I love it when Publici-Tea™ guests take time to share the success they have once they make the decision to get into action on their DIY publicity plans. Today I received an email from Debbie Whitlock, president of Sound Financial Partners, about her DIY publicity placements since attending her Publici-Tea™ Half-Day Workshop in April of 2008.
So after I took your Publici-Tea™ in April, I was inspired to ‘get it done.’ I left our class and went home that weekend, worked on a short and long bio – got my high resolution head shots and gathered some awards I had recently received and TADA I was ready to work on my do it yourself media campaign. Then Monday came and I had client meetings, and there were technical issues at the office and my good intentions were put on the back burner. Then you sent a gentle nudge ‘here’s a reporter looking to speak to someone like you.’ So, I took the plunge, crafted a brief yet interesting reply to the reporter’s inquiry, replied promptly to the request for an interview and TADA I was in print. Alright, that worked – so let’s see if I can find one on my own – through Help A Reporter I saw a journalist working on a piece I knew a lot about and felt I could add value to her story. Crafted the reply, was flexible to her schedule for the interview and TADA I was in print in an online trade publication. OK, this is really working – these two successes inspired me to go back to my Publici-Tea™ notebook and see what other ‘low hanging media fruit’ I might find. At the same time a colleague of mine who had also taken a Publici-Tea™ class called to tell me she was that week’s feature in the Seattle Times My First Job section. Wait a minute, I could do that. I read through a few, crafted my story and hit ‘send.’ About two weeks later I received an email from the editor saying I would be featured within the next two weeks – if I could get a high resolution picture to her. I was able to get back to her immediately and TADA was featured within a week and have enjoyed great phone calls and emails from colleagues, clients and friends this past week.
I now have a monthly audio-ezine that launches this month, have given my first radio interview for Blogtalkradio and now host my own internet television program. I have been a little busy with my media since we first met, and I credit your ideas for giving me the sparks I needed to make it all happen. It really isn’t necessary to hit the Today Show or MSNBC or CNBC to get noticed. I am getting good ink in my own backyard and beyond (the last interview a colleague of mine in another state saw – and called and said ‘how’d you do that?’ My reply, ‘It was easy.’)
So Nancy thank you again, it REALLY is that easy. I haven’t created another full time job for myself – I spend a brief window of time twice a day looking for opportunities where I can be a resource – if I find one I carve out a few minutes and throw the pitch into the park. Because I took the time to be prepared, ‘when the reporter comes knocking’ I have enjoyed some very nice do it yourself publicity and anticipate I will continue to have more success with greater ease. Keep doing what you do.
Best regards,
Debb
With emails like this coming in, sometimes daily, is it any wonder that I have so much enthusiasm for hosting Publici-Tea™ events and sharing the Authentic Visibility Publicity e-Toolkit with buzz seeking business owners with great stories to tell? The next events are slated for August 15 in Tacoma and September 12 in Bellevue. Will you be in the room? I hope so! And, if you can’t make it, you can purchase the e-Toolkit between now and August 14 for just $57 AND the first 15 people to buy also get a 15-minute DIY publicity coaching call with me as a special bonus. There is a lot of value to be enjoyed during this call, so treat yourself to the e-Toolkit today and experience that value for yourself. Great rewards are waiting.
