PR Chat 09-18-07

[2007.09.18 18:58:38] Welcome to the CafePress Chat Room
[2007.09.18 18:58:38] DooniDesigns has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 18:58:39] All users in this room have been allowed to talk
[2007.09.18 18:58:43] Renee has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 18:58:43] MarcCP has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 18:58:45] Blonde Designs has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 18:59:32] fusions has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 18:59:33] ninaPA has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 18:59:35] Gandalf_Parker has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 18:59:48] Karen has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:00:00] MarcCP: Hello Everyone
[2007.09.18 19:00:02] BrittaCP has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:00:02] khorah has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:00:22] BrittaCP: Hi everyone!
[2007.09.18 19:00:22] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2007.09.18 19:00:23] MarcCP: I'm going to wait one minute, I think a few people may still pop in
[2007.09.18 19:00:28] Kim - LTT has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:00:33] BrittaCP: Thanks for joining
[2007.09.18 19:00:37] FJS has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:01:02] JudiQue has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:01:03] DooniDesigns: hi
[2007.09.18 19:01:57] Alan (deadhippo) has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:02:02] gaS has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:02:13] MarcCP: Ok - lets get started
[2007.09.18 19:02:23] MarcCP: So… PR – what’s it all about – that’s what I’m here to talk about today
[2007.09.18 19:02:27] LittleLizzyLou has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:02:38] MarcCP: PR means a lot of different things to a lot of different people, and in our last chat (about how we can help Shopkeepers with PR) it became clear that a refresher course with be helpful.
[2007.09.18 19:02:51] SaraCP has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:02:52] MarcCP: What I noticed was that almost all of the questions were about press releases.
[2007.09.18 19:03:04] apparelparade has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:03:11] KC Graphics has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:03:20] SaraCP: hello everyone
[2007.09.18 19:03:23] MarcCP: And PR is about so much more. So, For the purpose of tonight let’s focus on what PR is, what it’s not, and how we think you can use it for your shop.
[2007.09.18 19:03:41] MarcCP: Thats quite a bit of stuff to talk about, but here’s the agenda
[2007.09.18 19:03:53] MarcCP: 1. What is PR, what’s NOT P
[2007.09.18 19:04:01] mamm has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:04:04] MarcCP: 2. What does the CafePress.com PR Department do
[2007.09.18 19:04:05] debbie@just4me.us has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:04:09] AngelaCP has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:04:12] MarcCP: 3. What types of PR are successful for shopkeepers/what can you do?
[2007.09.18 19:04:17] Sandra has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:04:25] MarcCP: 4. How can CafePress help?
[2007.09.18 19:04:32] MarcCP: 5. Q&A
[2007.09.18 19:04:52] MarcCP: We'll start with "what is PR"?
[2007.09.18 19:04:58] refinish69 has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:05:03] Winter has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:05:20] BrittaCP: Just a reminder, this chat is moderated. So if youmay not see your comments right away
[2007.09.18 19:05:47] BrittaCP: We'll try to get every one's questions in the hour that we have
[2007.09.18 19:05:51] Chris Scroggins has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:06:27] MarcCP: Thanks Britta - back to the program - What is PR?
[2007.09.18 19:06:39] MarcCP: A few of you may have seen some of this before – so be patient and we’ll get to Q&A ASAP
[2007.09.18 19:06:47] MarcCP: What is PR - Often pointing out the differences between PR and Advertising helps people understand what PR is…
[2007.09.18 19:06:53] apparelparade has left the room (logged out)
[2007.09.18 19:07:04] MarcCP: PR: Free Placemen
[2007.09.18 19:07:11] MarcCP: Advertising: Paid Placement
[2007.09.18 19:07:13] fusions has left the room (logged out)
[2007.09.18 19:07:21] MarcCP: PR is: Journalistic Slant – a journalist can write what they want – no matter how you position your stor
[2007.09.18 19:07:32] MarcCP: Advertising is: Controlled – you have complete creative control
[2007.09.18 19:07:34] Karen has left the room (logged out)
[2007.09.18 19:07:41] MarcCP: PR is: Usually only runs one or two times per story (there are exceptions
[2007.09.18 19:08:07] MarcCP: Advertising is: Will run as often as you are willing to pay
[2007.09.18 19:08:10] kaosnorway has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:08:20] MarcCP: PR is: Viewed as a third party endorsemen
[2007.09.18 19:08:32] MarcCP: Advertising is: Media savvy consumers know its and ad, and tend to be skeptical
[2007.09.18 19:08:41] MarcCP: PR Creates credibilit
[2007.09.18 19:08:49] MarcCP: Advertising Creates Visibility
[2007.09.18 19:08:58] cowpie has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:09:03] MarcCP: PR is: Time consuming, not easy, no guarantee
[2007.09.18 19:09:13] MarcCP: Advertising is: Easy if you have $ to spend
[2007.09.18 19:09:33] MarcCP: PR creates: Publicity, Increased Awareness, Increased Traffic, $$$ - Yes a well-placed story can increase sales.
[2007.09.18 19:09:44] MarcCP: So how is it done -
[2007.09.18 19:09:54] Lekker Jen has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:10:04] MarcCP: There are many tactics. The key to good PR is: Know your audience, know your products, tell your story (pitch) to the right media, and make sure it’s a relevant/newsworthy story.
[2007.09.18 19:10:12] MarcCP: That’s a good basic formula.
[2007.09.18 19:10:19] Chris Scroggins has left the room (logged out)
[2007.09.18 19:10:26] MarcCP: Tools? The basic tools are: press release, press contacts, email, a phone and a really good idea
[2007.09.18 19:10:37] Chris Scroggins has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:10:37] MarcCP: Creativity sure helps – before you do anything ask yourself
[2007.09.18 19:10:51] MarcCP: If I was a reporter - sitting at my desk with an in-basket of 100 press releases, and phone ringing constantly – will I want to hear your story?
[2007.09.18 19:11:02] MarcCP: So – why do it?
[2007.09.18 19:11:21] MarcCP: PR is difficult - It can be discouraging at times - but let me tell you - a placement in the LA times or even a small paper is such an amazing thing
[2007.09.18 19:11:37] MarcCP: Start by thinking of a story you want to tell. This could be about a product, your personal story, or a story about your shop.
[2007.09.18 19:12:07] MarcCP: Then find your media Target - there are tons of media possibilities - but targeting is extremely important - you need to understand who the exact person and media who will be interested in your story - that takes a lot of research
[2007.09.18 19:12:19] MarcCP: Then work on the approach. More and more often email is the best bet
[2007.09.18 19:12:33] dreamup has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:12:35] MarcCP: This can be a simple email “pitching” your story, or a formal press release.
[2007.09.18 19:12:38] KC Graphics has left the room (logged out)
[2007.09.18 19:12:48] MarcCP: In general you want to catch attention of a reporter in about one or two sentences - whether this is a press release, or an email
[2007.09.18 19:12:59] MarcCP: Or you can give them a call. Always practice your pitch so you can “sell” your story in a sentence or two.
[2007.09.18 19:13:08] MarcCP: Believe me – this is really hard.
[2007.09.18 19:13:23] MarcCP: A quick tip – when you get a reporter on the phone start by introducing yourself and saying “I have a story I think you’ll love and I’m wondering if you have one minute”.
[2007.09.18 19:13:25] Photo Girl has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:13:32] blip has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:13:41] MarcCP: You’ll then give your pitch – keep it VERY short and to the point. At the end of that minute you’ll know if they’re interested if they start asking questions. If they end the call you know its time to move on to the next reporter on your list.
[2007.09.18 19:13:42] Timewarp has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:13:45] Gretel has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:14:00] cowpie has left the room (logged out)
[2007.09.18 19:14:14] KC Graphics has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:14:15] electricgreen has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:14:30] MarcCP: anither tip – don’t pester reporters. One of the things reporters have told me is that if one person continually sends them misguided releases or pitches - they're likely to be be black listed - not sure how true it is - but it is a very important thing to remember.
[2007.09.18 19:15:52] MarcCP: So - moving on to #2 - What does the CP PR dept do...
[2007.09.18 19:16:17] MarcCP: At CafePress we call the department Communications – and it does two things, PR and it manages all corporate communications.
[2007.09.18 19:16:25] MarcCP: Tonight we focus on P
[2007.09.18 19:16:40] dirtyword has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:16:41] hi has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:16:49] MarcCP: basically we manage corporate information, company image, new product announcements, misc. branding opportunities, partnerships, trade shows, and crisis communication.
[2007.09.18 19:16:59] MarcCP: press relationships, press tours, speaking opportunities for CP staff
[2007.09.18 19:17:09] MarcCP: and the list goes on
[2007.09.18 19:17:12] MarcCP: and on
[2007.09.18 19:17:14] MarcCP: and on
[2007.09.18 19:17:19] MarcCP: and on...
[2007.09.18 19:17:32] refinish69: lol
[2007.09.18 19:17:36] Renee: ok, we gets it ;)
[2007.09.18 19:17:57] MarcCP: So, now i'm moving on to What SK's can do
[2007.09.18 19:18:33] MarcCP: Can any of you give examples of what you've done that has been successful (related to PR )?
[2007.09.18 19:18:55] KC Graphics: blogs
[2007.09.18 19:19:15] MarcCP: ok, thanks
[2007.09.18 19:19:19] MarcCP: blogs are great
[2007.09.18 19:19:21] refinish69: With your help I sent out press releases about a couple of designs and got mentioned in some small papers
[2007.09.18 19:19:44] MarcCP: That's great - I'm glad it worked - were you happy with the results?
[2007.09.18 19:20:10] debbie@just4me.us: I just started blogging and I have not gotten any sells from it-what do you suggest?
[2007.09.18 19:20:12] refinish69: Got a few sales and lots of return business fomr the areas
[2007.09.18 19:20:34] kaosnorway has left the room (logged out)
[2007.09.18 19:20:35] Gandalf_Parker: got my shop discussed on sites that were both Pro and Con to the hot topic
[2007.09.18 19:21:00] MarcCP: Great examples - thanks
[2007.09.18 19:21:36] blip has left the room (logged out)
[2007.09.18 19:21:55] heni has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:21:56] Alan (deadhippo): I had a country design where the map didn't match the name and it brought a huge amount of vistors never seen before or since...it was unintentional PR and I got a few sales from it...not that design though...which I removed to the detriment of visits to my store
[2007.09.18 19:21:59] MarcCP: We are able to help to a caertina extent - and I want to introduce Sara (again) and she'll briefly talk about what we can do to help - then we'll jump into questions...
[2007.09.18 19:22:01] preggoprincess has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:22:05] MarcCP: Sara take it away
[2007.09.18 19:22:07] cowpie has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:22:09] SaraCP: hello
[2007.09.18 19:22:19] Alan (deadhippo): hi
[2007.09.18 19:22:25] SaraCP: We went over this program in our last chat – and you can read about it here:
[2007.09.18 19:22:38] SaraCP: http://www.cafepress.com/cp/learn/pr_overview
[2007.09.18 19:22:56] SaraCP: You can…
Have your Press Release Featured in the CafePress Press Center
[2007.09.18 19:23:08] SaraCP: Have Press Coverage Featured in the CafePress Press Center
[2007.09.18 19:23:13] Chris Scroggins has left the room (logged out)
[2007.09.18 19:23:19] SaraCP: Have your products featured in the Shopkeeper "In the news..." Portal
[2007.09.18 19:23:33] Chris Scroggins has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:23:34] SaraCP: Suggest Online PR Chats and workshops
[2007.09.18 19:23:48] SaraCP: Read the tools we’ve created in the Learning center
[2007.09.18 19:24:00] Alan (deadhippo): How do we find reporters that might want to write about us or our products?
[2007.09.18 19:24:00] MarcCP: Good question - there are a few methods. One is to google the media you want and look for a staff listing. Another is to send us an email at pr@cafepress.com with the name of the media outlet (newspaper, magazine) etc - and we'll check our database for a name and contact information. The only thing to keep in mind is that this can take some time
[2007.09.18 19:24:12] SaraCP: Read about our Editorial Sample/Image Program
[2007.09.18 19:24:19] Butterfly has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:24:31] SaraCP: And more…
[2007.09.18 19:24:57] SaraCP: For instance if you know you want to contact your local paper, but don’t know who to
[2007.09.18 19:25:12] cowpie has left the room (logged out)
[2007.09.18 19:25:29] SaraCP: send me an email and I can help you find the right reporter.
[2007.09.18 19:26:10] SaraCP: OK – time for Q&A
[2007.09.18 19:26:24] refinish69: should we also send a sample product
[2007.09.18 19:26:24] MarcCP: My rule of thumb is to offer samples, and if the reporter want them, by all means. There are exceptions to this, but this is the way I usually try to go. Also - some reporters misinterpret samples as gifts, and many of them are not allowed ot accept gifts
[2007.09.18 19:26:37] refinish69: and your email is?
[2007.09.18 19:26:50] JoArtee has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:27:03] Gandalf_Parker: helped local events provide staff event shirts, stickers, aprons which got me a sponsor mention in their press releases (which also mentioned my shop)
[2007.09.18 19:27:03] SaraCP: pr@cafepress.com
[2007.09.18 19:27:25] SaraCP: that's great gandalf
[2007.09.18 19:27:30] Alan (deadhippo): I notice that that the Cafepress blog hasn't been updated since November 2006 ... is that just a failed experiment?
[2007.09.18 19:27:30] MarcCP: Its more of a stalled experiment. We're working on a strategy for how to get this started again.I hope to have this up and running later in the year. Wish me luck
[2007.09.18 19:27:31] KC Graphics has left the room (logged out)
[2007.09.18 19:28:16] Alan (deadhippo): I think that the line between PR and advertising is getting blurry as one Cafepress recommended a site where people will blog about your topic (in our case - design) .. for money
[2007.09.18 19:28:16] MarcCP: in many cases it is getting blurry...
[2007.09.18 19:28:29] Alan (deadhippo): Good luck! ..and think of me...
[2007.09.18 19:29:07] Alan (deadhippo): Are we allowed to provide urls to sites we think may be useful for PR purposes in this chat (I'm not affiliated)
[2007.09.18 19:29:07] MarcCP: sure - send them over and Britta will have a look
[2007.09.18 19:29:37] debbie@just4me.us: how can I get sales from my blog
[2007.09.18 19:29:38] BrittaCP: hi debbie, stick around after the chat and you can chat with other Shopkeepers in the lobby about using blogs
[2007.09.18 19:29:39] Gandalf_Parker: being helpful to reporters.... "Im guessing you might have a story coming up on and mentioning the CafePress activity might provide some filler. Such as "
[2007.09.18 19:29:39] SaraCP: hi gandalf
[2007.09.18 19:29:41] Alan (deadhippo): Wow, I'm getting all my questions answered...this is fantastic
[2007.09.18 19:29:54] SaraCP: in regards to your question
[2007.09.18 19:30:22] SaraCP: if you can tie your store into a current event or topic that is great
[2007.09.18 19:30:40] Sandra: I'm going to use Community Spotlight as my intro to my local paper.
[2007.09.18 19:30:40] MarcCP: Great Idea - have you filled out a form?
[2007.09.18 19:30:46] haka lue gie has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:30:58] Sandra: I am the one right now.
[2007.09.18 19:31:20] Alan (deadhippo): If you send a t-shirt to this site they say they will review it...I havn't tried it yet but I do see some Cafepressers items - http://www.tshirtwatch.com/about/
[2007.09.18 19:31:20] MarcCP: Hm - this is a new one for me, but a cool idea
[2007.09.18 19:31:40] Karen has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:31:42] SaraCP: that's new to me to
[2007.09.18 19:31:56] Shawn - Pristinephoto has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:32:45] Robb has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:32:45] BrittaCP: the spotlight is an area on our site where we'll feature you for a few weeks. Just fill email the address on the page, and we'll send you a questionarre.... if you're selected you'll be featured
[2007.09.18 19:32:59] BrittaCP: http://www.cafepress.com/cp/community/spotlight
[2007.09.18 19:33:01] The Shadow has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:33:05] debbie@just4me.us: what is community spotlight
[2007.09.18 19:33:18] BrittaCP: that was to debbie.. working in reverse today
[2007.09.18 19:33:46] ninaPA has left the room (logged out)
[2007.09.18 19:34:01] jimborimbo has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:34:04] Gretel has left the room (logged out)
[2007.09.18 19:34:38] MarcCP: I have a question for you... Has anyone here approached your local newspaper with a story? If so - what apporcah did you use, and was it successful?
[2007.09.18 19:35:07] Alan (deadhippo): payperpost.com - This was recommended in the forum, by Donna, if I remember correctly, - payperpost.com
[2007.09.18 19:35:30] Gretel has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:35:30] SaraCP: that's great alan..so what happened
[2007.09.18 19:36:07] Rchnts has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:36:20] gaS: I'm kind of surprised that radio media hasn't been mentioned. Reaches a lot of people!
[2007.09.18 19:36:20] MarcCP: I love radio - it hasn't been mentioned until now - thanks for reminding us. The only problem I've had with it lately is that more and more its becoming about advertising. However, if you can get a DJ to mention you, or a product it can be great!
[2007.09.18 19:36:40] Gandalf_Parker: providing prizes to local events can be good PR (but try not to overdo it by providing items that have your shop address as part of the image). Its the giving that will count, not the item itself. Tile boxes are good for this.
[2007.09.18 19:36:40] MarcCP: Great idea
[2007.09.18 19:37:00] Alan (deadhippo): LOL .. sorry I haven't gotten around to trying it out yet. I was waiting to here some success stories first.
[2007.09.18 19:37:39] shewolf has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:37:42] Gandalf_Parker: if you feel your shop is your business, then joining the local Chamber of Commerce can provide quite abit of PR and open doors for other PR
[2007.09.18 19:37:42] SaraCP: hi gandalf. Yes joining the local chamber of commerce is a great idea
[2007.09.18 19:37:43] Alan (deadhippo): There was a recent post in the forum about the benefits of being in the Spotlight to which I replied that I don't believe it helped my sales...I did get a lot of visitors but I believe they were mostly shopkeepers, as far as I could tell I didn't get any sales...of course that could be just my experience
[2007.09.18 19:38:03] SaraCP: as it gets your name out the general public
[2007.09.18 19:38:22] Butterfly has left the room (logged out)
[2007.09.18 19:38:24] Robb: You seem to have a lot of great marketing tips - from reading the posts out there...wish I could pick your brain...hehe
[2007.09.18 19:38:24] MarcCP: Please do - i'm alwyas slad to help when i can
[2007.09.18 19:38:45] gaS: Send them a t-shirt, go on as a local guest about your business, tons of ways to approach it. I know, because I have used it for several personal campaigns and an easier nut to crack.
[2007.09.18 19:38:45] SaraCP: hi gas
[2007.09.18 19:39:15] SaraCP: gas are u talking about radio?
[2007.09.18 19:39:34] Karen has left the room (logged out)
[2007.09.18 19:39:53] gaS: gas is Sag backwards sugar!:-D Yes, radio.
[2007.09.18 19:39:55] BrittaCP: Well Hello Sag!
[2007.09.18 19:40:09] MarcCP: I'm not seeing anymore questions come in...I still have 20 minutes... Anyone...
[2007.09.18 19:40:10] debbie@just4me.us: How can going to the chamber of congress help
[2007.09.18 19:40:31] Renee: Last year there was an article about people creating "save pluto" designs. The article didn't link directly to our store, but they mentioned a bumper sticker I created "Pluto 2006: Running as an independent planet", and we sold a lot of those. I think people found it through Google.
[2007.09.18 19:40:34] SaraCP: yes i a good idea to go to your local radio station and let them know about you and your store
[2007.09.18 19:40:56] SaraCP: provide them with some t-shirts that they can use in a giveaway
[2007.09.18 19:41:55] SaraCP: or if there is a current hot topic that they are talking about on the radio you can always try and tie your cafepress products into that
[2007.09.18 19:42:10] Alan (deadhippo): I have just noticed that there are sample PR letters to use so if you think you have some newsworthy storry you have no excuse
[2007.09.18 19:42:31] Robb: Sara - what's the best approach to join a local chamber? Just tell them "Hi, I sell t-shirts...?"
[2007.09.18 19:42:31] SaraCP: hi robb
[2007.09.18 19:42:38] SaraCP: humm good question
[2007.09.18 19:42:49] BrittaCP: http://www.cafepress.com/cp/community/spotlight
[2007.09.18 19:43:03] BrittaCP: scroll towards the bottom for all the juicy PR tutorials
[2007.09.18 19:43:07] Photo Girl: When you provide shirts, what size do you give?
[2007.09.18 19:43:07] MarcCP: If sending shirts I'd go large - its the most common. I try to send things that dont require sizes
[2007.09.18 19:43:19] MarcCP: or send jpgs
[2007.09.18 19:43:36] SaraCP: i would say i would say write up a short summary about you and how long you have had your cafepress store and what kind of items you sell
[2007.09.18 19:43:43] refinish69: I send mugs
[2007.09.18 19:43:50] SaraCP: include an image or so
[2007.09.18 19:44:36] SaraCP: marc do you have any other suggestion in regards to sigining up with the chamber of commerce
[2007.09.18 19:44:40] Timewarp: Would CP be willing to send product samples to blogs or just print newssources? If so how do you determine if the blog is worthy?
[2007.09.18 19:44:40] MarcCP: we look at every request - and have to evaluate each one individually. Generally we dont supply samples unless they are requested by a reporter for a specific story - but - if you're contacted by a reporter and they want a sample its a good idea to email us - we may be able to help
[2007.09.18 19:45:25] gaS: Listen to your favorite talkradio host. Grab a quip they use and design a t-shirt with a letter of introduction. It works!
[2007.09.18 19:46:21] refinish69: That means I would have to listen to the radio LOL
[2007.09.18 19:46:32] Timewarp: Okay thanks, I had a request for samples from a blog and sent them to the samples request form.
[2007.09.18 19:46:35] Robb: Good suggestion, gaS!
[2007.09.18 19:46:37] The Shadow: makes note to listen to talk radio
[2007.09.18 19:46:39] gaS: Uh-huh, that's right!
[2007.09.18 19:47:16] refinish69: Talk radio in Texas is not something I can listen to LOL
[2007.09.18 19:47:34] Alan (deadhippo): I often see articles in the newspaper that I think are not newsworthy and I also think my designs are not newsworthy...what advice can you give for fooling some reporter in to writing an article about me or my designs
[2007.09.18 19:47:34] MarcCP: In many cases it can be about spin. I hosted a chat once about "newsworthyness" - its important, but also kinda funny how easy it can be sometime to make a simple stroy interesteing and newsworthy. have a look at this - http://www.cafepress.com/cp/learn/pr_newsworthiness
[2007.09.18 19:47:46] Alan (deadhippo): Is getting dugg at digg (and such sites) a type of PR?
[2007.09.18 19:47:46] MarcCP: you bet!
[2007.09.18 19:47:59] gaS: Gotcha' refinish!:-D
[2007.09.18 19:48:01] Alan (deadhippo): Radio - I'm too young to remember radio.
[2007.09.18 19:48:35] JoArtee has left the room (logged out)
[2007.09.18 19:48:38] Shawn - Pristinephoto has left the room (logged out)
[2007.09.18 19:48:39] Winter has left the room (logged out)
[2007.09.18 19:48:59] BrittaCP: Alright gang.... we've got 10 minutes left... hit marc with your burning PR questions while you still can!
[2007.09.18 19:49:14] Robb: refinish....Texas is very opinionated - talk radio here is different. But usable for marketing...I'll work on it.
[2007.09.18 19:49:18] MarcCP: I'm ready - i think...
[2007.09.18 19:49:57] brandig19 has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:50:02] Alan (deadhippo): I noticed the PR pages before but because I thought my store was not newsworthy I didn't study them ...but I will definitely take a look now...thanks for that link
[2007.09.18 19:50:16] shewolf: sorry.. hello... I came in late so i'm trying to catch up on the reading.. lol
[2007.09.18 19:50:17] BrittaCP: Well have a transcript up for you shortly
[2007.09.18 19:50:48] winter has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:50:52] Robb: Cool, Britta - I need to read more transcripts...!
[2007.09.18 19:50:54] shewolf: thanks
[2007.09.18 19:51:30] BrittaCP: Robb... we have a whole collection of transcripts here: http://www.cafepress.com/cp/community/chat
[2007.09.18 19:51:35] BrittaCP: dive in and enjoy
[2007.09.18 19:51:55] Robb: Thank you - I'll do exactly that!
[2007.09.18 19:52:13] brandig19 has left the room (logged out)
[2007.09.18 19:52:17] Robb: Marc - you might talk about business card marketing - dropping some literally EVERYWHERE possible....everywhere you go type of guerilla mnarketing.
[2007.09.18 19:52:17] MarcCP: I've seen it work... good call. I've seen people leave stacks of cool bumper stickers and buttons with URL's too. Another idea is to put cool magnets around - with your URL of course
[2007.09.18 19:52:20] babydave has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2007.09.18 19:52:38] refinish69: join groups and show up wearing your designs and handing out business cards or small buttons
[2007.09.18 19:52:49] JudiQue: I've read most of those transcripts -- some great info there!
[2007.09.18 19:52:52] SaraCP: thats a great idea refinish
[2007.09.18 19:53:13] MarcCP: I've seem magnets placed on lamp posts, etc, in strategic places
[2007.09.18 19:53:29] refinish69: I belong to 35 political and civil rights groups and always show up wearing one of my designs LOL
[2007.09.18 19:54:00] Robb: Wow, refinish....I membership has its rewards.
[2007.09.18 19:54:09] SaraCP: another thing to think about
[2007.09.18 19:54:55] refinish69: I even gave John and Elizabeth Edwards coffee mugs from my shop
[2007.09.18 19:55:02] SaraCP: from what we have heard shopkeepers have had success in donating their products to a certain cause or charity
[2007.09.18 19:55:14] Photo Girl has left the room (logged out)
[2007.09.18 19:55:20] SaraCP: its a good way to get your name and product out
[2007.09.18 19:56:04] SaraCP: refinish69
[2007.09.18 19:56:27] Robb: Yes, cool ideas...I like the lamp post idea too.......dropping cards in shopping bags also works -
[2007.09.18 19:56:36] refinish69: I get quite a few sales for my AIDS designs and do link back to rides and walks
[2007.09.18 19:56:50] SaraCP: howaabout seeing if any of these organizations you have joined have a newsletter that goes out to its memeber each month or so
[2007.09.18 19:57:16] SaraCP: and see if they would like to feature a product of yours
[2007.09.18 19:57:22] refinish69: I am in their email groups and send emails with links to my shops LOL
[2007.09.18 19:57:29] Gretel: I donate a large portion of my profits to the cause the design is about. That has helped (and also got an article written about me in a large publication). Lots of luck and hard work will get you there.
[2007.09.18 19:57:51] SaraCP: that's great Gretel
[2007.09.18 19:58:05] debbie@just4me.us has left the room (logged out)
[2007.09.18 19:58:12] Gretel: you mentioned that we should read about your Editorial Sample/Image Program...but I didn't see it anywhere (and I crashed, so I may have missed the link). Where can I read about that?
[2007.09.18 19:58:12] MarcCP: have a look here http://www.cafepress.com/cp/learn/pr_overview
[2007.09.18 19:58:26] SaraCP: don't despair refinish69
[2007.09.18 19:59:04] refinish69: I never despair or rarely LOL
[2007.09.18 19:59:06] Gandalf_Parker: Kindof cheesy but "accidentally" leaving things in library books on thematic subjects, magazines at the doctor/dentist office, stands at businesses that have pamphlets
[2007.09.18 19:59:17] Rchnts has left the room (logged out)
[2007.09.18 19:59:21] BrittaCP: And here we are at the top of the hour
[2007.09.18 19:59:37] Gretel: I put some of my bumper stickers on my car (and ordered tons extra to keep in my car). I get stopped and asked about them all the time and now I have them on hand to pass out and/or sell.
[2007.09.18 19:59:46] BrittaCP: I think we got most of the questions that have come in
[2007.09.18 20:00:20] BrittaCP: I hope you all learned something today
[2007.09.18 20:00:26] MarcCP: I did
[2007.09.18 20:00:27] Robb: Thanks for a great chat CP people - and all others. I have more reading to do.
[2007.09.18 20:00:34] Robb: Yes...
[2007.09.18 20:00:39] shewolf: was very interesting:)
[2007.09.18 20:00:42] refinish69: thanks to all the folks at CP
[2007.09.18 20:00:54] SaraCP: thanks for all joining us
[2007.09.18 20:01:00] BrittaCP: I shall reopen the lobby for all of you, please feel free to keep chatting