The Publicity Hound’s Blog  

Norman Lieberman of Aliso Viejo, California, asks:

“You know how uncomfortable it is for most people to ask for a pay raise and how they end up being underpaid? I coach people in what to specifically do and say that will easily and quickly get them the biggest raise possible. However, even though most people want more money, they won’t pay for assistance on how to get it.

“I have been published in a highly regarded general circulation newspaper, interviewed on radio shows, paid for Google adwords, give out free articles on my website at but still the response is very slow. Over the years, I have helped hundreds of people receive raises of up to 30 percent for the same job title, or gotten them a promotion. My publicity efforts to drum up clients is dismal.

“Have I picked the wrong niche? I try to funnel people into my coaching by offering a $20 special report on my subject. It’s a very detailed and helpful report, yet the report and coaching aren’t turning heads. I need the great help of your Publicity Hounds, please.”

Posted In: Business Promotion
posted On: 8/30/2005: 11:04 pm: By Joan
Comments: 5 Comments

Publicity Hound John Faisandier of Karori in New Zealand writes:

“I would love a few tips to help with a small business I have. We have two training rooms for hire by corporate and community groups in central Wellington. Mostly we want to increase our business for Monday-to-Friday hire, but also weekend hire.

“The rooms are quite large, with new carpet and paint. They have natural light and the catering is from a very nice restaurant nearby. We have been going for one year and want to increase our occupancy rate.

“We did a post office box drop through the whole city when we first opened and have the usual Yellow Pages advertisement. We have a website and folders with the relevant information for people who enquire. Can any Hounds help us in getting our name out there in the marketplace?”

The Publicity Hound says: This is an easy one. But Hounds tell me they have a much easier time solving somebody else’s publicity dilemma than they do their own. So all you Hounds who have trouble generating your own ideas, let’s help John fill up his calendar with bookings for these rooms.

Posted In: Business Promotion
posted On: 8/25/2005: 12:38 am: By Joan
Comments: 8 Comments

If you want to attend my workshop titled “Savvy Media Relations: How to Get FREE Print, Broadcast and Online Publicity” at the YWCA in Norfolk, Virginia on Tuesday, August 23, you can still register.

Having problems with the registration process? Those things happen. Just bring a check payable to The Publicity Hound for $79 and you’re in! And once you’re in, not only do you get more publicity ideas than you’ll ever be able to use, but you’ll get to sample my award-winning triple-chip chocolate chip cookies.

Posted In: General
posted On: 8/21/2005: 8:02 pm: By Joan
Comments: No Comments

Leslie James of New Britain, Connecticut asks:

“I sell Les Mess, organizing cards for kids ages 5-12, to help them help get their rooms and their houses organized and clutter-free. They shuffle the cards, pick one and do what’s on the card. Each card has a time limit. If you finish in time you get a prize. These organizing cards teach children to put things away, what to keep and what to toss. How can I sell more of these cards other than buying pay-per-click advertising? I need to get on national TV shows, but I do I contact the publicity department or do I contact the booker? (You can visit her website.)

Posted In: Business Promotion, Publicity on the Internet
posted On: 8/16/2005: 6:14 am: By Joan
Comments: 19 Comments

You have less than two months to pitch editors of holiday gift guides—those special sections in magazines and newspapers that feature products and services that would make great holiday gifts.

Getting your product mentioned in these guides is often far easier than convincing an editor to feature it in any other story or section. The Gift List, a subscription-based service, has done more than 600 hours of research to find the national magazines, regional magazines, the top 250 newspapers, top radio stations, major wire and news services and even national TV shows that feature products and services especially for the holidays.

Check out their pitching tips and demo, too.

Posted In: Business Promotion, Magazine Publicity, Newspaper Publicity
posted On: 8/13/2005: 5:29 am: By Joan
Comments: No Comments