Fellow work-at-home-mom Ariane Griffiths,Executive Director of Foundation Studio Special Events, shares this story.
"You know you’re a WAHM when you are sitting at your desk, writing emails and humming the theme song to Blue’s Clues. Work phone rings, you pick it up instead of saying 'Good Afternoon' you say 'Did Steve find a clue yet!?'”
Thank you Ariane for submitting your story! If you have a WAHM story you'd like to share, email me at lori at lbpublicrelations dot com.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Free Course for Moms Wanting to Work from Home
Each week I receive an eNewsletter from the Christian Work at Home Moms Company. It's a good resource for motivation. They are hosting a free course to help moms who are interested in starting their own at-home business. See below for details!
CWAHM.com Announces Work At Home 101 Most people are curious about working from home. We know others do it, but aren't sure how they do it. CWAHM.com's Work at Home 101 is designed to give you an overview of the choices available that will allow you to work from home. This online course will give you the starting place you've been searching for. Best of all - it's completely free! CLICK HERE! Some of the things covered during Work at Home 101: * Where to Start
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Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
My husband bought this book for me for my birthday. He had heard an interview with the author on one of his favorite talk radio shows.
Here are some points from the book and how I can apply them to my PR business. As the book explains, “If anyone wants to start an epidemic, then he or she has to somehow employ Connectors, Mavens and Salesmen: he or she has to find some person or some means to translate the message of the Innovators into something the rest of us can understand.”
This is what I do as a PR professional. One example of how I’ve done this is with a former baby sling client. I developed a relationship with a popular mom/blogger who writes about baby slings. She was generous enough to include many of our promotions and contest on her blog. This helped build my client’s business.
I found his theory on the success of Paul Revere’s ride fascinating. As well as the success of making NY subways safer by removing graffiti. All parents will find it helpful to know who may influence the smoking epidemic in their children’s lives.
“It takes only the smallest of changes to shatter an epidemic equilibrium.
Social epidemics are driven by the efforts of a handful of exceptional people. How socialable they are, how energetic or how knowledgeable or influential among their peers.
Epidemics tips because of the extraordinary efforts of a few select carriers.” (It was fun to learn about these carriers and categorize various people I’ve met in my life.)
“Any kind of social epidemic is heavily dependent on the involvement of people with a particular and rare set of social gifts.”
“Connectors, people with a special gift for bringing the world together. Connectors manage to occupy many different worlds and subcultures and niches. …they have some combination of curiosity, self confidence, sociability and energy.” Peter Shankman, the creator of HARO comes to mind.
“It’s also the case that the closer an idea or a product comes to a Connector, the more power and opportunity it has as well.”
As a PR person, how can I find the connectors and mavens in each of my clients’ industries? How can I find the “exception few” who are capable of starting epidemics? Once I find them, how can I develop relationships with them and treat them well?
Mavens
“Have the knowledge and social skills to start word-of-mouth epidemics. They are teachers as well as students. Mavens are the data banks. Connectors are the social glue.”
Gladwells’s studies on the “Stickiness Factor” in ads was also fascinating. He talks about very simple things companies have added to their ads that made all the difference.” With this in mind, I’ve been trying to place directions to my clients’ businesses in the blog posts I write for them.
“…small, close-knit groups have the power to magnify the epidemic potential of a message or idea. What are the most effective groups? Many small movements can create one contagious movement.”
What blogs, Yahoo Groups, FaceBook groups, etc. should my clients be a part of?
I highly recommend “The Tipping Point” for anyone with their own business and anyone who does business consulting. http://www.gladwell.com/
Here are some points from the book and how I can apply them to my PR business. As the book explains, “If anyone wants to start an epidemic, then he or she has to somehow employ Connectors, Mavens and Salesmen: he or she has to find some person or some means to translate the message of the Innovators into something the rest of us can understand.”
This is what I do as a PR professional. One example of how I’ve done this is with a former baby sling client. I developed a relationship with a popular mom/blogger who writes about baby slings. She was generous enough to include many of our promotions and contest on her blog. This helped build my client’s business.
I found his theory on the success of Paul Revere’s ride fascinating. As well as the success of making NY subways safer by removing graffiti. All parents will find it helpful to know who may influence the smoking epidemic in their children’s lives.
“It takes only the smallest of changes to shatter an epidemic equilibrium.
Social epidemics are driven by the efforts of a handful of exceptional people. How socialable they are, how energetic or how knowledgeable or influential among their peers.
Epidemics tips because of the extraordinary efforts of a few select carriers.” (It was fun to learn about these carriers and categorize various people I’ve met in my life.)
“Any kind of social epidemic is heavily dependent on the involvement of people with a particular and rare set of social gifts.”
“Connectors, people with a special gift for bringing the world together. Connectors manage to occupy many different worlds and subcultures and niches. …they have some combination of curiosity, self confidence, sociability and energy.” Peter Shankman, the creator of HARO comes to mind.
“It’s also the case that the closer an idea or a product comes to a Connector, the more power and opportunity it has as well.”
As a PR person, how can I find the connectors and mavens in each of my clients’ industries? How can I find the “exception few” who are capable of starting epidemics? Once I find them, how can I develop relationships with them and treat them well?
Mavens
“Have the knowledge and social skills to start word-of-mouth epidemics. They are teachers as well as students. Mavens are the data banks. Connectors are the social glue.”
Gladwells’s studies on the “Stickiness Factor” in ads was also fascinating. He talks about very simple things companies have added to their ads that made all the difference.” With this in mind, I’ve been trying to place directions to my clients’ businesses in the blog posts I write for them.
“…small, close-knit groups have the power to magnify the epidemic potential of a message or idea. What are the most effective groups? Many small movements can create one contagious movement.”
What blogs, Yahoo Groups, FaceBook groups, etc. should my clients be a part of?
I highly recommend “The Tipping Point” for anyone with their own business and anyone who does business consulting. http://www.gladwell.com/
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Small businesses turn to contractors to cut costs
Recently, the Dallas Morning News printed an article called, "Small businesses turn to contractors to cut costs."
"As the recession forces small businesses across the country to cut expenses, some are making a dramatic shift – they're laying off employees and using independent contractors instead.
Hiring contractors rather than employees means businesses don't have to pay for employee benefits and don't owe the government payroll taxes for the contractors."
My website has always highlighted the economic benefits of hiring me as a freelancer to handle your public relations capabilities. I can help you tell your story to the media, position you as an expert in your industry and influence your target audience.
Here are the economic benefits to hiring Lori Bittenbender, PR freelancer:
You can read the full article here.
"As the recession forces small businesses across the country to cut expenses, some are making a dramatic shift – they're laying off employees and using independent contractors instead.
Hiring contractors rather than employees means businesses don't have to pay for employee benefits and don't owe the government payroll taxes for the contractors."
My website has always highlighted the economic benefits of hiring me as a freelancer to handle your public relations capabilities. I can help you tell your story to the media, position you as an expert in your industry and influence your target audience.
Here are the economic benefits to hiring Lori Bittenbender, PR freelancer:
- Reduces costs with on-demand, task-specific help.
- More affordable than a full time, salaried employee. Plus, you don’t have to pay benefits, sick time or vacation.
- The solution for occasional writing needs.
- Allows you to focus on what you do best, running your business.
Visit my website to learn more about me! I can also be reached at lori at lb publicrelations dot com.
You can read the full article here.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
WOVI, Frisco Upcoming Events
I belong to a women's mentoring/networking group called Women of Visionary Influence, WOVI. I attend the Frisco chapter meetings. We meet the 4th Monday of every month at Blue Mesa Grill.
I have had the privledge of booking the speakers for this first part of the year.
Last night I was delighted to meet Courtney Warren, a social worker turned card designer. She and her presentation were as bubbly and delightful as her cards. Courtney encouraged us to slow down and communicate our love to family and friends. She even gave us a couple of her new Valentine cards to give to loved ones.
I enjoy attending WOVI meetings because WOVI isn't your typical surface-level networking group. At the end of each presentation the women at each table, share their answers to a question about the presentation. Everyone provides feedback. These are called "mento-rings" and they really allow women to connect both professionally and personally.
Everyone is invited to attend the WOVI meetings. Here are some of the other speakers who will be presenting this year.
March - Karon Karter, author of “The Six-Week Bikini Countdown. Karon will share tips on how to get your best, healthy body.
“What you think is what you feel, and what you feel is what you radiate through the gift of living your best, dare I say, sexier life — and what woman wouldn’t what that?” shares Karter.
April - Jenny Hander, author of “A Place of Peace.” In her topic, “Rose Colored Glasses,” which was inspired by her young daughter’s pink prescription glasses, women will learn to see “good”—no matter what circumstances life may bring.
Women will learn three key messages through Jenny’s “Rose Colored Glasses”
Losing sight – how challenging circumstances can strike you off course
Tiring of the darkness – realizing that you want and deserve better
Seeing Clearly – learning to regain focus on your hopes and dreams
May - Mary DeMuth - Abundant Parenting
Abundant parents get an ACTIVITY adjustment.
Abundant parents learn the importance of AUTHENTICITY.
Abundant parents are alive in the moment; they are AWARE.
What's your favorite business networking group?
I have had the privledge of booking the speakers for this first part of the year.
Last night I was delighted to meet Courtney Warren, a social worker turned card designer. She and her presentation were as bubbly and delightful as her cards. Courtney encouraged us to slow down and communicate our love to family and friends. She even gave us a couple of her new Valentine cards to give to loved ones.
I enjoy attending WOVI meetings because WOVI isn't your typical surface-level networking group. At the end of each presentation the women at each table, share their answers to a question about the presentation. Everyone provides feedback. These are called "mento-rings" and they really allow women to connect both professionally and personally.
Everyone is invited to attend the WOVI meetings. Here are some of the other speakers who will be presenting this year.
March - Karon Karter, author of “The Six-Week Bikini Countdown. Karon will share tips on how to get your best, healthy body.
“What you think is what you feel, and what you feel is what you radiate through the gift of living your best, dare I say, sexier life — and what woman wouldn’t what that?” shares Karter.
April - Jenny Hander, author of “A Place of Peace.” In her topic, “Rose Colored Glasses,” which was inspired by her young daughter’s pink prescription glasses, women will learn to see “good”—no matter what circumstances life may bring.
Women will learn three key messages through Jenny’s “Rose Colored Glasses”
Losing sight – how challenging circumstances can strike you off course
Tiring of the darkness – realizing that you want and deserve better
Seeing Clearly – learning to regain focus on your hopes and dreams
May - Mary DeMuth - Abundant Parenting
Abundant parents get an ACTIVITY adjustment.
Abundant parents learn the importance of AUTHENTICITY.
Abundant parents are alive in the moment; they are AWARE.
What's your favorite business networking group?
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Media Hits!
I've had 4 amazing media hits for my client, Plano Aesthetics, this month. Four major media hits all in one month, with another segment scheduled as well. I hope I don't have a long dry spell with them after all these media hits!
Here they are...
WFAA, January 19, 2009 (ABC)
Wrinkle treatment uses no toxins
CBS11, January 14, 2000
N. Texas Doc Performing Unique Water Liposuction
WB33, January 13, 2009
Relaxed Expressions, The alternative to Botox
WB33, January 12, 2009
Water Liposuction
Here they are...
WFAA, January 19, 2009 (ABC)
Wrinkle treatment uses no toxins
CBS11, January 14, 2000
N. Texas Doc Performing Unique Water Liposuction
WB33, January 13, 2009
Relaxed Expressions, The alternative to Botox
WB33, January 12, 2009
Water Liposuction
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Using Special Events to Draw Publicity
Back in December, the Dallas Morning News ran a story from New York Times about small businesses using creative special events to draw publicity.
This is a brilliant and cost effective marketing technique to draw business.
Here's some things the store owners who were featured are doing to attract customers:
Deborah Reese, owner of Seventh Goddess lingerie shop in Albuquerque, NM:
This is a brilliant and cost effective marketing technique to draw business.
Here's some things the store owners who were featured are doing to attract customers:
Deborah Reese, owner of Seventh Goddess lingerie shop in Albuquerque, NM:
- Opted not to increase her advertising budget this year for the first time since she opened the shop four years ago.
- She's developed a new Facebook page and is encouraging employee blogs.
- Coordinated a "Sex and the City pajama party" in which customers sat on pillows for manicures and facials.
- Erotic poetry reading on Valentine's Day.
- The owner says, "People who ordinarily wouldn't come, come. You just have to spring for the munchies and drinks."
The result? The parties boosted sales. Dozens of pajamas sold at the PJ event.
Mary Hughes, owner of Mary's Futons, San Rafael, Calif.
- Coordinated a comedy show, using her futons as the seating! "An Evening of Lie-Down Comedy"
The first show sold out. So they added another show and it sold out as well.
These are brilliant and effect publicity campaigns.
Need a creative mind to brainstorm some fun events to draw customers to your place of business? Contact me at lori at lb publicrelations dot com. I'd love to help!
You can read the entire story in the Dallas Morning News here.
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