Before you hit SEND, Choose Your Communication Method Wisely

April 20, 2012 By 4 Comments
Miscommunication

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...]

How to Handle Requests for Free Consultations

January 23, 2012 By 204 Comments
Woman-looking-thoughtful-newsletter-1-23-12

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...]

Bring Out the Bling in Your Business

December 21, 2011 By 6 Comments
diamonds

  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...]

Getting Ready for Press: Why Everyone Needs Media Training

February 23, 2010 By Leave a Comment
On Air

Media training is one of my favorite things to do because I see how much more clearly and confidently my clients are when after even just one hour of work together. It’s also very gratifying to help people overcome fears about public speaking or speaking on camera and to know that this will open up many possibilities for them. Being great in an interview begins with knowing your messages inside and out. This does not mean you should have word-for-word answers prepared. It does, however, … [Read more...]

Does the Way You Talk About Yourself Help or Hinder You?

December 30, 2009 By 3 Comments
Woman looking over wall

Quite often we’re unaware of the little ways in which we tell people exactly what we think of ourselves. I’ve heard people say things like, “It’s been such a tough year; we’re really struggling,” or “Well, I have a little business I run out of my living room,” or “I’m just getting started so my business is really small.” First of all, just hearing yourself say those words aloud reinforces small, limited thinking and a self-image that isn’t as professional or successful … [Read more...]

Create an Online Press Room That the Media Will Love

December 18, 2009 By 2 Comments
Lisa Elia PR Media Outlet Placements

If you want press coverage, make it easy for the media to cover you by having a great online press room. Journalists, bloggers and TV and radio producers are very busy, especially now that many of the media outlets have reduced their staff, so the more you can supply them with the information they need at the click of a mouse, the more they’ll want to work with you. One of the best things you can do to help yourself and the media you’re trying to attract, is to have a great online press … [Read more...]

Prepare, Polish & Prosper

June 2, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Lisa Elia

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...]

How Strong Is Your Foundation?

May 26, 2009 By 2 Comments
sky

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...]

Does Your Elevator Pitch Need A Lift?

May 12, 2009 By Leave a Comment
elevator pitch

How’s your elevator pitch? You know… it’s that quick description of your company, project or services that you have to use every day to tell people who you are and what you do. Does yours do the job or does it fall flat? Maybe your elevator pitch could use a lift. Your elevator pitch is one of the most important message statements you will develop to reflect your brand, attract clients and strategic partners and communicate with the press. Here are some tips to help you create a … [Read more...]