Wicked Publicity

Donna Wick presented a slide show where she talked about why her firm is different than other PR firms in the area. "I've been on all sides of media as editor-in-chief of a magazine, editor of a newspaper, a syndicated talk radio host, a television talk show host and a published author. I know the exact typeof content editors, program managers, news anchors and broadcasters are looking for and how they want that content delivered". "My firm does not use contracts but we do hold weekly meetings where we report the real time communication of projects, events and media submissions". "We charge one flat monthly fee to generate as much media as possible with relevent newsworthy articles and pitches to local, regional, and national media outlets. We also guarantee our deliverables".

 

Donna then told the group about some of her experiences with local businesses helping them to increase their market presence. Donna told everyone that business owners enlist the help of a public relations (PR) firm like hers for the following reasons:

Donna warned everyone that if the PR firm they choose wants to enter into a contract and/or they want to know what your advertising budget is, then they are not a real PR company but simply an ad agency.

 

Donna also told the group that ads don't always tell the whole story and that ads need to first relate to a customer before specifying the problem and how the business can solve that problem. If the solution is sold correctly, the customer will want to buy it.

 

Donna also told everyone that a business needs to be both visable to the customer and to engage with the customer. The business must also give the customer something of interest that they will pass on to a friend. Social media such as Facebook and UTube can be used to tell a story about a business that can accomplish this. Also, when using social media, a picture is worth a thousand words but that picture must be interesting and appealing (animated if possible) to a potential customer. If a business also wants to get a story and photo into a local newspaper, that business should contact the editor or reporter instead of the owner or publisher. Another idea for social media from a business is to add an inspirational message or a cute joke from time to time to keep it interesting. In short, you need to having something that a potential customer will find interesting enough to talk about it to one or more of their friends.

 

Sean Thompson, the Marketing Director for Wicked Publicity, told everyone that one of his main jobs is to proof read anything that is written for a customer.

 

Sean also told everyone that a business must market itself daily just as all people do daily in their personal lives.

 

Sean also told everyone that a PR firm needs to be an expert in all areas that a business might need to promote themselves. This is because the PR firm needs to be a turn-key shop even if they have to partner with someone else who has the expert knowledge.

 

Finally, Sean  told everyone that any ad for a business must have a finite message with an infinite appeal.

 

Sharla Grayson, the Marketing Coordinator / Event Specialist for Wicked Publicity, only had a few minutes to talk but told everyone that a business must provide a draw for the public that gets them in the door for the first time.

 

Photo taken by Chamber photographer: