Chip Tarver's Public Relations Tips and Public Relations Techniques Blog

Desktop Security Important for You!

2010-04-19T05:20:00.001-04:00

Desktop Security Important for You!

If you keep up with current news, you know desktop security is important for you.

To find our more about desktop security, now click these links here.

Chip

A good source for factoring companies is here...

2010-04-05T15:03:00.002-04:00

Hey -

A good source for factoring companies is here...

Chip

Another good source for factoring companies is here...

2010-04-05T14:05:00.002-04:00

Hey -

Another good source for factoring companies is here...

Chip

Factoring Companies Have Money to Lend!

2010-03-29T16:28:00.001-04:00

Factoring Companies Have Money to Lend!

It probably took me a couple of days to find the right info on factoring companies, but I found some...

If you're looking for info on factoring companies, too -- click that link and see what I found...

Chip

Construction Project Management Software -- New Site to See

2010-03-25T06:09:00.002-04:00

Construction Project Management Software -- New Site to See

When I looked for some new data and info on construction project management software, this site is what I found. Click the link to see it...

Chip

Construction Project Management Software Is Necessary for You!

2010-03-19T14:06:00.001-04:00

Construction Project Management Software Is Necessary for You!

Just found some new info on Construction Project Management Software that I bet you want to see. Take a couple of minutes now and check it out...

Chip

Chip Tarver's Public Relations Tip #64 - Amazon Attacks Google

2006-02-07T16:19:00.000-05:00

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Public Relations Tip #64 - Amazon Attacks Google Big Time
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According to WebProNews today (article by David Utter) - Amazon is jumping into the contextual ad game, and has Google right in its crosshairs (as if we didn't already know that Google always has a target on its back.)

But ... ummmm ... there seems to be a wrench in the works ...

To employ Amazon's ad program, apparently you have to dump Google.

Seems to me that's a bit like betting on Any College USA going up against the Steelers in the Superbowl - (betting against the Big Boys.)

What do you think?

More soon -
Chip Tarver
chip at firstcontactsecrets dot com

Chip Tarver's Public Relations Tip #63 - ABC SPORTS Crappy PR

2006-02-05T19:01:00.000-05:00

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ABC SPORTS Crappy Public Relations Here ...
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Just for fun, I just sent ABC Sports an email about the Superbowl. Below in its entirety is their canned, boilerplate, ridiculous response ...

Would YOU write them again? (Or is that their REAL plan?) Here it is ... (emphasis mine) ...

===================================

As you can imagine, we receive thousands of messages a day from our viewers and while we appreciate you taking the time to provide feedback regarding our ABC Sports programming, we are not able to respond to each one directly.

We encourage you to continue to communicate with us! (NOTE: Why would I want to do that again?)

ABC TV Network Sports Programming:
Go to ABC.com
Go to the bottom of the screen and click on ABC SPORTS.
All programming information can be found on this website.

--Answers to other questions such as show addresses, internships, etc. can be found in our "FAQ" section:
Go to ABC.com
Go to the bottom of the screen and click on "FAQ"

VIDEOS:
The ABC Television network does not sell any transcripts, videos or DVDs of sports aired on the ABC TV network.

U.S. Mail address:

ABC Sports
47 West 66th St, 13th Floor
New York, NY 10023

Note: The Company's long-established policy does not allow us to accept for review or consideration any ideas, suggestions, or creative materials not solicited by us or our subsidiaries. Therefore, in the event that you have submitted such content, please be advised that the submission has been forwarded to the Company's legal department for handling.

This email has been sent to you from an outbound email account that will not accept inbound mail. Therefore, please do not respond to this email.

===================================

So - they 'encourage you' to send them email that they WON'T acknowledge, are NOT interested in receiving, do NOT accept, and they have ZERO intention of responding to you ...

Oh, Yeah - I'm gonna do that a lot from now on ... (NOTE - so get it through your thick head that like most big companies - ABC does not give a rat's patootie about what you think. Now that's truly excellent customer relations - as well as excellent public relations - right?)

Is this the height of corporate and beaurocratic BS or what?

Why do they even have an email link? (You decide ...)

What a joke ...

Chip Tarver

Chip Tarver's Public Relations Tip #62 - Yahoo and AOL Exhibit Stupidity at the Top

2006-02-05T17:30:00.000-05:00

Yahoo and AOL Exhibit Stupidity at the Top ...

Yahoo and AOL = REALLY bad PR .

Believe it or not, Yahoo and AOL intend to start charging you to send email. Talk about BAD PR - and a great reason for you to get a real email account ... this is it, boys and girls.

Time for you to move away from these kindergarten-level email providers and find a real email provider that understands the big picture without the over-emphasis both on controlling you ...

... and on GREED.

My bet is that Google is rolling all over the floor laughing ... and buying another thousand servers for its gmail email system ... and ordering champagne by the truckload. Yahoo and AOL are handing Google the proverbial Golden Goose on the proverbial Silver Platter ...

Google gets another awesome business break ... ? You decide ...

The story is at this crazy-long link if you want to read it ... http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/05/technology/05AOL.html?pagewanted=2&ei=5090&en=6efb03c8cbfac79e&ex=1296795600&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss

More soon -
Chip Tarver
chip at firstcontactsecrets dot com

Chip Tarver's Public Relations Tip #61 - #1 PR Secret

2005-12-01T11:49:00.000-05:00

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Chip Tarver's Public Relations Tip #61 - #1 PR Secret
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Here's a quiz. Get it right and I'll send you a surprise ...

What is the undisputed #1 part of the public relations puzzle that can make you or break you?

Hint - it's a 2-part answer and you need both parts. Email me.

Chip Tarver

Chip Tarver's Public Relations Tip #60 - Power of Perception

2005-11-17T10:23:00.000-05:00

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Chip Tarver's Public Relations Tip #60 - The Real Power of Perception
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1. Public Relations is all about perception, and perception is typically the same thing as 'having it.'

2. Questions are powerful public relations strategy because they cause people to come up with their own answers.

3. You can direct people - or misdirect them (on purpose.)with your public relations.

4. Here are a couple of questions to illustrate this point about perceptions and pre-judging:

TWO TOUGH QUESTIONS ...

Question 1: If you knew a woman who was pregnant, who had 8 kids already, three who were deaf, two who were blind, one mentally retarded, and she had syphilis, would you recommend that she have an abortion?

Read the next question before looking at the answer for this one.

Question 2: It is time to elect a new world leader, and only your vote counts. Here are the facts about the three leading candidates ...

Candidate A -
Associates with crooked politicians, and consults with astrologists. He's had two Mistresses. He also chain smokes and drinks 8 to 10 martinis a day.

Candidate B -
He was kicked out of office twice, sleeps until noon, used opium in college and drinks a quart of whiskey every evening.

Candidate C -
He is a decorated war hero. He's a vegetarian, doesn't smoke, drinks an occasional beer and never cheated on his wife.

Which of these candidates would be your Choice? Decide first, no peeking, then look below for the answer.
----------------------------------------------
Candidate A: is Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Candidate B: is Winston Churchill.
Candidate C: is Adolph Hitler.

And, by the way, the answer to the abortion question: If you said yes, you just killed Beethoven. Pretty interesting isn't it? (Makes a person think before judging someone.)

Remember:
Amateurs built the Ark
Professionals built the Titanic

... and in case you never saw this one ...

Can you imagine working for a company that has a little more than 500 employees and has the following statistics:

* 29 have been accused of spousal abuse
* 7 have been arrested for fraud
* 19 have been accused of writing bad checks
* 117 have directly or indirectly bankrupted at least 2 businesses
* 3 have done time for assault
* 71 cannot get a credit card due to bad credit
* 14 have been arrested on drug-related charges
* 8 have been arrested for shoplifting
* 21 are currently defendants in lawsuits
* 84 have been arrested for drunk driving in the last year

Can you guess which organization this is? Give up yet?

It's the 535 members of the United States Congress. The same group of people who crank out hundreds of new laws each year designed to keep the rest of us in line.

I got this via email from my Dad. Is it true or not? If it is, does it matter? If it isn't, did you at least stop for a second or two to consider what was written hereand the effect it could have on your public relations? You decide ...

But now you start to see a bit more about perception and pre-judging ...

Chip

Public Relations Tip #59 - Public Relations and Imagery

2005-11-15T10:06:00.000-05:00

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Public Relations Tip #59 - Public Relations and Imagery
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Using imagery in your public relations is a very powerful thing. People respond to both physical and mental pictures ...

Below are some phrases that should create images in your mind and show you how this works. Try it in your public relations. I hope you see how this works from the info below ... these are purely wonderful emotions for you to experience ... and to consider ...

Think about the items on the following list one at a time BEFORE you go on to the next one ... IT DOES MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD, especially the thought at the end ... so allow your imagination to enjoy each of these situations ...

1. Falling in love

2. Laughing so hard your face hurts

3. A hot shower

4. No lines at the supermarket

5. A special glance

6. Getting mail

7. Taking a drive on a pretty road

8. Hearing your favorite song on the radio

9. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside

10. Hot towels fresh out of the dryer

11. Chocolate milkshake (or vanilla or strawberry!)

12. A bubble bath

13. Giggling

14. A good conversation

15. The beach

16. Finding a 20 dollar bill in your coat from last winter

17. Laughing at yourself

19. Midnight phone calls that last for hours

20. Running through sprinklers

21. Laughing for absolutely no reason at all

22. Having someone tell you that you're beautiful (or handsome)

23. Laughing at an inside joke

24. Friends

25. Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you

26. Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep

27 Your first kiss (either the very first or with a new partner)

28. Making new friends or spending time with old ones

29. Playing with a new puppy

30. Having someone play with your hair

31. Sweet dreams

32. Hot chocolate

33. Road trips with friends

34. Swinging on swings

35. Making eye contact with a cute stranger

36. Making chocolate chip cookies

37. Having your friends send you homemade cookies

38. Holding hands with someone you care about

39. Running into an old friend and realizing that some things (good or bad) never change

40. Watching the expression on someone's face as they open a much desired present from you

41. Watching the sunrise

42. Getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another beautiful day

43 . Knowing that somebody misses you

44. Getting a hug from someone you care about deeply

45. Knowing you've done the right thing no matter what other people think

Try to concentrate on using this type of imagery as part of your public relations. You'll be glad you invested the time to master imagery in your public relations ...

Author Unknown
(posted by Chip)

Public Relations Tip #58 - Public Relations, Hurricane Wilma, etc.

2005-10-26T07:47:00.000-04:00

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Public Relations Tip #58 - Public Relations, Hurricane Wilma, etc.
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Please forgive my absence during the last few days from this Public Relations Tips blog.

1. I've been moving my websites and blogs to a new dedicated server.

2. Some friends have been here since they dashed away from Hurricane Wilma in Florida.

3. Plus I'm also working on several new projects, products, and special reports for you.

So stay tuned. As always, I'll only share the best with you here and in my other blogs.

Chip

Public Relations Tip #57 - Public Relations and Your Blog

2005-10-21T08:05:00.000-04:00

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Public Relations Tip #57 - Public Relations? Get Your Blog Today
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This is a first.

It's so important that I'm making this same post in most of my blogs today.

You need a blog. You need it now.

There is no better vehicle to get your message out.

Blogs are better than websites and better than email.

Blogs help establish you as an expert and give you unparalleled access to people.

Go to http://www.free-targeted-traffic.com.

Get your copy of my pdf titled "Exactly how to have your own free blog set up and hosted in three minutes or less."

Do it now. Blog names are as precious as website urls.

Blogs now even have their own Google search engine ...

Hurry! Do it now.

Chip Tarver
“The B2B Relationship and Product Launch Pro”

http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/blog
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/publicity-blog/
http://www.Free-Targeted-Traffic.com/
http://www.NewHopeForAll.com
http://www.NewHopeDisasterCare.blogspot.com/
http://christianchurchmarketing.blogspot.com/
http://biblegateway.blogspot.com/

(c) 2005 - 2022 Chip Tarver and FCS

B2B Business Tips and B2B Techniques Blog
Chip Tarver's B2B Business to Business Articles
Public Relations Tips & B2B Publicity Techniques
First Contact Secrets B2B Business to Business Entrepreneurs

Public Relations Tip #56 - Public Relations Crisis Management

2005-10-20T08:49:00.000-04:00

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Public Relations Tip #56 - Your Public Relations Crisis Management
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Like it or not ... if you're at the front edge of your marketplace or trend ... you have a target on your back (put there by your competitors or any of another group of people who do not want you to do so well.)

If you're not doing anything, you won't draw anyone's attention, so this post here will probably not make any sense to you.

If you call yourself 'proactive' and you like to be 'prepared' - listen up ...

Right now I'm working on a new project that will cover several important aspects of generating your own public relations, including what to do if you have "probems."

Come back here soon if you want to know more.

Chip Tarver
“The B2B Relationship and Product Launch Pro”

http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/blog
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/publicity-blog/
http://www.Free-Targeted-Traffic.com/
http://www.NewHopeForAll.com
http://www.NewHopeDisasterCare.blogspot.com/
http://christianchurchmarketing.blogspot.com/
http://biblegateway.blogspot.com/

(c) 2005 - 2022 Chip Tarver and FCS

B2B Business Tips and B2B Techniques Blog
Chip Tarver's B2B Business to Business Articles
Public Relations Tips & B2B Publicity Techniques
First Contact Secrets B2B Business to Business Entrepreneurs

Public Relations Tip #55 - Public Relations and Publicity

2005-10-16T20:22:00.000-04:00

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Public Relations Tip #55 - Public Relations and Publicity
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It just occurred to me that you might not understand the definitions and differences for 'pubic relations' and 'publicity' ... so I thought I'd put it here for you ... (according to Dictionary.com) ...

Public Relations:

public relationspl.n. Abbr. PR
(used with a sing. verb) The art or science of establishing and promoting a favorable relationship with the public.

(used with a pl. verb) The methods and activities employed to establish and promote a favorable relationship with the public.

(used with a sing. or pl. verb) The degree of success obtained in achieving a favorable relationship with the public.

n : a promotion intended to create goodwill for a person or institution [syn: PR]

Publicity:

pub·lic·i·ty ( P ) Pronunciation Key (p-bls-t)n.
Information that concerns a person, group, event, or product and that is disseminated through various media to attract public notice.

Public interest, notice, or notoriety achieved by the spreading of such information.

The act, process, or occupation of disseminating information to gain public interest.

The condition of being public.

n : a message issued in behalf of some product or cause or idea or person or institution [syn: promotion, promotional material, packaging]

Chip Tarver
“The B2B Relationship and Product Launch Pro”

http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/blog
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/publicity-blog/
http://www.Free-Targeted-Traffic.com/
http://www.NewHopeForAll.com
http://www.NewHopeDisasterCare.blogspot.com/
http://christianchurchmarketing.blogspot.com/
http://biblegateway.blogspot.com/

(c) 2005 - 2022 Chip Tarver and FCS

B2B Business Tips and Techniques Blog
Chip Tarver's B2B Business Articles
Public Relations Tips & Publicity Techniques
First Contact Secrets B2B Business to Business Experts

Public Relations Tip #54 - Public Relations and B2B Experiment

2005-10-16T19:40:00.000-04:00

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Public Relations Tip #54 - Your Public Relations and B2B Experiment
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Here's an experiment you can try ... in two 'flavors' ...

If you'd consider yourself widely accepted and comfortably positioned as an expert in your field, and you are accomplished at generating your own public relations:

... watch the national news on the channel of your choice. With pad and pen in hand, make notes on how you can piggyback EVERY story on the news. Then pick one and do it.

Try it.

If you would NOT consider yourself widely accepted and comfortably positioned as an expert in your field, and you are NOT accomplished at generating your own public relations:

... watch your local news on the channel of your choice. With pad and pen in hand, make notes on how you can piggyback EVERY story on the news. Then pick one and do it.

Try it.

This is an excellent experiment you should try.

You'll be glad you did.

Chip Tarver
“The B2B Relationship and Product Launch Pro”

http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/blog
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/publicity-blog/
http://www.Free-Targeted-Traffic.com/
http://www.NewHopeForAll.com
http://www.NewHopeDisasterCare.blogspot.com/
http://christianchurchmarketing.blogspot.com/
http://biblegateway.blogspot.com/

(c) 2005 - 2022 Chip Tarver and FCS

B2B Business Tips and Techniques Blog
Chip Tarver's B2B Business Articles
Public Relations Tips & Publicity Techniques
First Contact Secrets B2B Business to Business Experts

Public Relations Tip #53 - Public Relations and B2B Web Site Traffic

2005-10-14T08:47:00.000-04:00

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Public Relations Tip #53 - Public Relations and Your B2B Web Site Traffic
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Let's get something out in the open ... so there are no misunderstandings.

In your B2B public relations, you'll be wise to understand AND take advantage of many different types and streams of web site traffic. They are ALL important ...

In your B2B public relations, there is NO one single best way to get awesome public relations.

In your B2B public relations, there is NO one single best way to get targeted web site traffic.

In your B2B public relations, there is NO one single best tool that does absolutely all of this stuff for you in one neat package.

And there is NO one person who has all the B2B answers, methods, tips, techniques, etc. (regardless of what the so-called 'gurus' would have you believe) ...

In the coming days we'll look more at very specific ways to get targeted B2B web site traffic through your own B2B public relations without breaking your bank.

And - by the way - the people that tell you that you can do all this B2B public relations and B2B web site traffic stuff for free with little or no effort ... will lie to you about something else, too.

Chip Tarver
“The B2B Relationship and Product Launch Pro”

http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/blog
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/publicity-blog/
http://www.Free-Targeted-Traffic.com/
http://www.NewHopeForAll.com
http://www.NewHopeDisasterCare.blogspot.com/
http://christianchurchmarketing.blogspot.com/

(c) 2005 - 2022 Chip Tarver and FCS

B2B Business Tips and Techniques Blog
Chip Tarver's B2B Business Articles
Public Relations Tips & Publicity
Contact Secrets B2B Business to Business Experts

Public Relations Tip #52 - Public Relations and B2B Technology?

2005-10-11T10:27:00.000-04:00

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Public Relations Tip #52 - Public Relations and Your B2B Technology?
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Every so often I start to get a new bunch of crappy emails that say some new whizzbang technology is getting ready to "take over the world and change marketing as we know it."

Remember - the simplest definition of public relations is "relating to the public" (AKA relating to the marketplce for us marketers.)

Two recent ones that come to mind are RSS and podcasting.

Well - apparently you aren't getting the whole story from the so-called 'gurus' and others who want to sell you their product that addresses or provides this technology, which is ...

*******************************************

"What if your market doesn't want it?"

*******************************************

RSS is fabulous technology. It really works. But what if people aren't signing up for very many RSS feeds? What if they don't sign up for yours? What if they signed up for too many, and now ignore the technology because it became just like email glut?

Then how valuable is it to you to offer RSS feeds because someone says you need to do it?

Podcasts are another one. Apparently they are popular with the Napster crowd ... but how many people in your target market do you see walking around with an IPOD strapped to their head? Or what if they are listening to Black Sabbath and ignoring you?

Is podcasting embraced and used by YOUR demographic and psychographic audience?

In "Ecommerce News" today (http://www.internetnews.com/ec-news/article.php/3555226) they talk about Yahoo Launching a new Podcast Search.

Here's a quote: "There's a lot of buzz about podcasting, audio content delivered over the Internet as RSS feeds. But nobody much is listening, according to a study released today."

Here's another: "Yahoo Podcast Search comes at a time when the use of RSS is out pacing consumer awareness. "

One last quote: "Oddly, the study found consumers were more aware of podcasting than they were of RSS itself. Compared to the 12 percent who were aware of RSS, 28 percent of survey participants knew about podcasting. But only 2 percent actually listened to them."

Read those quotes again. What good is business technology if the consumer marketplace resists it?

For you - that's the $64,000 question.

Remember - the market makes all the rules because it votes with its dollars. Lots of bright people with great products die broke ... and sometimes "crap sells."

The moral: The market sets both the 'demand' and the 'price' - so it makes 100% of all the rules - whether we as marketers want to admit that or not.

Chip Tarver
“The B2B Relationship and Product Launch Pro”

http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/blog
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/publicity-blog/
http://www.Free-Targeted-Traffic.com/
http://www.NewHopeForAll.com
http://www.NewHopeDisasterCare.blogspot.com/
http://christianchurchmarketing.blogspot.com/

(c) 2005 - 2022 Chip Tarver and FCS

B2B Business Tips and Techniques Blog
Chip Tarver's B2B Business Articles
Public Relations Tips & Publicity Techniques
First Contact Secrets B2B Business to Business Experts

Public Relations Tip #51 - Public Relations and Neighbors

2005-10-10T08:49:00.000-04:00

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Public Relations Tip #51 - Public Relations and Your Neighbors
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Here's a quickie you might not have thought of ...

Your neighbors and your public relations ...

I have a neighbor who owns a bank here. He also owns 300 acres beside our neighborhood. He's a miserable old miser who goes around our neighborhood looking for things and people he can interfere with. He cruises our street every morning real slow looking at everything like he owns it.

He doesn't. And it grates my nerves every time I see him ...

Obviously, he has both a terminal Napoleonic Complex and huge inferiority complex.

Instead of blessing people with his considerable resources and being a 'good neighbor' - the old coot is the neighbor everyone loves to hate and talk bad about.

How many people in this neighborhood would now be customers of his bank?

Answer: zero.

So by his being the King - and him treating everyone like we're mere serfs in his fiefdom - he has hurt his own bank he doesn't even run any more (his son now runs it, of course.)

So - be a good neighbor.

Neighbors talk. You can have a good reputation in your neighborhood - or a bad one - which can help or hurt your public relations and your business a lot more than you think it can.

People these days seem to be a lot quicker to spread bad news about people than good news. (Perhaps it's because there seems to be more bad news than good news to go around.)

The worst part is when you cause it yourself - and you deserve it.

Chip Tarver
“The B2B Relationship and Product Launch Pro”

http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/blog
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/publicity-blog/
http://www.Free-Targeted-Traffic.com/
http://www.NewHopeForAll.com
http://www.NewHopeDisasterCare.blogspot.com/

(c) 2005 - 2022 Chip Tarver and FCS

B2B Business Tips and Techniques Blog
Chip Tarver's B2B Business Articles
Public Relations Tips & Publicity Techniques
First Contact Secrets B2B Business to Business Experts

Public Relations Tip #50 - Blog Public Relations

2005-10-08T20:33:00.000-04:00

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Public Relations Tip #50 - Blog Public Relations from Red Herring
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In case you haven't heard, both Google and MSN are starting another battle - this time over RSS (Really Simple Syndication.) They were already fighting over blogs and other stuff ...

Like I said a long time ago, blogs are going to be BIG and you need at least one.

Check this out and I'll say it again - for your own public relations there are few better vehicles than your own blog(s.) So read this article from Red Herring and pay attention:

==================================================

From RedHerring.com - Blog Visitors Jump 31% in 2005

Google takes first place in Nielsen/NetRatings ranking of blogs. August 16, 2005

Blog readership has risen dramatically this year as the number and reputation of blogs spread, with unique visitors to the top 50 blog-related sites up 31 percent in the first seven months of the year, according to Nielsen/NetRatings.

By July 2005, blogs boasted 29.3 million unique visitors, amounting to 20 percent of active U.S. Internet users, the survey said Monday.

Blog hosting sites, which have spawned millions of blogs, play a key role in the spike in current blog readership. Blog host sites require very little technological knowledge from bloggers and their readers.

MSN Spaces, which came out in beta last December, has grown 947 percent since January, with an audience of 3.3 million in June. It officially launched in April. The MSN Spaces site ranked No. 5 in visitors in July, with 3.3 million.

But No. 1 is Google’s blogger, with 12.6 million visitors. That was nearly double No. 2 Xanga’s 6.9 million.

Filling out the top five were two Six Apart products: Live Journal at No. 3 and TypePad at No. 4, with 5.4 million and 4.6 million visitors, respectively.

The lower half of the top 10 was filled by individual and group blogs, rather than blog hosts: The Drudge Report, The Smoking Gun, Free Republic, The Huffington Post, and Fark.

Ranking Controversy

As blogs become more popular, the process of ranking them becomes more controversial, especially for some of their authors. Last week’s blog readership numbers from comScore Networks showed a different story, with blogs at different spots in the rankings. comScore’s numbers stemmed from an earlier and longer time period (see Blog Readers Up 45% in Q1).

ComScore’s numbers were hotly contested, especially by Jason Calacanis of Weblogs, whose popular Engadget landed at No. 24. In the Nielsen/NetRating data, Engadget is No. 11, with 787,000 visitors in July.

The blogging community has struggled in recent months with the idea of top blogs and how they should be determined. The Technorati 100, which also measures blogs by links, has been heavily criticized for being infrequently updated, including sites that are not blogs, and reinforcing the so-called "A-list" of bloggers rather than reflecting the changing demographics of blogs and their readers.

On Tuesday, blog search company Feedster debuted its Top 500 blog list, which bases its ranking on number of inbound links and freshness of content. The first month’s ranking has Engadget in first place, followed by deviantArt, Boing Boing, Albino Blacksheep, and Daily Kos.

Mr. Calacanis, one of Technorati’s most vocal critics, was quick to write on his blog, “The Feedster 500 is out… and it’s amazing!”

RSS Mess

While blog visitors are sometimes perceived to be a tech-savvy bunch, Nielsen/NetRatings said 66 percent of that group do not know what RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is. RSS, a tool for consolidating new information from web sites, has been the subject of much development and discussion.

Yet just 11.3 percent say they use RSS feeds, which can vastly simplify the process of visiting multiple sites. Half of those surveyed by Nielsen/NetRatings had never heard of RSS and 15.7 percent said they had heard of RSS but didn’t know what it does.

Some have suggested that RSS is too opaque a term. Microsoft, while assuring techies that it understands the value of RSS (see Behind Microsoft’s RSS Move), has used a more generic word to describe its syndication technology: “web feeds” (see: Redmond Ignites an RSS Fury).

Bloglines, NewsGator, and Google News also use the term “feeds,” giving non-techies a clearer idea of what they’re getting.

================================================

Did that stir up anything in you? I hope so ...

Chip

Public Relations Tip #49 - PR and Internet Radio

2005-10-08T18:23:00.000-04:00

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Public Relations Tip #49 - PR and Internet Radio
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My colleagues, George McKenzie and Randy Gilbert, are wise and experienced fellows indeed.

When they share their expertise in various public relations methods, it's always a smart time to open both ears.

Here's a news release about an upcoming information call on Internet Radio. I heartily recommend you read this release below, get registered, and show up.

You'll be quite glad you did. Here it is ...

Headline: Internet Radio: It's Not Really Radio -- It's Better

Summary: You don't need a transmitter or an FCC license. All you need to set up your own Internet "radio station" is some simple, inexpensive equipment, a computer and a microphone. But also helps to have information -- and an audience who wants it.

Body of the release:
With travel becoming increasingly challenging because of the War on Terror, more and more authors, professional speakers, consultants and business coaches are looking for ways to get in front of paying audiences without spending hours in airport security lines.

"I speak because I love to, but I travel because I have to," says Chip Tarver, an Internet business-to-business expert who frequently lectures at marketing seminars and workshops around the country.

For that reason, Tarver and many other business travelers are looking at Internet radio as an alternative to spending time and money flying from city to city.

"It's wonderful," says Randy Gilbert, host of "The Inside Success Secrets Radio Show" -- an Internet radio broadcast which has been "airing" for several years. "All you need is a computer, an internet connection and a microphone and you can, in effect, create your radio station. You don't need a transmitter or an FCC license. You don't don't even need a great voice. All you have to have is information other people want."

Gilbert is one of a number of Internet radio pioneers who have found ways to make online "broadcasting" profitable. "You can be extremely profitable with as few as five thousand listeners," he says.

Gilbert will be a guest during a free teleseminar hosted by Tarver and former TV anchor George McKenzie on Wednesday, October 12th, at 9 PM Eastern. McKenzie and Tarver will question him about his Internet radio experiences, and especially about how he created a profitable program.

The teleseminar is entitled "How to Produce, Host and Profit From Your Own Internet Radio Show -- Without Being an Internet Audio Geek Techno-Wizard." It will take place Wednesday, October 12th at 9PM Central.

Interested parties can find out more by going to http://www.publicity-pro.com or http://www.firstcontactsecrets.com/publicity-blog/

The teleseminar, which is a conference-call style class held over the telephone, is open to the public.

Gilbert also teaches a course for anyone who wants to learn to make money by creating their own Internet Radio Show.

More information is available by clicking on http://www.publicity-pro.com/internetradiosecrets.

###

As they say, "Be there or be square."

Chip

Public Relations Tip #48 - Public Relations Emails

2005-10-08T10:04:00.000-04:00

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Public Relations Tip #48 - Your Public Relations Emails
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This is a quickie because it's not open to negotiation ... if you're wise ...

So pay attention - because if you don't, you'll miss this at your own peril. And - at the end of this post - if you think to yourself, "Yeah - I already knew all that" - then this post is for the readers who don't ...

I just got an email from someone on my list who I don't know. He whined about the formatting of an autoresponder message he received from me.

Here's the problem: He's on an old list of mine. My old autoresponder, QuickPayPro, screwed up so much and so often that I changed away from them months ago.

And this clown accosts me because he doesn't like the way his FREE CONTENT arrived.

Give me a break.

I dropped QPP because of the messes they seemed to continually create. I don't pay for that service any more because they were more trouble than they were worth. I'm surprised that emails are even going out from them any more because I don't pay them ... ;-).

So - rather than ask a simple question or just give me a friendly 'heads up' that there might be some sort of problem - he sends me an email with advice on how to format emails, all with a cocky tone of voice.

I guess he missed the Unsubscribe link at the bottom of the email. I'm sorry he did. In fact - hold on - and I'll go get his email and my response so you can read it ... I'll be right back ...

Here it is, with the name deleted to protect the guilty (who is also apparently a consultant of some type based on his email address):

At 06:02 AM 10/8/2005, you wrote:

Hi Chip,

Thanks for all your messages.

However, I don't read them due to the continuous text.

Please learn to format your emails for ease of reading!

You need to write in paragraphs, use headings, and limit your characters per line to 60.

Cheers,
Name Deleted

My reply:

Name -

Thank you for your email.

But frankly, I'm surprised at the tone of your email. So let me ask you a question:

Do you seriously think I create my emails in continuous text like you see below, and then with even a modicum of intelligence send them out formatted that way?

Or - do you suppose that there could have been a problem with that autoresponder company named QuickPayPro, and that might be why I no longer use that company as of many months ago?

Look at the date of that email in line 3 - it's 2004.

If you've read anything else I've ever written, you would know that not only do I spend copious amounts of time formatting all my projects ... I also do a lot of formatting projects for others - a service I provide through my business for certain so-called Internet 'gurus.'

My 'formatting' and other marketing and consulting skills have been responsible for about $140K in sales in 2 new product launches during the last 3 weeks, and will top out at $300K over the next 3 weeks ...

And since according to your address, you apparently have some sort of consulting practice, I would urge you to tell your clients not to write these sorts of emails to people when they don't know the facts.

When necessary, wisdom indicates that we ask people a question - as opposed to making blind statements about things when we don't know the facts.

In addition, you might consider advising your clients that these sorts of caustic emails will not endear your clients to the people they might need - or hope to do business with or get a referral from - at some point in the future.

To your success -
Chip

MORAL - Don't send stupid emails to people you don't even know. When in doubt - be gentle, unassuming, and helpful - instead of whining about the FREE CONTENT you're receiving.

And - how does this relate to your public relations? Everyone with whom you come into contact is an opportunity for free public relations on your behalf. It's called 'word of mouth.'

The real issue is: Will it be good PR or bad?

Chip Tarver
“The B2B Relationship and Product Launch Pro”

http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/blog
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/publicity-blog/
http://www.Free-Targeted-Traffic.com/
http://www.NewHopeForAll.com
http://www.NewHopeDisasterCare.blogspot.com/

(c) 2005 - 2022 Chip Tarver and FCS

B2B Business Tips and Techniques Blog
Chip Tarver's B2B Business Articles
Public Relations Tips & Publicity Techniques
First Contact Secrets B2B Business to Business Experts

Public Relations Tip #47 - Public Relations and Internet Radio

2005-10-06T18:31:00.000-04:00

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Public Relations Tip #47 - Public Relations and Internet Radio
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Here's a quick notice about a free teleseminar with with Randy Gilbert, Host of "The Inside Success Secrets Radio Show" and George McKenzie of "Publicity Goldmine" (a call that is already getting lots of attention. )

If you want in - you'd better move FAST:

Join us for a free teleseminar

"How to Produce, Host and Profit From Your Own Internet Radio Show - Without Being an Internet Audio Geek Techno-Wizard."

Wednesday, October 12, 2005
9 PM Eastern, 8 PM Central, 7PM Mountain, 6 PM Pacific

Register here - mailto:george2-126353@sendtheinfo.com

A blank email form will open. All you have to do is click "Send," and the details will be sent to you moments later via autoresponder. Get in now before it's too late.

Chip

Public Relations Tip #46 - Create a Blog for Public Relations

2005-10-04T19:34:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #46 - Create a Blog for Your Public Relations

Here's the bottom line ... you need to create a blog right now - today - as a super-important tool in your public relations arsenal. If for some reason you find a decent excuse not to create a blog ... you're only hurting your public relations. Period.

With that said - here's food for thought ...

You Need to Create a Blog Today
By Chip Tarver

“The Create–a–Blog Who, What, Where, When, and Why”

Create a Blog – Who Should?

Who should create a blog? Anyone with anything to say
should create a blog. To create a blog takes less than five
minutes, costs absolutely no money, and is so super–simple
to do. Absolutely anyone can create a blog.

You can jump in head first and make several posts in your
blog every day ... or you can post once a week or once a
month if you prefer. It’s 100% up to you.

Create a Blog – What's That?

What does it mean to create a blog? A blog is a shortened
version of the word ‘weblog.’ A web log is a sort of online
diary in which you can always say whatever you want to
say, whenever you feel like saying it, and to whomever you
wish to say it. There are basically no limits in a blog.

Talk about POWER!

Create a Blog – Where Do I?

There are lots of places to create a blog. I have close to a
dozen blogs, and the majority are Blogger blogs.

So – to create a blog, my favorite place is Google’s Blogger
at http://www.blogger.com/. I have a free pdf report named
“Exactly How to Have Your Own Free Blog Set Up and Hosted
in 3 Minutes or Less” at http://www.free-targeted.traffic.com/.

My “Create a Blog” pdf illustrates every Blogger instruction and
all the Blogger screenshots from start to finish ... and you really
CAN create a blog in 3 minutes or less. So stop by that site
and grab a copy of that pdf. Just do it!

Create a Blog – When Should I?

One word answer: TODAY. Create a blog today. Do not
delay. Do it now. Create a blog as soon as you finish
reading this article ...

In less time than it takes you to dream up a bunch of bad
excuses why NOT to create a blog ... you could create a
blog and be a certified ‘blogger.’

Create a Blog – Why Should I?

Why should you create a blog? A blog is the perfect way to
share your wisdom, experience, opinions, or whatever you
have to share in a place where others can share with you
through what most blogs call ‘comments.’

There is no better and easier vehicle through which you can
disseminate whatever you want to say. Short or long, brief
or verbose, technical or colloquial – you need to create a blog.

To create a blog is also a wonderful way to get quickly and
efficiently noticed by search engines. In fact, today there is
even a blog search engine. And there are blogs these days
on every conceivable subject you can think of ...

Create a Blog – Does it Really Work?

Go to any major search engine and type in this keyword
phrase in the search box ... b2b tips.

See what results you get ... :–). Then tell me if it works ...

Chip
“The B2B Relationship and Product Launch Pro”

http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/blog
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/publicity-blog/
http://www.Free-Targeted-Traffic.com/
http://www.NewHopeForAll.com
http://www.NewHopeDisasterCare.blogspot.com/

(c) 2005 - 2022 Chip Tarver and FCS

Chip Tarver’s B2B Tips Blog
Chip Tarver's Business-To-Business Articles
Public Relations Tips & Public Relations Techniques
First Contact Secrets B2B Experts

Public Relations Tip #45 - Public Relations Free Blog

2005-10-04T18:51:00.000-04:00

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Public Relations Tip #45 - Your Public Relations Free Blog
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There are probably few better ways to get free public relations than through your own free blog.

Yes - a free blog is free to set up, and ... yes - a free blog is free to host, too. That's why we call them free blogs ... ;-).

Here are some thoughts about a free blog for you to consider:

Free Blog – Fact or Fiction?
By Chip Tarver

“Is a Free Blog Really a Free Blog?”

First – Create a Free Blog

Who should create a free blog? Anyone in virtually any
business or with virtually any hobby – who has something
to say that others would like to know should create a free
blog. Today.

Creating a free blog takes less than five minutes, costs you
absolutely no money (so it really is a free blog,) and is so
easy to do that anyone can create their own free blog.

Where you choose to host your free blog is not nearly as
important as starting your free blog. Today.

What to Say in Your Free Blog

You can say whatever you want to say, whenever you want
to say it, to whomever you want to say it. There are no limits
in your free blog. You’re now a writer, editor, and publisher.

Where to Create Your Free Blog

My favorite place to create a free blog is Google’s Blogger at ...
http://www.blogger.com/.

If this is your first free blog, I have a free blog pdf report named
“Exactly How to Have Your Own Free Blog Set Up and Hosted
in 3 Minutes or Less” at http://www.free-targeted.traffic.com/.

My “Create a Free Blog” pdf illustrates every Blogger instruction
and all the Blogger screenshots from start to finish ... and you
really CAN create a free blog in 3 minutes or less. So stop by
that site and get your free copy of that pdf. Just do it!

When Should I Create a Free Blog?

TODAY. Create your free blog today. Don’t waste another
minute. Do it right now. Create a free blog as soon as you
finish reading this article ...

You can have your own free blog set up in less than 5 minutes.
Then you’re a certified ‘blogger’ (even with a free blog!)

Why Create My Free Blog?

Why should you create your free blog? Your free blog is a
great way to establish yourself as an expert in your field.
Your free blog is the perfect way to facilitate collaboration,
as well. You do this through your free blog’s comments
and emails capabilities.

You need to create a free blog today.

The search engines also typically love free blogs because
the content changes often (which search engines love.)

Today there is now a blog search engine. So you have at
least one search engine already looking for your free blog!

Do Free Blogs Really Work?

If you’ll take a minute and go to the search engine of your
choice and type in b2b tips – you’ll quickly understand ...

See the results you get ... :–). Then you’ll know creating
your own free blog it works ...

Chip
“The B2B Relationship and Product Launch Pro”

http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/blog
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/publicity-blog/
http://www.Free-Targeted-Traffic.com/
http://www.NewHopeForAll.com
http://www.NewHopeDisasterCare.blogspot.com/

(c) 2005 - 2022 Chip Tarver and FCS

Chip Tarver’s B2B Tips Blog
Chip Tarver's Business-To-Business Articles
Public Relations Tips & Public Relations Techniques
First Contact Secrets B2B Experts

Public Relations Tip #44 - Public Relations and Faithful Followup

2005-10-01T08:44:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #44 - Your Public Relations and Faithful Followup

I committed a big faux pas this week - totally not intending to do so.

An email from a trusted and valued colleague slipped into the black hole of cyberspace and I missed it.

Being totally engrossed in preparing for the launch of Marc Harty's revolutionary new product ...

(PR Traffic at http://www.prtraffic.com/Chip-recommends)

... I didn't followup with an esteemed colleague.

If you've ever launched a huge project like Marc's - you know that the logistic and other challenges are many, varied, and constant.

Still - that's no excuse for letting someone fall into the cracks like I did. I apologized ... but I still looked awful ... liked I ignored him.

Moral of the story: Regardless of how 'busy' you get, always do your very best to keep up with EVERY email and phone call. During Marc's launch, we had thousands of emails and scores of calls.

Still - that's not a reasonable excuse for a trusted colleague being ignored.

Chip
“The B2B Relationship and Product Launch Pro”

http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/blog
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/publicity-blog/
http://www.Free-Targeted-Traffic.com/
http://www.NewHopeForAll.com
http://www.NewHopeDisasterCare.blogspot.com/

(c) 2005 - 2022 Chip Tarver and FCS

Chip Tarver’s B2B Tips Blog
Chip Tarver's Business-To-Business Articles
Public Relations Tips & Public Relations Techniques
First Contact Secrets B2B Experts

Public Relations Tip #43 - Public Relations and PR Traffic

2005-09-28T07:54:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #43 - Public Relations and PR Traffic P.R.O.S.

Marc Harty's PR Traffic Press Release Optimization System blasted out of the gate yesterday to huge fanfare. Check out http://www.prtraffic.com/Chip-recommends.

You'll be glad you did ... and way far behind if you don't. That's just the plain truth, and I sincerely hope you have enough drive in you to go check it out right now.

If not - your competition who buys this product will be so far ahead of you that you might never catch up. Don't believe me? Fine. Have it your way.

But I suggest you click this link as fast as you can and see for yourself ... because otherwise - you'll never know, will you?

(And I suggest you get going now so you don't miss out on the VERY SPECIAL first 100 Charter Packages with tons of special stuff and a VERY special price ...)

http://www.prtraffic.com/Chip-recommends.

Chip Tarver
“The B2B Relationship and Product Launch Pro”

http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/blog
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/publicity-blog/
http://www.Free-Targeted-Traffic.com/
http://www.NewHopeForAll.com
http://www.NewHopeDisasterCare.blogspot.com/

(c) 2005 - 2022 Chip Tarver and FCS

B2B Business Tips and Techniques Blog
Chip Tarver's B2B Business Articles
Public Relations Tips & Publicity Techniques
First Contact Secrets B2B Business to Business Experts

Public Relations Tip #42 - Public Relations Changes Today

2005-09-27T08:15:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #42 - Your Public Relations Changes TODAY!

Honestly - I didn't know a better way to say that ...

In a couple of hours, Marc Harty's new PRT goes live (9-27-05 at 9am Central.) It will absolutely change the way you market your business and get potential customers to your front door.

If that interests you - read on. If not, you don't have a real business.

Fact.

So - if you consider yourself a serious public relations specialist, business owner, author, publisher, and/or marketer - click this link below right now. Only the first 100 people get a VERY SPECIAL price and incentives.

(But Marc's PR System is absolutely worth having even if there were zero bonuses and you pay full price.)

When it's done - it's done. You're either in or out.

http://www.PRTraffic.com/Chip-recommends

Get in today, before the price doubles or triples - it will ...

... At a preset time ...

So DO NOT DELAY THIS!

But even if you can't swing it right now - be SURE to get on Marc's list and use what he shows you to make the money so you can get his PRT Sytem later.

You'll be REALLY GLAD you did ...

http://www.PRTraffic.com/Chip-recommends
... is in a class by itself ...

Chip Tarver
“The B2B Relationship and Product Launch Pro”

http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/blog
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/publicity-blog/
http://www.Free-Targeted-Traffic.com/
http://www.NewHopeForAll.com
http://www.NewHopeDisasterCare.blogspot.com/

(c) 2005 - 2022 Chip Tarver and FCS

B2B Business Tips and Techniques Blog
Chip Tarver's B2B Business Articles
Public Relations Tips & Publicity Techniques
First Contact Secrets B2B Business to Business Experts

Public Relations Tip #41 - Public Relations Changes Tomorrow

2005-09-26T08:50:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #41 -
Your Public Relations Success Changes Tomorrow

This is one of those situations where you'd better move FAST ... and you'd better be able to make a decision FAST, too ...

... or you'll see other people (your competition?) blast right by you.

We were flooded with emails Thursday and Friday asking if an audio replay of our Wednesday night teleclass with Marc Harty would be available.

Marc is one of the few people who really understands how to capitalize on the power of online press release distribution - and he's the ONLY person I've seen who explains all the PR tactics and strategies - and who shows you EXACTLY how to do it, too.

And tomorrow (Tuesday) morning, right about this time, he's going to make his tested and proven tactics and techniques available to you.

Marc reveals:

* An easy and proven web site traffic method that’s NOT technical or complicated

* A proven traffic vehicle that builds on a skill you already have - your writing ability

* How to get into the top 1% of the 50,000+ news releases that are distributed every month

* The ABSOLUTE most cost-effective method to brand and position yourself with media and customers alike

* Why making your name YOUR keyword phrase will do more for your exposure than a 100 speakers bureaus combined (hint: it’s an immediate and growing online presence)

* How to create a huge pile of "media clippings" in a heartbeat

* How to get 400-800% more exposure from articles you’ve already written

* How to leverage controversy to shake up your market OVERNIGHT -

and much more...

I was one of the testers for this program, so I KNOW it works. My first press release using Marc's system came out last week - so these numbers are both current and relevant to you right now (and are still growing every day):

Page views - 82,907
Estimated Media Pickups -816
Prints - 80
Downloads - 50

HERE'S THE BOTTOM LINE - Can YOU get those same super-successful results today, and generate all that traffic and interest to your own deal?

That's the real question you need to ask yourself RIGHT NOW.

http://www.PRTraffic.com/Chip-recommends

Check it out now - and also come by tomorrow. If you're one of the first 100 people who buy through my link here , you'll also receive a free copy of my First Contact Secrets course at ...

(http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com) ...

Yes - you read that right - you'll get a special $497 gift if you're one of the first 100 people who get Marc's PR Traffic system through MY link (herein) tomorrow.

You CANNOT afford to miss this deal if you're really serious about your business, or you want to get serious about starting one so you can get out from under your boss's thumb.

Oh ... and by the way - Marc's PR Traffic system is being launched tomorrow at LESS THAN HALF its normal selling price once the launch is over. There will be no better time for you to get in - FAST!

Your last chance: http://www.PRTraffic.com/Chip-recommends

Chip

Public Relations Tip #40 - Public Relations Release Tips

2005-09-23T05:16:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #40 - Local Public Relations Release Tips For You to Use Today

Last week I did this public relations (PR) news release (AKA press release) for my Church, New Hope Church in Sevierville, TN ... and our Disaster Care Relief Efforts for the victims of Hurricane Katrina - (and very soon for the victims of Hurricane Rita) - through PR Web:

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/9/prweb285687.php

As of the moment I'm creating this public relations tips and public relations techniques blog entry, here are the important stats for the news release (press release) so far:

Estimated Pickup 754 (by media outlets)

Prints 73

PDF Downloads 43

To accomplish these great results, I used Marc Harty's new PR Traffic System. See it now at: http://www.prtraffic.com/Chip-recommends.

I recommend you go see it as fast as you can, and get your copy before the severely limited copies are all snapped up by people with whom you compete for public relations coverage every day.

Chip
“The B2B Relationship and Product Launch Pro”

http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/blog
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/publicity-blog/
http://www.Free-Targeted-Traffic.com/
http://www.NewHopeForAll.com
http://www.NewHopeDisasterCare.blogspot.com/

(c) 2005 - 2022 Chip Tarver and FCS

Chip Tarver’s B2B Tips Blog
Chip Tarver's Business-To-Business Articles
Public Relations Tips & Public Relations Techniques
First Contact Secrets B2B Experts

Public Relations Tip #39 - Public Relations Relationships

2005-09-20T08:38:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #39 - Your Public Relations Relationships

Here's a quickie:

The key to your getting more and better public relations is based on your ability, determination, and diligence in building relationships with people in the public relations business.

Sounds obvious - I know ... but are you doing it?

And, yes - that group of people - of course - encompasses a broad spectrum.

But trust me when I tell you that one single public relations relationship can do more (faster) for you than a thousand cold emails sent out and countless phone calls to people who don't know you and aren't very interested in what you have to say.

Just the truth.

Chip Tarver
“The B2B Relationship Pro”

http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/blog
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/publicity-blog/
http://www.Free-Targeted-Traffic.com/
http://www.DisasterCare.com

(c) 2005 - 2022 Chip Tarver and FCS

Chip Tarver’s B2B Tips Blog
Chip Tarver's Business-To-Business Articles
Public Relations Tips & Public Relations Techniques
First Contact Secrets B2B Experts
New Hope Disaster Care

Public Relations Tip #38 - Public Relations and Today

2005-09-16T08:10:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #38 - Public Relations and Today

This is a public relations quickie because it so easy ...

To generate some PR (AKA publicity or public relations) for yourself, first pay attention to where and what the news is today. Then find a way to be part of it. Seriously - the easiest way to make some news for yourself is to do something good today for someone else who needs you.

Simple concept. Few do it.

Too much bad news ... not enough good news.

If you need help finding where to help, go to http://www.DisasterCare.com.

You'll find plenty of excellent opportunities there.

Chip
“The B2B Relationship Pro”

http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/blog
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/publicity-blog/
http://www.Free-Targeted-Traffic.com/

(c) 2005 - 2022 Chip Tarver and FCS

Chip Tarver’s B2B Tips Blog
Chip Tarver's Business-To-Business Articles
Public Relations Tips & Public Relations Techniques
First Contact Secrets B2B Experts

Public Relations Tip #37 - Public Relations and Human Interest

2005-09-12T07:21:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #37 - Public Relations and Human Interest Stories

Here's a quickie to consider ...

The reason some stories are called 'human interest' stories is because of that name ... human interest.

These stories are interesting about humans, and other humans are interested in these stories. Some times these are positive stories; other times they're negative.

Both have their place and their audience. And both are welcomed at most news organizations because there are usually too few 'human interest stories' going around.

Those stories that surround Hurricane Katrina victims are the exception ... they are prevalent these days. That said, do something wonderful for a Hurricane Katrina victim today, and generate your own human interest stories.

Chip
“The B2B Relationship Pro”
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/blog
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/publicity-blog/
http://www.Free-Targeted-Traffic.com/

(c) 2005 - 2022 Chip Tarver and FCS

Chip Tarver’s B2B Tips Blog
Chip Tarver's Business-To-Business Articles
Public Relations Tips & Public Relations Techniques
First Contact Secrets B2B Experts

Public Relations Tip #36 - Public Relations and Hurricane Katrina

2005-09-11T07:33:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #36 - Public Relations and Hurricane Katrina Today

For the last 2 weeks, all I've concentrated on is 'all things Katrina.'

Our Church, New Hope (http://www.newhopetn.org/)
has been involved with Katrina at ...
(http://www.disastercare.com/)
as well as a physical move to a new campus.

I've had zero time for this blog. I apologize.

=====================================================

Public Relations Tip #36 - Public Relations and Hurricane Katrina

Due to the completely obvious fact that most all of the pressing news is still about Hurricane Katrina, the obvious post here today is to do something good to help the affected individuals directly - or the organizations that are helping these displaced individuals.

That's the best way to get yourself some public relations right now. And please don't be one of the people who does nothing but complain and gripe about everything.

If you're not sure what to do - click this link ...
http://wwwDisasterCare.com and we'll be
happy to help you find a way to help ...

Chip
“The B2B Relationship Pro”

http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/blog
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/publicity-blog/
http://www.Free-Targeted-Traffic.com/

(c) 2005 - 2022 Chip Tarver and FCS

Chip Tarver’s B2B Tips Blog
Chip Tarver's Business-To-Business Articles
Public Relations Tips & Public Relations Techniques
First Contact Secrets B2B Experts

Public Relations Tip #35 - Katrina Preparations

2005-09-02T20:14:00.000-04:00

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Public Relations Tip #35 - Katrina - Preparations To Leave
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Due to our current preparations for a variety of activities we’re planning centered around our upcoming efforts for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, there is no time for a ‘normal’ post today.

(Notice how late in the day this post was made.)

Perhaps I'll get to it tomorrow ... but the victims of Hurricane Katrina are a lot more important than my posting in this blog today ...

Our Church, New Hope, is FEMA–registered and FEMA–certified. As soon as we get marching orders from FEMA, we’re out of here ...

If you really want to help, go to our brand new site at ...

www.disastercare.com

... and make a donation.

Yes – our new site needs a lot of work, but it’s open and it’s functional.

Your donation is tax deductible - and it's REAL help you can give right now.

If you’d also like to see our Church website (currently being redesigned) – it’s at http://www.newhopetn.org/.

Thank you -
Chip

Public Relations Tip #34 - Public Relations and Katrina 2

2005-08-31T08:48:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #34 - Public Relations and Katrina 2

Well - did you do anything yet?

How about this:

Get together with your Pastor and put together a funds drive for the victims of Katrina.

You can include a 'contest' where local merchants donate goods, services, money, and prizes to the person(s) who collect(s) and/or turns in the most money.

Your public relations angle is (1) you, (2) your Church, (3) your congregation, (4) local merchants who donate goods, services, or money, and of course (5) Katrina.

This is simple. You can do it. So - why not?

Chip
“The B2B Relationship Pro”

http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/blog
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/publicity-blog/
http://www.Free-Targeted-Traffic.com/

(c) 2005 - 2022 Chip Tarver and FCS

Chip Tarver’s B2B Tips Blog
Chip Tarver's Business-To-Business Articles
Public Relations Tips & Public Relations Techniques
First Contact Secrets B2B Experts

Public Relations Tip #33 - Public Relations and Katrina

2005-08-30T09:11:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #32 - Public Relations and Your Take on Katrina

Well - how do you personally handle this?

You can follow lots of people's advice and personally capitalize on the tragedies our citizens all along the coast of Florida, Alabama, and Louisiana face -

... or not ...

Part of proper Public Relations and being a good citizen and decent human being is to remember to always do the right thing in every circumstance, regardless of your own personal gain.

The side benefit of this 'doing right' is that you can still gain recognition and all the other benefits of excellent public relations ... and you can generate a reputation for doing good.

That's excellent public relations.

So - decide what you can do.

1. Can you actually go to the areas and physically help?

2. Can you make a donation to the Red Cross to help them?

3. Can you take up a collection and give it to your Church to distribute in these damaged areas?

Exactly what can you do?

Do SOMETHING!

As you sit comfortably in your air conditioning, close to your refrigerator and bathroom that are still there - and that still work, and you're able to make phone calls or get online whenever you feel like it ... think of those who can't do this today and in the following days.

Concentrate on this effort, and you'll be pleasantly surprised at the positive, wonderful public relations you can achieve just by 'doing good' today for someone else today ...

Chip
“The B2B Relationship Pro”

http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/blog
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/publicity-blog/
http://www.Free-Targeted-Traffic.com/

(c) 2005 - 2022 Chip Tarver and FCS

Chip Tarver’s B2B Tips Blog
Chip Tarver's Business-To-Business Articles
Public Relations Tips & Public Relations Techniques
First Contact Secrets B2B Experts

Public Relations Tip #32 - Public Relations for You

2005-08-28T07:13:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #32 - Public Relations for You

This is a 'checkup' post ...

1. Are you developing your own media contact list?

2. Are you building relationships with these people, establishing yourself as a knowledgeable person who is reliable, and can be trusted?

3. Have you received any calls FROM your media contacts yet?

Concentrate on the basics before you go for the big gigs.

Everyone has to start somewhere, and everyone has to pay his or her dues. The only way to beat this process is to do something big, important, and newsworthy and jump to the head of the class.

Chip
“The B2B Relationship Pro”

http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/blog
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/publicity-blog/
http://www.Free-Targeted-Traffic.com/

(c) 2005 - 2022 Chip Tarver and FCS

B2B Tips Blog
Chip Tarver's Articles
PR Tips & Public Relations Techniques
First Contact Secrets Business to Business Experts

Public Relations Tip #31 - Public Relations and Website Traffic

2005-08-26T07:37:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #31 - Public Relations and Increasing Your Website Traffic

If I could show you how to take current Public Relations tactics and strategies from one of your traffic generating methods and apply them to another area you're already familiar with (and are already doing) -

... would you be interested?

If so, come back soon, because we're about to unveil something that will rock your world.

How?

We'll show you exactly how to leverage what you aready have (and use Public Relations skills you already possess) to generate tons more traffic from your press releases with very little effort -

... does that make sense to you?

Come back soon to find out.

Chip

http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/blog
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/publicity-blog/
http://www.Free-Targeted-Traffic.com/

(c) 2005 - 2022 Chip Tarver and FCS

B2B Tips Blog
Chip Tarver's Articles
PR Tips & Public Relations Techniques
First Contact Secrets Business to Business Experts

Public Relations Tip #30 - Public Relations and Tim Sanders

2005-08-24T07:47:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #30 - Public Relations and the Wisdom of Tim Sanders

I just received this email from Tim Sanders, as wonderful fellow, acclaimed public speaker, and teriffic author of the 'LoveCat' way of thinking and behavior as a practical way to change corporate culture and the world around us.

Public Relations is a lot more than sending out press releases hoping for the best. I hope this provokes your thought. Here it is:

"THE END OF SUFFERING"

I believe that our mission in life is simple: Participate in the end of suffering.

If we reduce suffering in the world, we enable the positive. We make a difference.You cannot make people happy and you cannot make them like you. You can, however, be a part of the solution instead of being part of the problem.Suffering is everywhere waiting to be addressed.

It comes in physical and mental forms from hunger to uncertainty. Happiness is like a ray of light that sits just beyond the dark clouds of suffering. When those clouds part our joy shines through.We only get glimpses of this light because there is so much suffering in our lives.

Think about it, your greatest energy comes from your innate desire to end suffering. If you are bored, you find great energy to deal with that. If someone you care about needs something, you find it in yourself to give her your very best. This mission I suggest, the end of suffering, comes from your true nature as a compassionate being.

It is truly possible to unify our intentions and to align with others based on the mission we select in life. Currently, we have so many varied (and often selfish) missions that it is no wonder we think we are not like “them” and find ourselves largely divided.

When you choose the right mission, it gives you advice at every turn of your life. At work, your mission should tell you the difference between right and wrong and where to spend your time (and energy). Trying to achieve a vague professional mission is like trying to operate a business without a plan.

It is difficult for you to separate your mission between personal and professional. How you are successful during the day is who you become in the evening. Conversely, your personal mission should guide your behavior towards your family, friends and acquaintances.If you find one mission that successfully guides you throughout your whole life, you have a blueprint for success.

If your mission is aligned with others, you have a blueprint for community and cooperation. It is my informed opinion that the most effective leaders in the world focus efforts towards the end of suffering. They are first are foremost happy and proactive in defending that happiness.They are sensitive to others’ feelings and possess a connected form of emotional intelligence.

Think about this over the next few days.

Ask yourself, “Do I have a unifying mission that guides me?” Then question, “Can I offer something towards the end of suffering or do I mostly create suffering?”

You may decide to join me in my mission. If you accept this mission, you must first address suffering in your own life. You need to make room for the needs of other people by dealing with your own. This is the road to self-reliance and peace.

If you accept this mission, you will find yourself opting out of behaviors that could make others suffer, because you would “know better” as a result of your new focus on the end of suffering.If nothing else, just do an inventory in one week of how much suffering you created versus how much you addressed.

The better you do, the more you are living on purpose.

Your friend,
Tim Sanders

I hope you give careful thought to what Tim said.

Chip

http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/blog
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/publicity-blog/
http://www.Free-Targeted-Traffic.com/

(c) 2005 - 2022 Chip Tarver and FCS

B2B Tips Blog
Chip Tarver's Articles
PR Tips & Public Relations Techniques
First Contact Secrets Business to Business Experts

Public Relations Tip #29 - Public Relations Shortcuts

2005-08-23T06:41:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #29 - Public Relations Shortcuts Save Time

This is a short public relations tip ...

Use your text editor, such as WordPad, as a place to store things you use often.

I have one file that's all URLs I use every day.

I have another just for sig files, and still another for user names and passwords.

If you have certain public relations contact information you use more often than others, stick it in a WordPad file. Make a 'Priority' file of these contacts.

In short, it sure beats typing stuff over and over again. When you use something often, it's typically faster to copy and paste it than to retype it hundreds of times.

Look for ways to keep your most-often used stuff in WordPad. Over time, little time savers like this add up to extra hours to do with as you please ...

Chip

http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/blog
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/publicity-blog/
http://www.Free-Targeted-Traffic.com/

(c) 2005 - 2022 Chip Tarver and FCS

B2B Tips Blog
Chip Tarver's Articles
PR Tips & Public Relations Techniques
First Contact Secrets Business to Business Experts

Public Relations Tip #28 - Public Relations Headlines

2005-08-21T12:15:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #28 - Public Relations Headlines Thoughts

Do You Syn in Your Headlines? (sic) .

This is a quickie to help your public relations headlines. When you're thinking of headlines and sub-heads (as well as keyword research) be sure you also look at synonyms and antonyms.

If you have MS Word, they're already in there, as is a thesaurus. Or you can also go to any bookstore and get a printed book on either or both. Or you can go to Dictionary.com and look up your keywords. Synonyms and antonyms are listed just after the definitions in many cases.

Plus - putting a "not" in your headlines and subs introduces lots ot powerful copy potential you might not have thought of, and might not be using. Consider both questions and stetements in your headlines and subs.

Chip

http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/blog
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/publicity-blog/
http://www.Free-Targeted-Traffic.com/

(c) 2005 - 2022 Chip Tarver and FCS

B2B Tips Blog
Chip Tarver's Articles
PR Tips & Public Relations Techniques
First Contact Secrets Business to Business Experts

Public Relations Tip #27 - Public Relations and Your Web Site

2005-08-17T15:35:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #27 - Public Relations and Your Web Site

Your website is one of your top public relations tools.

Other than the obvious - content that attracts the visitors you want to target - it also helps establish you as an expert in your field and gives your visitors a place to find out everything about you they want to know.

Rather than put up a huge, long article here, go to my site at http://www.firstcontactsecrets.com and look at the links at the bottom of the home page.

Click the links and see what's on each page.

I have a bio page, media page, trusted resources page, site map, lots of links, and a ton of other stuff after which you can model your own site.

Why reinvent the wheel when you can borrow it?

Chip

http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/blog
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/publicity-blog/
http://www.Free-Targeted-Traffic.com/

(c) 2005 - 2022 Chip Tarver and FCS

B2B Tips Blog
Chip Tarver's Articles
PR Tips & Public Relations Techniques
First Contact Secrets Business to Business Experts

Public Relations Tip #26 - Public Relations and Ping-O-Matic

2005-08-15T16:52:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #26 - Public Relations and Your Friend, Ping-O-Matic

Ping-O-Matic is Your Blog Friend.

After you make a post in your public relations or other blog, you can either sit there till something happens, or be proactive in your blog marketing.

I use Ping-O-Matic at http://www.Pingomatic.com.

I have other public relations tools that are revealed in my new Blogger's Tool Box I'll be releasing soon. If you're interested, be sure you're on my list at http://www.firstcontactsecrets.com/ (you can't block popups.)

Also, be sure you're on my list at http://www.free-targeted-traffic.com.

I'm not sure yet which list will get this resource. I'll decide soon, though, and you definitely need to be on BOTH lists to be sure you don't miss it. Right now I only plan to sell 100 copies (to protect the information from dilution.)

Don't dare miss out ...

Chip

Public Relations Tip #25 - Public Relations and Your Audience

2005-08-13T14:20:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #25 - Public Relations and Your Real Audience

This is short on purpose.

Lots of people get all hung up trying to get Public Relations (PR) for their 'whatever' ... and yes - there definitely are ways, methods, tips, tools, and techniques that work.

Look at the terms ... 'public & relations' ... "relating to the public." The last time I checked, that describes you, me, and everyone else we know ...

Watch what is already being covered. "Borrow" from that if you have to.

But remember this ... above all.

Your audience is ...

YOU.

Think about if for a second. You are not only the supplier of the news in this instance ... you are also the consumer. If it's TV you want to approach - you're the person watching the TV.

Ditto if it's radio.

Ditto if it's print.

So ... from now on, when you are trying to generate your own public relations, remember that you need a hook and an angle that YOU would find fascinating ... instead of frying your brain to come up with something that nebulous group called 'the public' would find interesting.

See - it's not so hard ... ;-).

Chip

Public Relations Tip #24 - Public Relations and Pricing

2005-08-12T15:00:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #24 - Public Relations and Pricing Your Own Services

I just posted a new article that could answer some questions you have - if you do your own public relations for yourself (or you'd like to.) It covers what to charge other people for your services, but is applicable to your public relations efforts, too ...

Go to http://www.firstcontactsecrets.com/Articles.htm.

You'll find the article titled Chip Tarver on The Truth About Pricing Your Services.

Go read it. You'll be glad you did.

Chip

Public Relations Tip #23 - Public Relations and Ted Nicholas

2005-08-11T14:13:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #23 - Public Relations and Ted Nicholas

I just posted an article from the legendary Ted Nicholas in my B2B Tips Blog. You need to read it. It will open your eyes in a good way. It will help you today. Right now.

Click this link http://www.firstcontactsecrets.com/blog/2005/08/chips-b2b-tip-142-ted-nicholas.htm.

Find out fast that I'm telling you the truth.

Chip

Public Relations Tip #22 - Public Relations and Blogs

2005-08-10T15:09:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #22 - Public Relations and Blogs

Believe me (or not) ... having your own blog is one of the best FREE tools you can have in your public relations arsenal. You don't have to believe me.

Start your own blog any way if you don't yet have one ...

I've been preaching about blogs for a long time now.

I have 2 free pdfs you're welcome to have on my http://www.free-targeted-traffic.com site that both show you ALL the steps to having your own free regular blog AND audio blog set up and hosted for FREE in 3 minutes or less.

They do exactly that.

My B2B Tips blog at http://www.firstcontactsecrets.com/blog is #1 at most major search engines (the last time I looked) for my keyword phrase 'b2b tips.'

My Public Relations Tips blog is new, but is already picked up by several search engines and moving up in ranking each week. Like it or not - this stuff works.

You need your own blog.

Now.

Jason Miller has a great short article this week in WebProNews. Here it is. Check it out ...

=============================================================

E-Marketing News Alert: Blog Readers Young, Rich, And Male

The citizen journalism phenomenon known as blogging has now reached the attentive and contemplative eyes of one third of the Internet population according to statistics released by comScore Networks. That's 50 million sets of eyeballs, the majority of which, according to Gawker, seems to be connected to (gasp) upper middle class young males. And with that news, e-marketers around the country are calling emergency meetings as we speak.

It's no secret in the marketing world that young men with money are the most difficult group to reach. For this demographic, with money to burn and unsettled spending habits, building a career usually takes precedent over TV watching, which is why tons of ad money is piled into Monday Night Football and the Super Bowl.

Read the Full Article

Ignore having your own blog at your own public relations peril.

Chip

Public Relations Tip #21 - Public Relations and Reporters

2005-08-09T16:54:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #21 - Public Relations and Reporters - Being an Expert

1. How to Establish Yourself as an Expert
Provide value and solid information to people. Answer their questions. Offer real advice. Be who and what you purport to be. Be faithful and reliable.

2. How to Get Started
Learn as much as you can about something, preferably something in which you have a genuine interest (it's also a lot more fun this way because it doesn't feel like work.)

3. What to be an Expert in
You're on your own for that. You have to decide on your own what you want to do. I can help you do it once you decide ...but never let anyone tell you what your dreams are.

4. How to Establish Your Value
Other than what I already stated, you have to offer to do what people can't do, what they won't do, or what they just don't feel like doing. You have to provide something they don't already have. This establishes your value fast.

5. How to Pick a Person or Group
Do your homework and research. If you don't know what is important to a person or group of people, what they are involved in, what their mission and vision are ... how can you be of any value to them?

6. Working with a Reporter, for Instance
To be valuable to a reporter, you first have to become a 'source.' Before you can do that you have to become an 'expert' (see above.)Do your homework on that reporter. See what kinds of stories or beats he or she covers.Get familiar with these as quickly as you can.

7. How to Get Familiar
Other than what I already stated, read or listen to the reporter's stories. Then go to your local major bookstore like Barnes and Noble, and buy all the magazines that cover that topic.

Read them. Get on the Web and go to newsgroups, forums, etc., and do some keyword research.

Learn the terms that apply. Find out who the leaders of this niche are. Go to their websites. Get on their lists. Find out where they hang out together.

Study them.

Develop your own opinions and points of view.Get very familiar with the subject matter (AKA become and expert in your field.) Now, once you've done all this, approach your reporter and offer to be a source for feedback, opinions, research, or whatever the reporter needs (establish your value.)

Do these things, and you not only become an expert in your field ... you also become a trusted source for the reporter. Then it starts snowballing as you leverage your credibility into new contacts and deals.

Worth the effort? You decide.

I can promise you that you'll never buy some over-hyped piece of junk product from the guru-of-the-week that will do this stuff for you ... no matter what they promise or how bad you get ripped off buying it.

Chip

Public Relations Tip #20 - Public Relations and You

2005-08-08T09:17:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #20 - Public Relations and You ... At Odds?

This is a quickie, and perhaps the most important news about public relations you'll ever learn.

But - learn it and the kingdom is yours ...

Ready? Here it is ...

The most important piece of the public relations puzzle is ALWAYS the reader, viewer, or listener.

It is NEVER you, your product, your opinion, or anything else that involves you.

There it is - that quick and that simple.

Chip

Public Relations Tip #19 - Public Relations and Personal Benefits

2005-08-07T07:48:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #19 - Public Relations and Personal Benefits For YOU

Perhaps some of you might consider this post off-topic.

If you do, that's OK.

This is a quickie to simply reinforce and reiterate the immense benefits of working for yourself - as opposed to working for someone else.

A week ago today, my daughter (Cassi Tarver) and her youth group left Church for a 7-day tour through TN, GA, and FL. They performed 7 times in 5 days.

At the last moment, I decided I would hop a plane and fly to FL to catch their final performance at my Pastor's 'old Church.'

I did. They were amazing and awesome, and simply blew me away.

I flew to Ft. Myers Wednesday morning, spent a few days with friends, and went and surprised Cassi and her youth group Friday night at their final performance before heading back home.

I also talked with a fellow who is one of the most amazing saxophone players I've ever met about starting his own web business sharing his musical talent.

The trip cost about $700 total, and I was away from my office and clients from Wednesday through Saturday.

I didn't have to ask anyone's permission. I didn't make other people mad at me for leaving them 'minding the store. ' I wanted to go. I went. The end.

What's this got to do with public relations?

A lot.

When you work for yourself, and your public relations efforts pay off, and you are successful enough that only you determine what you do with your minutes ... that's real success.

Being able to decide in a moment's notice that you want to fly a couple of thousand miles to go support your kids in a activity - and the $700 is affordable and does not scare you - to me that's the real definition of success.

So invest some time, money, and effort in doing your own public relations. Being able to determine your own destiny and the use of your time sure beats working for some goofball clown who could at any minute decide that you're as expendable as you really are.

At least, if you work for yourself - you know who determined your destiny.

Does that sound important to you as you consider your public relations efforts?

Chip

Public Relations Tip #18 - Public Relations and Google vs. Microsoft

2005-08-03T07:01:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #18 - Public Relations and Google vs. Microsoft

As I've said here before, search engines play a huge part in your public relations strategy.

If you haven't heard about the Google - Microsoft war, here's a link where you can catch up on the news, and see how it might affect your public relations strategy.

http://www.firstcontactsecrets.com/blog/2005/08/chips-b2b-tip-137-google-microsoft-war.htm

Click that link to Chip Tarver's B2B Tips & B2B Techniques Blog and see what you're missing.

Chip

Public Relations Tip #17 - Public Relations and Jay Abraham

2005-08-02T05:53:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #17 - Public Relations and the Wisdom of Jay Abraham

Because you are a trusted public relations colleague, I NEVER post junk here. You're too important to me, and I appreciate and respect you too much to do that ... so believe me when I tell you that Jay Abraham can teach you a ton of ways to improve and enhance your public relations efforts.

Just like the last time he did this, the lines were snapped up really fast after the first announcement, so they added some more lines. Did you get in this time? Even if you were on the last call, it's worth it to be on this one, too.

I've been busy getting ready for a quick trip to Florida and forgot to post it here. (I apologize.)

I personally sat in on the last call, and it was worth the time and effort (and the price is right.) If you can make it, please get in on this call. You'll be glad you did.

Here's the announcement Jay gave me to post here:

Jay Abraham's Two Hour Long, Business Building - "Teleconference".

Jay is about to host a "one-of-a-kind" (LIFE CHANGING) two-hour Business Building Workshop Teleconference."

After the initial offering, all 1,000 lines were taken, so 500 more lines were just added - but like the last call Jay hosted, they won't last long.

Click this link to get registered:
http://www.abrahampublishing.net/app/aftrack.asp?afid=273610&u=www.abrahampublishing.com/wealthtracks/register/index.html
(paste the link if you need to, and hit your refresh button once you get there)

We were only able to open up 1,000 phone lines. All 1,000 lines were snapped up in the first 12 hours we announced it. Now, we've moved mountains, and been able to add 500 more lines. But that's it. We can't get any more.

So I strongly urge you to visit:
http://www.abrahampublishing.net/app/aftrack.asp?afid=273610&u=www.abrahampublishing.com/wealthtracks/register/index.html
(paste the link if you need to, and hit your refresh button once you get there)

IMMEDIATELY register and reserve one of the very few remaining lines --- if you want to see your business profits soar.

Why All The Excitement About THIS Teleconference Call?

In case you missed the earlier email, this is probably the most heavily responded to gift opportunity we've ever made. Here's an executive summary of what's being offered (and why it's so valuable):

Executive Summary

We've arranged a F*R*E*E* two-hour, teleconference-based "Quick Start" course with world famous marketing genius, Jay Abraham. Here's exactly what Jay will cover in this call:

Hour 1.) Marketing Secrets That Will Increase Your Financial Stability

Hour 2.) Fortune Building Business Lessons Your Competitors Don't Know About! What YOU Can Have In Common With Tony Robbins, A Founder Of Federal Express,The 300 Top Business Experts, President Of Nightingale Conant, and 8 Inc Entrepreneurs-Of-The-Year.

Would YOU like to learn the same income enhancing marketing lessons and fortune-building business ideas that people like Tony Robbins, a founder of Federal Express, the owner of Nightingale-Conant, Football legend Fran Tarkenton and eight Inc, Magazine Entrepreneur of The Year Winners learned!? Each of these people paid a SMALL FORTUNE to learn these "success lessons" from Jay Abraham!

But You Get A Second Chance To Learn It as our gift. Now We've Opened Up 500 More Lines. You Must Sign Up Today --- If You Want To Participate.

NOW you can have access to master marketer --- Jay Abraham --- to teach you LIVE his best business building strategies, on a special two-hour interactive teleconference call. More importantly, YOU GET THIS TRAINING FOR FREE and you never need to leave your home or office to do it, either.

That's RIGHT! Learn from Jay Abraham for FREE!

So many of my readers have seen all the laudatory letters people have written about super consultant Jay Abraham in the past. But they wondered...

What could any one man possibly know that made his books worth $400 or $1,000 a copy, his tapes worth a shocking $2,000 - $5,000 a set --- and his seminars sell out at a staggering $25,000 per person?

Now You Can Find Out First-Hand Without Spending A Penny

I've arranged for just 1,000 (now 1,500) of our subscribers to be taught a two-hour, "crash-course" on Marketing Ideas That Create Great Business Wealth. Jay Abraham himself has agreed to personally conduct this entire breakthrough two-hour class.

Why?

Because Jay is a great friend and a passionate believer in what we're doing in this public relations blog. Jay has become our personal marketing advisor and mentor for engineering massive profit breakthroughs.

People I know have paid him hundreds of thousands of dollars to millions a year for his expert advice. - But THAT was a BARGAIN, compared to what that advice earned each of their businesses.

One idea Jay gave Bob Allen early in their relationship put over two million extra profit dollars in Bob's bank account -- within less than 45 days! The first idea he gave Vic Conant made Vic $900,000 in 30 days time. The second one made Vic A TON more.

Maybe that's why I'm one of the greatest fans of Jay's mind and methods. So when I was looking for a wildly profitable, business strategy to help you enhance your financial state --- I called Jay. JAY'S MINDSET AND METHODS WERE MY FIRST & ONLY CHOICE. Jay's offering this conference call.

The man probably knows more ways to make someone like you more money from your business than any fifty other marketing experts combined.

He knows more powerful ideas for increasing sales, generating more customers, multiplying profits and creating great business wealth than anyone else I know. (A bold sounding statement, I know, but one that's totally true.) I take my reputation and credibility with you very seriously.

I wouldn't put myself or our organization out on a limb for that kind of statement --- if I wasn't absolutely confident it was 100% true and possible to do for you --- on Jay's upcoming teleconference session.

That's why in this two-part, two-hour long intensive teleconference session, Jay will cover ...

HOUR 1: How to Attract More Customers Than You Can Handle and How to Sell More to Every Customer you deal with:

HOUR 2: How to Sell More Profitable Items to Every Customer!

Jay also knows how to take a new idea for a business (or a small start-up enterprise) and explode it with immediate revenues and profits and positive cash flow ... even if you don't have a cent to spend on advertising, promotion or sales people.

Jay knows how to get you no-cash advertising. He knows how to find you all kinds of strategic partners, and joint ventures who'll put up all the people or money you need.

He can teach you how to do more lucrative money generating business deals than you ever dreamed possible. The man is an absolute idea-a-minute, money multiplying, cash-flow generating "Wealth-Building, Marketing Machine."

You are about to find all that out for yourself--- IF you get to be one of only 1,500 people Jay will be teaching his Marketing Methods to --- on our special two-hour, teleconference session.

Is this man REALLY worth listening to for 120 "thought-provoking" minutes --- broken into two back-to-back segments in a row?

You tell me.

He has over 12,500 major business success stories credited to his ideas. He's been featured two different times on the front page of USA Today in their MONEY Section.

Forbes Called Him "The Real Thing." Investor's Business Daily ran two of the largest stories -- ever -- on Jay in their prestigious Leaders & Success section--one on the front page. Then they hired Jay.

Entrepreneur has written about Jay twice. The founder said Jay made him over a million dollars. Success wrote five major stories on him. They hired him, too.

Forbes ran a two paged feature that named Jay one of only five Executive Business Coaches Forbes called "the real thing." Jay was the only one, out of all five, Forbes said could "... turn an under performing corporation into a marketing and sales whiz."

Jay's latest book was lavishly endorsed by Stephen Covey, Harvey McKay, Ken Blanchard, Tony Robbins, a co-founder of Federal Express, The Founder of Home Shopping Network, The Publisher of Investor's Business Daily, Seth Godin, Martin Edelston and 146 other prominent experts.

Mark Victor Hansen says he and Jack Canfield got the major idea behind their wildly successful Chicken Soup For The Soul-series from an idea Jay gave them.

Find A 10,000-1,000,000 Dollar Windfall On This Call

Tony Robbins says Jay shows everyone he ever talks to how to find a 10,000, a 100,000 dollar profit or even a 1,000,000 windfall. I'm confident he'll find one (or more) for you, too --- over the two hours Jay will be teaching you his money generating marketing ideas on this enriching conference call.

I hope I've excited you, because that's my intent.

But as I said earlier, there's a problem here: Tons of people want on this conference call. But we are only able to get 500 more of you on the extra lines! That is the MAXIMUM number of people we can add on!

So I strongly urge you to visit:

http://www.abrahampublishing.net/app/aftrack.asp?afid=273610&u=www.abrahampublishing.com/wealthtracks/register/index.html.
(paste the link if you need to, and hit your refresh button once you get there)

IMMEDIATELY go register.

At this point, we can't add one more place beyond that to Jay's two-hour, conference call "business building" course. Jay agreed to do this two-hour teleconference course for us -- One Time Only.

I can't promise he'll ever do it again for FREE.

Forbes said Jay charges $20,000 --- per person --- when Jay trains people in large groups at his seminars (and $40,000 a day when he works privately). I know that over 10,000 people have already paid many thousands each to attend one of Jay's past programs.

So the chance to learn a short-course, two-hour "primer" on Jay's biggest & best wealth-building business ideas FOR FREE seems (to me, at least) to really be the financial break you have been waiting for.

A Look At What You'll Learn

Jay has promised to share with you his three best ways to grow ANY business. He's given his word he'll explain The Strategy of Preeminence, the potent strategic philosophy that sky rocketed one of his clients from a $1,000 start up all the way to the 450 million dollar market leader in 8 amazing years, with zero financial risk.

He's told me he'll also tell YOU about the 21 power principles the very richest business people use to create their enormous wealth.

Jay also says there are ten major marketing mistakes that keep most small/medium business owners from ever making really big money. But you can eliminate all ten from your life within the two hours Jay will spend with you on these teleconference calls.

Geometric Profit Boosts

Jay developed a simple "proprietary system" he calls the eX-Factors that guarantee any business owner who uses them geometric boosts in their profit growth. He'll teach you the basics of his system (and its key concepts) on one of these two hours.

PLUS, he has agreed to set time aside at the end of the second hour (time allowing) to take your biggest unanswered questions, help solve your biggest business or money-making problems or help find the biggest overlooked profit opportunities you may be sitting on.

A World Class Expert/A World Class Opportunity

This is a "World Class" marketing expert offering to personally work with you by group conference call for FREE; because you're one of our valued friends. Jay charges $75,000 to speak for 90 minutes in front of a private group. But he will spend a total of two enriching hours with you, over this fast-paced FREE teleconference session.

Why is he doing it? Because he knows his ideas can make you a "bundle" and he wants to invest in your success first.We moved heaven and earth to make this two-hour conference call available FOR FREE for those of you who act FAST.

Join us at:
http://www.abrahampublishing.net/app/aftrack.asp?afid=273610&u=www.abrahampublishing.com/wealthtracks/register/index.html
(paste the link if you need to, and hit your refresh button once you get there)

IMMEDIATELY to register. The call is coming up fast. The 500 lines we just added won't be available long.

Jay Abraham has the marketing ideas that make people multi-millions. You can pay Jay $5,000 an hour to hire him privately --- OR be on our two hour teleconference course on Marketing Secrets That Enhance Your Financial Livelihood ... and learn some of Jay's best ideas and business wealth building lessons for FREE --- for yourself!

GET REGISTERED NOW... don't miss out on this exciting "one of a kind" two-hour conference call!

Go register Now:http://www.abrahampublishing.net/app/aftrack.asp?afid=273610&u=www.abrahampublishing.com/wealthtracks/register/index.html
(paste the link if you need to, and hit your refresh button once you get there)

Most people find it hard to believe that ideas can be turned into money, success, wealth, power, happiness or business advantage with relative ease. This conference call will teach you: it's absolutely true.
But not just ANY ideas.

Jay Abraham stands out as the preeminent idea man in the business arena. I turn to Jay for strategy, ideas and breakthrough business concepts. Now you can too, IF you get in on Jay's teleconference call.

http://www.abrahampublishing.net/app/aftrack.asp?afid=273610&u=www.abrahampublishing.com/wealthtracks/register/index.html
(paste the link if you need to, and hit your refresh button once you get there)

Finally --- Everyone who gets onto this conference call will also receive an 87-Question Self Diagnostic Marketing Assessment Tool called, "How Does Your Business Stack Up?" You can take the test before you even get on the call and know in advance when your biggest breakthroughs and profit windfalls can come from.

Chip

Public Relations Tip #16 - Public Relations and Yahoo

2005-07-31T18:11:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #16 - Yahoo Cool Public Relations Tip for You

You can get more and better public relations successes by achieving a better presence in as many major search engines as possible.

Lots of sites only have their home page indexed at Yahoo, which hampers your organic (free) results.

Here's a quick lookup tip Dr. Andy Williams of EZ-SEO (http://www.ez-search-engine-optimization.com)/ sent me today. If you want to see how many of your pages are indexed in Yahoo ... all you have to do is go to Yahoo.

Then put your URL in the search box after the word 'site:' (site, then a colon, then your URL, no spaces.)

site:firstcontactsecrets.com

I used my FCS site and found 220 results of my site pages, so apparently mine all got indexed, as opposed to just my homepage. For other Yahoo tricks, check my "Chip Tarver's B2B Tips & B2B Techniques Blog" at http://www.firstcontactsecrets.com/blog.

There are tons of wonderful tips in that blog that will help your public relations efforts, too.

Chip

Public Relations Tip #15 - Public Relations, Keywords, Search Engines, Relevance, and Content

2005-07-31T06:48:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #15 - Public Relations, Keywords, Search Engines, Relevance, and Content are Your Keys to Abundance

This is a public relations quickie because it is simple to understand and simple to do.

If you already know this, are you doing it? Do your Google Page Rank and Alexa Rating confirm this?

If you don't know it, here it is ...

Search engines care about two things: content and relevance. Does the info you provide match the keywords you say you're trying to satisfy?

People care about two things: content and relevance. Does the info you provide match the keywords you say you're trying to satisfy?

There - simple, wasn't it?

Both search engines and people care about the actual terms used to find information - based on real results, not our speculation - so please be sure you know the terms people use to find your information ... not the terms you think people use.

The differerences are life- and business-changing. If your public relations efforts do not first embrace this proven principle, the rest of what you're doing is 100% wasted.

For more on this and other relevant topics, go to my B2B Tips & B2B Techniques Blog at http://www.firstcontactsecrets.com/blog.

Just the truth ...

Chip

Public Relations Tip #14 - What Is Public Relations?

2005-07-29T13:02:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #14 - Public Relations Defined

It just occured to me that we've gotten all the way to public relations tip #14 without my even telling you exactly what public relations and publicity are ...

So - as to not give you some spin-definition, I went to Dictionary.com. There are 3 entries found for public relations.

public relations - pl.n. Abbr. PR

1. (used with a sing. verb) The art or science of establishing and promoting a favorable relationship with the public.

2. (used with a pl. verb) The methods and activities employed to establish and promote a favorable relationship with the public.

3. (used with a sing. or pl. verb) The degree of success obtained in achieving a favorable relationship with the public.

==========================

There are 3 entries found for publicity.

pub·lic·i·ty ( P ) Pronunciation Key (p-bls-t)n.

1. Information that concerns a person, group, event, or product and that is disseminated through various media to attract public notice.

2. Public interest, notice, or notoriety achieved by the spreading of such information.

3. The act, process, or occupation of disseminating information to gain public interest; a message issued in behalf of some product or cause or idea or person or institution.

==========================

Here 15 synonym entries found for publicity.

Main Entry: publicity
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: promotion

Synonyms:
advertising, announcement, announcing, attention, ballyhoo, big noise, billing, blurb, boost, broadcasting, build-up, clout, commercial, currency, distribution, fame, handout, hard sell, hoopla, hype, ink, limelight, noise, notoriety, pitch, plug, PR, press, press-agentry, promo, promulgation, propaganda, public notice, public relations, puff, puffery, pushing, release, report, réclame, scratch, skywriting, spotlight, spread, write-up

Source:
Roget's New Millennium™ Thesaurus, First Edition (v 1.1.1)Copyright © 2005 by Lexico Publishing Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

==========================

Main Entry: advertisement
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: notice

Synonyms:
ad, advert, announcement, ballyhoo, bill, blurb, broadcast, circular, classified ad, commercial, communication, declaration, display, endorsement, exhibit, exhibition, flyer, literature, notice, notification, placard, plug, poster, proclamation, promotion, promulgation, propaganda, publication, publicity, squib, throwaway, want ad

Source:
Roget's New Millennium™ Thesaurus, First Edition (v 1.1.1)Copyright © 2005 by Lexico Publishing Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

==========================

Main Entry: advertising
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: notice

Synonyms:
announcement, announcing, ballyhoo, ballyhooing, billing, blasting, blurb, broadcasting, build-up, buildup, displaying, exhibiting, exhibition, exposition, hard sell, hoopla, hype, pitch, plug, posting, proclamation, promo, promoting, promotion, public relations, publicity, puff, screamer, spread, squib

Source:
Roget's New Millennium™ Thesaurus, First Edition (v 1.1.1)Copyright © 2005 by Lexico Publishing Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

==========================

Main Entry: buildup
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: accumulation

Synonyms:
accretion, advertising, ballyhoo, development, enlargement, escalation, expansion, gain, growth, heap, hype, increase, load, mass, plug, promotion, publicity, puff, stack, stockpile, store

Antonyms: decrease

Source:
Roget's New Millennium™ Thesaurus, First Edition (v 1.1.1)Copyright © 2005 by Lexico Publishing Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

==========================

Main Entry: communication
Part of Speech: noun 2
Definition: information

Synonyms:
account, advice, announcement, briefing, bulletin, communiqué, conversation, converse, declaration, directive, disclosure, dispatch, dope, dope sheet, excerpt, global village, goods, hot poop, hot story, ideas, info, information, inside story, intelligence, language, lowdown, message, missive, news, note, pipeline, poop, prophecy, précis, publicity, report, revelation, scoop, skinny, speech, statement, summary, tidings, translation, utterance, warning, word, work

Source:
Roget's New Millennium™ Thesaurus, First Edition (v 1.1.1)Copyright © 2005 by Lexico Publishing Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

==========================

Main Entry: communications
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: exchange

Synonyms:
information technology, means, media, public relations, publicity, route, telecommunications, transport, travel

Antonyms: secret

Source:
Roget's New Millennium™ Thesaurus, First Edition (v 1.1.1)Copyright © 2005 by Lexico Publishing Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

==========================

Main Entry: exposure
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: uncovering

Synonyms:
acknowledgment, airing, baring, betrayal, confession, danger, defenselessness, denudation, denunciation, disclosure, display, divulgence, divulging, exhibition, expose, giveaway, handout, hazard, introduction, jeopardy, laying open, liability, manifestation, nakedness, openness, peril, presentation, publicity, revelation, risk, showing, susceptibility, susceptiveness, susceptivity, uncovering, unfolding, unmasking, unveiling, vulnerability, vulnerableness

Antonyms: cover, safeguard, shelter, shield

Source:
Roget's New Millennium™ Thesaurus, First Edition (v 1.1.1)Copyright © 2005 by Lexico Publishing Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

==========================

Main Entry: press agency
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: press association

Synonyms:
news agency, news service, publicity agency, public relations agency, wire service

Source:
Roget's New Millennium™ Thesaurus, First Edition (v 1.1.1)Copyright © 2005 by Lexico Publishing Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

==========================

Main Entry: press agent
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: publicity person

Synonyms:
advance man, PA, PR consultant, press officer, publicist, publicity agent, public relations officer

Source:
Roget's New Millennium™ Thesaurus, First Edition (v 1.1.1)Copyright © 2005 by Lexico Publishing Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

==========================

Main Entry: promotion
Part of Speech: noun 2
Definition: publicity

Synonyms:
advertising, advertising campaign, ballyhoo, blurb, buildup, hard sell, hoopla, hype, notice, pitch, pizzazz, plug, plugging, PR, press, press-agentry, promo, propaganda, public relations, publicity, puff, puffery, pushing, screamer, spread, squib

Source:
Roget's New Millennium™ Thesaurus, First Edition (v 1.1.1)Copyright © 2005 by Lexico Publishing Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

==========================

Main Entry: propaganda
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: information

Synonyms:
advertising, agitprop, announcement, ballyhoo, brainwashing, disinformation, doctrine, evangelism, handout, hogwash, hype, implantation, inculcation, indoctrination, newspeak, promotion, promulgation, proselytism, publication, publicity

Source:
Roget's New Millennium™ Thesaurus, First Edition (v 1.1.1)Copyright © 2005 by Lexico Publishing Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

==========================

Main Entry: publication
Part of Speech: noun 1
Definition: information

Synonyms:
advertisement, airing, announcement, appearance, ballyhoo, broadcast, broadcasting, build-up, communication, declaration, disclosure, discovery, dissemination, divulgation, issuance, issuing, notification, proclamation, promulgation, pronunciamento, public relations, publicity, publishing, reporting, revelation, statement, ventilation, writing

Source:
Roget's New Millennium™ Thesaurus, First Edition (v 1.1.1)Copyright © 2005 by Lexico Publishing Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

==========================

Main Entry: puff
Part of Speech: noun 2
Definition: advertisement

Synonyms:
advertising, blurb, boost, buildup, commendation, favorable mention, good word, hype, laudation, plug, praise, press-agentry, promo, promotion, publicity, puffery, push, sales talk, write-up

Source:
Roget's New Millennium™ Thesaurus, First Edition (v 1.1.1)Copyright © 2005 by Lexico Publishing Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

==========================

Main Entry: release
Part of Speech: noun 2
Definition: publication

Synonyms:
announcement, dope, flash, handout, issue, leak, news, notice, offering, poop, poop sheet, proclamation, propaganda, publicity, scoop, skinny, song, story, the goods

Source:
Roget's New Millennium™ Thesaurus, First Edition (v 1.1.1)Copyright © 2005 by Lexico Publishing Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

==========================

Main Entry: spotlight
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: attention

Synonyms:
center stage, fame, flashlight, floodlight, interest, light, limelight, notoriety, public attention, public eye, publicity

Source:
Roget's New Millennium™ Thesaurus, First Edition (v 1.1.1)Copyright © 2005 by Lexico Publishing Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

==========================

Hope this helps you understand the meaning of public relations without the spin from any gurus or other people trying to sell you something. If you think about it - this is also a wealth of keywords for your research if you're 'in the business.'

Chip

Public Relations Tip #13 - Public Relations and Jay Abraham

2005-07-28T15:17:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #13 - Public Relations and Jay Abraham's Way

Jay Abraham is at it again. No one knows public relations better than Jay. If you missed Jay's June event, it was over-booked any way ... 1,500 lines. The next one is next week - August 4th. Only 1,000 lines ...

Go here, read the page, and get registered for the free $10,000 call ... before this one is booked up, too. Even more people will be competing for the 1,000 lines this time.

http://www.firstcontactsecrets.com/jay_abraham.htm

You'll be really glad you did.

Chip

Public Relations Tip #12 - Public Relations is Niche Marketing

2005-07-28T13:10:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #12 - Public Relations and Niche Marketing

I just posted an article you need to read on my First Contact Secrets website at http://www.firstcontactsecrets.com.

It's about the hot topic bandwagon of the week everyone is jumping on. You can find it here:

http://www.firstcontactsecrets.com/Articles.htm.

(Go find it.)

Chip

Public Relations Tip #11 - Public Relations and High PR Linking

2005-07-28T07:43:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #11 - Public Relations and High PR Linking Go Together

Here's an informative public relations article we have on our Free Targeted Traffic site at http://www.free-targeted-traffic.com. Personally, I find it extremely interesting and imminently doable.

See if you agee ...

How to get 50 High Page Rank One Way Links Each Month
By John Gergye

It's easy. So easy it's almost criminal. But I can get one-way High PR (page rank) links whenever I want.

How? Come closer.

Let me whisper in your ear. It involves articles, the google toolbar and a tracking sheet.

That's it. Because there's really nothing to getting high PR one way links.

====> Two Must Finds

All you do is find sites to post your articles on that do a good job of directing page rank (PR) to their articles pages. Sadly many do not.

Others may, but they don't include that coveted live link from your article.

This just means you'll have to look a little harder. Since the crown jewel in your search for sites to submit articles to is to find those with other articles that show live links. And the pages they're on sport at least PR 3 or higher.

Here's why this is so powerful.

You'll typically get the lion's share of that PR. Since unlike a links page, quite often the only external link is to the author's web site. Just think. While others are thrashing around trading links, you're quietly developing high search rankings by simply submitting articles.

Nifty seo twist on the idea of article marketing isn't it?

====> Your Tracking Sheet

Setting up your tracking sheet is simple too. You want at least three headings including website URL, PR, Live Link.

What goes in the first should be obvious. Jot down the PR of the article pages themselves in the second. The third you simply note "Y" for yes if there is a live link from the article's resource box back to the author's web site. Or "N" for no if there is not.

Now for the tedious part - finding sites to host your articles.

Typically article banks, directories and the like are NOT going to be your best bet. Sorry. I'm not saying you shouldn't submit articles to them as part of an overall article marketing scheme. Just don't do so in the hopes of snapping up many high PR one way links is all.

Instead you want to use Google to help you find individual web sites that post articles. There are many ways to find them. Let me share one.

====> One Way to Find Sites to Submit to

Simply search on your "target keyword phrase + articles". And don't forget the quotes.

Doing so tells Google to return all pages with both the keyword phrase and the word articles on them. This should return a healthy list of sites in that keyword niche that host articles.

Now you want to do this search in Internet Explorer with the Google toolbar turned on. At each site visit a few article pages that have been around for awhile. (Sometimes sites will show the date posted. Other times you just have to kinda guess which might have been there longer.)

Keep an eye on the PR of those pages. Checking out three or four such pages should give you an idea of the PR potential. Note the highest PR you find on your tracking sheet. Also take note if the links in the resource box are live or not.

Once you run through the first list try another focus keyword. Or try a related niche. Just be aware you'll start to see peats and repeats. Still don't stop until you've got a nice starter list of 25-30 sites that have higher PR and a live link back.

After you've got your list - write the best, most informative, helpful article you can. No self promotion. No affiliate links. No hype whatsoever.

Then have at it. Submit it to the list you just developed.

If you've got a better than average article you can expect at least 10 or maybe even 15 out of 30 sites to post it. And you're on your way. Just like that you've got 10-15 higher PR one way links. Which is probably more than most of your competitors have.

And that's just one article.

That's right.

Once you've got one article in motion, look for more sites. Write another high quality article. Submit it first to those who posted your previous article. They should be your favored class and get first crack at your new one. Then submit it to the rest.

Pretty simple isn't it?

Yet this pretty much lays out get 50+ high PR one way links each month.

Now you can, too.

John Gergye shares more ideas like this in his ebook "StreetSmart Linking" at HighPRLinkClub.com.

================================================

My less-than-humble advice to you is to add this tip to your public relations arsenal. You'll be glad you did.

Chip

Public Relations Tip #10 - Public Relations Tips Blog and Search Engine Rankings #1

2005-07-27T17:59:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #10 - Public Relations Tips Blog SE Rankings #1

Today this Public Relations Tips & Public Relations Techniques blog is one week old.

Out of curiosity, I thought I'd check to see which search engines have found this PR blog - using two different public relations keyword phrases:

public relations tips
public relations tips blog

Here are the results after one week:

alltheweb - #3 for 'public relations tips blog'

dogpile - #26 for 'public relations tips blog'

excite - #25 for 'public relations tips blog'

webferreet - #13 'public relations tips blog'

yahoo - #6 for 'public relations tips blog'

So, as you can see - in a week, 5 search engines have picked up my Public Relations Tips & Public Relations Techniques blog.

Obviously, at this early point - alltheweb.com and yahoo.com have put the highest value on it for the keyword phrase 'public relations tips blog.'

POINT: Search engines like blogs. I've said it before and I'll keep saying it. Blogs provide fresh content to the search engines.

Pay attention to your keyword usage and your keyword density, and you can get your blog listed fast as well. And - after all - that's the point ... to get free traffic from free organic search engine results.

By the way, one of my other blogs, 'Chip Tarver's B2B Tips & B2b Techniques Blog" (at http://www.firstcontactsecrets.com/blog) is at the number one position in most major search engines for its keyword phrase 'b2b tips. That blog is 7 months old now, and has close to 130 posts in it.

Chip

Public Relations Tip #9 - Public Relations Through Effective Emails

2005-07-26T16:39:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #9 - Public Relations Through Emails That Work

Writing a Public Relations Email That Gets Opened
(An email requesting a phone call)

This is a quickie because this is not a difficult task.

Yes - due to the scourge of spammers (AKA losers) prevailing on the Internet today, our dear email system is just not what it used to be.

Fact.

But - like it or not - lots of impolite people barge in via telephone at all hours during the day and night, too. People in the media have tons of responsiblilities and loads of deadline pressures.

Now it's even MORE IMPORTANT to know how to craft an email that gets opens. You have to be able to rise above the noise and clutter in your public relations target's inbox. It also keeps you off their phones.

So without further delay - let's get started ... here's one example ...

NOTE: NEVER LIE TO PEOPLE. IF YOU DON'T SINCERELY MEAN WHAT I ILLUSTRATE BELOW - OR IF IT IS NOT TRUE IN YOUR SITUATION, FIND ANOTHER WAY.) (all caps on purpose)

=================================================

Subject line: Firstname - I'm *very* interested in your (fill in the blank)

Hi, Firstname -

I've (watched, read, whatever) you for a while now, and I'd love to be a trusted asset for you.

It might be a bit of a stretch at the moment - since we have not yet met - but out of respect for your time and deadlines, I just wanted to shoot you a quick email.

Would you please be so kind as to share between five and seven minutes on the phone with me at a time convenient for you? My area of expertise is (fill in the blank.) Whenever you need a quick quote, reference, or kicker, I'm as close as a local cell phone.

I'd never send this email if I weren't serous about being a trusted asset for you, and I never forget that the only reason we're here is for your (readers, listeners.)

Please be so kind as to tell me a convenient day and time for you to share a few minutes with me, as well as a phone number you prefer I use. I'm happy to get in touch whenever is convenient, or if it's easier, please feel free to call me.

I absolutely know and understand the pressures of your business. I promise not to waste one second of your valuable time. When you kindly reply to this email, please specify what type of info you'd like to see on me, so you can be comfortable when we chat for a couple of minutes.

Thank you in advance. I truly appreciate your time -
My name
My phone number
My URL

=================================================

IMPORTANT POINTS:

This email sample is short, interesting, intriguing, sincere, respectful, to the point, humble, and assuming a successful outcome.

It's a text email - not an html email.

I didn't say a word about how great I think I am. I said I know it's all about his (her) readers or listeners.

Any person worth knowing *will* respond with an answer. Further, they should be happy to set up a time to talk with you for a few minutes.

If they don't respond, they don't deserve your attention, your time, or your help. That said, if you're absolutely determined to work with a certain person, you can always email him or her later once you have some press credentials and credibility to add to your next contact attempt.

Keep at it. You'll find someone who cares. You deserve that much, for sure.

Lots of people will appreciate your help.

Chip

Public Relations Tip #8 - Public Relations and Amazon.com

2005-07-26T10:11:00.001-04:00

Use Amazon.com in Your Public Relations

Creative Ways To Use Amazon.com to Get Free Publicity --
Even If You Haven't Written a Book

By Randy Gilbert

** How Can Amazon Be a River Of Gold? **

Amazon has created some hard feelings among authors, because it takes an enormous chunk of the profit for selling books and products.

Although I'm not trying to defend Amazon, I would like to expand the horizons of authors and help them to see how they can proactively turn Amazon into their own "River of Gold."

Stand back and consider that Amazon is loaded with people who love to buy books and products in your subject area and who are trained to use their credit cards online. They are the kind of people you want to have come to your own website and buy lots of things from you.

By helping them to flow into your own sales funnel, they will become gold to you.You can get these people to your website if you take advantage of the opportunities that Amazon is giving you.

If you are not introducing yourself to your potential customers every time they are logging onto Amazon, you are making a really big mistake (HUGE!).

** Your Perfect Customers Are Visiting Amazon! **

How do I know your "perfect customers" are visiting Amazon? Well, simply because they are buying every type of book on Amazon that is in your specialty area, genre, and niche. If you don't believe me, then who do you think is buying all those books?

How do I know people who shop on Amazon use their credit card online?

Because that is how you buy things on Amazon.

Additionally consider this. Amazon knows they are a proven source of people who buy on the Internet, because it has branched out and now sells just about everything else under the sun.

I'll say it again ... Amazon has trained millions of your potential "perfect customers" to use their credit cards online (impulsively), and you can attract them to your websites by branding your name in front of them every time they shop there.

** Amazon Is Ten Times Better Than Walmart! **

Amazon is fast becoming the Walmart of the Internet. But size is not the issue. What makes Amazon ten times better than Walmart is that Amazon is willing to share its traffic with you!! Can you imagine being able to duplicate yourself and being allowed to stand in every Walmart store, holding out your book and introducing yourself?

And even better, can you imagine having a display of your books and products next to every other complimentary product that is sold in every Walmart? Well, that is what you CAN DO virtually on Amazon.

Here Are 2 Ways To Sell More Books And Brand Your Name

Below are listed creative ideas for turning the people who visit Amazon into your own "perfect customers."

Use these 'Golden Tips' and you will see your book sales on Amazon increase dramatically and you will gain lots of perfect customers to your other websites. You will literally be turning Amazon into your own "River of Gold."

[Authors side note: I almost hate to share these, because I feel some of them have been my own little money making secrets. However, I know that if I don't give good things away, I will not get good things in return. So here they are. Please use them for your own benefit and feel free to share them with others.]

Golden Tip #1 - Tell People 'About You' and Become A Celebrity

Amazon has given you a very special place called "Your About You Area," that is a goldmine in itself. This is your own area that you have complete control over. You can post a flattering picture of yourself, and if you want, include your family or even your book.

You should use your "About Me" area to its maximum extent allowed. You can post who you are, what books you've written, how you can help people, and most importantly,which of your websites they can go visit to get your help.

This description of yourself can go on and on for up to 4,000 characters (~650 to 700 words). But here's a note to the wise; be sincere, be personal, don't include any hype, and stay within Amazon's guidelines.

Amazon's guidelines say no domain names, URLs, or hyperlinks. Also, no commercial advertising, promotion, or solicitation. Therefore, you only promote yourself and describe your websites and their addresses with words.

I also describe what I will give to people who contact me and so far Amazon says that's OK. To find "Your About You Area," click on your store tab. For example, if your name is Jan, then the tab will most "Jan's Store." Then click on the sub-tab "Friends &Favorites."

Next, look down on the left of the page and click on "Your About You Area." Please, don't let this vein of gold go untouched. To see a sample of mine, I've set up a link that will take you there directly: http://AmazonBestSellerSecrets.com/about-me-area

Golden Tip #2 - Use Your Branded Name as Your Amazon Name

In "Your About You Area" there is a place for you to type in 'Your Name.' It may sound like a simpleton idea, but I recommend you enter the name that you want people to know you by.

Here are some possibilities.

Use your branded name (ex. Randy Gilbert, Host, The Inside Success Show). You can also make it easy for people to get in touch with you if you use your branded name email address (ex. RandyGilbert@RandyGilbert.com), or your vanity toll-free telephone number (ex. Randy Gilbert, call 866-MAUI-BOY).

Check out this vein of gold. If you have more than one specialty or branded website, you can open an Amazon account for each.

All you have to do is create separate accounts using another email address, and purchase something from that Amazon account. I have 3 accounts. One for my "Dr. Proactive" niche, one for my Host of "The Inside Success Show" niche, and one for my "Amazon Best Seller Secrets" niche.

There's no cost, so why not?

Randy Gilbert

Great stuff, eh?

Chip

Public Relations Tip #7 - Public Relations and Email

2005-07-25T08:28:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #7 - Is Email Your 'PR Friend?'

Public Relations and Email Marketing
by Chip Tarver

Here are some quick hints to consider as you use email as one of your contact methods to achieve public relations from the local, national, or international media.

1. Do not use a free email account if you want to be taken seriously by anyone in business. No Yahoo. No Hotmail. No AOL. Always use your company email account.

2. Don't use a silly alias. Your name is part of your branding and 100% of your recognition.

3. Be especially careful in crafting your emails so you don't look like a garden-variety spammer. Remember that any unsolicited email can be considered spam. When you're trying to make contact with a media person you don't yet know - that's an unsolicited email ...

4. Email is a great way to request a telephone appointment. It shows respect for the other person's time, and allows convenient scheduling. The trick is writing an email that gets opened, read, and acted on.

In the old days you could get away with about anything. And that's why we call them 'the old days.' Today is 'different,' and you must be, too ...

Email is one of your most effective means of communication, and your way to market at almost a zero cost ... so use it to your best efficiency.

The spam junkies, worms, trojans, viruses, and other rotten apples spoil the whole barrel. Be sure your email is one that is anticipated and opened. Do things the right way.

Stay focused on your target ... and remember that media coverage is all about the viewers, listeners, and/or readers. Always deliver great content to your media contacts to make life easier for them. Give them what they want and expect.

Point: Email is still viable (for today.)

One real problem is that some people are so stupid that they poison their own email supply (and ours) and will inevitably over time put themselves out of business. Brilliant ... aren't they?

Spam is wrecking the system and taxing all of the resources and patience of people - so it's the villain. Don't send frivolous ridiculous emails. Period.

Some people call email 'a gentle tap on the shoulder.' If a friend of yours tapped you on the shoulder, would you turn and pay attention - or be rude to your friend?

I make the analogy of (the proper use of) email to Federal Express.

Most people notice and open their FedX packages. Why? People don't usually waste time and money sending frivolous FedX packages. FedX packages get noticed. In a perfect world, if a friend tapped you on the shoulder and offered you a just-delivered FedX package - would you open it?

(Of course you would.)

Make sense?

© Chip Tarver
The B2B Relationship Pro
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/blog
FreeTargetedTraffic.com

Public Relations Tip #6 - Public Relations and Your Press Kit

2005-07-24T06:33:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #6 - Proper Public Relations Requires a Proper Press Kit

Public relations (AKA publicity) is no different than the other issues you face online and offline. It's difficult these days to find ethical products distributed by ethical people.

Fact.

Far more prevalent are crappy products distributed by unscrupulous people.

Truth.

If you haven't been suckered into buying some junky product because you read a hyped-up (they'd call it well-written) sales letter, you must be new around here - or you're just not on many people's lists yet.

One of your most difficult issues in acquiring information (and/or products) online is finding someone you can trust. You'll hear me repeat this from time to time because it's true.

One of the best assets you'll find out here is someone who's been around a while and knows whom you can trust (and some people you can't.)

If you could meet a person whose professional life is involved in public relations, whose products cover a variety of the specific facets of public relations, and who is well-respected by his peers in the public relations arena ...

Would you pay close attention to this person? (You should.)

Why?

Public relations (publicity) is a Golden Key. And I know a handful of people in this market you can trust.

Hang around here and I'll introduce you to them.

One of the people you need to know in the public relations profession is Don Crowther. Don has been very successful in his field because he knows what he's doing.

You need to pay attention to Don because he can and will help you.

Plain and simple.

So - what's this got to do with press kits? I'm glad you asked.

Don has just this month released the finest product of its kind, specifically designed and crafted to show you EXACTLY what you need to have in an excellent, efficient, results-pulling press kit ...

An offline (printed) press kit.

And an online (digital media) press kit.

All the pieces. Explained. Specifically. With pictures. Everything you need in one place.

Period.

You won't need any other press kit product if you have this one.

Don explains and shows you every single piece in a rockin' press kit and media kit ... even telling you which pieces are most important - and which pieces aren't.

Lots of people would stop there. Not Don.

He then shows you lots of existing press kits from famous companies. He tells you what's best about each one - and what isn't. Then he tells you the stuff that should be in each one - and the parts he wishes they had left out.

You won't find a more exhaustive, comprehensive public relations press kit product anywhere.

At any price.

It's called "How To Create Powerful Press Kits and Online Media Kits."

OK - the ball's in your court.

Don't be silly and buy a half-dozen crappy press kits and media kits products that don't work.

Be smart andjust buy one - Don's. It works. It's real. You don'tneed any other press kit product. This one tells and showes you EVERYTHING you need to know.

Buy it.

Today.

Click any of the links in this post to immediately go to Don's site and see the preeminent press kit product for your public relations today.

© Chip Tarver
The B2B Relationship Pro
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/blog
FreeTargetedTraffic.com

Public Relations Tip #5 - Public Relations and Your Press Release

2005-07-23T19:01:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tips #5 - Press Release Optimization: The Biggest PR Advance in 100 Years?
by George McKenzie

Did you know that the public relations "game" is 100 years old this year?

Yep, the first press release was sent to newspapers by snail mail a century ago, aimed at helping control the Public Relations damage a railroad company sustained when one of its locomotives crashed.

The company offered to transport reporters free of charge to site of the accident to witness the scene themselves. The company hoped to squelch rumors and exaggerations that were spreading about the severity of the wreck.

Things are a little different now, aren't they?

And maybe the biggest Public Relations development in 100 years has been quietly taking place in the last 12 months or so. Do you know what it is?

It's the marriage of Public Relations and the Internet.

Public Relations in general, and press releases in particular, have become the "stealth strategy" in the highly competitive battle for search engine ranking. Greg Jarboe, President and co-founder of SEO-PR recently did a comparison study for one of his clients, WineZap.com. The results were verrrry interesting.

Jarboe provides press release optimization for companies seeking publicity and search engine positioning for their websites. He can show you side-by-side views of a "before-and-after optimization" press release for WineZap.com, an online resource to research and price wines.

The changes to the press release were relatively minor, but he made several significant changes to the headline, and he added some wine-related search phrases. The "optimized" release, submitted through PRWeb.com also included a call to action and a discount coupon for those who clicked through from the press release to a special landing page.

The landing page offered a newsletter sign-up form qualifying the visitor for substantial discount on wine purchases. Jarboe showed ranking results from both Yahoo News and Google News, where the release turned up in the top 5 rankings.

Such a ranking is stunning in the highly competitive wine industry, especially since WineZap is a new site. Jarboe says WineZap had paid for tracking, and results showed the release got more than 90,000 views on the PRWeb site alone, with 1,400 views by journalists!

Jarboe pointed out that his research shows 98% of journalists go online daily, that 92% go online for research purposes, and -- maybe most remarkable of all -- 73% of those journalists go online to search for press releases, which are typically indexed within three days because they're considered "time-sensitive."

That's much faster than a standard web page gets indexed.

It beats the daylights out of those press releases that were distributed to journalists by snail mail 100 years ago, doesn't it?

And it's also a good way to beat the daylights out of your competition when it comes to getting the free public relations you need to take your business to the next level.

© Chip Tarver
The B2B Relationship Pro
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/blog
FreeTargetedTraffic.com

Public Relations Tip #4 - Public Relations and Celebrities

2005-07-23T17:12:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #4 - Celebrities, Fame, and Your Public Relations

Today I have an article from a wonderful and brilliant fellow, Don Crowther.

"How To Use The Fame Of Others To Build Your Publicity"
from Don Crowther's "Great PR Newsletter."

(For more information on 101PublicRelations and our collection of Special Reports, articles and other resources, visit 101PublicRelations.com.)

Have you ever noticed how famous people can get publicity almost without lifting a finger while you feel like every bit of media attention costs you endless work and struggle?

There's a way to fix that ... find a way to use the celebrity power of others in your behalf! As a result you not only both get publicity, but you get the benefit of the attention their presence brings and possibly their implied endorsement!

Here's some ways you can do this:

1. Use celebrities as examples

I just watched an interesting little news clip. It was promoting the latest issue of one of the women's magazines. It had one of their writers talking about how different facial structures need different styles of eyebrows.

(I didn't know how important it is for Madonna and Susan Sarandon to purposely perfectly pluck differently from each other.)

(By the way, I just read this to my middle daughter who stated "they do" with that tone of voice that implied "Dad, you just don't know anything!")

Instead of just talking about it, the spokesperson used pictures of different celebrities to illustrate good examples of eyebrow styles. I usually don't pay attention to these types of stories, but noticed this one because I glanced at the TV and saw a picture of one of my favorite stars, so started paying attention.

I'm sure that many others did too - and heard the mention that this was all covered in the latest issue of the magazine, while seeing a picture of that issue on-screen.

Other examples may include anything clothing or make-up related, how to handle a stressful situation at work (using scenes from movies), or hot vacation spots (using celebrities who've vacationed there as support).

2. Comment on the celebrities

This is very related to #1, but with a twist. Here instead of using the celebrity as an example (where you could conceivably have used any woman's face to show proper plucking principles) the celebrities are the core of your story.

In this case, your subject is the celebrities themselves and some aspect of their lives. An example is the annual best and worst dressed women at the Oscars.

But there's many other ways you could do it, including homes of the stars, comments made by politicians, even favorite dishes eaten by local radio stars at your restaurant.

In this case, your qualifications will be briefly stated, so it usually doesn't result in as powerful of a publicity punch as other items on this page, though you can twist it well in certain circumstances (a presentation expert commenting on the political debates or the thank you speeches at the awards builds your credibility.)

3. Rebut a celebrity

When you see a celebrity doing something that you strongly disagree with, you can oftentimes use that as a tool to get your cause on air.

For example, if a politician says something stupid, a celebrity's child could have been prevented from their wayward ways if only the parent had followed your techniques, a celebrity does the exactly opposite of your cause, etc., you've got a story in the making.

4. Give a celebrity an award

We see this especially around New Years - "Best or Worst____ Celebrity" (insert 'dressed, environmentally astute, foot-in-mouth,' etc., in the blank.)

But you can also use this in other ways.

If you know that a particular celebrity is supportive of your general cause, you may want to give them an award, especially if they are going to be in your community for a concert, etc.

Or, if your cause is important enough, you may be able to get them to come especially to accept your award or to have their publicist contact the press for you to come to them. You can always give the award without their being present, but you lose publicity value if you do so.

5. If you find a celebrity using your product / service

Restaurants do this all the time - grab a picture with the celebrity dining there, but others can do it, too.

They may like to order your hand-made soap. Ask for a testimonial.

Or, offer them a free year's supply if they will do so.

This starts getting to the line of paid sponsorships, so you are less likely to get success here, but it can never hurt to ask and sometimes 'it pays to pay,' as long as the celebrity can actually bring attention and support to your message.

6. Recognize your own celebrity

Many people have a personal celebrity status built within their niche that they may not even recognize. If you write, consult, are on a commercial, are a professor, or are any good at a sport, you may be a rock and roll star in your own little world.

If not, you probably should be, as this can literally change your ability to get publicity. If so, make sure that you use your celebrity appropriately and sparingly, so that you carefully preserve and build your celebrity presence and income potential.

Recognize that as a celebrity, there are people who will do what you tell them to simply because you tell them to do so - that can mean sponsorship and other dollars in your pocket.

Make good choices and you can significantly add to your bottom line!

If you're interested in more information on how to build your personal celebrity status with the media and within your personal niche, check out our other materials.

Keep the power of using celebrities always on your mind. It can make all the difference in the success of your publicity efforts.

There are lots of nuggets in this article. Hope you noticed them.

© Chip Tarver
The B2B Relationship Pro
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/blog
FreeTargetedTraffic.com

Public Relations Tip #3 - Public Relations Through Helping Reporters

2005-07-23T10:58:00.000-04:00

.
Public Relations Tip #3 - Reporters Will Help You
.

Here's a great public relations article from George McKenzie of FreeTargetedTraffic.com that you'll definitely want to read, contemplate, and use in your public relations efforts.

Help Reporters 'Beat the Clock' and They'll Help You 'Beat the Drum'
by George McKenzie

Imagine that you had lunch with an important client or prospect.

You thought you had plenty of time, but the client/prospect got chatty, the restaurant was jammed and service was slow. It's now about 1:45 and you're due back at the office for an important 2:00 o'clock meeting.

You can't afford to be late.

If you hit the traffic lights just right, you'll walk into the conference room right on time. But you don't hit the first couple of lights just right, and you're starting to sweat.

Then at 1:55, half a mile from the office, you see the blocking arms coming down just as you're pulling up to a the train crossing. A freight train lumbers into view. Now you're really sweating about being late.

Ever had that feeling?

Not fun, huh?

That's the feeling most people in the news business live with. Not just once in a while either. Every day. Unless you've been through it, you can't imagine the gut-wrenching and hand-wringing that goes on as a deadline approaches and you're battling to get your column written, your radio report ready, or your TV live shot on the air.

There are constant challenges --

Journalistic: Is my information accurate? Have I confirmed it? Is there anything important I'm leaving out? Will my competition have something I don't?

Human: There are other people screwing up their jobs all around you, but you still have to get yours done as if everything and everyone performed flawlessly.

Technical: Computers crash, cameras and tape recorders don't work, tires go flat. Technological advances in news gathering have been breathtaking since I got into the business.

But one thing hasn't changed: Murphy's Law.

Throw all these challenges together, and simply doing your job everyday can get fairly uncomfortable. For an interesting insight into what I mean here, go to http://www.get-free-publicity.com/ford.html. It's the story of a near-disaster I experienced shortly after I had done an interview with former President Gerald Ford.

I'm not asking for sympathy here. If you're in the business, you know that's how it is and you accept it.

It's part of the job description.

It 'comes with the territory.'

I'm describing it to you, however, so you know the normal mental state, the mindset of the people you'll be dealing with when you're trying to get free publicity for yourself or your business. And the mindset is 'get to the point, tell me what I need to know, and don't waste my time with anything unnecessary.'

When I was doing a weeknight sportscast at KMOL TV in San Antonio, I used to hang a sign on my office door every night at 'crunch time,' which was 60 minutes or so before I went on the air. The sign read: 'If it's important, say it fast. If it's not, say it later.'

As you send your press releases to people in the media, keep that in mind.

Nothing will hurt your chances of getting publicity from them as much as wasting their time with non- essential stuff. Help them 'beat the clock,' and they'll be more likely to help you 'beat the drum' by giving you thousands of dollars worth of coverage -- and free publicity.

George McKenzie
FreeTargetedTraffic.com

Hope this opened your eyes a bit, and helps you get noticed in your public relations efforts.

© Chip Tarver
The B2B Relationship Pro
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/blog
FreeTargetedTraffic.com

Public Relations Tip #2 - Deadly, Terminal Public Relations Mistakes

2005-07-22T06:52:00.000-04:00

.
Publicity Tip #2 - Ten Big Blunders in Radio Publicity
.

George McKenzie just sent me this info in his excellent weekly newsletter. It's so good, and so important, you need to see it. Now ... That's exactly why I reprinted it below for you.

Here are George's "10 Deadly Publicity Ways to Shoot Yourself in the Foot" ... AKA "How to make sure you don't get invited back as a guest on a radio program ..."

===============================================

In my recent hitch as a radio talk show host at KAHL in San Antonio, I was reminded of all the things guests did that seriously hurt (or even killed) their chances of ever getting invited back on the air.

Here's my Top 10 List of "Talk Show Don'ts":

If you're invited to appear as a guest on radio or TV, make sure you don't blow your chances of getting repeated exposure by making these mistakes. BTW ... I'm going to use the word 'host' below, but the same applies in some cases to producers (the people who actually get on the phone and book the guests.)

Deadly Mistake #1: Failing to provide a list of suggested questions or talking points -- either through email or on a "Media Room" on your website. I interviewed 7-10 guests in every program every day, and that meant a *lot* of time researching topics and preparing questions for guests who didn't provide them in advance. No host can possibly be well-rounded and knowledgeable about everything, so you'll score big points by making it easy for them. BTW ... hosts will also love you for making them *sound* as if they know what they're talking about, even if they don't.

Deadly Mistake #2: Providing a list of questions, but forgetting the answers to some of them. This is deadly. Listeners can tell when you're struggling, and believe me, the host will remember it too.

Deadly Mistake #3: Failing to offer the host any biographical information about yourself, either in your media room or via email.

Deadly Mistake #3a: Giving the host a three page long bio that contains a whole lot of irrelevant information. Who has the time to read all that stuff and sort out what's relevant from what isn't?

Deadly Mistake #4: Plugging your book, product, service or website incessantly. There's an art to "selling from the stage" without sounding like a huckster. No host will mind if you mention your product or service once or twice, but doing it more than that will make the interview sound more like an infomercial -- a sure way to raise the host's discomfort level.

Deadly Mistake #5: Starting to answer a question before the host is done asking it. This is one of my major pet peeves. First, it's just plain rude. Second, you don't necessarily know where the host is going with a question, so you might answer a question they really weren't asking. And third, it's inconsiderate to listeners, who are hearing two people talk over each other, which literally creates "cognitive dissonance" and makes it tougher for the listener to follow the conversation.

Deadly Mistake #6: Taking a long story from your speech and telling it on the air. Professional speakers tend to do this a lot. Remember, radio is supposed to be a conversation, not a presentation. Stories that work in a seminar or convention setting may fall flat on a talk show.

Deadly Mistake #7: Trying to engage the host by suddenly asking him or her "pop questions." I know you'd love to believe that the host is hanging on your every word, paying close attention to you as you speak. The truth is, the host is often distracted by things going on in the studio that neither you nor the listeners have any clue about. They're going to be really embarrassed -- and more than a little annoyed -- if you put them on the spot by asking them a question they don't have an answer for -- and then waiting for them to reply.

Deadly Mistake #8: Saying, "Well, as I already told you ..." or something similar when the host asks you a question you believe you've already answered. It's like saying to the host, "Well, you're pretty stupid for asking that." See #7 above about distractions in the studio. Simply rephrase your previous answer and move on.

Deadly Mistake #9: Calling the host by name every other sentence. It leaves the audience with the impression you don't know they're there -- or don't care. Using the host's name 2-3 times during an interview is okay -- and probably even good. But more than that gets old.

Deadly Mistake #10: Failing to send a personal, handwritten thank you note. It makes a *huge* impression because so few people do it. Sending an email "thank you" is better than nothing, but it doesn't come close to something in writing sent via snail mail.

Follow these tips and you'll be "talk show friendly," which will result in thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of repeated free publicity that's more believable, powerful, productive and profitable than any advertising you can buy at any price.

George McKenzie
FreeTargetedTraffic.com

===============================================

I hope you take George's sage experience and advice to heart, and do as he suggests. Again, always model yourself after those people who have actually done what they're telling you, instead of the guru nonsense du jour so many people try to force-feed you every day.

© Chip Tarver
The B2B Relationship Pro
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/blog
FreeTargetedTraffic.com

Public Relations Tip #1 - Get Some Public Relations Tips Today

2005-07-21T14:16:00.000-04:00

Public Relations Tip #1 - Get Some Yourself Today

OK - pay attention, class.

There are probably hundreds of ways to get real and immediate benefits from doing your own public relations (AKA publicity) - and many of them are free.

This process / skill set is not some nebulous, nefarious concept only understood by certain left-handed Zen Masters facing east when the stars and moons are perfectly aligned on the 5th Tuesday during any leap year ...

No - it's doable. By you.

Here's Real Problem #1 ...

There are certain mechanics, methods, and strategies you simply have to learn. Period. And you need certain tips, tools, and techniques to shorten your learning curve and get you success faster.

Here's Real Problem #2 ...

How in the world can you find the people you can actually trust ... those people who have actually done what they purport to know how to do ... those people who are willing to share their knowledge with you, saving you tons of time and mountains of money?

Here's Potential Problem #3 ...

You have to get off your butt and do something. Like anything else worth having, this takes some work, some diligence, and some determination. If you follow the garbage-in, garbage-out, get-rich-quick crowd, this is not the place for you. You will be disappointed here.

In this blog you'll only see me talk about people and products that are The Real Deal. No hype. No BS. No baloney, and no guru goulash du jour.

And let me be perfectly clear about something ... I'm not going to send you to 'Madison Avenue' agencies who charge you thousands of dollars for some 'pretty something' designed to win some basically meaningless award.

NO - I'll only point you to people to whom direct response marketing is paramount. If you do the work, you should do it with the response (you want) in mind. Period.

Nope - I'll only send you to people who are The Real Deal. I know honest and ethical people who do this stuff for a living. Today. Every day.

They can be trusted. You need to know them.

So - I recommend you:
1. Bookmark this blog
2. Add it to your favorites
3. Put a shortcut to this blog on your desktop where you won't forget it
4. Come here often and take advantage of the truthful content

Do whatever you have to do, but do something.

Do something ... one of the big keys you'll learn here if you come back ...

If you'll come back here often, pay attention to what I tell you, and take a serious look at the people to whom I recommend you - you'll be miles ahead of your competition.

And after all, isn't that what it's all about?

© Chip Tarver
The B2B Relationship Pro
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com
http://www.FirstContactSecrets.com/blog
FreeTargetedTraffic.com

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