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 ]
public relations
“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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
25 Memorable Moments in My Career
There are so many amusing and memorable moments in my career. It makes me smile to think of them. This is not a stuffy blog expounding on my “wins” although there are some in here. It’s an informal look back at some of the fun things I encountered throughout the years as well as some of the people who made a good impression on me. [ Read More ]
PR for Robotics Companies
I am fascinated by the robotics and drone space and have been working with companies developing great things in this industry for many years. Most of my work with them includes broader marketing communications as well as PR. As noted in my earlier blog on this topic, it all began in the spring of 2016 when I started working with the bright and talented team at WiBotics to get the word out about their wireless power for the robotics industry. That led to working with the smart team at Aerovel, makers of the Flexrotor long-range robotic aircraft (a high-end drone). Both became long-term clients, and we were able to accomplish a lot together for their respective companies. [ Read More ]
Maximize the ROI of Media Coverage
As you think about the allocation of your marketing budget, consider the immense ROI (return-on-investment) of a piece earned media coverage. I have been helping companies, including major global corporations, businesses headquartered abroad and countless U.S.-based companies of all sizes, earn great media coverage for more than 30 years. The ROI is tough to beat. [ Read More ]
Why Marketing is Like Sailboat Racing
Sailboat racing is all about continuously optimizing. So is marketing. In sailboat racing, you don’t just point the sailboat in the direction of the finish line and hope for the best. You keep checking the wind, the currents, the other boats on the course. Sometimes you tack to better catch the wind. You adjust the sails accordingly, and frequently, while on the course. At times you even pull out a different sail depending on the wind and its direction. [ Read More ]
The U.S. is Reopening. Now What for Your Business?
These have been extremely trying times for everyone. An absolutely staggering amount of people have lost their lives to the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy is in turmoil and we are all feeling pretty low. As a business owner for 16 years, and a marketing communications professional for more than 30 years, I keep asking myself “Now what?” The U.S. is starting to reopen. How do we climb out of this highly stressful situation and get all our businesses moving in the right direction again? [ Read More ]