "The Seven Things You Absolutely Must Know to Get Publicity In Major Magazines and Newspapers."

You'll hear from two editors from Woman’s Day and Woman's World, a top business writer who does stories for Inc., a New York Times best-selling author and four other entrepreneurs/authors who share how they got publicity in such places as Cosmopolitan, the New York Times, Entrepreneur, Parents, Family Circle, the Wall St. Journal and many other top publications.

Learn more at http://snipurl.com/MagazinePublicity
******************************************
================================
In This Issue
================================

1. Start an Ezine

2. Press Release Distribution

3. Valentines & Irritable Bowels

4. What Not to Say to Journalists

5. How to Promote a Voiceover Talent

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Quote of the Week

8. And at My Blog...

=====================================
1. Start an Ezine
=====================================

If you aren't emailing tips and advice regularly to people who have given you permission to contact them, you're missing one of the most powerful ways to market your products and services.

This newsletter is like the giant jackhammer in my marketing toolbox. How do I know?
Here's what happens every Tuesday after I send it:

I'm glutted with orders and requests for speaking engagements. Subscribers email me and ask if they can reprint items they see here in their own newsletters.

Others ask if they can buy a telephone consulting session. Journalists email or call me asking for an interview.

Publishing your own email newsletter helps you stay in touch with prospects, gain "expert" status, build a massive mailing list, and attract more sales and clients.

You can also use a newsletter to attract the attention of dozens of journalists, newspaper reporters, magazine editors, freelance writers, radio talk show hosts and TV producers. If they like your topic, they'll subscribe to your newsletter to stay abreast of trends in your field, and to get ideas for stories they can cover.

But many people don't know how to start creating an ezine, and their biggest objection is time.

"Publishing a newsletter like yours would take me weeks," they complain.

Then don't publish a newsletter like this one. Instead, send a simple tip once a week, or every other week. Emailing people monthly or quarterly, like many of you do, isn't frequent enough.

Alexandria Brown, "The Ezine Queen," teaches people just like you how to start email newsletters, or weekly tips. Her ebook "Boost Your Business with Your Own Ezine" includes dozens of tips I've adopted for my own business. The ebook is one of several products she's offering during a special promotion that ends Wednesday.

Learn more at http://snipurl.com/PublishanEzine

==================================
2. Press Release Distribution
==================================

Don't say I didn't warn you.

If you're writing and distributing press releases online, don't rely on all those free press release distribution services.

The dirty little secret is that most of them don't distribute anything. They simply park your press release at their website, where the search engines might or might not find it.

For example, let's say you sell patio furniture. You write a press release about how to care for patio furniture and you submit it to one of those freebie sites. If somebody is searching online for "patio furniture," there's a good chance your press release won't show up on the list because it isn't in the Google or Yahoo news feeds.

Even worse, if you submit a press release to their service then suddenly discover it includes an error that you need to correct, there's usually no way to correct it because there's no customer service number you can call.

Disastrous.

In my email tutorial "89 Ways to Write Powerful Press Releases," I recommend two services that I've used: PRWeb and News Release Wire.

Use PRWeb at http://snipurl.com/PRWebDistribution if you're only writing a few press releases a year. But if you're an author, speaker or expert, and you regularly write press releases and post them online to be found not only by journalists but by consumers, subscribe to Expertclick at http://snipurl.com/ExpertClick and use their News Release Wire.

An Experclick subscription lets you post up to 52 press releases a year. It also includes your profile in its giant database of experts, which journalists search regularly when they're looking for sources on specific topics.

By the way, if you don't have 89 days to spend learning how to write press releases, you can buy the ebook which includes all 89 lessons. It's the second title on the list at http://www.publicityhound.com/ebooks.htm


==================================
3. Valentines & Irritable Bowels
==================================

Thanks to Publicity Hound Sarah Wernick for making me chuckle last week when she pointed out an online press release that tied Irritable Bowel Syndrome to Valentine's Day.

"It's tough to feel romantic when you suffer with Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Lactose Intolerance - even if it's Valentine's Day.

So along with jewelry, roses, candy and a day at the spa, give your loved ones the gift of good digestive health this Valentine's Day and the freedom to live life with passion - the freedom to feel and be romantic."

Since we're now posting press releases online where consumers can find them, the search engines probably would have found that release if somebody was searching for "irritable bowel syndrome."

But that's not the kind of story you should be pitching to the media, in hopes they'd welcome the Valentine's Day angle.

During the next two weeks, competition will be fierce among Publicity Hounds trying to tie their story idea to Valentine's Day. If you don't have a logical tie-in to this holiday, don't push it.

Instead, here's something to consider.

Lots of newspapers and magazines are looking for content for special gift sections they'll be publishing that tie into Mother's Day, Father's Day and high school and college graduations. Magazines, in particular, work months ahead, and some of them need information right now.

If your product or service, including your book, makes the perfect gift for a mom, dad or grad, start pitching the editors of these gift sections and producers at TV programs that will be featuring these kinds of gift-buying tips.

You can use a search engine like Google and search for "Mother's Day Gift Guide." Or you can save yourself hours of tedious searching online. The Gift List, a subscription service, offers contact information for media outlets and TV and radio programs that will feature special gifts for these occasions.

You won't find trade magazines like Nursing Science Quarterly on the list. You will find magazines like Redbook, Allure, Wired, Stereophile, Fast Company, Teen People, Organic Gardening, Cooking Light, Shape, Atlanta Magazine, Cottage Living, Cookie, Elite Traveler, and hundreds more like these.

Take a test drive at http://snipurl.com/GiftListMedia


=================================
4. What Not to Say to Journalists
=================================

If you see an interesting media lead in this newsletter and you respond to the journalist, please give them only the kind of information they requested. Don't badger them with other things you're selling.

A few weeks ago, I included a media lead from Donna Maria Coles who was looking for guests for her radio show.

"I booked one of the people who responded with great info about her book and speaking topics," Donna said. "After we booked the show, she sent me an email asking if I had ever heard of a networking marking company (which I assume she is a member of) and whether she could send me some samples of the products.

"I told her I want to focus on her book and expertise in that area, and do not plan to mention the network marketing company, and that she should let me know if that will be a problem for her and we can always change plans."

Donna hasn't heard back from the woman.

Bottom line: Don't answer a media lead if your motive is to promote something else you sell. Savvy Publicity Hounds know how to build strong relationships with media people without resorting to that kind of trickery.

"Special Report #49: 17 Ways to Build Valuable Relationships with Media People" shows you how. Learn more at http://publicityhound.com/publicity-products/reports.html


==================================
5. How to Promote a Voiceover Talent
==================================

This week, three Publicity Hounds have tips for Ginger Bell of Tyler, Texas. She wants ideas on how her husband, Bobby Bell, can market his company, a production studio that creates radio and TV commercials, provides voiceovers and serves the advertising industry.

From Karen Commins:

"As another voice-over talent, many newcomers to the industry ask me the same question. I have written essays on my blog http://www.karenblogs.com/ in which I point out that voice-over is a business that requires a marketing plan. It can include:

--Creating and maintaining a personal website

--Making phone calls to casting directors, producers, directors

--Networking at industry meetings and events

--Sending direct mail (postcards, newsletters, etc.)

--Auditioning for one or more agents

--Joining on-line casting services and submitting auditions

--Writing postings in forums to show your expertise"


From Lois Carter Fay at MarketingIdeaShop.com:

"Create a viral marketing campaign that is funny. People love to pass on the commercials that have been made, especially for web viewing and listening. If he’s been in the radio business, I’m sure he knows people who can create a funny spot that people will want to pass on to everyone they know."


From The Publicity Hound:

"Ginger, your husband should be podcasting--one of the best ways to show off that terrific voice.

"What should he podcast about? Topics that are of interest to the kinds of people who he wants as clients. Those could include marketing, broadcasting and advertising. Or how about informative, funny behind-the-scenes stories about what happens while he and others are producing radio commercials?

"He can also discuss ways that people can save money when they’re buying radio advertising."

Read all the responses at http://tinyurl.com/3dfn9h


Small business is the fuel that drives the economy of many countries. And if you know what small-business reporters are looking for, it's easier to encourage them to write about you.

Jeff Zbar, a Business Journalist of the Year for the U.S. Small Business Administration, discussed exactly how small businesses can generate fabulous publicity when he was my guest during a teleseminar called "The Fastest, Cheapest, Easiest Ways to Publicize Your Small Business." We recorded it and it's available as a CD or electronic transcript that you can download and be reading in a few minutes.

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


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

Marcus Simmons of Southfield, Michigan writes:

"The Motown Automotive Professionals nonprofit is in its start-up stage. We will provide no-cost automotive vocational training for socially and economically deprived youths as they emerge from high school.

"I have been on the 6 o'clock news on two channels so far, and we have a website at http://www.map-n.org/ We need more ways to get donations and support from corporate America. Can your Hounds help?


The Publicity Hound says:

You bet they can, Marcus. Many Hounds who read this newsletter are experts at recruiting corporate sponsors, as well as getting publicity. Hounds with terrific ideas for Marcus can post them to my blog at http://tinyurl.com/2htmxa

In the meantime, publicity expert Paul Hartunian has dozens of great tips for nonprofits that want publicity--particularly nonprofits on a shoestring budget. "Failproof Publicity Tips for Your Nonprofit" is available as a CD or electronic transcript that you can be reading as soon as your order is approved.

Read more about what you'll learn at http://tinyurl.com/29dba

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

You know you're a dog person when you and your dog both have symptoms that resemble the flu. You take your dog to the vet while you settle for an over-the-counter remedy from the drugstore.

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

Press releases: How to make old news sound new
http://tinyurl.com/33nk9m

AP to carry bloggers' coverage of Libby trial
http://tinyurl.com/2u2pmv

Pitching tip: Join the conversation first
http://tinyurl.com/35yck7

On my blog at http://www.publicityhound.net/, I've made it easy for you to find what you're looking for by dividing my posts into more than 20 categories. Look under the "Topics" arrow on the right side of the blog to find the category you need.
---------------------------------------------------------------

Where to Meet or Hear The Publicity Hound®

March 17, 2007: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

"Savvy Media Relations: How to Get Free Print, Broadcast and Online Publicity." 8 a.m. to noon. Learn more at http://www.nsapittsburgh.com/calendar.htm


May 12, 2007: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Florida Speakers Association: "Savvy Media Relations: How to Get Free Print, Broadcast & Online Publicity." 9 a.m. to noon. "Sleeping with the Competition: How to Collaborate with Other Speakers to Create Profitable Products and Programs." 2 to 4 p. m. For more information, call 561-630-7766 or visit http://www.florida-speakers.org


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® will never distribute your address to anyone.
Period. Promise.

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