My Favorite Resource for Business Travel

At M Communications, I travel quite a bit and certain cities are a little more spendy than others. San Francisco is one of them. And, to make matters worse I do not know how to park my own vehicle, so I always have to park in the hotel parking lot (valet anyway) and always have to pay the over sized vehicle fee (LAME). When I worked for corporate, I remember whenever I had business in the city I would pay at least $300 for a night (thank goodness for expense reports). Now, I am sure this is a combo of people not traveling due to the economy but I have found that Priceline has the best mid-week deals. I have even paid on occasion $75 for a 4 star hotel. You have to love it. I know there a bunch of other travel discount sites out there and every swears by one of then, but if you are traveling to San Francisco I would like to give a big shout out for Priceline.

Why you should hire a naming specialist

Last week, I attended a great networking event where the speaker spoke about the importance of naming your business. I loved it - very interesting and very on point. She even brought up one of my favorite company names of all time Pen Island. I stumbled upon this website when I was looking for a company to order pens from and found: http://www.penisland.com. Are you laughing yet? Even funnier is that I spoke with the speaker afterwards and we chatted about media relations and she told me about her friend who was writing a book that she named. The book is about a really mean mom who hangs up on people among other things and she named the book Mother Fucker. I really do not remember the last time I 1. Laughed so hard and 2. Thought, can I have that project pretty pretty please? Me likey. If you have are struggling coming with something creative and keep in mind you need to be memorable. Hire someone.

There Isn't Competition ... Period

There is one thing I come across at most events when I am networking for M Communications and that is people who are seriously worried about their competition. Here is my philosophy (and, actually a shared one by the successful) and that is: there is no competition. Even though my company offers graphics, websites, public relations and publishing many others do the same. People work with who they want to work with. It is very similar to working with a business coach - there are a ton and you work with who clicks with you. Last, worried about what the competition is doing is a complete waste of time. Understand different services and what similar companies offer, but do not sit and stress yourself out because there are two webmasters in the very same room. Last (for real this time), find out what services your competition offers ... because maybe you can partner up. I am personally collaborating with another publicist ... so again, there is no competition.

Healthy Tips for a Healthy Vacation

Here is a couple of tips and tricks to have a healthy vacation (not that I exactly followed all of this on my trip - shhhh, don't tell my trainer).

1. Buffett = Bad. Most people tend to overeat at these bad boys. Stick to cereal/fruit for breakfast. Lunch? Salads are awesome - avoid the creamy dressings. And, do not put guacamole on everything. (Again ... shhh).

2. Pool Bar. Avoid the blended mix drinks. Pina Colodas are the worst of the horrible blending concoctions. You should avoid anything that is 3 colors as well.

3. Tennis shoes. Bring them and use them. Do not be a lazy A$$ because the gym equipment is not functional. Walking on the beach is a great way to excercise as sand provides resistance.

P.S. Snorkeling is not real exercise either.

The Potential Unknown PR Recipient

As a fabulous Public Relations gal at M Communications, I know PR in and out to a point I have been interviewed regionally, nationally and even now by colleges? Go figure. Anyway, I always have to educate clients who do not understand the process and that is fine. I don’t mind explaining because what is permanently ingrained in my brain it not in anyone else’s. Perfect example: I called my parents to tell them this stellar deal I scored on a PR database and their non – response was the perfect example of “I have no idea what my daughter does for a living, except travel around the country and go to parties.” Here is the classic response I received today: I forwarded an email from a national reporter who is still reviewing one of my client’s projects (mind you this Editor-in-chief receives hundreds of queries per day). The response from my client was that he is taking his sweet time and when is his going to be done. Um, here is the deal … and mind you I have followed up with Mr. Editor-in-chief multiple times which is borderline no-no, but I have developed a pretty good relationship so lucky me. If you have a national reporter’s attention be thankful … period. Need I explain more? Chances are you are going to get coverage despite silly question. The bottom line: this person received a full article in a National Magazine

Play Nice in the Playground

I do not really understand why people do not play nice especially in the same networking group. First of all, if you have an ongoing attitude problem with one person or several people word tends to spread, after all gossip tends to spread more quickly than good news. Also, if you are the playground bully you are just making yourself look unprofessional and people will keep that as a mental note on why not to work with you. My advice? Play nice people.

Vacations That Rock

There is nothing better than a beach and a great view to decompress. Introducing my office from last week (see photo). Sign up for the M-Dash at M Communications for marketing lessons learned from Mexico.