Is any publicity good publicity?
That's what they say -- no matter how negative, the visibility is what counts.
I'm not sure I agree with that statement in general, but I was thrilled when I got a call from Time Out New York recently, a widely-read magazine that lists local happenings.
They wanted to publish a blurb about my Sept 23 free workshop at the New York Public Library of Science, Industry and Business. No question that's great exposure.
A few days later, I got a call from the Assistant Editor, who wanted to see how well the self promotion specialist promotes herself. So I gave him my 10-word blurb, talked for 5 minutes about what I do. And here's what they printed.
Positive or negative? Good publicity? Will that drive people to the event? (BTW, if you're free on Tuesday evening, I hope you'll come to the workshop.)
I think what they wrote is hilarious! If I was in NYC, I'd totally attend.
Posted by: Jill Anderson | September 22, 2008 at 09:36 AM
It's a funny way of putting things, but very New York. It works.
Posted by: Mistina | September 22, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Ilise, that's hilarious, but very TONY for you.
Posted by: Julia Reich | September 22, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Oh Ilise! I can't believe they used the word whore! I'm in shock. Is it good publicity? Yes. But do I wish they would have chosen another word besides whore? YES! If people don't read the description properly they might get the wrong impression of what you're teaching! I'm all for adding a little zing, but come on!
Posted by: Deidre | September 22, 2008 at 10:59 AM
I agree with Deidre. It does make the whole event sound very distasteful. It indicates this need to "sell yourself" which is not how I see the advice that Marketing Mentor provides. Your techniques are more about creating relationships rather than just sales. Then again, maybe I just don't get the joke...
Posted by: Jasmine Holmes | September 22, 2008 at 11:35 AM
I've had this event on my calendar for about a month. It's going to be packed! Very good PR. I hope I can still get a seat.
Posted by: Stacie | September 22, 2008 at 01:58 PM
I think we take the press when we can get it.
How many times have you heard, "Pimp this" and "pimp that." I think it's just a piece of pop culture now.
That said, hey, it's New York!
Glad you got some press, Ilise.
Posted by: Judy Dunn | September 22, 2008 at 09:20 PM
Definitely very New York - and, from what little I can glean - it's in the editorial vernacular of the publication.
Attention-getting, in an edgy way. Works for me. (It wouldn't work in a more "conservative" venue/environment, but it works there.)
By the way, of course - self-marketing is the original oldest professional. Those early ladies of the evening had to get the word out. ;)
(Hey, Ilise - were you pleased, or not so much?)
Posted by: TurtleBlueBird | September 23, 2008 at 10:38 AM
It's interesting - I'm less taken aback by the use of the term "whoring yourself out" than I am by the fact that she calls you "the owner of a marketing consulting firm." They can't even mention the business name?
Posted by: Dani Nordin | September 23, 2008 at 08:14 PM
FWIW, it makes you seem like a lightweight. Website building tips? That's what they got as important?
That was time you'll never get back.
Posted by: Chuck Simmins | September 24, 2008 at 10:32 PM