Before you hit SEND, Choose Your Communication Method Wisely

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...]

Free News Wires

Press

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

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...]

Media Training Tips

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One of the things I’ve noticed lately is that people are becoming more aware of the need for media training. I think it’s because as more people begin to make their own videos they see that it’s not always as easy as it looks to deliver content in a smooth, engaging way. Add to this the pressure of being asked questions by an inquisitive reporter and you could have a nerve-racking situation. BUT, that doesn’t have to be the case. Like anything else you want to master, learning to … [Read more...]

The Power of the Press

mic

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...]

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

LisaElia-8-11

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

Lisa Elia Headshot

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?

reading magazines

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

5 Ms of Business Success

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

Crossroad on Hill

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

educate yourself

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

Young woman lying in grass with flowers

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

Your ROI

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?

Tracey Trottenberg

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...]

Avoid These Mistakes in TV, Radio or Print Interviews

camera with people in background

Many years ago, I had a client who INSISTED that she didn’t need media training because she had been interviewed by the press and had created some of her own promotional videos. When I booked her on an NBC segment, she was unaware that a second camera was on her while the interviewer spoke. What was caught on camera? My client looking down at the ground, looking disengaged. NOT GOOD! This is one of the reasons I now insist on media training my clients or at least doing a mock interview or two … [Read more...]

Three Things You Need in Order to Have REAL Influence

Woman looking successful

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?

tree with bench

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

Passionate Collector Womens World

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

Lisa In WhiteDress

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...]

Commit to the Moment for Great Interviews and Videos

Lisa Elia PR

There’s so much attention on “BEING IN THE MOMENT”. I think the REAL thing to do is to “COMMIT TO THE MOMENT.” Being in the moment sounds more passive than actually committing to the moment, which requires action and engagement. This is especially important when you’re in a media interview and you must be very focused and responsive. I created a brief audio message on this topic. Click on the audio player below to hear … [Read more...]

Media Tips from Meet the Media Day 2010 Panelists

Meet the Media Day Attendees

For those of you who attended, thank you for making Meet the Media Day 2010 a success. Everyone, including the press, commented on how fabulous everyone was–including all of the attendees. So many people asked us when our next event will be that we are already planning our next Meet the Media Day for Saturday, October 15, 2011. For those of you who weren’t there and missed the fabulous media panel, here are some of the things they shared: most of them want to be contacted by email … [Read more...]

10 Tips To Make The Media Love Working With You

microphone

1. Be polite and respectful. Remember that these editors, journalists and producers are paid to find stories that will interest their respective audiences. In essence, they are the experts on their particular media outlets. If they tell you your story is not right for their audience, believe them. This does not mean, however, that you can’t offer them another story unless they’ve told you that YOU are not right for their media outlet. 2. Know your message. You should be so clear on your … [Read more...]