Dear Friends,

A dear friend of mine told me that her niece was addicted to playing some game on the Internet where everyone had an avatar. At age 30, she still lives with her mother. Though she has a daughter to support, she's procrastinated getting a job, and dropped a class at school, although keeping it would have allowed her to graduate. What gives?

She's addicted to interfacing with her "friends," people she's never met and will most likely never know. This is one of the dark sides of the Internet's "social networks."

I don't know about you, but I like to meet my friends in person. My friend Diana took me out to dinner at a Vietnamese restaurant and we chatted over fresh crunchy veggie and crab rice paper rolls. We walked arm in arm past the packed restaurants and bars on Chestnut Street in San Francisco where people seemed to be enjoying each other's company. Is this a lost art?

On the other hand, I was kind of stunned when a potential client told me that one of the terms of us working together was to meet in person for our consulting sessions. She thought it unusual that someone in the PR profession didn't work that way. I explained that all of us in the PR industry did the majority of work by phone and Internet. It's just not feasible to meet everyone in person for each session—especially since I have clients all across the country and all over the world. Of course, the Internet made this possible.

And now everyone is trying to figure out how to market using these vast social networks where no one ever has to meet face to face. Since it's such a huge subject, I thought I'd take one small aspect of it—hubpages—and focus in on it in the article below. Otherwise, it's just too overwhelming. Kind of like trying to make it to every "networking" event and conference in your industry.

Making friends and clients in these spaces has it's place. How large a place you want this to be in your PR campaign is up to you. Something to consider before you start investing huge chunks of time in any one or a hundred venues.

And know that if I do travel to your town on a book tour or other business, I'd sure like to meet you if I can. I'll keep you posted--via the Internet of course.

Warmly,

Susan

Hubpages: Social Networks for Business People

There are lots of choices out there for participating in social media. But what if you don't have the dozens of hours to create profiles, answer questions, upload photos, figure out what your favorite food is, become friends with people you don't know and may never wish to know, but still stay connected to the audience that's interested in your professional products, where you don't need to talk about your pets or your pet peeves?

One of the most professional is: www.hubpages.com. It's one of the places that gets high marks for helping your Google and SEO ranking. Here's how you do it.

1. Post an original article.

Each "hub" is an article that has not yet been posted anywhere els—including on your site. You can rewrite your current articles, but beware, they must not use the same exact language or you'll be dinged. Read the latest article I've re-written and updated on how to get featured in O, The Oprah Magazine here: Pitch Oprah Magazine Get Featured in O Magazine—Skyrocket Your Sales

If you like, you can become my fan, rate the article or make a comment. You are also welcome to send this link on to others you think would like to know this information. At the moment, hubpages is emerging as one of the best kept secrets of social networking. NOTE: Mac users must use Firefox to create your hubs. Even viewing the site is problematic in Safari.

2. Upload your photo.

For professional pages I suggest using a professional photo. There are lots of hubs for various interests that have family, funky and fun photos. But remember that the image represents you and your business. Whatever you make public, the media can use at their discretion. If you don't have one that represents you well, you can get one fast here: www.lookbetteronline.com. While it's ostensibly for dating, it's an inexpensive way to replace any last minute or "home made" photos.

3. Include links below your article.

Links are not included in the article itself. The links, which reside in a separate "capsule," (the boxes that comprise the different sections of the hub page) are to send your readers to other websites so they can enrich their learning about your topic.

They can be links to everything from Wikipedia, blogs, newsletters, magazine or newspaper articles, or podcasts. You can also include links to your site or blog that has relevant content, but nothing that can be perceived as an attempt to sell.

You need to link to a page with relevant content that enhances your hub, NOT a sales page. Interspersing links to your material with links to other sites is advisable, so long as you don't "overdo" the self-promotion. If you choose to send people to your "competition" they should NOT be affiliate links, so choose wisely.

I suggest that you read the Hub Pages rules and guidelines. Peruse also http://hubpages.com/faq, for rules as well as suggestions/help. Should you make a mistake, you'll receive an e-mail warning—just make sure you don't repeat the mistake!

Jeanne Hurlbert, founder of http://www.optinetresources.com, a site that helps business people develop social networks, thought up a brilliant strategy to gain PR credibility: Link to articles that have run in the major print media where you've been featured, quoted or sited as an expert. You can see one of her hub pages where she has done this effectively here: Learning to Look for Social Network Resources

The beauty of creating these links is that neither the search engines nor the hub pages people will flag you for flagrant promotion, which is a danger on hubpages.com, and you increase your credibility while keeping your honor. This is another way to stretch people's ideas about who you are and what you think. As Oliver Wendell Holmes said, "Man's mind stretched to a new idea never goes back to its original dimensions."

4. Add video or music.

You can link to your videos on YouTube or other sites. As with linking, though, you need to limit self-promotion and ensure that you also link to videos that are not your own. They can be on YouTube.com or videos of other people, or TV shows that help illustrate your points or serve to expand a person's understanding of your subject. Also, they can inject some fun and liveliness. Business doesn't have to be all serious. As Johann Sebastian Bach says, "Music washes away from the soul the dust of every day life." May your words and music do the same.

Want to Be My Client? (3 Spots Open and Waiting List)

As I've implemented and tweaked my 2008 plans, I've found that I had an unexpected opening in my schedule that allowed for 1 long-term client (6 months-1 year), 1 medium client (3-4 months) and 1 short-term one (a burst of concentrated energy on the topic and goal of your choice, including media coaching).

If you are delightful, energetic, like to move forward fast, and have a gorgeous, fun, tasty, or meaningful product, service, business or cause, then beam me up!

I'd love to hear from you here: http://prsecrets.com/appointment.php

You can be in the beginning stages of publicity or ready to rev your publicity campaign into high gear.

Here's what we can accomplish together:

• Develop, deepen or continue your PR plan (I will work with you and recommend the right publicist for your project to secure media placements).
• Brainstorm marketing ideas and/or create a three months-one year marketing & PR plan.
• Design radio pitch letters and top ten tip sheets for magazines—ones the media snap up.
• Create sound bites/talking points for radio, TV & print—so you're comfortable and ready for any media.
• Draw out and hone your signature stories—the ones that set you apart.
• Develop angles to entice the media to write about you—many you've never thought of.
• Create TV segments complete with props and guests for Oprah and other national TV shows.
• Media coach you for your book tour, product launch, business promotion, or media campaign.

Whether you've had little or great success with publicity, I can help you make the shift to reach the goals you have set for yourself or your company.

If you've been keen to work with me, please go to: http://prsecrets.com/appointment.php

P.S. Because I book my schedule in advance, I'm now taking reservations for my waiting list. If you want to work with me but are not quite ready, you can get on my waiting list and you will have first priority once an opening becomes available. You are not under any obligation to begin once there is a space, though I would like serious requests only.

P.S.S. I'm particularly inter.ested in clients who bring "comfort & joy," a term I learned and embraced from my good friend and colleague, publicist and marketing guru Nancy Juetten.

P.S.S.S. My pro bono roster is full. I am not doing partnerships or barter. (And I can no longer respond to those requests.) Please have a budget of at least $2000.

Create a Local PR Blitz on a Micro Budget

Often neglected, local PR can be just what you need to get noticed by the national media....

At Nancy Juetten's 7 years of service celebration sale, you'll get 3 fabulous products to catapult your business into the media spotlight in a winning way.

1. The Media-Savvy-to-Go Publicity Toolkit

"How to Pitch an Article the Media Can't Resist" special bonus report, the 60-page workbook with worksheets, press release and pitch letter examples, and so much more. Plus, two audio CD's to give you even more insights and information about the right ways to tell your story and the best ways to connect one-to-one and one to many to propel your story forward.

2. Media-Savvy-to-Go Tips Booklets

These two printed booklets include 147 powerful ways to boost business and profits through the power and impact of free publicity.

3. Get Your Sound bites in Ready for Oprah MP3 File with Susan Harrow and Nancy Juetten

This February 5 teleseminar recording includes never before shared information about Oprah's Big Give, how to earn consideration for Oprah's Favorite Things, and more.

For the month of March only you can get the "Create a Local PR Blitz on a Micro Budget" package.

Services I Highly Recommend

Many people ask me about the services I use and trust. The businesses below are a few of my partners or companies that provide services and products that I rely on that truly work.

I recommend them without pause. Please explore them to find out if they are right for you.

PRESSKIT 247: Both an online database where journalists and producers find you when they're searching for experts and your online presskit where all of your press materials including audio and video are instantly available to the media. Get listed here and to increase your media appearances and expand your business: PRESSKIT 247

OUR SHOPPING CART: I use a shopping cart system called 1shoppingcart for online transactions, autoresponders my affiliate program and tracking links. This shopping cart is the most widely used one by successful entrepreneurs and online marketers. You can trial it here: 1shoppingcart

THE WEB SITE TOOLKIT: "This is a complete tutorial and guide (written and audio) on creating an effective professional service business web site," says Robert Middleton, the creator. This is a best, most organized and comprehensive system that I've found to guide you through writing the copy and organizing the content for your website. Included are resources and directions for writing, design and technical requirements. Hundreds of people have used Middleton's methods to develop sites that attract the clients they want: Web Site Toolkit

EZINE MARKETING: Using an E-zine like mine is one of the fastest and easiest things you can do to promote your business. To learn how to create yours so it works for you and gets you ongoing results, I suggest taking a look at Alexandria Brown's complete manual on marketing with your E-zine.

THE INFOMERCIAL TOOLKIT: Online videos are the wave of the future. Your clients or customers may be all over the world, but they can meet you quickly right on your site. Sell your products and services, demo new ideas or just give people a small taste of what it's like to do business with you. Infomercial Toolkit

PRLEADS: This is the best deal on the planet. The only complaint my clients have lodged about it is, "I wish I would have done it sooner." You respond to reporters and producers queries for comments and insights on stories they're working in your area of expertise and then get quoted in the media instantly: PRLeads

THE SEDONA METHOD: Order your free two-hour introductory Sedona Method DVD and introductory CD or tape and learn to instantly release uncomfortable or unwanted feelings on the spot. Whether it's fear of speaking, becoming a more public person, losing weight, or letting go of stress, or past issues or trauma, this will help you achieve your goals effortlessly and with great joy. The Sedona Method

TELECONFERENCE SERVICE: For all my Teleclasses I use a service that's reliable and free. I also use this service to record all my consulting calls. Teleconference Service

Come Meet Me

Anywhere in the World
Christian Work at Home Moment
March 5, 2006
6:30pm CST on KCRO 660 AM
KCRO 660 AM, Omaha or listen
anytime at http://cwahm.com/wordpress/blog/

Anywhere in the World
Q&A to Get on Oprah & Other TV Talk Shows Teleclass
1 hour
Download it at no charge at:
http://prsecrets.com/free-sign-oprahtvtalkshow.html

Anywhere in the World
Get a 6 Figure Book Advance Teleclass
1 hour
Download it at no charge at:
http://www.prsecrets.com/free-audio-signup-6f.html

Anywhere in the World
Become a 60 Second Sound Bite Genius
(For Pitching, Producer calls, Networking or Presentations)
1 hour
Download it at no charge at:
http://www.webmarketingmagic.com/app/adtrack.asp?AdID=114141

For further schedule information and course descriptions
please visit:
http://www.prsecrets.com/speakingkeynotesworkshops.html

NOTE: Some new classes do not yet have descriptions. Your patience is appreciated.

Quote

Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the
right things.

~ Peter F. Drucker