Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Forget all the hype! You have to work at this!

There are primarily two types of people who read my books, attend my seminars and listen to my Podcasts; those who are using (or will be using) the Internet in your overall marketing and those who are (or want to be) to making money exclusively from the Internet.

The information I provide is a great fit for both. However, the people who are going to really succeed at this are the ones who clearly understand that they must be visible to their market. Not only that, they are very clear on the fact they have to build credibility and position their expertise; constantly.

You do this through consistency. Develop a plan of action of how often you will implement something in your marketing and promotions. The more consistent you are the better your results. Don’t fall into the trap of believing you can do something once and then rake in oodles of money. Making money with or on the Internet must be treated as a part of your overall business plan.

Maybe it's the moon; maybe it's the fact that it is snowing in Eugene, Oregon for the 3 time this season in an area that normally doesn't get snow; maybe it's the fact that my old cat is very sick; or maybe it's the fact that I see people buying into the belief that they can do one or two things and make lots of money on or with the Internet.

It just doesn't work this way.

How it works is there are a number of ingredients that must be applied. Leave out one of the ingredients and you likely will miss the mark.

Here are some of the ingredients:

Building a responsive opt-in database
Writing and distribution of articles
A well position resource box
An optimized website
A blog
Blogging on a regular basis
Keeping in touch with your readers with high value information at a frequency that is consistent with their needs.

You can't expect that people will sign up for something from your website and without any further effort on your part, jump in to make a purchase. With many markets, it doesn't work like that.

People have to feel they can trust you. They have to feel you will deliver above and beyond. And they have to know they are making a good investment when they purchase something from you no matter what the price.

Can you make money with and on the Internet? By all means. And lots of it.

Can you do it with very little effort? Although I read these kind of claims all the time, I have yet to meet someone who is the real deal who will tell you they got where they got without real time, effort and money involved.

Simple as that.

Okay, the snow has cleared, my cat is feeling better, the moon has disappeared and I have written what I set out to write. My thoughts on Getting Rich Quick on the Internet. Give up that notion, put your plan in place, build name recognition in your market, create incredible value, and keep in touch.

Then you can smile all the way to the bank!

Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Marketing Speaker and Author
http://www.streetsmartsmarketincg.com





Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Raising funds for two worthy charities

Through the end of March 2007, my co-author and I are raising funds for two very worthy causes.

Every book sale that goes through Amazon.com for The Law of Achievement will be donated to the causes.

Check it out.
http://lawofachievement.com/special1.htm

Will you help us out with this?

Kathleen Gage

Saturday, February 24, 2007

5 Top Reasons I blog

A couple of days ago, Patsi and Denise aka The BlogSquad tagged me with the challenge post the top 5 reasons I blog. Always one to love a good challenge :-) here are the reasons.

1. I love to write.
2. There are no restrictions on what I can write
3. I can reach a global market through my blog
4. It increases my search engine position
5. I can blog any time of the day or night

Being an overachiever (or maybe I am just compulsive) here are a few more reasons.

6. Keeps me in the habit of writing.
7. It is a great way to distribute my articles
8. Over a period of time the articles become a chapter to a book.
9. Over a period of time the chapters become a book.
10. I can promote a seminar about how to blog to write a book.
11. I can go off on tangents if I want.
12. It’s fun

So there you have it. A few of my favorite reasons to blog.

By the way, if you want to check out what Patsi and Denise are up to, go to http://www.blogsquad.biz/

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

A book worth reading

A friend of mine will soon be releasing her newest book, What STOPS You From Having The BODY YOU WANT?

I had the opportunity to read the manuscript and I have to say, this book is perfect if you are ready, once and for all, to get in shape, have lots of energy, feel good and look better than you have in a long time.

This book is perfect for anyone who spends long hours working at the computer day in and day out.

Darlene has put together a very nice presale opportunity. For only $20 you can get her book upon release and some nice bonus gifts.

http://www.whatstopsyou.com/Body-Book-Entry.html

I so enjoyed what I read; I was one of the first to put in my order for the book. I want to have the book at my fingertips for easy access. If you have thought of getting in shape, but something keeps stopping you, now is the time to quit procrastinating.

What STOPS You From Having The BODY YOU WANT?
Overcome Self-Sabotage
Visualize the Body You Want: See It, Feel It, Believe It, Do It!
By Darlene Braden

Darlene is an expert in the field of fitness and is also a hypnotherapist. She has combined her fitness expertise AND her knowledge of the unconscious mind to bring you a NEW and UNIQUE angle on weight loss and health. You will lose the weight you want and get in shape more easily than you thought possible.

This is a presale opportunity combined with three really nice bonus gifts.

http://www.whatstopsyou.com/Body-Book-Entry.html

For years Darlene has observed, studied, practiced and researched what makes a fit body:

-What does it take?
-Are diet and exercise all that it takes?
-How do thinking patterns and beliefs contribute to holding or releasing weight?

How many times have you set a goal to LOSE WEIGHT or get in shape and did not achieve your goal?
How would the body you want assist you in reaching your other goals in the areas of relationships, financial and emotional goals?

You can find the answers to these questions and more in this newest edition from Darlene’s What STOPS You? series.

http://www.whatstopsyou.com/Body-Book-Entry.html

Discover possibilities about your body, set realistic goals and have the body YOU want NOW!

What STOPS You From Having The BODY YOU WANT? will show you how to:

-Break fr.ee from limiting beliefs about your body.
-Learn the correct way to eat and exercise.
-Learn health tips you have never thought of before.
-Find inner reasons why you to deserve to be beautiful.
-Know that you are worth it.
-Believe you CAN reach your goals regardless of your past eating patterns, age or current health.
-Realize your “Why” to have a strong and functioning body.
-Learn to take NATURAL actions and achieve your goals.

345 content rich pages that include information about eating and exercise and then SPECIFICS on HOW to understand where you have been STOPPED in your ability to lose and maintain your weight.

What is it that YOU WANT?

-Compete in a weightlifting competition?
-To fit into your jeans?
-Look good at your class reunion?
-To be able to hike with your kids?
-Be active with your grandkids?

This book is for men and women of every age who want to make changes from 5 to 200 lbs; for those who want a healthy attitude about their body and to know what is possible.

http://www.whatstopsyou.com/Body-Book-Entry.html

Free gift links will be active until the first book comes off the printing press. Enjoy!

Kathleen Gage

Saturday, February 17, 2007

A great interview with The Blogsquad

It has been a few days since I have added anything to my blog. What a whirlwind of activity. A few days ago I had a wonderful time with Patsi and Denise - The Blog Squad. Check out the interview at

http://www.bloggingandbeyond.com/2007/02/attract_sell_pr_1.html

Attract, Sell, Profit: You need a foundation first
Blogging and Beyond: Episode 6 Attract, Sell, Profit!

My newest eProduct release is selling like hotcakes. It's amazing. Internet Radio is a very HOT thing right now. If you want to find out more about The Directory of Internet Radio Shows check out http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/radiointernet.htm

Last week I finished up my eight week mentoring course entitled, How to Make Money With the Internet. What an absolutely great group of folks I had in this session. I will be posting some of their success stories in my blog in the very near future so be looking for that.

There's so much going on over the next few months. One is, I will be doing a live event in Salt Lake City in a couple months. More to follow on that.

Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Marketing Speaker and Author

Sunday, February 11, 2007

Help raise $1,000 to bring fresh drinking water to children!

Recently I saw a television show about a very unique program that provides fresh water to school age children in rural Mozambican.

The program is called PlayPumps. PlayPumps International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to help improve the lives of children and their families by providing easy access to clean drinking water, enhancing public health, and offering play equipment to millions across Africa.

Something about the project touched my heart. So much in fact that I have not been able to let go of an idea that came to me while watching the program.

I am donating the sale of 200 copies of my book, The Law of Achievement, when purchased from Amazon.com, to PlayPumps, International. The purchase must be made within the next 48 hours. My co-author, Lori Giovannoni is 100% behind this fundraiser.

What I am asking you to do is to buy a book during the next 48 hours, which will in turn be your opportunity to contribute to this worthy cause.

http://www.lawofachievement.com/special1.htm

The books sales will also generate a dollar from every book for a program called the Reading Rally a signature program for Executive Women International. The Reading Rally is designed to bring the gift of reading to children.

So in essence, when you are one of the first 200 people to buy The Law of Achievement from Sunday, February 11, 2007 through Tuesday, February 13, 2007, your purchase will help to bring fresh water to hundreds of children and help a worthwhile children’s literacy program.

Upon me receiving payment from Amazon.com for the books, a check will be sent directly to the PlayPumps project and The Reading Rally.

So you know how much is being donated, I will post the final numbers on my blog and the website when we have them. Please note, Amazon.com does take 55% of all sales. So each book purchase will generate about $6.50 that we will be able to donate.

Please note, we are keeping nothing from the sale of these 200 books. 100% of all proceeds (other than Amazon.com fees) will be donated including publishing costs.

Here is the link to the order page. http://www.lawofachievement.com/special1.htm

Consider that:

$36 - Helps a family get the water it needs for good health and hygiene.
$60 - Can provide ten people with access to clean water for up to ten years.
$300 - Can give a classroom of children playground equipment and clean water for drinking and handwashing.
$14,000 - Sponsors a complete PlayPump™ water system for a community in Africa. A single system can bring the benefits of clean drinking water to up to 2,500 people..

Thank you for your support.

Kathleen Gage

Friday, February 09, 2007

The media release for my newest product

I am very excited about the release of my most recent product, The Directory of Resources for Internet Radio Shows. Thought you might enjoy reading the media release. Feel free to pass this on to anyone in the media you know.





FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kathleen Gage
541.654.0426

Directory of Resources for Internet Radio Shows™ just released by Internet Marketing Expert Kathleen Gage

February 9, 2007 – Eugene, OR – Kathleen Gage announced the release of her newest eProduct in her popular - Streets Smarts Marketing and Promotions Series™. The Directory of Resources for Internet Radio Shows is a resource that appeals to anyone seeking more market reach while keeping marketing costs down. The directory is filled with over 100 hosts and shows anxiously seeking guests, experts and specialists.

With Internet Radio fast becoming one of the most effective, no-cost ways to build visibility, credibility and market reach, Gage’s newest release is extremely timely.
"Over the last year, the power of Internet Radio has skyrocketed, with well over 19 million listen to Internet radio each week, according to research firms Arbitron Inc. and Edison Media Research. Projected increases in the coming year are in excess of 25 %," comments Lillian Cauldwell, CEO/President, Passionate Internet Voices Talk Radio, http://www.internetvoicesradio.com.

Leading experts considered The Directory of Resources for Internet Radio Shows a must-have for effective marketing.

“If you want to get known as an expert in your industry then you need exposure. Internet radio is an excellent way to reach millions of prospects. Kathleen Gage has put together an amazing directory of over 100 Internet radio shows.” Denise Wakeman, The Blog Squad, www.BlogSquad.biz

Visit http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/radiointernet.htm to learn more about The Directory of Resources for Internet Radio Shows.

Kathleen Gage, CEO and founder of Turning Point, Inc. and Maxwell Publishing is a bestselling author; an internationally recognized Internet marketing and publicity expert; and an award-winning keynote speaker.

Kathleen Gage is a highly results oriented business advisor who works with speakers, trainers, consultants, entrepreneurs and authors. Her unique Street Smarts Marketing Series™ programs are designed to help her clients achieve the business results they desire in the most efficient, cost-effective way possible. Visit http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com for further information.
-end-

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

4 exciting sessions

I have an exciting invitation to extend to you. This month, I am going to be participating in a series of TeleSeminars hosted by the Shared Vision Network, an organization that offers a wealth of resources and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesspeople. The best part? As my special guest, you will be able to access this seminar at no cost. Just click on one of the links below to secure your spot, and on the registration page, enter your name in the box that says SVN Members-Subscribers. The calls will be held on February 7, 14, 21 and 28.

The info to access these calls is below, but if you click on this registration link and register, you’ll receive reminders about the calls and other information that may be offered:

http://www.sharedvisionnetwork.com/Public/Events/Tele-Classes/index.cfm?semID=3165&view=1&requesttimeout=600

When you register, only fill in the top box on the first registration page before going to the next page. The continue as directed.

Tuesday, February 7:

Dr. John DeMartini - "Secrets to Financial Mastery"
4:00 pm PT (5pm MT, 6pm CT, 7pm ET)
Call-in Number: (641) 793 7500
PIN: 250846#

Do you have more month at the end of your money than money at the end of the month? Are you doing what you love to do and being handsomely rewarded for it financially? Would you like to create a greater emotional stability when dealing with your finances?

Welcome to the World of Greater Profits and Heavenly Riches!
If you apply the principles and methodologies that Dr. DeMartini teaches, your relationship with and ability to master your spiritual wealth and material finances, as well as other vital areas of your life, will undergo an amazing transformation.

Building wealth that endures beyond a lifetime is an exact science. Dr. DeMartini will demonstrate how the laws of physics and the history of human civilization leave a blueprint for success and freedom.

You will:

· Learn how to accumulate money.
· Learn how to achieve a smooth and sure cash flow.
· Learn how to create wealth more effortlessly.
· Learn how to transform disadvantages into blooming opportunities.
· Lear how to breakthrough financial barriers and expand your vision.
· Learn how to apply strategies to save you money.

Dr. John F. Demartini is an international professional speaker, author and business consultant whose clients range from Wall Street financiers, financial planners and corporate executives to healthcare professionals, actors and sports personalities. His inspiring and informative presentations combine entertaining “real life” stories with transformational wisdom and insights. A former honors student, Dr. Demartini has dedicated 31 years of research to the principles of maximizing human potential and the well being of individuals and organizations.

http://www.sharedvisionnetwork.com/Public/Events/Tele-Classes/index.cfm?semID=3165&view=1&requesttimeout=600

When you register, only fill in the top box on the first registration page before going to the next page. The continue as directed.

Wednesday, February 14:

Kathleen Gage – “Secrets to Making Money with the Internet”
4:00 pm PT (5pm MT, 6pm CT, 7pm ET)
Call-in Number: (641) 793 7500
PIN: 250846#
Learn easy to apply, proven strategies on how to how to use the Internet to make money in your business from me, Kathleen Gage, best-selling author and marketing expert.
This teleconference is ideal for Entrepreneurs, Professional Speakers, Authors and Consultants.
What You'll Learn:
· Discover how to drive highly qualified traffic to your website
· Find out how to turn visitors into paying customers
· Learn strategies to instantly become known as an expert in your market
· Discover 3 surefire no-cost ways to market on the Net
· Understand the incredible power and profit from high visibility on the Internet
You won’t want to miss this!
http://www.sharedvisionnetwork.com/Public/Events/Tele-Classes/index.cfm?semID=3165&view=1&requesttimeout=600

When you register, only fill in the top box on the first registration page before going to the next page. The continue as directed.

Wednesday, February 21:

Janet Switzer – “How to Gain Riches in Other People’s Niches”
4:00 pm PT (5pm MT, 6pm CT, 7pm ET)
Call-in Number: (641) 793 7500
PIN: 250846#
Learn the secrets of marketing the fruits of other peoples' labor and expertise...in the process gaining 15-50% of the gross revenue. Enjoy and exciting lifestyle and lucrative career with insider tips and techniques from Janet Switzer, and learn how to build an informational empire of your own!
In every industry, there’s a powerbroker in the background – an advisor who is known to just a handful of people, but who helps build empires for the top “stars” who are household names.
Her name is Janet Switzer – and for the last 16 years she’s been quietly creating empire-building campaigns, products, promotions, deals and distribution for many of the biggest celebrity experts you’ve heard of.
Janet details:
· How to become the Leading Expert in your market niche – earning a fortune from information products – regardless of your skill level, marketing budget or area of expertise.
· How to develop the right product line for any area of expertise – then continually upsell prospects into more elaborate products at ever-increasing prices.
· How determine what prospective buyers already want to spend money on – and how to quickly develop the exact information they want to buy.
· How to develop, deliver and sell two dozen of the most popular information products selling today – from books and audio programs to coaching services, international speaking, subscription consulting, teleseminars, business-building and practice-building courses and more.
· Janet’s 28 proprietary marketing systems – including how to use each one of them to create a flood of new buyers and industry recognition.
A 22-year veteran of the marketing and advertising field, Janet Switzer is unique among experts as the woman who has developed and executed the day-to-day income-generation strategies of many of the world¹s top celebrity entrepreneurs: Chicken Soup for the Soul co-founder Jack Canfield, underground marketing guru Jay Abraham, celebrity speaker Les Brown, Internet income expert Yanik Silver, and master motivational speaker Mark Victor Hansen, among others.
http://www.sharedvisionnetwork.com/Public/Events/Tele-Classes/index.cfm?semID=3165&view=1&requesttimeout=600

When you register, only fill in the top box on the first registration page before going to the next page. The continue as directed.

Wednesday, February 28:

Dan Kuschell
4:00 pm PT (5pm MT, 6pm CT, 7pm ET)
Call-in Number: (641) 793 7500
PIN: 250846#

Dan Kuschell has been a business owner and involved in direct sales for over 10 years. His first love was as an athlete from the Detroit area where he honed his skills and qualities as a person. He ended up coaching college baseball / all-star teams while finishing his education at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI.

In 1992, he found himself in the direct marketing field. He started his own company and learned from many mistakes. He has now worked in the direct marketing industry for over 10 years full time, helping set records and standards in his field.

He has developed a simple common sense approach to help the average person to enhance the quality of their life -- in business, at home, and in their family.

He has implemented the Champion Vision to help companies increase productivity, sales, motivation, and bottom line results.

Register for the series and you will receive the details on Dan’s presentation!

I hope you can make it for these life-changing calls!


My best,
Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Speaker
www.streetsmartsmarketing.com

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Ready to reach a global market?

If you are looking for a great way to reach a global market, IRadio is it. From the comfort of your home you can reach thousands of eager buyers for your books, eProducts, speaking engagements and more.

But how do you find the shows and hosts who are looking for guests?

I have put together a great directory of over 100 radio shows you can target.

It's one thing to find the shows, do you know how to engage the host and the audience in order to be invited back again and again? Many people don't know how to do this. I have joined together with my business associate, Lori Giovannoni, and recorded an incredible session where we teach you how.

Both of us are seasoned professionals who have hundreds (maybe even thousands) of radio interviews between us. I have also hosted my own weekly talk radio program so I know what radio hosts look for.

Check it out http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/radiointernet.htm

In success
Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Speaker and Author
www.streetsmartsmarketing.com

Monday, February 05, 2007

February Ezine is steaming with Hot offers

If you've been around the world of Internet Marketing for any
length of time, it's likely you've heard of Willie Crawford.
If you have, you know what an incredible man Willie is. If you
haven't, you are in for a great treat. Willie is truly a
welfare to millionaire success story. He is also one of the most
gifted Internet Marketers around.

What about Dan Kuschell, the champions' champion. Or What
about Janet Switzer, co-author with Jack Canfield of the New
York Times bestseller, The Success Principle? And what about
Lori Giovannoni, bestselling author and award winning speaker?

You might be wondering why I mention all of these extraordinary
people. Check out this month's issue of Street Smarts
Marketing and Promotions Ezine to find out why I have mentioned
them and what each has in store for you.
http://www.turningpointpresents.com/newsletters/enewsfebruary2007.htm


This month I have some incredible opportunities available to my
readers that you won't want to miss; especially if you are
interested in Internet Marketing, building your business or
increasing your market reach and visibility for practically no
money at all.

Be sure to check out the new look for my Street Smarts website.
You will find the link in my ezine.

Throughout the month you will be receiving periodic updates on
various events I want you to be the first to know about. Please
be assured, I will only send you those things that I endorse and
know are excellent resources to help you succeed. At any time, if
you no longer wish to receive information from me, you can simply
click the link at the end of the message.

My best
Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Speaker and Author
http://www.turningpointpresents.com/newsletters/enewsfebruary2007.htm

Sunday, February 04, 2007

Proof that press releases work

Imagine my surprise when I opened on of my Yahoo Groups to find the following article. Read the entire piece to find out why.

Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Speaker and Author
www.streetsmartsmarketing.com

ARTICLE

In January, my husband Aaron and I made the front page of
the Times Record Newspaper. We sat for the interview, sans kids, at
the end of December, but had no idea when the article would run. My
newspaper comes in the late afternoon, so it surprised me when we
were flooded with calls from local friends. In that week alone, we
went from neighbors to a few people in town to a pride for the
entire community. Why? Two-fold really: our book is about the town
and our personal pilgrimage to my husband's roots.

With this new celebrity came the support of the townsfolk
in the way of book sales. One of the local bookstores refused to
even consider selling our book, not because we self-published,
rather she balked at the price tag and scoffed that nobody would pay
that much. After the front-page article, this shop owner regretted
that decision when customer upon customer asked if they could order
our book through her shop. She even got down right rude with these
potential customers and yelled. The library came as the next target,
but they were prepared. We had donated one copy to them, which
traveled through the circulation process slowly until mass readers
clamored to sign up on waiting lists. The library director called
personally to order four more copies at full price. It thrilled me
to search the library database and see my name listed as an author!
Aaron beamed when he saw himself listed as the illustrator.

How did we get into the newspaper? I took the advice of my
good friend, marketing guru Kathleen Gage. She sang the praises of a
well-written, and thus well-received, press release. I followed her
example and the press release slanted for the local market landed me
the most expensive spot of advertising in the newspaper at no cost
to me. I suggest that you download Kathleen's f ree ebook, Street
Smarts Marketing and Promotions, from my homepage as a start. If
that works for you, then purchase the expanded version of that
ebook. I believe it is a sound investment as the expanded version
built a castle on the solid foundation I received from the f ree
version.

I want to focus on is giving back to the community that
now supports us. We forged our name and product into the limelight
and thus had to shine. Before the article was printed, I did an
initial reading at Brunswick's Curtis Memorial Library. At that
point our book wasn't in circulation yet. The pre-Christmas turnout
seemed dismal as it included mostly friends. After the article came
out, the library asked me to schedule another reading and rushed all
five copies of our book into circulation.

The reading requests did not stop at the library. A
handful of teachers at the neighborhood elementary school contacted
me because they saw the newspaper. Seems the third grade is studying
about our town and its landmarks. We happily agreed to read to the
children and field questions afterward. Aaron and I bundled up our
homeschooled children and visited the school in two back-to-back
days.

The three third-grade classes listened intently, knew most
of the landmarks in the book, and then asked how they could
write/illustrate/self-publish their own books. I cannot say how
gratifying that moment was for me. We inspired at least forty-three
kids that day to write, draw, and believe in themselves! To show
their appreciation, they made us a big laminated poster with photos
of our visit and all their names.

The three first-grade classes were a bit more squirrelly,
but loved our story and asked when we would write more adventures
about the town. We had about an hour break before the last group.
The three second-grade classes really asked some poignant questions.
One little boy asked why I am a professional writer. My reply was
that as a little girl his age, I dreamt that I would grow up to
write books and, believing in myself, I accomplished it. Another
girl asked if I wrote in school. I told her that I started writing
in elementary school and am specializing in creative writing in grad
school. In both instances, I encouraged education, hard work at the
craft, and belief in themselves.

So, if you are too nervous to read in front of adults or
children, but you need to market your book, I'll close with this
suggestion. The Shy Writer by Hope Clark addresses those fears and
meets them head on. If you want to influence lives and sell books at
the same time, you must read to your audience.

Trish Hopkins is a professional writer, creative writing instructor,
and speaker at www.trishhopkins.com
Author, By the Sea ~ Brunswick, Maine
http://www.lulu.com/content/438243

-end-

To access lots of free resources as well as other resources visit
www.streetsmartsmarketing.com

Saturday, February 03, 2007

Become Known as an Expert with FREE Publicity

Become Known as an Expert with FREE Publicity
by Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Speaker and Author

Countless numbers of people have the dream of running a successful business and yet most will not succeed due to lack of market visibility. Successful entrepreneurs understand how essential it is to gain visibility within their market; visibility that equates to more customers and clients, which equates to more revenue.

The most common belief uninformed entrepreneurs have of how to gain market visibility is through paid advertising. The fact is, most small businesses and entrepreneurs don’t have huge budgets to put into paid advertising campaigns. Yet, many waste untold amounts of money on ad campaigns that don’t get them a result that justifies the expense.

Unfortunately, because they don’t realize there is a better way, they often continue to throw money into useless advertising that takes them further into the red with every dollar spent. Because of this many will close their doors, never realizing what they could have accomplished.

As a publicity expert who specializes in no-cost and low cost strategies to gain market visibility, it pains me to think of how many people could have succeeded had they been armed with insider information on how to get lots of publicity for their business. My goal for you is that you are not counted among the fatalities, but rather one of the successes.

What is Publicity?
Let’s start by defining what publicity is. When I work with my clients, the definition I use is that publicity is the deliberate and focused attempt to manage the public’s perception of a person, product, service or business. I also include promotional methods to achieve an outcome. The primary avenues I use are working with traditional media and through online resources.
There are two ways to get publicity; one is to pay for it and the other is to access free publicity. It’s actually easy than most people realize to gain free publicity – and lots of it.

In many cases all it takes to gain thousands, tens of thousands and even hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of FREE publicity is a commitment and a very focused plan.
Keep in mind though; to gain optimum results it does take a systematic approach.

Promote Just About Anything
You can promote just about anything with publicity; a retail store, a book, a live workshop or seminar, a teleseminar, the release of a new Internet marketing program are a small sampling of what you could gain free publicity on.

What Are Your Results?
Before I share some of the most effective and most underutilized methods for gaining publicity, I want you to ask yourself how much money you have wasted on paid advertising. Now ask yourself what the results have been. Chances are your results were minimal.

How great would it be if you could gain massive visibility and spend little, if nothing at all, to get it?

Traditional and Electronic
Publicity and promotional methods can be divided into two primary areas; traditional media and electronic avenues. There are others but the most obvious and those with the highest return on investment of time and money are traditional and electronic.

Traditional media
Radio
Television
Print newspapers
Magazines
Trade journals
Print newsletters such as company and association newsletters

Electronic Avenues
Press directories
Online magazines
Internet radio
Online newspapers
Trade journals
Bulletin boards
Blogs
Social networks
Email discussion groups
Ezines

With the popularity of the Internet many people are overlooking the power of traditional methods of publicity. It is important to realize that not everyone is wired so you want to avoid eliminating a huge part of your potential opportunity for free publicity as well as a huge potential for additional market reach.

A combination of both electronic and traditional methods is likely to produce the best results. However, it is feasible to utilize only online methods of information distribution and not only gain incredible amounts of publicity but also gain access to traditional media.

Many journalists, publishers, editors, radio and television show hosts have grown quite accustomed to finding great stories and show guests via the Internet. So even if your primary choice for targeting your initial message is through electronic means, you may get some offline opportunities.

Two Power-Packed Methods for Gaining Visibility
Two effective methods for gaining publicity, and lots of it, are through press releases and articles. Not only are they effective, often they are free – or extremely low cost.

Press/Media Releases
A simple way to gain free publicity with both traditional and electronic resources is to write and distribute a well-written, well-formatted press release. A good press release is one of the most effective, and yet, most underutilized, free publicity tools. A press release can also be called a media release.

Simply put, a press release is an announcement you send to magazines, trade journals, newspapers, newsletters, radio and television. There are numerous online resources that provide services for mass distribution of a press release. Some are free; others will charge a fee.

How Press Releases are Chosen
To give you the greatest advantage in getting good, and even great coverage, it is important to know how the traditional press chooses one release over another.

It’s not enough to just write a press release, it has to be a well-written release.

Most large pressrooms get hundreds of news releases a day. When yours comes in it is one among many. Typically there are one or two people responsible for reviewing incoming releases and either assigning them to editors and producers or throwing them out.

Normally, they will review the releases you send them over a wastebasket or with their finger on the delete key.

To increase your chances of having your releases read and published make sure you include elements of a well-developed release. These include the who, what, when, where and why of your message.

Additionally, you want to write for the viewers, readers or listeners. Far too often, a release is written more like a sales pitch than an information, newsworthy piece. If it is a blatant sales pitch it is likely not to get published.

Articles for Publicity with the Media
Another extremely effective method for gaining lots of publicity is through article writing and online distribution. It is not at all unusual for a trade publication, a newspaper journalist or a feature writer to find material for a story or someone to interview because of an online article they read.

Article writing and distribution should be an ongoing aspect of your overall marketing and strategy for gaining publicity and getting noticed by the media.

There are a number of places you can submit your information. Although you may get paid for your articles, if you are writing for the purpose of publicity, you may want to also consider writing without getting paid. There are going to be more opportunities this way.

Yet, if an editor wants to pay you, you accept. Remember though, for the purpose of FREE Publicity the greatest benefit in writing articles is increased visibility, credibility and reach. You can also use your published material for a press kit, marketing kit and as a service to your client base. It’s all about return on investment.

It is very customary to include a short bio at the end of a free article. This is referred to as a resource box. Usually you will include a bit about yourself and a link back to a website or a special offer.

Become known as an expert
Writing articles is a great way to make a name for yourself as an expert in your field or specific industry. By providing practical information, you can reach specific audiences. This can create exciting opportunities for you and your business.

Although there are many different types of articles you can write, one of the easiest to write is a how-to article.

An added publicity vehicle
I have had numerous experiences where I would write an article and my clients liked it so much they would duplicate it and send it to their client base. The beauty there is that my contact information was at the end of the article. What a fantastic way to get some free marketing and publicity through the efforts of someone else. The fact that it is sent out by my client to their clients lends itself to even more credibility.

It’s An Ongoing Process
To be effective and gain the greatest results; gaining publicity needs to be an ongoing goal for you and your business. It is not a one-time deal yet; many people treat it as such. It’s as if they think that one time in the press should launch massive visibility that goes on and on. Or that one press release or article will land them on Oprah.

Those of us who are masters at gaining lots of publicity within our chosen industries know that there is no such thing as an overnight success. However, with enough focus, effort and commitment, you can gain so much visibility that to an outsider it may appear as if you are truly an overnight success.

To achieve optimum results you need to constantly fuel the media fire. You have to find “hot” areas of interest that the media wants to cover. With the right plan, systems and vision you can begin to immediately gain publicity and continually tap into the power of publicity for years to come.

Kathleen Gage, CEO and founder of Turning Point, Inc. and Maxwell Publishing is a bestselling author; an internationally recognized Internet marketing and publicity expert; and an award-winning keynote speaker. Visit www.streetsmartsmarketing.com for lots of free resources to learn how to gain free publicity.

Thursday, February 01, 2007

Recipe for success!

According to the BlogSquad experts, Patsi and Denise, http://www.blogsquad.biz, the word Recipe is the most common word people google. Hmmm. That's great information to know.

Why? you may asks.

If you know what words are commonly used in Google searches you can incorporate them into your keywords in articles, blog postings and other areas that will drive traffic to your website.

Think about what words can make a difference for you.

Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Speaker and Author