Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hi Kim,

It may seem like a lot of work and frustration, but when your publicity efforts pay off, it is well worth it.

As a publicist, I`ve had several articles and client quotes dropped from media venues at the last minute. My rule of thumb is to not to get excited about a media clip until I actually see it published or hear it broadcast.

There or so many elements that are out of your control that it`s not worth the stress. Do your pitching work the best that you can and then hope for the best. Your persistence will pay off in the long run.

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Melanie Rembrandt
CEO, Rembrandt Communications®, LLC
Visit www.rembrandtwrites.com for valuable PR tips and SEO copywriting help!
Twitter: @RembrandtWrites

I`m in total agreement with Melanie`s statement.  Many supposedly great publicity opportunities have fizzled at the last moment over the years.  Initially it was discouraging - but I soon learned it`s just the nature of the PR/publicity beast.  I wait to "toot!" the hell out of such situations until I see my name in print (or on a web site) or my face on the television.

When such publicity doesn`t materialize many business people write off that media contact as well.  That`s a huge mistake.  So much of the publicity game is about developing long-term professional relationships with editors, writers and other media professionals.  For example, last year I was interviewed by a business reporter for the Wall Street Journal`s Startup Journal after emailing her about an article she had written.  She spoke with me about a future article idea she was kicking around.  Nothing came of that initial contact and interview.  However, she may need a source in the future - so, I keep in touch and always send her all of my press releases.

- J.




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Jeff Fisher | Jeff Fisher LogoMotives | Tweet! Tweet!

[/QUOTE]



So much of the publicity game is about developing long-term professional relationships with editors, writers and other media professionals.  For example, last year I was interviewed by a business reporter for the Wall Street Journal`s Startup Journal after emailing her about an article she had written.  She spoke with me about a future article idea she was kicking around.  Nothing came of that initial contact and interview.  However, she may need a source in the future - so, I keep in touch and always send her all of my press releases.

- J.


[/QUOTE]

Jeff brings up a great point. As part of just keeping up on news about your industry you can begin to familiarize yourself with those reporters who are already interested in your topic area, think about your story from their perspective and be better able to customize your pitch to appeal to them.  To that end Kim, there was a recent story in the NY Times (reg. required) on the digitization and growth of the scrap book industry.  I`d definitey add this reporter to your contact list. 

cheers,
Tami
 

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www.andhowmarketing.com
http://andhowmarketing.typepad.com/andhow_to_reach_women/
Discover your women`s market(s)...and how to reach them.

Last week, a marketing company picked my clothing line to be in Oceans 13 which is going into production soon. The thing is they wanted $30,000 for 4 movie product placement and 4 TV product placement for a years contract.

After drooling over the thought of Brad Pitt rocking my hot clothing... I realized I don`t have $30,000 to spend.  So I wrote up a proposal offering my services to the marketing company in exchange for getting my stuff into Oceans 13. I haven`t heard back from them yet. They did say they would think about it...that was almost a week ago.

Here is what I offered them:

1. Free commercial time on my radio station for Oceans 13
2. Free banner ads on all of my websites
3. Possible composition of song for the movie by my partner Aaron Beegle www.aaronbeegle.com

and a bunch of other stuff I figured would be worth $30,000.....

Im still waiting for my phone to ring...

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Laurie Champagne
CMO
Groove Rock Gear, Inc.
grooverockgear.com
grooverockmusic.com
grooverockradio.com



email: laurie[at]grooverockgear.com

Hi Laurie,

It`s great that your clothing line was picked for the show!

Unfortunately, the production company may not be interested in your proposal due to other obligations, union contracts and specific agreements.

I would suggest calling your contacts at the film directly and asking them how you can make this happen through some kind of trade. Make your clothing line as appealing as possible. Perhaps you can find out what other companies did to get their clothing lines in a movie? 

You may even want to contact the stars and costume designers in the movie directly (through their agents, managers, etc.). If they fall in love with your clothing line, you`ll have a better "bargaining chip" to work with - Just a suggestion. After all, you are now working with the specific challenges found only in the movie business. Try to think like they do and figure out what they want.

Hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck,

Melanie

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Melanie Rembrandt
CEO, Rembrandt Communications®, LLC
Visit www.rembrandtwrites.com for valuable PR tips and SEO copywriting help!
Twitter: @RembrandtWrites

Thanks for the suggestions. I actually have an alternate game plan for my proposal.

What I am going to do is call up the guy who wants to place my product in the movies he does merchandising for and let him know that if he doesn`t take my offer, I am going to offer the services the same proposal his competitors.

There are a ton of companies that work on placing products into movies and TV., and I am not posting the service I have that is worth $30,000 on here but its a killer service and I will let you guys know what results I get and tell you about the service after I get one of these companies to work with us on placing our products in major feature films.

-------------------------

Laurie Champagne
CMO
Groove Rock Gear, Inc.
grooverockgear.com
grooverockmusic.com
grooverockradio.com



email: laurie[at]grooverockgear.com

Alas,

The downside of PR... You Can`t Control it.

Advertising on the other hand... Though you pay for it.  Is guaranteed to air/be published.

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The Advice Guy
www.freeadvertisingadvice.org
Expert Advice For the Small Business Owner

Very good and you are right

And the most important you give them confiance to continu.

from : Stephane  inventor.

About five years ago, I enlisted the interest of the style editors at O Magazine to feature the "Ice Cream for Two" gift idea from Fran`s Chocolates Ltd. in the O List of the magazine.  We sent several samples of this beautiful kit to be photographed.  At the end of the day, Oprah decided that her favorite butter pecan ice cream didn`t look fabulous enough in Fran`s decorative ceramic bowl, so the bowl was switched out at the last minute for a clear glass bowl. The "Ice Cream for Two" coverage fell to the cutting room floor. 

The good news is that we established a relationship with the right people at the magazine.  The better news is that Fran`s Gray Salt Caramels ultimately found a place on the O List last May of 2006, literally doubling her sales for that month. 

Good things come to those who wait, so keep at it.  Good news and fabulous products and services always stand on their own merit.  And, good press will flow to those who remain consistent and committed to their efforts.