I could easily write a 20-page blog that discusses common mistakes when working with the media to generate media coverage for a company or product. There are so many potential pitfalls to avoid and each could be described in great detail with countless examples of things I have seen happen over the years. Consider this post just a few pointers in brief form. [ Read More ]
“Pretend Marketers” and the Risks of Using Them
Many people *pretend* to be marketers. These people have minimal, if any, marketing training and zero or only a few years of experience. Using “pretend marketers” can significantly hurt a company and create a spaghetti of bad work to untangle later. These people can also cause missed opportunities, inefficiencies and more. [ Read More ]
Real Results Case Study: A Warehouse Robotics Company
The Client: A warehouse robotics company based in Europe. Primary Request: “Build awareness among US-based media for our company and robots to support our growth in that market.” Length of Time Covered in this Real Results Case Study: 15 months. [ Read More ]
Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of By the Sea Communications
This spring I celebrate the 20th anniversary of By the Sea Communications, LLC. Does that make me proud? Absolutely. [ Read More ]
How This Scuba Diver Panicked When Her PADI Card Was Lost
I am a scuba diver who has enjoyed more than 110 dives. I count myself lucky as I earned my PADI certification at the Great Barrier Reef while on a 6.5-month solo trip through the South Pacific when I was 25 years-old. The stories I can tell...! Since then, I have dived in Paula, the Maldives, Belize, Bora Bora, Turks and Caicos, Thailand, Bonaire, Malta, Grand Cayman and many other wonderful spots on this gorgeous planet. [ Read More ]
My Visit to the Wonderful Naval Undersea Museum
Last Friday I went to the Naval Undersea Museum in Keyport, WA. It was fabulous! [ Read More ]
10 Tips on How to be a Great Client
Do you know how to be a great client? I have had the honor of working with many amazing companies and people over the more than 30 years of my marketing communications career. Below are 10 tips on how to be a great client for an external marketing partner. (If you are reading this, cheers to you for your willingness to learn!) [ Read More ]
I Am Fascinated by Elon Musk
I am fascinated by Elon Musk. It has been my experience that most people have strong feelings when I bring up his name. The way I see it, he is first and foremost a visionary innovator. [ Read More ]
Old Work Stuff Can Be Quite Nostalgic
Old work stuff can be quite nostalgic. On a recent staycation, I went through a bunch of boxes of work stuff hidden in the basement. Here is some of what I found: Stacks and stacks of old-school media coverage books for products I led the PR on. There were thick ones for Microsoft Word, Microsoft Money, RealNetworks, Avenue A (which became aQuantive), InfoSpace and more. [ Read More ]
Are Zoos and Aquariums Ethical?
Zoos and aquariums have long been popular destinations for families and animal lovers alike. They offer an opportunity to see animals up close, learn about their behavior and habitat, and contribute to conservation efforts. However, in recent years, there has been growing criticism of these institutions, with many arguing that they are outdated and cruel. In this blog post, we will explore why zoos and aquariums are becoming increasingly controversial and why it is cruel for animals to be caged up instead of in their natural environments. [ Read More ]