Thursday, July 30, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
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Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
Tony Robbins: Why we do what we do, and how we can do it better
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Thursday, July 2, 2009
From A Whisper To A Scream - Shoestring Marketing and PR Tips
Your Message: From A Whisper To A Scream - Getting Your Product Out There On A Shoestring Budget
Happy 4th of July family. Here is an article that I am quoted throughout. Good information to help you become A Brand New You.Your Message: From a Whisper to a Scream
Check out these low-cost marketing ideas for your new business.
You’ve got a great idea and a plan to turn it into a business. Now all you need are customers--and to get them, you need to spread the word about what you’re doing. One problem: Your marketing budget makes your grade school allowance look like a princely sum.
Not to worry. There are plenty of ways to promote your business without spending a lot. The key to effective penny-pinching promotion, say marketers Travis Miller, 32, and Jimmy Vee, 33, founders of Orlando, Florida-based Gravitational Marketing, is to apply creativity to established techniques and emerging opportunities to reach a specific audience. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Get Profiled
In 2007, when Seth Mendelsohn founded Simply Boulder Foods LLC, a Boulder, Colorado, company that makes gourmet sauces, he started posting profile pages on MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites. Mendelsohn, 31, estimates he has “a few hundred followers, and they all want to hear about our company,” which has projected 2009 sales of more than $100,000.
Some of these sites allow users to start special interest groups or fan pages, which Miller says you can use to talk about your products and build bigger audiences.
Make Yourself a Star
Perhaps you’ve never thought of yourself as the next Larry King, but today’s media vehicles make it possible for you to host your own show--for nothing. PR expert Karen Taylor Bass, 42, author of You Want Caviar, But You Have Money for Chitlins, hosts her own show on the free network BlogTalk Radio
Pluck from the headlines
Publicity 101 tells you to build a media list and send relevant news releases to the contacts on it. That works, but Stacey Dolezal Susini, 35, a former TV news reporter and the founder of Zontis Public Relations in Dallas, says you can get even more mileage by watching what’s in the news. First, understanding the beats--or specific topics and regions--each reporter covers can help you better target your list. In addition, by piggybacking on existing headlines, you can put yourself in the spotlight. “Is there a charitable organization in trouble? If so, host a food, coat or clothing drive for them at your place of business,” she suggests. Then call your local media and tell them what you’re doing.
No time to compile a media list on your own? Try services like Contacts on Tap
Go for the Demo
By demonstrating your product or service, you get to show prospects firsthand why they should buy from you, Mendelsohn says. While he now has a hectic grocery-store-demo schedule, he got his start at local farmers markets that only charged him a percentage of the day’s sales.
“Look for local events where you can connect with a lot of people, then let them know where they can buy your product in the future,” he says. Get more mileage by filming your demo or presentation and posting it online.
Find businesses in your backyard
Got local businesses that would be good customers? Susini suggests offering employee incentives to various businesses. Call their headquarters and ask how you can offer discounts or other special offers to their employees. If it’s a good fit, the HR department will promote your business to staffers without you having to do more than ring up sales. Similarly, she says, you can cross-promote your business with other businesses, offering discounts to their customers--and vice versa.
Be a Winner
Jenny Hwa, 31, founder and creative director of Loyale, a New York City sustainable clothing company that saw first-quarter sales growth of 70 percent, scours magazines and trade media on the lookout for awards competitions. In 2008, she was honored in awards co-sponsored by Glamour and O magazines, as well as one from iconic fashion designer Eileen Fisher. Another award she won was judged by editors from Glamour, Lucky and InStyle magazines, as well as popular website DailyCandy.com. “It was a big year for us,” she says, “and we got a ton of great publicity and met some important contacts because of the awards we won.”
Give it Away
Free stuff is always a hit. Miller suggests offering free reports or special offers on your website in exchange for the prospect’s e-mail address. Retail businesses might consider a small gift with purchase or other loyalty program for customers who make repeat purchases.
Speak Up
From local chamber of commerce meetings to national trade events, booking yourself as an expert speaker can be a great way to get attention--and new business. While it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, Bass says, many events and meetings are hungry for good speakers who can share valuable information, rather than an overt sales pitch. Best of all, she says, you can recycle your speech by turning it into a podcast for your website, a blog post, an article for a trade publication or even a series of Twitter posts. While you’re at the event, be sure to collect contact information from the people there and follow up. Says Bass, more than 70 percent of prospective leads are never pursued.
Get Sourced
When reporters need sources, they may turn to a handful of services. Help a Reporter Out, also known as HARO, started as a Facebook group and is now a service with more than 50,000 subscribers, connecting reporters and sources. Sign up for free at helpareporter.com. Similar services charge fees such as PR Leads
Don’t do it
There are some things that aren’t worth the money, no matter what your budget. Here are a few:
Going after Oprah: Yes, The Oprah Winfrey Show is the gold standard of publicity; but it’s a long shot. If you spend all your time and money going after this, you could miss valuable, revenue-generating publicity in smaller vehicles that are easier to crack, says Jimmy Vee of marketing agency Gravitational Marketing.
Printing costly press kits: PR expert Karen Taylor Bass cringes when she sees glossy printed media materials. She says, “It’s far more effective to use e-mail.”
Hiring a big agency: If you need to hire help, find a good service provider who works with startups and understands budget constraints, Vee says.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Talented Beautiful Smart & Sexy- Women of Color We Are In Fashion
Do You B.E.? Xerox Says... Yes We Can!
President Obama Taps Judge Sonia Sontomayor For The High Court The Face of A New America
A Great Time To Be A Woman. Xerox Appoints Ursula Burns
We are seeing the Obama Factor, Michelle that is ... Black Woman are SO in. It's no secret to US-- we have always been smart, talented, beautiful, diverse, multi-lingual, sexy and B-A-D! Congratulations to Ursula Burns, the FIRST Black Woman to take the helm of a Fortune 500 company.
We are seeing the Obama Factor, Michelle that is ... Black Woman are SO in. It's no secret to US-- we have always been smart, talented, beautiful, diverse, multi-lingual, sexy and B-A-D! Congratulations to Ursula Burns, the FIRST Black Woman to take the helm of a Fortune 500 company.
Lebron James ... Pure Magic
This is my favorite time of the year to watch basketball ... the well marketed and 'corporate ties NBA Playoffs. I love sports... especially basketball... it's refreshing and sexy to watch well compensated athletes W-O-R-K it O-U-T. Of course, you might catch some magic here and there. This past Friday, did not disappoint with 1.0 seconds on the clock and Sir James with a basketball. Cleveland listen up - play 48 minutes against Orlando, each player needs to step up and you must win on Tuesday!
Do You B.E.?
Exclusive with Thembisa S. Mshaka Author
Put Your Dreams First- Handle Your Entertainment Business
I love Black Enterprise - let me say that from the jump. Wasn't really certain about going to Detroit for the Entrepreneur Conference -- given the state of the Motor City. Well, I came out stronger, better and more thankful. Met Pam Perry of Ministry Marketing Solutions for the first time since our first encounter 2 years ago via the web; we did a FREE PR Bailout Boot Camp together in the Big D; almost 60 people deep on a rainy Saturday with Congressman John Conyers, Jr.
I would say my best memories from this year's conference was:
1) Town Hall meeting discussing President Obama's Economic Agenda: A Boom or Bust for Black Business? moderated by the distinguished Professor Charles Ogletree, Jr., Harvard University, with a spirited panelists including Tara Wall (Washington Post) and Warren Ballentine (syndicated radio host). 2) Entrepreneur Awards Luncheon with special guest Spike Lee. It was refreshing to hear Spike complete sentences and not be so vague. 3)Chris Bryant, founder of Rapport Strategies giving a dynamic presentation on "Preparing the Work Force."
Next year's conference will be in Atlanta and the networking and knowledge is well worth the money and energy. We must invest in each other.
Caviar & Chitterling - http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Caviar--Chitterling TONIGHT @ 8PM I would say my best memories from this year's conference was:
1) Town Hall meeting discussing President Obama's Economic Agenda: A Boom or Bust for Black Business? moderated by the distinguished Professor Charles Ogletree, Jr., Harvard University, with a spirited panelists including Tara Wall (Washington Post) and Warren Ballentine (syndicated radio host). 2) Entrepreneur Awards Luncheon with special guest Spike Lee. It was refreshing to hear Spike complete sentences and not be so vague. 3)Chris Bryant, founder of Rapport Strategies giving a dynamic presentation on "Preparing the Work Force."
Next year's conference will be in Atlanta and the networking and knowledge is well worth the money and energy. We must invest in each other.
John Conyers Is He Smoking ? What Do You Mean A Performance Tax For Radio? Many Radio Stations and Black Artists Will Be Impacted
Call Your Local Radio Station and Legislature To Learn More
Rep. John Conyers, Jr. , (D) MI-14 made the following statement, on May 13th, 2009, at a Judiciary Committee hearing before offering an amendment to the Performance Rights act insuring that the needs of small, minority, religious, and non-music broadcasters are taken into account as he and other Members of Congress continue to work on the legislation. The statement indicates his intentions to improve the legislation.
As everyone in this room knows, the Performance Rights Act is one of my top priorities this Congress.
On one hand, I believe that the time is finally ripe for establishing some form of equity for recording artists – allowing them to be paid fair compensation for their creativity.
On the other hand, I am concerned about the economic impact this bill may have on broadcasters, particularly smaller broadcasters.
I know times are tough, and it is not the intention or goal of this legislation to drive broadcasters into bankruptcy or to bring about a widespread consolidation of the industry.
That is why I have been, and remain, committed to finding a middle ground on this issue. I believe a number of steps we can initiate today will help us achieve this result:
First, I – along with a number of my colleagues – will be offering a managers amendment that addresses several of the concerns that have been raised at our hearings and subsequent meetings.
The Managers Amendment provides a number of accommodations, including delaying the bill’s effective date, reducing the royalty payments due, and insuring that the needs of small, minority, religious, and non-music broadcasters are taken into account.
Second, today’s markup is not the end of the legislative process, and I remain ready and willing to work with all interested parties in developing any necessary further accommodation, as long as they are willing to work with us in good faith.
Third, I am requesting – along with Ranking Member Smith and Reps. Jackson Lee, Gonzales, and Lungren – a GAO study to analyze the economic factors for radio broadcasters and performing artists and copyright owners related to this Act.
This does not mean that we do not have enough information to move the bill forward at this time, but that as we move forward we can and should supplement the information available to the rate-making authority.
Fourth, I plan to remain diligent in ensuring the vibrancy and competition available in the broadcast and other relevant markets. The last thing any of us wants to do is preside over a broadcast market that becomes more concentrated, and less diverse.
I therefore plan to work with Subcommittee Chairman Johnson, Ranking Member Smith and Subcommittee Ranking Member Coble in planning hearings on this subject in the very near future.
I understand this is an important an emotional issue for many. Creative rights go to the core of our cultural and intellectual health as a society. Broadcasters are a vital cog in our local communities and our political debates.
I believe we can encourage creativity, while at the same time protecting the economic viability of local broadcasters, and I believe today’s markup represents a good first step towards protecting both.
Call Your Local Radio Station and Legislature To Learn More
Conyers Makes Statement Regarding The Performance Rights Act (H.R. 848).
Conyers Makes Statement Regarding The Performance Rights Act (H.R. 848).
Rep. John Conyers, Jr. , (D) MI-14 made the following statement, on May 13th, 2009, at a Judiciary Committee hearing before offering an amendment to the Performance Rights act insuring that the needs of small, minority, religious, and non-music broadcasters are taken into account as he and other Members of Congress continue to work on the legislation. The statement indicates his intentions to improve the legislation.
As everyone in this room knows, the Performance Rights Act is one of my top priorities this Congress.
On one hand, I believe that the time is finally ripe for establishing some form of equity for recording artists – allowing them to be paid fair compensation for their creativity.
On the other hand, I am concerned about the economic impact this bill may have on broadcasters, particularly smaller broadcasters.
I know times are tough, and it is not the intention or goal of this legislation to drive broadcasters into bankruptcy or to bring about a widespread consolidation of the industry.
That is why I have been, and remain, committed to finding a middle ground on this issue. I believe a number of steps we can initiate today will help us achieve this result:
First, I – along with a number of my colleagues – will be offering a managers amendment that addresses several of the concerns that have been raised at our hearings and subsequent meetings.
The Managers Amendment provides a number of accommodations, including delaying the bill’s effective date, reducing the royalty payments due, and insuring that the needs of small, minority, religious, and non-music broadcasters are taken into account.
Second, today’s markup is not the end of the legislative process, and I remain ready and willing to work with all interested parties in developing any necessary further accommodation, as long as they are willing to work with us in good faith.
Third, I am requesting – along with Ranking Member Smith and Reps. Jackson Lee, Gonzales, and Lungren – a GAO study to analyze the economic factors for radio broadcasters and performing artists and copyright owners related to this Act.
This does not mean that we do not have enough information to move the bill forward at this time, but that as we move forward we can and should supplement the information available to the rate-making authority.
Fourth, I plan to remain diligent in ensuring the vibrancy and competition available in the broadcast and other relevant markets. The last thing any of us wants to do is preside over a broadcast market that becomes more concentrated, and less diverse.
I therefore plan to work with Subcommittee Chairman Johnson, Ranking Member Smith and Subcommittee Ranking Member Coble in planning hearings on this subject in the very near future.
I understand this is an important an emotional issue for many. Creative rights go to the core of our cultural and intellectual health as a society. Broadcasters are a vital cog in our local communities and our political debates.
I believe we can encourage creativity, while at the same time protecting the economic viability of local broadcasters, and I believe today’s markup represents a good first step towards protecting both.
###05-14-2009###
Exclusive with Thembisa S. Mshaka Author
Put Your Dreams First- Handle Your Entertainment Business
Call-in Number: (646) 200-4565
Upcoming Show: 5/26/2009 8:00 PM
| Host Name: | Caviar & Chitterling |      |
| Show Name: | How To Put Your Dreams First & Succeed In The Entertainment Biz | |
| Length: | 30 min | |
| Description: h:19057 s:545022 | An exclusive interview with Thembisa S. Mshaka, author of Put Your Dreams First - Handle Your (entertainment) Business. Put Your Dreams First will help you... 1)Break In or Transition 2)Work Smarter 3) Separate Sex From Business 4)Be The Force Behind The Boss 5) Start Your Own Company or Label |
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Tweet me @ PREXPERTFacebook @ PREXPERT
http://www.taylormademediapr.com
http://www.karentaylorbass.com
Available for Speaking Engagements
Monday, May 25, 2009
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