Publicity tips/Can't clone yourself? Outsource May 27, 2008

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #400 May 27, 2008
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com/
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 46,782

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

"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 "
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

Business coach Leili McKinley shares "Outsourcing Secrets: Your
Guide to Getting the Best Quality, Price & Teamwork from
Freelancers." 3-4 p.m. Eastern
Time. Register at http://www.publicityhound.com/teleseminar.htm

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

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

1. Can't Clone Yourself? Outsource

2. Debunk Urban Legends

3. Enjoy the Summer--Hire a Virtual Assistant

4. Make Your Assistant Media-savvy

5. Promoting a Book on Fiscal/Physical Fitness

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Quote of the Week

8. At My Blog...


=========================================
1. Can't Clone Yourself? Outsource
=========================================

About five weeks ago, when I decided to sell a special report on
how to use Twitter for business, I knew I wouldn't have time to
research and write it.

So I posted the project at Elance.com, an outsourcing site where
freelancers bid on your projects.

Luckily, one of few bids I received was from a writer who
actually uses Twitter for business and is crazy about the
microblogging service. She attached several impressive writing
samples to her bid. After reading them, I hired her immediately.

When I get a great idea for a product, outsourcing has allowed me
to take the product to market quickly, sometimes in only a few
weeks. That saves me months of back-breaking research, writing
and editing. Depending on how well it sells, I can sometimes
recoup the cost in just a week or two.

I've outsourced special reports, ebooks, ebook covers, graphics,
press releases, proofreading, transcription, editing, teleseminar
production and bookkeeping. I struck gold a few years ago when I
outsourced my ebook "How to Use Photos & Graphics in Your
Publicity Campaign" to a former newspaper editor whose hobby is
photography.

But I've also had my share of outsourcing failures:

--I awarded a bid on an article to a freelancer, who obviously
speaks English as a second language, and I never realized that
until I saw what he submitted.

--I've spent hours poring over writing samples from freelancers
who barely know how to string together a noun and a verb.

--I foolishly signed off on a writing project too early and paid
the freelancer, before I had time to read the article carefully.
Then I kicked myself when it needed revisions. By then, it was
too late.

If you don't have enough hours in the day to devote to your
publicity campaign, Internet marketing, product development, book
campaign, or any other part of your business, outsourcing is the
next best thing to cloning yourself.

Leili McKinley, one of my business coaches and a fellow member of
Stompernet, the membership organization for Internet marketers,
says outsourcing is one of the major reasons why many
solopreneurs and small business owners have grown as big as they
have, as fast as they have.

Outsourcing, she says, is the key to accelerating not only your
publicity campaign but your entire business.

But only if you do it right.

Do it wrong, and you could get ripped off. You could be sued for
plagiarism if the freelancer steals somebody else's work--or
parts of it--and sells it to you as their own. Even worse, you
could become embroiled in ugly legal disputes that eat up weeks
of your time and cost you a fortune to resolve.

Those are only a few of the land mines that await you if you want
to farm out work to others but don't know what you're doing.

Leili, who has worked with dozens of independent contractors with
great results, will be my guest during a teleseminar at 3 p.m.
Eastern Time on Wednesday, June 18.

"Outsourcing Secrets: Your Guide to Getting the Best Quality,
Price and Teamwork from Freelancers" is for anyone who can't
do it all and needs help growing their business.

Register and watch the video to find out how to get five free
outsourcing tips from Leili:
http://www.PublicityHound.com/teleseminar.htm


========================================
2. Debunk Urban Legends
========================================

Several Publicity Hounds, including Jim McDonald, a former
firefighter and an expert in flammable liquids, emailed me last
week and said my tips on how to save money on gasoline, like
filling your tank early in the morning, are urban legends.

You can see the discussion at Snopes.com, the website devoted to
urban legends, at http://message.snopes.com/showthread.php?t=7371
and http://message.snopes.com/showthread.php?t=14874

That got me thinking. There are so many of these urban legends
floating around, that smart Publicity Hounds can piggyback onto
them to promote.

Any time you see an urban legend that deals with your area of
expertise, respond immediately:

--Post a comment to a blog or online forum that includes
information about the urban legend. Link back to an article at
your website that includes accurate information.

--Create a video debunking the myth and post it to video-sharing
sites. I'll bet lots of people type keywords related to urban
legends, like "saving on gasoline" into the search engines and at
video-sharing sites. That means your video could become viral.

--Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper that wrote about it
and correct the record.


Smart Publicity Hounds know how to subtly promote a product,
service, cause or issue when writing letters to the editor
without making the letter look like a free ad. I explain how in
"Special Report #4: How to Write Crisp, Compelling Letters to the
Editor that Promote Your Product, Service or Favorite Cause."
Only $10 Order at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/reports.html


==============================================
3. Enjoy the Summer--Hire a Virtual Assistant
==============================================

Chris Buffaloe, my virtual assistant who has been as valuable as
my right arm for the last three years, packs up her truck today.

Tomorrow, she's moving from her home 15 miles away from me to San
Diego. I went to see her on Saturday where we cried in each
other's arms and said good-bye--sort of.

On Monday, June 2, after she settles into her new office, it will
be business as usual.

Chris will help compile information for the June 3 issue of this
newsletter. She'll give me the heads-up on bloggers who have
written about topics that deserve my comments. She'll proofread
my articles, make personal phone calls for me, and attend to
dozens of other tasks.

That's the beauty of virtual assistants. They can be thousands of
miles away and be just as effective as if they worked next to you
in your office.

If you don't have a virtual assistant yet, this summer is the
perfect time to hire one. Perhaps all you can afford is an hour
or two a week. That's OK. VAs work as little or as much as you
need them. And that's two or three hours you can spend enjoying
the summer or thinking of ways to bring in more business.

Cindy Greenway and Diana Ennen, both very successful virtual
assistants, explained the nuances of "How to Find a Virtual
Assistant to Help with Your Publicity Campaign" during a
teleseminar I conducted with them last year.

They explained where to find a VA, how VAs charge for their
services, why some VAs are so much more expensive than others,
and how to make the relationship smooth sailing. The recording is
available as a CD or an electronic transcript that you can
download and be reading as soon as your order has been approved.

Unload tasks you hate and start enjoying the summer. Go to
http://tinyurl.com/2e5875


========================================
4. Make Your Assistant Media-savvy
========================================

If you're hiring a virtual assistant or summer intern, they can
do a lot of the grunt work involved in a publicity campaign.

These tasks are ideal for an assistant:

--Update your press kit.

--Arrange for reprints of articles you've written.

--Help you stay on top of your social networking pages at sites
like Facebook and LinkedIn. They can friend others, update your
profile and accept invitations.

--Write and post press releases.

--Create Google Alerts for topics you want to follow.

--Write and submit articles to online directories.

--Research podcasts and blogs.

--Help book speaking engagements and prepare handouts.

--Find ways to recycle publicity.

--Look for book reviewers and submit your books.

--Find content for your ezine and blog.


My week-long teleseminar series "How to Help Your Boss or Client
with a Publicity Campaign" trains assistants on everything they
need to know about publicity, including researching media
outlets, blogs and other places where you want a presence.

It's available as a series of CDs, MP3 audios, or electronic
transcripts that you can download as soon as your order has been
approved. Take the hassle out of training your assistant by
letting me do the heavy lifting for you. Go to
http://www.publicityhound.com/PHU_AssistantsCourse.htm

This course was very popular among virtual assistants. Some of my
VA students have added PR to their services and raised their
fees.


=============================================
5. Promoting a Book on Fiscal/Physical Fitness
=============================================

This week, four Publicity Hounds have tips on how Mary Ammons of
Nashville, Tennessee can get publicity for the book Fiscal
Fitness: 8 Steps to Wealth and Health from America’s Leaders of
Fitness and Finance, written by Jack LaLanne and Matthew J.
Rettick, in the print media.


From Polly M. Kent:

"I started doing exercise with Jack LaLanne after each of my
babies was born during the 60s.

"I would use something that puts Jack LaLanne in the past and
Matthew in the immediate now. Such as 'Jack LaLanne has taught
you how to get here in good physical shape. Now let Matt teach
you what you need to know about fiscal fitness. Jack LaLanne has
proven himself as a physical fitness guru. Now allow fiscal
fitness guru Matt Rettick to teach you how to add money to the
muscle you have acquired.'"


From Kim Duke, The Sales Diva:

"The cover is a killer--it really speaks to men and not women.

"However, I think many women would love the info, and as the
largest target client for almost every business, you should be
focused on reaching them.

"I would recommend using some 'sass' in your media
pitches...focusing on women who are 'cashing out' as Faith
Popcorn talks about, i.e. women who are sick of putting their
bodies and bank accounts on diets.


From The Publicity Hound:

"Have Matt offer a free calculator that lets people calculate
their ability to retire at age 63, or 70, or whatever, with
enough money to survive, with or without Social Security. My
financial advisor gave me a little cardboard wheel that shows
people how much they'll have in the bank by age 70 if they save
only $5 a week." (See "Special Report #51: 55 Free Things You Can
Offer to Generate Publicity or Capture People's Email Addresses"
at http://tinyurl.com/63avbr


Read all the responses to this week's Help This Hound question at
http://tinyurl.com/545r96

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


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

Lynne Scheible of Big Rapids, Michigan writes:


"Leadership Mecosta, our community leadership program, is
sponsoring a community art project.

"Area businesses and organizations are sponsoring fiberglass
statues of more than 30 bulldogs, 3 by 4 feet. We chose a bulldog
because it's the mascot of Ferris State University, our local
college.

"Our job now is to promote the heck out of this so that people
will come to Big Rapids and the surrounding area to see these
dogs artistically designed by local artists. Our web page is at
http://www.yearofthedawg.com/

"Other communities have done similar projects. Chicago did cows.
South Haven, Michigan did bears. And Midland, Michigan did
Trolls.

"Can your Hounds come up with some promotion ideas to pull
tourists to Big Rapids to see these dawgs?"


The Publicity Hound says:

This is a fun one. My idea is to shoot videos of the bulldogs and
post them on video sharing sites like YouTube. The teleseminar I
did last week with videographer John Easton got rave reviews.

John passed along lots of tips on the most inexpensive video
equipment to buy, where to find dirt-cheap videographers in your
own community if you don't want to get your hands dirty, and how
to persuade local media, chambers of commerce and other industry
groups to use your video to promote you and smother the
competition.

You can buy the CD, electronic transcript or MP3 audio next week.
More details in the next newsletter.

Hounds, what do you think? Post your best ideas for Lynne at my
blog at http://tinyurl.com/6m9hmc


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

Why is it that when you blow in a dog's face, it gets annoyed?
But when you take it for a ride in the car, it sticks its head
out the window?


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

7 resources make it easy for journalists to find you
http://tinyurl.com/5bs3av


More tips, ideas on how to use Twitter
http://tinyurl.com/5gnj5k


Use spam checkers for ezine content and pitches
http://tinyurl.com/3uta79


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

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 shares "Outsourcing Secrets: Your
Guide to Getting the Best Quality, Price & 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/Look Who's Twittering May 20, 2008

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #399 May 20, 2008
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 46,751

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

"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:

May 21: Teleseminar

Videographer John Easton explains "9 Clever Ways to Use Video to Become a Publicity Darling in Your Industry or Community." 3-4 p. m. Eastern Time. Register at http://www.publicityhound.com/teleseminar.htm

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. See item #3 below. Register at http://www.publicityhound.com/teleseminar.htm

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. See next week's newsletter for sign-up details.

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

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

1. Look Who's Twittering

2. I Hate When This Happens

3. PR People: Thrive in a Bad Economy

4. Share Your Best Tips on How to Save

5. Promoting 'Say Something Nice' Sunday

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Quote of the Week

8. At My Blog...


===================================
1. Look Who's Twittering
===================================

Don't complain that you're too busy to twitter.

Dell, H&R Block, Jet Blue, Comcast, Southwest Airlines and other mega-companies have made time to join the Twittosphere. You should, too.

I've been twittering for several months at http://Twitter.com/PublicityHound and have found it's not only a fabulous publicity tool, it's fun.

The free microblogging service lets you create a page at Twitter.com, and then check in throughout the day and report on what you're doing. Each message, or tweet, is limited to 140 characters.

Twitter started primarily as a social networking service for personal use. Daily, scores of business people are becoming addicted to it. Twitter, it seems, is the new online crack.

Because tweets are so short, twittering takes far less time than what you have to invest in many other social networking tools.

Even better, it can produce incredibly powerful, instant results. Businesses and nonprofits large and small continue experimenting with dozens of ways to use Twitter. Here are just a few of them:

- -As a crisis communications tool. The American Red Cross uses Twitter to announce disaster news. During this year's tornadoes, tweets listed emergency shelters in several states, led followers to Flickr photos that showed tornado damage, and invited tornado survivors to report in as being "safe and well."

- -To announce new products and services.

- -To promote articles and blog posts.

- -To follow journalists who Twitter and learn what they think is important.

- -To respond to media coverage, good or bad.

- -To monitor what others are saying about you and your brand.

- -To share with your followers interesting tips, helpful suggestions, great articles or humorous blog posts.

- -To monitor customer service problems and respond within minutes. If used correctly, Twitter can be more powerful than those annoying and expensive customer service call centers.

So how about shaving just 15 minutes a day off the non- productive, energy-sucking, time-wasting task of reading and responding to your email? Use those 15 minutes, instead, spaced throughout the day, to Twitter.

"Special Report 52: How to Use Twitter for Business to Network, Promote, Sell, Recruit & Profit" includes 10 pages of examples, tips and resources. Learn how to enhance your Twitter experience and make it dovetail with other social networking tools like Facebook.

Start building customers for life by ordering the special report, only $10, at http://publicityhound.com/publicity-products/reports.html

P. S. My special reports are usually only five pages, but we had so much fun with this one, we couldn't stop writing!


=======================================
2. I Hate When This Happens
=======================================

I'll bet you've done this, too.

You want to see where your website ranks in the search engines, So you type one of your most important keywords into Google and hit "enter," hoping to see your website URL in that lofty position at the top of the organic list on the left side of the screen.

The page no sooner appears and your eyes are darting back and forth, up and down, frantically searching. But the only websites you're seeing are that darn Wikipedia, Amazon.com, and the sites owned by the Bad Guys, a.k.a. your competitors.

Your heart starts pumping faster as you click onto Page 2. When you don't see your website there either, you're left wondering, "What did I do wrong?"

The Internet marketing experts at Stompernet will tell you exactly what you did wrong, right down to the last little detail. They're offering a free competitive analysis report of your own website as well as those owned by the competition.

Until the end of the week, you can order the reports--up to five per day--at http://www.stompernet.net/jvp/aw.aspx?B=44&A=332

You'll even find a video at that site right now that gives you step-by-step instructions on how to go about fixing all the errors that are dragging down your ranking.

While you're there, check the comments from people who have already seen the video and read their own reports.

Then think about what will happen if your competitors check up on you but you fail to check up on them.

Go there now: http://www.stompernet.net/jvp/aw.aspx?B=44&A=332


==========================================
3. PR People: Thrive in a Bad Economy
==========================================

I first met Robert Smith about 10 years ago when he was working as a frustrated bill collector, looking for a fun hobby to offset his boring day job.

He called and asked my advice about writing press releases.

We've kept in touch on and off since then. When he called again last week, my chin dropped as he explained what he's been up to. The term "fast learner" doesn't even begin to describe what he's accomplished.

Robert manages his own PR agency based in Rockford, Illinois and has 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.

Here's how he does it:

- -He pays a paltry $67 a week to have his own half-hour TV show on the leased access channel in Chicago--and rakes in PR clients who see him on the air.

- -He swings deals with guys who drive delivery trucks by persuading them to drop off one of his brochures with each package they deliver to a business customer. In return, the drivers get a commission on any PR clients who call Robert and sign a contract.

- -He buys and sells leads. If a small-business client has only $1,000 to spend on a publicity campaign, far less than the kinds of projects Robert takes on, he sells the lead to a budding PR practitioner who is hungry for the work.

Robert will be my guest during a teleseminar from 3 to 4 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, June 11 on "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

By the way, the photo of Robert on the sign-up page was taken for the cover of Dr. Phil's magazine. He'll explain how that happened, too.


========================================
4. Share Your Best Tips on How to Save
========================================

Everywhere I look, experts are offering advice on how to save money while food and gasoline prices go through the roof.

Here are two great tips to help you save at the grocery store:

- -During each trip to the supermarket, the average shopper makes $10 worth of impulse purchases. Solution: Make fewer trips.

- -One of the biggest money-wasters is letting food sit in the refrigerator so long that you can't even tell what it is. Solution: Make better use of leftovers and eat produce quickly.

I also heard three great tips about how to save on gasoline, courtesy of a guy who works for one of the big oil companies.

- -Buy gasoline in the morning, when it's still cold. That's because warm gasoline expands. The pumps are not set for temperature change, so one gallon can actually be less than a gallon.

- -Buy it when your tank is half empty. The more air in your tank, the more gasoline tends to evaporate.

- -Never buy gasoline when you see big tanker trucks at the station or you could end up with gasoline that has dirt and other debris that's been stirred up by the recent delivery.

What are your best tips for your own customers? Pitch them to the local and national media.

And make them do double- and triple-duty by posting them at your blog, at Twitter, in articles you post at article directory sites, and at your own website.

How about offering your tips via briefs, fillers and quizzes? I show you how on the CD or electronic transcript "Briefs, Fillers & Quizzes: How to Create Them and Why Editors LOVE Them."

You can download the transcript as soon as your order is approved. Read more about how to start using briefs as a valuable publicity tool at http://publicityhound.net/briefs


============================================
5. How to Promote 'Say Something Nice' Sunday ============================================

This week, four Publicity Hounds have tips on how Mitch Carnell of Charleston, South Carolina can promote "Say Something Nice Sunday."


From Kim Duke:

"I think this would be a great topic for John Tesh to cover on his international radio show. Throughout his show, he reads quips from magazines, unusual tips and he definitely does spread the word about unusual ideas--and I think 'Say Something Nice Sunday' would fit his mandate. Contact him at http://www.tesh.com"


From Cheryl Pickett:

"How about encouraging churches that have an announcement type sign out front to put the info there? Hopefully, people will end up seeing the message all over town. Don’t forget to contact any radio or TV community calendars as well."


The Publicity Hound says:

Rally churches all over the world as quickly as you can to post this item to their local Craigslist at http://www.Craigslist.org. Don't post it yourself to every list or you'll violate the rules. See "How to Use Craigslist as a Global Publicity Tool" at http://tinyurl.com/geog2


Read all the responses to last week' Help This Hound question at http://publicityhound.net/help-promote-say-something-nice-sunday/

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


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

Mary Ammons of Nashville, Tennessee writes:

"We had a successful launch of a book on physical and financial fitness (authored by celebrity Jack LaLanne and financial advisor Matthew J. Rettick) in New York and have had a great run with television on shows like the Today Show, Fox Business, etc.

"But we're having trouble garnering more exposure for Matt. He’s almost become Jack’s shadow or 'the other author.'

"I'm also having trouble promoting the two topics (finance and health) with the print media. Even journalists understand that you have to have both physical and financial fitness to enjoy a great retirement, which is the full topic. But they don't know where to quite fit it in to their beats, or they've covered it recently.

"I've pushed the fact that this is a unique book because it's basically Planning for Retirement 101. I've also had what feels like a million ideas shot down.

"The book is titled Fiscal Fitness: 8 Steps to Wealth and Health from America’s Leaders of Fitness and Finance. We're on the third printing and need to keep generating press, but, again, I'm having trouble pitching to the print media. Help!"


The Publicity Hound says:

I suspect your topic is too broad. Break it down by pitching story ideas and tips on narrow sub-topics to specific section editors and beat reporters. Also, you'll find some terrific tips on the CD or electronic transcript "How to Revive a Dying Book Marketing Campaign" at http://tinyurl.com/67bhu


Hounds, let's hear your best ideas for Mary. Post them to my blog at http://tinyurl.com/545r96


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

A tail is a dog's PR department. A smile is yours.


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

Bad landing pages, resource boxes can confuse article readers
http://tinyurl.com/48bhgx


NPR Books Watch Contest goal: Get more authors on NPR
http://tinyurl.com/4sj7bj


Newest occupational hazard: Death by blogging
http://tinyurl.com/5heabv


Blog comments position you as an expert, pull traffic
http://tinyurl.com/5fazfp


Google Friend Connect brings social media to any website
http://tinyurl.com/657co2


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

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


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. See item #3 below. Register at http://www.publicityhound.com/teleseminar.htm


June 18: Teleseminar on Outsourcing

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. See next week's newsletter for sign-up details.


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/Banish the Blog-writing Blues May 13, 2008

The Publicity Hound's
Tips of the Week
Issue #398 May 13, 2008
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
The Publicity Hound®

Circulation: 47,066

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

"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.

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

The Kennel Club is Alive and Well:

Send me to the doghouse without my dinner for falling behind on my weekly emails to members of The Kennel Club.

I created the club a few years ago as a way to offer Hounds one additional publicity tip each week, and a special offer like a discount coupon for my products or a deal on products I am discontinuing.

If you've joined the club, you'll hear from me again at the end of each week--I'll shoot for Thursday. Membership is free.

Join the club at http://www.publicityhound.net/kennelclub You'll see an opt-out link at the bottom of each message. See you Thursday.

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

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

1. Banish the Blog-writing Blues

2. Why Print Journalists Hate Video

3. Piggyback Off 'Hug Your Kids' Day

4. How do You Twitter for Business?

5. How to Promote Detroit to Hollywood

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Quote of the Week

8. At My Blog...

===================================
1. Banish the Blog-writing Blues
===================================

If I had to choose only one strategy that would help Publicity Hounds pull more traffic to their websites, establish themselves as experts, build a loyal following and sell more products and services, I'd choose blogging--without hesitation.

My own blog at http://www.PublicityHound.net is on track to pull in more than 20,000 unique visitors this month alone. Not all of them are staying, of course, but those who are read my blog posts and sometimes end up at my website where they sign up for this newsletter. Others buy products, and call for consulting services.

Some follow me for several months or years, and then join my mentor program at http://www.publicityhound.com/mentorprogram/intro.html

My blog has also led to invitations to be a guest expert on other bloggers' teleseminars and radio shows, provide commentary for newspaper and magazine articles, and even write for a 140,000- subscriber ezine.

Other bloggers aren't as fortunate.

After blogging for only a month or two, they bail out, frustrated because their blogs aren't pulling traffic. That's like starting a work-out routine at the gym on Monday, and calling it quits by Friday because you haven't developed six-pack abs.

Many bloggers complain that their biggest problem is finding enough content to write about, or enough time to write it.

I find content everywhere. The best place is in my own email, where readers ask questions and pass along articles of interest. As for the time crunch, I force myself to make time to blog almost every day.

Other bloggers lament the fact that nobody comments at their blogs. Once way I encourage comments is by commenting at other blogs. That lets bloggers discover me and comment at my blog.

If you suffer from the blogging blues, more help is on the way.

Denise Wakeman and Patsi Krakoff, aka The Blog Squad, are presenting two 90-minute teleseminars next week, designed to help struggling bloggers find more time to write, create cornerstone content, find sources for ideas, create compelling headlines, and persuade readers to take action.

If you're already blogging with less-than-spectacular results, or you're planning to blog, don't miss these two sessions on "Better Business Blog Writing" at 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, May 19, and Wednesday, May 21. Read more about how to get out of the blogging rut at http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=2401308


====================================
2. Why Print Journalists Hate Video
====================================

Several weeks ago, I wrote about AngryJournalist.com, a blog that accepts anonymous comments from journalists about what gets under their skin.

One theme stood out among all the others: The increasing demands that bosses place on them to generate multi-media. Print reporters, in particular, are grousing about having to write articles for the print publication as well as video for the newspaper's website.

That's because creating video can feel unnatural to people who write for a living. Reporters, many of whom are already doing double- and triple duty because of shrinking newsrooms, have little time to learn another medium.

All the more reason, John Easton says, to create video for them. John, a videographer in Charlotte, North Carolina, produces so much video for his local media that they ought to put him on the payroll.

That's OK, he says. His efforts have generated more business for his company, more coverage in local newspapers, and requests from other media outlets to partner with him.

John says you don't have to be a video expert like he is to become a media darling. His strategies are particularly powerful for companies and organizations that sponsor events but sometimes find it impossible to convince local media that the events are worth covering.

During a teleseminar next week, John will teach Publicity Hounds "9 Clever Ways to Use Video to Become a Publicity Darling in Your Industry or Community." If you've been creating video for several years, or just getting started, don't miss this information- packed hour. As John will explain, you don't need a lot of fancy equipment or a lot of know-how.

Everyone who registers for this teleseminar will receive a copy of the MP3 recording. Seating is limited. Register at http://www.publicityhound.com/teleseminar.htm


=========================================
3. Piggyback Off 'Hug Your Kids' Day
=========================================

Lots of Publicity Hounds hate it when they create their own day, week or month of the year, and then see other people piggyback onto it for publicity.

Not Michelle Nichols, a former writer for BusinessWeek.com, who created National Hug Your Kids Day on July 21.

Michelle is inviting Hounds everywhere to generate publicity for their own companies or organizations by tying into Hug Your Kids Day. Already, she has generated lots of interest.

"A Realtor in Reno had 1,000 pens made that say 'National Hug Your Kids Day, July 21' with her name, company and phone number," Michelle said. "A nonprofit consulting company in Maryland is sponsoring an event. An expert on happy post-divorce families in Red Bluff, California is putting together an event. A luxury toy company may have its mother cat stuffed animal be its 'spokescat' for the day."

She asks, however, that the events and other promotions encourage parents to hug their own kids, not other people's kids. And she'll even send a copy of her new book, "Hug Your Kids Today! 5 Key Lessons for Every Working Parent," as a thank-you to Hounds who participate.

Learn more about her project at http://www.HugYourKidsToday.com and email Michelle at mailto:Hugs@HugYourKidsToday.com

If you don't have your own day, week or month of the year, you're missing out on lots of opportunities to use it as a springboard to promote your product, service, cause or issue. "Special Report #45: How to Generate National Publicity from Your Own Holiday (or Day, Week or Month of the Year)" guides you on how to create your own holiday--for free--and then promote it dozens of different ways. Only $10. Order at http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/reports.html


========================================
4. How do You Twitter for Business?
========================================

I'm in love with Twitter, the free social networking and microblogging service that lets you send updates as often as you wish to whoever is following you at http://www.Twitter.com

Each update, limited to only 140 characters of type, can include information on whatever you're doing on a particular day. Although I occasionally include personal updates, I try to concentrate on writing about solutions I've found to business problems, products I'm creating, and things I'm learning.

Lots of Twitterers are still experimenting with how to use Twitter for business purposes. I've been collecting the best examples and compiling them into a special report which should be ready in a few weeks.

I want to include as many Hounds as possible in the report. If you Twitter for business, let me know what you discuss--and the results. Has Twitter helped you build a following for a niche product or service? Or helped you collect email addresses? Or brought readers to your blog? Or simply given you a chance to show more of your personality to followers who eventually might do business with you?

I've seen some clever business uses for Twitter. For example, I blogged about how Publicity Hound Harry Hoover has compiled a big list of journalists who Twitter and turned it into a wiki for PR people. You can read more about that at http://publicityhound.net/twitterwiki

Even Business Week reporter Stephan Baker is writing about Twitter via a series of tweets, which he started this afternoon. His article will discuss the growth of Twitter and whether those of us who are wild about it right now will still be using it in a year or two. You can follow the story at http://summize.com/search?q=%23bwstory

Now, it's your turn. Tell me how you use Twitter for business. If I use your example, you'll get a copy of the special report gratis.

Email your response to mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com?subject=HowIUseTwitter

You can follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/publicityhound


============================================
5. How to Promote Detroit to Hollywood
============================================

This week, three Publicity Hounds have tips on how Milan Stevanovich of Detroit, Michigan can promote Detroit as a great, inexpensive place to shoot a movie and turn it into the epicenter of everything Hollywood in Michigan.


From Leah Ingram:

"I just put 'movies filmed in Michigan' into Google and came up with a huge list of well-known films shot in the Great Lakes State, including 'Dreamgirls.' I would think that 'showing' the great locations your client has is an excellent way to entice filmmakers. Therefore, I would recommend doing walk-through filming--and posting a video online--of the various buildings he owns. If any of them appeared in well-known movies like 'Dreamgirls,' all the better."


From Shel Horowitz:

"First thing I’d do is put together a really spiffy website that addresses any questions and concerns, shows (as Leah recommends) clips from movies shot in Michigan as well as locations where shooting could take place, stresses the economics not only of the rebate but that other than winter energy costs, *everything* is going to be much cheaper in Michigan than Hollywood, with none of the hassles of shooting abroad.

"Design the site to fill the needs of a Hollywood mogul who’s never thought about Michigan at all. You might be able to get some state Tourism Department dollars to help on this. Have sections on investors, on the skilled labor pool, the works.

"Then drive traffic to the site with postcards, social networking campaigns, emails, phone calls, blog, media publicity, and a six- degrees campaign aimed at producers. There’s a lot of information on how to do this in my fifth book, 'Grassroots Marketing: Getting Noticed in a Noisy World.'"


The Publicity Hound says:

I sound like a broken record. But if you aren't blogging about your topic, Milan, start now. It's a fabulous way to pull traffic to your website. In a market as niched as yours, you might run out of things to write about. If so, you'd be a perfect candidate for The Blog Squad's "Better Business Blog Writing" teleseminars next week at http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=2401308


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


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


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

Mitch Carnell of Charleston, South Carolina writes:

"Last year, we celebrated the first Say Something Nice Sunday on the first Sunday in June. This is now an annual event.

"We want churches and denominations of all faiths to join in. This is a Sunday when people will say nothing negative about any other Christian or Christian group or organization. It originated from my little book, Say Something Nice; Be a Lifter.

"We have put together an ecumenical group to promote this. It started at First Baptist Church of Charleston, the Charleston Baptist Association, the South Carolina Baptist Convention, the Charleston Atlantic Presbytery and CBF of South Carolina. Next year, we will sponsor a poster contest with middle and high school students.

"We are looking for ideas to get individuals and churches involved. We've provided some ideas for them at http://www.fbcharleston.org/SSN-Web-Page.html Can your Hounds help with other suggestions?"


The Publicity Hound says:

Mitch has less than four weeks to promote this. So give it your best shot, Hounds. How can he promote this special day online?

Post your best ideas to my blog at http://publicityhound.net/saysomethingnice


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

It was the end of the day when I parked my police van in front of the station. As I gathered my equipment, my K-9 partner, Jake, was barking, and I saw a little boy staring at me.

"Is that a dog you got back there?" He asked.

"It sure is," I replied.

Puzzled, the boy looked at me and then toward the back of the van.

Finally, he asked, "What'd he do?"


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

A Wikipedia listing isn't easy, but here are 6 tips
http://publicityhound.net/wikipediatips


EzineArticles.com will limit writers to four links June 1 http://publicityhound.net/ezinearticleslinks


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

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/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