Creating positive buzz – bucksmontmom.com
Here is another “creating positive buzz” post brought to you by Innovate Services PR|Editorial.
We’re sharing how entrepreneurs and small business owners create positive buzz for their products and services; whether they have someone handle all aspects of buzz generation for them or they put their marketing hats on and do it themselves.
This week we interviewed Jessica Cohen, founder of www.bucksmontmom.com.
Why did you start your business and when?
BucksMontMom.com launched in July, 2009. My background is in Advertising and Marketing for magazines, but magazines have just taken a beating since the recession began. In the meantime, the ROI from word-of-mouth referrals had become more and more apparent. Who are the primary household decision-makers? Moms. So the idea of launching a hyper-local online magazine for Moms was akin to the universe opening up right in front of me.
bucksmontmom.com is an eye-catching lifestyle site for moms in suburban Philadelphia. The site provides a friendly, practical environment with continuously updated, relevant information on a variety of topics for women. In addition to its articles and blog, bucksmontmom.com provides the readers with: current local and parenting news, a page of Local Experts as a first resource for moms, a great calendar of regional events, information about area businesses and mompreneurs, an introduction to local charitable organizations and shopping resources for moms. bucksmontmom.com happily recognizes we can remain sophisticated, independent women who are defined not just by our role as mothers but by our many varied interests and activities.
When you started your business what (if any) public relations activities did you incorporate?
I did not incorporate public relations activities when I first launched. I wanted to get a feel for the response to the site first – to see what pieces were well-received and what could be improved. It was not until I added I created a new value-added reason for people to visit the site that I began a public relations campaign in the traditional sense.
What public relations activities do you incorporate today?
I recently put out a press release for a new item on my web page. The majority of PR activities prior to that were generally done through Social Media outlets.
What do you find is the best way for you to “create positive buzz” around you, your business and/or your products?
Networking, networking, networking and referrals that have come through networking! When someone is passionate and authentic about their business it shines through in person in a way that cannot necessarily be achieved by other means. I use Social Media outlets as a way to stay on trend and inform my readers of important items and happenings. I am most proud that the buzz has grown organically because to me it means that the product is both valued and valuable.
Do you think public relations can be successfully done without expertise in that area? Why or why not?
Everyone can write a press release. Yet everyone cannot write a strong press release. A seasoned PR professional can simply write it more effectively than the average individual.
Have you employed the services of a professional PR firm or professional PR virtual assistant? What was the outcome?
Yes, I did, Innovate Services! The press release was picked up by Yahoo News so for me it was a success.
What advice do you have for entrepreneurs seeking to “create positive buzz” around their business or products?
Be authentic. Be passionate. Provide great customer service. Care about your customers and their businesses. If you do these things, your reputation will precede you.
Copyright 2010 Innovate Services & Teresa H. Berger
Creating positive buzz – Chesapeake Ribbons
How do entrepreneurs create positive buzz around their products and services? We’re sharing some answers and tips with you in our “creating positive buzz” series, and today we’re featuring a Philadelphia area “Mompreneur”.
Maryland native, Margie Gunn, launched Chesapeake Ribbons while launching a family. Here is what she has to say about how she creates positive buzz.
Why did you start your business and when?
I officially opened up shop online in 2007 but had started creating products and planning the business earlier. While staying home with my son at the time, I was looking for a way to generate extra income & create products that I could use myself. Having only a son at that time, I decided to make ribbon belts along with hair bows, barrettes, key fobs, etc…to learn more visit Margie’s About Us page.
When you started your business what (if any) public relations activities did you incorporate?
I did most of the marketing myself – I started a blog and networked with other bloggers to get the word out. I started offering giveaways and free samples. I didn’t want to spend money on marketing until I was making some money. I soon found a huge network of other mompreneurs like myself that were very willing to help out and trade/barter services. I also went to websites like Lila Guide & 5 minutes for mom to get the word out about my business….listing it, etc… Did a lot of link swaps as well. I also hand out a lot of business cards and hang them on bulliten boards at various family friendly facilities. And I partnered with a local mom’s group – Moxie Moms.
What public relations activities do you incorporate today?
I still participate in all the same activities as I mentioned above, but I’ve also used Innovate Services marketing and PR help with press release writing and submission and e-newsletter management.
What do you find is the best way for you to “create positive buzz” around you, your business and/or your products?
Word of mouth, referrals, going to blogs for giveaways and reviews, donating products & portion of proceeds to large charities help create positive buzz.
Do you think public relations can be successfully done without expertise in that area? Why or why not?
I think it can be done w/out expertise to an extent (in the very beginning) but to grow to the “next level” it’s wise to have someone with expertise helping out. I still believe word-of-mouth is the fastest way to create buzz.
Have you employed the services of a professional PR firm or professional PR virtual assistant? What was the outcome?
Yes, I’ve used Innovate Services to write press releases and submit them, which drove traffic to my website. And I’ve also used Innovate Services to help develop and manage my e-newsletter. This helps me focus on other aspects including new product development and networking.
What advice do you have for entrepreneurs seeking to “create positive buzz” around their business or products?
Start small and as you begin making more money, then seek up more professional options. It really takes a lot of time in the beginning, network!
Copyright 2010 Innovate Services & Teresa H. Berger
Creating positive buzz – Key Internet Marketing, Inc.
In an effort to share what others are doing to create positive buzz in their businesses, we are starting a new blog series here, “Creating positive buzz”, where we’ll interview entrepreneurs from various industries and share their tips. Here is our first:
Key Internet Marketing, Inc. – http://KIMarketing.com
Specializing in Affiliate / Performance Marketing
Why did you start your business and when?
ShoppingBookmarks.com was originally a hobby of mine, starting back in 1998, when I shared deals and freebies with my friends and family. Those friends and family shared the site with their friends, and it grew from there. My hobby became even more fun when I realized I could be paid via affiliate marketing for sharing deals! I quit my day job in 2001 and have worked at home ever since.
When you started your business what (if any) public relations activities did you incorporate?
One of the newspapers did a story on how my hobby paid for my husband’s (now ex) hobby of taking private pilot lessons. The buzz grew for there with other newspapers wanting to interview me as well.
What public relations activities do you incorporate today?
I sponsor local activities, submit press releases online and offline.
What do you find is the best way for you to “create positive buzz” around you, your business and/or your products?
Lately, I’ve generated a lot of buzz for my various blogs by holding contests. Several sponsors donate the prizes for me to give away. So I offer entries by subscribing to my RSS feed, becoming a Facebook Fan and/or following on Twitter.
Do you think public relations can be successfully done without expertise in that area? Why or why not?
Depends on your personality. If you aren’t a good writer, I suggest having someone else write your press release.
Have you employed the services of a professional PR firm or professional PR virtual assistant? What was the outcome?
I’ve had professional colleagues in the industry look over and edit my press releases, but I’ve never actually paid for professional services.
What advice do you have for entrepreneurs seeking to “create positive buzz” around their business or products?
Be different, yet be yourself. In my blogs, everyone knows about me and my quirks. Being open and honest is the best policy. People remember you for being genuine.
Copyright 2010 Innovate Services
Infusing Fitness into Business: Starting 2010 on the right foot
Did you end 2009 wondering where the time went, or were you just so darn relieved that the year was finally over? Are you finding it harder than you thought to keep up with your resolutions for taking better care of your health and wellness each day? Even though it’s February, it’s not too late to make 2010 the year you “Infuse Fitness into Business“.
Last year was certainly a doozy, and one that challenged many. We’re in a marathon recession here, not a sprint, so the economic stresses aren’t going to end any time soon for many. How do we stay focused, on task and keep a positive outlook when things aren’t necessarily going the way we’d like?
We take baby steps to infuse fitness and positive self care into our daily lives, even with networking and client relationship management practices. This will, in turn, help reduce our levels of stress, improve our attitudes, and maybe even reduce our need for stimulants like coffee, tea and soda to get us through the day, thus saving us some dough on those grande skinny vanilla lattes.
Think about the possibilities!
If you’re in a warmer climate, there is no excuse not to take that networking event you’re thinking of hosting outside with a “meet, greet and relax” outdoor yoga demo or a “meet, greet and groove” Zumba® demo. Team up with a fellow Chamber member, yoga or Zumba® instructor and infuse fitness into your businesses together, outside in the morning sun or on a fresh air break at the end of the day. What about asking your local ice skating rink to co-host a business card exchange for your Chamber or networking group? You can lace up some ice skates and zoom around the rink getting a bit of exercise while getting to know your colleagues better in a fun environment.
Part of your first and second quarter grass roots efforts could include a collaborative bowl-a-thon raising funds for a local charity or family in need. Or you could partner up with a local nonprofit to host a 5k walk/run or 1 mile fun walk. On a smaller scale, check out various, already scheduled activities on www.Active.com in your area and participate, wearing a shirt with your logo screen printed or embroidered on it.
Other ways to start 2010 off on the right foot with a balanced mind, body and soul could include:
- Scheduling 15 minutes each day to stretch -http://www.marthastewart.com/article/simple-stretches
- Log 5,000 or more steps each day -http://walking.about.com/cs/measure/a/locke122004.htm
- Save on fitness if you’re a senior – http://www.silversneakers.com/Default.aspx
- Trying out an indoor rock climbing gym – http://www.indoorclimbing.com/map/
- Lace up with your kids at your local ice rink – http://www.frogsonice.com/skateweb/clubs/us.shtml
- Check out some exercises you can do right from your home office – http://www.fatlossquickie.com
- Listen in – healthy mind, body and spirit tips – http://video.forbes.com/fvn/healthcare/bl_health103107a
- Are you a runner? Help homeless men and women get back on their feet – http://www.backonmyfeet.org/
- Want to slow down, regroup and stretch? Find a local yoga class and invite a client or colleague to try it with you – http://www.yogafinder.com/
- Consider adding another certification or designation to your bag of tricks – http://www.ivaa.org, http://aovem.com/ or http://www.vaclassroom.com/
- Prefer one-on-one programs? Find a certified personal trainer – http://www.acefitness.org/findanacepro/default.aspx
- Get inspired and grow – http://www.higherawareness.com/
- For every 10 miles you walk from now until the IVAA Live Summit on April 20th, save $30. There are approximately 13 weeks left until the Summit. If you walk 10 miles each week for 13 weeks that could be $390 saved! That is more than the earlybird registration, which ends on January 31st!
We all have either New Year’s resolutions or goals we’d like to accomplish in 2010. Our business and marketing plans include goals and action items for growth and managing client relationships. But do we have action items and goals for positive self care and infusing fitness into our daily lives? We need to consider caring for our minds, bodies and spirits in 2010. Our clients and families will thank us for it!
Copyright 2010 Teresa H. Berger and Innovate Services
You may use share this article with your contacts/readers but must include the following:
Teresa H. Berger, MBA is founder of Innovate Services and a certified group fitness instructor. I.S. creates positive buzz for clients by utilizing top-notch writing, editing and marketing expertise to build the “know, like, trust” factor. Her first book is due out in spring of 2010. She can be reached online or by emailing tchberger (at)InnovateServices (dot) com.
Infuse Fitness into Business: Make a limitless resolution to get fit
Many of us make grandiose New Year’s resolutions that we mean to follow through on and never do. Sometimes we might know that what we’re doing isn’t sustainable over a year, and other times, we underestimate exactly what we need to stick to a resolution. You often need more than just will power to really see results, especially when it comes to the popular resolution to get fit.
If you’re embarking on a journey to find a fitter, healthier version of yourself, start with these tips that will keep you from putting limits on what you can achieve.
Exercise anywhere
Even when you’ve fallen into a good, steady routine in your everyday life, fitting trips to the gym and other workouts in when you leave the home base can be difficult. It’s very easy to be tempted to cut yourself some slack and ignore exercising, but you’ll regret that decision sooner rather than later.
Luckily, technology makes it easy to bring your workout along with you. With workout programs like iTrain, your exercise regimen is as mobile as you are – you can easily download workouts and carry them with you everywhere, on your MP3 player. So whether you’re in New York or London, you really can work out, just the way you want to.
Exercise any way
There’s no one best way to work out – you need to know what’s best for you. Many people need to keep things fresh to maintain their interest in exercising, and they need to look for different kinds of activities that will help them along the road to fitness. By using online resources for exercise, you’re expanding your repertoire. Not only will you stay interested, you can also work different parts of your body. There are a wide variety of programs on iTrain, ranging from their iSculpt Ballet program, which uses ballet techniques to create long, lean muscles, to cardio programs that focus on heart healthiness while helping you create a toned body.
Exercise anytime
There are some days when you’ve got to do a shorter workout and others when you can go on as long as you’d like. Downloadable fitness workouts range in length – you can pack your MP3 player with everything from 20-minute workouts to 60-minute sessions – so you can have the right workout for any situation.
Of course, “time” means the long term, too. Don’t box yourself in to a time limit like three or six months – take all the time you need to achieve your desired results. To make things more streamlined, you can pay one flat fee for a year of unlimited downloads on iTrain. While they also offer plans that let you download programs a la carte or three at a time. Either way, once you pay the fee, the workouts are yours to keep, so you can go back to them time and again.
Exercise at any level
Whether you just want to get healthier or are shooting for sculpting your body into Hollywood shape, with dedication and the right tools, you can achieve your goals. It’s important to have good support, which you can often find with a personal trainer – but that can be an unrealistic expense for many people. Online programs offer some of the most valuable benefits of a personal trainer at a fraction of the cost. Celebrity trainers provide the instruction on workout MP3s from iTrain, and you can also e-mail the company to ask for customized routines. If you feel limited in what you can achieve, search out solutions on the Web or at the gym, and you’ll be able to make good on your New Year’s resolution.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Your 2010 marketing tool box: Press Releases
If you don’t currently utilize press releases as a marketing tool for your business, you might be missing out on an easy tool that could increase your exposure and bottom line.
Over several years, I’ve learned there are some specific, quick truths about press releases.
- You can never be 100% sure your press release will be printed (if submitted to a print publication) or picked up by other sites (if submitted online).
- There are no guarantees that a press release will bring you new business (much like there is no guarantee that if you make outbound calls for a client you will get a live person on the phone and book an appointment…you just can’t guarantee that).
- It takes consistency and quality to produce a good press release and visible results. (You may have to submit several press releases before one even gets printed and you may not get any bites after just one, two or three press releases).
- Press releases are just one tool from your marketing tool box. Don’t expect that solely submitting press releases once a quarter or once a month will generate all the interest and business you desire.
With any marketing tool, you have to be consistent, clear and target your communications to your desired clientele. In order to develop a sound, consistent and clear press release, follow these steps.
- Speak to Your Target Market – don’t develop press releases with sophisticated technical speak imbedded in it unless you are 100% sure your target market will comprehend and value that language. Speak their language; appeal to their vocabulary.
- Keep it Simple – Typically a press release should be one page and highlight your news in the headline and summary at top. If it’s too wordy, people won’t read it…just think of how busy we all are. Everyone is so inundated with news, tips, etc. that often we have to be very selective of what we choose to read. Remember, simplified public relations is best…don’t over-think it.
- Hook Them at hello – The headline is the first thing readers and journalists will see. If they don’t have interest in your headline, they likely won’t read your summary or click the link (if your press release was submitted online). Make your headline stand out and identify your business name or yourself in the headline.
- Consistency is Key – You won’t grow your exposure or gain new clients after just one press release. It’s wise to have a plan and schedule consistent press releases geared toward the time of year, product launches, or specific events throughout the year you will be participating in.
Develop a press release for volunteer events or activities you participate in (as long as it is okay with that organization for you to share your relationship with them).
Did you help Habitat for Humanity this year?
Did you donate money in your business name to a worthy cause?
Are you an active volunteer in your local chamber of commerce?
This type of press release would illustrate your commitment to community. If you are launching a product in January, schedule a press release marketing that product launch once a month until product launch. You can always change the copy within the releases each time providing updated or new information. That will help build interest in your product and maybe even motivate you to complete work on the development of that product sooner!
- When in doubt, get help – If you are at a standstill with how to develop a quality press release, what to write about and which industries or publications to target; get help. Ask a colleague or person in your networking group if they or someone they know can brainstorm with you. Or hire a VA that specializes in writing and press release development to help you throughout the process.
It takes a small effort to develop a good, one page press release to submit online and to your local print publications. And if you know someone affiliated with or working for one of the local publications, try to build a relationship with them. Journalists are inundated with press releases and submissions on a daily basis. Building and maintaining relationships with key journalists would benefit you in your marketing efforts and show your commitment to your business. Finally, who hasn’t heard the saying, “you have to spend money to make money”? To build your business, increase your exposure and get noticed, you will have to make an investment of time and money.
Copyright 2010 Innovate Services & Teresa H. Berger, MBA
Creating Positive Buzz: Abington Memorial Hospital staff gets it.
Just a couple of days ago, almost exactly one month prior to my 31st birthday I had an amazingly pleasant experience at my local hospital, Abington Memorial (well, okay as pleasant as it can be when having surgery). You see I’ve had bulged discs in my lower back for several years and after a recent fall had herniated one of those discs so badly that I had no choice but to get surgery. But that’s not the point…
The point is, the hospital nurses, assistants, and my surgeon, Dr. Hsu, all made the experience as painless and calm as possible. From the moment I was admitted to the moment I left, I felt safe, cared for and treated as a human…not just another patient. They could all sense my unease at being put under anesthesia and reassured me I’d be fine.
The nurses were so friendly and checked up on me regularly; but not so much that it was overbearing. The anesthetist was to the point and put me ease about the process, as did my surgeon, Dr. Hsu. I left as a true advocate for the hospital and would recommend them to anyone. Obviously, I’d prefer not to have to return to the hospital any time soon, but if by chance my husband and I decide to add to our family and have another baby, I’ll be at Abington Hospital. And if by chance I have to have a follow up back surgery down the road, I will go to Abington and hopefully have the same surgeon.
What does this have to do with creating positive buzz? Everything!
Whether they know it or not, the nurses and surgeons I dealt with for my procedure were selling the services of the hospital. They get it! They understand that patients want to and deserve to be treated as human beings and not just another number…or notch in their surgery belts. The customer service was excellent and attentive. I was comfortable and saw other patients being carefully and sincerely monitored. The staff had a level of compassion that anyone would want at a hospital.
So, thanks Abington Memorial Hospital and Dr. Hsu for making me an advocate for the service you provide to patients.
What organizations or providers that you recently used “get it” and left you with a warm fuzzy?
Copyright 2009-2010 Teresa H. Berger, MBA & Innovate Services
full disclosure – this post was strictly from a patient stand-point and was not a paid post in any way
Get your client greetings and keep in touch plan off your plate NOW!
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What does a virtual marketing firm do?
We thought we’d share our latest video with you to (hopefully) shed light on what virtual assistants or virtual marketing firms like ours can do for your business. It’s long, so we don’t expect you to sit through the whole thing…but we’d be thrilled if you did. Not only do we provide video / slideshow development support, but we can help you promote products, real estate listings and more with them through the various outlets available.
Let us know what you think – the good, bad and ugly by commenting below.
Thanks Giving – 11 Reasons To Be Thankful
Okay, this post is less about public relations, copy writing or editing and more about being thankful for what we have; having a sense of peace and contentment with where we are today. A colleague and friend recently published a book that speaks to this message — one day can make a difference in rediscovering dreams by gaining new perspective, modifying priorities and knowing your purpose.
So in this time of giving thanks, I thought I’d share what I’m thankful for. I wish all celebrating the U.S. day of Thanksgiving a safe and happy holiday!
1. I am grateful for client partnerships and collaborations this past year and those that are growing and will flourish in 2010. This past year I’ve returned to the life of a virtual professional by default (a product of a lay-off) and have continued working relationships with past clients and have built new ones. I’m grateful for each and every client this past year and am in a place where I can say I love all of my clients.
2. I am grateful for my partner and best friend, Peter. We’ve weathered some pretty serious storms — the premature death of my mother, my chronic back problems, and other challenges (ones that we all face at some point in our lives). I’m grateful every day for “my rock”.
3. I’m grateful that the sun rises and sets each day. There’s nothing better than watching a beautiful sunset. Having the time to watch a sunrise or sunset is rare, but when it comes it’s so peaceful and relaxing. As business owners dealing with several client needs at a time and our personal commitments, it’s so hard to practice being in the moment. My hope is that there is more of a commitment to that in the New Year.
4. Are you grateful for the mistakes you’ve made this past year? Why should we be? For one, it’s an opportunity to learn and grow, right? When we make mistakes we’re proving that we’re human but also giving ourselves an opportunity to learn and improve. So I am grateful for the large and small mistakes I’ve made this year.
One large mistake I made recently was to lift too much weight when I knowingly had a bulged disc in my lower back. This simple, or what I thought was simple, act of working on a home project with my husband is part of what led my bulged disc to become herniated…so badly that the orthopedic surgeon I am considering was shocked I was walking with no pain. So, the consequence of that mistake is requiring me to be more mindful of my limits and get surgery to prevent anything worse happening to my body. The consequences of this could be serious (especially if I do not get surgery), but I’m not letting it get the best of me. I’m owning up to that mistake, recognizing my limitations, and pledging to myself to never, ever sacrifice my health and well-being again. I’ve got big, muscular friends that can come by and help with the heavy lifting projects!
5. I am so grateful for the ability to help “create positive buzz” for my clients. I love writing; extracting ideas from clients and turning them into concise communications pieces. I am thrilled when a client gets exposure for their products or services. It’s not about the money; it’s about “creating positive buzz” and helping others achieve their dreams and goals.
6. If I were placing these 11 reasons in order by importance this would be #1. My daughter makes me grateful every day. Life changed completely once I became a mother and I would never change it for the world. I have a new source of laughter and inspiration every day and it’s all wrapped up in a 3+ foot tall, giggly, smiley package.
7. Philadelphia, “the city of brotherly love” is my home away from home. I’ll always consider Maryland my home, but for some reason I was always drawn to Philadelphia. I love this city, I love the diversity and its culture and I love living close enough to hop on the train to grab lunch with my husband or meet a prospective client.
8. I’m grateful for the ability to work from anywhere. As virtual professionals we often have the opportunity or even necessity to work outside of our home offices. I have worked from my back patio overlooking my yard, in the car, at Panera, at clients places of work, at the beach and at family members’ homes. You can be super-productive with a change of scenery from time to time.
9. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to work at developing other dreams and interests. We don’t necessarily have to be tied to one thing always…I’m sure all of us have varying interests and aren’t solely tied to our virtual businesses. Being friendlier to the earth is one of my interests which is why I developed weeBGreen, with the help of a close friend, in April of 2009. My hope is that it grows to be a sought out source for shopping locally and regionally for earth friendlier products for “wee ones”.
10. I’m grateful for the lessons learned from my mother. I had 22 years with her and she is still guiding me today. She was a firm believer in following dreams and often referenced a poem by Louise Driscoll:
Hold fast your dreams!
Within your heart
Keep one still, secret spot
Where dreams may go,
And, sheltered so,
May thrive and grow
Where doubt and fear are not.
O keep a place apart,
Within you heart,
For little dreams to go!
Think still of lovely things that are not true.
Let wish and magic work at will in you.
Be sometimes blind to sorrow. Make believe!
Forget the calm that lies
In disillusioned eyes.
Though we all know that we must die,
Yet you and I
May walk like gods and be
Even now at home in immortality.
We see so many ugly things -
Deceits and wrongs and quarrelings;
We know, alas! we know
How quickly fade
The color in the west,
The bloom upon the flower,
The bloom upon the breast
And youth’s blind hour.
A place apart
Where little dreams may go,
May thrive and grow,
Hold fast – hold fast your dreams!
11. I am grateful for my membership to the organization for virtual professionals, IVAA. I’ve made great connections and have developed lasting client and collaborative relationships through this organization. I’m happy to serve as a volunteer staff writer for the IVAACast and hope to see many of my colleagues at the live summit in April!
What are you grateful for this year?
Share your comments here or on Twitter using #gratitudemonth.
Copyright 2009 Innovate Services & Teresa H. Berger
Innovate Services & Client Media Mentions…
http://www.business-opportunities.biz http://blog.cristinafavreau.com http://www.ivaa.org/pdfs/latestcast.pdf http://www.toiletpaperentrepreneur.com/blog
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