Bold Marketing from Canadian Concrete Masonry Producers Association (CCMPA)

 

It’s never easy to take advantage of someone’s disaster. But sometimes that might be the right moment to reach out to your market with an important message.

This was a half-page ad in the Globe and Mail on May 29, 2015. It’s bold, provocative and effective.

It’s bold and provocative because it shows images of the devastating fire that consumed a construction project and the neighbouring condo complex in Langley BC 12 days earlier. More than 150 people lost their homes.

It’s bold because in a case like this there is the possibility of negative blowback – from the public, media or social media. Those are the chances you take when you act boldly and embrace controversy.

I believe it’s effective because it’s visual, emotional and simple. The photos of the flaming buildings sear us emotionally.

The message is effective because there are only three elements to this ad:

1. The headline with the location and date
2. The two photos of the burning buildings
3. The message from CCMPA which is clear to understand…

This is why you should build with Concrete Block

I wonder how much debate ensued at the office of the Canada Concrete Masonry Producers Association before placing this ad.

Association marketing is more difficult than business marketing because:

• There usually isn’t a measurable return
• Some association members will be unhappy no matter what you do

This ad is a good example for marketers to pay attention to the news. Look for opportunities to tell your message. Always be prepared to grab opportunity when it knocks.

In this case it could have been a matter of watching the news and asking the question “Could our products, services or expertise have prevented or mitigated this disaster?

Effective messaging is dependent on relevance. Before the fire this ad would have been meaningless and long after the emotional proximity would have been lost. The biggest challenge is to decide how close to tragedy to send your message.

George Torok Keynote Marketing Speaker Co-author of Secrets of Power Marketing Get your free copy of "50 Power Marketing Ideas" Power Marketing on FaceBook Marketing Zoo on Twitter

Market Yourself as The expert

As a small business how do you compete with the big guys and their big budget advertising campaign? The big guys don't read this magazine so we can share these low budget yet high-impact marketing secrets with you.

Use these tips to market yourself as the expert in your field.

1. Write tips sheets - for your clients, prospects and the media.
2. Write and publish articles in magazines, newsletters and newspapers.
3. Write letters to the editor expressing opinions, advice and clarification.
4. Publish your own newsletter.
5. Write a book - the best way to be seen as the expert.
6. Send out regular news releases.
7. Be interviewed by the press.
8. Sponsor a contest or award.
9. Make speeches to service clubs and associations.
10. Offer information seminars to prospects and clients.
11. Stay informed and leading edge on your area of expertise.
12. Offer your clients extra 'free advice from the expert'.
13. Earn designations and awards from your industry or trade associations.
14. Seek out the top experts in your field - know and get known by them.
15. Act, sound and feel like the expert you want to be - confidence is powerful.
16. Find a mentor you admire who can help you and make introductions.
17. Seek out leaders in other businesses to trade ideas and do joint promotions with - we judge you by who you hang around with.

Why market yourself as the expert? Clients come to you and you can charge more money.

Excerpted from the national bestseller, Secrets of Power Marketing.



George Torok Keynote Marketing Speaker Co-author of Secrets of Power Marketing Get your free copy of "50 Power Marketing Ideas" Power Marketing on FaceBook Marketing Zoo on Twitter

Networking Virus

Did you spread or catch a virus at your networking meeting?

If I have a cold or the flu I can give it to you by touching you. Shaking hands is enough to spread the common cold or the uncommon flu.

If I cough in your direction would you be offended? You would be justified because many viruses are airborne.

You probably don’t want my disease. You might be annoyed if I was aware of my disease and still spread it to you. You probably know that carriers of AIDS can be criminally charged for having unprotected sex. Spreading colds and flu might not be a criminal offense yet but many of us could act more responsibly.

We know how colds and other viruses are spread but people still spread them.

At a national conference I observed:

An individual vigorously shake hands with everyone at our table then mention that he had a bad cold. Why didn’t he simply announce his cold and not shake hands? We would have understood and appreciated his thoughtfulness. Instead he demonstrated how thoughtless he was.

The president of the association coughed into his right hand – the one he shakes other victims’ hands with. Did he cough because he had a cold? Did he wash or sanitize his right hand before shaking hands with others?

The presenter coughed into his right hand several times during his presentation and mentioned that his voice was bad because he had a cold. Then this sick presenter shook hands with many of the attendees after his presentation. How sick is that?

We know that rats spread the plague. We know the results of SARS. We know the annual effects of colds and flus.

If you have a communicable disease, don’t shake my hand. I won’t be offended. But if you shake my hand when you knowingly are incubating a virus, that would enrage me.
 

After attending a networking event at which some speakers clearly complained about their cold I suffered the ravages of a bad cold over the next few weeks on my European vacation. Those sick people spread their germs before and after their speech. Thank you very much!

Rats spread the plague because they didn't know any better. What’s your excuse?

George Torok Keynote Marketing Speaker Co-author of Secrets of Power Marketing
Get your free copy of "50 Power Marketing Ideas" Power Marketing on FaceBook Marketing Zoo on Twitter

500 Posts

Hurray! We've reached 500 posts on this blog.

The first post was six years ago - March 2006. When I started this blog I had no idea where it would lead me nor how long I would stick with it.

This was my first blog and I entered the blogosphere as a marketing experiment. The question on my mind was, "How will this help my business? The second question was, "How will I measure that?"





I can't put a number on it, but I believe it has been worthwhile. Here are some of the benefits that I've realized from blogging:

• New clients, followers and connections
• Revenue from advertising and product sales
• 500 published pages of material
• SEO enhancement of my websites
• Posts that I can point clients and prospects to with specific examples
• Received encouragement, questions and insights from readers
• Media interviews because of my published opinions 
• Deeper understanding on issues because of the desire to write valuable content

Writing helps you explore topics deeper and clarify your thinking. Writing articles forces you to compose 500, 800 or 1,200 word essays. Blog writing allows you to post a thought in as few words as it takes. It could be 50, 150 or 300 words.

There are many times when a blog post has helped me deal with a client's business issue or unexpectantly supplied an example for a speech.

There were times when the frequency of posts slowed down and I wondered, "What's the point?" You might have noticed that in recent months I've attacked this blog with renewed vigour and purpose.

I've made it to 500. I'll keep going.

Do you write a blog? How is it working for you?


George Torok Keynote Marketing Speaker Co-author of Secrets of Power Marketing
Get your free copy of "50 Power Marketing Ideas" Power Marketing on FaceBook Marketing Zoo on Twitter
 

Add Some Conflict to Make Your PR Programs Pop

Conflict sells. Conflict makes the news, grabs attention and gets discussed at the water cooler. If you want to be noticed, fight a powerful and evil enemy. Who or what demon are you fighting? While planning your PR strategy, pick your enemy strategically. The tougher, meaner and more disgusting your enemy—the better for you. That positions you clearly as the hero.


The Joker taunted Batman with the phrase "you complete me" in the movie The Dark Knight. The public image of both Batman and the Joker were stronger because of their conflict. A champion needs a formidable villain, and vice versa.

The PR lesson is that the public defines you by your competition. If you are not well known maybe you need to pick a tougher, more visible enemy.

Make your enemy appear more frightening

Read the rest of this article on PR News Online


George Torok is a Marketing Expert and a contributor to PR News Online

Being Pleased with Your Announcement is not Enough

Read this ineffective email announcement and beware. It was sent by a local non-profit organization. Read it and see if you can decipher what they want from the receiver.

Check your interest level, thoughts and emotions as you read this. Of course that’s what you need to do before you ever send an email like this. Certain words have been edited out (substituted with xxx) to protect the guilty.


-------------------------------
It is with great pleasure that we announce the launch of the xxx xxx webpage on our website.

We are fortunate to have some amazing xxx in xxx who have agreed to share their views on what it means for them to be a xxx.

We are pleased to showcase these individuals who have made it their priority to instil work ethics and essential skills, by providing valuable xxx opportunities to our future workforce across a variety of economic sectors.

We invite you to read their stories and hope that you will be inspired to join the thousands of xxx, who believe that knowledge-transfer and xxx are the key to the growth of our economy and our community.To view the xxx page please visit, xxx

Thank you
Name
Title
Organization

What do they want the reader of this message to do? Do they want people to visit their webpage? If so why? What’s the benefit to the reader? If that was the desired action why was it in the fourth paragraph after four boring and send focused paragraphs?

Let’s examine the lame language in this announcement.

“It is with great pleasure that we announce”

Boring, cliché and lame. Why would the receiver of this message care about the sender’s pleasure or announcement?

“We are pleased to showcase”

Why would the receiver care what pleases the sender?

And I left the typo “instil” as it appeared.

“We invite you”

Invite might be a good word to use but the rest of this run-on sentence/paragraph is vague, confusing and boring. What does it mean “to join the thousands”? Do they want money, a signature on a petition or a like on Facebook?

This non-profit organization might end up complaining that people are complacent. I wonder if they will ever consider that perhaps, they haven’t done their homework. They haven’t learned what motivates their market and they haven’t stated their message clearly.

The message needs to be about your audience - not about you.


George Torok

Marketing Speaker

Why Talk to the Media?

Three situations to talk to the media:

• Crisis
• Change
• Marketing

Why talk to the media?

Three purposes:

In a crisis you want to defend or mitigate.

During change you want to lead or manage the change.

When marketing, you want to promote your value or sell your products.


George Torok

Five Steps to Build a Personal Brand Like Harry Houdini

Harry Houdini died in 1926. Yet he is still remembered as the greatest escape artist of all time. Even David Copperfield doesn’t come close in terms of brand and name recognition. That is the power of personal branding. Build a solid personal brand and it catapults you to success. Build a really good personal brand and it survives your death. Will your brand survive 80years or more after your death? More importantly, will your personal brand help you while you are alive?

Just imagine how difficult it was to build a personal brand at the beginning of the 1900’s. There was no Internet. Houdini didn’t have a webpage or videos on YouTube. And he didn’t have the money to buy expensive newspaper or radio advertisements. So how did Harry Houdini create and publicize his personal brand? What can you learn from his rags-to-riches story?

Be the First

Houdini created a new niche – the escape artist. When you are first in your niche you are the standard. He started with card tricks but there were already lots of magicians. So Eric Weiss (real name) created a new type of entertainer – the escape artist.


Be Bold
Houdini was bold. He issued challenges to prisons around the world challenging them to try to restrain him. He then visited the prisons that accepted his challenge and escaped from them. He was a showman. He dangled upside down from a crane over New York City while escaping from a strait jacket and chains. He looked for unique ways to be the news.


Be Provocative
Houdini was provocative. The publicity photo of him that was most often used shows his muscular body almost nude - draped in chains and locks. That photograph must have attracted women and interested men.

Be Creative

Houdini was creative. He started as a magician but differentiated himself as an escape artist. He invented new stunts and escapes. He made enemies. He challenged spiritualists that claimed they spoke to the dead.

Die Mysteriously
You can’t plan this one but it does contribute to the brand - but not always. Harry Houdini died under mysterious circumstances. He was an extremely fit man who died after a punch to the stomach. He had issued a challenge that he could take any punch to his stomach. Something went wrong and he died after an over-eager challenger punched him.

This method also worked to promote the personal brands of Elvis Presley and Bruce Lee. This is an effective way of enhancing the brand. But you don’t need to do this to build your brand.

Harry Houdini did all this and he died in 1926 – long before anyone thought about the concept of personal branding. If you asked Houdini about branding he probably wouldn’t have understood your question. But Houdini sure knew how to build his personal brand. What’s important for you to know is that Houdini did not strive to build a brand. He worked to generate paying customers. All the publicity stunts he did were for the purpose of getting paying customers. Branding was a byproduct.

What can you learn from Harry Houdini, the world’s greatest escape artist, about creating and sustaining your own personal brand?

Don’t focus on building a brand. Instead develop relationships and get more customers. If you build a brand along the way – that’s a nice byproduct.

© George Torok is the coauthor of the bestselling “Secrets of Power Marketing: Promote Brand You” the first guide to personal marketing for the non-marketer. Get your free copy of “50 Power Marketing Ideas” at http://www.PowerMarketing Arrange for Torok to speak to your conference or business meeting at http://www.Torok.com For media interviews call 905-335-1997

Video: Bransen on PR

In this video interview with Seth Godin, Virgin CEO Richard Branson talks about the importance of a good PR person to make sure people know about your business.



George Torok

Read Get Your Name in the Media

Read How to Write Your News Release

Make people smile - Validate them

Want to see more smiling faces looking back at you? Validate people.

Watch this video for three reasons:

1. It will make you smile - guranteed.
2. It is a nice story.
3. It demonstrates the key principle of building relationships.

Everyone should watch this video.
Everyone in customer service should watch this video.
If you are in retail - ask all your people to watch this video - every day!




George Torok

Marketing Expert & Author

Canadian Business Speaker

February promotion ideas

Thinking of running a promotion in February? Then you might be able to leverage some of these special days and celebrations in February.
-----------------------------


Calendar of Events/Publicity Opportunities
By Pam Lontos


If your expertise fits any of these topics, take advantage by sending out a press release to newspaper, television and radio stations, or call up the media directly! For example, if you are a doctor, nurse, medical expert or author who specializes in cardiology, you'll want to let the media know about your expertise for "American Heart Month," which is February. You can share your advice on how to build a heart-healthy diet, how to recognize thecommon symptoms of heart disease, and more.

Use these dates to create your own media opportunities by writing press releases on these topics, contacting radio stations in your area, or becoming a featured expert on television or in print:

- February is American Heart Month - During this time, the American Heart Association will shine the spotlight on their campaign, "Go Red for Women."This campaign strives to bring awareness to women about cardio vascular disease, which claims the lives of 500,000 women each year.

- February is National Black History Month - A month to celebrate the achievements and contributions of African Americans.

- February is International Boost Self-Esteem Month/Expect Success - These events were created to motivate people to seize new challenges, and emphasize the importance of expecting nothing more than one's best effort on any project or challenge.

- February is Time Management Month - A reminder that now is the time to get organized and follow through with commitments, particularly those that were made with the New Year.

- The first week in February is Publicity for Profit Week - A time to learn how to rely on someone else to gain publicity, but to develop a strategy one can implement to get his or her name out there.

- The second week in February is International Flirting Week - A week designed to celebrate the role flirting plays in the lives of singles seeking a mate, couples who want to spice things up, and total strangers exchanging glances.

- February 2 is Groundhog Day

- February 10 is World's Marriage Day - A day to honor the beauty of faithfulness, and the sacrifice and joy of daily-married life.

- February 14 is Valentine's Day- February 18 is Presidents Day

-------------
Reprinted from 'PR/PR Pulse,' a free e-zine featuring tips and techniquesfor gaining publicity. To subscribe, send an e-mail to newsletter@prpr.netwith 'Add Me' in the subject line.

Pam Lontos is the president of PR/PR, a public relations firm that specializes in professional speakers, authors and experts. An author,speaker and former VP of Disney's Shamrock Broadcasting, Pam knows the ropes of getting you good publicity and how to use it to boost your bookings or book sales. She is also author of the new book, "I See Your Name Everywhere!" Call for a free consultation: 407-299-6128 or visit:http://www.prpr.net/.
-------------------------------

George Torok
Marketing Expert & Speaker
Free Marketing Tips

Your media interview - how to be great

Your media interview

So you finally get a interview call from the media. How do you make the right impression?

Follow these tips from PR specialist Pam Lontos

-------------------------
Pam Lontos Column: 15 Tips (Plus a bonus!) to a Great Interview

Besides spreading the word about your speaking services, what's the best thing about landing interviews? The answer is: you can conduct the interview wearing your pajamas! But there's a catch. You can't sound like you're wearing your pajamas. That's right. Even though you're talking on the phone to the reporter and no one can see you, you still have to communicate a professional image. Otherwise, you might get bumped form the story and theydefinitely won't call you back for future stories. So how can you ensure that you make the right impression and, perhaps more importantly, that you're called back for more interviews?

You can use the following fifteen tips for giving great interviews:

1. Allow yourself private time prior to the interview. Use this time to relax and focus. Imagine that you are speaking with the interviewer face to face. Rehearse the points you want to make and remember that you can never be too prepared.

2. Seek a quiet spot for the interview. If you are speaking from home, close yourself off in a room with few distractions. Turn off your computer, TV, or radio, and clear your desk so nothing can take your mind off the conversation.

3. Write your main points before the call begins. Do not read scripted responses from a pre-printed sheet, because reporters can tell when something is being read to them versus when you're giving honest answers. But do prepare a note card with three to five topics you would like to touch upon during the interview. That way you won't struggle with an answer during the interview.

4. Show that you care about the reporter and their story. Be helpful and responsive to their requests. Ask the interviewer what you can do to make his or her job easier. Then really listen to their answer and be an eager, accessible source of information.

5. Stand while giving the interview. Even though you're talking on thephone, act as if you are giving a live presentation and stand tall. Standing will raise your energy level, and you will be more alert than if you were sitting. Interviewers love energy and really pick up on your mood.

6. Smile, and answer honestly and sincerely. People can hear your smile over the phone, and a reporter will feel more comfortable after hearing the joy in your voice. Also, the sound of smiling builds a rapport with interviewers. If they feel they can trust you, they will think of you first for their next interview.

7. Put energy and spunk into your voice. No one wants to listen to amonotonous drone, and the reporters and producers are no different. So put energy into your voice. This could make the difference between a mundane interview and a great conversation.

8. Have backup information handy. Reporters will inevitably ask you one question you don't want to or can't answer (this is another place your notecard comes in handy). In case you are unable to respond, you can say, "That brings up an interesting point." then go on to one of your prepared statements. Or, offer to find out the answer to the questions and get back to them as soon as possible.

9. Be concise. The average answer given is only nine seconds long. If you cannot convey your message in this short amount of time, your answer will not be used. So be careful not to ramble and be sure to stick to the facts. Don't overload the reporter with unnecessary information that is not directly related to the story.

10. Be forthright. Answer the reporter's question accurately and thoroughly, and don't be afraid to give away too much information. Many speakers fear that they might give away too much information and then no one will book them for events. But it's impossible to spoil years of experience and training in a short interview, and the audience will actually want more when you give them a little. So answer the questions and don't say, "You'll find the answer to that when you hire me for a keynote."

11. Use the word "you" often. The word "you" draws the audience in and helpsthem relate to what you're saying. And always give them a reason to pay attention by adding benefit statements to the facts in your presentation.

12. Let the reporter lead the conversation. The reporter most likely has an agenda for the story's development already in mind, so don't attempt to take over the conversation or talk about points the reporter does not want to cover.

13. Incorporate personal experiences into your responses. Audiences love to hear firsthand accounts of experiences relating to the topic. It helps them feel as if they know you personally. But make sure you stay on topic and don't get distracted with your story.

14. Be prepared to back up your claims. Reporters want factual information.So instead of saying, "The majority of people do this." say, "Eighty-five percent of my clients do this." And don't say, "I think" or "maybe." Speak with authority and confidence.

15. Find future stories. After the interview, thank the reporter and ask what other stories they're covering. Even if their stories don't directly pertain to your speaking topic, explain how you can be beneficial to what they are investigating.

16. Interviews in the future. Although interviews usually entail a relatively short phone call, you still need to take your time and prepare for it beforehand. You don't have to shower and shave, but you do need to have energy and excitement in your voice. During the call, you want to put your best foot forward with clear, honest and accurate responses. And when you're finished, don't forget to thank the reporter and offer to help onother stories. When you use these fifteen tips for giving great interviews, you'll communicate a professional, expert image to the reporter and the audience for you and your speaking career.

For additional publicity tips and articles now, visit: www.prpr.net. Pam Lontos is the president of PR/PR, a public relations firm thatspecializes in professional speakers, authors and experts. An author, speaker and former VP of Disney's Shamrock Broadcasting, Pam knows the ropes of getting you good publicity and how to use it to boost your bookings or book sales. She is also author of the forthcoming book, "I See Your Name Everywhere!" Call for a free consultation: 407-299-6128 or visit:www.prpr.net.

----------------------
Reprinted from 'PR/PR Pulse,' a free e-zine featuring tips and techniques for gaining publicity. To subscribe, send an email to newsletter@prpr.net with 'Add Me' in the subject line.

---------------------

George Torok
Marketing Speaker
Marketing Author - Secrets of Power Marketing

YouTube video for marketing

YouTube video for marketing

Should you post a video on YouTube to promote your business?

Like many things about the social networking websites of the Internet - the answer is yes and maybe.

Yes, because it is another way to distribute your message. Yes because if you have an interesting video or a message worth hearing then some will see your video and if they like it they will tell others. If it is poignant or controversial bloggers might even post it on their blog and comment for their blog readers.

Yes, because it is inexpensive and easy to do. It is free to post the video. Your cost is the use of a video camera and perhaps video editing software and some time.

Maybe, because you don't want to say or do something that will alienate your clients. But that is no different from any public appearance that you make. You want to be on message for networking events, media interviews and public speaking.

Just because some folks post embarassing videos dosen't mean that you need to join that club. Make a boring video - as long as you stay on message. Of course an interesting video is better.

I've just started experimenting with YouTube video and recently posted a dozen videos. They range from about 30 seconds to seven minutes.

You can view them at my YouTube channel here.


Below are a couple of the videos that you will find.

enjoy


This first video is me talking to the camera while on the street in downtown Toronto.





This second video is a excerpt from my presentation. This segment is about the power of perception and highlights Coke's use of perception to sell Coke for alot more money than it costs to produce it.





Click here to view the rest of my YouTube videos.


George Torok
Toronto Convention Speaker
Motivational Business Speaker

February is Gone

February is a Funny Month for Marketing

We made it through February again. On a personal level it can be a strange month. In the northern hemisphere winter usually rebounds after some “warm” days in January. We get fooled into thinking spring is close.

On a business level we are into the second month of our business plan. We might be wondering what the New Year will look like. It’s early in the year so we might be both optimistic and uncertain.

From a marketing standpoint we are well past the Christmas crush, the New Year’s specials and the Super Bowl celebration.

A ton of money has been spent in the last two months and most folks are just hyped out.

So February seems to sneak by most marketers. February 2, Ground Hog day gets little attention. Valentines Day is a surge for flowers and lingerie. Presidents’ Day in the USA gets some attention. The newly established “Family Day” in Ontario, Canada attracted more whine then celebration. And Leap Day was almost unnoticed – except for those born on February 29.

Yep – it’s hard to get excited about February. No problem – it’s gone.

Say hello to March!

Now March is more promising. Snow is melting,. Easter is immanent and spring is just around the corner. Schools are celebrating with March break. St. Patrick’s Day is becoming with green beer. The Ides of March bring out the Shakespeare scholar wannabes.

And of course if March doesn’t work out there is always April.

Seize the month!


George Torok
Power Marketing

Tom Cruise getting Ducati superbike

There is an important marketing lesson about getting media coverage in this recent news item about the new Ducati superbike.

Below is a copy of the news as reported on Yahoo News. If you Google "Tom Cruise Ducati" you will find the same item almost word-for-word from several other news sources. What does that tell you? That the news release aka press release was used word-for-word. It's not often that your news release gets used exactly as is because the media try to improve on it and add their own slant to your news. In this case the Ducati media relationships people did such a good job of their news releases that the media used it as is.

Read the news below and notice what Ducati did so well - and how you as a marketer can learn from this successful example.


-----------

Tom Cruise getting Ducati superbike


BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. - Tom Cruise is the first on the list to get Ducati's newest motorcycle — a $72,500 superbike bristling with titanium, magnesium and carbon fiber technology that can scoot up to 200 mph.

Cruise is scheduled to take delivery of the Desmosedici RR at Beverly Hills Ducati this week. Only 1,500 of the red-and-white Moto GP racing replica motorcycles will be made and Cruise gets the first.

Michael Lock, chief of Cupertino-based Ducati North America, said the Desmosedici RR "is the impossible dream — made possible."
"We are delighted to be able to deliver the world's first production unit here in the USA to Tom Cruise, who is a well-known Ducati enthusiast," Lock said in a statement.

------------


The Media-Relations Lesson

Lead with the biggest story and in this case, Tom Cruise is a bigger story than Ducati. Ducati launching a new big is news to Ducati owners and fans and owners and fans of other makes of superbikes. And even fans and owners of other bikes might be interested to know about a $72,000 bike that can go 200 miles per hour. However the biggest audience is people who like or adore Tom Cruise. Many of these people don't even care about motorcycles but they want to read about almost anything that Tom Cruise does.

This is the win-win outcome. The media publishes a story that their readers want and Ducati gets the coverage both inside and outside of their market.

Notice too that the photo that accompanies each of these articles is of Tom Cruise. Not the Ducati, not even Tom Cruise near a motorcycle.

The big mistake would have been to write a news release that starts with "Ducati is pleased to announce..."

And yet that is the way that too many marketers write their news release.

So, tip of the hat to Ducati media relations people on a job very well done.

Here's another thing for you to think about. Do you think that Tom Cruise asked to be first? Of course not - why would he care. And do you think that Tom Cruise paid for this $72,000 bike? Of course not. I wonder how much Ducati paid Cruise over and above the value of the Ducati.

If you are launching a new product and you want publicity how will you tie it to a bigger story? Remember when Microsoft launched Windows 95 they used the Rolling Stones song "Start me Up" as the theme song

PS: I posted the photo of the Ducati here - because I would rather look at that than Tom Cruise.

PPS: If you want to see Tom Cruise photos click here

How to write your news release click here.

More tips on grabbing media exposure click here


George Torok
Marketing Expert and Author
Marketing Speaker
George Torok in the media

----------------

Tom Cruise 1st in line to snag Ducati superbike - Autos- msnbc.com
29 Jan 2008 ... Tom Cruise is the first on the list to get Ducati's newest motorcycle — a $72500 superbike bristling with titanium, magnesium and carbon fiber technology

Tom Cruise Gets a Pricey Ducati - Luxist
With only 1500 of these primo bikes produced, he'll be part of an elite group of motorcycle enthusiasts and Ducati collectors. Now Cruise will have the ..

Top Celebrity News Stories for Wednesday Jan. 30, 2008 Donald ...
Sugar Bits — Tom Cruise Gets First Ducati Superbike ... Tom Cruise will be the first customer to receive the new $72500 Ducati "superbike,"

Valleywag: The Tom Cruise Ducati bike
This is the Ducati superbike that Hollywood star Tom Cruise will become the first person in the world to own.

Marketing Blog Milestone: Post 200

Marketing Blog Milestone: Post 200

200 Posts on this blog!

Celebrate your milestones!

Your milestones are a reason to pat yourself on the back and it’s a reason to market.

This is Marketing Blog Post 200. That’s reason to celebrate – even if that means quietly sipping some fine brandy in my easy chair.

Two hundred of anything is worth celebrating. What milestones have you reached or are approaching? Do something to let folks know. Why? Because everyone loves a party and everyone wants to associate with winners.

If you were here since the beginning – thank you for your loyalty. And of course you read many insightful marketing ideas and tips.

If you joined us along the way then you might appreciate this list of high points of our marketing blog. Look back at the provocative and helpful marketing gems.


Post Alpha
January 1, 2006
A realization hit me. Blogs might be a good marketing thing. This was the start of my blogging. At last count I have at least five four active blogs. This from a guy who thought blogs were a waste of time.



Aspirin – relief from pain
April 13, 2006
We take aspirin or equivalent when it hurts. We seek a solution when the pain or threat of more pain is enough to move us to change. Have you noticed that the changes you make in your life are more often the result of pain than anything else?



Harry Houdini – the great brand
November 16, 2006
The first look at the power of branding – especially personal branding as demonstrated by Escape artist – Harry Houdini.



Travelodge Hotel Accuses you
January 28, 2007
One of several exposés of really bad customer service.



Over 100 Posts
February 23 2007
We failed to flag the 100th post so this post was the recognition of passing that milestone.



Flick Off: Powerful Viral Marketing
April 26, 2007
Out first embrace of controversial viral marketing by acknowledging the strengths of the controversial Flick Off campaign. This post led to posts about Mac’s convenience stores and their Bloody Zit and WTF Nun poster. Also had a few media interviews about this topic.



Richard Branson has Chahones
October 8, 2007
Our first nude photo on this blog. Might be the only one. It’s Richard Branson running through the surf covering his chahones. He's a great marketer. And yes he has billionare sized chahones.



George Torok

Power Marketing

Marketing Author and Expert

Marketing Speaker

Publicity For the Month of April

April is coming. How will you generate publicity while leveraging the dates and special events of April?

The following is an excerpt from the newsletter, "PR/PR PULSE" published by publicity expert Pam Lontos of PR/PR. You can subscibe to her newsletter and learn more about her publicity service at www.prpr.net


Publicity Events For the Month of April

If your expertise fits any of these topics, take advantage by sending out apress release to newspaper, television and radio stations, or call up themedia directly!

For example, if you are an expert on customer service or an author with abook about customer service, you should contact the media before the firstweek of April to discuss International Customer Loyalty Month. You can pitchstories about surprising statistics you've researched or talk about howimproved customer relations can lead to repeat business and increasedprofits!

April is Celebrate Diversity Month.
A national observance that celebrates diversity in workplaces and communities.

April is International Customer Loyalty Month.
Created to honor and generate customer loyalty. This is something that should be done year-round, but take this time to strategize and develop new ways to improve relationships with your customers through better service and a higher quality business.

The first week in April is Laugh at Work Week.
Created to inform people ofthe importance of laughter and humor in the workplace. This improves productivity, teamwork, job satisfaction, stress relief and employee retention.

The second week in April is Explore Your Career Options Week
A week designed to urge Americans to recognize their unique talents and get a fresh start by taking stock of all your available options.

April 6th is Good Friday

April 8th is Easter Sunday

April 25th is Administrative Professional's Day

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Reprinted from 'PR/PR Pulse,' a free e-zine featuring tips and techniquesfor gaining publicity. To receive this e-zine, please send an email tonewsletter@prpr.net with 'Add Me' in the subject line.
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PR/PR
President: Pam Lontos
www.prpr.net