http://www.towerpr.com Tower PR is a Los Angeles-based PR firm. Tue, 01 Sep 2009 22:00:24 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en As uncontrolled wildfires rage out of control in Southern California, I am very glad that I live in the "flats" with no canyons around or brush to burn.  And my hearts go out to those who have lost their homes, or are in harms way. However...if you are issued a mandatory ... http://www.towerpr.com/2009/09/01/be-safe/ OK, I haven't written in this blog in forever...I'm changing directions.  The blog will now be my musings (informed and uninformed) on goings-on in the world. So, here's the first one. John Edwards - WTF.  First the man cheats on his wife.  I won't even get started on how politicians are such ... http://www.towerpr.com/2009/08/20/a-change-in-direction/ Does it ever seem to you that everyone is on vacation for the month of August.  This becomes more clear as we send out email pitches and make follow up phone calls and get out of office replies.  So, take note and remember that unless you have breaking news, you ... http://www.towerpr.com/2008/08/14/summer-doldrums/ Well, the 4th of July is upon us tomorrow, and it's obvious that people have already left town.  This goes for newsrooms too - which are often on a skeleton crew for holidays.  But, holiday or not - newspapers, television and radio still need news.  So, if you have your ... http://www.towerpr.com/2008/07/03/take-advantage-of-holidays/ If you can't afford to price of a media campaign, consider outreaching to the press yourself, with professional materials (press releases, pitch letters) and a media list.  A lot of small agencies will help you with this for a significantly reduced fee.  Plus, you'll get experience first hand in publicizing your product! http://www.towerpr.com/2008/06/27/do-it-yourself/ One of the less pleasant things about being an agency is billing.  Somehow, money is a taboo subject to discuss.  But, it's important to get a signed contract or letter of agreement before you start working for a client.  This can save you heartache later on.  This is your livelihood, ... http://www.towerpr.com/2008/06/20/billing/ The way we get news has really changed since I started doing publicity nearly 20 years ago (yikes).  While the traditional means of getting news - television, newspapers and radio have not gone away, the internet has really revolutionized the industry.  Literally anyone can start their own media outlet.  It's ... http://www.towerpr.com/2008/06/04/embrace-them-all/ It's been over 4 years now since I left the corporate world and ventured out on my own.  Sure, there have been plenty of ups and downs - and there have been periods that have been slower than I liked.  But last week, a recruiter got in touch with me ... http://www.towerpr.com/2008/05/28/stick-with-it/ With shrinking staffs at newspapers and television news, it's not always so easy to get your client in the news.  You always to be thinking of new and different ways to get the word out - whether it be by social networking (My Space, You Tube, etc.) or making your ... http://www.towerpr.com/2008/05/13/dont-give-up/ Instead of giving PR advice today, I'm sharing a fabulous, easy recipe for Flourless Chocolate Cake that I originally found in Bon Appetit magazine.  Enjoy! Flourless Chocolate Cake 1 cup (2 sticks) butter8 oz. semisweet chocolate chips1 ¼ cups sugar1 cup sifted unsweetened cocoa powder6 large eggs. Preheat oven to 350.  Butter 10-inch-diameter ... http://www.towerpr.com/2008/05/02/chocolate-cake/