Pam Lontos of PR/PR on Gaining Publicity- Part 1

1. Pam Lontos Column: The Dos and Don'ts of Dealing with the Media

PartOne

As a business owner, you probably know how important publicity is to the success of your business. But the truth is, many entrepreneurs, high-level executives and even marketing and public relations managers (and maybe you're one of them) make crucial mistakes when dealing with the media - and then they end up on reporter's block call or spam e-mail lists. The good news is, by being aware of the more common dos and don'ts of dealing with reporters and editors, there are many steps you can take to avoid these pitfalls!

Reporters, editors and producers are deluged with requests from hopeful business owners, corporate public-relations professionals, authors and other people seeking coverage. Their days are spent meeting impossible deadlines while doing copious amounts of work, all the while constantly communicating with all of those publicity-seekers.

So, if you're ready to get the publicity your business deserves, here are 15 tried-and-true ways to get the most out of your media contacts, and ensure reporters, editors and producers answer your calls and respond to your e-mails:

1. DON'T forge ahead with whatever is on your mind when speaking to a reporter. DO ask if the reporter is on deadline. Journalists' time is as important as yours, and their deadline pressures are horrendous. If they're on deadline, ask for a good time to call back.

2. DON'T be self-promotional; DO make sure to share actual information with viewers or readers. DO give value-added tips, advice or information so that you will help improve people's lives, offer insights or entertain. If you can achieve that goal every time, the media will always make time for you or even actively pursue you for interviews and articles.

3. DON'T say, "The answer is in my book/the products on my Web site/the report we sell, etc" rather than giving out the information during radio, TV or print media interviews. DON'T be seduced by the thought that people should pay the price of the book to learn what you think. DO view your interview as a way to show how valuable you and your thoughts and ideas are. That's the best advertising you could possibly do to sell your business!

4. DON'T ask the reporter to send you his or her article so you can review and approve it in advance. DO provide follow-up contact information and offer to be available to clarify any confusing points or answer additional questions. Offer to help the writer check facts or review small sections of the article for accuracy.

5. DON'T fail to prepare for interviews or fail to familiarize yourself withthe readership or audience. DON'T assume everyone should be interested inyour subject matter, just because. DO make sure your subject matter appeals to the media's target audience. If you are calling up an editor at Better Homes & Gardens Magazine, make sure you're pitching an article that fits with the homey, consumer-oriented material the magazine specializes in. Read the magazines you want to be quoted in; watch the interview shows where you want to be a guest.

6. DON'T ever nag the reporter. DO space out your calls so you do not become a pest. Use e-mail rather than expecting to connect every time by phone - many journalists rely on e-mail as a way to get work done quickly, and many let most calls go to voice mail anyway.

7. DON'T assume the reporter or editor remembers who you are. DO remember they deal with multiple sources and many different subject matters. Immediately identify yourself by name or by topic before launching into the purpose of your call - even if you spoke to the same journalist the week before.

Next month, part two of Pam's article will showcase more Dos and Don'ts when it comes to publicity!

Pam Lontos is the president of PR/PR, a public relations firm that specializes in professional speakers, authors and experts. An author, speaker and former VP of Disney's Shamrock Broadcasting, Pam knows the ropes of getting you good publicity and how to use it to boost your bookings or book sales. She is also author of the new book, "I See Your Name Everywhere!" Call for a free consultation: 407-299-6128 or visit: http://www.prpr.net/ .

Reprinted from 'PR/PR Pulse,' a free e-zine featuring tips and techniques for gaining publicity. To subscribe, send an e-mail to newsletter@prpr.net with 'Add Me' in the subject line.

Note from Erin: I have personally worked with Pam when researching articles. As a journalist, I find her to be one of the best sources for vetted, tried and true information. Do yourself a favor and subscribe to her newsletter to see for yourself.

Action Wipes Are BIG in the Salon

The funniest things happen while on twitter. A microblog will make you laugh or think or, well, click on their link. Such is the case when I started conversing with @MarthaVan on twitter. Little did I know that I would be introduced to one of the neatest products for my salon/spa lineup.

A sample of ActionWipes showed up in my mailbox about a week later. I'm always excited to try out new products. We try many and few live up to their claims. It's only recently that I've started to blog about products that come my way.

Actionwipes are wet wipes for adults. They are durable, washable, rechargeable wet wipes. The packs tuck nicely in a gym bag or glove box for post run freshen ups. WOW, they do freshen. With essential oils of eucalyptus and tea tree, they are an ideal natural choice. No more wimpy baby wiped for me or my clients. They contain no alcohol and are the perfect showerless alternative to running water. I'll be taking them in the car, boat, and RV for sure.

I made my first order for the salon/spa and they quickly sold out. So, I placed another. And don't think ActionWipes is resting in ther efforts, they are constantly upgrading and improving the packaging to make it more consumer friendly.

Tip: For a super refreshing wipe, store them in the fridge or cooler and they will also cool you down on hot days.

So, I've tried them and love them. I've even popped the used wipes in the washer and dryer then recharged with the available Cooling Spray

They held up great! I feel like I've done the environment a favor by reusing the wipes. it reduces packaging in the landfills and saves me money.

Check them out for yourself or your salon. Go to http://www.actionwipes.com/ or give them a call at 1-805-462-2215 You can even ask for them at your local sportg store--if they don't carry them, maybe they will order them for you.

Note
I occasionally do product reviews. If you would like to be considered, you may send a sample to: Erin Snyder Dixon, PO Box 1189, Newport News, VA 23601. We do not receive any funding for reviews. If you would like to pass along a discount code, we will consider including it in the review. We don not guarantee that we will review a product or the time-frame in which we decide to do so. It is helpful if background info is included that can be included in the review. We review products (products, books, CDs, tools, etc.) that are related to health and beauty, or the written word.

Guest Post: Confessions

I would like to thank guest blogger, Lorrie, for giving professional stylists a bit of a glimpse into what makes clients for life.

Guest Post: Lorrie
www.AngelRetreat.wordpress.com
on twitter @CuteAngel79

Why I love My Stylist –Confessions of a Client

By Lorrie

I have been going to the same salon since I was in 5th grade (that’s 19 years of customer loyalty). You know after that long, the business must be doing something right.

I first went to Kim and Company (Stockbridge, MI)in 1990 and was seeing a stylist named Lori. Can you imagine, “Lorrie to see Lori”? She was great we would talk about school and life. She also attended the same middle school I had—that’s what you get living in a small town like mine.

It was in these first few years that I received several body perms and even tried getting my ears pierced (that ended badly but it was an experience). The staff was friendly and always personally welcoming.

Their first location was in a small building but yet it was alive with activity and I liked going there no matter what the size. Then they moved to their new location by the time I hit High school in 95.

It was here that I had my prom hair done by Robin, I was on the waiting list and someone had canceled, so an hour before I was to leave for prom I went to get my hair done. All I remember is there were curls and allot of bobby pins in this do. For awhile Robin was my stylist and I loved going to her and the new place.

The new location, which they are still in today, is spacious and inviting. They also sell Veda skincare and nail polishes etc.

My current stylist Veronica, is awesome; she cares for my mom and me, at a discounted rate because she’s further down the stylist chain in seniority. I’ve been going to her since I graduated college. She has even highlighted my hair several times.

Even though they are pricey at times, nothing compares with Kim and Company's customer service and care for the customers--that makes me a longtime loyal client.

Note

BeautyWriter occasionally does product reviews. If you would like to be considered, you may send a sample to: Erin Snyder Dixon, PO Box 1189, Newport News, VA 23601. We do not receive any funding for reviews. If you would like to pass along a discount code, we will consider including it in the review. We don not guarantee that we will review a product or the time-frame in which we decide to do so. It is helpful if background info is included that can be included in the review. We review products (products, books, CDs, tools, etc.) that are related to health and beauty, or the written word.

Calendar of Events and Publicity Opportunities

Calendar of Events/Publicity Opportunities

If your expertise fits any of these topics, take advantage by sending out a press release to newspaper, television and radio stations, or call up the media directly! For example, if you are a diversity consultant, professor,speaker or author, you'll want to let the media know about your expertise for "Celebrate Diversity Month," in April. You can share your advice on how to implement a more diverse workplace, what benefits there are to improving diversity in your company, and provide insights on challenges to diversity.

Use these dates to create your own media opportunities by writing press releases on these topics, contacting radio stations in your area, or becoming a featured expert on television or in print:

- April is Celebrate Diversity Month - A national observance that celebrates diversity in workplaces and communities.

- April is International Customer Loyalty Month - Created to honor and generate customer loyalty. Take this time to strategize and develop new ways to improve relationships with customers through better service and a higher quality business.

- April is Workplace Conflict Awareness Month - This is a time for employees and employers to become aware of these conflicts and to learn how to deal with and manage them through communication.

- The first week in April is Laugh at work Week - Created to inform people of the importance of laughter and humor in the workplace. Humor helps improve productivity, teamwork, job satisfaction, stress relief, and employee retention.

- The first week in April is National Women's Nutrition Week - A week dedicated to recognizing the value of health in all phases of a woman's life and educating women about the importance of nutrition.

- The second week in April is Explore Your Career Options Week - A week designed to urge employees to recognize their unique talents and get a fresh start by taking stock of all the available options.

- The third week in April is Consumer Awareness Week - A week aimed at advising and helping consumers become aware of their rights.

- The fourth week in April is National TV Turnoff Week - A week created to encourage Americans to turn off their televisions to promote healthier and more connected families and communities.

- April 12 Easter Sunday

- April 13 is Easter Monday - National Holiday

Reprinted from 'PR/PR Pulse, a free e-zine featuring tips and techniques for gaining publicity. To subscribe, send an e-mail to newsletter@prpr.net with 'Add Me' in the subject line.