Lately, I’ve been shocked at the number of people who claim they can do public relations – and charge people for it. I’m not talking about skilled PR professionals who have studied and honed their craft. I’m talking about writers, online marketers and virtual assistants who basically say anyone can help get someone publicity. It’s just not true. Most of these people chargge a very low fee to write a press release – and claim you get get meida coverage by posting on the various press release sites on the Internet. You can’t. Media are really hanging out at those sites – and frankly, I’ve never heard someone got media coverage by posting on there.  I am sure someone has, but I have never heard... [Read more]

In this podcast of Success Secrets, I interview Betsy MacKinnon, VP of Marketing & Communications at Inquisix.com Inquisix is a wonderful new startup which may have the answer to the ongoing problem of finding an online networking group that focuses on business and business development. Listen in to find out how you can become of of this company’s beta testers. Image credit: Inquisix.com [Read more]

It comes as no surprise to me that as marketing budgets are being slashed, more companies are turning to public relations and publicity firms to help them get more bang fro their buck. According to several industry reporters, many companies are cutting advertising budgets, but not PR budgets. That’s because public relations is easier to measure. Think of it this way: Although advertising can produce measureable results, it takes a ton of impressions (meaning seeing an ad multiple times) for someone to usually make a purchase. Plus, most of the ads I am seeing today are really to enhance or remind people about a brand. (Think of all those big game ads we’ll be seeing soon enough!) When one creates a publicity campaign, you can easily... [Read more]

I don’t know about you, but when I am up in the wee hours of the night, I am seeing a lot of infomercials telling people now is the best time to start a business. I’m seeing such statements on many blogs and social media sites. But I wonder, is it really true? Or just some hype? It’s easy to point to the latter. Times are tough and people are scared that their jobs may disappear (if they haven’t already). So having a plan B is always a good idea. But should that be starting a business? Perhaps. If you are willing to do the work. The many get rich with your own business ads are schemes: multi-level marketing/pyramid, or the how-tos offered often give you a taste of what you SHOULD be doing, but never the REAL secret sauce:... [Read more]

I’ve been searching for some new tools to help me save time and money this year. (Who isn’t?) And a new site has caught my eye. It’s called FastDue and I think it may help a lot of people keep their business running in tough economic times. Some of FastDue’s fre features include: A great invoicing tool that automatically reminds the client when he or she leaves a bill past due. A way to customize and negotiate contracts online, with legally binding electronic signatures. Templates to create tons of legal forms, including non-disclosures, finder’s agreements, consulting contracts and more. A quick glimpse feature to take a look at all your accounts, including invoices, agreements, receivables and payables. Frankly,... [Read more]