Quotes and Quips

 

Do you ask for quotes? If you do, well done. If you don’t, why not? Look, on the Internet (and in America for that matter), quotes win the day. Why? In cultures where everything is over-sold and over-promoted, we actually trust the comments of Joes and Janes. On the Internet, we’re looking for the “behind-the-scenes” credibility factor. So for sure get people to give you formal quotes to use when promoting an organization, service or product. Even more important, get quotes for and by the media. Media will often ask me, “What’s her claim to fame?” Or, “Why should we care about that?” When I provide them quotes, it adds that extra bit of credibility and sometimes will be the one thing that sets their minds at ease to say, “Yes, let’s book her.” Case and point: For weeks now, I’ve been working on a segment for ABC Chicago for my client Landmark Education. After the segment aired today, I got a wonderful email from the producer so I immediately asked him if I could quote him. He said yes. Here’s the quote: 

“Michelle, thanks for all your work on today’s segment.  It went off perfectly.  Our anchor, Sylvia Perez was really impressed with [your client] Deborah Beroset’s knowledge and ability to make it simple for our viewers. We would love to have her back on the show again.  Let’s keep in touch.” Stephen J. Lewis, 11 AM News Features Segment Producer, WLS-TV, ABC Chicago

These words prove to other media that I can help create a wonderful segment and most importantly prove to media that my client, Deborah Beroset, is a good-to-go media pro. So many producers need that assurance because they need to impress their bosses and audiences, too, so they only book proven and credible sources and guests for their media stories. So, put their minds at ease before you even contact them: get them quotes. There’s nothing like someone saying, “Job well done” that shows your potential customer or media friend you can do the same good job for them.

Busy Media Elf

Be Santa’s helper … a little elf and make your media friends’ jobs easier this December and January. Want to know what this elf is working on? Here’s a glimpse.

UNIQUE GIFTS (Music and Pet Lovers)
What’s not to love about giving a musical flute instrument  (that’s also a “tea” cup) or giving a gift that saves a dog’s life? 
STL Ocarina and Teacarina
Fans of the video game “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time,” and parents seeking an inexpensive, easy-to-play instrument to introduce their children to music lead a resurgence of interest in the ocarina. And STL Ocarina is ready to equip them with thousands of the pocket-sized, pottery wind instruments in all shapes and colors. Now, it’s even a tea-cup. See the video of how a tea cup becomes an ancient wind instrument.

Pets Alive 
(Matchbox 20’s Rob Thomas just donated money to this unique charity! Want to find out some favorite dog cookie recipes to celebrate?!)
With many people seeking a simpler, more meaningful holiday season, GiveADog.org offers the perfect gift for dog lovers everywhere. This unique foster care program for dogs is offered through Pets Alive, one of the nation’s oldest no-kill animal sanctuaries. It allows people to save dogs that would otherwise be destroyed!

FAMILY COURT
What happens when mom does kiss Santa (but it’s not dad). Surviving divorce during the holidays and how to have your juvenile not get a lump of coal in 2010.
Judge Eugene Hyman
The Honorable Judge Eugene M. Hyman is recognized as an international expert in preventing juvenile, family and domestic violence. A 2008 recipient of the United Nations Public Service Excellence Award, Judge Hyman has created a model to reform how courts help families end the cycle of domestic violence and crime.

NOBEL PRIZE STORY
Funny story about sitting next to a king and what to wear when your spouse wins the Nobel prize 
Anita Laughlin
Anita Laughlin tells what it’s like to be married to a Nobel laureate — the joys and trials that go into winning the world’s most prestigious award, the triumph of traveling to Sweden to accept it, in her new book Reindeer with King Gustaf.

BRAIN EXPERT
Maybe the Grinch was just stressed out? He needed these tools from Don Goewey to rewire his brain: 1) The ‘easy button’ to eliminate stress (Hint: it’s in the palm of your hand) and 2) The one question to ask yourself to train your brain to be creative instead of primally scared.
Don Joseph Goewey (say Go EEE)
In the aftershocks of the economic crisis, millions of people worry about their financial future. Living in constant stress, worry and turmoil has become a sign of our times. It does not have to be that way. Neuroscience shows we can lower or even eliminate levels of stress by tapping into our minds’ ability to constantly change, grow and adapt. Enter Don Joseph Goewey, an expert in stress reduction and human potential, corporate trainer and author of the new book Mystic Cool.

PURPOSEFUL TRAVEL EXPERTS 
Who doesn’t want to go some place exotic? Especially if it means getting more in touch with your self so you feel like every day’s a vacation. 
Matthew B. James
Known as the Trainer of Trainers, Dr. Matthew B. James integrates the ancient Hawaiian practices of “Huna” with cutting-edge therapeutic techniques to help us build the solid foundation necessary for true transformation.

Patricia Cori The 2012 Transition Expert  
For more than 25 years, author and metaphysician Patricia Cori has studied the spiritual paths of indigenous cultures, from the jungle pyramids of the ancient Mayans to the desert tombs of the Pharaohs. Audiences and readers worldwide trust Cori as their fearless guide through ancient mysteries and modern changes. Her message resonates because of her ability to bring people practical insight into satisfaction and meaning in their lives today.

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION EXPERT
How will stay on track with your goals? Try Paving it Forward.
Elisabeth Fayt
Elisabeth Fayt is an international speaker, owner of RnR Wellness, and author of the new book Paving it Forward. Through her seminars, workshops, retreats, speaking engagements, and book, Elisabeth Fayt teaches others how to use their thoughts and intentions to pre-pave a new road to the best possible day and life.

  

See my other clients online press kits at Search Press Kits. Or, if you have a specific need to reach more than 16,000 people check out Pitch Rate. (You can even be anonymous.)

Case Detectives

Do you watch Law and Order? I do. I love that show. I find  myself often unwinding from a busy day catching one or two of the episodes. What I’ve noticed is the writers of the show take their story-lines from breaking news. Smart cookies. No new ideas, right? Well, we should learn from Law and Order writers — steal those ideas from what’s happening in the breaking news … it is what the public is interested in. You don’t have to be creative necessarily, you just need to be a good detective. Listen to the news and incorporate your content, your expertise and what your service or products provide with seasonal and breaking news through the year and you’ll find you have media coverage time and time again.

Slow News Days

We all have bad days, right? Well, so do news rooms and if you can help them on their off days, you’ll be covered in the news. How do you do that? One way to attract slow news day coverage is updating your online presence, especially our online press kit which I recommend has extensive story and segment ideas developed for rushed media contacts. As a booster, include stats and links to other information. To see examples of what others are doing visit Search Press Kits.