Set Yourself Free in 2014! Banish the New Year’s Resolution List.

By: Susan Finco, President, Leonard & Finco Public Relations

OK, it’s that time of year. You know, the NEW YEAR. Some are saying, “Thank God, I want 2013 to be over.”  Others are saying, “Where did the past year go?” And then there’s the dreaded New Year’s resolution list. We read about it. We talk about it. Always sounds so good. Rarely does it turn out that way. Let’s face it, we’re all too busy to really tackle a long list of anything, much less a list of twenty things we want to personally improve upon in 2014. It’s kind of like the lottery; nice to dream about winning but it never actually happens.

Now, that doesn’t mean I’m anti-lists or anti-resolutions. Actually, I’m a list maker from way back. I always have a list or two going; usually one for work and one for more immediate things I need to do in my personal life. But, when it comes to tackling those BIG things meant for the New Year’s resolutions list, I’m more of a pick one thing and see how it goes kind of person. And I don’t like to share my goal either. Who needs one more thing to feel bad about if you don’t actually do it!?  So, my approach to the New Year’s resolution list is this:  pick a goal, take concrete steps on a regular basis to make it happen and, hopefully, it will stick. If not, there’s always next year!

So what’s your approach to New Year’s resolution lists? Yay or nay? No matter what your answer, here’s to a happy, healthy and successful 2014!

‘Tis the season to reflect

By: Cole Buergi, VP of Business Development, Leonard & Finco Public Relations

'Tis the season and there’s truly no better time of year to take a step back from the hectic pace in your world and reflect on all the wonderful things in your life. At times, it can be easy to forget about all the good things and just focus on wanting more or, in some cases, just not focusing at all

For me, I think about my wife, my two stepdaughters, other family and friends. I’m thankful for the home I have and the life that I share with people I love and that love me.  I’m also lucky to have a great job with a wonderful team of co-workers.

I also think about those less fortunate. Particularly those that struggle to make ends meet or can’t afford to put a simple meal on the table for their family. The holidays are a good time to provide a helping hand, either through volunteering at a local charity or by donating food, health care products, clothes or money to help others in need. It’s also a great time to get the entire family involved so they can understand the importance of giving and helping others.

Just a few of the organizations that would welcome your support include:

• The Salvation Army
• Paul’s Pantry
• Homeless Shelter
• Cerebral Palsy Center
• United Way
• American Red Cross
• Marion House

These are just a small handful of the many organizations providing support to our community and making it a better place to live.

It’s also important to remember that many local charities see a significant boost from donations around the holiday season but then struggle throughout the year. For 2014, make it a point to help out during other times of year as well.

I’m interested in learning what organizations our readers support. Please share them with us and help bring attention to an organization you support.

Happy Holidays and have a wonderful New Year,

Cole

Not following up? Don’t expect success!

By: Angela Raleigh, Senior Account Executive, Leonard & Finco Public Relations 

No matter how great you think your media pitch is, or how often you send pitches to the media, if you don’t follow-up, you probably won’t get the results you’re hoping for. Why bother with following-up?

• The media gets hundreds of emails every day and the reality is that sometimes things get missed. Since you took the time to develop the pitch and send it out, take the time to make a follow-up phone call. It can be what helps the media circle back to the information you sent over and can help keep your pitch from being ignored. 
•  Being persistent can pay off, but don’t be a nag. If you sent your pitch to the media, wait a couple of days before following up. If you sent the pitch via email, don’t immediately follow-up with a phone call because the media needs time to read it and respond. Think about your own email and how sometimes it can take all day to get to it. If the media isn’t interest, don’t keep pushing. Simply thank them for considering your idea. 
•  A phone call adds a personal touch and helps build a relationship with the media. Plus it can help your pitch stand out in a crowded inbox. 
•  A follow-up provides you with the perfect opportunity to explain the benefits of your idea and how it will fit for the targeted media outlet. You can talk about the information in a way that shows how it can be used and you can let them know you have resources available for additional information or interviews.

You want success for your company or your client. A reporter wants a successful story for their outlet. It can be a very good symbiotic relationship if you nurture it and care for it; and that includes following up. Do you follow-up on a regular basis with your media contacts? Do you follow-up in an interesting or unusual way? Please feel free to share your stories or your challenges.