Thoughts from a PR Diva

Building a Platform.

2010-10-04T13:46:00.001-05:00

There's a word floating around the publishing and recording industries of late--platform. What industry execs want to know before they sign a new artist or author is do they have a platform? Do they have a built-in audience? What most would-be artists and authors miss is the subtle but obvious question really being asked by the big companies -- can you sell your own CD or book without us? Think about the ludicrousness of that for a moment. Because if the answer is yes, then why do you need them?

Books and music will never be the same again thanks to iTunes and Kindles. Technology has over-taken both industries to the point that once-needed go-betweens (i.e. publishers, record labels) are scrambling to figure out their place in this new world of downloads and instantly-accessible libraries. William Young thought he needed a publisher and sent his manuscript, THE SHACK, to several of them. They all turned him away. Undaunted, he self-published his book anyway. At nearly four million copies sold, I'm fairly certain Mr. Young is glad he doesn't have a publisher.

Which brings us back to platform. Can you create your own? You betcha. What are your strengths? If you're a singer, can you also speak? If you're a writer, have you started a blog regarding your book's subject? Think outside the scope of the talents you have and explore ways you can create opportunities to touch people with your message. In our social network universe, the consumer is more accessible than ever and a platform is even more attainable. With a little ingenuity, some guidance from a quality public relations professional and some blood, sweat and tears, you can have a best-seller on Amazon and discover the benefits of owning 100% of your work and reaping 100% of the profit.

What Not to Do

2010-08-25T19:38:00.000-05:00

As a publicist, bad interviews can make me cringe. This one made me head for the corner in a fetal position. I am reluctant to even comment on this video because, well, even a non-PR pro can list the things wrong with this one. But let's play along anyway and use the opportunity to draw out some good pointers. Here are some standard, common-sense television interview tips:

NO-NO: Don't read while the host is speaking to you.
YES-YES: Be prepared.

NO-NO: Don't pitch a talent you clearly don't have if you've been invited to the show to talk about running for the office of mayor.
YES-YES: Stay on subject.

NO-NO: Don't insult the host after she has given you ample time to showcase your non-talent.
YES-YES: Be courteous.

NO-NO: Don't be pushy about a return invite ON camera. If you want to be a jerk, do it off camera.
YES-YES: Be grateful for the opportunity on and off camera.

NO-NO: Don't EVER use a hand held tape recorder to play background music tracks.
YES-YES: Be professional.

Any questions?

Be the Golden Arches

2010-07-23T19:20:00.000-05:00

I have worked with high-profile clientele for most of my 20+ year career. The biggest mistake I see clients make when trying to promote themselves is they get too wrapped up in their current "project" (book, cd, etc.) to keep the whole picture in focus.

I don't know about you, but by the time my child was 3 years old, he could pick out a McDonald's along the street. And not because I ever took him there. I rarely did. But he had seen those Golden Arches many times before Barney, after The Magic School Bus, during TaleSpin -- those Golden Arches surrounded everything he saw on TV. He really had no idea WHY he wanted to go to McDonald's, he just knew he should. McDonald's sees the big picture.

But you say, "I'm an artist not a fast food restaurant." Right. But you ARE the Golden Arches. Your new CD, your new song, your new book -- they are your chicken nuggets, Big Mac, large fries.

If you only think about your career in terms of your latest work, then your career will be short. Artists, authors and speakers need to think about making a "brand" name for themselves. Yes, you want to have a menu of tasty items (cds, books, songs). But ultimately, your name -- your reputation -- your artistry should mean something. Listeners will hear your music once or twice, but fans will sign up for your Facebook and Twitter accouns. Readers might like your latest book, but fans will stand in line for your book signing. A really, really hungry person might stumble into a McDonald's one day because its convenient, but 3-year-old whines and cries until he steps inside those Golden Arches. Now, that's a fan for life. Develop that kind of a following, and you'll enjoy a long and prosperous career.

You're Only as Good as Your "Onlys"

2010-04-02T18:35:00.000-05:00

I may not amount to much, but at least I am unique.
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau

You are unique, and if that is not fulfilled then something has been lost.
- Martha Graham

Call it my motto. But usually one of the first things I ask a potential client is "What are your ONLYs?" After they stammer for a second, I explain: "What makes you unique to everyone else like you who is doing the same exact thing as you? Answer that question, and our PR campaign begins." Some people know the answer immediately. Others do not. Part of a publicist's job is to find those "ONLYs."

In the theme park world, their ticket sales are based on having the fastest, the tallest, or the longest ride. Notice the -est. Your "only" might be an 'est.

I recently did a short campaign for an insurance group and asked them that question. They immediately answered it, yet they had never TOLD anyone about it. Most companies, artists, ministries have some "onlys" they can talk about. And if by chance they don't have any, they can always create some.

Christians who have gifts to share sometimes feel at odds with what they deem as bragging or "tooting their own horn." But if you have an effective ministry, if your product or service fills a need, if you have something to contribute to the betterment of society, is it really the Christian thing to do to keep it a secret?

14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.-- Matthew 5

Whether you are a singer, author or corporation, if you live by Christian principles, you should be more than willing to tell others about the gifts bestowed on you by God. Discover your ONLYs and embrace them as part of your identity. God gave them to you for one simple reason -- to share them. Now, go hire a publicist -- and tell everybody.

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When to Get a Saddle

2010-01-14T19:08:00.002-06:00

"If one person calls you a donkey, ignore them. If two people call you a donkey, look behind you for hoof prints. If three people call you a donkey, buy a saddle."

If you are not concerned about your reputation, then you have already sealed your fate. And this rule doesn't just apply to public figures or people who make their living as artists or authors. Anyone in ANY field should be concerned about their reputation. And it should be the number one concern every publicist has for their clientele.

A reputation goes before you and follows you. It is what people judge you on even if they have never met you. It is difficult to keep shiny; like fine silver, it can tarnish if careful cleaning is not applied -- often.

In the course of representing other people for 22 years, I stumbled upon a surprising fact several years ago. My reputation is as important as theirs. If the media hates me, guess what? I'm no good to any client. So I began to do my diligent best to treat the media even better than I treated clients. I realized I couldn't (and shouldn't) have clients without cultivating my relationships with media outlets first.

So what does that involve? To me, serving the media means several things. First, know who they are and what they do. One of my best friends became my friend because she laughed out loud at the pitch I made to her magazine. Instead of taking offense, I laughed with her. (To this day, I still kid with her that it really was a good pitch for her magazine; she just didn't personally like the artist.) But it taught me a good lesson. Know the audience each media services, and then pitch things that matter to that audience. It annoys the media to get a pitch from a publicist who doesn't know (or care) what they do. I've learned to do my homework.

There have been many times when I have helped the media secure interviews or product from people or companies that I did not represent. Why would I do that? It all goes back to service, something especially important to me because I work with predominantly Christian media for Christian clients. Servanthood is a requirement of my faith, and I apply it to my job.

So how do you fix a tarnished reputation? That's the question that an army of public relations consultants are asking each other right now in a crowded room on Tiger Woods' behalf. It is a complicated process, and it doesn't always have the best outcome. Better to preserve your reputation in the first place.

Billy Graham once said that he made sure he was never seen in public alone with a woman. If he needed to have lunch with a business associate who was a woman, he brought a man with him. Why go to the trouble? Because he wanted to avoid even the appearance of impropriety. Reverend Graham is over 90 years old now. And he never had to buy a saddle.

Can you Fake being Genuine?

2009-11-17T14:18:00.002-06:00

A lot of jokes are being made about President Obama's seeming dependency on a teleprompter. His teleprompter even has its own "blog," if you can believe it. Humor has a way of revealing an underlying truth, and the President should take note of it. The "insincere" or "disingenuous" label is something that tends to stick to a person's public persona. And it is not easy to shake once it forms. He should start learning alternate ways to give a speech.

I have to admit there are just some things that Publicists cannot do. We can help clients learn to communicate effectively by focusing on a central message by simplifying talking points. We can teach clients some effective interview techniques based on the medium. And we can help clients keep their message consistent and understandable. But, as far as I know, no one has yet invented an over-the-counter prescription that can infuse genuineness.

How important is it? There's a case to be made in public relations that being genuine is everything -- and yet-- it is hopelessly rare. Let's be honest. We live in an American Idol culture where "perceived" importance often overrides genuineness. No one ever looks at a celebrity or politician after an interview or speech and asks, "But was he/she being genuine?" Looking at some of the "idols" we have put on pedestals in the public arena, maybe we should start asking that more often.

When I mention a "genuine" person, who springs to your mind? Maybe its a relative or friend or perhaps a well-known person. Genuineness is a quality we all instantly recognize. It is a character trait that we appreciate on an emotional level. When we sense someone who is genuine, we make a connection with our hearts, not with our heads.

For a Christian artist, genuineness is the difference between a long, renowned career or very short one. Musicians and singers from other genres can get away (to some extent) with making music and creating a public "image" that they believe will sell their songs. They can often act like idiots in interviews, do outrageous antics at public appearances and still retain fans. Thankfully, Christian artists don't have that ability. Because of the inherent seriousness of writing and singing songs based on scripture or doctrinal beliefs, Christian artists must exhibit a genuineness in their on and off-stage behavior. Perfection is not required (and shouldn't be expected), but sincerity is a non-negotiable. Phonies will not last long in Christian entertainment.

If you are a Christian artist contemplating a national ministry, learn to trust your instincts. You may get lots of advice from "industry" folks meaning well, but ultimately, you are the one that will stand on the stage in front of the audience. Find your own comfort zone where you and God connect. He is much better than a teleprompter.

Will Whitney Make a Comeback? A Study in Imaging

2009-07-24T15:58:00.015-05:00

I'll be upfront and honest. I'm rooting for Whitney Houston to make a comeback. Whitney has always had a talent that few would argue was God-given. She grew up singing in church, and her mom is well-known for her gospel roots. Her first radio single, "I Look to You," resembles a contemporary Christian song. So from a personal standpoint, I hope she succeeds.

But from a PR standpoint, what will transpire over the next few months will be a good study in imaging. Whitney was, for many years, America's darling. Music fans loved everything she did. She had top hits left and right and even gave us one of the most stirring performances of the National Anthem we had ever heard. We all watched as this stunning woman with so much talent, fame, and fortune, married someone that we all could see would be bad news. Past behavior dictated future behavior for Bobby Brown. And as I have heard Metro Ministries' leader Bill Wilson say many times, "People change...but not much."

Drugs, violence, odd spiritual quests, horrible personal appearances followed. Whitney quickly got a reputation for being a Diva to the 2nd power and invitations for her to perform on tv shows and events became fewer and fewer. America's darling was falling apart, and although we wanted to do a giant intervention, we were helpless to do anything. The music began to suffer. And we, as consumers, moved on to other singers while her life came unraveled.

So how does someone recapture a tarnished public image? Much of the work of rebuilding her persona is, of course, squarely on Whitney's own shoulders. The most extraordinary of publicists can only do so much. Ultimately, Whitney will be the one answering questions during interviews and interacting with fans. But I do hope her PR people are giving her good counsel and helping her understand that even before the camera turns on, she will be scrutinized by those around her. If she becomes a Runaway Diva, it will be reported. If she gets upset over a question or is simply late for an interview, it will be talked about. She needs to realize the microscope will be on full power.

Ultimately, she needs to come across as sincere, humble and grateful for another chance. The good news is Americans are typically a forgiving bunch, and we love survivors. Here's hoping Whitney becomes one.

Biographies-- Getting Beyond Facts & Figures

2009-06-24T12:01:00.003-05:00

I have a different view of biographies than some of my counterparts. Namely, I think bios are fairly boring. After reading so many -- and media people do -- their eyes glaze over and they can usually "insert artist's name here" because the copy is so redundant to every other bio. So how do you capture their attention?

First, think of your bio as more than facts and figures. Do you want to include awards and achievements? Maybe. If you can make them flow into the copy. Or maybe you should think about a quick Fact Sheet for those type of things, SEPARATE from the bio. In essence, your bio should read like a magazine article. It should be your story.

You might say, "I don't really have a story." Yes, you do. If you're over 12, you have one. Maybe you've never thought about sharing it before. But in truth, aren't you sharing it, in part, through your music? So why not go one step further and flesh out your story in bio form?

Your story may not be as dramatic or compelling as some others, but it will be unique to you. And being unique is never boring.

When the Story Meets the Song: Why Susan Boyle is so Loved

2009-04-19T21:43:00.017-05:00

Thirty-two million hits and counting on YouTube. The kind of numbers most artists would die for. And Susan Boyle isn't even quite sure what YouTube really is. Why has this woman struck such a chord with the general public?

A quick three minute clip prior to her performance let us know all we THOUGHT we knew about this shy woman from Britain. We all made a gigantic assumption before she opened her mouth to sing. And we were all very wrong.

The shock on Simon's face said it all. We didn't expect this woman -- whose looks were forgettable and whose obvious backwardness we found slightly amusing -- to sing the way she did. But it wasn't just the fact that she could carry a tune -- a BIG tune -- from Les Miserables. It was the lyrics of the song itself that captivated us. "I Dreamed a Dream" was more than a song Susan chose -- it could have easily been her life story.

This is what A&R departments at record labels are designed to do -- to find not only the Artists, but help them define their Repertoire. Susan Boyle needed no A&R executive for that. She found a song that she could pour her very soul into singing. She found a song that proclaimed what she was feeling. And she made us feel it with her.

"My life has killed the dream I dreamed..." she sang softly in the closing stanza. And in that moment, we knew that each word she had sung had been the absolute truth. Her life of poverty, obscurity, loneliness and ridicule had killed her dreams. But the song that she chose to represent her life story gave her dream one last chance to be fulfilled. And that's what happens to an artist who marries their voice to the perfect song that best describes their personal journey. It is the authenticity of that moment that has made the whole world fall in love with Susan Boyle. It is what every artist should strive for.

There really is such a thing as Bad Publicity

2008-08-06T11:16:00.005-05:00

You may have heard the old saying, "There's no such thing as bad publicity." Mmm. Really. Real quick-- what's your first impression when I mention Michael Jackson? Paris Hilton? If you had positive impressions, well, I'll pray for you. Most people will have negative. So the question then becomes--has bad publicity helped these people? The last time I checked Jackson was running out of money and places in the world that wanted him. Paris has money, sure. But is all her money going to buy her any respect or admiration?

I admit a lot of my colleagues disagree with me. They operate on the premise that any placement is good even if they have to bite, claw and scratch to get it. They believe a publicist's role is to simply get placements -- no matter how, now matter what. I simply don't subscribe to that notion. I recognize that I am often the first impression people have of my clients, and I can taint that impression quickly with my behavior. I believe in the power of relationships. I am accountable to my clients. But my ongoing relationships with the media are paramount. If I lose their trust or respect, I won't have any clients. Nor should I.

This is especially true when representing a Christian artist or author. I may be the very first impression that the media has of someone. And if that impression is ugly, rude, pushy, abrasive or any other character traits people often associate with publicists, then I have failed. When I represent someone, I am an extension of their ministry. And I take that seriously.

Eddie Is Right

2008-05-09T16:38:00.004-05:00

I was listening to Eddie Degarmo and Dana Key (a.k.a. DeGarmo & Key, one of the first rock bands in Christian music) doing a radio interview during Gospel Music Week. I love those guys. I remember doing PR for them back in the day when I was Senior Publicist at Benson Records --when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Anyway, they were sharing stories of their career, and Eddie remembered a concert they did in Arizona back in the 80s. D&K were wildly popular back then, and at the time of the story he was telling, had been featured at a gathering of hundreds of thousands of people who had come to see the Pope. But here they were in Arizona, coming out on stage, and seeing 8 -- count 'em -- 8 people in the audience. Eddie bemused about how difficult it is to play to such a non-crowd, and how it affects performers (especially POPULAR ones) to see NO ONE show up for a concert. But at the end of the evening, one of the 8 people accepted Jesus as Savior. Eddie looks back at that concert now with great fondness; not as a failure, but as a grand success. I mean, that's a whopping 12% of the crowd getting saved!

He was being funny, but he was also making a valid point that every artist in Christian music should hear. Sometimes, you'll have those moments when the crowd is large and loud and smiling and totally in awe of your talent and music. But sometimes, you'll walk into a situation where the audience looks like cows staring at a new gate. It can be discouraging; even causing you to wonder if God has truly given you a music ministry. But in all situations, do what you do with excellence and humility, and let God work out the percentages.

When Should a Local Artist Go National?

2008-01-24T11:41:00.001-06:00

This is the question I probably get asked most often. Christian artists typically start out singing in their local church, and will often become a favorite regional artist in their hometown and surrounding cities. They put together a CD, book themselves into other churches and venues, and at some point, they begin to think about trying to break themselves nationally. So how do you know if your music is ready for the national stage? Here are some questions to ask yourself:

1) Is my music radio-ready? If you don't know the answer to that, its probably not. Most artists have home-made cds that may be acceptable in concert, but are not ready for a national radio push. Sometimes it may be possible to simply take what you have and get a good mixer to fix things. But most of the time, you need a professional producer to not only bring out the best in your musical style and vocal quality, but also to help you with songwriting and overall focus of your ministry. We highly recommend Paul Marino (http://www.paulmarinomusic.com/). He has a passion for independent artists, and has helped launch the national careers of several indies. We also recommend Creative Promotions, an independent radio promotions firm. Its owner, Wendell Gafford, is truly one of the top experts in Christian radio airplay and his knowledge and input can help an artist achieve a hit radio single on the national charts. Visit http://www.creativepromotions.net/ for more info. (In both cases, feel free to drop my name!)

2) Is my website ready for prime time? The good news is music downloading has leveled the playing field. With the right marketing and publicity campaign, indy artists are capable of selling just as much music over the internet as Steven Curtis Chapman or MercyMe. The RIAA has already designated a "Gold" status category for a song that gets a certain number of downloads. Your website needs to be compelling, yet user-friendly. You need to have both single songs and complete cds available for download. Your website is your storefront, and should be a central focus to getting your music to the masses.

3) What's my story? Even if you have the most fabulous voice in the world, people connect to singers on more than just a music level, especially in Christian/gospel music. They want to know who you are, what you've been through and why you sing Christian music rather than something else. You can SING, but what can you SAY to people? Your testimony must be genuine and sincere; people can spot a phony a mile away.

4) If I have a great cd, I can just pitch myself to magazines and tv shows. Why do I need a Publicist?" You can certainly try. But more often than not, unless it comes from someone the media knows and has worked with before, it will go into File 13. The media gets hundreds of pitches every week, and yours will be one of many. Publicists help legitimize your ministry because the media knows us. Our company has worked with the Christian media for 20 years, and they know if we pitch them someone, its because WE have done our homework and know the artist/author is a good fit for them.

Obviously, these suggestions require heavy monetary and time investments, and that's certainly not feasible for everyone. But if you're a successful regional artist, your ministry is no less valid and no less appreciated than someone who has a national appeal. God needs Generals, but he also needs Privates on the front lines, and He may be calling you to a specific area for now. As the age-old saying goes, "bloom where you are planted."

To learn more, visit: http://www.christianpublicityservices.com/.