Got Word of Mouth Publicity?

Do you think of social media first when it comes to word-of-mouth-marketing? Well, before you start tweeting, posting photos on Facebook and adding videos to YouTube, tell your story to the media. After all, if your business is featured in a major news-story on radio, television, print, or online, you can build buzz while obtaining […]

10 Questions Never to Ask a Reporter

When you prepare to contact a reporter, it is essential to conduct some research first. Media members receive hundreds of calls and e-mails each week, and you want to make a good, first-impression without being annoying. To stand out and get your story heard, here is a simple reminder of ten questions you should never […]

A Rose by Any Other Name is… Unethical?

Chocolate. Jewelry. Cards. Ethical Roses. Ahhhh. All nice things for Valentine’s Day: Wait, ethical roses? What the heck is an ethical rose? Well, that’s exactly what I thought when I was driving home from a meeting and listening to a very interesting radio spot. According to the announcer, we need to buy “ethical roses.” No, […]

What’s Your “Lucy” Moment in Copywriting, Marketing or PR?

Last week, I was on a much-awaited, exclusive teleconference with a well-known and very successful business and marketing consultant. As the call began, the tips and ideas started flowing, and I feverishly took notes and tried to digest all of the information. Everything was going really well, but then:things started to get ugly. About half […]

Are You Using This Six-Letter Word?

Times are tough right now, and the recent earthquake in Haiti really makes us stop and think about our blessings. With this in mind, have you thanked your customers, partners, associates, and media contacts lately? If not, here are three simple ways to use this six-letter word to improve your relationships ““ and your business: […]

5 Free and Fast Sale-Boosting Activities

If you are like most small business owners, you are working harder than ever to find and secure new business in today’s uncertain economy. It can be tough to exceed customer expectations, conduct marketing and PR efforts, pay bills, and keep things running smoothly on a tight budget. With this in mind, here are five […]

What Are You Doing for the Holidays?

Congratulations! You’ve made it through the unique challenges 2009 had to offer small business owners, and now it’s time to celebrate. With this in mind, here are a few tips to have a G-R-E-A-T holiday: G: Give Back To The Community. Volunteer to help a local charity. Donate your used clothing and other items to […]

Who Are You Working With?

If you are trying to save money and start the New Year off right, there may be a secret problem lurking in your business. With the stress of trying to balance a budget, pay bills, obtain new customers, and have a life outside of the office, it can be easy to overlook one key element […]

Are You Doing This One, Key Thing to Bring in Sales?

In the process of promoting your products and services to potential customers, are you also promoting yourself? Competition is fierce today, and people want more for their money. This means that they are not just looking at products and services ““ but the people behind the businesses as well. With this in mind, what kind […]

Interview with Successful Photographer and Entrepreneur Ralph Velasco

Recently, I received a message from one of the members of the “Rembrandt Writes Insights ®“ Newsletter. As a successful business owner and avid traveler, Ralph Velasco has some great tips to share with other entrepreneurs. Here’s what Ralph had to say: Tell us about your business and why you chose to go into it? […]