The Power Publicist

Archive for January, 2009

Are you a student majoring in public relations, and want to get some real world experience?

Or perhaps you are a virtual assistant or entrepreneur looking to up his or her markting prowess by learning free publicity tips and tactics?

What ever the case, I can help you. I have two openings for PR interns/ apprentices right now.

As part of the program, you will be doing real public relations work, and I will help you learn all the ins and outs of:

• writing press releases
• creating marketing copy
• using search engine marketing techniques
• and much more

You will leave the program in 3-6 months with the skills needed to do marketing communications for clients.

And the best part? You can be anywhere to do the work, as we are a virtual PR firm.

Interested? Send an email to internship at be heard solutions dot com for more information.

January 22 is my birthday. And I’m going all out with gifts this year! That is, gifts for you to get more exposure and more publicity.

First, make sure you’ve signed up for my ezine Be Heard! at http://www.beheardsolutions.com. Come Thursday, I’ll be giving a very special gift to my subscribers – one you won’t want to miss.

Second, one of my friends is doing a free teleclass on that day, and asked me to contribute a bonus.  So you can get another gift by just

Learning  the Amazing Secret to Recession-Proofing Your Business and Experience Unshakable Success and Peace of Mind in ANY Economy

On Thursday, January 22nd, you’ll discover this very “Element” when you attend a very special, complimentary teleconference call with Sharon Wilson and a special expert panel of industry leaders. It happens at 8-10pm ET /5-6pm PT.

On it, you’ll learn how YOU can position yourself to be an expert on the Internet, and make an extra $500-$1000 in just a few hours time!

Here’s where the birthday goodies come in:

When you attend this powerful call, you’ll also be eligible for more than $10,000 worth of bonuses -including mine -  that Sharon’s put together for you!  My bonus gift can only be gotten by joining this free call. It’s not available anywhere else.

To discover the “Missing Element” and reserve all of your bonuses, all you have to do is register for the free “The Missing Element to Your Quantum Entrepreneurial Success in 2009 and Beyond” and be present at this must attend 2009 “AMP UP” session!

Reserve your seat now at: http://www.coachingfromspirit.com/Shannon

Yesterday, I wrote a bit about why your avatar is important to your image. Today, I wanted to share some tips on getting some great photos for your avatar – and other marketing needs.

A key principle of marketing is to find something unique about what you offer as the basis of your sales message. Even if what you offer is a commodity, there is always one thing unique in your business – you.

People don’t buy a product or service from a company; they buy from a person. They want to get to know and trust you, that is, they want to have a relationship with you.

That’s why having a good publicity photo or head shot is essential in your marketing efforts. You’ll need it for your press kits, marketing materials, websites and for journalist to use.

That’s right. Many times a media outlet – especially a small newspaper or trade magazine - wants to do a story about you but doesn’t have a photographer available to take a photo. So having one that you like available on a moment’s notice is essential.

How you look in your photos tells the world a lot about how you do business. So shouldn’t you make sure yours convey who you are?

Here are some tips to make sure your photos are deal makers, not deal breakers:

1) Meet with several photographers to get an idea of his or her style and personality. Does it mesh with what you want to convey? Are you comfortable with the photographer and have a good rapport? Is he or she willing to work with you to look your best? This last question may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many times I’ve seen professional photos with the subjects hair sticking out of place, wrinkled clothing, or even worse, lipstick on the teeth!

2) Bring examples of photos and poses of others you like. This will help the photographer get an idea of exactly what you have in mind.

3) Bring a couple of different outfits to change into that express your personality. I recommend bringing on a bit more ‘business-like’ such as a suit, and another more ‘business casual.’ If you have a signature accessory, such as a tie, scarf or pin, make sure you bring it along.

4) Have fun. Bring music if it helps you. Laugh and enjoy yourself. It’s what makes an otherwise boring photo have personality.

5) Keep your outfits simple. Avoid lots of patterns and stripes or too many accessories. And don’t wear all white. Apply your make up a bit darker than you normally would. The bright lights can make anyone look pale. (I even have Matt dust on a bit of powder to eliminate shine.)

The final tip is also very useful to remember when you are scheduled to do a TV interview.

I recently did a quick (unscientific) poll on Twitter, asking folks what kind of avatar they prefer. (An avatar is an image that represents you in the virtual world.)

Hands down, most people want to see a photo of you as the avatar. Why? More people can make a connection with the real you when they see a photo rather than a cartoon or another image (say of your cat or dog).

Avatar are becoming more important as people are making more connection using social media than ever. It’s usually a person’s first impression of you – so it needs to be memorable.

Many people admit that when scanning social media like Twitter, it’s the avatar they recall first, and will perhaps stop and read if they recognize you.

I suggest using some of the same photos you use in the rest of your marketing: on your website, business cards, etc., so that people make the connection more quickly.

Sure, dress it up once in a while. Pal Mari Smith does this, and does it well. She keeps the photos the same, and just adds decor to jazz it up.

From being an elf at the holidays to adding a tiara to ring in the new year, Mari keeps it light, but you always know that it’s Mari.

So how do you get good photos? I have some suggestion that I’ll share tomorrow.

I just saw this amazing short movie. And I needed to share it with you.

You see, it really is all about going the extra mile with your customers, and the results it can bring.

So after watching it, I ask you… How will you VALIDATE your customers today?