Politicians Holiday?
Mar/100
People hate politicians, but critical thinking and objective reality says they’re important people doing a thankless job. Whether you’re a democrat or republican; conservative or liberal, we all owe politicians a debt of gratitude for their patriotism and dedication. While the masses and media will continue to criticize and attact politicians 24/7, world-class thinkers should rise above this fear based bullying and recognize these important public servants. I propose an international holiday, beginning in the United States and hopefully spreading throughout the world, to celebrate and pay tribute to politicians of every party and philosophy. Please listen to this 6-minute audio post and weigh in with your thoughts. I’ll look forward to your comments.
Steve Siebold ( 6:19 )
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$300 Million Dollar Advice
Mar/100
The best advice I ever got in business came from a man who built a $300 million dollar empire. I was shocked and stunned when he hammered me with this dose of objective reality. I was also broke. This is a message you won’t hear much about in the positive thinking, personal development community. That’s too bad, because it’s pure gold. This is mental toughness and critical thinking at its best. It’s a tough message to hear, and it may make all the difference in how high you rise. It literally changed my life. Listen to this post, and as always, I’ll look forward to your comments. Steve Siebold (6 minutes)
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Steve Siebold on the Today Show
Feb/100
This interview on the Today generated three death threats. The show was bombarded with email after my appearance. 50% of the people loved my message, and the other half wanted to kill me! Thank God for mental toughness! After completing an international media tour for my book, Die Fat or Get Tough, 101 Differences in Thinking Between Fat People and Fit People, I’m even more concerned about the obesity epidemic. With the combination of television, radio, magazine and print interviews, we were able to reach approximately 30 million people in the last 6 months. I’ve received thousands of emails. The level of delusion in their words is astounding. I’ve been studying the differences in thinking between the have’s and have not’s; the middle class and the world class; and the successful and unsuccessful for the past 26 years. I’ve been labeled an ‘elitist’ by many in the press for stating that thinking is the primary separation between all these groups. In this day and age, telling the truth is often politically incorrect and the truth tellers demonized. For the overweight and obese, their level of delusion and unwillingness to grow up emotionally and take responsibility for their own health is going to continue to manifest disease and destruction in their lives. People who refuse to believe there are differences in thinking between the middle class and the wealthy will simply struggle for money. Obese people will die. It’s serious and sad, but after 6 months of massive feedback from obese people I understand why we have an epidemic. I’m not surprised at all. I wish I could say I think it’s going to get better, but that would be wishful positive thinking. Critical thinking tells me it’s going to get worse. It will take a prescription drug with multiple side effects to solve this problem. Once again, the masses wait to be rescued.
[See post to watch Flash video]
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Public Relations: The Fifteen Most Common Publicity Mistakes
Feb/100
The Fifteen Most Common Publicity Mistakes Businesses Make
By Patricia Fripp's PR agent Pam Lontos
As a business owner, you probably know that publicity is important to your success. But many businesses (and maybe you’re one of them) make crucial mistakes in their publicity campaigns. While some of the mistakes are more detrimental than others, the actual costs can be staggering.
For example, saying the wrong thing to a reporter may only cost you a quote in a national magazine. But in advertising dollars, that quote could have been worth thousands. And you never really know who would have read the interview. Maybe a reporter for USA Today or maybe Oprah’s producer (or maybe even Oprah herself). Plus, what about all the time, money, and effort you spent in getting that reporter on the phone?
It’s true; everyone makes mistakes. By being aware of the more common ones, at least you can take action to avoid them. If you want to make the most of every publicity opportunity that comes your way, consider the following mistakes that businesses commonly make in their publicity campaigns:
1. Thinking hundreds of customers will walk through their door from one hit.
Fame and name recognition take time and repetition to build. In fact, a person will need to see your name and logo around six or seven times before they actually remember it. So regardless of what you’ve heard, there’s no such thing as an overnight success.
2. Not being unique in their approach.
No one wants to hear the same old message over and over again. So develop a hook, or unique angle that sets your business apart from others. For example, if you own a restaurant, consider what’s unique about it. What’s unique about your menu? Has the restaurant been family-owned and operated for generations? Do you offer vegetarian cuisine? The more you can make your message unique or different from the “old way,” the more attention you’ll attract.
3. Thinking they can’t get into a large publication.
Many small business owners feel intimidated by the big name publications. They envision high-powered magazine editors schmoozing with big company CEOs and lining up interviews with well-known figureheads for the next six months. In reality, editors scramble daily to find people to interview who have knowledge on the latest trends and topics. Realize too that editors must find new and exciting people to interview either weekly or monthly, so the more knowledgeable people they can add to their database, the better. Make yourself stand out as a reliable information source and you will get the media’s attention.
4. Thinking small publications don’t matter.
Even big name businesses had to build their expertise and name recognition by starting in small publications and trade journals. Although they aren’t sold on newsstands, you never know who’s reading them. So don’t overlook small publications as a foundation for your publicity.
5. Thinking their ideas are wonderful.
Touting your experience and explaining all the reasons why your business is wonderful to an editor is not an effective way to pitch your ideas. In fact, this is an immediate turn-off. Realize that an editor or reporter only cares about one thing: their readers. So instead of telling them all about your ideas and your business, first learn about their readers and what they want.
6. Pitching themselves, instead of a story for the audience.
Always pitch a publication or program by highlighting the benefits your business can offer their particular audience. Consider what uniqueness you can offer and why their readers or viewers will be interested in what you have to say.
7. Pitching the wrong person.
Besides wasting your time, pitching your ideas to the wrong media person will likely frustrate them. If you have an article you’d like to publish, you need to talk to an editor. But if you want to score an interview, you need a reporter.
8. Not finding out what reporters really want.
As you present your idea to a reporter, ask questions about what they’re looking for and what their audience is looking for. Then make changes to your initial idea based on their responses. Don’t try to “sell” your idea if it isn’t a good fit; instead, promote alternate ideas and emphasize your ability to address a variety of issues.
9. Not answering the reporter’s questions.
Always let the reporter or interviewer lead the conversation, because they most likely have an agenda for the story’s development already in mind. Don’t attempt to take over the conversation or talk about points the reporter doesn’t want to cover. They simply won’t include you in the final story.
10. Not getting to the point.
Audiences and readers love to hear firsthand accounts of experiences relating to the topic because it helps them know you on a more personal level. But don’t overload the reporter with unnecessary information that isn’t directly related to the story, and don’t ramble. If you can’t convey your message in a short amount of time, then your answer won’t be used.
11. Not respecting the reporter’s time.
Reporters work on time sensitive deadlines, and nothing will irritate them more than you being inconsiderate. So before you start pitching your ideas, always ask if they are on deadline. If yes, ask for a more convenient call back time.
12. Not gearing their pitch to the specific publication.
If you get a “no” response from an editor, reporter, or producer, always ask, “What don’t you like?” Then adapt your presentation on the spot. The more you learn about their needs and customize your message for their specific audience, the more likely you’ll be featured in their publication or on their show.
13. Making it an advertisement for their product or service.
Authors spend a large portion of their time selling their books because the profession simply demands it. But interviews and articles are not the right place to go on and on about your expertise and knowledge. You must let your information speak for itself. By giving solid, useable information, audiences will automatically know how great your book is.
14. Not providing their publicist with material and information in a timely manner.
Business owners are busy—that’s a given. But so are publicists, editors, and reporters. In order for your information to get into the right people’s hands, you need to give your publicist the requested information in a timely manner. Your publicist can’t pitch you and your book unless he or she has the most relevant information about you that showcases all you have to offer in a positive way. And if you make your publicist wait for information to send an editor or reporter, you may miss your chance to get interviewed or featured in your desired media outlet.
15. Not understanding the importance of frequency of publicity.
While it takes a long time to build your name recognition in the marketplace, it takes no time at all for people to forget about you. So you have to maintain the frequency of your publicity throughout the life of your business, especially when your competition maintains the frequency of theirs. Otherwise, you become old news.
Better Publicity in the Future
Just like everyone makes mistakes, everyone can avoid them by being aware of the common ones. When you make yourself aware of these fifteen most common mistakes that business owners make in their publicity campaigns, you can make the most of every opportunity and achieve a greater level of success in your business.
About the Author:
Pam Lontos is president of PR/PR, a public relations firm based in Orlando, Fla. She is author of "I See Your Name Everywhere" and is a former vice president of sales for Disney's Shamrock Broadcasting. PR/PR has placed clients in publications such as USA Today, Entrepreneur, Time, Reader's Digest and Cosmopolitan. PR/PR works with established businesses, as well as entrepreneurs who are just launching their company. For a free publicity consultation, e-mail Pam@prpr.net or call 407-299-6128.
Publicity: The Fifteen Most Common Publicity Mistakes Businesses Make
Jan/100
The Fifteen Most Common Publicity Mistakes Businesses Make
By Patricia Fripp's PR agent Pam Lontos
As a business owner, you probably know that publicity is important to your success. But many businesses (and maybe you’re one of them) make crucial mistakes in their publicity campaigns. While some of the mistakes are more detrimental than others, the actual costs can be staggering.
For example, saying the wrong thing to a reporter may only cost you a quote in a national magazine. But in advertising dollars, that quote could have been worth thousands. And you never really know who would have read the interview. Maybe a reporter for USA Today or maybe Oprah’s producer (or maybe even Oprah herself). Plus, what about all the time, money, and effort you spent in getting that reporter on the phone?
It’s true; everyone makes mistakes. By being aware of the more common ones, at least you can take action to avoid them. If you want to make the most of every publicity opportunity that comes your way, consider the following mistakes that businesses commonly make in their publicity campaigns:
1. Thinking hundreds of customers will walk through their door from one hit.
Fame and name recognition take time and repetition to build. In fact, a person will need to see your name and logo around six or seven times before they actually remember it. So regardless of what you’ve heard, there’s no such thing as an overnight success.
2. Not being unique in their approach.
No one wants to hear the same old message over and over again. So develop a hook, or unique angle that sets your business apart from others. For example, if you own a restaurant, consider what’s unique about it. What’s unique about your menu? Has the restaurant been family-owned and operated for generations? Do you offer vegetarian cuisine? The more you can make your message unique or different from the “old way,” the more attention you’ll attract.
3. Thinking they can’t get into a large publication.
Many small business owners feel intimidated by the big name publications. They envision high-powered magazine editors schmoozing with big company CEOs and lining up interviews with well-known figureheads for the next six months. In reality, editors scramble daily to find people to interview who have knowledge on the latest trends and topics. Realize too that editors must find new and exciting people to interview either weekly or monthly, so the more knowledgeable people they can add to their database, the better. Make yourself stand out as a reliable information source and you will get the media’s attention.
4. Thinking small publications don’t matter.
Even big name businesses had to build their expertise and name recognition by starting in small publications and trade journals. Although they aren’t sold on newsstands, you never know who’s reading them. So don’t overlook small publications as a foundation for your publicity.
5. Thinking their ideas are wonderful.
Touting your experience and explaining all the reasons why your business is wonderful to an editor is not an effective way to pitch your ideas. In fact, this is an immediate turn-off. Realize that an editor or reporter only cares about one thing: their readers. So instead of telling them all about your ideas and your business, first learn about their readers and what they want.
6. Pitching themselves, instead of a story for the audience.
Always pitch a publication or program by highlighting the benefits your business can offer their particular audience. Consider what uniqueness you can offer and why their readers or viewers will be interested in what you have to say.
7. Pitching the wrong person.
Besides wasting your time, pitching your ideas to the wrong media person will likely frustrate them. If you have an article you’d like to publish, you need to talk to an editor. But if you want to score an interview, you need a reporter.
8. Not finding out what reporters really want.
As you present your idea to a reporter, ask questions about what they’re looking for and what their audience is looking for. Then make changes to your initial idea based on their responses. Don’t try to “sell” your idea if it isn’t a good fit; instead, promote alternate ideas and emphasize your ability to address a variety of issues.
9. Not answering the reporter’s questions.
Always let the reporter or interviewer lead the conversation, because they most likely have an agenda for the story’s development already in mind. Don’t attempt to take over the conversation or talk about points the reporter doesn’t want to cover. They simply won’t include you in the final story.
10. Not getting to the point.
Audiences and readers love to hear firsthand accounts of experiences relating to the topic because it helps them know you on a more personal level. But don’t overload the reporter with unnecessary information that isn’t directly related to the story, and don’t ramble. If you can’t convey your message in a short amount of time, then your answer won’t be used.
11. Not respecting the reporter’s time.
Reporters work on time sensitive deadlines, and nothing will irritate them more than you being inconsiderate. So before you start pitching your ideas, always ask if they are on deadline. If yes, ask for a more convenient call back time.
12. Not gearing their pitch to the specific publication.
If you get a “no” response from an editor, reporter, or producer, always ask, “What don’t you like?” Then adapt your presentation on the spot. The more you learn about their needs and customize your message for their specific audience, the more likely you’ll be featured in their publication or on their show.
13. Making it an advertisement for their product or service.
Authors spend a large portion of their time selling their books because the profession simply demands it. But interviews and articles are not the right place to go on and on about your expertise and knowledge. You must let your information speak for itself. By giving solid, useable information, audiences will automatically know how great your book is.
14. Not providing their publicist with material and information in a timely manner.
Business owners are busy—that’s a given. But so are publicists, editors, and reporters. In order for your information to get into the right people’s hands, you need to give your publicist the requested information in a timely manner. Your publicist can’t pitch you and your book unless he or she has the most relevant information about you that showcases all you have to offer in a positive way. And if you make your publicist wait for information to send an editor or reporter, you may miss your chance to get interviewed or featured in your desired media outlet.
15. Not understanding the importance of frequency of publicity.
While it takes a long time to build your name recognition in the marketplace, it takes no time at all for people to forget about you. So you have to maintain the frequency of your publicity throughout the life of your business, especially when your competition maintains the frequency of theirs. Otherwise, you become old news.
Better Publicity in the Future
Just like everyone makes mistakes, everyone can avoid them by being aware of the common ones. When you make yourself aware of these fifteen most common mistakes that business owners make in their publicity campaigns, you can make the most of every opportunity and achieve a greater level of success in your business.
About the Author:
Pam Lontos is Patricia Fripp's PR agent and president of PR/PR, a public relations firm based in Orlando, Fla. She is author of "I See Your Name Everywhere" and is a former vice president of sales for Disney's Shamrock Broadcasting. PR/PR has placed clients in publications such as USA Today, Entrepreneur, Time, Reader's Digest and Cosmopolitan. PR/PR works with established businesses, as well as entrepreneurs who are just launching their company. For a free publicity consultation, e-mail Pam@prpr.net or call 407-299-6128. To receive free publicity tips, go to PR/PR's site and register for the monthly e-newsletter, PR/PR Pulse!