Dear Friends,

One of the best ways to get publicity is to get rated or written about by a third party or "objective" source, someone who has nothing to gain by complimenting you. Today, you'll get resources where you can do just that. One of my clients, Dory Willer, President of Beacon Quest Coaching, (http://www.beaconquest.com) has been one of those sources for me. She's been a great "cheerleader." Several years ago she came to one of my seminars and has since made it her business to connect me to anyone she thinks will help me grow my Media Coaching & Marketing Strategic planning practice.

It's because of her that I spoke twice to the International Coaches Federation (ICF) and then took it upon myself to apply to speak at their national convention. Whether it's a reporter, a producer, or someone you met on a plane, cheerleaders are everywhere. Once you find yours be sure to cultivate them by keeping in touch and reciprocating in kind, or discovering ways that you can help them. This works the same on and off line. One of my clients who has a thriving company told me he has over 3000 online affiliates, but only 2 of them produce results. Cultivate those 2!

Warmly,
Susan

GET YOUR WEB SITE REVIEWED BY USA TODAY

HOT SITES "are picked and reviewed by Assistant Technology Editor A.S. Berman. They're selected because they appear newsworthy - we do not endorse them, nor the products or services they contain. For more information on how sites are selected, check out our FAQ. New sites appear here every weekday. A weekly roundup of reviews appears in print in USA TODAY's Life section on Thursdays."

Check out the details at:
http://www.usatoday.com/life/cyber/chinfo.htm then submit your site or someone you're "cheerleading" to: cyber@usatoday.com

HELP, MY SYSTEMS ARE DOWN!

Every day, I read about special offers online gone haywire because people's systems don't work. Whenever this happens, you lose credibility and cash. Many of you know how much I've gone through to get my business in order over the past few years. Even the simple things were not so simple when it came to taming technology. I needed someone with a big picture and small picture perspective. Luckily, I found a gem. He set up all my systems--computer network & broadband connection, newsletter server, e-commerce, credit card system, databases, and even my product fulfillment and accounting systems. Last week he surpassed expectations by creating my demo speaking video (it will be on-line shortly). If you're looking for an inexpensive, non-perfectionist, he isn't it. He doesn't have a lot of openings so I can't guarantee that he'll have time for you, but if you want the best all-around expert who will save you time and money contact him at: systems@broadscope.com.

POOR PRESS RELEASES MEAN POOR MEDIA COVERAGE

When you write a Press (or "News") Release the headline is the most important thing. Next is the opening paragraph. John Kremer, author of "1001 Ways to Market Your Books," has a news release critique service. Here's what he says, "I find that the greatest weakness of most news releases is the opening paragraph. In general, it doesn't hook the reader into the news release and, if it doesn't do that, it won't hook the reporter or editor either. If you want your news release to be printed, you have to create a zinger of an opening paragraph." Compare the following two leads . . . Original news release . . . "No saint has been satisfied with too 'nice' a relationship to God, and Regina Sara Ryan doesn't think you should be, either. Her new book, Praying Dangerously (October 2001), shares her lifetime of work in prayer as a nun, a spiritual pilgrim, and a theological professor." His rewrite . . .

"Have you ever wanted to tell God to go to hell? You can. Many saints have. In her new book, Praying Dangerously, Regina Sara Ryan shows you how to pray to get God's attention. More importantly, she shows how to get in touch with the raw divine, which is filled with passion, energy, and the essence of selfless love." Notice how the new lead hooks people in. It challenges people.

Kremer does news release critiques for $50. [MY NOTE: This is an incredible value! What many people don't realize is that a great press release often does the work of a publicist. It increases the chances of a reporter using it as is, or to spur a story idea.] Send the news release via email or fax. He will call you within a couple of days with a critique. Fax: 641-472-1560. Email JohnKremer@bookmarket.com

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY-THE MIAMI HERALD

Janine Warner is looking for examples of clicks and mortar businesses to feature in her column that are using the Web in smart or innovative ways. The column is designed for traditional business owners and managers, and features ways to make money, save money, or better serve clients and staff using the Internet. If you have a suggestion of a clicks and mortar business that could be featured in Janine's Web Strategies column, please email editor@janinewarner.com. Send a brief description (no more than one or two paragraphs) of how the business or non-profit organization is using the Internet to make money, save money, or better serve their clients or staff. http://www.miami.com/herald/content/technology/columnists/warner/

QUOTE

"If you want to receive something, you must first allow it to be given. This is called the subtle perception of the way things are."

~ Lao Tzu