Under “1 — Wing Sauce” the receipt read: “F—in Needy Kids.”

I’ll say this once more: never write anything online, on a receipt or even a dang cocktail napkin you wouldn’t be comfortable with the whole world seeing. Business owners, I know this is common sense, and you’d assume grownups wouldn’t do stupid crap like this–but you should never assume…

Remember, it’s up to you to train your staff not to do this stuff. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of PR cure.

What are your thoughts? The comments section is open–though please keep it clean. No slurs or profanity allowed.

Pick a path. Photo credit: 2013 J. Alexander Greenwood. All rights reserved.

By Alex Greenwood

Ever get stuck? Hit high center? You can’t make a decision, so you remain paralyzed?

Nah. me neither. (Kidding.)

It happens to me every now and then. I get into a funk because my results aren’t so great, or my creativity seems to have taken a vacation without me and I end up paying the airfare anyway. So, I remain frozen, making no decision. Inertia takes over. I just stand there, numerous paths ahead of me, unable to make a move.

Whether it’s making a decision about expanding my business, knuckling down to write a new chapter of my next book or making a decision about client strategy–I’ve been there, standing at the crossroads.

Seth Godin says (I’m paraphrasing) you’re no good to anybody if you can’t make a decision. If you can’t commit to ship (his word for getting work done and turned in–in effect, being decisive.):

You – everyone in fact – have all it takes to be a brilliant designer, creator, or author. All that’s holding you back is the lizard. It’s that little voice in the back of your head, the “but” or the “what if” that speaks up at the crucial moment and defeats the joy and insight you brought to the project in the first place. It’s the lizard that ruins your career, stunts your projects, and hinders your organization.

He elaborates about “tricks” you can use to get past this state of inertia. Read his book if you want to know more.

However, free of charge, I’ll offer you my solution. The minimum.

If you’re stuck–can’t make a decision, paralyzed, frozen…here’s what I recommend: make a deal with yourself the night before your next day at work.

Look in the mirror and tell yourself

“Tomorrow all you have to do are these three things…”

What those things are doesn’t matter. It could be “I’ll walk/jog/run two miles,” or “I’ll do the dishes” or “I’ll write one hundred words then I can quit” or “I’ll make one cold call.” Whatever the three things are–no matter how small–I guarantee you’ll be amazed at your productivity once you realize you can, indeed, achieve something.

My third novel was like that. I was stuck after writing the first three chapters. I waited a few weeks and became more and more frustrated. Finally, I quit putting it off and told myself I would write a minimum of 100 words a day. Well, once I hit 1oo words on most days I kept on writing. I soon  averaged 1000 to 1500. The draft was finished in a month.

So try it. Baby steps. Achieve those small things, and you may just find the big things take care of themselves.

I can see you. Can you see me? Image: Universal Studios

By Alex Greenwood
(Cross-posted with Goodreads)

A prominent business publication flattered me a few months ago by asking for an interview about my bestselling ebook (and now audiobook) Kickstarter Success Secrets and seminar on how to succeed at crowdfunding.

The reporter wanted to do an email interview–she sent questions, I sent back answers. Well, I guess my answers weren’t all that interesting, as the interview never made it to print or online. But you, dear reader, can read this “invisible interview” and decide for yourself…

And now the conclusion. If you missed part one, click here.

What types of businesses/business campaigns benefit the most from crowdfunding efforts through Kickstarter and why?

A flawed stereotype assumes only “artsy” types benefit from crowdfunding. I’ve seen brilliant ideas for everything from an ingenious minefield-clearing device to films to books along with loads of innovative Smartphone accessories. Manufacturers of “tech eye-candy” devices can do well, just as many writers, artists and musicians do. However, it’s not always about product; I’ve also participated in a crowd-fundraiser to help a fellow author pay for his son’s cancer treatment.

What types don’t?

Crowdfunding is probably not a great platform for businesses that don’t offer a tangible final product. I also can’t see it being much of a help to a business that can’t explain its product, service or mission in 140 characters or less.
What are some specific ways a business can convey it is credible on Kickstarter?

Be transparent and authentic. Make a contract with your backers. To those ends, I created a humorous video. It was amateurish and corny, but it showed I’m an earnest, real guy who probably wasn’t going to take backer cash and flee to Costa Rica. I also provided links to my Facebook page, the Amazon pages for previous books in my series and a positive review of one of my books. I posted a “date certain” when the book would be delivered. People saw proof that I’m a serious writer and that they would get a book out of me. If you’re vague about who you are or how and when you’ll deliver your product, you create doubt. That doubt can make the difference between new backers or people taking a pass.

What are some key bullet points entrepreneurs should include in the timelines you’re recommending they keep?

• Start with a solid platform of engaged social media followers. It doesn’t have to be thousands, but it should be populated with people who believe in you and feel that you’re part of their tribe. I Tweeted, Facebooked and emailed hundreds of people for three weeks; ultimately, it was 38 generous backers who funded 106% of my goal.

• Establish good perks. Offer some fun, “sexy” things. If you’re a writer, offer to name a character in your book for high-paying backers. If you’re selling an iPhone accessory that will eventually go into mass production, make sure you offer a “Kickstarter-only” model exclusive to backers. People want to feel special–part of an elite group–and they deserve to be treated that way if they’re there for you on the “ground floor.”

• Give your campaign the proper amount of time. I raised my goal 25 hours shy of three weeks. My campaign ended just as “victory lap” backers started contributing; nothing breeds success like success. Unfortunately, I turned off the campaign just as word was spreading that my project would make it. In retrospect, I wish I had given it 28 days; I might have made more “bonus” money for my project.

• Communicate. Before, during and after the campaign, let prospective and pledged backers know what’s going on. If you succeed in getting funded, update backers frequently on production and delivery dates. If you’re running late, let backers know. Consider also padding your delivery date by a week or so. Trust me on that one, especially if you’re depending on printers, manufacturers or shipping services.

• Deliver. Most crowdfunding is “buyer beware.” There are successful projects out there that failed to ship. The project creators kept the money and that’s that. If you succeed but get in the weeds and don’t think you can fulfill your promises, refund as much money as you can. Once ruined, you can’t buy back a good reputation.

Invisibility isn't what it's cracked up to be.

(Cross-posted with Goodreads)

By Alex Greenwood

A prominent business publication flattered me a few months ago by asking for an interview about my bestselling ebook (and now audiobook) Kickstarter Success Secrets and seminar on how to succeed at crowdfunding.

The reporter wanted to do an email interview–she sent questions, I sent back answers. Well, I guess my answers weren’t all that interesting, as the interview never made it to print or online. But you, dear reader, can read this “invisible interview” and decide for yourself…

Exactly when did you run your Kickstarter campaign?

My campaign “Give My PaperBack a Ghost of A Chance” ran July 5-26, 2012.
What was the financial goal of the campaign and what were you raising money for?

I wanted $1500 to help cover costs for a paperback version of the third book of my John Pilate mystery series, Pilate’s Ghost. Any excess funds would be earmarked for an audiobook version of the first book in my series, Pilate’s Cross.

How much money did you raise?

I raised $1600 from 38 backers. That’s 106% of my goal, raised in three weeks–about one week shy of the recommended length of time for a Kickstarter campaign. Pilate’s Ghost was published on Halloween 2012, and the Pilate’s Cross audiobook will be released later this spring.

What creative perks did you offer your backers?

Perks included autographed copies of Pilate’s Ghost and the other two books in the series, downloads of the ebook versions of the series and my award-winning short story Obsidian. I also placed the backer’s name on the book series website and acknowledgements page of the book. The most interesting perk was $150; I named a character in the book after the backer or the person of their choice (with proper permissions, of course). I had two takers for that. One backer had a character named after his daughter, another after his wife. These weren’t major characters, but they were pivotal to the story in their own way. That was fun.
When you say “top-selling ebook,” what does that mean?

Kickstarter Success Secrets, a memoir of my crowdfunding experience, was ranked #1 in sales on the Kindle Store Shopping & Commerce sales chart; it also peaked at #3 on the Kindle Store E-Commerce chart. It has also sold on Barnes and Noble.com and iBookstore.

What is the biggest mistake people make with Kickstarter campaigns?

People often enter into crowdfunding impulsively. By its very nature, Kickstarter is geared towards helping creative people get funding for projects. However, I’ve found that creative people often don’t have an objective view of their work’s marketability, and frequently don’t think strategically about managing their Kickstarter campaign from start to finish.

Therefore, they end up either overestimating the support their project will garner, or they have a good project but haven’t planned a means of communication that will reach the niche that may fund it. One big problem is lacking a solid network of people willing to help you spread the word–the vast majority of my funds were raised through my social media channels. If you don’t have a good Facebook or Twitter presence–or at least a killer email list–you better get one before you even think of crowdfunding.

Come back tomorrow for Part 2, where I discuss my top tips for crowdfunding success in the epic conclusion of this invisible interview.

image: Universal Studios

By Luke Murphy

It can almost be said with certainty that I didn’t follow the path of the average writer. As a child, I never dreamed of writing a best-seller, never aspired to write the next classic novel, I wanted to be an NHL superstar…period.

With the death of my mother in 1992, losing a battle to cancer she had fought so hard against for years, I sensed it was time to get serious about reaching my dreams, and moved away to pursue hockey.

From 1992-1995, while playing for the Pembroke Lumber Kings in the Central Junior Hockey League, I noticed a shift in the game of hockey and realized that the odds of making it to the NHL were unfavorable for a kid who stood 5’9’’ and weighed 160 pounds. So, my goals shifted. I accepted a hockey scholarship to Rochester Institute of Technology. If I couldn’t make a living playing hockey, at least I could achieve an education and open doors for my future.

After four rewarding years at College, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing, I wasn’t ready to give up on the game I love.

I attended the Florida Panthers Rookie Camp and played well, playing in four games, as well as scoring the game winning goal against the Ottawa Senators.

Unfortunately, I broke my hand in an awkward hit in my fourth exhibition game that ended my camp, but my hard work paid off. The Panthers offered me a Minor League contract, $500 a week to play the game I love. I spent six years in the minors and retired in 2006 with no regrets.

From a family of avid readers, even as a child, I always had a passion for books. Whether it was reading novels on road trips or writing assignments in school, literature was always part of my life.

In the winter of 2000, after sustaining a season ending eye injury while playing in Oklahoma City, I found myself with a lot of time on my hands, and a new hobby emerged.

One day, with an idea in mind, I sat down in front of a computer and began writing. I wrote a little every day, around my intense rehabilitation schedule and before I knew it, I had completed my first manuscript.

I didn’t write with the intention of being published. I wrote for the love of writing, as a hobby. Ever the perfectionist, I didn’t see my novel at the level to compete with best-selling authors across the country. I continued to hobby write through the years, honing my craft, making time between work and family obligations.

Then I made a decision – I enjoyed writing so much, I decided I wanted to take my interest one step further – write a story with the intention of being published. I realized that I wanted to be like my favorite authors – entertain readers and allow them, like when I read, to escape reality and for a moment be in another place and time.

I’ve never been one to take things lightly or jump in half way. I took a full year off from writing to study the craft. I constantly read, from novels in my favorite genres to books written by experts in the writing field. I continually researched on the internet, reading up on the industry and process. I attended writing conferences and made friends (published and unpublished authors), bombarding them with questions and learning what it took to become successful.

Feeling that I was finally prepared, in the winter of 2007, with an idea in mind and an outline on paper, I started to write DEAD MAN`S HAND. It took me two years (working around full time jobs) to complete the first draft of my novel.

I then worked with editors and joined a critique group, doing anything I could to learn, to improve my writing and my novel to point where I could create the best possible novel.

I sent out hundreds of query letters to agents. After six months of rejections, I pulled my manuscript back and worked on it again. Then in my next round of proposals, I was offered representation by Ms. Jennifer Lyons of the Jennifer Lyons Literary Agency.

After months of work with Jennifer, and more rejections from publishers, my dream was finally realized in April, 2012, when I signed a publishing contract with Imajin Books.

My one piece of advice for all aspiring hockey players and writers…you need to be persistent, patient and thick-skinned. You’ll get a lot of “no’s” along the way and people trying to bring you down. But remember, it only takes one “yes”. Stick with it. Anything is possible.

About DEAD MAN’S HAND …

What happens when the deck is stacked against you…

From NFL rising-star prospect to wanted fugitive, Calvin Watters is a sadistic African-American Las Vegas debt-collector framed by a murderer who, like the Vegas Police, finds him to be the perfect fall-guy.

…and the cards don’t fall your way?

When the brutal slaying of a prominent casino owner is followed by the murder of a well-known bookie, Detective Dale Dayton is thrown into the middle of a highly political case and leads the largest homicide investigation in Vegas in the last twelve years.

What if you’re dealt a Dead Man’s Hand?

Against his superiors and better judgment, Dayton is willing to give Calvin one last chance. To redeem himself, Calvin must prove his innocence by finding the real killer, while avoiding the LVMPD, as well as protect the woman he loves from a professional assassin hired to silence them.

What Readers Say:

“Dead Man’s Hand is a pleasure, a debut novel that doesn’t read like one, but still presents original characters and a fresh new voice.” Thomas Perry, New York Times bestselling author of Poison Flower

“You may want to give it the whole night, just to see how it turns out.”—William Martin, New York Times bestselling author of The Lincoln Letter

About Luke Murphy

Luke Murphy lives in Shawville, Quebec with his wife, two daughters and pug.

He played six years of professional hockey before retiring in 2006. Since then, he’s held a number of jobs, from sports columnist to radio journalist, before earning his Bachelor of Education degree (Magna Cum Laude).

Murphy`s debut novel, Dead Man`s Hand, was released by Imajin Books on October 20, 2012.

For more information on Luke and his books, visit: www.authorlukemurphy.com, ‘like’ his Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Luke-Murphy/268343729930467 and follow him on Twitter www.twitter.com/#!/AuthorLMurphy

Disclosure: Mr. Murphy is not a client of AlexanderG PR.

Photo By Tiberiu Ana

I’ve written previously about “The Bump.” Put simply:

“Your interview is important, but it has been bumped by something more newsworthy.”

It happens. Roll with it. (Read the post for more on that.)

Interestingly, there’s something related to the bump that’s just as frustrating; I call it “The Dump.”

Let’s say you pitch a reporter on a story or interview. The reporter says “Yes, I like it,” then interviews you or your client–or has you complete an email “interview.” Once complete,  you wait.

And wait.

And wait. Weeks pass and no story appears online, in print or via broadcast.

Soon you realize that the story was either killed (the editor didn’t like it, a better story came up, too similar to a recent story, your interview/info wasn’t all that interesting, no room in the publication, etc.) or the reporter simply forgot about it and moved on.

Hence, “the Dump.”

Been there. Done that. It’s not a good feeling, and it’s even worse when the reporter doesn’t tell you they’ve elected to dump the story.

For example, I once invested a couple of hours on an email interview with a publication. Many weeks later, the interview remained unpublished. Beyond checking that my interview was received, I didn’t follow up with the reporter (who has a bit of a reputation for this sort of thing). It’s obvious the story isn’t going anywhere, and I’d rather not waste my time (or the reporter’s) trying to litigate the merits of the story any further.

Trust me, it’s more than an average “bad day” when you have to explain to a CEO client that the twenty minutes they spent on the phone with a reporter (whilst running to catch a plane at LAX) isn’t going to materialize–particularly if the reporter gives you the silent treatment when you follow up. I don’t like it–I think it’s common courtesy to tell an interviewee or their PR rep that the story is dumped–but reporters have no obligation to do so.

The point is, you can spend a lot of time, effort and energy pitching, interviewing–and yes, even writing–something that by all indicators looks like a sure thing, yet it never sees the light of day. It’s frustrating, but it helps to remember there are no guarantees (if you want guaranteed coverage, buy an ad). Even a good story or interview can simply end up–through no fault of your own–in the dump.

Don’t get mad. Remember, just like “the bump,” “the dump” may not be forever. Perhaps that same reporter will remember you as a source when a similar story pops up. So, no sense starting a feud about it. Brush yourself off and move on. Opportunity awaits.

(And you can recycle your interview on your blog…)

I received an email from LinkedIn recently, suggesting I congratulate “Jane Smith” (not her real name, obviously) on a high-profile position with a respected institution. I was stunned.

Why? Because “Jane Smith” was fresh out of college, and not twelve months earlier she had implored me to help her find a job–any job.

I’d worked in proximity with “Jane” on a project for a client, and figured that though she was indeed young and a tad immature, she deserved a shot at a job–especially in this tight economy. So, I spoke on her behalf to a client, who agreed to interview “Jane” for an open position. It wasn’t a high-prestige job, and it didn’t pay the precocious “Jane” what she wanted, but it was steady work.

“Jane” agreed to the interview.

The day of the interview, my client contacted me and said “Jane” was a no-call, no-show. She never went to the interview, never emailed, called or sent so much as a tweet telling my client she was going to ditch the meeting; nor did she ever apologize. That made me look just dandy with my client, I assure you. I emailed “Jane” and asked why she didn’t go or at least let my client know she was no longer interested.

No response.

I did a little research and found out that in between agreeing to the interview and the date for which it was scheduled “Jane” had apparently scored a job that was probably a better fit than the one offered by my client. Good for her; but I was dismayed at the rudeness and immaturity she demonstrated to my client and me. I stuck my neck out for her, and she made me (and herself) look foolish. I was stunned by her immaturity and ingratitude.

So, fast forward a year and imagine my further dismay to find out “Jane” was just promoted to a job requiring strong social skills that most people ten years older than her don’t often get. Color me flabbergasted (and what her boss was thinking when making this decision is beyond me).

Certainly “Jane” is smart, but if the networking and social skills she demonstrated previously are any indication, “Jane” will eventually make a similar mistake–and do it to someone who has a longer memory than mine. I don’t wish her ill, but I do hope she grows up–a lot. God only knows how many other people she carelessly disregarded climbing the ladder. The old saying about being good to “people on your way up…” comes to mind.

Needless to say, I did not congratulate her on LinkedIn.

It’s a nice idea, and I humbly accept the nomination.

Seven facts about me

1) At age four, I was bitten by a rat caught in a trap trying to help it escape. I got a nasty bite and rabies shots for my trouble and learned that no good deed goes unpunished. (But I still try to help people, whether they’re rats or not.)

2) I’ve written a series of mystery/thriller novels that have certainly given James Patterson absolutely nothing to worry about.

3) I never want to feel more helpless, hopeless, and angry than I did working at Children’s Hospital of Oklahoma after April 19, 1995.

4) I hate injustice and am very unpleasant when someone is bullying a vulnerable person in my presence.

5) I believe The Police are the greatest rock/pop band since the Beatles.

6) My daughter is the reason I get out of bed in the morning. I have to hear how her dreams played out.

7) I’m plotting my eventual escape from the American Midwest to a quietly freaky stretch of seaside.

My Nominations (Sorry, I know I’m probably leaving somebody out.)

Eden Baylee

Simon Jones

D. J. Bowman-Smith

Seth Godin

Jason McIntyre

Mike Brown

Tami Cannizzaro

Loren Kleinman

Lorna Suzuki

Mary Metcalfe

Mary Hutchison

It gets down to time and money.

We often get requests from local organizations, churches and non-profits asking us to perform free work. The first impulse is usually “you betcha!” but that’s not always the most realistic answer to the request.

We’re proud of our long record of helping non-profit organizations by providing free (pro bono) services. We try to perform a set amount of community service hours every year. To that end, AlexanderG PR has helped several non-profits improve their image or promote fundraisers and special events over the years. We do the work with a happy heart: it’s an honor and privilege to serve our community.

However, the realities of the economy, time/scheduling and just plain “paying the bills” prevent us from helping every non-profit organization on a pro bono basis. Don’t get me wrong–we’re happy to discuss an organization’s needs–and if it’s a good fit for everyone, we’re glad to help out. Unfortunately, it’s not always feasible for us to work gratis on a project. However, we do try to recommend another firm or PR pro who might be able to help.

When we do agree to work on a pro bono basis, we’re careful there is a clear scope of work–a list of what we will and will not be able to do. We also make certain the non-profit we’re working for understands their role and deliverables in the process. As a former non-profit board member, I know it’s easy to forget that the company doing free work needs your help in supplying information, personnel and resources to ensure a successful project.

Pro bono work recipients have to make it a two-way street to help the donating firm be as efficient and successful as possible. That’s why the scope of work (hours, deliverables, timelines, etc.) is set in advance and must be respected by the client organization–it prevents misunderstandings, unrealistic expectations and (yup) even recriminations later.

Keep that in mind if you’re the non-profit looking for pro bono help: assurances to the prospective donor firm that a point person will mind the scope of work is a huge help in winning that firm’s assistance.

We also recommend you thank the firm often. In a program, on posters, online, invite them to post-event celebrations–wherever you can. Many firms won’t ask, but they will readily accept some credit and publicly-expressed gratitude for their work.

Being a business that’s sought after for pro bono work is indeed an honor, and we highly recommend all businesses help out their community organizations when possible. The trick to it is balancing the needs of paying the bills while being an energetic community booster.

In a post by PR Pro Tips, we learn that pitching a story via Twitter can be “unnecessary and annoying.” I agree it can–especially if you set up an account expressly to spam reporters (and if you read the story in the link, you’ll see a host of other mistakes made by the source trying to get a write-up).

However, if you’ve developed a relationship with a reporter, blogger or columnist, i.e.,: you follow each other on Twitter (or even Facebook), then an occasional pitching of links is just fine.

I’ve scored at least a couple of interviews the past quarter pitching via social media. Also, note that not every reporter on Twitter has a problem with the “cold-call tweet”–just make sure your link lands somewhere with impeccable presentation and navigation (I like Pitchengine and Launch.It for Social Media Releases).  It has to be very clear what you want the reporter to look at and why.

Incidentally, you can follow me (and even pitch guest blogs) on Twitter at @A_Greenwood.