Burger King Delivers?!

If you haven't learned anything else from me, hopefully you know that I say it's typically tougher for businesses to get themselves in the news. Why?

Because -- say it with me -- the general feeling is that businesses that want advertising should buy an ad. No free publicity here. Unless you're Apple status. 

Or you've done something with your business so out of the box that the media HAS to take notice.

Like Burger King testing delivery options at 10 locations in Maryland and Virginia.

Fast food? Delivery? Wow. As many times as I've lazily thought, "Man, I wish I could have that Whopper delivered..." I never thought it could happen. The idea definitely has America talking. 

The moral of the story? Find the buzz about your business that can capture the public's attention. Besides your $99 sale, that is.

But don't worry, it's alright if it's not quite as buzzworthy as the idea of a Whopper showing up on your doorstep.

The Power of the Protest

Earlier this week, we celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the activism -- largely fueled by protests, sit-ins and marches -- that changed America.

It shouldn't be any surprise that the power of the protest still reigns supreme and has gone viral, with the online protests of two congressional bills, SOPA and PIPA. Sites like Google and Wikipedia are "going dark" today to protest the bills, the Stop Online Piracy Act and the Protect IP Act. The Detroit Free Press explains, "the two bills anathema to many of the biggest voices on the Web, including Google, Wikipedia and Facebook.The gist of these two acts is this: the government is seeking the ability to shut down access to foreign sites that it determines are 'facilitating the commission' of copyright infringement."

CNN gives an excellent breakdown  of what's at stake, summarizing: "Both sides say they agree that protecting content is a worthy goal. But opponents say that the way SOPA is written effectively promotes censorship and is rife with the potential for unintended consequences."

It looks like lawmakers are already trying to figure out how to go back to the drawing board to find a solution that will satisfy both parties.

But had it not been for protests of some of pretty massive companies, we may not have known a thing about it. 

The power of the protest still lives -- and when done correctly -- gets the attention it deserves.

Bridgette Outten is a journalist and media consultant with The Write Vision Group, Inc.With a background in print media, she has written thousands of articles for newspapers and online publications. At The Write Vision Group, Bridgette consults with nonprofits and small businesses about how to get their programs and efforts in the news. Meanwhile, she blogs on all things journalism.

Knowing When to Grab a Publicity Opportunity

Blue Ivy Events is enjoying unexpected residual publicity
from sharing a name with the newborn of Jay Z and Beyonce.

Before this week, how many people could say they had heard of a Boston small business -- an event planning company called Blue Ivy?

Now the whole country -- and dare we say, the world -- has exposure to the company because it happens to share its name with the already ultra-famous kid of Beyonce and Jay Z.

So what did the owner Veronica Alexandra do to ride this unexpected media gem as far as it can go? In addition to explaining how she came up with the unique name (the media is having a field day trying to figure out how  Bey and Jay did for their new bundle of joy) she is also taking full advantage.

Huffington Post reports: "... Alexandra's business name has been dethroned in Google searches by the power couple's baby. She is now working the 'if you can't beat them, join them' approach -- she has done whirlwind media appearances, posted a banner on her website that says 'CONGRATS to our SOUL MATE Couple with Baby Blue Ivy!' posted messages on her Facebook and tweeted 'event planning company came first ... Beyonce 2nd ...' and 'Beyonce's daughter just validated how artistic we care to be. Love IT!'"

Great way to recognize a publicity opportunity. The moral of the story? Keep an eye on what celebs are naming their kids. 

Note: I have to thank my buddies over at Complete Concepts Consulting, Inc. for the inspiration of this post.


Bridgette Outten is a journalist and media consultant with The Write Vision Group, Inc.With a background in print media, she has written thousands of articles for newspapers and online publications. At The Write Vision Group, Bridgette consults with nonprofits and small businesses about how to get their programs and efforts in the news. Meanwhile, she blogs on all things journalism.

Don't Burn the Publicity Bridge

Happy New Year!

Here's a toast to all of the great publicity you are seeking for your awesome nonprofit and/or your profitable business.

So in my first post of the year, I'm going to share an experience that I've had within the last couple of months.

I pitched to a reporter and they weren't interested in the story I was presenting -- at that moment. But the reporter assured me that it was an issue she was ware of and that she would keep us in mind.

The point of all? Sometimes it takes time for your story. You may not catch the reporter's attention or fit in their timeline the very second that your pitch. And that's OK.

Don't write the reporter off. Don't throw a fit or send a nasty email. Just wait for your time. If you have a good story and you are presenting it well, your time is coming.

Bridgette Outten is a journalist and media consultant with The Write Vision Group, Inc.With a background in print media, she has written thousands of articles for newspapers and online publications. At The Write Vision Group, Bridgette consults with nonprofits and small businesses about how their programs and efforts in the news. Meanwhile, she blogs on all things journalism.