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YOUR MONTHLY DIY PR TIP FROM
MIKE FARLEY
AUGUST 2007
Nice: To Be Or Not To Be
I didn't expect to be writing about this topic today, but something
happened to me a few days ago that prompted it. I asked someone in the
industry for a favor, a fellow publicist with way more experience in
this business and who has represented some huge names. Granted, I was
asking for this favor fully expecting that I was asking for something
that could not be fulfilled. But instead of politely telling me so,
this person instead had to remind me of my own status in this
business--that I was a relative newcomer and didn't have the kind of
clout to go asking for things like this. There was even this snide
question: "Just WHO do you represent again?"
I don't profess to be some high powered publicist, and I
don't necessarily have aspirations to be some high powered publicist.
But I've grown my business in five short years based on hard work,
determination, and delivering results to my clients. As a result,
repeat business has led to word of mouth referrals and we feel we've
done a lot of good for our clients. And oh, by the way, I make it a
habit to be a nice guy. I don't care if nice guys finish first or last,
my own personality and demeanor and upbringing make it so that it's just
the right thing to do. You treat people with respect, and you expect
the same thing in return.
But that's not necessarily the agenda of others. Some people are driven
by money, fame, or their own egos that they feel the world owes them
something, and also that they don't have to give anything back to the
very community that made them successful in the first place. Yes, that
is a shame, but you know what? I don't care. If that's how people are,
it's not worth anyone's time or effort to try and change them, or to
even tell them they are being rude or hurtful. Karma is indeed a
powerful thing.
Why am I telling you this? Well, if you're doing your own PR and
marketing, you're going to deal with a ton of rejection. I don't know
what the exact figures are, but I'm guessing most PR campaigns are
20-25% successful. That means the other 75-80% are either declining
coverage or not responding to your calls or e-mails. And some of that
percentage that reviews your album or your show will more than likely
say something unfavorable.
Yeah, I know, I'm still not getting to the point, but I think you know
what I'm getting at --take everything graciously, and even if someone
doesn't cover your band or your CD or says something you don't like or
don't agree with, it pays in the long run to be gracious and say "thank
you." And it really doesn't take much effort. Come to think of it, you
can apply this to every day life too. If you're like most people, it
will get you further in the long run, and it will make you feel better
about yourself.
So that's it....and here is the part where I THANK YOU for reading.
Mike Farley
Michael J. Media Group
If you would like to receive
these monthly tips through email, please email mike [at]
michaeljmedia.com to be added to the list.
Thank you!
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