I have yet to use it.

So when I participated as a guest expert today on Nick Vaidya’s seminar series for 8020strategy.com , I got my first real taste of what it means to be on camera.

Here are some pointers;
1. Decide what you want to look like. I was wearing a coache’s shirt. Nick was wearing a jacket and tie. Guess who looked more professional.
2. What’s in your background. Nick had a green screen. I had some pictures on my wall and a guitar. They just happened to be there. What kind of impression are you trying to create. I’ll probably bond with a guitar player who will become a big client. <g>
3. My head kept going in and out of frame. This is going to take some practice!
4. My eyes kept going left, right, up, down — and boy do I have bushy eyebrows! Now I know how Richard Nixon felt during the debates with JFK. It’s easy to be shifty eyed. It’s hard not to.
5. Don’t touch your face. No matter what you do, it looks disgusting. Thankfully, this will be edited.
6. I have a "good side." At least that’s what I discovered after the interview ended. My eyebrow doesn’t flare as much from the left side. Good to know for the future.
7. On the screen, I can see myself and I can see Nick. It is very disconcerting to see myself. It’s like looking in the mirror.
8. By the way, when I say mirror, it is a mirror. Everything is flopped to the other side. If you think you need to move to the right, you really need to move to the left!

Nick tells me that people hate to read so the next big thing on the web will be video. Right now we have YouTube, which he calls the Model T. We’ll have the video equivalent of Corvettes, BMWs, Jaguars and Kias before you know it.

Be prepared!

Frankly, I was stunned to read this report that shows that reporters actually like to receive follow up phone calls. Most reporters don’t answer their phones, so this is doubly shocking.

I think the key here is the word RELEVANT phone calls. Don’t call them to ask "did you get my pitch." They will hate you!

What’s relevant? New information, new insights, updates.  In other words: value to the reporter.

So this study by  Jeremey Porter at Journalistics is well worth reading: http://sn.im/jrq3q

He also gives advice on how to pitch. Very worthwhile. Thanks, Jeremy.

If only you can get your hands on a great media contact list, then you can get your name and credentials in front of reporters.  This way they will contact you when they are writing a story that would be perfect for you.

So how can you get your hands on a great media list that’s filled with information about reporter’s who want to quote you in their articles?

Many companies sell names of reporters. Like everything else on the Internet, they vary by quality, features and services.

Before you buy a media list, be sure to ask questions like the ones below.

10 Questions You Must Ask When Buying a Media List So You Get the Most Bang (Publicity) for Your Buck

1. When was the list updated? Reporters change jobs quite frequently. And many newspapers and magazines are laying off people. So you want to make sure the list is updated on a daily or weekly basis. Otherwise, you’ll waste time, money and energy sending messages to people who don’t work there!

2. What contact information is included in the list? You’ll want a list that has name, title, email, phone and snail mail address. Yes, snail mail. This way  you can send books or product samples. You’ll want email for sending pitches, press releases and press kits. You’ll want the phone number to pitch by phone. Of course, you will have much of this information on your website, but you’ll want to have every means available to contact reporters in the format they most desire. Reporters can be very, very picky!

3. What information is included about the reporter? Most basic lists you’ll find on the Internet will have contact info, but not much else. That’s not enough to do target marketing. You want to know what topic (referred to as a “beat”) the reporter is covering as well. Some of the best companies offer additional insights into the beat. For example, some lists will tell you if reporter A  only covers politics with a conservative slant. That will help you when you fine-tune your pitch to her.

4. Do you get a list that is sorted by the topic the reporter covers? Some list companies will sell you the entire database of each publication. That’s way too broad for most people and will lead to a lot of waste. In other words, it’s not enough to know that Jill writes for Business Week. You want to find the person who covers your topic. Because if Jill doesn’t, she’ll just throw away your message.

5. Does the list contain a reporter’s personal information? Most lists don’t have information such as “like to bowl,” or “wrote a screenplay” or “recovered from cancer.” But if the list has this information, you might gain extra insights into the reporter and you might be able to build rapport faster.

6. Does the list have the publication’s URL? Let’s face it, not everyone knows everything about every publication. Nor is every publication available at your local newsstand or library. However, if you have their URL, you can easily read about the publication, get its view on the world and read articles by that reporter. It’s a great time saver.

7. Does the list have web-only publications, like websites and blogs? These outlets are beginning to play a much bigger role in telling stories to you audience. Don’t overlook the online-only opportunities.

8. Does the list show circulation figures? Since you don’t have all the money in the world to send out books or product samples, or even to call everyone on a good list, you must decide who is important. That’s where the circulation figures come in to play. Start with the biggest and work your way down. If you don’t have the circulation figures, you don’t know who the big boys and girls are.

9. Is the list searchable and sortable? Look for a list that is delivered in a digital form, like a spreadsheet or a word document. That way you can use sorting and searching tools to find the best reporters.

10. What rights do you have to the list? Some companies give you one-time use of the list. They even “seed” the list with fake names so they can tell if you use the list more than once! Look for a company that gives you unlimited use of the list so you can get the most value for your investment.

If you follow these tips, you’ll find a list of media contacts than can serve you well at a price you can afford.

Dan Janal is media relations expert, author and speaker who coaches entrepreneurs, doctors and wellness professionals just like you on how to get publicity and turn it into REAL profits. Now, Dan invites you to go to http://www.bullseyepublicity.com to get a free e-course on how to successfully pitch reporters with media lists. Go to http://www.bullseyepublicity.com

In these tough economic times, news reports show that people are beginning to forego general checkups as well as elective procedures to save money, despite the toll it might take on their health.

To be an effective health care provider, you have to get new patients and clients. Without new people to treat, you won’t have a business. But most people hate to do sales or marketing.

So what can you do to market your business with little time and effort so you get new patients?

5 Simple, Highly Successful Tactics That Doctors and Health Care Providers Can Use to Get New Patient Fast

1. Conduct a publicity campaign. No one will know about your new procedure, breakthrough treatment or tremendous track record unless you tell people! Contact your local media – television, radio and newspaper and let them know you have treatments that can help people! Publicity is your cheapest tool, so use it consistently. Contact a reporter every week by phone to arrange for an interview. Chances are that there are many radio stations in your town that need to interview a health expert. It might as well be you! There are also probably many newspapers, ranging from big metro dailies with health reporters, to local suburban newspapers and alternative newspapers that would love to have you write a column for them. Start calling and you’ll get new clients! All it costs is a few hours of your time, or your secretary’s time to find the contact info for different reporters and call them. For a list of media that cover your audience, go to www.BullsEyePublicity.com To get requests for information from reporters go to www.PRLEADS.com

2. Speak at local civic groups. Associations like Rotary, Lions, Exchange, and chambers of commerce need to have medical experts talk to their members. If you choose this tactic, you’ll get a chance to build your visibility and credibility at the same time.  You can talk about the problems your treatments solve from weight loss, to back pain relief to aging issues. It’s up to you – and the meeting planner. Check with them to find out what their members are really interested in. Your payoff? Audience members become your patients. Extra payoff: They tell their friends who then call you for an appointment!  Again, all it costs is a few hours of your time or your secretary’s time. Once you start speaking, other groups probably will contact you to speak to their groups, so you’ll spend less time hunting. Here’s a link to a book I wrote that will show you how to speak at local civic groups and get new clients or patients: http://www.speakandgetnewpatients.com/

3. Create a CD explaining the virtues of your practice and give the CD to all patients. It will encourage repeat visits, build trust and rapport and answer basic questions. It could also talk about new treatments and options they might not have been aware of. For example, botox was once an unknown procedure! Also, ask patients to give the CD to their friends so you can get new clients as well as get more business from existing patients. Topics could include: “7 Benefits of Chiropractic Services,” “How to reduce lower back pain,” “Facts and Myths about bariatric surgery” (of course, you should put in your topics instead of mine!). You can record these CDs on your computer and have them duplicate it yourself if you are doing a handful. If you are doing 100 or more, you might want to use a local CD duplication company. Check the Internet or phone book in your area to get the best prices. Cost: Free if you record the sessions yourself. CDs cost $2-3 to reproduce if you ship this out. If you do it yourself, maybe $1 including the CD and label. Here’s a service that is low cost and lets you record sessions that you can download and record to CD or put on your website: http://tinyurl.com/48swp
4.  
5. Redo your website. If your website isn’t getting you clients, you need to hire a webmaster who knows a thing or two about marketing. Health care offices can definitely get new clients with a website that uses successful website conversion and direct response copywriting methods. A good website would have your bio, picture, and areas of treatment or specialization, at a minimum. Write articles and post them to the site so you can be perceived as an expert. Also, make sure your web site isn’t costing you business. I’ve seen too many websites make the mistake of not including office hours, directions, phone numbers an email addresses. Don’t overlook the obvious. Cost: Varies by scope of project.   Here’s a group that I recommend: http://www.websitereviewslive.com

6. Turn your waiting room into a Hall of Fame. Take each article you’ve written, or been quoted in, and frame them. Then hang them on a wall in your waiting room. This will make you look like the most famous person in the world. Extra tip: If you are quoted in an article with other people, highlight your quote in yellow highlighter ink so it will stand out. Cost: Frames cost about $20-$40.

If you follow these tips, you’ll have an easier time finding new patients and growing your medical practice.

About the Author:

Dan Janal has helped hundreds of wellness practitioners get publicity in daily newspapers with his PR LEADS service. Now, he’s consulting wellness professionals on how to turn their publicity and information products into profits. Go to http://www.PublicityLeadstoProfits.com and claim your FREE 1-to-1 Coaching Session with PR LEADS Founder Dan Janal.

Hundred of reporters are now using Twitter to find news and new sources.

Here are two ways to find reporters:

1. go to Twitter

2. Click on "Find people"

3. Click on "Find on Twitter"

4. Type the person’s name

Yes, it is that simple!

Here’s another way.

There’s a compiled list of journalists and media at this site:

http://sn.im/journalist  [twitteringjournalists_pbwiki_com]

It’s very useful!

Good luck — and follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/prleads or @prleads

Times are tough, but you can get through it. Recessions build character. Lean times call for a return to basics, to marketing and financial prudence.

Here are nine things I do make the world a better place and feel better about myself.

1. Tip big. People who rely on tips are at the bottom end of the food chain. They need the money more than you do. Without the tips, they can’t pay the rent, buy food or childcare. They grease the wheels of the people on the next level up the food chain, like small grocery stores, landlords and restaurants.
2. Eat out. Maybe not the five-star restaurant with the five-star price tag. But dine at the local Chinese restaurant or pizza parlor. If they go out of business, your city won’t have a downtown any more. You get shuttered businesses, urban blight and crime. It can get worse. Don’t let it.
3. Get a haircut more often than you do now. You’ll feel better and you’ll put money into the economy for people who are really hurting.
4. Wash your car. You’ll feel better and people who you meet will think you are successful. Nothing looks worse than a dirty car.
5. Get a new outfit. It’ll make you feel better and you’ll look up to date. No one wants to do busy out of pity. Don’t worry about being criticized for conspicuous consumption. You have a long way to go before people compare you to Paris Hilton or Donald Trump.
6. Donate money or time to the local food bank. There are people who need it. Really.
7. Invest in yourself. What got you here won’t get you to the next level. Read books. Take courses. Attend seminars. Get coaching. It’s not an expense. It’s an investment that will make you money.
8. Beware of swindles. If it looks too good to be true, well, look at Bernie Madoff. Bad economic times bring out the worst of people.
9. Bring out the best in people.
10. Go to a religious service. The camaraderie and reflection will do you good.

Dan Janal is an early thought leader in the field of publicity and the Internet. He delivers thought-provoking keynote speeches across the world. For information about his seminars, go to www.janal.com He is the founder of www.PR LEADS.com and several other sites for publicity and speaking resources. 

But after using FB for a while, it seems like the more fully developed a profile you have, the better you are rated. So I updated my marital status to married.

Low and behold, my friends started congratulating me on my new nuptuals! One good friend even asked if my wife knew about this. Cute.

So let it be known, that if you update a field, your whole network will know about it, and could think the info if new. No big deal, but it did cause a few laughs and a few raised eyebrows.

So, let it be known that I am not newly married, but have been happily married for many years. If you are really interested, then we are registered at Macy’s.

Only kidding.

Check out this video from my friend Steve Harrison

on the #1 secret for getting major national publicity at:

http://www.TheBigSecretToGettingPublicity.com/?10064

There’s nothing like getting some major publicity

to make sales soar for whatever you’re promoting.

In the publishing world, an appearance on a top

national TV show like Oprah, Today, Good Morning

America, The View or article in major publication

like Time, Newsweek, People or the New York Times,

can propel a book to the bestseller list almost

overnight.

But scoring publicity hits in major media outlets

like those isn’t easy.

There is however one big secret, which if you know

and use it, dramatically increases your chances of

getting coverage in the biggest magazines,

newspapers and radio/TV shows across the country.

No, the secret isn’t about writing the world’s

greatest press release or press kit.

No, the secret also isn’t about having a great

publicity idea or hook (though that’s important too).

Nor is the secret about hiring a high-priced

PR firm (though every top publicist knows and

practices the secret).

In fact, the chances are good nobody has ever told

you about the secret — but once you understand and

put it to work, you’ll find it much easier to get

big-time media coverage.

To discover the secret, go here now and see the video:

http://www.TheBigSecretToGettingPublicity.com/?10064

I’ll be speaking at an  elite conference tol help experienced coaches learn how to achieve financial freedom. Coaching expert Christian Mickelsen will teach the coaches many hands-on skills for attracting and keeping new clients. He will also help remove personal stumbling blocks that hamper coaches’ effectiveness. Limited to only 35 participants, coaches will participate in numerous interactive exercises to take their businesses to the next level.

Dates: Feb. 4-8, 2008

Place: San Diego

Info: http://tinyurl.com/cempire

“The 4 day conference is limited to 35 coaches who want to learn the best business building strategies, skills, and psychology so that you can move your business into the "empire phase" where you’re making a difference 24 hours/day, 7 days/week,” said Christian Mickelsen, founder of Coaching Business Empire conference.  

“Coaches who attend the conference will learn how to achieve financial freedom,” he said, “Not only will you be able to enjoy the comforts and freedom that more money brings, but after this event you’ll experience an ease and effortlessness in how you work . . . a "naturalness" that’s been hiding behind subtle anxieties, stress, or overwhelm that’s been there for so long you may not even notice it anymore.”

Coaches will also learn how to release the "inner blocks" and barriers that could be keeping you from achieving the results you desire. And they’ll leave with a bigger "marketing brain" that will (believe it or not) foster a love of marketing. In addition to the marketing strategies, you’ll also learn a marketing philosophy that makes marketing feel like you’re actually coaching and making a difference.

Here are several conference highlights:

The "Successful Coach" Mindset –Master your psychology about "sales, marketing, money, and success." We will discuss the difference between the way we want to think and feel about these important concepts and the way we actually do think and feel.

How to shift your marketing from "getting clients" to “creating a ‘movement’ "

Hoow to quickly create high demand products and programs to leverage your time and energy (plus reach and help far more people).

How to write marketing "copy" that compels people to take action and make smart purchases (to buy your stuff).

How to eliminate the barriers to being successful with these techniques. These barriers usually show up as "writers block," "technophobia", and "perfectionism" (do any of these sound familiar to you?). Finally, you will practice these approaches on the spot.

How to make thousands of dollars  from every presentation you give (including your own multi-day seminars)

How to create a customized strategic action plan.

How to let go of old "negative" expectations and install new "positive" expectations that you can go home and manifest into your life and business.

About Christian Mickelsen

Christian Mickelsen is the author of "How To Quickly Get Started In Professional Coaching: The Surprising Truth About What It Really Takes!" and has been coaching for over 9 years. He’s been seen in Forbes, Yahoo Finance, MSN, and the Boston Globe. He served 2 years on the board of directors for the International Association of Coaching, and has created numerous support programs to help coaches become financially successful.

For more information about the conference, see:

http://tinyurl.com/cempire