The holidays are upon us and while many are taking time off, the press does not. Digital media outlets need to fill their sites with stories and television stations will be, as they call it, “light” for stories.  

Reporters and editors are not getting inundated with press pitches as many are on vacation, so your pitch has a chance of getting read and potentially picked up. 

As hard news slows down, reporters need story ideas. And this is where you come in! Here’s what journalists are looking for. 

Secret #1: Feel Good Stories

I think most of us agree that after this year, we all need a feel-good story. Reporters are looking to share a special story that warms the hearts of their viewers or readers. This works great with your local media. If you have a special story that will resonate with your audience pitch away. 

Secret #2: Food. Food. Food.

Food is a big part of the season and prior to COVID television stations would have in-studio cooking segments. But that doesn’t mean that they are not looking for this type of content. Pitch a unique cooking/entertainment segment that you can do remotely. Think about what people will be doing this holiday season as it is a bit different and create a pitch from there. For example, maybe folks aren’t doing the traditional holiday dinner, so give them ideas to create fun and less stressful meals or snacks. Remember, think outside the box and what is important to the audience. 

Secret #3: Be Topical

Pitching topical newsworthy stories is always the best way to reach the media, even during the holidays. Pitch a story that connects your organization to a news topic or current trends, such as the economy, COVID, health, or other trends.

Secret #4: How To’s

The media loves to interview experts about tips. From how to stay healthy during the holidays with COVID to how to avoid gaining weight from all the amazing food and cookies...these are great ways to reach the media.
  

Secret #5: Gifts Ideas

We all struggle with coming up with unique gifts and the media loves to provide unique ideas to their readers and viewers. If you have a specific product that would make a good gift before you pitch the idea think about what sets your brand apart and why it would make a good story. It is American made, inexpensive, easy to get last minute, great for moms, dads, kids, co-workers..whats the hook?

Secret #6: Trends 

This is the time that journalists are working on 2021 predictions. The media is looking for experts in their industry to talk about what we can expect over the next year in that field. This is the case in multiple areas. From health and wellness to finance and style. The key here is to pitch this ASAP. 

A great place to see opportunities regarding these stories is HARO (Help a Reporter Out) I talk all about this and how to use it in my online course Land Your Own Media Coverage and Increase Your Brand. 

While national media exposure is the goal for many, I highly encourage you to start on the local level, especially with these holiday stories. And once they interview you, your chance to do more interviews will increase significantly. 

I’m excited to hear about your success.

Have a wonderful holiday season!!

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.

Recently, I asked one of my employees when she was born. I nearly had a heart attack. She was born the year I graduated high school. Yikes… I’m only 40 but that makes me feel really old. How can she be so young? And most importantly, can she really handle the pressure at a public relations agency? Is she actually going to work hard? Will she feel entitled?

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.

In todays vlog we’re talking about the importance of blogging. When I started my Public Relations firm, I received some very good advice from a friend. He told me to start blogging. To be honest, I was very apprehensive about it, but I did it and it’s the best thing I could have ever done.

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.

Have you ever been at work and made a Big mistake? Your initial instinct may be to hide it, ignore it, or even blame someone else. But, eventually you’ll tell your boss what happened and make a plan so it won’t happen again. The same thing applies to social media and public relations.

Your business just won an award or your company is part of a huge project in the area. You have a story to tell. A really good story. You’ve told the press about it, but you haven’t heard anything. Okay, don’t give up. You may just have to tweak a couple of things.

This week’s Friday Favorites continues with our wellness theme, today it’s mental health- particularly for women. I’m getting a little personal here, but that’s okay…I’m an open book.

We are continuing our health kick in today’s Friday Favorites with a little bit of bling. Of course, if you haven’t figured it out yet, this girl loves her jewelry. This jewelry is particulary special because it has a purpose.

Friday is here and it’s definitely one of my favorite days of the week. A long work week has come to an end and the next couple of days will be filled with fun and relaxation (okay with 3 kids, maybe relaxation is not the right word.)  So what a way to start a weekend than with a couple of my favorite things.

I’m slightly obsessed with coffee and lattes from Agawam’s Java Stop. In fact, they’ll be celebrating their one year anniversary in a couple of weeks! Most people who walk in the cafe are regulars and the staff knows their names, kids names and favorite drinks. I’m a huge supporter of local businesses and I’m very happy that they’re right down the street from me. The holiday’s are almost here (at least that’s what the advertisers are telling us), so I tried the Eggnog Iced Coffee with almond milk…ohh my it is to die for. A must try!

Iced Eggnog Coffee, Agawam’s Java Stop

Should I indulge in a latte, I head right to Active Lifestyle Fitness for an amazing workout called Booty Barre. It’s a combination of ballet, pilates, yoga and pain. You work every muscle group and your body is literally shaking (it’s all good.) It’s by far my favorite workout ever!!! Owner, Ashley Brodeur started boot camp classes in a parking lot and has grown to have her own fitness facility that includes Booty Barre, boot camp, spinning, TRX,  yoga and small group training. The instructors are amazing and truly care about you and your progress. It’s such a comfortable setting and everyone who goes there is extremely nice. Plus, your first class is free! You have to check it out!


Booty Barre, Active Lifestyle Fitness

The last of my Friday Favorites is this amazing shampoo and conditioner by Davines. My hair is extremely coarse (horse hair) and frizzy and it takes a lot to tame my wild locks. Michelle Scibelli, owner of Gasoline Alley the Salonalways points me in the right direction with hair products. When experts say it’s all about your hair product, they’re so right. This shampoo and condition give hair shine, softness and body. If you have coarse, frizzy hair, this is great for you. Always consult with your stylist on what works best for you hair. Looking for a stylist?? Please check out Gasoline Alley the Salon. Michelle and her staff are amazing at their craft and I love, love, love them! This is where you should really spend your money. A good stylist and good products = great hair.


Davines OI Conditioner

I have a ton more “favorite things” that I am excited to share with you. In the meantime, please go out and support local businesses and enjoy your weekend!

Cheers,
Alison

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 is again slightly different than the norm. It’s not about a business or product…it’s about people. Sometimes it takes a crisis to see the good in the world.