Rolemommy

PR 365

PR 365: Preventing Social Media Entitlement Syndrome

After cruising through Twitter this morning, I happened upon Joey Fortman's blog who discovered a great article about SMES - Social Media Entitlement Syndrome - a case by which an individual who lives a great deal of their life online, believes they are entitled to attend VIP events, receive tons of swag, and get an all access pass into the lives of real life influential individuals just because they have a multitude of Twitter followers or Facebook fans.

Once I read Joey's post, I then clicked over to Lalawag for the full article and have to say, it is so on the money! Especially the part about social climbers who consistently use other people who have influential connections in real life for their own personal gain.

As someone who has been taken advantage of by social climbers, I have to say that I am now a lot more guarded with my professional contacts and personal connections. I have built strong relationships over the years through professionalism and trust and that does not give a social climber the right to have access to these individuals just because they've friended me on Facebook. Earn my trust and respect first and then I may share a contact or two. But if you continually ask me for my contacts without truly wanting to have anything to do with me, then sorry social climber, you're going to have to DM or FB someone else.

Have you been taken advantage of by a person suffering from SEMS? Inquiring moms want to know? And want to order the book above? Then visit Amazon to pick up a copy of I See Rude People: One woman's battle to beat some manners into impolite society.

Posted in: News, PR 365 on 06/27/2010

*New! The Role Mommy Writer's Network

If you are a member of The List, then over the past two years, you've been receiving all kinds of great opportunities - from media inquiries, to event invites, to product reviews and much more. We are committed to building upon the incredible network of bloggers, freelance writers, authors, experts and entrepreneurs who are all members of our community and as a result, we are thrilled to launch the Role Mommy Writers Network, a syndication platform that will offer you the opportunity to feature paid advertorial content on your blog.

Please be advised, we will not be compensating bloggers to post reviews and will continue to offer you the opportunity to have access to products and services before they hit the mainstream market so that you can share this exclusive information with your readers.

Advertorial posts will be advice driven and at times, will feature videos, photos and/or podcasts that have been written exclusively by bloggers. These articles can be utilized in its entirety on your blog or adapted as you see fit. All members of the network must fully disclose that the posts are sponsored by the Role Mommy Writer's Network.

In addition, this incredible group will have the opportunity to attend writer workshops, events, retreats, interview best selling authors and entrepreneurs and network with like minded women and men who love to write. If you have't already been in touch with us and if you'd like to apply to become a member of The Role Mommy Writer's Network, please fill out the application below and we will notify you if you have been accepted into this exciting new program.

Posted in: Events, News, PR 365 on 06/23/2010

Quitting Blogging

I'm sure I got you there. No, I haven't decided to pack it in and give up my blog but I have seen a lot of women making the conscious decision to walk away from this world in order to spend more time with their families or pursuing careers IRL (in real life for those of you new to the whole bloggy/tech scene). You see, when you first start blogging, it can actually be really cathartic. You share your innermost secrets that you can't tell your real friends, you connect with like minded souls across the country, you plan to meet them in person and you do, and then you start getting contacted by publicists to attend events, review products, possibly go on all expense paid trips, the memories can be priceless. But what do you have to show for it?

Have you been able to turn your passion for blogging into a business or have you tried for years and for some reason, something just doesn't seem to be clicking? Do you get frustrated when you see other bloggers succeeding while you're struggling to make a dent in a world that already seems pretty overpopulated at the moment? Let's get down to the heart of the matter shall we?

Blogging certainly means different things for different people.

For many women who are pioneers in this world, blogging is about great writing. It's about storytelling, as we instantaneously share those intimate moments when something incredible or heartbreaking happens in our lives.

For others, it's about marketing and branding. A blog is a wonderful platform builder for budding authors, photographers, artists, manufacturers, food mavens, savings experts and entrepreneurs.

A blog can be a forum for individuals who are passionate about causes to band together to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate than themselves.

A blog can be a mom's connection to individuals in the outside world who might be going through the same thing she is - sleep deprivation, post partum depression, parenting a child with special needs.

It's a wonderful motivator - just look at Bookie Boo and her Mamavation campaign which has swept through the Internet encouraging women to take back their bodies and lose weight!

And speaking of bodies - blogs even takes on taboo subjects like sex - with blogging pioneer Kristen Chase leading the charge with the release of her new book The Mominatrix's Guide to Sex.

It's a place where women who are struggling on the homefront might find a forum for themselves to succeed. As a writer, a marketer, connector and a friend.

Blogging can be a hobby and it can also be an addiction.

When your child is begging you to get off the computer so that you can help them with their homework, school project or take them off to buy clothes for summer camp - it's time to step away and return back to life as we know it.

For me, blogging has been an amazing and surprising experience. I have met some of the most talented writers in our nation - many of them humor writers, since that's my passion, and have made lasting relationships that I am certain will endure throughout my life. I have been inspired by the bloggers who rally against adversity and protect their own when tragedy strikes. I have been incredibly disappointed and shocked by women who hurl mean-spirited comments on Twitter and ascend to their own bully pulpit via their own blogs. And I have also felt incredible respect toward the women who have managed to turn their passion for blogging into a successful business. (Still trying to figure out that one as I write this post - damn how I wish my hubby was an IT guy).

As my children continue to grow and need me more (trust me new moms, it doesn't get easier, it just gets harder), what I've come to realize is that I need to keep my blogging in check. I will never give it up because writing is my passion, but I am finding ways to bang out blog posts when my kids are fast asleep (um, that would be now), at a friend's house for a play date or during my work day when inspiration strikes.

If you believe that you will be able to build a brand because you have a blog, just know that the work you have in front of you is incredibly arduous. I'm not saying you should give up - just don't try everything at once. You don't need to criss cross the state attending dozens of conferences - just choose the ones where you'll get to connect with your online friends while learning how to take your passion for blogging to the next level.

And it's perfectly fine to continue blogging as a hobby. This is not a race - it is a marathon - an uphill one at that, and the more you blog, the more you build a loyal following who may be interested in what you say or might just be entertained by your writing.

Don't get down if people don't comment. There are amazing bloggers who are great at engaging their audience. Others may have lurkers on their blog who read and move on - either way - if you are happy with your writing, don't look for validation online. Connect with other writers you admire and respect and find out how they've managed to perfect their craft.

Join a writer's group or a book club. Step away from the laptop and meet people in real time where you can discuss the things you love or help one another achieve your personal or professional goals.

Spend time with your family and friends. I remember one old friend telling me she keeps up with me through my Facebook and blog posts. That's not how I want her to keep up with me - I want to see her more. Get the chance to have dinner or a glass of wine and laugh the way we used to when we were back in high school.

Technology can be a blessing and a curse. It can enrich your life by exposing you to opportunities and friends you never even knew existed. But it can also suck time away from the ones we love. At the end of the day, blogging should not be all consuming. And as you're cruising for Facebook friends and Twitter followers, you should know that in your own home live the most important people who would really like to know your status right about now:

Status:
"Mom is about to wake me up so she can make me breakfast, fix my lunch and take me to school."

One day, they'll be too old for me to wake them up, cheer them on at ball games or kiss them on the cheek before they fall off to sleep. And I don't want to miss a minute of it. Am I quitting blogging? No way. Just doing it in moderation so that I can get back to the real world.

Find more videos like this on Role Mommy

Posted in: Blog, News, PR 365, TV on 06/21/2010

PR 365: Free Vs. Fee that is the Question

Over the course of one day, I get tons of emails offering me everything under the sun. Some requests are simple and genuine - asking me if I'd be interested in receiving a product for review on my blog (totally fine in my book), while others wonder if I'd like to host a review and giveaway (again not a deal breaker at all). But as the day progresses, the "opportunities" seem more and more like things I would have eagerly said yes to if I were an unpaid intern looking to break into a new career.

Except I am not.

I have over 20 years experience in media relations and PR.

I have a master's degree in journalism.

I currently get paid by a number of websites and print publications for my work.

And yet, I have been asked time and time again to contribute content to corporate websites for free. Or make media appearances on behalf of a brand - you guessed it...for free. Perhaps the person on the other end of the email thinks I'll be thrilled to get the opportunity to appear in print or on TV - except appearing on television is not fun. You spend the night before fretting about what you're going to wear. Your hair inevitably doesn't come out looking the way you'd like on camera and you're convinced that HDTV has added at least 30 pounds to your frame (even though what you really need to do is go on a massive diet). You can only speak in soundbites on camera because if you are long winded, the producer will start freaking out and will give you the high sign that you only have a few seconds left. And if you bomb, well, don't ever expect to be invited back.

When you are booked for a TV segment and are representing a brand, you have to go through stringent media training so that you can get the brand's message across in an organic manner. And sometimes, even when you try to get that messaging in, it winds up on the cutting room floor (if the segment is taped). Plenty of celebrities and authors are paid big bucks to appear on television and in print on behalf of brands. But parenting bloggers? In the wild wild west known as the Internet, bloggers are continually offered opportunities to appear on TV on behalf of a brand for free.

It's one thing if you willingly enter a contest in the hopes you're going to be plucked out of obscurity and then wind up in a magazine spread or on a talk show because you're the grand prize winner. But when someone gets in touch with you and makes you an offer filled with nothing but promises of media exposure, this is definitely an offer you can refuse.

Your time is worth something. If you write a blog post about a product on your site, then you've decided that it's something worthwhile that readers might enjoy hearing about. If you choose to attend an event either online or in real life because you believe the experience is worthwhile, then throw caution to the wind and enjoy yourself! But if that brand then reaches out to you, asks you to write for their own website and then promises to place you on a talk show - taking many many hours away from your day, your work and your family, then it's time to raise a red flag.

I am making it my business to stop saying yes to things that come my way that are not so much opportunities as they are time suckers. If you ask me to go beyond the call of duty without compensating me for my time and efforts, then don't be surprised if I politely decline your offer. I have spent way too many years getting paid for my experience. And if I miss out on some golden opportunity with no money attached, then I guess I am better for it. I'd rather spend my free time with my family anyway. Last I checked, Con Edison doesn't accept media exposure as payment for my electric bill.

Posted in: PR 101 for Moms, PR 365 on 06/09/2010

PR 365 - Nice Girls Finish First

Throughout my life I have come across mean girls - whether it was the girls in elementary school who teased me about my weight, the competitive girls in high school sports and theater, the girls you met your freshman year who were nice to you for about two weeks and then dropped you like a hot potato when you told them you didn't have fake ID. The list is endless.

No matter where we go in life, there will always be mean girls - but just as the mean girls attempt to claw their way to the top by backstabbing those around them, standing on the sidelines are the nice girls - the ones you always want to root for no matter what. The ones you want to hug the moment you see them and the ones who are praised whether they are in the room or not.

When it comes to blogging, it's high school all over again. There are the popular girls who believe they are pseudo celebrities. There are the brilliant writers and photo essayists who keep their noses to the grindstone and churn out unbelievable blog posts every day of the week. And then there are mean girls. Let me re-phrase this - there are mean women out there who are intent on ridiculing other moms who may not be as prolific but are finding their way online by discovering innovative ways to earn a living. There are mean girls who attend cocktail parties who clearly believe they are above the rest of the crowd that's there. There are cliquey mean girls who only hang out with their group while gossiping about everyone else around them. You get the picture.

But here's the deal. If you are a mean girl and have treated someone disrespectfully in the last month, then it's time for a personality makeover. You may not realize this, but if you're a mean mom, you probably have a mean kid too. If you delight in seeing other people stumble while you rise to the top, then how will your daughters behave when their only role model is a competitive cutthroat?

While you may not think you're doing anything wrong when you hurl an insult at an unsuspecting blogger or snub someone at a party or put someone down with a comment or twitter post, think again. If you truly want to be a part of a community that pays it forward then jump in and join the team. The only way to truly achieve success and satisfaction is by helping one another as we each pursue our individual goals. Nice girls understand that mantra and cheer each other on every step of the way. So who are you and who do you hope your kids will become? Mean or Nice...that is the question.

Posted in: Blog, PR 365 on 05/17/2010

Tips for Getting Your Children's Book Manuscript Published

Tips for Getting Your Children's Book Manuscript Published
by Robin Preiss Glasser, Illustrator of FANCY NANCY

In the four years that I have been illustrating Fancy Nancy, I have had the opportunity to meet literally thousands of people who love children's books, which is a real perk for me. I adore speaking to new people and swapping stories. And invariably, wherever I go, people tell me that they have written a children's book, or they know someone who wants to be an illustrator, and they look to me for advice. Although I don't have all the answers - everyone's success story is different - I do have some basic tips and bits of advice for those of you who are interested in trying to get a children's story published.

The first thing you should know is that it isn't easy or for the feint of heart. Be prepared for rejection. After four years of art school, it took me another five long years before I got my first book deal. And even after that it wasn't instant success. People weren't knocking down my door! But I knew that this was what I wanted to do, and with a lot of hard work and perseverance, I finally made it.

Tip #1
In my opinion, poets are our best children's book writers. I'm not suggesting that the best children's writing is in poetry form - it's just that poets know how to express so much in so few words, something you find in the most successful children's books. So poem or prose, if your manuscript is longer that one to three pages, double spaced, start editing.

Tip #2
If you are a writer, but not an illustrator, do not feel that you need an illustrated manuscript to send in to a publisher. That's the job of the editor, who matches manuscripts to the right illustrator. Case in point is my work on Fancy Nancy. I did not even know author Jane O'Connor before our wonderful HarperCollins editor Margaret Anastas put us together. Jane works in New York City, and I am located in Southern California. Isn't technology great?

Tip #3
Take classes in writing children's books. As in any profession, you need to be a specialist of the form. Despite popular belief, not everyone can successfully write a children's book. You need to learn the basics of what works and what doesn't, and then you need to write, write, write.

Tip #4
Talk to the people in your class to see if they want to form a writing group. Peer feedback can be very constructive. In addition, it can be hard to stay motivated in a vacuum. Setting deadlines keeps you going!

Tip #5
Talk to your local children's librarian. They can offer suggestions on what to read. It is important to know what is out there, and you learn so much from reading other people's work. In addition, children's librarians are often passionate readers of children's literature themselves, and may have some wonderful insights to offer on the subject. In addition, look over the books that are on "best of the year" lists and objectively compare your work to what you are seeing.

Tip #6
Find out where the nearest book festivals are being held in your area. Try to attend as many panel discussions as you can so you can hear different writers talk about their work and their approach. (I live near Los Angeles, so I recommend the L.A. Book Festival. It is one of the biggest and best in the country. People come from as far away as Arizona to attend. Plus I'm always there, so stop by to say hello!)

Tip #7
Look into joining the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) www.scbwi.org. SCBWI hosts two annual conferences - one in New York in the winter and one in L.A. in the summer - as well as regional conferences and panel discussions. These conferences are excellent places to hear talks by people in the field, attend workshops, and garner opportunities to talk to editors, agents, and published authors and illustrators.

Tip #8
Don't just stick to one favorite story or idea that you have. Instead of sending out the same manuscript over and over, send out lots of different stories, so editors or agents can see you are versatile and maybe start to remember you. Look for trends. This can be a good way to get your foot in the door.

Tip #9
Check out the book Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market by Alice Pope, updated and published annually. This invaluable manual is filled with everything you need to know about getting published, as well as current names of publishers, addresses, and the editors who work there. Editors move around a lot, so you need to have up-to-date information.

Tip #10
Once you have a manuscript that is in the proper form -- something you can learn from the book Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market -- send it out to publishers and agents. When you receive rejection notices, keep them. If that princess story you wrote back in 1992 is resurrected and sold in 2010 now that pink and girly subjects are a hot trend, these will be fun to show at book talks!

Final Tip:
If your 10-year-old wrote a manuscript that you think is brilliant, remember that publishers are looking for more mature authors. (My first grader wrote and illustrated my favorite story of all time, The Three Little Tushies and the Big Fat Head. I thought it was genius, but refrained from sending it to my editor at Simon & Schuster.)

And finally - good luck. I've been making art my whole life, but now, at 54, I feel like I am finally getting the hang of it. Don't give up, because eventually someone might take notice!

Posted in: Daily Shout Out, PR 365, Role Mommy Recommends on 05/06/2010

PR 365...How to Get Booked on Oprah

I have been a publicist for half my life. Over the course of 20 years, I've worked with talk show hosts, actors, actresses, authors, products, TV shows, movies, specials, awards telecasts - you name the item and at one point in my life, I've probably publicized it or thought of ways someone could be maximizing their exposure for that brand. But the one that more often than not has gotten away from me is the mother of all PR bookings...Oprah.

You see, nearly every client, actor, TV show I've worked with, believed they should be on Oprah. In fact, haven't you heard that line before "You should be on Oprah"? Well I have one thing to say - the more you say you should be on Oprah, you'll start getting a whole lot of N'Oprah. Want to know why? It's simple. Getting on Oprah should never be forced. Getting on Oprah happens because the producers search for people who have yet to be discovered, pluck them out of obscurity and BAM! their lives are instantly changed. Getting on Oprah happens because the show pursues stories that interest the host - from great books to amazing charities, to individuals who have experienced tragedy and lived to tell about it. And of course, there are the celebrities. Back when I secured a booking on Oprah (the cast of "Everybody Loves Raymond"), that was by far one of the toughest projects I had ever worked on. The producers at Oprah are like major league baseball players. They are at the top of their game and expect the best from all of their guests (and the publicists who represent them).

A few years later, I did get a near miss with a client who spent an hour in a pre-interview with a producer and we thought we were thisclose to making it and then in a flash, they decided to go in a different direction - the poor guy got a big 'ol N'Oprah and to this day, while he's appeared on dozens of national TV shows, the divine Ms. O has yet to extend an invitation.

On the flip side, I had a conversation the other day with a wonderful author and community activist who has appeared on Oprah twice. Not just once...TWICE!!! Both times, she didn't pitch herself to the show...they found her. Both times, she had incredible stories to tell. And both times, she got the chance to spend an unbelievable hour with Oprah and did a fantastic job. She was the perfect Oprah guest. A diamond who they discovered and landed a seat next to one of the most dynamic conversationalists of our time.

So I bet you're thinking - if I think I should be on Oprah and you're telling me I'll never get there...then what do I do to at least try to get them to discover me? Here's my advice. Keep doing what you're doing - stay true to yourself, to your passions and to your goals. If you are craving exposure - mine your own backyard first - glowing stories about incredible people usually start with their hometown paper, the local TV affiliate or at events where they may play an important role. Don't shout from the rooftops - "Hey, Oprah - I'm doing amazing things - come discover me." Instead, keep doing amazing things, be fulfilled that you're doing great things and one day, you may actually wind up on that comfy sofa reveling in one of the most surreal moments of your life.

For more established writers and authors, if you've managed to secure a book deal with a major publisher and have the funds to retain a PR firm that regularly deals with the show, then you are in a different league. My advice to authors published by traditional houses who have the money to spend on media outreach should invest in a firm with a track record in booking guests on Oprah on a regular basis. Trust me, there are people who continually get their clients on the show. And it's not because they are getting any favors from the producers - it's because their clients belong there.

Trust me when I tell you this - it is perfectly fine to get a whole lotta N'Oprah. Figure out who you want to be, live your life and follow your dreams. And maybe one day, when you least expect it, Oprah may discover you. Until then, pull up a chair and join the N'Oprah club.

Posted in: Blog, PR 365 on 04/30/2010

PR 365: The Do's & Don'ts of Mom Blogger Reviews

This week's PR 365 post for moms tackles a subject that has been covered in the mainstream media - from The Today Show to PR Week, the question of whether compensating a mom blogger for a product review compromises their authenticity.

As an experienced public relations executive and mom blogger who frequently works with mom writers to offer them opportunities to review products, I believe it is completely unethical to pay someone to post a review of a product or a service.

With regard to marketing, it is perfectly acceptable to pay a blogger to post a banner ad, embed a video or advertorial on their website as long as it is clearly shown that the content is sponsored by a third party.

Blogging is a new media category and as such, public relations firms should treat mom bloggers as they would a magazine editor, newspaper critic or television producer. By blurring the lines between marketing and public relations and compensating bloggers for their reviews, you lose the authentic voice that moms come to trust when they visit their favorite blog.

The one amazing thing about bloggers is that they are on the front lines of finding out about some of the most exciting and innovative products that are about to hit the mainstream retail market. Mom bloggers are the eyes and ears of consumers and major companies, like Suave, Kraft, Nintendo, and Walmart are aware of their influence and are striving to tap into this niche and develop a positive and lasting relationship with them.

At the same time, it is important that these companies don't compromise their ethics in the hopes of garnering praise. Treat a blogger like a journalist - read their postings - know what products they would enjoy sharing with their readers and then you will know exactly how to reach them in a positive way.

Posted in: News, PR 365 on 04/16/2010

PR 365...Blurring the Lines Between PR & Marketing

In recent weeks, I have read numerous posts and observed tweets involving the blogging community and why many believe they should be paid for writing about a product or service on their site. As a mom blogger and a PR professional who consults with companies and brands to effectively connect with our community, I'd like to share my perspective on this topic and hopefully shed light on it for many of you who have come to resent publicists who you believe should be paying you to write on your own blog.

The 411 on Product Reviews: First things first, you do not and I repeat, do not have to review a product or service if it has nothing to do with what you are interested in! If you have been contacted by a PR firm to try out their latest product, you need to decide if you think your readers will benefit from reading about it. That's the bottom line - if you think by posting a review, your readers can genuinely come to benefit from learning about it, then you come up a winner. You should think of your blog as an online newspaper and magazine. You decide the best possible content that belongs there and if you are approached by a PR firm that does not have a pitch that dazzles or interests you, then politely decline and possibly even respond back with a message asking about their additional clients. You may be surprised, but that PR agency may represent another brand or product that fits your blog like a glove.

Should I Get Paid to Write a Review on My Own Blog: This question seems to be the biggest one being addressed by bloggers and depending upon a bloggers' background, you will get two different answers. I'm a publicist and my professional opinion on this one is that you should not be paid to write a review on your own blog about a product. I understand that while it may take you a long time to write that review, by being compensated to share your opinion, you are automatically skewing the results. If a journalist were ever paid to review a product or experience in a newspaper, they'd be fired on the spot. And yes, I understand that a journalist gets a salary, but again, if you consider yourself the editor-in-chief of your blog, you will work hard to find ways to monetize your blog without compromising your ethics. Of course, you can always disclose that you received compensation to post that review, but your reader will most likely be skeptical and if they order the product and it does not live up to their expectations, then your blog cred could be affected in a negative way.

If you do receive compensation to post a review, then make sure it clearly states that the review is sponsored by either the marketer or brand.

When should I get paid to post on my own blog? If a company reaches out to you to post information relating to a contest, or giveaway, you can certainly request that they pay for placement. However, if you are approached by a PR agency regarding that information, they do not have a budget to compensate bloggers. Don't expect the publicist to come back with a response that they'd be happy to pay for the placement. They believe they are providing you with something of value to your site and oftentimes are taken back when a blogger asks to be paid to post.

If you are contacted by a marketer however, you can absolutely ask for compensation for placement on your blog - via a banner ad, sponsored giveaway, contest, sponsored Tweet, or email blast to your community. The rates would vary depending upon your traffic, but the average cost to sponsor an advertorial can range from $15-$25. If you get significant traction from giveaways, you might want to charge more for those posts. Take a look at your analytics to calculate the rate for the giveaway. Some sites charge as much at $250 for a month long giveaway - but if you set that rate, you have to provide the numbers to back it up. If you don't know if the person contacting you is a publicist or marketer, then simply ask them the following question: Do you have a marketing budget? If so, I'd be happy to share our advertorial and sponsorship rates with you.

When would a PR firm or brand compensate a blogger?

1. Providing original content to a brand website: You should be compensated for your time if you are providing original content to the brand's website. Depending upon the length of the post, you should be compensated between $250-$500 for your work. If any PR firm or individual asks you to contribute content their brand's website and they say that the way you'll be compensated is through exposure, then politely email back that you would like to pass on the opportunity. I have fallen for that line as well and have in the past contributed to one company's website but once I realize there was no benefit to my bottom line, I informed my contact that I would no longer be contributing.

2. Spokesperson Opportunities: If you have extensive media experience (have appeared on radio or on television), and are approached by a brand to make a media appearance on their behalf, you should be compensated for your time. The rate of compensation varies depending upon your experience. If you've never made a television appearance and the PR agency is providing you with an opportunity to do so, you may not be compensated the first time around but if you hit it out of the park, the firm may then choose to use you for other appearances and if that happens, you should definitely ask to be paid for your time. Additionally, a brand may want you to be a speaker at an event they are hosting. You can definitely ask for compensation for that too - especially if that firm has hired a celebrity to speak that day as well. Sure, you might not be able to command the same rate, but you should be entitled to something. Time is valuable and so is yours! If you are participating in a panel about social media to the larger blogging community, you probably won't be compensated but you have to think of that as an opportunity to network and garner exposure for your own blog. If you are giving the keynote address at a conference, then you should be paid!!!

3. Focus Group Consultation: If a brand or service is reaching out to you to provide constructive criticism and advice on a product in development or a campaign that's about to launch, then you absolutely should be paid for your time. In fact, marketers frequently use the advice they garner from focus groups to tweak an ad campaign or inform their client about what influencers think of their product. If you are asked to spend at least an hour of your time with a brand, then you should be paid. Typically, compensation can range from $100-$250 depending upon the length of time you have spent sharing your views and offering input.

Should I be paid to attend a blogger retreat or trip?

For the most part, bloggers are typically not compensated to participate in a retreat that includes airfare, hotel stay and transportation. If a brand is treating you to a few days away to share details about their latest PR initiative, you are then being treated as a member of the media. Which means, just like a magazine writer or journalist, you will not be compensated (and should not) for your time. That being said, if you believe that your exclusive experience could garner coverage in a mainstream or online outlet that does pay, then pitch it! Plenty of sites pay freelancers - including iVillage, She Knows, Parents Connect, Momlogic, Associated Content and many more. Consider yourself as a syndicated writer and be strategic when you receive an invitation for a blogger trip. Incidentally, I just made $50 when I ranted about an unpleasant plane experience. I wrote it just for kicks and was contacted by a site to have it republished....and they offered me money for it!

The bottom line is you can make money as a blogger. But first, you need to focus on writing quality content, growing your readership and connecting with PR firms representing products and services that would be of interest to you. You do not have to be all things to all brands - be authentic and the money will follow. Good kharma leads to good fortune.

Posted in: Blog, PR 365 on 03/28/2010

PR 365...Protecting Yourself From Mainstream Media

In light of the recent NY Times article featured in the Style section on mommy blogging and branding, I've decided to throw my two cents into the ring - for whatever it's worth. I've spent half of my life pitching media. And let me tell you - it is not fun. Okay, scratch that - it is fun when you land a big story in a major outlet like the New York Times, they send a reporter who you think is going to write a great piece about your client, he or she overhears conversations she's not supposed to hear, and Bam! Your fabulous get is now about to cost you your job because you really didn't investigate the reporter coming to interview your client and if you had researched her more, you would have discovered that she has a knack for writing snarky pieces.

Let us now fast forward to the story at hand. The New York Times. While the grey lady employs numerous staff writers who are tough as nails, there are still a few among the bunch of cynical journalists whom I greatly admire and respect. They're the straight shooters you can still meet for breakfast at one of their favorite haunts, pitch them an exclusive story, they bite and you provide them with all the information and interviews they need to write a story that will make his editors happy because they broke your story first and your client does cartwheels once it finally appears in print.

When a reporter is assigned to cover an event for a major news outlet, the organizers should always be aware of the dangers of giving a reporter total access. Even though the reporter attending "Bloggy Boot Camp" was technically a mommy blogger, she obviously came in with an agenda. I'm sure the mandate was to come back with anecdotes that made the women sound silly or frivolous. I mean, who would go to a conference to find out how to make several thousand dollars from blogging when they can pitch a story to a newspaper and make $50 or nothing, or be rejected because they did not start out their career as a copy editor and do not know the right people to open the doors for them to land them a story in the New York Times. But, I digress.

Let's get back to the case at hand. Young reporter/blogger attends one day conference with mom bloggers who let her into their world with open arms, only for her to stab them in the back with her words. Could the bloggers have protected themselves from the reporter? Absolutely. First rule of thumb - before she could even attend, someone should have read everything they could about her. If there was evidence of snarkiness in her writing, then she should have either been turned away or had someone watching every move she made.

When I used to work in corporate PR, when a reporter from the New York Times or Wall Street Journal was in our midst, we did not let them out of our sight. In fact, most times, we arranged phone interviews for the reporter so that they couldn't pick up any additional color commentary that might help enhance their story but hinder the outcome for the interview subject.

I remember when I was working for a major TV network and found out about a New York Times reporter who spent several days with a former television network executive who had transitioned into the world of production. Unbeknownst to that producer, the reporter had an agenda - and that was to do a cover story for the New York Times Magazine - and last I checked, you've got to spend a lot of time with an interview subject to fill those pages. The article was a disaster for the interviewee. Back at our office, we breathed a sigh of relief that we weren't the ones who spearheaded that story and vowed never to put any of our producers or executives in harms way with a reporter with a hidden agenda to undermine.

So my advice to those of you out there who long to land a story in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal or the cover of New York Magazine. Be on guard at all times. A reporter's mission is to get to the underbelly of a story and even if you believe you have a positive piece to share, the cynics will be at the ready to rip you apart. That being said, keep reading the reporters and columnists you like and reach out to them from time to time. Some of the best stories I've ever secured came from meeting reporters, getting to know what they were interested in and forging a professional relationship that has lasted for decades.

Posted in: PR 365 on 03/15/2010

Older Entries

03/06/2010: Must See Webcast: Passions, Priorities & Community

02/27/2010: PR 365...Should I Stay or Should I Go?

02/11/2010: PR 365...When is it Time to Hire a PR Firm?

01/30/2010: PR 365...How to Pitch Newspapers

01/21/2010: PR 365...How Not to Pitch a Blogger

01/18/2010: PR 365: Breaking Through

01/06/2010: Generating Blogging Income: PR 365

01/04/2010: Self Promotion Do's and Don'ts

01/03/2010: PR 365...How Do I Spruce Up My Bio?

01/01/2010: PR 365...The Art of the Interview Request

12/31/2009: PR 365...Bad Practices

12/31/2009: PR 365...Are Book Giveaways Worth It?

12/30/2009: PR 365...Blog Sponsorship Tips

12/29/2009: Introducing...PR 365!

12/23/2009: Why Moms Cancel