American Way magazine searching for Road Warriors

American Way 9th Annual Road Warrior Contest coverAttention speakers, trainers, sales people or anyone who feels like they spend most of their life in an airplane.

You could be one of the winners of the 9th Annual Road Warriors Contest, sponsored by American Way, the inflight magazine of American Airlines.

The Grand Prize winner will take home 2 million Hilton Hhonors® Bonus Points, 1 million Aadvantage® bonus miles, and a $500 SkyMall gift card and get fabulous publicity in the magazine and on American Way’s website.

But it won’t be easy. The competition has three challenges.

Challenge 1:

Write an essay of 500-1,000 words.

“Whether you are climbing a mountain or climbing the ladder of success in the business world, the journey can be filled with challenges.  Describe in an essay your journey and what you see or expect to see once you reach the summit.  Your essay can either be literal (i.e., an adventure story), or figurative (i.e., your life as a Road Warrior and what it took to the reach the top of your game and find success).”

Challenge 2:

You’ll list the nine essential tools you would need in your backpack.

Challenge 3:

You’ll identify photos of 10 cities.

Bonus Challenge

In 25 words or less, explain what your cover blurb will say if you win this year’s Road Warrior contest.

Think about who within your company or organization travels a lot, and encourage them to apply.

If all of this sounds like way too much trouble, there are dozens of other ways to get publicity in inflight magazines, from submitting products for new products sections to writing an essay on a topic that would appeal to business and leisure travelers.



Employees, trying something new at work? Let columnist know

Are you trying something new at work?

Mildred L. Culp, who writes the syndicated column WorkWise, needs employees who are trying something that doesn’t involve software or social media.

If you’re a business owner, pitch your employee.  If you’re a publicist, pitch a client.

WorkWise is syndicated from The Miami Herald to Modesto (CA) Bee.  It uncovers emerging trends in the workplace.

Email Mildred at Workwise at comcast.net.

Help Texas border town promote itself despite violence nearby

Mexican dancers in colorful dressesNancy S. Millar, director of the convention and visitors bureau in McAllen, Texas, writes:

“I have a doozy. Our great little city in the southernmost part of Texas is on the border with Mexico, which is having terrible problems now with violence, though we’re fine on this side of the border. But that’s not what people are hearing.

“McAllen has a lot going for it. It was just ranked one of the top economies in the U.S. by the Brookings Institution. It’s right in the middle of the country’s Number One birding destination (the Rio Grande Valley). It’s a well-known winter destination because we’re so far south, and we have an active arts and entertainment culture with lots of Mexican influence.

“How can I turn this situation into something more positive—and do it with no budget? Thanks for any ideas your Hounds can share.”

Action Sports Hub needs articles

Action Sports Hub is looking for action sports enthusiasts who can write articles.

You can work you own hours from your home and at your own pace.

Email samples. Write to them at Action Sports Hub Inc., 7071 Warner Ave., Suite F-416 Huntington Beach, CA 92647.

If you’ve never written an article, see “How to Write How-to Articles.”

Wanted: Testers for my publicity tips newsletter

I’m looking for about 10 Publicity Hounds to test my newsletter, The Publicity Hound’s Tips of the Week, before I start distributing it through AWeber, my new list management company, next week.

If you’re on a Mac and you also use MacMail, Eudora or Entourage, I need you as part of my test group. What’s in it for you? Two free special reports of your choosing, a $20 value, if you help with the test. I’m looking for testers to receive the newsletter in HTML, not plain text.

Interested? Email Scott Buffaloe, my assistant, and he’ll get back to you with details.