Business Tips | Lisa Elia PR

Before you hit SEND, Choose Your Communication Method Wisely

April 20, 2012 By Lisa Elia 4 Comments

Have you ever received an angry response to an email you intended to be neutral or even nice? Or, have you sent a text thinking it would be quicker than a phone call or email, but what resulted was an hour of thumbing messages back and forth. A colleague called me a couple of weeks ago and she was distraught because a client had let her firm go after receiving an email that she’d sent. Apparently, this client was demanding more of her and her firm than they were contracted to receive, so … [Read more...]

Free News Wires

February 15, 2012 By Lisa Elia 9 Comments

One question I get a lot is, “what do I do with my press release once I have written it?” One of the first things I recommend doing is to post your press release on a very effective news wire, such as Marketwire or PR Newswire. You can also post your news release on many of the free news wires. I’ve created a list for you below. Have you distributed your press releases on any free sites or paid sites? If so, I'd love for you to share your experiences below. Or, if you haven't what's … [Read more...]

How to Handle Requests for Free Consultations

January 23, 2012 By Lisa Elia 204 Comments

Do you ever receive those calls or emails from people who say, “I just want to pick your brain about...”? Just the phraseology is a bit invasive, isn’t it? Really, who wants someone picking their brain? Sometimes people dress up these requests with an offer for lunch or dinner or something else, so before you agree to a meeting, be sure you know what you’re going to discuss at your meeting. If you’re a coach or service provider, when someone wants to pick your brain, essentially … [Read more...]

The 5 Ws of Your New Year

December 27, 2011 By Lisa Elia Leave a Comment

You have probably heard that when writing a press release, you should start with the “who, what, where, when, why (and sometimes how)” of your story. These are often referred to as “the 5 Ws”. What if you start your new year the same way? I’ve written a list of questions that will help you create “The 5 Ws of Your New Year”. Get yourself into a quiet place, grab a pen or keyboard and let your imagination and dreams guide your answers to these questions: 1. Who will … [Read more...]

Bring Out the Bling in Your Business

December 21, 2011 By Lisa Elia 6 Comments

DON’T BURY YOUR GOLD: As you work in a specific field for any number of years, it’s easy to take for granted all the golden nuggets of information you’ve accumulated over the years. Don’t assume that others know everything you know. Many people need the information and products you have to share and they will pay well for them. Put your golden nuggets out there for the world see! STRING YOUR PEARLS: A single pearl is beautiful, but when you string them together you … [Read more...]

Giant Leap or Baby Steps…Use the STAR Method to Decide

December 14, 2011 By Lisa Elia Leave a Comment

There are so many messages going around about how you MUST take giant leaps in your business, but I don’t necessarily agree that this is the truth for everyone, at all times. Sometimes, in certain areas of your business giant leaps are necessary, whereas in other areas you may need to take baby steps at this moment. I created The STAR Method™ because many people ask my advice about what to do when and where they should focus their energies. You can use The STAR Method™ for making … [Read more...]

Success Is in the Details: Are You Managing Yours Well?

December 9, 2011 By Lisa Elia Leave a Comment

This is the time of year when some people start to pull back and relax a bit, while others are planning for a successful 2012. A great strategy, with specific action steps, is what leads to success. Mindset and goal setting alone won’t do it: you need to take the right ACTIONS with the right mindset to achieve success in business. There are so many people talking about how to achieve success and how to market, but I find that a lot of people need help organizing all the information and … [Read more...]

The Power of the Press

September 20, 2011 By Lisa Elia Leave a Comment

I've been thinking about what I can share with you that will best help you achieve the level of success and visibility you're seeking. I was looking through the blog posts I've already written to see what was missing, and I found the hole: I hadn't shared with you my Power of the Press recording. It's PACKED with information and strategies you can use now! [audio:http://lisaeliapr.audioacrobat.com/download/3fa8b7d3-a562-489d-1e5a-9c4bbd647209.mp3] To download this recording … [Read more...]

Closing the Gap Between Today’s TO DO List and the Future YOU!

September 14, 2011 By Lisa Elia Leave a Comment

Do you go back and forth between going about your daily activities and focusing on the vision for your future? Does it sometimes feel like there's a gap between the two? I first became aware of very conscious visualization, in my late 20s. I know that I had visualized many things that became a reality before then, but it was when I read Shakti Gawain's "Creative Visualization" that I was able to harness the power of visualization to create very specific outcomes. When I work with … [Read more...]

Crisis Communications as Part of Your Public Relations Plan

August 3, 2011 By Lisa Elia Leave a Comment

Hopefully, you will not need to use this information, but it’s good to know what to do if a crisis arises. If you’re a service provider, crises can arise from several situations, including being discredited publicly, a verbal misunderstanding or use of a poor choice of words. If you produce a product, crises can arise from a fault in your product, problems with distribution or questionable manufacturing procedures, among other things. These things can happen to individuals or companies of … [Read more...]

Do you do what you tell your clients to do? Why I’m finally doing more PR for myself.

July 8, 2011 By Lisa Elia Leave a Comment

Do you do what you tell your clients to do? Listen to this recording to find out why it’s so important. [audio:http://lisaeliapr.audioacrobat.com/download/aa686a3a-c15e-9e21-ac0f-5bfb8fc66d57.mp3] Or CLICK HERE to Download the recording to your computer. Although we submit information in response to media queries on a daily basis for our clients, two days ago I finally started submitting some of my information and ideas to queries I found on HARO (www.helpareporter.com) and … [Read more...]

10-Day Communication Clean-Up

June 6, 2011 By Lisa Elia Leave a Comment

The 10-Day Communication Clean-Up: A Challenge How you communicate affects EVERYTHING! It affects how you’re perceived, who you attract (or repel), which opportunities come to you and which ones elude you. Most importantly, it affects how you feel about yourself. I propose a 10-Day Communication Clean-Up! It’s very simple. I’ve given you 10 exercises below. On day one, you focus on eliminating one counterproductive communication habit. On day two, you focus on eliminating a second … [Read more...]

What is AP Style and Why Should You Care?

May 27, 2011 By Lisa Elia Leave a Comment

If you’re writing press releases or even if you are having them written for you, it’s important to know what Associated Press Style is because it will save you many PR hours and/or dollars. Associated Press Style is the media industry standard for journalistic style. Adhering to this style will make members of the media take you seriously, and it will make it easier for editors to publish your release immediately, and you ALWAYS want to make their job as easy as possible. First, … [Read more...]

The 5 Ms of Business Success

May 16, 2011 By Lisa Elia Leave a Comment

Over the years, I’ve studied what has made some people multi-millionaires or billionaires. I’ve also reflected on how I started my own business with a few hundred dollars of start-up capital and built it into the thriving business it is today, and what is making the difference in getting us from a multiple six-figure company to one that will bring in seven figures this year. This is how I created the 5 Ms of Business Success. This is a simple explanation of it, and there’s much more to … [Read more...]

How to Make Good Decisions Quickly

April 26, 2011 By Lisa Elia 2 Comments

Our lives are, for the most part, the result of our decisions. Perhaps this is why so many people seem to have great difficulty making even the smallest decision. Have you sat across from someone who’s spent 20 minutes going over a dinner menu, trying to decide what to have, talking about the calorie count or their cravings or why they should or shouldn’t order this or that? Most people who have achieved great success will tell you that the ability to make good decisions quickly is a key … [Read more...]

10 Things to Do to Become a Trusted Expert and Thought Leader

April 19, 2011 By Lisa Elia 2 Comments

1. Educate yourself. Even if you hold an advanced degree in your field, there is always more to learn in your own field and in other arenas that will help you become more creative and resourceful. This will automatically spill into your communications. 2. Get the facts. Add facts and figures to some of your articles to substantiate your opinions, but only include information from reputable, high-level sources, such as top universities, research institutions or government agencies that … [Read more...]

The Guru in Your Gut

April 5, 2011 By Lisa Elia Leave a Comment

Many of us turn to mentors, coaches, authors, experts and teachers when we need to make decisions. This can be empowering and allow us to draw upon the brainpower of those with superior experience or skills. The thing we want to avoid is blindly following anyone. Have you ever heard someone recite to you verbatim what their guru says about just about everything? While consulting others can bring us perspective, wisdom and objectivity, don’t forget about “the Guru in Your Gut.” The gut … [Read more...]

The ROI of Everything You Do

March 28, 2011 By Lisa Elia Leave a Comment

Do you know the ROI of everything you do? Yes, I said “ROI”…and “everything.” If you don’t know the return on investment (or ROI) of everything you do, you’re probably making the most costly mistake most business owners make and holding yourself back from the success you want and deserve! If you’re a business owner, or even if you work for someone else, you should know the value of your time so you can determine not only WHAT to spend your time on, but HOW MUCH TIME you … [Read more...]

Do People Get You?

March 14, 2011 By Lisa Elia Leave a Comment

Do people “get you?” People often tell me that people just don’t get them. Generally, I think this means they haven’t communicated clearly enough who they are, why they’re here and what they have to offer. It comes down to messaging. I created a free report on Messaging and Media Training from a Pro, in which I give you advice and tips I’ve developed in my more than 20 years in PR. Some of my techniques were also developed from my studies with great acting teachers. If you’d like … [Read more...]

Referral Sources Can Be the Key to Exponential Growth

January 3, 2011 By Lisa Elia Leave a Comment

One of the ways to control your business more quickly is to tap into the power of good referral sources. In my own business, I can trace back hundreds of thousands of dollars I earned over the years to just a few people who have referred me business. I recorded a message for you about this topic about how you can foster relationships with your referral sources and make getting new business a lot easier. Listen by clicking on the audio player … [Read more...]

Three Things You Need in Order to Have REAL Influence

December 8, 2010 By Lisa Elia Leave a Comment

What does it take to have REAL influence? If you really want to change the world, you have to make YOUR world bigger. Are you someone who’s passionate about your purpose and sharing your message to help lots of people? Would you like to start a movement and affect the world in a greater way? What will be your legacy? There are three things that will help you have REAL influence and make a big impact on the world: Create clear, concise messaging that meets people where they … [Read more...]

What’s your stopping point?

November 22, 2010 By Lisa Elia Leave a Comment

Many people have a point where they just stop! They stop putting themselves out there, stop following up, stop doing their part to follow the strategic plan that was created to get them to where they want to go, or stop listening to their inner guidance. This can happen when things get tough or when people don’t see immediate results, even if their expectations are unrealistic. Or, perhaps they stop when they are confronted with the reality of becoming more public and face more responsibility … [Read more...]

One magazine contest brought my client more than 5,000 new subscribers

October 28, 2010 By Lisa Elia Leave a Comment

Can you believe that one magazine contest brought my client more than 5,000 new subscribers in only three days? Want to hear how it happened? We arranged to have one of our client’s products in Woman’s World Magazine for a reader giveaway. All she had to do is provide 3 necklaces (pictured below) and post a registration box on her web site. Because people had to register on our client’s web site to enter the contest to win one of the necklaces, she had more than 5,000 new … [Read more...]

How to Position Yourself for BIG Deals

October 22, 2010 By Lisa Elia Leave a Comment

People often ask me how some of my clients were able to land great high-level opportunities, like book deals with paid advances, video deals, their own TV shows or recurring segments, sponsorships and more. Much of it comes with positioning and preparation. I’ve created a brief audio recording with some tips to help you get started in positioning yourself for these types of opportunities that not only increase your visibility and help you spread your message, but can also bring you great … [Read more...]

Branding Consistency

February 5, 2010 By Lisa Elia Leave a Comment

You may have noticed that the masthead at the top of this e-mail looks a bit different. The reason for that is that I’ve decided to consolidate my branding. When I first decided to create my Secrets of PR Success Course and my PR coaching programs, I somehow thought I needed to do it under a different brand than Lisa Elia Public Relations, the full-service PR company I’ve had for most of the 14 years that I’ve lived in LA. So, I created The CLEAR Publicist around the word “CLEAR,” … [Read more...]

Committing to Your Word and Yourself

January 20, 2010 By Lisa Elia 2 Comments

Much is said about committing to your word in business. It’s always been important and has become increasingly so in today’s transparent world, where people have been fired for calling in sick while simultaneously being seen partying in photos on Facebook. While most of want to keep our word every day, we sometimes set ourselves up for failure by promising too much, too soon. When working with the media or clients, your word is everything! Here are some ways you can help yourself live … [Read more...]

Are You Experienced?

August 3, 2009 By Lisa Elia Leave a Comment

This question can be interpreted a myriad of ways. To classic rock fans, it’s a reminder of the name of an amazing Jimi Hendrix album and song. To young job seekers, it’s a question they’d usually rather avoid. To you, the entrepreneur, “Are you experienced?” is a question to ask yourself when looking at your web site and your manner of conducting business. Since I’ve mentioned Jimi Hendrix, I’ll use him as an example of someone who gave his fans an experience. He provided … [Read more...]

Prepare, Polish & Prosper

June 2, 2009 By Lisa Elia Leave a Comment

Before you make any presentation, whether it’s on the phone, in person or via Skype, the best thing you can do is to prepare yourself. Once you’ve prepared your presentation, polish it, refine it and rehearse it again. Great presentations lead to sales, joint partnerships and prosperity! 1. Establish your goal. Think about your reason for making this presentation. For example: Are you trying to establish a connection with a new person or group of people who could become clients, … [Read more...]

Do You Have The Tools You Need?

May 28, 2009 By Lisa Elia Leave a Comment

I had a computer problem a few days ago. I knew what the problem was, only because my magical tech guy had helped me identify this same problem in the past. So, I went to my cupboard and took out my super-mini tool kit that’s filled with doll-sized screwdrivers. I opened the bottom of my computer and re-seated the hard drive. As someone who’s not very mechanically inclined, I was quite pleased with myself, not only because I knew what to do, but because I had the right tools to do it. As … [Read more...]

How Strong Is Your Foundation?

May 26, 2009 By Lisa Elia 2 Comments

Core strategies and structures can speed up your success and save you bundles. Solid, successful businesses and solopreneur ventures are built on a strong foundation with good planning. This does not mean you need to spend months creating a business plan. What it does mean is that you will speed up your success and save yourself bundles of money by planning certain elements of your business well from the beginning. Think about PR long before you think you need it. Generally, people … [Read more...]