'Publicize Your Dream!'

By Chuck Whiting

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and get some publicity? If so, then I'm ready and eager to help you.

Did you know that reporters and editors throw away approximately 90 percent of the press releases they receive? That's why it's crucial to find the perfect hook, use the inverted pyramid structure, and write in Associated Press style. The easier you make it for the media pros, the better chance you'll have to see your "big story" in print or online.  Some stories remain in the Internet search engines for years.

I will be leading my in-depth, four-week " Publicizing Your Dream" class on Tuesdays from March 2-23, 2010 in Brentwood, Tenn. Each session will run from 7-9:30 p.m., with additional time for follow-up questions and critiques. Artists, entrepreneurs and organizational leaders will learn all aspects of publicity, including the tools reporters and editors use; developing a news hook; writing and editing a press release; and distributing the release to the news media. I plan to walk attendees through the process step by step with feedback and professional critiques.  My goal is to have everyone holding a pitch-ready press release in their hands when the class ends.

One of my Virginia students wrote me this moving letter...

"I wanted to send you my first press release (newspaper story) of my career... thanks to you.  You may recognize it as my homework from your workshop.  Initially, I hadn't planned on using it, but the piece came in handy at the last minute.  A customer came to the show specifically to buy the print.  She bought it plus the original!  Her sale totaled $500, just from this press release.  Thank you so much for taking your time and coming all this way to give this wonderful workshop.  I now understand how valuable a press release can be.  And, thank you for extending yourself so freely to others." -- Visual Artist in Independence, Va.

Here's a brief bio sketch. I'm a former newspaper reporter who has served the arts, entertainment, hospitality and tourism industries for more than 25 years. I coordinated PR for the Opryland Hotel before founding my own company, Whiting Publicity & Promotions, in 1993. I also teach communication courses as an adjunct professor for Middle Tennessee State University and Volunteer State Community College. I am the co-author and co-songwriter of the children's book, "The Littlest Star: a musical story"; editor of the arts newsletter Music City Arts Update; and founder/emcee of the monthly songwriters show, "Tunesmithing on Music Row".

My "Publicizing Your Dream" class will be hosted by Just Say Yes International at the Heart House in Brentwood, Tenn. Advance registration is required.  For more information or to register, call (615) 242-9857 or send me an e-mail message at  Arts@WhitingPublicity.com.

PR Step #1: Build A Good Self-Image

By Chuck Whiting

NASHVILLE -- If you could do anything in the world you wanted to do, what would that be? 

 

I used to ask that question during lunchtime strolls on downtown Birmingham's tree-lined avenues and/or standing in front of the massive Albert Bierstadt painting of Yosemite at the Birmingham Museum of Art.  Despite having a great job at Alabama Power Co., I wanted "more" of what was true to my creative self.  For me, the answer became artistically clear. I wanted to combine my talents to land a successful career doing what I loved: journalism and songwriting.  To accomplish that, I would have to quit a good-paying job, pursue a second bachelor's degree (in music), and move to one of the nation's three entertainment capitals.  After years of dreaming and a lot of hard work, I found myself working in Nashville as the PR representative for the Opryland Hotel.  Now, 17 years later, I'm working as a successful publicist, educator, author and musical composer.  My dream remains very much alive.

 

In the coming weeks, I will be sharing what I think are the 10 most important PR steps every entrepreneur or artist should do to accomplish his or her dream.  These career/life suggestions come from my "Publicizing Your Dream" lecture series.  I realize that every walk in life is different.  Still, I hope that some of my experiences and insights will prove helpful to you.

 

#1 -- Build a Good Self-Image:

 

*  Believe in Yourself and DO WHAT YOU LOVE.   It's very hard to accomplish your dream if you can't see it happening or you're not willing to take a risk.  A positive, determined attitude is an essential ingredient to success.  The story is that in his pre-stardom days, Jim Carrey would stand on a Hollywood hilltop yelling, "I'm a big star!". Hit songwriter Jason Bloom resorted to eating cat food during his "hungry" days.  Angela Grett overcame her difficult experiences as the child of a bipolar parent to become an acclaimed author.  They are all doing what they love -- and dogged determined doing it.

 

*  Care about others.  What you do for others will return to you 100 fold (or more).

 

*  Look good.  When we take care of ourselves, others notice. 

 

*  Watch what you say.  We're tempted to tell people where to go when they criticize us.  However, my experience has shown me that it's best to pause and think something through before reacting.  Sometimes the best response is to smile and say nothing.  Try not to burn bridges.

 

*  Be honest.  Do what you say you will, and don't over-exaggerate your credentials.  If you performed on a George Strait record, don't later write that one of your songs went platinum.

 

*  Have a spiritual life.  Know who gave you your talents, and be thankful for what you have.

 

Obviously, there's a lot more I could write about building a good self-image.  I would love to hear your thoughts on this step, including an example of something you've learned.  Like you, I'm always in learning mode.  Please share it here or at one of my upcoming "Publicizing Your Dream" classes or workshops.  In the meantime, much success to you.  Please check back soon for PR step #2.

 

 

 

(* NOTE:  To learn more, please join me in Nashville this spring for my four-week PR class, "Publicizing Your Dream: The Nuts and Bolts of Writing, Editing & News Media Exposure".)

 

Copyright 2010 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED (Printed and distributed by permission only)

Chuck Whiting is president and founder of Whiting Publicity & Promotions, a Nashville-based PR firm that specializes in publicity for the arts, entertainment and hospitality industries.  He also is the co-author and co-songwriter of The Littlest Star: a musical story, an internationally distributed holiday picture book and music CD.  His company recently published Debbie Watts' latest book, Wordabulous!.  Chuck teaches media writing at Middle Tennessee State University.  You may contact him at (615) 242-9857 or Arts@WhitingPublicity.com .