KING'S DREAM STILL LIVES ON. . . 2008

Sonya Lowery on Networking - PR as an Empowerment TOOL! (Karen Taylor Bass)

Here are 10 tips to implement as you create awareness and grow your business, right now:

1) Define Your Mission.
What is your company about? What are your objectives? Who is your target audience?

2) Be a Student of the Media.
Learn how the media works. For instance, be aware of who your desired outlet serves, what their deadlines are, when they publish or broadcast as well as their current trend for stories. Ask yourself what makes your story different. Not all media outlets are appropriate for every type of business.

3) Be Prepared for the Opportunity.
Create a media kit, which consists of a press release announcing your company/product to seduce the media and entice clients to patronize your business, a biography (your life story, 1-2 pages with interesting information), a headshot for the media to run your photo and of course, a professional business card and website.

4) Think Linearly.
Act with a plan. Identify what you want to promote, the audience you want to reach, the tools you’ll need (press release, etc), and media vehicles through which to accomplish your goal.

5) Promote yourself.
Brand you. Remember, you are an authority in your field, so begin to visualize, and execute your plan via public speaking engagements at schools, colleges, organizations, etc. Write an editorial or op-ed column, blog, appearance as a guest on local TV, public access, and/or talk radio. Network and work your magic every time.

6) Polish your image (outward and inward).
Are you sending out the message that you want? If so, what is that perception? Ask your friends and family members what impression they have of you.

7) Secure a Committed Mentor.
Make certain that the mentor you choose has time to be a mentor. Be clear with expectations and time and make it a two-way street. What do you have to offer? Also, be sure to give back to someone else who might be in need a mentor.

8) Create and Maintain Key Relationships.
Identify folks with common interests and different skills. Be a good friend and stand by your word.

9) Empower Your Life.
Give back. A great deal of business is done while volunteering, which can provide you a legitimate aura of leadership, dedication and commitment. Expand your base of key contacts. Become a board member and create a positive perception of who you are.

10) Honor Your Process, Believe Your Hype.
Remember, you are the best person for the job and you are entitled to success. PR is about knowing your worth and not underselling yourself to secure and/or maintain business.

The time to position yourself for an opportunity is now. Editors, TV bookers, publishers, online outlets are looking for original, inspiring and creative stories to capture each hour, day, week and month. Get started and be your own publicist.

Karen Taylor Bass, owner of Taylor Made Media LLC and strategic partner to Pam Perry of Ministry Marketing Solutions Inc., is a PR Expert and coach located in New York. Visit her at www.taylormademediapr.com

Personal Branding

Evangelistic Networking

1. Be visible. Dress sharp and snappy. Look like someone others want to know because your image says “success.” Be willing to attend functions alone. Networking expands your circle of influence, builds your personal brand, and garners support.



2. Give before you get. Sow before you reap. Share information and resources with contacts before asking them for anything. Search for their interests and goals when meeting someone new. Figure out a way to help them.

3. Gather, collect, and distribute info. Position yourself as the “go to” person for ministry information. Provide regular updates about helpful events or books. Use an email database system like Constant Contact to simplify the process and send information attractively. See http://ministrymarketingsolutions.constantcontact.com


4. Write your vision. Make it plain. Make the most of networking opportunities by having eye-catching marketing materials. Have more than a business card when going to a conference or event. Be intentional about your purpose. Have a bookmark or postcard describing your book. Offer a CD or brochure as a speaker.

5. Demonstrate your sincere faith by being a person of character and integrity. Follow the Golden Rule which says, “Treat others as you want to be treated,” with respect and courtesy. Follow up and follow through. Deliver on your promises.

Before you put yourself “Out There”…Do You have the Edge?

Here’s how to get it!

If you really want to “get out there” – make sure your packaging is tight. Work on the outside packaging as well as the “inside package.” If not, you’ll be hiring a publicist to do crisis PR for you because you’ll need someone to do reputation management. And it’s harder to stop bad press than to create good press!

So, what is the Edge? It’s that “IT” factor that propels success in life. Do you have it? People who have the Edge share a number of characteristics. They are successful, but never at the expense of others. The are people who genuinely love and care about others. The abide by the Golden Rule and excellence (not perfection) is their goal.

They are long-term survivors in the business world, which has a way of devouring its own. They survive because they maintain friends. Relationships are the key to their success. The know more than networking. They connect with other and click!

They keep these friends because they are loyal to them. Their networks invariable describe them, in glowing terms, people they can count on for anything.

Here are some of the qualities that can help you develop the Edge – which is essential before any PR campaign is to begin.


1. DEPENDABILITY. Do what you say you will do. This can be tricky, because it involves a certain amount of self knowledge and self management. If you say you’ll turn in follow up by 9 a.m. Friday, you have to know what is feasible for you to be true to your word. How long it will take you to finish a project based on other things going on? You keep your schedule and know your work habits. .
Never say, “I can not” before you’ve tried.

2. TRUSTWORTHINESS. You may hear gossip, but you do not have to pass it along. Don’t spread a something that is confidential. If you get a reputation for discretion, everyone will confide in you and you will know everything that is going on, even if you do not talk about it.

3. RESPONSIBILITY. People with the Edge accept responsibility for their actions and don’t blame others they fail. They don’t make excuses and freely give credit to their associates. They are quick to apologize when they are wrong. A great trait to have!

4. COMMUNICATION. Keep in touch. Call people back. Be a nice person and write short, friendly email or regular notes to stay in touch. If you are in contact with your network of friends and associates when things are going along fine for you – you’ll see they’ll be there when you need them. Don’t just reach out to people when you need a “favor.” People know when they are being used.


5. GENEROSITY. Make a habit of being generous and kind. Do things for free with out expecting a return for it. Volunteer. Give away information or small bits of advice. Pass along job leads and provide tips to those looking for job. Look for opportunities to put people in touch with each other. Be known as a “go to” person. Someone who is a “giver” not a “taker.”

If you recommend a friend for a job or give them a lead for some business, you have given that friend a tremendous compliment and you have earned some long-term loyalty.

Even though you sometimes must say no to a request, you always seem to be saying yes. Here is one way to do it. Whenever you decide you can not do something, give a credible reason then offer to help in some other way: “I can not attend this event because I am right in the middle of this assignment, but I would give you another person who would be willing to go and they would really get a lot out of it.”

6. COURTESY AND KINDNESS. If you can’t pray about it – don’t talk about. Speak well of people or do not speak at all. This includes people who have fired you, wronged you or spoken badly about you. This is really how to have the Edge! This will toughen you up and mold your humility.

Display good manner at all times, particularly with those who actively antagonize you. It will drive them absolutely crazy. It may also win them over. The Golden Rule at work – will yield Gold every time. Do unto others as you would want them to do unto you!

7. INTEGRITY AND ETHICS. If you can’t do it in front of your child, then don’t do. If it makes you uncomfortable or you feel a “ping” in your spirit – that’s a sign that is telling you you’ve crossed the line and in a danger zone. Develop a standard of behavior you can live with. Let your conscience be your guide. Let peace rule. This means when you make a tough decision, you feel you have done the right thing, even if it hurts.

8. PERSISTENCE. No one is ever a success in life unless they know how to persist. This is probably the most single way to get the EDGE!

Victory is assured to those who endure – until the end. Almost everyone has one good idea, one good effort, one good impulse. People with the Edge prove themselves by repeating willing to do what others will not. They are not quitters. They are relentless and will try every angle and research every opportunity – and because they are relationship driven – will enlist the help of their friends.

People with the Edge can get everyone in the boat rowing in the same direction.

Before you think a good photo, brochure, corporate logo, webstie and press kit will give you the Edge – think again. The Edge is takes time to develop. Character counts and it starts on the inside. It starts at home. It starts with a relationship with Jesus Christ.

No amount of PR can promote the right message if you don’t have the right interior motives. It takes time to become that sharp, so you might as well start now: in business, you are only as good as your relationships – with God, Yourself and others.

Ebony Cover Shoot Tyra Banks

Harriett Cole does the Branding for Ebony.

African American Women Nightly News

"Change Has Come" - Victory Speech from President-elect Obama

President-elect Barack Obama's remarks in Chicago
By The Associated Press

November 4, 2008


Text of Democrat Barack Obama's speech in Chicago after winning the presidential election, as transcribed by CQ Transcriptions:

___

OBAMA: Hello, Chicago.

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen, by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different, that their voices could be that difference.

It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled. Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states.

We are, and always will be, the United States of America.

It's the answer that led those who've been told for so long by so many to be cynical and fearful and doubtful about what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.

It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this date in this election at this defining moment change has come to America.

A little bit earlier this evening, I received an extraordinarily gracious call from Senator McCain.

Senator McCain fought long and hard in this campaign. And he's fought even longer and harder for the country that he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine. We are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader.

I congratulate him; I congratulate Governor Palin for all that they've achieved. And I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead.

I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart, and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton ... and rode with on the train home to Delaware, the vice president-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.

And I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last 16 years ... the rock of our family, the love of my life, the nation's next first lady ... Michelle Obama.

Sasha and Malia ... I love you both more than you can imagine. And you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us ...to the new White House.

And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother's watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight. I know that my debt to them is beyond measure.

To my sister Maya, my sister Alma, all my other brothers and sisters, thank you so much for all the support that you've given me. I am grateful to them.

And to my campaign manager, David Plouffe ... the unsung hero of this campaign, who built the best — the best political campaign, I think, in the history of the United States of America.

To my chief strategist David Axelrod ... who's been a partner with me every step of the way.

To the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics ... you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done.

But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to. It belongs to you. It belongs to you.

I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington. It began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston. It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give $5 and $10 and $20 to the cause.

It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy ... who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep.

It drew strength from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on doors of perfect strangers, and from the millions of Americans who volunteered and organized and proved that more than two centuries later a government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from the Earth.

This is your victory.

And I know you didn't do this just to win an election. And I know you didn't do it for me.

You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime — two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century.

Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us.

There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after the children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage or pay their doctors' bills or save enough for their child's college education.

There's new energy to harness, new jobs to be created, new schools to build, and threats to meet, alliances to repair.

The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.

I promise you, we as a people will get there.

AUDIENCE: Yes we can! Yes we can! Yes we can!

OBAMA: There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president. And we know the government can't solve every problem.

But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And, above all, I will ask you to join in the work of remaking this nation, the only way it's been done in America for 221 years — block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.

What began 21 months ago in the depths of winter cannot end on this autumn night.

This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were.

It can't happen without you, without a new spirit of service, a new spirit of sacrifice.

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of responsibility, where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves but each other.

Let us remember that, if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers.

In this country, we rise or fall as one nation, as one people. Let's resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long.

Let's remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House, a party founded on the values of self-reliance and individual liberty and national unity.

Those are values that we all share. And while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress.

As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.

And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too.

And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces, to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of the world, our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand.

To those — to those who would tear the world down: We will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: We support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.

That's the true genius of America: that America can change. Our union can be perfected. What we've already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight's about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing: Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.

She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons — because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.

And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America — the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.

At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.

When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs, a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.

AUDIENCE: Yes we can.

OBAMA: When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.

AUDIENCE: Yes we can.

OBAMA: She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that We Shall Overcome. Yes we can.

AUDIENCE: Yes we can.

OBAMA: A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination.

And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change.

Yes we can.

AUDIENCE: Yes we can.

OBAMA: America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves — if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?

This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment.

This is our time, to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.




Thank you. God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America.

PR Strategy and Social Media Slideshow

The Strategist and Social Media

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