Category Archives: Publicity

Dave Lieber: Storyteller, Author, and Yankee Cowboy

Posted by HiddenHelper on October 2nd, 2007

Dave Lieber, unknown to me before last Thursday, is someone who left a big impression on me. A columnist for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dave Lieber is a fantastic storyteller. His presentation alternately made me laugh and moved me to tears. He demonstrated, by showing, not telling, how to use “your story” in marketing your product or service.

We spoke briefly at the conference, he asked me what I did, and gave me some great, unsolicited advice for marketing a service I provide. He’s obviously got great business sense and knows a great deal about many topics. (I guess you’d have to as a columnist!) I started reading his book, The Dog of My Nightmares. It’s a collection of his newspaper columns that are insightful and entertaining. Look for a full review when I’m finished reading.

Head over to his website to check out at least the introductory video. I usually don’t like video on websites because it takes (gasp) a few seconds to load. But his is worth the wait. Don’t forget to pick up a copy of his book while you’re there. It’s easily read in short bursts because each story is only a few pages long.

Thanks Dave, for your presentation and your advice.

On attending the Infinity Conference

Posted by HiddenHelper on October 1st, 2007

Where to begin?

From last Thursday through yesterday, I attended the Infinity Publishing’s Express Yourself conference in Valley Forge, PA. I spoke at Writer’s Day on Thursday on how to self-edit and how to hire and use a professional editor. I had a PowerPoint and Klickerz interactive presentation planned, but as luck would have it, the projector was giving us fits and I had to change midstream. Mental note: Always have a plan B and don’t be too dependant on technology! I think it went okay though.

On Friday, I participated in an editing panel along with Beth Mansbridge, Melanie Rigney, LinDee Rochelle, Caryn Search and Emily Lawless. What was interesting was that we had a variety of different specialties amongst us, sometimes had different definitions of the varieties of editing, and all had different pricing structures.

And of course, we had some great presentations from presenters I will profile over the next week or so. I also have some pictures but with my new camera and picture software, I’m having issues trying to get them from the photo software to regular picture files and then online. So stay tuned until I talk to my photo tech support (Ed).

It’s always great to reconnect with colleagues and friends. And my thanks goes out to Infinity Publishing for allowing me to be a part of this great event.

I’m so proud!

Posted by HiddenHelper on September 24th, 2007

Thank you to VANA for awarding me the “VAccolade business entrepreneur of the week”. A special thanks goes out to Taryn Merrick of Merrick Management And Media Services for nominating me.

I encourage all VAs to add VAnetworking.com to their arsenal of helpful resources. They have almost 8,000 VA members, a variety of educational and networking opportunities, and a basic membership is free!

I’m mentioned on ABCNews.com!

Posted by HiddenHelper on July 31st, 2007

Last week I was interviewed by Rodney Schussler of ABCNews.com. Today the article appeared, entitled, Virtually There: Small Businesses Look Far Away for Help.

Fellow VAs Candy Beauchamp Nina Feldman, and Sue Kramer, whom I’ve all met in-person, are also mentioned in the article. I’m wishing I didn’t make the comment about the $20 bill, but it’s all true! Of course, a 20-minute conversation with a reporter is whittled down to 2 or 3 sentences!

So tonight, I’m enjoying my 15 minutes of fame!

Photography update

Posted by HiddenHelper on July 7th, 2007

The photographer came yesterday and took a few pictures. I know I won’t be too horrified because he had a digital picture and showed me the ones he thought would go in the article (two). He was a freelancer that just graduated from art school and was very nice which made it less intimidating.

Getting media coverage is such a roll of the dice. Corie and I put out this press release jointly. I think it’s the second one we did but the first one that got coverage. From comparing notes, they interviewed her more and only took photos of me, so I have no idea what the angle of the article will be, if it will balance mine and Corie’s business equally, or what will actually be in the paper.

I am excited to see though!

Hidden Helper