Category Archives: News articles

Articles appearing in print or online media.

20 Common English Grammar Mistakes

September 13, 2012 hannahhager Leave a comment

I’m currently in learning mode. I’ve been working hard to sharpen my language skills and writing skills in order to stay on top of my game. In order order to do so, I’ve been scouring the web for insight and came across this post via Joanna Goodard’s blog. It goes into the top 20 common English grammar mistakes.

My favorites are the use of “who” and “whom” and “fewer or less”

Fewer and Less

“Less” is reserved for hypothetical quantities. “Few” and “fewer” are for things you can quantify. e.g., The firm has fewer than ten employees. e.g., The firm is less successful now that we have only ten employees.

Who and Whom

This one opens a big can of worms. “Who” is a subjective — or nominative — pronoun, along with “he,” “she,” “it,” “we,” and “they.” It’s used when the pronoun acts as the subject of a clause. “Whom” is an objective pronoun, along with “him,” “her,” “it”, “us,” and “them.” It’s used when the pronoun acts as the object of a clause. Using “who” or “whom” depends on whether you’re referring to the subject or object of a sentence. When in doubt, substitute “who” with the subjective pronouns “he” or “she,” e.g., Who loves you? cf., He loves me. Similarly, you can also substitute “whom” with the objective pronouns “him” or “her.” e.g., I consulted an attorney whom I met in New York. cf., I consulted him.

But, don’t you feel that if you used “whom” in a conversation you would come off a bit snobby?

News articles

The best time of day to send a press release

August 22, 2012 hannahhager 1 Comment

When it comes to sending out a press release, the early bird does not get the worm.

Many public relations and communications professionals operate under the impression that their press release should be sent out as soon as the clock hits 9 a.m. I suggest waiting — and this is why.

Journalists are inundated with hundreds of press releases every single day. It’s easy to gloss over the mass, generic emails in their inbox when sorting through first thing in the morning. It usually takes a typical journo 30 – 45 minutes to check initial morning emails. So, why not send your press release at 10:30 a.m.?

Not only does this allow for you to procrastinate (if that’s what you want to call it) it also allows you one more hour to re-read and possibly re-edit your press release.

Likewise, if your company or client has breaking news during the day and you need to send out your press release right away, I agree it needs to be sent out before close of business. Before you hit “send,” however, consider the highs and lows of a typical work day. Noon to 1:30 p.m. is lunchtime, so avoid the afternoon rush of press releases during this time. Furthermore, many business professionals and journalists are wrapping up their day or fitting in final rewrites of articles starting at 4 p.m. So, the best times to send a press release in the afternoon is between 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

As always, follow-up with a phone call within a few days.

News articles

Inc. 500 Ranks Asentra Corp. 16th in List of Advertising and Marketing Firms

August 20, 2012 hannahhager Leave a comment

Exciting news from a client (of course I wrote the press release)! Congratulations to Asentra.

HONOLULU, H.I. – Asentra Corporation has been named one of the fastest-growing companies in America by Inc. 500. The company ranked 16^th among Advertising and Marketing firms and 98^th overall in the annual September list. Asentra Corp., which is one of the largest outsourcers of telemarketing services with more than 200,000 customers worldwide, is the first direct marketing firm to make the list two years in a row. The company saw a 3,040-percentage growth rate in three years and plans to create more than 500 jobs in the U.S. in 2013.

“We are proud to be on the Inc. 500’s list of the top fastest growing private companies in America. We plan to continue to grow and provide the best services to our clients and customers,” said Asentra CEO, Dave Grubler.

Asentra Assurance Plan, a division of Asentra Corp., offers full warranties for mobile devices starting at $14.95 per month. The warranty plan covers iPhones, iPads, Blackberries, tablets and eReaders, and has no deductible or co-pay. Asentra also offers a lemon policy, technical support, an extended, five-year warranty and unlimited claims and yearly usage. Similar plans offered by competitors such as BestBuy and Apple range from $99-$180, with a one-year warranty and co-pay costs starting at $99. Competitor’s plans do not include used handheld devices, liquid and accidental damage or data recovery.

Asentra was founded in 2001 and operates in five different countries with more than 200,000 customers worldwide. It is the fastest-growing company in Hawaii and the fastest-growing direct response agency in the U.S. In 2011, the company’s revenues totaled $8.6 million. It is an Inc. 500 award recipient company with corporate offices in Honolulu, H.I., and regional offices in Connecticut, Florida, North Dakota and California.

Asentra is the highest-rated and most consumer-friendly assurance plan for your cell phone and hand-held appliances. With a 50-year-plus of combined leadership, AAP is a global leader in warrantee and assurance programs. For more than a decade, AAP has revolutionized the extended warranty & assurance program industry while maintaining the highest level of customer satisfaction. For more information, visit http://www.Asentra.com.

News articles

Your sales funnel is the humpty dumpty of marketing

August 15, 2012 hannahhager Leave a comment

The Internet, well, it’s about people.

When you want an answer to a question, or if you’re seeking out inspiration or need insight on a problem, you go to Google. Your potential customers are the same as you — the Internet is the genie lantern of solutions that is right at their fingertips.

If you think the sales and marketing funnel is still shaped like a wide-mouthed funnel cone, then it’s time to reconsider your method. In short, the sales funnel is now the humpty dumpty of marketing. Broken. Sales and marketing generation is now a reciprocal, two-way conversation.

It’s time to think like a journalist.

Marketing professionals are starting to understand what media professionals have known all along: Content is King.

In order to attract new clientele to your business, you must start considering your lead for what they are — an individual with individual interests and concerns. (While you’re at it, cease referring to them as “leads.) Think like the client. How do they behave? What does their typical day look like? What are their core values?

When you can answer these questions, they will feel less like a transaction and you will be empowered to focus on forming a relationship with them.

One way to do this is to deliver value. Tailor your blog or social media strategy around your core constituency’s basic needs and interests. It will take time, but they will appreciate your effort. Just like in any “real” relationship, you should focus on building a bond with one another, enhancing their loyalty to you and encouraging your satisfied customers to advocate for your brand.

Clients can easily find out how and where your product is made, the level of your civic involvement and even how well you treat your employees. This knowledge effects their buying decisions, so you want to make sure you’re saying the right things. By behaving like a journalist, you will be in control of your message.

Backstory blog, News articles, Social media

Why advertise on a newspaper’s website?

August 13, 2012 hannahhager 1 Comment

“I have my own website, why do I need to advertise on your newspaper’s website?”

In this day and technological age, this is still a common inquiry. I’ve been asked by advertising executives to create a fact sheet for potential advertisers that will include the basic reasons why simply having your own website isn’t enough.

Just as in days past proprietors believed they would attract business by placing signage on their storefront, some still believe hosting their own URL is the appropriate amount of advertising. It’s not. Why hope a potential client will find you via a search engine when you can spread the word to our hundreds of thousands of readers instead?

While the logistics of the fact sheet are worked out, I would like to attach the following press release from JK Moving and Storage, the no. 3 moving company in the country, who just launched a multimedia advertising campaign. In their own words:

JK Moving Services, a full-service moving company founded in 1981 and specializing in residential, commercial, and international moving and storage will launch its first integrated advertising campaign on August 13th in the Washington, D.C. region.

Specifically, the campaign will consist of radio, print, online, mobile, and social media elements.

“Even as the third largest independent mover in North America, we are still ‘a best kept secret’ among some key audiences located right in our backyard,” said Charles Kuhn, Founder, President, and CEO, JK Moving Services.

“Our goal is to reach women in this region who typically are the ones selecting the moving company for their families, introduce them to JK Moving, and let them know how we can make this process ‘worry-free.’”

A campaign was developed consisting of four :30 second radio spots and unique banner ads, a mobile-specific ad, a social media campaign, and a print execution.

As part of the program, customers will be directed to JK Moving’s web site to request a free estimate and be entered for a chance to win a free move.

The campaign’s theme is centered on JK Moving Services’ ability to reduce the stress of moving for the homeowner, offering a “worry-free” move. It’s designed to speak to female heads of household who tend to be the decision-maker in selecting a moving company.

They are the ones most involved in the logistics of moving — ensuring a smooth transition.

Each 30 second spot will demonstrate what makes JK Moving different and how the company can alleviate the stress of moving.

The radio ads will be coupled with an online and print campaign that will target the Metro D.C. market.

If an $85 million company feels the need to advertise across that many channels, chances are you may, too.

News articles

How to write a press release

August 7, 2012 hannahhager 8 Comments

Chances are you want to get in front of the media if you’re a business owner. Not only do national and local news media boast a captive audience, but they also have the potential to send you along on their upward trajectory.

It’s frightening talking to a journalist. I know this because I am one and during my career I’ve had people literally flee from me after I introduce myself. But, I’m people, too. I’m not the boogie monster. Likewise, the media is not the enemy. Once you realize the next step in marketing yourself is to do so through the media you may become overwhelmed with anxiety at the thought of approaching the press.

As always, the key lies in your preparation.

The best way to contact a mediaperson remains via email. (I will elaborate on this in another post.) But first, let’s get you started on a rough draft of your first press release.

1. The Five W’s

Raise your hand if you remember the five W’s from English class? It seems obvious, but many business owners, and even public relations professionals, forget to include these equally important aspects in their press release. Who are you; What do you do/sell; Where are your headquarters (this is especially important to local media)/Where is your product or service distributed; When did you open/expand/relocate; and Why are you contacting me?

2. Define yourself clearly

The biggest mistake you can make in a press release is not clearly defining your business. Be careful not to use industry jargon. You should be able to state what your business does or provides in one sentence. This sentence should be contained in the first paragraph of the press release. You can further expand on your company’s background at the end of the press release in the “about us” paragraph.

3. What’s the benefit to the public?

This should be a part of your business plan, so if it’s stumping you, it is time to take a look at your business model.

4. Highlight the hook

Journalists are as attracted to large Fortune 500 companies as they are small businesses. This is in our blood. We write about corporations because they’re sexy and increase our SEO, and we report on small businesses because we want to beat our competitors to the next new thing. Mid-sized businesses tend to get lost in the fold because they don’t have the resources to market themselves but they also don’t need us as much. Journalists want to know how you’re different from everyone else. You know how you’re better and different, so outline the facts without selling yourself.

5. Include contact information

Always let the journalist know who they can contact if they’re interested in more information. It’s wishful thinking — but journalists prefer to speak directly to the C-suite executives over the public relations professional. No hard feelings, we just want to hear it from the horse’s mouth. Finally, always, always include your website URL.

Watch out for more on the nitty gritty of writing a press release in a later post.

Backstory blog, News articles, Social media

What to write about in your blog

August 1, 2012 hannahhager 1 Comment

It’s not uncommon for inspiration to drain from regular bloggers. Creativity is a beast that takes you on a ride from the summit of enlightenment to the abyss of nothingness. Sometimes it will feel as if you have no advice or encouragement to impart upon your readers.

It’s important to know that we’ve all been there, and it is OK if you can’t post new content because nothing is coming. The cure is in the calendar. Avid bloggers and successful authors with millions of followers will tell you that mapping out an editorial calendar has saved them during their own creativity droughts.

In my personal and professional life, I ardently map out my duties, goals and tasks. When I was the Editor of an executive-level business magazine I had my editorial calendar planned out a year in advance. Not so when it comes to my creative writing. I’m not a “creative planner” and I suffer from dry spells. My blog was the creative stepchild that was tended to when I found the time.

So, I started carrying a pen and pad with me wherever I go (yes, I have an iPhone, and no it’s not the same) so that I can jot down blog ideas throughout the day. On the back of a wedding invitation sitting on my desk I have written “On Pinterest” to remind myself that eventually I want to write about best practices for businesses using Pinterest. The idea hasn’t matured yet and I want to let it ferment further.

If you have no clue where to start in planning out your editorial calendar, look at your monthly calendar. No matter what your industry, you will find an event each month that will relate to your business. For instance, October is not only Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is also Women in Small Business Month. If that can’t provide me with inspiration, nothing will.

Here’s a list of themed months to chew on:

January – National Poverty in America Awareness Month

February – Black History Month

March – National Umbrella Month

April – National Autism Awareness Month

May – Meditation Month

June – Great Outdoors Month

July – Roots and Branches Month

August – National Inventors Month (also Beach Month!)

September – Baby Safety Month

October – Mental Illness Awareness Month

November – American Diabetes Month

December – Universal Human Rights Month (Read A New Book Month)