1. Be reactive. If you notice the competition getting coverage, call the journalist who wrote about it and offer ideas for the next time she or he writes about your subject or expertise. Ask about future story ideas and if they have any pressing needs or working stories which you may be able to help them with.

2. Be proactive. If you can predict what your target media will be covering, you can help them by giving them the kind of stories they need. If you notice a recurring trend at certain times of year or seasons and you can address that trend either with a story or an event, your chances of getting coverage increase. For instance most companies plan their Breast Cancer Events and initiatives during October (Breast Cancer Month) when it has a greater chance of getting media attention.

3. And finally, keep your promises!  Submit your stories, articles and resources when you say you will. Better yet, be ahead of the deadlines and you will be a hero in the eyes and minds of the media. After all, you want that media coverage now, don’t you?

4. Media training by a local professional will help you learn how to develop a key message to deliver to the media. This is critical in learning how to act and what to say when talking with the media. This is especially important when you need to hold a press conference.

5. It’s important to create an effective media list.  You can build your list by visiting the media websites, reading print materials and calling the media for their list of journalists.

6. Enlist the help of media professionals to get tips on contacting the media, from writing a news advisory, a press release, a letter to the editor to writing an article about your event or project.

7. Sign up for your local radio station enewsletters. This will keep you in touch with their programming and you may find an opportunity to be a guest. I did this with Clear Channel South Florida and was able to get on the air and plug “National Get out of the Doghouse Day” when I sent them some feedback on a program they were doing. I sent a message to one of the DJ’s and the programming director with my comments and included the above and a link to my website in my signature file. They called and asked me to do an on-air interview! I have been back several times since.

8. Brainstorm ways to make your event eye-catching to attract the media. Sometimes the very holiday itself will attract the media and other times it will take more.

Make the media your friend… press releases are an excellent business promotion tool as long at it contains information that is newsworthy, and interesting enough that people will read it and visit your site. What is considered newsworthy? Have you recently expanded your product or services offerings or changed locations? Do you have a new product? Have you recently sponsoring a charity event? Have you or your company recently won an award? All of these are examples of “news” that you can use to get some free promotion for your business. My friend Ponn Sabra wrote an excellent book called “How to Create a Search Engine Optimized Press Release. Effective Use of PRWeb”. It’s a must-read if you want to make the most of your online press releases.
 

 Need some ideas to kick-start your marketing efforts. Check out Quirky Marketing Calendar ~ How to Use Zany and Non-traditional Holidays to Promote Your Business 365 Days a Year!

1.       Make it easy for journalists to cover your story.  Media professionals are often on a deadline and the easier you make their job, the more likely they are to return the favor by giving you exposure. 

2.       Do what your competition doesn’t. Most businesses just send a media release, cross their fingers and hope someone will pick it up and write about it.  Go beyond that by creating more value.  For example you could write a tip sheet to go with the release or even a list of Frequently Asked Questions (include brief answers, and leave just enough to whet their appetite and want to know more).  The whole point of getting the media to pick up the phone and call you … for the rest of the story.

3.       A picture is worth a thousand words – If you mail a release, include a photo – if you email it, include a link to photos.  A photo can tell the part of the story words alone cannot.

4.       Have a media page on your website devoted to information the media would be interested in such as other coverage you have received, current and past news releases, audio interviews, Q & A, photos and more.

5.       Contact magazines in your topic or interest area and see if they allow “outside contributions” from experts.  Ask about writer guidelines, deadlines, editorial calendars, etc. And be sure and send something! The first time I did this, I was pleasantly surprised by the results. I had no idea how to write a good article, but I did have marketing expertise.  The editor loved the ideas in my article and edited it to fit their needs (pretty much rewriting the article). Since then I have learned what they like and don’t like and have written for them on several occasions.

6.       Put your ego aside and be willing to learn. I believe the reason my very first article was even accepted was because of my willingness to learn their needs and take the advice the editor gave me.  Since then I have written articles for hundreds of magazines, newspapers and newsletters. 

7.       Be professional. I mentioned that the first article I wrote was rewritten. The article was grammatically correct, however, the thoughts did not flow well, until it was rewritten.

8.       Make sure you are targeting the appropriate audience. Don’t do what I have done; write just for the sake of writing. While it’s good to hone the skill, it isn’t good for building relationships. You don’t want to waste the time of the journalists you are targeting by sending them things that don’t fit their needs or their target audience. Get to know the media you plan to target. Find out what they want and need most and fill that need.  If you don’t know, ask them.

Check out Heidi’s  special report: How to Increase Your Odds of Media Success

Need some ideas to kick-start your marketing efforts. Check out Quirky Marketing Calendar ~ How to Use Zany and Non-traditional Holidays to Promote Your Business 365 Days a Year!

The truth is that names do not generate clients.  Marketing generates clients – and WORK generates clients.  Even if you have to give your work away – keep working.  I don’t mean to de-value yourself or your product – but do stay in front of your client base.  Offer to give free seminars and webinars to anyone who will let you.  If you’re an accountant, go in to your local high school and talk about the impact of learning to save and budget before heading off to college.  If you’re a cook, lecture at the local women’s organization on 20-minute meals (a life-saver for working moms).  And you know what?  It will be amazing how this kind of networking turns into clients and cash.

Okay, the final word on this is that yes, it matters if you call yourself WOW for Women or Women looking for the WOW.  But if you don’t fill whatever your sites are with amazing content, you can simply call us LATER.  The best names don’t matter without the best stuff. 

That’s it from me!  Write on fellow female entrepreneurs – write on!  And happy holidays.

Mary Agnes Antonopoulos, Freelance Writer and Social Media Trainer ~ www.RockawayWriter.com

WE Magazine (Winter Edition) is offering a GREENER DECEMBER Savings of up to 75% off on all graphic ads through January 5, 2010!

In addition to being showcased in the digital magazine, your ad will be seen on the website.  That’s right. Every advertiser will have an opportunity to also submit up to 2 paragraphs of text and a button ad (125 X 125 pixels) that will be highlighted in a post between January 10 and March 15, 2010. It’s like getting 2 ads in one.

A full page ad (reg. $287) is now $87 – 10 inches high by 8 inches wide https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=10790310

A half page ad (reg. $177) now $57 – 5 inches high by 8 inches wide https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=10790346

Quarter page ad (reg. $97) now $37 – 5 inches high by 4 inches wide https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=10790357

Business card ad (reg. $57) now $27 – 2.5 inches high by 3.5 inches wide https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=10790368

To place your order,  click on the paypal link above for the size ad you want, pay for the ad and then send your ad copy (camera ready in either jpeg or gif format) to heidi (at) wemagazineforwomen dot com with “Here’s My AD for WE Magazine” in the subject line. As soon as we receive your payment and ad copy, we will  confirm your order.

Reserve your space NOW! As of December 28, 2009, we have only 3 full- page ads and 6 half-page ads left. Ads are accepted on a first come basis.  Once ad space is sold, ad link will no longer work.

If you have any questions send an email to heidi (at) wemagazineforwomen dot com.

Take advantage of this Business-building promotional opportunity TODAY!

Deadline for submission extended to January 5, 2010.

*Note: if you need help putting your graphics together, let us know. For as little as $50 we can design an ad for you.  To see samples of the ads we have created go to:  http://wemagazineforwomen.com/about/advertise/sample-ad-graphics/

 Check out the Fall Issue here (PDF) http://wemagazineforwomen.com/pdfs/fall2009.pdf

Recently I had to spend some time in a hospital waiting room. There were three tables with magazines and most were old and wrinkled. But two stood out for freshness and currency. The first thing I noticed was the subscription label for a local dentist. The label had his name and office and address. My first impression was “nice of him to supply magazines”. My second impression was “wow, what a marketer!”
This is one of those take-your-palm-and-slap-your-forehead and say “duh” moments. Why didn’t I think to offer a fresh supply of magazines to waiting rooms, like my dentist friend? Waiting rooms have potential customers who are captive readers!
Here’s a plan:
First, set a budget for subscriptions. Next, select magazines that compliment your business (but not freebee trade magazines). Have the magazines sent to you, at your business, so your name and address is on the label. Read them as they arrive quickly and carefully so as not to crinkle any pages or make them look “used”.
Take out the “lap cards”. A lap card is that pesky postcard thing that falls in your lap when you open a magazine.Tear out the ones that come with the magazine and insert two of your own. Not only do you get two stars for having your name on a reasonably current magazine in an office or waiting room, but your ad inside falls into the reader’s lap. What could be cooler than that?
The reader can take the card as a reminder, or put it back (most folks don’t throw those things away when reading someone else’s magazine, that’s why you still see them in two year old, worn out mags).
Most waiting rooms and offices will be happy to have you supply current magazines. Keep the custom lap card info to yourself when offering.
Knowing the dentist I mentioned earlier, he probably has several offices that get his magazines on a regular schedule. And I bet when he sees this article, he will be the first to whip up a lap card with a special offer.
Make a few visits or calls to set up your distribution. Cook up a nifty offer and print some lap cards with your computer (use thin card stock just like the originals). When you deliver, pick up any of your magazines that have seen better days or ones that still look good but are way out of date. Your mission is to be current. always keeping your image fresh and sharp.
With this magazine marketing technique, you and your business can be creating a “wow” impression all over town.

BIG Mike is America’s Small Business Advertising Expert, Celebrated Author, Consultant and Speaker. There is a Special Report available that details how you can say NO and not worry about the consequences. Special Report – Say NO to Little Jimmie Get BIG Mike’s FREE White Paper ”The 7 Scary Secrets about Newspaper Advertising” @ http://sevenscarysecrets.info/  ©2009 BIG Mike McDaniel all rights reserved

Need more marketing ideas for your small business? Check out Quirky Marketing ~ 365 Ways to Promote Your Business Using Zany & Non-traditional Holidays Today!

I’m realizing that I really do need an intervention for my addiction. I didn’t think it would get so bad … really! However, I have to admit that I’m hooked on the newest ‘crack’. Sadly for you, if you’re not careful, you might end up like me shaking and shivering for your next hit. Beware, because the newest crack house is probably in a five-mile radius of everyone reading this.

~I’m now standing up sheepishly before you~

Hi, My name is Simone and I’m addicted to Starbucks.

I realize that I’m not the only one with this affliction. There’s a Starbucks near my house and my favorite couch to sit on faces the window where I sometimes see people picking up their drinks from the drive through. (I know, drive-through Starbucks, how lazy are we America? Yet, I digress.) I just started to observe the look of absolute delight on people’s faces as they drove away licking their whip cream and double drizzle off of their caffeine concoction. Mind you, they were barely looking at the road ahead of them. Or even better, why not bring the whole family to the crack house with you and get them started young? I see folks skip in with an entire family from a five year old, teenagers, to the parents … all seeking that sweet ‘drug’ to soothe their aching taste buds.

I had to snicker to myself when I watched the look of joy on their faces after the barista handed them their warm cup. It made me think, is that how I look when they hand me my hot chocolate? (I hate coffee.) I always ask myself, what the hell do they put in this stuff? Why are we like little kids obsessed as if the Mr. Softee ice cream truck just came to town?

The other night, reality really hit me when one of my favorite barista’s at my Starbucks saw me and my husband come in at about 10 p.m., partly drooling.

She said in a strong Jersey accent, “Ah, you’re here for your late night fix, huh?”

Yes, even they knew they had the good stuff. LOL!

She started pumping chocolate into a cup with confidence, “Grande hot chocolate, no whip and a marble loaf, right?” How embarrassing. Was it true? I was a regular!

Well, after pondering my Starbucks addiction some more, I realized the people on their marketing team are freakin’ geniuses. I mean, yes … it’s good, but let’s face it, I can go to the supermarket, buy a box of Nestle Quick and still make a slammin’ cup of hot chocolate. It’s really not the hot chocolate or the coffee. It’s the experience … it’s the spirit of Starbucks. (Can you hear the jazz playing in the background?) It’s the atmosphere, the sexy paint job of soothing earth tones, the velvet and leather couches, the hip writers, intellectuals, lovers, and cool music. (Depending of what time of day and location, of course.)

Now a $2.6 billion dollar business, they have built a solid reputation for giving back. I’d say that’s pretty good, considering this strong addiction puts a dent in many of our wallets. Starbucks ain’t cheap! I’ll give them credit … they know how to give back to their communities. High on social responsibility, they have earned the respect of many and that type of philanthropy is also great for marketing. One of Starbucks’ six guiding principles is “Contribute positively to our communities and our environment.”

They seem to take pretty good care of their staff as well. They’ve been most noted, even by Suzie Orman, as a great place to work if you need a side job with benefits. Although, she doesn’t advise you to break the bank going there daily! Starbucks was also voted among Fortune Magazine’s “100 Best Places to Work”.
My connection with Starbucks started over 10 years ago. During my days in Corporate America, I would rush in and out of a Starbucks during a quick break. Or I would use them as my regular “conference” rooms to meet with clients. (After work, of course … lol!) At the time, I have to admit it, I was a bit jealous. Oh hell, I DESPISED those people who seemed to be relaxing in Starbucks all day long on their laptops, closing deals on their cells, all while sipping a latte with their khakis and flip flops on. Why can’t I be like them I thought?

Wow, talk about a revelation … it all makes sense! Those ‘coffee shop consultants’ were one of my main inspirations to be free, to get cracking on my OWN business and face my fears. Those ‘coffee shop consultants’ with their relaxed vibe, made me want what they had, since I had to rush back and work for someone else. Granted, once I entered the world of entrepreneurship full-time, it’s not all lattes and flip flops. Many years of blood, sweat, tears, and many mistakes is what you have to go through. However, if it’s really meant for you to do it, believe me you’ll know, you’ll feel the passion, and you’ll love every minute of the good and the bad of being your own boss.

So, maybe there isn’t a little ‘something, something’ mixed in with the sugar of my hot cocoa. I now see why Starbucks has such an emotional tug on my heart and purse. I guess I have them to thank for a little bit of motivation, since now I’ve become that very person I DESPISED … sippin’ a hot chocolate, closing deals on my cell, rocking flip flops, khakis, and a smile.

THANK YOU, STARBUCKS, I’LL MISS YOU SO…

P.S. At the time of writing, I’ve gone cold turkey for six days from my hot chocolate runs. Please, pray for me…

Simone Kelly-Brown is CEO of Own Your Power Communications, a company dedicated to personal growth and business development. She is also the Business Writer for WE Magazine for Women. simone can be found online at www.ownyourpower.biz

Here’s the scoop:

FRIDAY, January 16, 2009 ~ Using Social Media to Grow Your Business with Debbie Weil, Author of highly acclaimed “The Corporate Blogging Book”

1 PM EST ~ Debbie Weil is a corporate & CEO blogging and social media consultant and sought-after speaker based in Washington DC. Her clients include Global 100 and Fortune 500 companies. She is the author of the widely praised The Corporate Blogging Book published in the U.S. by Penguin Portfolio, and also in Italian, Mandarin Chinese and a UK edition. She has written BlogWriteForCEOs, a leading blog on social media marketing, since 2003. To learn more about Debbie, visit her online at www.debbieweil.com. In this session, Debbie will talk about blogging and other social media and how you can leverage it to grow your business.  

To RSVP for this complimentary session, send a message to Heidi (at) wecai.org with “Social Media Session” in the subject line

 Wednesday, January 21, 2009 ~ Mind Your Multicultural Manners with Lisa Finan

11 AM EST ~  Lisa La Valle-Finan is the Creative Director of getGlobalized, An intercultural communication agency based in the New York/New Jersey metro area.  As an intercultural specialist and writer, she is constantly developing ways to create a better understanding of people in diverse environments by emphasizing the importance of manners and cross-cultural understanding. Currently creates customized, cross-cultural competency workshops to facilitate cultural immersion and sensitivity. Highly researched and well-produced materials include workbooks, activities, PowerPoint, and lectures for a thoroughly engaging cultural experience about international and intra-office business, general travel, relocation, ex-pat and country briefs.  Learn more about Lisa and her company at www.getGlobalized.org

To RSVP for this complimentary session, send a message to Heidi (at) wecai.org with “Mind Your Manners” in the subject line.

* Wednesday, January 21, 2009 ~ ViralKungFu: Is your business in the game? The future of Internet Marketing with J. B. Glossinger

1 PM EST ~ J. B. Glossinger is the founder of MorningCoach.com, an online community that has quickly blossomed into the world’s largest personal development Website. From Argentina to Zimbabwe, loyal listeners in more than 80 countries tune in daily to hear his podcast, skyrocketing it to the top spot on iTunes Health. In addition to his work on MorningCoach.com, J.B. also founded the innovative media-marketing firm ViralKungFu, Inc., a company specializing in social and traditional media. JB is a personal development coach, a well-regarded keynote speaker and the author of Get Out Of Neutral. He has an MBA and a PhD in Metaphysics.  You can no longer rely only on your traditional marketing plan. The Internet continues to explode with new and proven methods to target your market. If you want to continue to attract and retain customers, you need to have an effective Internet marketing strategy. During this interview, J. B will show you how to lay a strong foundation for your Internet marketing plan and more.

This session is EXCLUSIVE for Charter and Lifetime Members.  If you are interested in attending, send a message to Heidi (at) wecai.org with “Viral Kung Fu” in the subject line.

10 AM Eastern ~ How to Live the Good Life on Zero Cash with Simone Kelly-Brown CEO of Own Your Power Communications, a company dedicated to personal growth and business development www.ownyourpower.biz. In this session Simone will discuss how to Leverage Bartering in Today’s Economy including when it’s appropriate to barter, things you have readily available that you can use to barter for those things you want and more. Heidi heard Simone’s program at the Own Your Power Retreat in Miami in September and that very week created her very own barter opportunity saving her hundreds of dollars. We are delighted to bring Simone to you so you too can learn How to Live the Good Life on Zero Cash.

11 AM Eastern ~ ”How to Create a Follow-up System to Save You Time AND Grow Your Business” featuring Heidi Caswell and Heidi Richards Mooney (The Follow-Up Divas).

In this teleseminar, the Follow-Up Divas will talk about the importance of staying in touch with your clients, and how to effectively follow up with them without spending a lot of money. They will talk about a variety of stay in touch mechanisms such as email, telephone and greeting/postcard and other direct marketing ideas. You will learn new strategies for following up with leads that can save you time and money and create loyal customers and clients for life.

5PM Eastern ~ How to Create an Effective One-page eCommerce Website with Ginger Marks Founder of Documeant Designs www.DocUmeantDesigns.com. In this session, Ginger will discuss the steps necessary to create an effective one-page website, The type of questions we need to ask, and what we need to do to prepare to work with a designer. What information we need to provide, etc. Should we have a contract? All this and more. Ginger is the creator of the Grow a Million Dollar Business Sales pages ~ she did such a fantastic job, Heidi had to share the experience with our members.

To RSVP for any or all of these sessions, send a message to Heidi@wecai.org with 1st Fridayz™ in the subject line.

Note: Elite and Lifetime Members of the Women’s eCommerce Association receive access to the audio files of all these events (pre-registration required). Everyone who registers for Ed Peters’ event will also receive access to the audio files.

 Would you like to know the “secrets” to transform your business from a small business endeavor to a multi-million enterprise?

Do you want to achieve financial freedom and peace of mind?

Some of the largest companies in the world today started as small one-person businesses in their home office, garage or the back room of another business. 

Did you know there are common elements that most millionaire business owners share?

The reason for the phenomenal success of many firms hinges on common elements that reveal the secrets of business growth.  These businesses “made it” because they had 3 things in common.  The right product offerings, impressive marketing savvy and solid management skills. 

Join us for our first event of the season ~ How to Grow a Million Dollar Business Summit ~ September 18-20, 2008

When you join us for the Grow a Million Dollar Business Summit you have the chance to meet and learn from some of the leading experts on wealth creation and management to get YOUR BUSINESS on the path to building a million-dollar enterprise. 

Our Mission is to “Empower You to Achieve and Exceed Your Financial Goals”

Here is the lineup of Star-studded Speakers who want to help you reach (and even exceed) your financial goals:

Tom Antion, President of Great Internet Marketing ~ From Small Town Kid to Internet Multi-Millionaire

Loral Langemeier, The Millionaire Maker ~ Building Leading & Protecting Your Business

Andrea Nierenberg, President The Nierenberg Group ~ Million Dollar Networking: The Sure Way to Find, Grow and Keep Your Busines

Kim Lavine, Inventor and Author of Mommy Millionaire ~ How to Build an Empire from Your Kitchen Table

Margaret May Damen, Founder of Institute for Women and Wealth ~ Be the ECO of your Philanthropic Plan: Give Meaning to your Money

Nicola Cairncross, President - The Money Gym ~ How to GROW a Million Dollar Business with a Wealth Mentor

Annie Jennings of Annie Jennings PR ~ The Mindset, Making & Marketing Of The Million Dollar Expert

Heather Juma of Wealth, Success and Women ~ How to Become a Millionaire Diva: Helping Women Create Riches in all Aspects of Their Lives

Elizabeth Gordon, Author of The Chic Entrepreneur ~ How to Grow a Million Dollar Business, The Chic Entrepreneur Way

Joyce Bone, Founder of Millionaire Moms ~ How Millionaire Moms Achieved Financial Independence ~ and You Can Too!

Melanie Benson Strick, Entrepreneur Success Coach ~ How to Build a 6- and 7 Figure Business Using the Power of Virtual Teams

Chris Ramey President, Affluent Insights ~ How to Market to the Affluent

Diane Keohohou, CEO - Direct Selling Women’s Alliance ~ How to Grow a Million Dollar Direct Sales Organization

Marilyn Jenett of Feel Free to Prosper ~  How I Attract Million Dollar Clients Using Prosperity Principles - and You Can Too!

Sheri McConnell, CEO of Sheri McConnell Companies, Inc. ~ Why Creating a Membership Based-Business Is So Smart – The Millionaire’s Business Model

And MORE!

Read about the Speakers, learn more about the Program Topics and REGISTER for the event.

Read Testimonials of Past Events!

If you want to feel Empowered, Inspired and Enlightened, join us September 18-20, 2008!