Every day I pray that I can inspire my three daughters. When I started my public relations company I knew that it meant a lot of sacrifices for my family.

Today we’re talking about being available for the media.

When the press calls and they say that they want to come by to interview you in an hour…they’re not kidding!

When I started my own Public Relations firm, I turned to my friend and mentor, who owns his own marketing agency. Kyle Reyes of The Silent Partner Marketing shared a ton of advice with me and continues to do so. You want to know what the best piece of advice he gave me was? He told me to start blogging. To be honest, I was Very apprehensive about that. All I could think of was: who wants to read my blog? What will I write about? Will they be any good? How will I find the time?  Well, I conquered my fears and Kyle was right. Blogging helps you and your business grow. For those of you who are nervous or questioning the power of blogging, I’ve compiled several tips on on how to blog and reasons to start writing.

Donald Trump is facing a major public relations crisis. Experts are saying that this could ruin his chance of becoming the next President of the United States.

This weekend, a taped conversation that the Republican Presidential candidate had with Billy Bush 11- years ago was leaked to the media. Conveniently, it came just hours before Wikileaks was planning on releasing emails from Hillary Clinton.

My parents once told me to choose my words wisely. It was an important piece of advice 20 years ago and it is even more relevant today. In this digital age, it is imperative that you think before you speak.

I’ve been really slacking on my Friday Favorites, but I’m back at it!

I’ve taken a couple weeks off from writing my Friday Favorites and I’m finally back at it. Today, it’s all about my clients.

When I started my own firm I decided that I would only work with people who I truly believe in. I will NEVER help promote a product, person or company that I don’t feel passionate about.

Today’s Friday Favorites kicks off with one of the best places to grab a quick, delicious meal.  Let me introduce you to Green Leaves to Go in Agawam, Massachusetts. Owners and sisters Rose LaFleur and Lois Rossi make their gourmet creations inside Nina’s Cookies in Feeding Hills, Massachusetts. In the morning, they serve up a breakfast sandwich that keeps you full till Noon. For lunch, take your pick of fresh salads or sandwiches. One of their specials the other day was a sweet citrus salad – mixed greens topped with a scoop of our cranberry walnut chicken salad, Vermont cheddar & a medley of chopped apple & oranges soaked in fresh squeezed lemon & honey. How good does that sound? Whether you opt for take-out or you’re providing lunch for the office or an event, Green Leaves to Go is a must try. Once you go there, they will become your favorite…I guarantee it.

We’re kicking off today’s Friday Favorites with one of the most up-and-coming blogs to follow. If you haven’t seen Rosemary and Lace, you don’t know what you’re missing. Blogger Michelle LaPorte takes fashion to a whole new level. She highlights affordable clothes and makes them look like they’re right off the runway. She proves that you don’t have to spend a ton of money to look good. I used to work with Michelle and she was always the best dressed.  It’s no surprise that she started a fashion blog and it has blown up. So much so, that she is going to be featured in a national magazine! Besides fashion, Michelle chats about home decor, beauty and fitness. You can also follow her onPinterest, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Recently I’ve been writing a number of blogs on work/life balance. As my business grows and the family demands increase, I am constantly seeking to find a balance. Today’s Friday Favorites is all about what’s been working to keep me centered (minus a weekly glass of wine or two.)

When I worked as a news reporter our newsroom would get dozens of press releases a day.  Many of them were missing important information, way too long to read, or were just plain awful. Others, were well written, got right to the point and had a compelling story. Guess who got the coverage?

Imagine this. You’re sitting in the green room at Fox News or MSNBC. You are being prepped by the producer. Your heart is racing. Your palms are sweating. You make the walk down the long hallway to the live studio. You get the cue that you are two minutes away from going on the national television news. And you’re live.

Today we’re talking about how social media and PR work together. Before twitter, facebook and snapchat, the only way to let people know that you and your company were going on to be on the 10 pm news is an email blast or a phone call.

You have probably been hearing a lot about Snapchat around work. Your kids are most likely on it and celebrities and companies around the world are snapping away.  If you haven’t jumped on board with this social media platform…it’s time. I know what some of you are thinking: “Isn’t it for sending naked pictures?” I’m sure that people still do, but businesses and social media influencers do not do that. Now that your concern is cleared up, grab your phone and download the free app.

I recently had dinner with a successful, gorgeous, and intelligent woman. Many women envy her and thousands of men would love to date her. In many people’s eyes, she has a dream job. She’s a television journalist.

Today we’re talking about your marketing budget. I’m going to let you in a little secret….you don’t need a 100,000 dollar budget to successfully market your business, but you do need to be doing the right things.

Journalists are fortunate to see and experience things that many people will never get to. During my time as a television reporter, I was able to shoot guns with a tactical training unit, interview celebrities and cover political campaigns. But, nothing ever prepared me for September 11th.

Today we’re talking about how to set yourself apart from your competition. Whether you are trying to get new business or working to maintain your existing clients…you need to do what everyone else isn’t. So…we’re going back to basics.