Saturday, August 29, 2009
Reality
Reality sometimes hits you hard! Reality hit me while siting in my first born's high school orientation! With two babies 2 and under, a 3rd grader and a high schooler, I started to panic thinking about the proposal that I was working on. As a woman it is so difficult to find value in "mothering", when the world is telling us we have to be successful professionally! It is a lot of pressure! Since my daugher was born two years ago I have continued to take on more projects even though I had ANOTHER baby 8 months ago! When I started thinking about all of my responsiblities I almost started hyperventalating! I could have had a full blown panic attack right there in the high school gym. It was then that I decided I was going to have to back out of some projects and focus on who needs me MOST! I have been straining to find this work/family balance but I can't find the balance because I continue to take on TOO MUCH! With that said, with much continued prayer...I have decided to slow it down. Work will always be there...my kids won't! They will be grown and gone before I know it and the most important job is training them to live in this world. I pray that God gives me the strength I need to be a good role model for them. Who cares what the world thinks, I am shaping lives right here in this house and THAT IS ENOUGH!!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
The Long Lost Art of Customer Service-Tips to Bring it BACK!
For the past two weeks I have been dealing with a broken Dell computer and different techs calling giving me the runaround from India. I have been told countless times by numerous people that I would be taken care of! This has NOT happened yet and it has been over TWO WEEKS! I am otherwise a patient person, and normally very calm but I am at my wits end! As I type now on a borrowed laptop that is probably older than I am I think to myself, what is WRONG with people? What happened to people honoring their promises? What about taking care of the customer no matter how big or small? That's the kind of company I want to support, that is the kind of company I will purchase my next computer from!
As a business owner, I want to provide quality service to ALL of my clients and insure that they are 100% satisfied! I want them to know that their account is important to me no matter the size of the invoice I will be sending them at the end of the month! Here are some rules I follow and sure wish companies like DELL would consider!!!
1. When you say you will do something, DO IT!
2. If you can't provide a permanent solution to a problem provide a temporary solution until it CAN be resovled permanently!
3. Don't leave your client or customer hanging, follow up and FIX the issue! Your client has customers too, be understanding of that and quick to respond with a solution.
4. SPEAK CLEAR ENGLISH! How many times have you been stuck on the phone with someone you can't understand? It is bad enough that you are experiencing a problem, adding further frustration by TRYING to make out what the person on the other line is saying can put customers over the TOP!
5. Treat others they way YOU want to be treated! Give someone excellent service, they are SURE to return. Make their business suffer and they will never return or promote your product or service to others!
6. Make it right! If you mess up, go ABOVE and beyond to make it up to the customer! There is A LOT to be said for refunds and special treatment. Some customers would walk away after an unsatisfactory incident. Give them a REASON to remain faithful to you and your product or service! Go out of your way to insure the customer is happy at all costs! You customer is your BIGGEST form of advertising and communication of your brand!
In this day and age, in a world that is "always on" due to online social networking and other outlets, you NEED to be sure that your customers are communicating positive information about your brand! One customer unsatisfied can make your business suffer! Don't get a bad wrap! Do what you say you are going to do, MAKE IT RIGHT if you mess up and make sure the customer is satisfied...no matter WHO they are! It MATTERS!!!!
As a business owner, I want to provide quality service to ALL of my clients and insure that they are 100% satisfied! I want them to know that their account is important to me no matter the size of the invoice I will be sending them at the end of the month! Here are some rules I follow and sure wish companies like DELL would consider!!!
1. When you say you will do something, DO IT!
2. If you can't provide a permanent solution to a problem provide a temporary solution until it CAN be resovled permanently!
3. Don't leave your client or customer hanging, follow up and FIX the issue! Your client has customers too, be understanding of that and quick to respond with a solution.
4. SPEAK CLEAR ENGLISH! How many times have you been stuck on the phone with someone you can't understand? It is bad enough that you are experiencing a problem, adding further frustration by TRYING to make out what the person on the other line is saying can put customers over the TOP!
5. Treat others they way YOU want to be treated! Give someone excellent service, they are SURE to return. Make their business suffer and they will never return or promote your product or service to others!
6. Make it right! If you mess up, go ABOVE and beyond to make it up to the customer! There is A LOT to be said for refunds and special treatment. Some customers would walk away after an unsatisfactory incident. Give them a REASON to remain faithful to you and your product or service! Go out of your way to insure the customer is happy at all costs! You customer is your BIGGEST form of advertising and communication of your brand!
In this day and age, in a world that is "always on" due to online social networking and other outlets, you NEED to be sure that your customers are communicating positive information about your brand! One customer unsatisfied can make your business suffer! Don't get a bad wrap! Do what you say you are going to do, MAKE IT RIGHT if you mess up and make sure the customer is satisfied...no matter WHO they are! It MATTERS!!!!
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Be Productive Without Being a PEST!
Have you ever dealt with one of "those" people? You may even like their product but choose not to use them because they are just too much of a pest! Persistently pursuing a prospect without becoming a pest is a key challenge for today's sales, marketing and public relations professionals. We have to walk a fine line between being invisible and becoming a "pest." Today, business is much faster, less personal and more technical. This makes it much harder to gain access to key decision-makers. Consumers are smart, resourceful and savvy and they have more tools and choices than ever before. Due to the ease of the Internet, customers are only a click away from the competition.
There are pros and cons to increasing technology. The speed of technology enables us to reach more people in a shorter span of time. With the convenience of e-mail and electronic publishing, you can keep in touch with 10 times as many people in easily a third of the time. But, as we increase the number of prospects we can contact, we lose the personal touch. With the ability to contact more prospects also comes the challenge of tracking them and being super organized. In most cases advancing technology allows us to create professional-looking communications fast without having to spend a lot of money.
Key Challenges: There is a fine line to walk between going unnoticed and overwhelming potential clients with too much information or information that is not of interest to them. It is important to prepare and understand what their expectations for communication are. While prospects may be interested in a particular product or service, they might not be ready to buy at that particular moment.You want to stay in touch with prospects and keep communications open so that you are the chosen vendor when they are ready to buy!
Unless a message is highly differentiated or uncommonly attractive, it's unlikely you'll be remembered. They won't return calls, reply to e-mails, accept meetings, or go to websites, blogs or online newsletters. I have learned that most prospects don't want to be sold. Try to keep that in mind when communicating to them by offering information NOT forcing information. If I've already made initial contact with a prospect, I ask about the next steps and how to proceed. This gives me a better understanding of what the prospect expects and it also helps turn a sales call into a relationship. Sometimes keeping top-of-mind is challenging, so just ask the prospect: "How would you like me to stay in touch with you?"
Be courteous and respectful of your prospects time, and do you best to form a relationship where communication is natural and comfortable. Finally an old, yet effective method of staying in touch is to drop by and leave something for the receptionist to give to the prospect. Just be sure that it's interesting and relevant to them so that you will be productive and NOT a pest!
There are pros and cons to increasing technology. The speed of technology enables us to reach more people in a shorter span of time. With the convenience of e-mail and electronic publishing, you can keep in touch with 10 times as many people in easily a third of the time. But, as we increase the number of prospects we can contact, we lose the personal touch. With the ability to contact more prospects also comes the challenge of tracking them and being super organized. In most cases advancing technology allows us to create professional-looking communications fast without having to spend a lot of money.
Key Challenges: There is a fine line to walk between going unnoticed and overwhelming potential clients with too much information or information that is not of interest to them. It is important to prepare and understand what their expectations for communication are. While prospects may be interested in a particular product or service, they might not be ready to buy at that particular moment.You want to stay in touch with prospects and keep communications open so that you are the chosen vendor when they are ready to buy!
Unless a message is highly differentiated or uncommonly attractive, it's unlikely you'll be remembered. They won't return calls, reply to e-mails, accept meetings, or go to websites, blogs or online newsletters. I have learned that most prospects don't want to be sold. Try to keep that in mind when communicating to them by offering information NOT forcing information. If I've already made initial contact with a prospect, I ask about the next steps and how to proceed. This gives me a better understanding of what the prospect expects and it also helps turn a sales call into a relationship. Sometimes keeping top-of-mind is challenging, so just ask the prospect: "How would you like me to stay in touch with you?"
Be courteous and respectful of your prospects time, and do you best to form a relationship where communication is natural and comfortable. Finally an old, yet effective method of staying in touch is to drop by and leave something for the receptionist to give to the prospect. Just be sure that it's interesting and relevant to them so that you will be productive and NOT a pest!
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Computer Issues and Dell is HORRIBLE
Okay it has been a week now since my initial call to Dell to report the issues with my PC. I was told that a Technician would be calling to schedule service in one to two business days. Well that never happened. I am STILL waiting. No calls, no updates, NO NOTHING! I have never received such horrible customer service! I have called once a day, for a week and each call has lasted no less than 45 minutes. Transferred and transferred until I get to the person that tells me someone will contact me within 2 days. With that said..I recommend that you never buy a Dell.
As far as working, I can't do anything and if this has taught me anything it is to save your most important and most used documents to another drive! I can't describe how paralyzed I feel without my files! But onward I march...with no files...and no working desktop! I can't wait until Christmas! Santa is bringing me a MAC!!!
As far as working, I can't do anything and if this has taught me anything it is to save your most important and most used documents to another drive! I can't describe how paralyzed I feel without my files! But onward I march...with no files...and no working desktop! I can't wait until Christmas! Santa is bringing me a MAC!!!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Working Mom's Guide to Shopping on a Budget!
I feel like every article I read lately starts off with, "In these economic times." Gloom and doom is no fun for those of us that would like to keep our working wardrobe chic! Here are some great money saving tips to keep you at the mall!
Buy Timeless Pieces:
Your basic staples such as that little black dress, a great white shirt or a blazer can be dressed up or down and will anchor an outfit. Spend on accessories such as bags, shoes, or jewelry to make the look different with each wear!
Shop Your Closet:
Use what you have! Mix and match pieces, belt that cardigan you never wear with a thin leather belt. Throw a vest over a shapeless dress to add flare or wear a bold necklace with a plain top! Put on a pair of shoes that will stand out and have everyone asking, "How does she pull THAT off?"
Find a Good Tailor:
This will help you prolong the life of your clothes. You can have buttons re-sewn, pants taken in or out, dresses re-himmed, etc.
Shop the Clearance Rack:
Of coarse items placed in the front of the store are going to grab your attention, but guess what? In a week or so, they will be on the clearance rack and you will pay sometimes less than HALF for it! Do what I do and skip to the back right to the clearance rack! You will get so much more for your money!
Buy What You Will Wear:
No matter how great the sale, don't waste your time on something that you won't wear! Don't invent scenarios to justify a purchase! Its better to keep searching that sale rack until you find the perfect wearable piece!
Buy Timeless Pieces:
Your basic staples such as that little black dress, a great white shirt or a blazer can be dressed up or down and will anchor an outfit. Spend on accessories such as bags, shoes, or jewelry to make the look different with each wear!
Shop Your Closet:
Use what you have! Mix and match pieces, belt that cardigan you never wear with a thin leather belt. Throw a vest over a shapeless dress to add flare or wear a bold necklace with a plain top! Put on a pair of shoes that will stand out and have everyone asking, "How does she pull THAT off?"
Find a Good Tailor:
This will help you prolong the life of your clothes. You can have buttons re-sewn, pants taken in or out, dresses re-himmed, etc.
Shop the Clearance Rack:
Of coarse items placed in the front of the store are going to grab your attention, but guess what? In a week or so, they will be on the clearance rack and you will pay sometimes less than HALF for it! Do what I do and skip to the back right to the clearance rack! You will get so much more for your money!
Buy What You Will Wear:
No matter how great the sale, don't waste your time on something that you won't wear! Don't invent scenarios to justify a purchase! Its better to keep searching that sale rack until you find the perfect wearable piece!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Time Management
At the end of the day when my husband comes home the first thing he asks is, "honey what did you do all day?" Most days, I can't even tell him! I am the worst when it comes to time management so I started researching helpful tips for managing my day as a work at home mom! I hope these will help you too! These tips are courtesy of the Mayo Clinic staff!
* Plan each day. Planning your day can help you accomplish more and feel more in control of your life. Write a to-do list, putting the most important tasks at the top. Keep a schedule of your daily activities to minimize conflicts and last-minute rushes.
* Prioritize your tasks. Time-consuming but relatively unimportant tasks can consume a lot of your day. Prioritizing tasks will ensure that you spend your time and energy on those that are truly important to you.
* Say no to nonessential tasks. Consider your goals and schedule before agreeing to take on additional work.
* Delegate. Take a look at your to-do list and consider what you can pass on to someone else.
* Take the time you need to do a quality job. Doing work right the first time may take more time upfront, but errors usually result in time spent making corrections, which takes more time overall.
* Break large, time-consuming tasks into smaller tasks. Work on them a few minutes at a time until you get them all done.
* Practice the 10-minute rule. Work on a dreaded task for 10 minutes each day. Once you get started, you may find you can finish it.
* Evaluate how you're spending your time. Keep a diary of everything you do for three days to determine how you're spending your time. Look for time that can be used more wisely. For example, could you take a bus or train to work and use the commute to catch up on reading? If so, you could free up some time to exercise or spend with family or friends.
* Limit distractions. Block out time on your calendar for big projects. During that time, close your door and turn off your phone, pager and e-mail.
* Get plenty of sleep, have a healthy diet and exercise regularly. A healthy lifestyle can improve your focus and concentration, which will help improve your efficiency so that you can complete your work in less time.
* Take a time management course. If your employer offers continuing education, take a time management class. If your workplace doesn't have one, find out if a local community college, university or community education program does.
* Take a break when needed. Too much stress can derail your attempts at getting organized. When you need a break, take one. Take a walk. Do some quick stretches at your workstation. Take a day of vacation to rest and re-energize.
* Plan each day. Planning your day can help you accomplish more and feel more in control of your life. Write a to-do list, putting the most important tasks at the top. Keep a schedule of your daily activities to minimize conflicts and last-minute rushes.
* Prioritize your tasks. Time-consuming but relatively unimportant tasks can consume a lot of your day. Prioritizing tasks will ensure that you spend your time and energy on those that are truly important to you.
* Say no to nonessential tasks. Consider your goals and schedule before agreeing to take on additional work.
* Delegate. Take a look at your to-do list and consider what you can pass on to someone else.
* Take the time you need to do a quality job. Doing work right the first time may take more time upfront, but errors usually result in time spent making corrections, which takes more time overall.
* Break large, time-consuming tasks into smaller tasks. Work on them a few minutes at a time until you get them all done.
* Practice the 10-minute rule. Work on a dreaded task for 10 minutes each day. Once you get started, you may find you can finish it.
* Evaluate how you're spending your time. Keep a diary of everything you do for three days to determine how you're spending your time. Look for time that can be used more wisely. For example, could you take a bus or train to work and use the commute to catch up on reading? If so, you could free up some time to exercise or spend with family or friends.
* Limit distractions. Block out time on your calendar for big projects. During that time, close your door and turn off your phone, pager and e-mail.
* Get plenty of sleep, have a healthy diet and exercise regularly. A healthy lifestyle can improve your focus and concentration, which will help improve your efficiency so that you can complete your work in less time.
* Take a time management course. If your employer offers continuing education, take a time management class. If your workplace doesn't have one, find out if a local community college, university or community education program does.
* Take a break when needed. Too much stress can derail your attempts at getting organized. When you need a break, take one. Take a walk. Do some quick stretches at your workstation. Take a day of vacation to rest and re-energize.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Using Public Relations to Boost Your Business in Slow Economic Times
In these tough economic times strategic public relations efforts will help you perservere as well as position you to be first in line for the anxiously awaited upturn! Here are some ideas for communicating your business’s messages during these economic lulls.
Focus on your unique value, not price. People are looking for quality services and products that provide real benefits. Effective communication of the unique and worthwhile qualities that you are offering, along with cost benefits (cost benefit can be anything from increased business effectiveness to sanity-restoring recreational splurging) will help keep your business on the “necessity” list during budget reviews.
Find more effective communications venues and utilize them. Most companies can’t afford expansion into communications channels that have worked for them in the past. Social media, used effectively, provides excellent benefits for both business and consumers. Done wrong, it’s a waste of time and may even damage a company’s brand story.
Be front and center. Focus on keeping your company in the public eye and establishing your expertise. Continuing promotion is a critical part of getting through a downturn, it’s important to keep an eye on long term goals and develop your messaging accordingly. Don’t hide from the public view in an attempt to ride out this storm! Stay in the storm and show your endurance!
Refocus your messaging. Focus on promoting product features and quality. Brand-building and awareness efforts are wonderful, but ensure that you are driving business goals in every form of communication. Most importantly, make sure to strengthen your online presence. The web is the first place businesses and people now turn to ensure they are getting the best return for their investments. Your website should instantly communicate your value. It is also smart to display signs of an active engaged company such as blogs, podcasts, and videos.
Nurture your relationships with your existing customers. Retaining your critically important regular customers is of great benefit through good times and bad. Now is also an excellent time to communicate and be honest with customers, most likely through social media outreach. You want to find out what features and services they value so that you know where you can cut if you need to and what is working that needs to be retained. You can also use this knowledge when the economy recovers to drive increased success!
Most importantly, be TRUE! Be true to your customers and take care of them. Even if a person or business can't afford your product or service at this time, if you are true, they will return as soon as things turn around!
Focus on your unique value, not price. People are looking for quality services and products that provide real benefits. Effective communication of the unique and worthwhile qualities that you are offering, along with cost benefits (cost benefit can be anything from increased business effectiveness to sanity-restoring recreational splurging) will help keep your business on the “necessity” list during budget reviews.
Find more effective communications venues and utilize them. Most companies can’t afford expansion into communications channels that have worked for them in the past. Social media, used effectively, provides excellent benefits for both business and consumers. Done wrong, it’s a waste of time and may even damage a company’s brand story.
Be front and center. Focus on keeping your company in the public eye and establishing your expertise. Continuing promotion is a critical part of getting through a downturn, it’s important to keep an eye on long term goals and develop your messaging accordingly. Don’t hide from the public view in an attempt to ride out this storm! Stay in the storm and show your endurance!
Refocus your messaging. Focus on promoting product features and quality. Brand-building and awareness efforts are wonderful, but ensure that you are driving business goals in every form of communication. Most importantly, make sure to strengthen your online presence. The web is the first place businesses and people now turn to ensure they are getting the best return for their investments. Your website should instantly communicate your value. It is also smart to display signs of an active engaged company such as blogs, podcasts, and videos.
Nurture your relationships with your existing customers. Retaining your critically important regular customers is of great benefit through good times and bad. Now is also an excellent time to communicate and be honest with customers, most likely through social media outreach. You want to find out what features and services they value so that you know where you can cut if you need to and what is working that needs to be retained. You can also use this knowledge when the economy recovers to drive increased success!
Most importantly, be TRUE! Be true to your customers and take care of them. Even if a person or business can't afford your product or service at this time, if you are true, they will return as soon as things turn around!
Friday, June 26, 2009
In Honor of Michael Jackson
WOW! So hard to believe he is gone! Thriller was my very first vinyl album!!! I can remember dancing for hours in my bedroom which was the size of a large box, but I didn't care! I remember watching the Thriller video for the first time and being scared but when they started dancing it was all over! I watched it a million times to memorize the dance! Although Michael Jackson has been through a lot...he was indeed a talented artist who brought joy though his music to MANY of us! In honor of Michael, my daughters and I held a dance party to his music in the living room last night! It was a blast! I pray God will protect his family!
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Tips for "Work at Home" Moms
As the school year comes to an end, most "Work at Home" moms are wondering how they will get ANY work done with a houseful of children! I have listed some tips that help me as a full time "Work at Home" mom with four children!
1. Scheduling is a must with my children! I try to make sure that things happen around the same time each day so that I can plan my phone calls/meetings around nap time. I also plan work time in the mornings during my daughter’s favorite morning cartoons. The baby naps around that time as well so that gives me a good hour. I know that they will take at least a two hour afternoon nap so that gives me a good bit of quiet time to get work done.
2. Solicit help. I have a few college girls that I can call for help if I have a meeting or event to attend. My mother is a great resource as well if I need extra help while working on a project.
3. Make time to play. As mothers we tend to feel guilty for putting work ahead of the family. I make sure to schedule in play time during the day so that I can just enjoy my children and give them my undivided attention.
4. Plan activities for older children. With older children it is a bit easier. When they are old enough, you can plan quiet activities in their rooms or fun outside games to keep them busy while you are working. Set aside time frames during the day that you will work and explain to the older children that during those times you are NOT to be disturbed for anything other than an emergency. Then during the unscheduled work times make sure to do something fun with them!
5. Include them in your job! Give them little projects such as filing, shredding paper, making copies, stuffing envelopes etc. This makes them feel important and needed and gives them something to do!
Moms need to know that there is a balance! If they love to work they can, and STILL do their most important job…which is Mother!
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1. Scheduling is a must with my children! I try to make sure that things happen around the same time each day so that I can plan my phone calls/meetings around nap time. I also plan work time in the mornings during my daughter’s favorite morning cartoons. The baby naps around that time as well so that gives me a good hour. I know that they will take at least a two hour afternoon nap so that gives me a good bit of quiet time to get work done.
2. Solicit help. I have a few college girls that I can call for help if I have a meeting or event to attend. My mother is a great resource as well if I need extra help while working on a project.
3. Make time to play. As mothers we tend to feel guilty for putting work ahead of the family. I make sure to schedule in play time during the day so that I can just enjoy my children and give them my undivided attention.
4. Plan activities for older children. With older children it is a bit easier. When they are old enough, you can plan quiet activities in their rooms or fun outside games to keep them busy while you are working. Set aside time frames during the day that you will work and explain to the older children that during those times you are NOT to be disturbed for anything other than an emergency. Then during the unscheduled work times make sure to do something fun with them!
5. Include them in your job! Give them little projects such as filing, shredding paper, making copies, stuffing envelopes etc. This makes them feel important and needed and gives them something to do!
Moms need to know that there is a balance! If they love to work they can, and STILL do their most important job…which is Mother!
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Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Cathy Hayes Quoted in Parenting Magazine
I am so thrilled to be quoted in the May 2009 issue of Parenting Magazine! I would love to say it was due to some brilliant insight on parenting but it was MORE fun than that! The story was about the importance of girlfriend getaways! Check it out! http://www.girlsgetawayguide.net/documents/parenting_article.pdf
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Casey Wohl on Channel 10
http://www.tampabays10.com/video/default.aspx?aid=80099
Be sure to watch The Getaway Girl's interview for tips on AMAZING travel deals!
Be sure to watch The Getaway Girl's interview for tips on AMAZING travel deals!
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Staying ALIVE..ah ah ah ah Staying Alive!!
Okay so this full time mom thing is working out, but I have to say that I miss working so much! I am doing my best to keep up with things in the meantime because I fear being lost in the dust with all of the latest and greatest happening in PR. I think it is totally okay to just be a mom. But my hope is that keeping myself in the loop will help tremendously when I am ready to start working again! How cool would it be to have a client that focuses on the "MOM" business! Right up my ally! So I am tweeting on a regular basis now and you can follow me at www.twitter.com/cathykhayes. I don't even have to read the paper or watch the news! It comes directly to me...BAM! Instantly...more so that EVER I realizing how everything is that way now. Everyone wants things in an instant, and no one wants to wait! Long ago were the days of waiting weeks even months for a letter that would update us. Now we just hop on a computer or our cell phones and find out what we need to know with a couple of clicks! No wonder so many people have patience issues! With that said, I am going to be patient, love on my children, and be the best mom I can be until the timing is right! By then maybe I will be ready to do something GREAT!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Casey Wohl Featured on The Daily Buzz
Be sure to check out The Getaway Girl on The Daily Buzz! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bx6ng6Xva30
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Extended Maternity Leave
I am going on an extended maternity leave! I now have a 13-year-old, a 7-year-old, a 17-month-old and a now a 3-week-old! God has blessed me with these four wonderful children and I am so grateful to be able to be home with them! Being a mother is my most important job, although I truly will miss working while I am on my mommy break! I am sure I won't be out long, as the love of my work keeps me motivated! I will do my best to keep up with the blog but can't make any promises. I have a good excuse for now right?? At least until they are a little older!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
Don't Forget to Register!!!!
Due to the overwhelming success of the Girls Getaway to Orlando to celebrate National Friendship Day, Casey Wohl is hosting another fabulous getaway Dec. 5-7. For anyone who agonizes over their holiday shopping and needs to de-stress that time of year, this getaway is for you. Join us at the fabulous Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando as we spend some quality girl time together and conquer your holiday shopping.
This wonderful weekend experience includes:
* A special Girls Getaway room rate starting at $199/night, which includes self-parking and resort fee.
* Exclusive personal shopping experience at Intermix, Orlando’s newest trend-setting boutique. Get great gift ideas and see the top trends of the season while sipping mimosas!
* Shopping perks and savings at the Mall at Millenia and Orlando Premium Outlets
* Tickets to see the unique frozen holiday event - ICE!, with VIP pass.
* Special baking experience with a Gaylord pastry chef – learn how the pros do it.
* Discounts on spa services from the Canyon Ranch SpaClub
* A special VIP cooking and dining experience at Emeril’s Tchoup Chop complete with limo transportation.
* Retail discount card for the shops at the Gaylord Palms Resort
* Complimentary drink ticket at the Gaylord Palms Resort Registration is $259/person and does not include hotel room.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Tips For PItching Stories and Press Release Writing
I put together the following information on Pitching/Press Release Writing! Enjoy!
When pitching a story to the media be familiar with the media outlet you are pitching. Your pitch should be about how your story will work for them. Don't do a general pitch ("A story about working mothers.") but suggest the segment the story would be right for, or what makes it right for them.
Effective PR writing must capture the essence of the story in its headline and first paragraph. Answer the Who? What? Where? When? Why? Which? and How? questions here. If a busy editor needs to shorten the piece, this should help ensure that the most important information will make it to print. It's the same with your final paragraph. A good release should survive what editors call 'top and tailing', yet still make sense and communicate the story effectively.
When you e-mail, make your subject line enticing. Using "Hello!" or something else that looks like spam will get it deleted without being read. Start with “For Immediate Release”: then give a short, punchy headline. Also when sending a press release by email be sure to copy and paste the press release in the body of the email. Often attachments will not get opened. It is best for the editor to have the information right in front of him/her when the email is opened. If the reporter needs an attachment make downloadable versions available on your website or offer to send attachments at their request.
Include links in the body of your press release - this makes it easy for readers (and journalists) to access the information quicker. Also, make sure that these links lead to a unique landing page specifically designed for your press release readers - don't just send them to your home page.
When following up on a release questions like "Did you get my news release?" or "Do you know when it will be printed?" will brand you as a pest. Don't follow up with a phone call to see if the media got your release, unless you are absolutely sure that someone will check for you. Most reporters and editors don't have time. If you do follow up, make sure you have a reason to call. Suggest a particular angle to your story, or ask the media people if they need any other information.
Don't take "no" personally. It may be that they have just done a similar story, or they can't fit it in, or it just isn't right for them. If you speak with someone, ask if they can suggest another show or publication where the story might work.
If at first you don't succeed, pitch again. But wait at least a month or two, and come back with a different angle (not exactly the same idea that got turned down).
When pitching a story to the media be familiar with the media outlet you are pitching. Your pitch should be about how your story will work for them. Don't do a general pitch ("A story about working mothers.") but suggest the segment the story would be right for, or what makes it right for them.
Effective PR writing must capture the essence of the story in its headline and first paragraph. Answer the Who? What? Where? When? Why? Which? and How? questions here. If a busy editor needs to shorten the piece, this should help ensure that the most important information will make it to print. It's the same with your final paragraph. A good release should survive what editors call 'top and tailing', yet still make sense and communicate the story effectively.
When you e-mail, make your subject line enticing. Using "Hello!" or something else that looks like spam will get it deleted without being read. Start with “For Immediate Release”: then give a short, punchy headline. Also when sending a press release by email be sure to copy and paste the press release in the body of the email. Often attachments will not get opened. It is best for the editor to have the information right in front of him/her when the email is opened. If the reporter needs an attachment make downloadable versions available on your website or offer to send attachments at their request.
Include links in the body of your press release - this makes it easy for readers (and journalists) to access the information quicker. Also, make sure that these links lead to a unique landing page specifically designed for your press release readers - don't just send them to your home page.
When following up on a release questions like "Did you get my news release?" or "Do you know when it will be printed?" will brand you as a pest. Don't follow up with a phone call to see if the media got your release, unless you are absolutely sure that someone will check for you. Most reporters and editors don't have time. If you do follow up, make sure you have a reason to call. Suggest a particular angle to your story, or ask the media people if they need any other information.
Don't take "no" personally. It may be that they have just done a similar story, or they can't fit it in, or it just isn't right for them. If you speak with someone, ask if they can suggest another show or publication where the story might work.
If at first you don't succeed, pitch again. But wait at least a month or two, and come back with a different angle (not exactly the same idea that got turned down).
Monday, September 29, 2008
The BEST Yogurt EVER
Yes it is silly to blog about yogurt...but you have to try this yogurt! It actually makes me happy! The flavors are indescribable, fun and YUMMY! As they say..it IS, "wickedly delicious". www.rachelsdiary.com
Friday, September 26, 2008
Fashion Week Tampa Bay
My client, Casey Wohl and I have had a blast this week hanging out with the designers at Fashion Week Tampa Bay! From the VIP private party on Wednesday to last night's runway show we felt like the cast of Sex and the City! Of coarse my part was Charlotte the pregnant one!! Fashion Week Tampa Bay is a much needed event for our area! I was amazed at the local talent of which we should ALL be supporting!
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Pandora
Okay so I am probably the last person to hear about this site, but I am totally addicted to www.pandora.com! With Pandora you can explore music until your heart's content. Just drop the name of one of your favorite songs or artists into Pandora and let the Genome Project go. It will quickly scan its entire world of analyzed music, almost a century of popular recordings - new and old, well known and completely obscure - to find songs with interesting musical similarities to your choice. Then sit back and enjoy as it creates a listening experience full of current and soon-to-be favorite songs for you.You can create as many "stations" as you want. And you can even refine them. If it's not quite right you can tell it so and it will get better for you. Best of all...it's FREE!!!!
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