Marcus Simmons of Southfield, Michigan writes: "The Motown Automotive Professionals nonprofit is in its start-up stage. We will provide no-cost automotive vocational training for socially and economically deprived young adults as they emerge from high school. "I have been on the 6 o'clock news on two channels so far, and we have [Read more...]
Black Friday or Jack-ass Friday?
Sick of all the hoopla over Black Friday, the day-after-Thanksgiving media frenzy that's the "official" start of the Christmas shopping season? A blogger named Chris apparently is and wrote an interesting post about how shameful the media act when they give "free … [Read more...]
Publicity tips–Avoid boring press conferences, ground-breakings, ribbon-cuttings, check-passings,
When Harley-Davidson unveiled plans last week for a $95 million museum here in Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel splashed a big beautiful color … [Read more...]
Small-business publicity can result from making house calls
Sometimes all it takes just a little twist to turn a story idea that goes "thud" into one that scores a home run. Thanks to Nancy Pierce of Racine, Wisconsin for reminding me about this when I spoke to the Association of Women in Communications last week. She told me The Racine Journal Times recently featured an article on the front page of its … [Read more...]
Alternatives to the cliche ribbon-cutting photo
A friend whose company is opening a new addition called to ask for my best tips on how to stage a ribbon-cutting ceremony the media will love. "That's an oxymoron," I said. "The media don't love ribbon-cuttings. They despise them." As I've explained in the ebook I wrote last year … [Read more...]
How to promote a Chicago store that sells accessories and products for men
Publicity Hound Kevin Jackson of Chicago, Illiois writes: "I recently opened a men's specialty store that does NOT focus on clothes. Rather, it's a lifestyle concept that sells skin and hair care products, accessories (watches, belts, etc.) and home furnishings (bar accessories and the like) designed for men. I think this is a unique concept and … [Read more...]
How to promote a photo gift business
Publicity Hound Jill Caren of Matawan, New Jersey writes: "My business, Expressions Photo Design, takes personal photographs and creates art and gifts with them. Our specialty is creating custom designed collages, pop art and photo memory books. "I have a brick and mortar store, but it has been difficult to launch because everyone thinks we are … [Read more...]
Tracking trends in retail, radio, utilities, housing, groceries, delivery services, advertising, the security industry, venture capital and steel
Thanks to Publicity Hound Paul Furiga for pointing out the special section on trends in the November 21 Wall Street Journal. It's worth a trek to your local library to check it out. The paper tracked trends in 10 industries: retail, radio, utilities, housing, groceries, delivery services, advertising, the security industry, venture capital and … [Read more...]
Small business news is red hot
If you own a small business, you needn't feel like the tiny David up against the giant Goliath when it comes to being covered by the media. Small business news is red hot right now because a huge segment of the economy is fueled by small businesses hiring. Check out the tips I offer on how to generate publicity for small businesses in the … [Read more...]
How to promote an online honeymoon gift registry
Maya Sunpongco of Giftpile.com in Chula Vista, California, wants to know how to promote her online honeymoon registry. From Danielle Shanke of Tempe, Arizona: "Rather than pitch a story to her local media, target brides specifically through bridal magazines and websites. You'll have a much more qualified audience. I bet you could easily pitch a … [Read more...]