It always amazes me when someone can't answer a question ...

It always amazes me when someone can't answer a question and they don't just say so. No one can know everything, and some questions can't be answered without revealing confidential information. It's not a sign or weakness or ignorance to say "I don't know" or ""I can't answer!" ...

Your absolutely right! Obviously there was a huge commun...

Your absolutely right! Obviously there was a huge communication issue here. The further the story gets away from the one involved, the more it will change. If it went to another person it would have taken another turn. The fact that others answered for him, and if it was part of their strategy, then he should have had a prepared statement for them to read that reaffirmed, without change, what he already said.

Your idea is really good. Awards not only increases perso...

Your idea is really good. Awards not only increases personal confidence, but also an organizatio's image. Whenever a company wins an award, magazines and news papers publish the news. In the process the company's name gets spread and it builds a good public image.

Getting an award is always a sweet thing and it can surel...

Getting an award is always a sweet thing and it can surely give you something to celebrate. however, what I touch is that in many parts of the world, there are people and organizations who would give you award if you give them some money. If you go for one of them, it can backfire.

Great article. I edit a web based small business televisi...

Great article. I edit a web based small business television channel and magazine in Australia - 'I'm Boss TV'. There are some great articles and TV segments on PR. Feel free to take a look and send through any feedback. www.ImBoss.tv. And feel free to submit any articles for consideration across any of the categories. We're always looking for content and contributors from around the globe. - Jake Challenor ...

My neighbor 2 doors down is the national sales manager fo...

My neighbor 2 doors down is the national sales manager for Sony. Maybe I can ask him what is going on. Japanese culture is actually very into "saving face.' Mike ...

Previewing your Comment: In the world of Tivo and fast f...

Previewing your Comment: In the world of Tivo and fast forwarding through commercials, companies should be honored that there are programs out there that allow them the opportunity to showcase their products and pay for the time on television. Pay for play is the wave of the future because we choose to watch these shows, we are choosing not to watch commercials. PR of course isn't interested in it, because they would be out of a job, which ofcourse they get paid for to "do it free". But really...how much are they getting paid to promote these products? Get over it, and get into the real world. As Matt Lauer says "What should we think about...?" You should be able to hear what's out there and make your own choices, not have someone recommend it.

Great article. I edit a web based small business televisi...

Great article. I edit a web based small business television channel and magazine in Australia - 'I'm Boss TV'. There are some great articles and TV segments on PR. Feel free to take a look and send through any feedback. www.ImBoss.tv. And feel free submit any articles for your credit across any of the categories. We're always looking for content and contributors. - Jake Challenor ...

Well I hate to say this, but what's new? I've been yellin...

Well I hate to say this, but what's new? I've been yelling this for a year now and it is interesting to see those who did nay say this now change their tune. Customer experience may be new to the IT world, and this "Johnny comes lately" scenario is quite normal to most Tech developers, however in the business world we have been developing this insight for sometime and it's still changing. The customer defines value, they always have. They also define the brand and they drive competition as a competitive force not as an asset. Hmm, now those are truths to live by. Now, for the branding audience out there, it would be good to understand that the brand or branding is not an experience nor can it define the total customer experience. Actually the experience defines the brand. Even within the terms defined as experience by the branding community the idea of customer experience is very limited. The brand is no more than a logo or name with a perception fixed to it. Whether it matches that of the customer has never been an issue because by branding standards it is the brand that defines that. WRONG! It is the customer?s perception and not the branding industries ego, especially in today's customer defined markets where defining the brand by convention is an exercise in futility. Yes it is a life long journey of the customer, but not the brand. You have it a little twisted. Customers have to come first. If your going to intreat the press do it as though they are your customers, they actually are. It is their experience that is most meaningfull not how they percieve the brand.

Good article! One of your best! There is a fine ethical...

Good article! One of your best! There is a fine ethical line being crossed more and more in every field, not just in journalism, so it's refreshing to read what you have to say on this specific issue!

Hi Lauren, That is so great to hear! And I'm humbled you...

Hi Lauren, That is so great to hear! And I'm humbled you remembered my letter in Fast Company. Great work on your end for getting your letter published! How did it help your business and what angle did your letter take? Best, Nettie ...

Hi Dick, Feel free to email me directly on this. I had a...

Hi Dick, Feel free to email me directly on this. I had a couple questions for you before I answer. What is your product and who is your target demographic? On thinking outside the box, I've got to say that I'm for it depending on if it is a good fit for a product, because traditional advertising is changing so rapidly and there are so many more creative ways to get your message out. Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you. Nettie ...

Do you have any comments on using innovative distribution...

Do you have any comments on using innovative distribution resources for advertising in local markets? ie...I was recently approached by a marketing company whose distribution resource was the back of the register tape receipt at the supermarkets (generally coupons were the norm but some public service announcements were also on the tape). The ad product is very low-cost in comparison and seems innovative and "outside the box" from the traditional forms of advertising. The ad product also seems to give a large amount of "instant" exposure with the huge 24/7 customer base of the local grocery store. But, I am getting a lot of negative response from my current marketing advisor on the use of this type of advertising, (maybe I should replace my advisor!). What do you think?

Great advice. I just wrote my first letter to the editor ...

Great advice. I just wrote my first letter to the editor of our local paper and it got published. I'm definitely going to look for more opportunities. And, by the way, Fast Company is my favorite print magazine and I specifically remember reading your Letter to the Editor!

Nettie, this is a great tip. I've monitored several topic...

Nettie, this is a great tip. I've monitored several topics relating to my industry through Google Alerts for over a year. It is amazing what one can learn about their industry and their industry counterparts as to what is new, innovative, and what is currently getting into the spotlight.

Hi Ford, Thanks for your note. As a journalist, I think ...

Hi Ford, Thanks for your note. As a journalist, I think it's valuable to have a PR rep at the table only if it brings new information. I don't think most SMBs or even Mid-size companies need a PR rep at interviews and I would agree with you completely that taking time to interview or echo the speaker's comments is not effective. I do however think it is valuable if you have a company who is intent on working with a PR Rep (like a Microsoft, Wal-Mart etc.) that the PR rep know what the reporter's interests are etc. and can be helpful in setting up the interview, so I do think there is some value to that. But overall in a short interview that was the sample I used, it is much more valuable to speak to one spokesperson, not have other folks on the phone and get the answers without additional backup etc. Many times too the journalist will come to the call having done a large amount of research on potential deals and the client's business, so they know exactly what questions they still need answered and know who they need to get the answer from. I'm a PR person too so I understand the delicate balance of the question and efforts you raise and think PR folks are valuable to a company as well. I just don't think it is necessary for them to be there for the most part at interviews and interspersing comments with the interviewee and the interviewer. Keep reading! Nettie ...

Hi Nettie, I agree a PR pro sitting in on a media intervi...

Hi Nettie, I agree a PR pro sitting in on a media interview ought to mostly be listening and not echoing the interviewee's comments. However, adding or reminding the interviewee of relevent facts, keeping the client/boss on track and on time, noting agreements or prospective future opportunities as well as learning more about both the client's business and the reporter/editor's interests are all valuable reasons for a PR pro being involved. Many companies require a PR rep's presence at interviews for these and other reasons. Taking time from the interview to second or echo the speaker's comments is obviously not effective.

I am a man from china, and i represent the largest manufa...

I am a man from china, and i represent the largest manufacturer of cast steel shot, ect.you are welcomed to our web:www.kai-tai.com.cn. fortunately i visit your blog, and here could you kindly introduce me some way to find the list of your country's companys. And you could help us to find an agent of your area. ths for your kindly reading my mail. best regards , yours faithfully, george, tel:+86-543-4262157 ...

I have worked as a journalist and also as a media support...

I have worked as a journalist and also as a media support person for organizations. Having good relationship with the journalsits really pay off. Of course, do not try to bribe them or buy them. Just focus on having a good relationship with them and promote your products casually. However, you must have a genuine interest for the journallist and your products- both.

Hi Razib, Thanks for posting! You make an excellent po...

Hi Razib,

Thanks for posting! You make an excellent point of getting tto know journalists. And nothing makes a journalist cover your company more than them knowing you're familiar with their work and coverage. And that you're genuinely interested in the journalist and the product is absolutely the key!

Nettie ...