Help a Reporter (HARO) is a new media service (which outgrew its Facebook group) where journalists post queries and experts pitch their expertise. If you are on an entrepreneurial journey or want to promote an existing business, becoming a valued resource for a respective reporter is an excellent way to build your professional brand and raise your profile. You will also be providing a valuable service (your time and talent) to reporters and those members of the general public interested in the subject matter.
Peter Shankman started this service and has a great philosophy on why its free (he says if you feel you must donate for his services, to please do so to your local animal shelter or other similar group). He feels that connecting people in this way spreads good karma and I couldn’t agree more!
HARO is simple to use. Register as a source by entering your name and email address. Each day you’ll receive up to three emails with a list of 15-30 queries of reporters seeking sources. If you see a query that is in-line with your background and expertise, you contact the reporter directly.
Free media coverage is great for your professional brand and your business! It is truly the gift that keeps on giving. Once you are quoted, you can use your quote(s) on your Web site and other promotional materials or link to the quote on your blog (you are blogging, aren’t you?) to further brand yourself.
This is also a powerful way to organically spread the word about who you are and what you are doing. Be sure if you get quoted, to “tweet” about it with a link to your mention.
If you are not already “tweeting” on Twitter you should be! Be sure to sign up for a F*REE account and follow me at www.twitter.com/upwardaction.
Expect the Best!
Coach T.C.
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Michael Port, marketing guru and author of Book Yourself Solid, sets a great standard for working with the clients you really want to. Working with clients who require more care and patience than their business is worth to you are a drain on the psyche and your path to greater success. He suggests that, like a swanky exclusive night club, you set a “red velvet rope” policy that only allows in the clients who motivate and inspire you! Turning away clients is a difficult concept, but overall your business will actually improve because you will be more enthusiastic.
You must define who you want to work with so you can begin seeking them out. Sometimes it helps to define who you don’t want to work with first. For example … Do hyper Type A’s wear you out? What about the non-communicators you have to repeatedly track down when you are working with them when you really prefer to work with calm people who stay in touch.
Look over your client list and cut one client (Michael dares you in his book!). If you need help, trying cutting the one who is bringing in the least revenue for the hours you put in.
This process of cutting your least productive can be very empowering. It’s easy to feel beholden to clients: they are our bread and butter and we go out of our way to serve them with 100% commitment. Letting some of them go, however, reminds us that the provider/client relationship is a business partnership and like any partnership, it can be tactfully dissolved. Be kind and direct. Let the client know that the relationship has stagnated (don’t place blame!) and you believe it’s time for you to both seek other opportunities. Help them find a new business partner if possible.
By clearly defining who you want to work with and gradually eliminating the rest, you increase enthusiasm and attract your ideal clients more easily!
Image source: NewSafe
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Hello everyone!
I’ve been watching the creation of a new Internet reality show called “The 16 Week Challenge” that follows 12 entrepreneurs as they work to accomplish a BIG business goal in only 16 weeks. International Business Coach and host, Andrew Morrison, President of Small Business Camp, has also challenged himself to make $100,000 in 16 weeks.
Here are the logistics:
Day/Time: Every Tuesday at 10pm (EST) … meaning … TONIGHT! 
Location: Tune in at www.UpwardAction.tv
You can learn a ton by watching Andrew’s process and taking advantage of the live Internet chat feature to ask your business questions on the live show.
I have been so inspired by The 16 Week Challenge that I have created an Internet “TV” site at www.UpwardAction.tv to broadcast this weekly show.
AND – folks who watch the show at www.UpwardAction.tv can sign-up for an opportunity to win a special gift each week that is just for our viewers. Check the site for more details.
Tonight’s episode of The 16 Week Challenge is all about “How to Raise Cash Fast”. Andrew will work with the contestants and live Internet audience on ways to fund your business ideas in less than 30 days!
Join me tonight at 10pm EST at www.UpwardAction.tv and become more inspired to reach your professional and business goals
Take GREAT Care!
~Coach TC
PS – Our brand new UpwardAction® Video – Building a Virtual Team for Accelerated Success- may be premiered on tonight’s episode, so make sure to look out for it at the end of the show.
PSS - If you are a business owner and would like to advertise your business on www.UpwardAction.TV, please let us know by clicking the link on the page.
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