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How to Capture Media Attention Through Public Relations
Depending on what it is you are promoting, media coverage may be the best method to promote your small business.When Should You Seek Media Coverage?
When you have a product or service that appeals to a large number of people. While you can target specific demographics, they are much more fluid and changeable than print advertising and much broader than direct mail or online marketing. That’s why you see so many infomercials on television for products such as cleaning supplies and cooking tools). These are products that appeal to large numbers of people. Who doesn’t cook, clean their house, or at least wish they did better jobs at either one or both?
When you want to brand yourself as the expert. Gaining a reputation as an expert is essential for consultants, coaches, and anyone selling services based on their expertise. It’s also great for retail specialty stores.
For charity events, media coverage is excellent. You need lots of people participating in fund raisers such as walk-a-thons, car washes, and other events to raise money for a good cause.How to Pitch Your StoryProfessionalism is the key to successfully garnering media attention. You’ve got to have a story, a hook, something to catch the media’s attention. Your press release and pitch package should focus on timely events or information. It’s not about how great you are or sending them your colorful marketing brochure. Sales and marketing brochures have a place in your promotional and sales strategy, but no on the news desk. News is about… news!If you’re pitching yourself as an expert on a topic, be sure to do the following:
Create your pitch: Can you say succinctly why are you special? What sets your opinion apart from anyone else’s, and why should the media trust you to provide accurate information? Refine your pitch and spotlight your credentials to speak knowledgeably about the topic. You do need credentials in your field in order to be considered an expert. Unlike the nonsense that goes online every day with anybody and his brother slapping the label “guru” onto their website, you’ve got to have authentic credentials to be seriously considered by radio and television journalists. Degrees, certifications, licenses and job experience all play into your media pitch. Remember to sell, rather than tell, when writing your pitch letter.
Keep an eye on current stories that generate buzz. What’s your hook going to be? Any time you can link your pitch and ideas to a topic that’s hot, you’ve got a better chance than someone with a less timely topic.
Call and introduce yourself to the reporter – or email him. If calling, do so when he’s not on the air. Lisa Ritchie, a veteran television and radio reporter, advises people to introduce themselves to reporters at events too if the occasion warrants it. Reporters often cover events such as store openings, charity events and similar occasions. Yes, you can go up to the reporter and introduce yourself. Do so when he or she is not on the air or preparing to go on air. Be polite and succinct. Do not monopolize the reporter’s time.
Send an information package via snail mail or email that includes your credentials, biography, list of topics you’re qualified to comment on. Include your business card with contact information.With the ever-expanding 24/7 online and print media world, reporters and journalists are hungry for authentic original sources and stories. Pitch yours professionally, and you have a chance at media coverage and reaching many more people than you ever thought possible.
Cool Gadgets Shopper: What Is A Digital Photo Frame?
Are you fond of taking pictures using your digital cam? Do you make it a hobby to capture every memorable moment of your life using your cool gadgets? If yes, then you must have a thousand pictures with you by now.Taking pictures using a digital camera has become a trend. Although they don’t require film, you still have to pay for printing them. However, did you know that there’s actually a better way of viewing your shots and storing your pictures without spending too much? This and more are made possible with a digital photo frame.A digital frame is also referred to as media frame which is a device that looks like an ordinary picture frame which is used for displaying and storing photos taken by a digital camera. The only difference is that it has an LCD screen wherein you can display and view your photos using a slideshow format.Digital frames are so cool. For starters, you get to see your pictures anytime you want and carry them along with you. You no longer have to flip pages since the frames show photos in a slideshow format. Instead of developing your shots one by one and paying a good deal of money for them, you can simply use a digital picture frame to see your pictures. Not only that but you can also download and share pictures from the internet using this frame.So what makes those frames a favorite among young and old alike? Just so you know almost everybody’s using a digital camera to capture photos nowadays. People go crazy over those frames since they’re convenient and practical to use. Instead of buying multiple frames for their pictures, they just need one digital frame to display all their pictures.Most of these frames are about the same size and shape as a regular picture frame. But would you believe that the smallest is about 1.5 inches only and the biggest is up to 15 inches? The most in demand however are those which are only 7 inches.If you think a digital picture frame is just for displaying pictures, think again. It also serves other functions. Today, you can find many of them with wireless, Bluetooth, and mp3 capabilities. You can even watch short videos you’ve taken suing your digital camera.Anybody who has a passion for taking pictures or simply want a more convenient way of displaying photos can opt for these digital frames. You can have them at $29.9 while more expensive brands can go up to $299.99. Prices often vary depending on size and brand.So say goodbye to buying the usual picture frames. Save more with the most convenient way for displaying your mementos by using a digital photo frame.
Commercial Loan Workout Programs – Ideal Fit For Distressed Properties
In troubled economic times, there have been a lot of newsmakers from Wall Street bailouts to home loan modification programs.However, one troubled market has slipped under the radar for too long: commercial real estate. According to the Wall Street Journal, real estate prices have dropped by over 43% since a 2007 peak. And foreclosure rates continue to rise.Unlike the housing market, the term “loan modification” has been slow to catch on with the commercial sector. In fact, it seems many commercial property owners don’t even realize they have an option when a property becomes distressed.The refinance market is dry and with values plummeting, it can seem impossible to get the bank to approve new financing. Many property owners are hearing “no” and simply accepting that as the final answer.Commercial Debt Restructuring is a Viable OptionWhen the refinance application comes back denied, that’s not the end of your rope. What it means is you need to pursue other options. A loan modification is basically a way to restructure your commercial debt even when no other financing alternatives prove viable.Making it work ultimately comes down to whether or not you can show your lender a justifiable reason to work something out. And in this case, “justifiable” is really just another word for “financial.”After all, this is a business decision that has to make sense for both parties and in the end, it will come down to your ability to afford payments on the property going forward.For example, if you’re so far upside down that even a modification won’t bring you back in line with a realistic income and expense report, the bank is going to say no.Negotiating With the BankYou can either negotiate directly with the bank yourself or utilize a third party. Usually, results are easier to come by with a third party due to expertise and relationships. There are certain things the bank wants to see and knowing how to properly present that is crucial.Your rent roll and income and expense report will basically tell the story, but there are right and wrong ways to do it.Granted, hiring a third party means there is some expense involved, but the fees they charge can be quickly recouped by the savings you get with the lower monthly payments.Ultimately, you have to make the decision that gives you the most comfort and assurance.
Plastic Patio Furniture – Good for You and Good for the Environment
If you are looking for patio furniture, you may want to consider plastic or resin furniture. It is a popular choice among many home owners because of its practicality. Gone are the days when people think of plastic as cheap and not worth your money. There are now many resin furniture that are durable, sturdy and can match whatever design you have in your patios. Resin outdoor furniture provides home owners the opportunity to make lovely patios without necessarily breaking their bank accounts. With plastic furniture, you have the freedom to design your patios and at the same time, save money and help the environment. Most all quality outdoor resin furniture is made from recycled plastic.Plastic or resin patio furniture is ideal outdoor furniture. This kind of furniture can be used all year round and withstand different weather conditions. Unlike other materials like wood and metal, plastic furniture does not absorb water. It is not susceptible to damage brought about by changes in temperature and weather. It can stand storm, rain and hot weather conditions. It does not break easily and requires less maintenance compared to other kinds of outdoor furniture. It is also lightweight and can be easily carried around or kept in storage in case you opt to store it. It is available in different colors, shapes and designs so finding the perfect set for your patio are easy.Although there are pieces of plastic furniture that breaks easily, there are also those that are made from heavy duty resin to guarantee long term use. Most plastic furniture is manufactured in every possible color you can think of. It also needs no repainting and refinishing because the color lasts for a long-time. Best of all, manufacturers’ process these types of furniture to resemble other materials like wood and wicker. Why spent too much money on expensive furniture when you can be practical with resin furniture and not know the difference. Nowadays, plastic or resin furniture does not have to look like plastic. The manufacturers are able to manufacture resin furniture to closely resemble expensive materials like wicker and wood. They are not only inexpensive but also more comfortable to use. Aside from practicality, resin or plastic pieces of outdoor furniture are also environment friendly. These types of furniture are made from recyclable materials like plastic containers and milk jugs so its processing leaves a lesser impact to the environment by minimizing environmental pollution. Furthermore, these resin furniture are weatherproof, colorfast, light in weight, comfortable and easy to manage and clean.Having a resin or plastic patio furniture is a good investment. Contrary to what other people think, choosing resin as outdoor furniture is better than wood, metal or other types of furniture. It costs less and offers endless ways on how to design your patios because of its wide selection of colors and styles. These types of resin furniture are becoming a popular choice among many families because of its versatility. The designs can be used throughout the entire year with less worries of any damage brought about by weather changes. Plastic does not any more mean cheap. With resin furniture, you not only get to save money but also get your money’s worth and help the environment.
An Alternative To Payday Loans
In today’s tight economy getting a bank loan is not always an option. The only quick cash out there seems to be in the form of a short term, high interest payday loan.If managed properly these loans can serve a purpose in a time of need, though often they lead to a cycle of fees if not paid in full quickly.There are nightmare stories of people in payday loan debt for years, paying only ‘renewal’ or ‘roll over’ fees. Many still owing the same amount as the day they took out the loan. Pretty hard to swallow. The only way to avoid the payday loan debt trap is to plan and save. We can save in so many more areas of our lives than we consider. The following money saving tips will hopefully help save some money and avoid payday loan debt or get out of it quicker if it’s too late.Tips For Saving Money and Avoiding Payday Loan DebtIn General Plan your budget. List all sources of income and your regular expenses. Take a look to see what you can cut back on. Look for better deals (for example – shop around for auto insurance).Bring your lunch instead of buying it everyday.Pay yourself first. Each month, try to save at least 5% of your take home pay. Increase that percentage whenever possible. Set goals. You’ll want to save more if you know exactly what you’re saving for.Avoid impulse buys. Think about whether you need something before you buy it. You’ll be surprised how much you can save by being disciplined.Your Credit Be aware of what’s on your credit report. Order a credit report online, but make sure you do your research before you order. Some companies charge hidden fees, so make sure you read the fine print. Check your credit report for mistakes.If you find an error on your credit report, let the credit bureau know. If you have a dispute, the credit bureaus will investigate the report. The bureaus will give their determination You may qualify for lower interest rates as your credit improves and your debt is reduced.The average interest rate charged for unsecured sub-prime credit cards is 20.73% compared to an average rate for middle-market or prime cards of 14.22%. Reduce your ATM fees. Use your bank’s ATM rather than another bank’s.The average cost of using another bank’s ATM in 2005 was $2.50 (consumerreports.org/May 2004). Cash advances are costly. Avoid borrowing cash on your credit card if at all. Cash advances usually carry a higher interest rate than regular charges, and come with no grace period.For Seniors Senior Citizen Discounts Take advantage of discounts offered by department stores, restaurants (e.g. early-bird specials) and theaters. Senior Citizen Real Estate Discounts If you are a senior citizen, you may be eligible for discounts offered by your local government for real estate taxes.For Your Car Consider dropping auto collision and comprehensive coverage if the premiums cost more than 10% of the value of an old car. Raise your auto insurance deductible to lower your premiums. Raising your deductible from $200 to $ 1000 can reduce your auto premium by 40 % or more.Just remember that if you are in an accident, you are responsible for the deductible. If you mechanically inclined, do routine maintenance on your car yourself. Car pool or use public transportation.Around The House Reduce your Cable TV Expenses. Limit cable to one TV in your house. You can also reduce your charges by reducing or eliminating the number of premium channels. Avoid using Directory Assistance. Directory assistance can charge anywhere from 30 cents for local numbers to $2.00 for long-distance numbers. Use the internet instead…it’s free.Watch your cell phone use. Make sure you don’t exceed the maximum number of included minutes in your plan. Consider purchasing a pre-paid plan so you control your cell phone budget. Make long-distance calls when rates are lower. Evenings and weekends generally offer the most advantageous rates.Look for packages that include UNLIMITED long distance. Eliminate extra phone services that you don’t need. Call waiting, call forwarding and speed dialing may be nice to have, but how often do you really use it? Or find packages that include it for free….or negotiate for it. Do routine maintenance around the house yourself instead of hiring someone to do it for you. Barter services with friends.For Students Deduct student loan interest on your taxes. Since 2001, the federal government has allowed students to deduct interest up to $2500 on student loans for the entire life of the loan. For specific tax advice, you should speak with a professional tax advisor.Look for ways to lower your education costs. You may save on your college tuition by taking evening, weekend or summer courses, or save on your living expenses by becoming a dorm supervisor.At The Store Shop for generic brands. Your daily gourmet coffee and muffin may cost you over $1000 a year. Try limiting your visits to once a week as a reward or present to yourself. Put what you would have spent the other four days into a bank account. The money you save could go towards your bills, a vacation, or holiday shopping.Make a grocery list and stick to it. Don’t shop for groceries when you’re hungry, you could over spend. If you are normally healthy, it might be worthwhile to raise your health insurance deductions.Quit smoking. The recent increases in cigarette prices make this an even better idea. Aside from the obvious health benefits of quitting, if you smoke a pack a day, you could save almost $3000 a year!Shop at Farmers’ Markets or U-Pick farms. Buy in bulk or larger sizes. Take advantage of weekly specials or foods in season. Eat in. The difference in cost between a week of eating out and a week of groceries will send you running to the supermarket.For Your Entertainment Attend movie matinees and use coupons. Many theater chains offer matinee and early-bird discounts.Rent movies or video games. Try your local library for favorite titles. Make sure you return them on time to avoid late fees. Borrow books from the library instead of buying them.Shop during the right season. You can usually find good buys when new models are introduced and retailers must get rid of older merchandise. For example, portable audio products, microwave ovens, and air conditioners often go on sale in spring and washer and dryers go on sale in September.Make a vacation budget. If you’re going away, plan how much you want to spend and stick to it. Save the money before you go and do not charge your vacation expenses.Have a date? Go on a picnic. Go on a hike or stroll through the park. It’s much easier on your pocket book than dinner and a movie, and it can be just as entertaining. Surf the Internet for free local events. Citysearch.com is an excellent resource for free events happening in cities across the country.If you have payday loan debt already and can barely afford your necessary expenses, there are payday loan consolidation programs available. Make sure you do research and go with a company that you are comfortable with and has a track record of success. If you’re more ambitious there are step by step programs available online that teach you how to settle payday loans.
UK Employment Solicitor Asks – Are You Really Self Employed?
Do you consider yourself self employed or have contractors that you consider to be self-employed? Do the contractors turn up to work everyday, have tasks and assignments controlled by the employer, complete assignments on site using company property, and seem to be treated like an employee? If so, you have employees and not self employed contractors even if you have a contract that states otherwise. Many contractors wrongly pretend to the HMRC that they are self employed even though legally they are considered employees.In a recent Court of Appeal case it was decided that two workers who identified themselves to the HMRC as self employed contractors could actually argue that they were employees when it suited the situation. The employees were able to bring unfair dismissal claims against the employer even though they had contracts that claimed these were self employed individuals. If you are an employer, this case should cause you some alarm because your company could be open to an unfair dismissal claim when you terminate a contract. All companies really need to make sure that the workers they are using are truly self employed contractors and not employees in disguise.What makes this Court of Appeal case so interesting is the employer argued that the employees lied about their employee status when it suited them for tax purposes but then when it suited the situation the employee changed their status in order to sue for unfair dismissal. The court found that these employees were originally brought in as self-employed contractors but later, through the actions and suggestions of the employer, they became full employees. Proper training for your management team is essential in order to prevent this situation from happening to your company. Train your managers on how to deal with and how to treat your contractors in order to prevent them from treating a contractor like an employee.If you hire people for your company, what can you do to prevent your company from the possibility of an unfair dismissal claim from your contractors? First, you need to make sure your contracts are correct. Your contracts need to create a distinction between an employee and a contractor and contain explicit information on what is expected from your contractors. An employment lawyer will be able to confirm that the proper language is included in your contracts and work documents in order to protect your company from a potential lawsuit. You may also want a lawyer to audit the individuals you are working with to determine if the people currently working in your organization are self-employed contractors or employees in disguise.All employers should take the necessary precautions to protect their company from potential employee related lawsuits. Unfair dismissal claims are only one of the possible reasons that you can be sued. Take the time to have a lawyer review in detail who owns all intellectual property created during the course of the contract. It is important to determine who owns the content created for your company. For employees all intellectual property is automatically owned by the company but if you’re using a self-employed contractor the contract owns the materials. Protect your company by speaking to a lawyer today.This article is free to republish provided the authors resource box below remains intact.
Yoga for Beginners – What You Need to Know for a Successful Practice
Beginning a Yoga Practice to Get Maximum Health Benefits of YogaIf you are just beginning to learn about yoga, you may be unsure about many things. You may be asking the question, “What exactly is yoga, how do I begin and what will it do for me?”Yoga is viewed by advanced practitioners as a vast science that requires a lifetime of learning and dedication, and rightly so. However, you can easily implement the most basic yet powerful parts of it into your life and start feeling the wonderful health benefits of yoga immediately.First and foremost, yoga is a stilling of the mind, a quieting of the endless chatter that we have swirling constantly in our brains. When we achieve that stillness, profound results occur. The union of body, mind, breath and spirit is the core and central aspect of yoga. The word yoga means “union.”BreathingBreath is life! In yoga, a key component is focusing on the flow and rhythm of the breath. This breath control is called Pranayama, and there are several Pranayama breathing techniques that can be performed during a practice of yoga positions for beginners. Deep breathing is utilized to bring in more oxygen and energy to the body and to release stress from the muscles to promote a relaxing effect. As a result of controlled breathing, the mind begins to focus and settle. As the mind settles, the body follows, and the mind, body and breath all become one, eventually raising the functionality of the body and heightening the consciousness levels of the brain. Once you have achieved that deep meditative state of mind, you are now ready to enjoy the immense health benefits of yoga.MeditationMeditation is a stilling of the mind through focusing on one central point. One meditation technique is through breath awareness; focusing on the breath. There are many techniques to achieve meditation, breath control being just one of them. You can also achieve a meditative state by using a Mantra. When the mind is settled and given a chance to rest, it becomes more productive when eventually called upon, just as muscles become more productive after given a chance to recuperate after a strenuous workout.Physical MovementLet’s now focus on the physical movements of yoga (the physical stretches and moves, called Asanas.) There are a few basic yoga positions for beginners that, once learned, begin to stretch and stimulate the entire body and spine. These moves have a profound effect on your entire physiology. They increase blood flow, promote joint mobility, increase flexibility of the muscles and have an entirely balancing effect on the body. Seeing some of the poses that are in magazines or books may be intimidating and look like they would be impossible to do. Forcing yourself into extreme contortions is not necessary in order to reap the benefits of yoga. Stick with basic yoga movements that feel good and your body will reward you.The ResultsYou will see and feel many beneficial results from a basic and simple yoga practice. However, in order to see and feel the benefits, it is very important to practice yoga on a regular basis, not just occasionally. The best part is that once you begin to feel the benefits of yoga, you will naturally want to make it a part of your life. The beauty of beginning yoga is all about the transformation you will experience once the body, mind, breath and spirit are linked. Begin a simple yoga practice that you can do every day, a practice that you can bring with you everywhere. You don’t need special equipment for yoga, just yourself and a willingness to learn and practice the basics. You need nothing other than yourself to find your true Self.
Keep These 5 Rules in Mind for Successful Commercial Designing
Who doesn’t want an excellent commercial design? Excellent commercial design is important to maintain the reputation and brand image of the company. As it is said, the first impression is the last impression, a good impression always attracts potential customers. It’s obvious no one would ever love to walk in a congested environment with bad lighting.
Bad design and interiors deteriorate the productivity of the employees. It can be a confusing task when planning a commercial designing project for the first time, hiring expert Commercial Architects Melbourne can be the best option to know about the latest trends and perfect matching designs.
This blog is about some basic rules to consider for making the commercial project successful.
Keep structures versatile
When it comes to transforming any commercial space, focusing on convertibility and keeping office interior decor versatile can be the best option. It can be done by implementing a versatile structure to spaces such as cafeterias, offices, and many more. Everyone gives preference to comfort hence, focusing on spatial and versatile design will help to complete commercial designing projects in an optimal way.
Consider the latest technology implementations
Technology plays a supportive role to enhance the commercial designing project. Moving forward with the latest technology is important to execute any business smoothly because technologies make the work much easier and comfortable for the employee as well as organizations. Implementing centralized and decentralized digital control is much needed in any commercial design.
Keep office aesthetics updated
Good aesthetics and interiors impact the overall representation of the office and make the place functional and attractive. Hire a reputed designer for modern décor and furniture ideas. Hiring a designer reduces half of the project stress and helps to meet the contemporary fashion and latest trends. They can help to choose the perfect theme that blends well with the office decor, atmosphere, and colour.
Provide personalized space to prevent congestion
Majority of customer prefers personalized space such as different seating to seat comfortably and do the personal work. Personalized space is one of the crucial factors for customer-based service offices such as hotels and cafeterias to provide an ambient and comfortable place.
Always keep safety first
Safety is the central feature of every construction and designing project. Hence, it’s the high-priority factor to keep the aesthetic and functional safety at the working place. It can be compromised for interior decoration and design purposes but it’s not at all affordable to compromise for safety purposes.
Following the above useful ideas can easily help in the successful completion of a commercial designing project in a safe and pleasing way. In today’s, modern construction, reliability, and comfort is also an equally important factor.
Final words,
It’s important to hire the experienced Building designer Melbourne to make the commercial designing project worthy. Hope the above rules helped you to scale up your interior designing projects with a better outcome. Follow the above tips for any renovation or remodelling project and surely you will get award-winning and achieve a better office experience.