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5 phrases that editors hate.

Many media gatekeepers are ALMOST human.  Thus, they have buttons, and when pushed, make them crazy (crazier than usual).

The first time this was brought to my attention was when an editor of a medical trade journal commented that if I ever used the phrase “paradigm shift” in a news release again he would completely block my email address.

Fair enough.  Paradigm shift is such a grandiose claim that it should be reserved for cures for cancer and amazing muffin recipes.

Similarly, these over the top phrases should also be avoided at all costs.

  1. Cutting edge
  2. Bleeding edge
  3. State of the art
  4. Best practices

Keeping it simple, communicating in a concise manner – now that would be a paradigm shift.

5 phrases that editors hate.Read More

What?  Text message says “Texting is the best attention getter!”

 

Right. In looking at ALL the marketing tools and channels that can generate immediate and tangible results, the most overlooked is the massive power of a texting campaign.

Do you read your text messages?  Do you respond to them?

Don’t get me wrong.  I fully understand that unsolicited text message ads are really, really annoying.  We insist that clients entice customers to OPT IN to a text campaign. Most often a free item, additional service or complimentary information are the catalyst.

Critical. Customers can opt out at ANY time by texting the word STOP.  They are immediately removed from the system.

Also, it is important to emphasize that your Text Partners will receive special offers, discounts and information prior to all other customers. They are on the leading edge.

R U a believer yet?  This could be a Gr8 addition to your marketing plan.

Here are some text marketing statistics –

  • 98 percent of text messages are read and responded to within 90 seconds (compared to 2.5 days for email.)
  • Coupons received via texting campaigns are much more likely to be redeemed and shared than mail coupons.
  • Users are less likely to opt out, about 5%, of a texting campaign than an email campaign.

The reason texting works?  Text messages are a highly intrusive form of communication. The reason why most text messages are read and responded to is because unlike an email or tweet, a text message typically comes from someone in your inner network.  Reading and responding to a text message from your wife, child, or BFF is not the same thing as engaging with an ad.

Also, text campaigns have high engagement rates because they are targeted to an already highly engaged audience.  Consumers do not casually hand out cell numbers to companies. That exchange of information typically happens after a consumer has already made a purchase (like at the clothing or tech store checkout lane) or, as previously mentioned, are enticed with a special offer.

When a customer opts into a texting campaign, they signal their willingness to receive intrusive ads. These engaged customers are likely to return to your business whether you run a texting campaign or not.  They are already fans. Texting will help remind them to buy from frequently, spend more and refer their friends.

How do you start building the text database and campaign?

Like any campaign, consistency is the key. PR Works is helping clients with texting campaigns with an innovative, online platform that provides robust statistics, scheduling options, instant feedback to your mobile # or email address, etc.

Cost for licensing the program is approximately $60/month based on 500 credits (500 outgoing text messages). If you do NOT use those credits during the month, which we won’t to start, they get rolled into the next month.

stevewsjText me, if U R enticed – mobile # 781 864 1837.

What?  Text message says “Texting is the best attention getter!”Read More

“LinkedIn – Your Prospecting Tool” workshop, May 28, Randolph, MA

Many have a LinkedIn account, few have any idea of what to do with it.

The LinkedIn – Your Prospecting Tool hands-on seminar teaches you the specifics of how to mine LinkedIn for leads, introductions and referrals.  The workshop is sponsored by My Pinnacle Network, the Business to Business monthly network with locations throughout Eastern Massachusetts.

Eric Warner, President of Praxis Growth Advisors, Inc., a management consulting and leadership development firm and an authorized provider of Sandler Sales Training, will lead the session.  www.praxis.sandler.com.

Participants will learn how to connect directly with your targeted prospects and how to take a proactive approach to warm lead generation.

In addition, attendees will also have the opportunity to update their LinkedIn photo. Nicole Connolly of PhotoFabulousYou will also be on hand to take photos specifically sized for LinkedIn. The cost for LinkedIn head shot is $40, $60 if you want your photo retouched. Please contact Nicole at nicole@photofabulousyou.com to schedule your photo session.

The educational event will take place on Thursday, May 28, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. the Comfort Inn 1374 N Main St, Route 28, Randolph, MA‎ (just off Route 128).  Cost is $9.95.  Seating is limited to 50 people.  To RSVP, click here or email SDubin@MyPinnacleNetwork.com or call (781) 582-1061.

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“LinkedIn – Your Prospecting Tool” workshop, May 28, Randolph, MARead More

Between Rounds Bagels Now Available at Wallingford and Southington ShopRite Stores

ShopRite Wallingford
ShopRite Wallingford

Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café, the unique bakery café and bagel shop with locations throughout Connecticut, has recently announced that ShopRite stores in Wallingford and Southington will carry Between Rounds fresh baked bagels.

The two ShopRite stores, owned by Don Drust and family, are located at 846 North Colony Street in Wallingford and 750 Queen Street in Southington. They have become a grocery partner of the family-owned Between Rounds and will offer their signature bagels in ShopRite bakery departments.

“The decision to add Between Rounds bagels to our bakery offerings was an easy one. Between Rounds offers a high quality, consistent product that is absolutely delicious and popular with our customers,” noted Drust.

He continued, “We’re a family-owned business and we enjoy partnering with local businesses. We try to carry as many local products as possible in our stores.”

Between Rounds is the brainchild of Staten Island brothers Jerry and Joe Puiia, who established Between Rounds cafés in Vernon, South Windsor, Manchester and Tolland. The Puiia hallmark is manufacturing and selling their own bagels, which set them apart from other cafés. The popularity of their bagels inspired the Puiias to partner with independent grocers.  The bagels are delivered to grocers fully-baked so no additional labor is required of the bakery department.

Between Rounds Bagels at Independent Grocers

Between Rounds bagels are offered at independent grocers throughout Connecticut including Highland Park Markets in Suffield, Farmington, Manchester, Coventry and Glastonbury; West Side Marketplace in Rocky Hill; Geissler’s Supermarkets in Agawam, Bloomfield, East Windsor, Granby, Somers and South Windsor; Lyman Orchards Apple Barrel Market in Middlefield; Gardiner’s Market in South Glastonbury; and ShopRite of Manchester, East Harford, and most recently Southington and Wallingford.

Independent grocer owners or store managers interested in carrying Between Rounds bagels may contact Jerry or Joe Puiia at (860) 291-0323.

The ShopRite Cooperative

ShopRite is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States. All ShopRite owners are members of Wakefern Food Corporation. To learn more about ShopRite, visit www.shoprite.com.

About Between Rounds

Founded in 1990, Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café is a unique bakery café and bagel shop renowned for their fresh, baked-on site bagels and baked goods as well sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, specialty coffee and a unique line of giftware.  Between Rounds offers patrons an upscale, fast-casual dining experience with free Wi-Fi and the added convenience of a drive-thru window.

Between Rounds is expanding and franchise opportunities are available.  Between Rounds’ current locations include South Windsor, Vernon, Manchester and Tolland.  Corporate headquarters are located at 19A John Fitch Blvd, Route 5 in South Windsor, CT.  For more information about Between Rounds franchise opportunities contact (860) 291-0323 or visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

Between Rounds Bagels Now Available at Wallingford and Southington ShopRite StoresRead More

PR Works in America’s Hometown. PR Works, a full-service PR firm, moves to Plymouth, MA.

PR Works, a full-service public relations and advertising firm, relocated to Plymouth and has its own version of a ribbon cutting. PR Works staff includes (left to right) Nancy Sheerin of Kingston, MA; Joe D’Eramo of Plymouth; Steve Dubin of Plymouth; Jen Tomasetti of Hanover and Isaac Dubin of Plymouth.

In recognition of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ fastest growing county and vibrant arts and commerce scene, PR Works, a full-service public relations and advertising firm, has moved to 18 Main Street, Extension, Suite 409, Brewster Park Building, Plymouth, MA, 02360 (above Café Stega in downtown Plymouth).

PR Works was founded 24 years ago in Weymouth, MA as a traditional public relations firm and has since morphed into a full slate of PR and marketing services to help small to mid-sized companies maintain visibility and expand sales. The company provides a wide expanse of public relations services, including strategic PR planning, social media strategy involving LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, web development, e-newsletters, video and sales collateral development.

“In addition to moving our five-person firm to Plymouth Center, I’ve also moved my family to the area,” noted Steven V. Dubin, founder or PR Works and formerly a Kingston resident for 21 years. “Our distant and regional clients are delighted to have an excuse to visit Plymouth, to conduct business and enjoy Plymouth’s working waterfront, its rich historic and mecca of eclectic restaurants and musical venues. It is a fun place to work and play.”

With strong press contacts in the region, PR Works has assisted numerous Plymouth-based companies and organizations, including the Plymouth School System, South Shore Skin Centers, Tracy Motors, Radisson Plymouth, White Cliffs, Plymouth Memorial Hall, King Collision, Lombard Waste, Run For Faith, Old Sandwich Road Race, Harbor Grille, Sandy’s at the Beach and Professional Medical Interiors.

For more information about PR Works, visit www.PRWorkZone.com, or call (781) 582-1061.

PR Works in America’s Hometown. PR Works, a full-service PR firm, moves to Plymouth, MA.Read More

Fundraising 101 primer

PR Works Account Manager Joe D’Eramo

As mentioned in a previous PR Pointer, PR Works Account Manager Joe D’Eramo is riding in the Pan Mass Challenge. To date, he’s raised more than $2,000 towards his ride to raise money for the Jimmy Fund/Dana Farber (his goal is $3,800, you can ask him why).

While there are many ways to raise money for causes, the formula Joe is using can be easily duplicated for your fundraiser, even to market your business.

“What sells for fundraising is what sells for businesses–stories,” said Joe. “Everybody knows somebody with cancer, which is what the Pan Mass Challenge is raising money for. So it really is just a matter of telling those stories that people can relate to and sharing them using several different tools.”

On a weekly basis, Joe drafts a 300-500 word blog telling a personal story regarding the ride or a cancer survivor he knows. That story is then shared via:

  • Blog on Plymouth Patch
  • Personal blog
  • LinkedIn Discussion groups
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Constant Contact e-mail to business and personal friends, family and acquaintances
  • E-mail signature (with link and image)

These efforts are supplemented by Joe’s networking efforts with My Pinnacle Network (he runs the MPN groups in Westborough, Plymouth and Bourne), attending networking events and word-of-mouth (mentioning to family and friends). He also posts updates to Facebook and Twitter on fundraising milestones and training rides (each ride is dedicated to someone who has or has succumbed to cancer).

In addition to the weekly ritual, Joe has made a special offer to PR Works clients in the area. Donate $100 or more and he will visit your company in full cycling attire to take a photo of the check presentation. That photo can then be used for promotional purposes, social media content, etc.

So, what’s been the most successful of these tools?

“By far the weekly e-mail. Some might think that’s excessive but it’s necessary,” said Joe. “People have the best intentions when it comes to giving but most of us have so many things going on that we lose track. A weekly e-mail reminds those folks who want to give.”

Adds Joe, “Not so coincidentally, the e-newsletter is also one of the most effective tools we use in marketing clients. While clients would like to see a direct lead/response from their e-mail newsletter, there is tremendous value in prospects and clients hearing from you on a regular basis.”

If you would like to make a donation to Joe’s Pan Mass Challenge ride, you can visit his page by clicking here.For information how these techniques and tools can be implemented into your PR and marketing, please call 781-582-1061 or drop us a line.

Fundraising 101 primerRead More

My Pinnacle Network announces July 2014 schedule of B2B networking meetings.

BOURNE, BRAINTREE, MARSHFIELD, MANSFIELD, NEWTON, PLYMOUTH, WESTBOROUGH, MA and PROVIDENCE, RI…

My Pinnacle Network recently announced a full slate of business-to-business networking meetings for July. My Pinnacle Network meetings are as follows:

My Pinnacle Network – Braintree 1st Tuesday, Tuesday, July 1, from 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. at 25 Braintree Hill Office Park, Suite 200, Braintree, MA 02184.

My Pinnacle Network – Westborough, Tuesday, July 1, from 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. at 1900 West Park Drive, Suite 230, Westborough, MA 01581.

My Pinnacle Network – Mansfield, Wednesday, July 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., 20 Cabot Blvd., Suite 300, Mansfield, MA 02048.

My Pinnacle Network – Marshfield, Thursday, July 10, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., 165 Enterprise Drive, Marshfield, MA 02050.

My Pinnacle Network – Plymouth, Thursday, July 10, from 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. at 134 Court Street (Plymouth Chamber of Commerce), Plymouth, MA 02360.

My Pinnacle Network – Newton, Thursday, July 10, 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. at 29 Crafts Street (Aflac offices), Newton, MA 02458.

My Pinnacle Network – Providence, Wednesday, July 16, from 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. at Admirals Bank, 15 Park Row West, Providence, RI 02903.

My Pinnacle Network – Braintree Third Thursday, Thursday, July 17, from 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. at 25 Braintree Hill Office Park, Suite 200, Braintree, MA 02184.

My Pinnacle Network – Bourne, Thursday, July 24, from 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m., 550 MacArthur Blvd. (Route 28), Bourne, MA 02532.

Only one B2B professional will be selected for each category. Those categories can be found at http://mypinnaclenetwork.com/about/categories.aspx. Prospective members are encouraged to attend a My Pinnacle Network meeting before committing to join.

If you are interested in attending a meeting in your area, please contact Steven V. Dubin at SDubin@MyPinnacleNetwork.com or 781-582-1061 to RSVP. There is no charge to visit a My Pinnacle Network meeting.

My Pinnacle Network announces July 2014 schedule of B2B networking meetings.Read More

Last call for Speed Networking on Feb. 25

My Pinnacle Network is hosting a Speed Networking event on Tues., Feb. 25 at 5:30pm at the Comfort Inn in Randolph, MA

There’s still time to sign up for My Pinnacle Network’s Speed Networking event on Tuesday, February 25 at the Comfort Inn at 1374 North Main Street (Route 28) in Randolph. But not much time–or much space for that matter.

The evening will kick off with a cocktail hour followed by a short talk by FocalPoint Coaching’s Greg DeSimone on networking tips. Then, it’s straight into the speed networking, where attendees will literally sit down with every attendee to hear his or her elevator pitch and vice versa.

After the speed networking portion, we’ll convene for additional, informal networking.

The cost to attend is $19.95. There will be a cash bar and light hors d’oeuvres served. To register click here.

To date, about one third of the people who have signed up for Speed Networking are MPN members. So, if you are a My Pinnacle Network member and concerned about signing up and seeing a lot of people you already know, that’s not going to happen.

Again, we’re getting down to the home stretch and this will probably be the last Speed Networking event we hold for a while. Do not delay as space is limited!

Register now.

Last call for Speed Networking on Feb. 25Read More

Network better with a coach. FocalPoint Business Coach Greg DeSimone to be featured speaker at February 25 speed networking event for B2B professionals at Comfort Inn in Randolph, MA.

Greg DeSimone of FocalPoint Coaching will be the featured speaker at My Pinnacle Network’s Speed Networking event on Feb. 25 at the Comfort Inn in Randolph, MA.

RANDOLPH, MA…

FocalPoint Coaching’s Greg DeSimone has been added as the featured speaker at My Pinnacle Network’s “Speed Networking” event Tuesday, February 25, 5:30 p.m. at The Comfort Inn, 1374 North Main Street (Route 28), Randolph, MA 02368.  DeSimone will be speaking on networking techniques and fine-tuning your elevator pitch.

“While there may be born networkers, it is a skill you can learn. In addition to his success as a business coach for small and family-owned businesses, Greg is a connector and can provide Speed Networking attendees some invaluable networking tips they can employ that night and in their future networking efforts,” said Steve Dubin, founder of My Pinnacle Network.

A former CPA with more than 18 years of financial and management experience, DeSimone is a Brian Tracey certified business coach with more than 250 hours of study to obtain certification. DeSimone takes a personal and proactive coaching model to work with clients on improving their business in the areas of time, team, money and exit strategies.

In addition to hearing DeSimone, Speed Networking attendees will have the opportunity to meet at least 25 business owners and executives via one minute introductions and then head to the reception area and bar to pursue lengthier conversations with those who you share common ground.

Admission is $19.95. First come, first served; 50 people maximum.  Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar.

To attend the Speed Networking event, please formally RSVP at https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07e8ufyzim04e996ba&oseq=&c=&ch=  or contact Steven V. Dubin at  SDubin@MyPinnacleNetwork.com or 781-582-1061. 

Network better with a coach. FocalPoint Business Coach Greg DeSimone to be featured speaker at February 25 speed networking event for B2B professionals at Comfort Inn in Randolph, MA.Read More