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.

Conferences. They are great for education and fabulous for networking. Anyone who has been to a large conference has found value in them. But what are you doing to take it to the next level?

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!

Today we’re talking about looking great for your unplanned media interview. Your PR team has been pitching you as an expert to the media – and one day you get the call that a reporter wants to interview you. This is great news…. but they’ll be at your office in an hour. Not so great news if it’s casual Friday in your office.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

How often do you say “no”? If you are like many people, I am guessing that the answer is “hardly ever.”  You don’t want to let anyone down. You want to be liked. You want to be a team player. Sound familiar? Whatever the reason, by saying yes to everything, you are saying no to the important things in your personal and professional life. I am slowly learning to say ‘no’.

It’s the best feeling for a publicist to be told by the media, “Yes…we’ll cover that story.” Our heart beats with excitement and we can’t wait to tell our clients. But…the good news needs to come with a disclaimer.

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.

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.

Have you ever held back on telling someone something? Maybe you didn’t think it was a good idea or you were afraid of what they thought. Don’t do that. Communication is key in both your personal and professional life. Don’t ever hold back. If you do, you may be miss out on a great opportunity.

Before the internet and social media if you were quoted in the news, it would usually only appear once in print and on TV. But, that is certainly not the case now. If and when you are in the news, it appears on multiple social media outlets. This is a good and bad thing.

I recently got together with some of my television news friends from the good ole’ days. Over the last 10 years, we’ve all gone our separate ways. Some stayed in the television industry, while others went into public relations and marketing. Either way, we all still have a strong connection.

Has anyone ever told you that they will have something to you by a certain day? That day comes and goes and you don’t hear from them. It’s frustrating – right?

Today we’re talking about the reality of press coverage

As a former journalist I am going to let you in on some secrets when it comes to pitching your story to the media and getting coverage.