Public Relations

Reportedly, Gore Vidal said, "Never miss a chance to have sex or appear on television."

And if that's not enough for you to increase your publicity efforts, Alan Corenk is quoted as saying, "Television is more interesting than people. If it were not, we would have people standing in the corners of our rooms."

But not all people like the spin doctors. Robert Fitzhenry said, "The art of publicity is a black art."

And you have to laugh at the lyrics to Jimmy Buffett's song "Public Relations" from his musical Don't Stop the Carnival:

Public Relations, Public Relations
Boozing and schmoozing, that's what I do
PR's my vocation
And I'm a sensation
Public relations
Such hullabaloo

I appreciate the talented PR folks who make my job easier. They are organized, responsive, easy to find when a problem pops up, and they don't push when I say, "This is just not a fit for our audience."

If you're hiring a PR professional, look for someone who responds to your calls and emails quickly, someone whose writing is free of mistakes, and someone who has nice manners. Those qualities will endear them to the reporters and producers to whom they're pitching your story.

Great Example of Following Up

Right after the entry about maintaining media interest, I received the following email from a guest we'd had on our talk show a few days earlier. It was such a perfect example, I asked Joel Zeff for permission to share it. Enjoy and learn!

Lorri:

Thank you again for the opportunity to be on your show last week. I had a wonderful time with you and Larry. It was a true pleasure to be on a show where the hosts actually have read the book.

I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the time on your show. More importantly, thank you for the support, help and for the entire wonderful experience. I wish you and Larry much success.

If I can ever help again, please let me know. I would be thrilled to have the opportunity to be a guest on a future show.

Here are some topics that I have discussed on other shows:

Staying positive and passionate during the job search.
Reducing stress and motivating employees during a difficult time (recession/merger/layoffs).
Dealing with a bad boss.
Managing your career through a recession.

I have attached two articles. The first article discusses reducing stress and motivating employees. The second article is about staying passionate during the job search.

I don’t have any Atlanta trips on my calendar right now, but I would be happy to do a phone interview.

Thank you again for everything. I look forward to receiving the DVD of my appearance.

Take care and continued success.

Joel