Publicity | 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...]

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...]

Media Training Tips

November 11, 2011 By Lisa Elia Leave a Comment

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...]

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...]

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...]

Commit to the Moment for Great Interviews and Videos

September 2, 2010 By Lisa Elia Leave a Comment

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...]

Does Your Business Serve a Purpose Bigger Than Yourself? Plan for It!

June 30, 2010 By Lisa Elia 1 Comment

Does Your Business Serve a Purpose Bigger Than Yourself? Plan for It! Are you leaving a part of yourself out of your work? It’s so easy to compartmentalize our lives and to think, “This is who I am at work and this is who I am in my personal life, or this is what I do now and this is what I’ll do someday, when I have the time or money.” If you’re compartmentalizing yourself or leaving the things you REALLY want to do for SOME DAY, what effect is that having on your life? And, … [Read more...]

Why Press Releases Still Work: Inc. Magazine Found Me Through One

March 18, 2010 By Lisa Elia Leave a Comment

Want to know how a press release landed me an interview with Inc. Magazine? This is not me on the cover. (It’s a man, for starters.) Here’s what I did, and I can teach you how to do this, too! A few weeks ago, I wrote and distributed a press release announcing one of my free Ustream calls. You can read the article by clicking HERE. But let me break things down and explain WHY this press release attracted the attention of the media. 1. After opening with the news, which is the … [Read more...]

Getting Ready for Press: Why Everyone Needs Media Training

February 23, 2010 By Lisa Elia Leave a Comment

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...]

Inspiration, Web Trends of 2010 and Best Viral Videos

December 8, 2009 By Lisa Elia 2 Comments

I came across some videos that made me smile and some very valuable information about web trends for 2010. From CNN: Web Trends for 2010: In this great article that was posted on CNN.com, Pete Cashmore, founder and CEO of Mashable, The Social Networking Guide (www.mashable.com) talks about 2010 web trends. I think this is a must-read for anyone in business: http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/12/03/cashmore.web.trends.2010/ From Mashable The 10 Most Innovative Viral Video Ads of 2009 – … [Read more...]

Give Yourself a PR Check-Up

November 24, 2009 By Lisa Elia Leave a Comment

With the year coming to an end, now is the time to set yourself up for a strong leap into 2010, but you won’t know where you’re going until you know exactly where you are right now. So, I’ve created this PR Check-Up to help you assess your current situation so you can determine what you can do, where you need help from your team or others and what your next steps should be. 1. Is everyone on your staff/team well informed about the company you’re your offerings, pursuing the same goals … [Read more...]

Holding Events to Gain Publicity: Should You or Shouldn’t You?

August 20, 2009 By Lisa Elia Leave a Comment

People often believe that if they hold an event and promote it well, they’ll receive scads of publicity and many people will attend. This may or may not turn out to be true. Events can be a great way to introduce a hot, new product or service, create awareness for a cause or brand a company. However, some events can be costly and don’t produce the results people desire: I believe this is because they have not gained clarity on their goals for the event and analyzed whether it’s the best … [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...]

Are You Contracting or Expanding?

June 8, 2009 By Lisa Elia Leave a Comment

The recession is over. Are you still contracting when you should be expanding? When the recession hit, many people went into fear mode and they began contracting: they let their fear dictate their decisions. They stopped spending money on education or promotion or anything they thought wasn’t a necessity. Yet, these are the very things that can often help you succeed in any economy and even more so when you need an added advantage, such as during tough economic times. Now that the … [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...]

It All Begins With You: Are You Ready to Shine?

May 19, 2009 By Lisa Elia Leave a Comment

When people think of public relations, they often think of it being something outside of themselves, but it really begins within. It begins with you! Without you, the entrepreneur — the creator of your product, your service or your enterprise — there would be nothing to talk about or promote. It all began with your idea, your concept and your passion. This is the foundation of your PR campaign. Before you can decide how you want to relate to your publics, you have to get clear on your … [Read more...]

What a Little Bird Told Me

May 16, 2009 By Lisa Elia Leave a Comment

This photo is of a little bird that landed on our balcony and tweeted loudly enough to wake us up on our first morning in Waikiki, a few months ago. We opened the drapes and saw him looking at us, tweeting for food, we assumed. We gave him some bits of muffin and he quickly ate them. He came back the next day and he brought a friend. We fed them both. The next day there were four birds eating the muffin bits we put out for them. Apparently, the word was spreading: we were providing excellent … [Read more...]

Does Your Elevator Pitch Need A Lift?

May 12, 2009 By Lisa Elia Leave a Comment

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...]