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September 26, 2005
September 21, 2005
Do's and Don'ts of Emailing Press Releases From a Media Veteran
Here is an excellent article about press releases... so you say why would I need to do a press release? The answer is simple... if you are in marketing or sales you should be doing press releases. Anytime you are starting a business or new campaign you should announce it through a press release. If you have a new product or service you are offering announce it through a press release. I look at press releases as marketing 101. Enough said, learn from a master at press releases, here is the article in his own words. Read and Learn...
By:Dr.Kevin Nunley
I'm a big believer in EMAILING press releases. Not only is email
dirt cheap, email can often get you in front of editors a lot
faster than regular mail or fax.
Here's why. Media outlets like radio stations, TV stations, and
newspapers get a TON of press releases. During my 20 years
working in radio and TV, we got bag loads of mailed press
releases every day.
Probably 90 percent of them came from politicians and local
college athletic programs. Their publicity people are told to
send out a release several times a week--whether they have any
real news to tell or not. Consequently, media get a release
every time a congress person helps someone or an athletic field
house gets a new folding chair.
Are these mailed press releases ignored? You bet they are.
Most go straight from the mail bag to the trash. Who has time to
open 150 envelopes when most of them are pushing some story you
will never be able to use? I know I'll get some notes from
media workers who will say "WE don't do it that way at our
place." And you can be sure a few news rooms are very organized
about opening, reading, filing, and using releases.
Faxed releases work better, but not that much better given the
expense. I worked at one station where the manager got tired of
the fax machine burning up cartridges printing releases. Faxed
releases were routed to the receptionist's computer where she
deleted them.
At another media outlet, faxes, ads, and all the other things
that get faxed spilled out on the floor. Some were read, others
were used for scratch paper, and most were trampled on until
somebody bundled them into the trash.
BUT WAIT A MINUTE! If nobody is reading press releases, why do
studies claim that 75% of the stories you read in newspapers
originate from press releases?
The answer lies in email. Email makes it easy to receive a
release, forward it to the staff person who covers that
particular topic, then store the release in an email "futures"
file where it can be pulled up as needed.
It's incredibly easy for newspaper people to import the email
release into their writing program, change the headline, tweak a
few things, and run it as a story. Editors don't like to admit
they do this, but we've seen big city newspapers run our releases
as articles with very few changes.
You can't blame journalists for doing this. Media outlets
have cut staffs over and over again during the past 15 years.
One person now does the work of three staffers.
Here are some tips for making your emailed release the starting
point for a media report:
1. Start your subject line with RELEASE. Then follow with the
most newsworthy/titillating part of your story.
2. Make your headline the first thing in the body of your email.
I like to use two headlines, the second adding more information
the first didn't have room to mention. The media person should
be able to tell what your release is about just by reading the
headlines.
3. Include your contact information after the body of the
release. This is becoming the standard way to do things on the
Net. Journalists are now used to looking at the bottom for
contact info.
4. Keep your release under 400 words. Make sure you have good
information the media audience wants, otherwise you don't stand a
chance of getting coverage.
5. Take time to send your release to your local media. They are
more likely to use your story than out-of-town media. You
can find their email addresses by searching for their sites on
search engines.
6. Send your release to trade publications covering your field.
Even small developments can be of big interest to others in your
line of work. One photographer client sent her release to
photographic magazines and got coverage in almost every one.
7. Go national. Get the Gebbie Media Guide at Gebbie.com. It's
affordable and reliable.
By:Dr.Kevin Nunley
I'm a big believer in EMAILING press releases. Not only is email
dirt cheap, email can often get you in front of editors a lot
faster than regular mail or fax.
Here's why. Media outlets like radio stations, TV stations, and
newspapers get a TON of press releases. During my 20 years
working in radio and TV, we got bag loads of mailed press
releases every day.
Probably 90 percent of them came from politicians and local
college athletic programs. Their publicity people are told to
send out a release several times a week--whether they have any
real news to tell or not. Consequently, media get a release
every time a congress person helps someone or an athletic field
house gets a new folding chair.
Are these mailed press releases ignored? You bet they are.
Most go straight from the mail bag to the trash. Who has time to
open 150 envelopes when most of them are pushing some story you
will never be able to use? I know I'll get some notes from
media workers who will say "WE don't do it that way at our
place." And you can be sure a few news rooms are very organized
about opening, reading, filing, and using releases.
Faxed releases work better, but not that much better given the
expense. I worked at one station where the manager got tired of
the fax machine burning up cartridges printing releases. Faxed
releases were routed to the receptionist's computer where she
deleted them.
At another media outlet, faxes, ads, and all the other things
that get faxed spilled out on the floor. Some were read, others
were used for scratch paper, and most were trampled on until
somebody bundled them into the trash.
BUT WAIT A MINUTE! If nobody is reading press releases, why do
studies claim that 75% of the stories you read in newspapers
originate from press releases?
The answer lies in email. Email makes it easy to receive a
release, forward it to the staff person who covers that
particular topic, then store the release in an email "futures"
file where it can be pulled up as needed.
It's incredibly easy for newspaper people to import the email
release into their writing program, change the headline, tweak a
few things, and run it as a story. Editors don't like to admit
they do this, but we've seen big city newspapers run our releases
as articles with very few changes.
You can't blame journalists for doing this. Media outlets
have cut staffs over and over again during the past 15 years.
One person now does the work of three staffers.
Here are some tips for making your emailed release the starting
point for a media report:
1. Start your subject line with RELEASE. Then follow with the
most newsworthy/titillating part of your story.
2. Make your headline the first thing in the body of your email.
I like to use two headlines, the second adding more information
the first didn't have room to mention. The media person should
be able to tell what your release is about just by reading the
headlines.
3. Include your contact information after the body of the
release. This is becoming the standard way to do things on the
Net. Journalists are now used to looking at the bottom for
contact info.
4. Keep your release under 400 words. Make sure you have good
information the media audience wants, otherwise you don't stand a
chance of getting coverage.
5. Take time to send your release to your local media. They are
more likely to use your story than out-of-town media. You
can find their email addresses by searching for their sites on
search engines.
6. Send your release to trade publications covering your field.
Even small developments can be of big interest to others in your
line of work. One photographer client sent her release to
photographic magazines and got coverage in almost every one.
7. Go national. Get the Gebbie Media Guide at Gebbie.com. It's
affordable and reliable.
September 20, 2005
If You're Serious About a Large Income get more Confidence
There are several way you may become more confident in your business one of them is to role play.
Being confident is probably the most important quality a
business person can have. The more confident you are, the more
sales you will close. Role-playing is an easy and
effective way to help salespeople build their confidence. It
gives salespeople the opportunity to learn new
information, test their selling skills, and try different
approaches.
Try splitting your role-playing session into two parts.
After the first session, have a brief discussion of what the
observers saw. Then do the same role-play again, then
discuss. Usually your second attempt will be much better.
Use a camcorder to record each role-play to dramatically
increase the effectiveness of your sessions. Often it is easier
to see both the mistakes that were made and what was done well
when you are watching it yourself. Later, you will have a
library of sessions you can go back on and see your
improvement.
Selling can be a difficult process. Customers judge you and
compare you to the competition. Many companies use sales
training to improve their odds, but no training program would be
complete without practice sessions.
One of the ways to get the sales training you need is from an excellent
online training course that I use and recomend for the people I work with.
Take a look at www.barefootmentor.com
This is the most complete hands on training I have found to increase confidence and your marketing skills on the net.
Another componet I have added to help you with success is advanced training classes in the Barefoot Business Conference Centre for all of my Mentors on a Mission students. Please call me if you want more details at 888-272-6701.
As a reminder I host daily Q & A sessions in the Barefoot Business Conference Centre too. Come join us at www.barefoot-in-the-garden.com at 12 noon CST M-Thurs.
Being confident is probably the most important quality a
business person can have. The more confident you are, the more
sales you will close. Role-playing is an easy and
effective way to help salespeople build their confidence. It
gives salespeople the opportunity to learn new
information, test their selling skills, and try different
approaches.
Try splitting your role-playing session into two parts.
After the first session, have a brief discussion of what the
observers saw. Then do the same role-play again, then
discuss. Usually your second attempt will be much better.
Use a camcorder to record each role-play to dramatically
increase the effectiveness of your sessions. Often it is easier
to see both the mistakes that were made and what was done well
when you are watching it yourself. Later, you will have a
library of sessions you can go back on and see your
improvement.
Selling can be a difficult process. Customers judge you and
compare you to the competition. Many companies use sales
training to improve their odds, but no training program would be
complete without practice sessions.
One of the ways to get the sales training you need is from an excellent
online training course that I use and recomend for the people I work with.
Take a look at www.barefootmentor.com
This is the most complete hands on training I have found to increase confidence and your marketing skills on the net.
Another componet I have added to help you with success is advanced training classes in the Barefoot Business Conference Centre for all of my Mentors on a Mission students. Please call me if you want more details at 888-272-6701.
As a reminder I host daily Q & A sessions in the Barefoot Business Conference Centre too. Come join us at www.barefoot-in-the-garden.com at 12 noon CST M-Thurs.
September 12, 2005
100% Guaranteed Email Delivery
The Sunday Conference Training with Tom Pendergrast was once again one of those amazing webcasts that was worthy of making recording and saving on my secure server.
Veretekk will be rolling out the NEW Amazing Veremail system sometime in October.If you are serious about making money online in your home business, Listen UP! Tom got Mike Darling on the webcast and had him talk about some of the features... I was blown away to say the least. They have designed a simple easy to understand website that gives you the main features at:http://www.veremail.com/members/home.php
To access this one of a kind of recording:
Tom Pendergrast 9/11/05 Webcast
Again I feel so fortunate that I found this Automated Lead Generation System and all the goodies that come with it. If you haven't done so already get your own marketing system at: http://barefoot.veretekk.com
Learn why I do what I do visit: www.cindymcasey.com
MORE INFORMATION
Veretekk will be rolling out the NEW Amazing Veremail system sometime in October.If you are serious about making money online in your home business, Listen UP! Tom got Mike Darling on the webcast and had him talk about some of the features... I was blown away to say the least. They have designed a simple easy to understand website that gives you the main features at:http://www.veremail.com/members/home.php
To access this one of a kind of recording:
Tom Pendergrast 9/11/05 Webcast
Again I feel so fortunate that I found this Automated Lead Generation System and all the goodies that come with it. If you haven't done so already get your own marketing system at: http://barefoot.veretekk.com
Learn why I do what I do visit: www.cindymcasey.com
MORE INFORMATION
September 01, 2005
Inside Secrets of Business Card Development
IF A SALE DEPENDED ON YOUR BUSINESS CARD, COULD YOU MAKE ONE?
by Jeffrey Gitomer
A business card may be the only thing left for the prospect to remember you (or not remember you) by -- after you've gone.
After you've given your great sales presentation about your product; your card remains behind. Don't be telling me about quality when your business card says "cheap and ordinary."
My business card is an important part of my image. Is yours? If I'm offering top quality services, my card must mirror that image. People tell me mine does. What kind of message are you sending when you hand your card to someone?
Look at your card. Then ask yourself three questions,
1. What do I want my card to do or say?
2. What do I want my card to reflect?
3. Is my card accomplishing these objectives?
If the answer to number 3 is no, tear up the ones you have, and invest in new cards now. Here's how...
Developing a card is more intricate than you think. It's a delicate balance of design and printing that delivers a message and creates an image. Here are the secret ingredients for making a great card...
* Invest in logo. Pay a designer for your mark of distinction. Logo's from graphic designers will cost between $500 and $2,000 (design fee is usually based on the dollar sales volume of your company). It's a long term business investment.
* Invest in design. Graphic layout is as critical as logo. Let your design firm work their magic from your criteria. Your logo and layout will begin to create your style. Be the best.
* Add color. Let the designer guide you to colors of distinction.
* Use the best materials. Distinctive paper type can set you apart. Paper stock and style are becoming an important part of image. Select color that punches your logo and layout. You are not limited to paper. Plastic, metal, wood and other substrates can make your card outstanding. Match the card with the business. If you're in the lumber business, you card has to be wood. (Be careful if you're in the septic tank business.)
* Use printing options that set you apart. There are printing options that can add distinction and color at the same time (and the cost is surprisingly modest). You can add the options of blind emboss (raising a portion of your name or logo) or foil stamping (shiny metallic material in a wide variety of colors). Emboss and foil stamp are the current rage. The more traditional companies and professional firms use the engraving process. It's similar to blind emboss, but it adds ink to the raised letters. Engraving is the classic style. Your best bet is to get samples of everything, lay them out, and see what works best for you.
* Use a top quality printer. Printers are the link between design and reality. The difference in price between good and the best is minimal. Select the best. This is a one time investment in your image. Make it.
* Something else unusual. A different size, a custom shape, special fold, die cut, your mission statement on the back, a creative title. The final touch that sets you apart from the others -- especially the competition.
* Ask opinions before you go to press. Get the opinion of your friends, customers, prospects, and people you respect. Let them give you information and feedback. Don't let them make your decisions. In the end -- go with your gut feeling.
Just add money and presto! Know approximate costs before you begin. Get estimates in writing from everyone, or you may be in for a mild (or wild) billing shock.
Beware of the 5.5 pitfalls. Don't do this to your card.
1. Don't do thermo graphic cards. (Type of printing process) It feels cheap and cards stick together in your wallet.
2. Don't be in a hurry. If you can't wait a few days or a week for your card, something's wrong. Makeshift a few to get by, and wait for a masterpiece. I've never seen a good "rush job."
3. Don't try to tell the history of your business on the card. Less is more.
4. Don't let your printer be your designer. It's like going to a drug store for brain surgery. First hire a great designer, then find a great printer.
5. Don't try to save money by cutting corners. You don't spend money on business cards, you invest in the image of you and your business. What's that worth?
5.5 Don't ever say "That's good enough." Developing that attitude will lead you to mediocrity and no further.
A few more points to ponder...
* A new card for an existing business can be a business facelift. New, better, revitalized, up one notch.
* You may need more than one card. Revolutionize the cold call with a hot card. Have a special card just for cold calls or trade shows.
* The quality of your business card reflects the quality of your image after you leave a prospect's office. Make it a top quality, lasting impression.
* The investment you make in cards is not just paper and ink. That's the smallest portion. You're investing in creativity, expertise, and craftsmanship.
Picture this...your biggest prospect mulling over the decision to select you or your biggest competitor. He's fondling your card and your competitor's card. Look at your card -- would you pick you?
When you hand your card to someone, you only want to hear three words:
Wow, great card!
by Jeffrey Gitomer
A business card may be the only thing left for the prospect to remember you (or not remember you) by -- after you've gone.
After you've given your great sales presentation about your product; your card remains behind. Don't be telling me about quality when your business card says "cheap and ordinary."
My business card is an important part of my image. Is yours? If I'm offering top quality services, my card must mirror that image. People tell me mine does. What kind of message are you sending when you hand your card to someone?
Look at your card. Then ask yourself three questions,
1. What do I want my card to do or say?
2. What do I want my card to reflect?
3. Is my card accomplishing these objectives?
If the answer to number 3 is no, tear up the ones you have, and invest in new cards now. Here's how...
Developing a card is more intricate than you think. It's a delicate balance of design and printing that delivers a message and creates an image. Here are the secret ingredients for making a great card...
* Invest in logo. Pay a designer for your mark of distinction. Logo's from graphic designers will cost between $500 and $2,000 (design fee is usually based on the dollar sales volume of your company). It's a long term business investment.
* Invest in design. Graphic layout is as critical as logo. Let your design firm work their magic from your criteria. Your logo and layout will begin to create your style. Be the best.
* Add color. Let the designer guide you to colors of distinction.
* Use the best materials. Distinctive paper type can set you apart. Paper stock and style are becoming an important part of image. Select color that punches your logo and layout. You are not limited to paper. Plastic, metal, wood and other substrates can make your card outstanding. Match the card with the business. If you're in the lumber business, you card has to be wood. (Be careful if you're in the septic tank business.)
* Use printing options that set you apart. There are printing options that can add distinction and color at the same time (and the cost is surprisingly modest). You can add the options of blind emboss (raising a portion of your name or logo) or foil stamping (shiny metallic material in a wide variety of colors). Emboss and foil stamp are the current rage. The more traditional companies and professional firms use the engraving process. It's similar to blind emboss, but it adds ink to the raised letters. Engraving is the classic style. Your best bet is to get samples of everything, lay them out, and see what works best for you.
* Use a top quality printer. Printers are the link between design and reality. The difference in price between good and the best is minimal. Select the best. This is a one time investment in your image. Make it.
* Something else unusual. A different size, a custom shape, special fold, die cut, your mission statement on the back, a creative title. The final touch that sets you apart from the others -- especially the competition.
* Ask opinions before you go to press. Get the opinion of your friends, customers, prospects, and people you respect. Let them give you information and feedback. Don't let them make your decisions. In the end -- go with your gut feeling.
Just add money and presto! Know approximate costs before you begin. Get estimates in writing from everyone, or you may be in for a mild (or wild) billing shock.
Beware of the 5.5 pitfalls. Don't do this to your card.
1. Don't do thermo graphic cards. (Type of printing process) It feels cheap and cards stick together in your wallet.
2. Don't be in a hurry. If you can't wait a few days or a week for your card, something's wrong. Makeshift a few to get by, and wait for a masterpiece. I've never seen a good "rush job."
3. Don't try to tell the history of your business on the card. Less is more.
4. Don't let your printer be your designer. It's like going to a drug store for brain surgery. First hire a great designer, then find a great printer.
5. Don't try to save money by cutting corners. You don't spend money on business cards, you invest in the image of you and your business. What's that worth?
5.5 Don't ever say "That's good enough." Developing that attitude will lead you to mediocrity and no further.
A few more points to ponder...
* A new card for an existing business can be a business facelift. New, better, revitalized, up one notch.
* You may need more than one card. Revolutionize the cold call with a hot card. Have a special card just for cold calls or trade shows.
* The quality of your business card reflects the quality of your image after you leave a prospect's office. Make it a top quality, lasting impression.
* The investment you make in cards is not just paper and ink. That's the smallest portion. You're investing in creativity, expertise, and craftsmanship.
Picture this...your biggest prospect mulling over the decision to select you or your biggest competitor. He's fondling your card and your competitor's card. Look at your card -- would you pick you?
When you hand your card to someone, you only want to hear three words:
Wow, great card!
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