Headline: “Publicity: The Friend of Journalists and Businesses Alike” Mission: Dispel publicity myths and show how you can get free media coverage for your business. Background: Some journalists may cringe at the word publicity. I know I have. This is usually after being at the receiving end of a poor publicity attempt. As a former journalist, I can recall the …
As a writer it shouldn’t come as a surprise that I‘m also an avid reader. I love, LOVE, L.O.V.E. books. And when I say books, I mean the old fashioned kind. I have nothing against e-books at all and have been known to read a few novels on the Ipad now and again, but it’s not my preference. There is …
I’ve earned a living as a professional writer for more years than I care to admit. I can pump out 1,000 words on almost any topic and edit them to a professional standard, well before the boss screams down the phone ‘one minute till deadline’. That might sound like a bit of a brag-fest, but it’s not meant to be. …
Writing effective copy for advertisements is a true artform. Here’s an example of a clever ad from an outdoor advertising company selling billboard space. You need to know how to stand out from the competition and sell with your words. Whether you are selling a brand, product, service or idea you need to be persuasive. The good news is that …
In previous blog posts I have mentioned how I often get inspiration from my favourite films and TV shows. Since I focused on my top 10 male stars of fantasy and science-fiction last time, I thought it was only fair that this week I featured ‘kick-butt’ women. So here are my Top 10 women from fantasy and science-fiction. 1. Trinity, …
When it comes to inspiration for characters in my fiction writing I often look to my favourite films and TV shows. From loveable larrikins to bad-guys-turned-good and comical side-kicks, here are my top 10 male stars of fantasy and science-fiction. Whether they are from the 70s, 80s, 90s or even more recent, these guys kick some serious butt on the …
When starting a business there are a few basic marketing activities you need to get underway. Image courtesy of koratmember/freedigitalimages.net Ideally you would have developed a marketing strategy for your ongoing operations, but just as much focus should be given to launching your business. You will only have one ‘grand opening’ for your business, so you should make the most …
Inspiration can come from the most unlikely places. Caboolture is an urban centre, on the outskirts of Brisbane, or the Sunshine Coast (depending on where you come from). A great spot. You’re a hop, skip and a jump away from the city, beach and Bribie Island, but also surrounded by paddocks, rolling hills and mountains in the distance. It’s also …
Marketing and sales can sometimes be seen as one and the same. While related to each other they are completely different beasts and disciplines. Sales is a critical component of the overall marketing mix but requires specific techniques and skills. The difference between a below average salesperson and an excellent salesperson is vast. And the difference between a poor sales …
Once you have a marketing strategy and goals in place, one of the hardest things to do is decide what marketing or communication tactic to use. There are so many ways to connect with your target audience, and it’s a matter of deciding which way will be most effective. You also need to be aware of what’s possible within your …