I need to be cautious here…but I am wondering if you (like me) ever feel like a loser when you do not accomplish all of the tasks on your To Do list?
I try to be vigilant of that fearful, lazy part of myself that loves to create distraction and drama not to do the work. Whenever “the loser Preston” appears, I treat him with a lot of tender loving care. Maybe I take him out for some ice cream or a run and bring him back, sit his ass down, and let him do the work. (OMG, I am talking about myself in the third person…)
How did you make out with your To Do list last week? I had a little difficulty making two of the three calls I needed to make.
This week, I’d like us to concentrate on getting publicity. I find that advertising is a very powerful tool in getting your name and business out there, but a great article written about you is even more powerful. When a potential client reads your name in print, she is more likely to take you and your business seriously.
These are my suggestions for how to get your name out there:
- Magazines. What magazines do you think your clients read? When I first started, I called Brides magazine once a week for 6 months. I simply told them, “I’d love to be in your magazine. I have some beautiful flowers I want to show you.” Eventually I got a call back and my first cover. You need to understand that any good magazine editor is constantly looking for something new and different and that could be you.
- Newspapers. The same approach as above, yet this one is a bit more challenging. You need to ask yourself one question: If I was reading the paper, what story about me or my business would I want to read that I have not read before? Even if you are not a writer, put down this idea in a couple of sentences. Then, you are ready to do your weekly call or email to one of the newspaper editors.
- TV. I find that the morning shows in your area are the best place to start. Again, remember that these shows are daily. Most of the time, producers of these shows find it difficult to come up with a new and fresh idea. This is where you come in. Most morning shows love demonstrations of some kind. If you are having a difficult time coming up with a fresh idea, consult a friend, family or associate. Look up one or two of the show’s producers and make it your daily practice to send him/her your “new idea.”
- Web. This is both easier and harder than some of the other tactics above…which is why we’re going to discuss this in a separate post next week. (Stay tuned!)
An important thing to remember as you develop your Publicity To Do list: this can become a really fun thing to do, especially when you get that first call. (It can take at least three months to get that first response back.)
The key is to never give up
In my experience, once you get your first break, the others will follow with greater ease.
My To Do list this week: Plan a great week of fun and laughter. (We seldom make time for fun… What are your plans for the holiday weekend?)
I also want to know…Do you resist self-promotion? Why?
PREVIOUS
George Bernard Shaw once said: “You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’” That quote embodies how Preston Bailey approaches every event.
Sherri Daubert
May 24, 2010
What a great post. I loved the tips and was very appreciative to know that someone else does not get through their daily to do list………………I too, love to create a diversion to not have to deal with that! Thanks!
Lindsey Huddleston
May 24, 2010
Do you think it’s easier with a product than with a service?
Precious Occasions
May 24, 2010
Great information Preston! I’ve actually had promotion (newspapers and magazines) on my to do list for quite some time but haven’t gotten to it since it seems so overwhelming as well as the the other competing goals that I have in my business and life. Your tips make it seem so manageable. Thanks for the advice.
Kindle
May 24, 2010
Yes I resist, not sure why. Humility or fear of humiliation….
But I also feed the fearful, lazy part of me, I am so glad you put it out there…Because the lazy Kindle loves Ice Cream and Bejeweled Blitz on Facebook. Anything to get out of finishing that knockout piece she has been working on. …
This is really good information as I have had editors give me their card and request pics of a few pieces, which I never sent…shame…Kindle needs a swift kick in the azz!
Sandra
May 24, 2010
Thank you for your tips. Self promotion is like fredoom: your’s ends when begins someonelse’s. You must respect limites. But if you have something to sell, for instance your job, show it.
Alton Weekes
May 25, 2010
Thanks for the information, it’s priceless. As a entrepreneur trying to grow his business in this unstable economy these tips help make the road less bumpy.
Angela-Renee
May 25, 2010
I’m loving you even more for this blog and the FB outreach. It is awesome to see someone so respected in the industry reaching back and Inspiring others. Thank you. (*.*)
Janny
May 26, 2010
Thank you Preston for your honesty and for goodness sake, your fantastic humour! I fight self-promotion and self-doubt every day and today I had to push myself to contact a bride for whom I am designing her wedding flowers. What is there to be afraid of? “No” is only a word and “Yes” is a reward. (She thanked me for reminding her about her flowers.) Your column is always encouraging to your fans and supporters and provides us with greater insight into the industry and life. Thank you for all of this.
Lorraine
April 14, 2011
Thank you for sharing your human stories as well as your professional tips. It’s a relief to know that I am not that only one out there with a perpetual ‘To Do’ List! There are days that I even add to the list to be able to procrastinate on the less appealing subjects that might end in possible rejection. Then I take myself out for Ice Cream and say ‘Snap out of it’! … you know, kind of like Cher in Moonstruck!
…. That being said, I must take this moment to cross off one of those ‘To Do’ list items ………………………….. Preston, my family and I own a beautiful vineyard in Southern Vermont only 4 hours from the city that has exquiste views and a Napa Style event center that I would love to show you. If your interested in an all expense paid trip up here to ‘get away from it all’ and see our amazing venue just drop me a line at lorraine@honorawinery.com
Patricia
April 14, 2011
Preston
I have been self employed for 32 years. I took a big chance and sold everything to move to Southern Vermont and start a winery and vineyard. I can now hold events, make wine, and share all my time with my family and grandchildren. I am happier than I have ever been. 200 acre estate and breathtaking views every morning. God has blessed me. Never say never.
Patricia
Teri
January 5, 2012
hey Preston, In some area I do! I don’t want to come off as a telemarker (lol)