Time Crimes

As you know, this August I’ve been implementing what Karen Leland discussed in July’s Publicity Results teleseminar. If you didn’t hear it, sign up for it for free and listen to it today! It’s a VIP teleseminar and it’s no cost to you, so why are you waiting? No time? Well, that’s a crime, isn’t it? And it’s one Karen discusses: common time crimes that keep you from implementing PR. Leveraging free PR resources is the biggest time crime in your PR plan. What about making sure you’re organized? Get all your PR stuff in one place and online so all your search terms are optimized. Then reporters will find you.

But I have to admit, time blocking Karen teaches is the most important tip. I’ve been blocking periods of time to get in action tasks and wow, I’ve created some miracles this month. But I’m too busy to report on them. No, wait! I’ll block some time out in September to describe what I planned, how I implemented what was planned and the result. Like major mags. Like CBS TV. Like NPR radio. I love my job. Say no to your ‘time crimes’ too and just make it happen.

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Leveraging Media Placements

Are you making the most of your media placements? Today there’s a Shawne TV teleseminar featuring myself and two other marketing gurus discussing just that. Join us.

Read the Paper? Do dogs? If they’re lucky.

Using the internet to get your news instead of your paper? Well, for local news, guess what’s best? It’s still the daily paper. How do I know? I was surprised that tons of people called from the paper about the stray dog we found and recuperated the past seven weeks. The listing on Craigslist? Nada. Just a bunch of spam. After I got no responses from the internet, I decided to call our local daily paper and they put a listing in at no charge. Viola, tons of calls. It’s nice to know the local media is still making an impact after all the national news that they’re struggling. For the stray dog we call, “Lucky,” he’s lucky people still read the paper. Reach out to your local media — it’s the best way to make a local impact. Lucky’s glad everyone’s reading. He’s got a new home, after-all.

Grin and “Bear” It

I saw a bear. In the wild. Close up on my 40th birthday. Yup. I wasn’t scared — I was at a restaurant and there are tons of people around me taking photos and videos too. Upon reflection, maybe I should have been more scared. However, are you going to seize an opportunity or let fear grip you? Many people are afraid to call the media or visit their nearby paper or TV studio. Don’t, get in there. Get to know them and instead of promoting yourself, let them know your expertise. That’s what will help them. If you’re sacred, grin and “bear” it — fake it till you make it. Your local media needs you. Don’t let fear grip you. Can’t make it to their offices? Meet them at PitchRate where you can receive media leads via email or your web portal daily.

Life Starts at 40

Well, I did it. I turned 40 last Wednesday. Life begins now, right? Well it certainly did last week. Whew! Talk about bringing in the big 40 in style. Sunday I was taken out to dinner by some friends and had whipped cream slammed in my face along with a huge sombrero placed on my head. After a bit it gave me a headache and to see the photos, connect with me on Facebook (see 411 page above). Tuesday I had 100 princess carrot cake cupcakes delivered to my personal growth and development seminar so this summer baby could finally be the birthday girl in class. (Never got to in grade school.) Wednesday I saw a bear while eating dinner here in the Blue Ridge Parkway/Smoky Mountain area with my business partner, his partner and my husband. See my YouTube channel for that footage. It’s very cool. Thursday my whitewater kayaking buddy, Angie, baked me two carrot cakes (guess that’s what I need to be eating more of — carrots) and a bunch of raft guides sang “Happy Birthday” and also played me the harmonica (again — see YouTube channelfor footage.)  Finally, over the weekend, my husband and I went to New Orleans to party in style. The best part was pinning a $1 to your lapel and having everyone wish you a happy birthday or pin another dollar on you. Too much fun. Yes, footage at YouTube. Don’t miss seeing all the men in red dresses. There were many events in New Orleans, as there is always, and this weekend it happened to be the Dirty Laundry Art Walk and the Red Dress Run. Plus, we went on a ghost tour where we met other birthday goers who too had on dollars on their lapels. No, they’re not ghosts; they were 30 year olds. [Breathe.] Well, there is so much to say about what took place. Just watch the videos — OH — and during August I’m integrating Karen Leland’s tips for time management and updating my blog here on how we do. You can read more about her tips when you sign up at our VIP Publicity Results MP3 section.

And now, my first work week at being 40. Guess I better get a subscription to More Magazine now.