As I interact with business professionals at networking events, or through prospect or client meetings, a question that frequently comes up is: “How can I get the media to cover my business?” The way this question is framed often provides me with some indication of why the business or individual is struggling to get the coverage they’re hoping for. It’s an “inside out” question. It’s focused on Continue reading ““How Can I Get the Media to Cover My Business?””
Category: Publishing
Is The News Release — aka Press Release — Dead?
There was a long, lengthy and actually quite interesting (for communication nerds like me, anyway…) discussion in a LinkedIn group recently about the proper terminology for a commonly used communication tool designed to generate interest from the media — is it a “press” release, a “news” release, a “media” release or something else? Truth be told, it probably doesn’t matter what we call it — what really matters, pointed out the pragmatists in the group — is whether or not the desired results are achieved. And that created an entirely separate discussion! Regardless of what you call it, is the practice of sending out self-proclaiming statements via “snail” mail or, now, email, a thing of the past? Are there better, more effective, means of generating media attention? The answer–yes, and no… Continue reading “Is The News Release — aka Press Release — Dead?”
The Big Benefits of Blogging
We’re a week into the New Year and, by now, you’ve likely started–or at least considered starting–to work on your New Year’s resolutions. How are you doing so far? Have you started the diet you planned on sticking to? Are you getting out of the old habits you were stuck in? Did you begin something new? From a business standpoint are you making progress on any resolutions that will lead to your desired level of success in 2013?
If not, you must know it’s never to late to start something new! And we have a suggestion for you. Continue reading “The Big Benefits of Blogging”
Looking for PR/media coverage? Some do’s and don’ts.
Like many writers/PR people, I have been fortunate to have experience in both worlds. As a freelance writer for a number of years I often turn to PR professionals and publicists for assistance in finding sources. And I learn a lot from them about what works and what doesn’t in terms of providing journalists (me, in this case) with useful information. I use the things I learn with my “freelancer writer hat” on when I’m attempting to generate PR/media coverage for my business or my clients.
I’ve learned a lot from the bad examples I see from over-zealous, inexperienced and annoying PR people or “experts.” Continue reading “Looking for PR/media coverage? Some do’s and don’ts.”
Can You Believe Anything You Read?
I just finished reading Blur: How to Know What’s True in the Age of Information Overload and thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s a topic that I’ve often pondered as I’ve watched the shift from traditional news coverage to the rapid expansion of information sources that allow literally anyone to have a “voice.” But how can we as consumers–or as journalists, which is a hat I often wear–separate fact from fiction from self-promotion.
The book offers some very in-depth insights and examples which I found fascinating–and helpful. In brief, the authors outline a process that involves asking the following questions: Continue reading “Can You Believe Anything You Read?”
Will Ebooks Replace Traditional? I Don’t Think So.
My husband bought me a Kindle when they were originally released several years ago now. As an avid reader and book lover it wasn’t a product I would have thought that I would want, use or like–but I was wrong. I’ve found the Kindle to have a multitude of benefits, most notably as a tool when traveling. My Kindle (and now my Android which has a Kindle app) cuts down significantly on luggage weight! I also like being able to get access to information immediately. When I hear of a book I’m interested in, I can simply buy and download it. No need to find, travel to or spend time at a bookstore.
On the other hand, I’ve also found over time that Continue reading “Will Ebooks Replace Traditional? I Don’t Think So.”
How Social Media is Changing Advertising and PR
In the “old days” there was advertising and there was PR. Advertising was communication that we created about ourselves and we paid for. PR was communication that we earned through creating relationships and clever pitches to the media gatekeepers who would then share information about us on our behalf. Social media represents a new communication option that has had, and will continue to have, a marked impact on both advertising and PR. Continue reading “How Social Media is Changing Advertising and PR”
Are Travel Agents Making a Comeback (and why you should care)?
The Internet has had a dramatic impact on many industries and businesses–creating opportunities for some and destroying them for others. Consider the changing nature of the publishing industry and the impact of being able to buy online for companies like Best Buy and many others. But business tends to be cyclical and it is often true that “what goes around comes around.” A recent article in the New York Times suggests that this may be the case for at least one industry — Continue reading “Are Travel Agents Making a Comeback (and why you should care)?”
Do You Care About Where What You Read Comes From?
I’m researching an article on the publishing industry and the impacts that self- and e-publishing have had on traditional publishing, how traditional publishers are responding, the implications for content consumers (us!), etc. It’s been a fascinating process and I’ve connected with a number of experts from every point along the continuum from traditional to e-publishing.
One of the key points that continues to be raised Continue reading “Do You Care About Where What You Read Comes From?”
Ghost Tweeting: Who are you really listening to? Do you care?
In many of the online forums I frequent debate rages over the practice of “ghost tweeting”–communicators who work either within a corporate environment or on a contract basis to maintain the accounts of their bosses or clients. It’s the type of activity that has been going on for years in the corporate and political world. As director of corporate communications in the energy and health care industries, I’ve frequently been the “voice” of CEOs, executives and other spokespeople. It’s common and accepted practice, at least among communicators and those they speak on behalf of… But, what about the “uninformed public” and often misinformed media, particularly “citizen journalists.” Do they know who they’re really listening to and who they may be quoting? Does it matter? Continue reading “Ghost Tweeting: Who are you really listening to? Do you care?”