I hate labor! I also hate that this won’t center but you get the point.
I hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend.
I'm totally slammed today but wanted to share some thoughts on the final quarter of the year. This might be the most important thing I share, and it's crucial information for both publicists and people representing or pitching themselves. Also, I’m offering a discount on two of my packages.
Also, lots of PR opportunities.
Follow me on TikTok (this account is all PR tips) and Instagram (because I’m a thirst monster).
Lastly, if you have questions or want me to cover something, please share in the comments.
DON’T FUCK UP YOUR FINAL QUARTER
This isn’t something I’d normally write, but I feel like small businesses need to read this, and perhaps pros can share it with potential clients who are on the fence. So here we go.
As some of you know (or just learned), I do PR consulting for brands, and this year I’ve noticed a pattern. Here’s the thing about PR: Every business should have it year-round. We all know it’s essential for building a business. Ideally, this means hiring someone. That said, I know that smaller brands (solopreneurs) might not have the budget for it or may want to start by pitching themselves. If you are one of those people, this info applies to you too.
I’ll cut to the chase: If you aren’t making an effort to pitch your brand in the final quarter of the year or paying someone to do it—you’re making a big mistake. There are endless opportunities for everyone in the final quarter. If you have a product, particularly a giftable one, the money you make from even just a few guides can more than pay for your PR.
If you’re an interior designer, there are countless end-of-year trend roundups to comment on. You can also share holiday decorating advice.
There are also tons of opps for home orgnaziers and anyone in the hospitality and travel space.
I could go on with every category here, but I am still in pajamas and have a lot to do today.
Now, one objection publicists often hear is that brands didn’t budget for PR this year. BRANDS, YOU NEED TO READ THIS: good PR more than pays for itself. FIND A WAY. Interview a few publicists and find someone who can work within your budget or even do a smaller package for you. If there’s a publicist you really feel gets you and your brand, but is out of your budget—tell them what you can afford and they might be willing to work with you. It costs zero to ask.
Or take my course and commit to pitching yourself for 20 minutes every day. You can also have an assistant or virtual assistant take my course and pitch for you. Lastly, I offer something called “Help Me, Pitch,” where I write your pitches for and share a custom email list. All you literally have to do is copy and paste (yes, the course is included in this opinion).
If you aren’t making an extra effort to put yourself out there right now, I kind of question how much you really want it!
Also (and this warrants its own post), if your pitch is good, it doens’t matter who sends it. I’ve received some of the best pitches from people pitching themselves and some of the worst from seasoned pros (complete crapola, like embarrassed for you). So, don’t be afraid to pitch yourself. If you can’t budget your money, you can budget your time.
Lastly (DON’T HATE ME FOR THIS), I know a lot of people dislike Rachel Hollis. Some of you might be actively cringing right now. I have mixed feelings about her. But…there are some things she is right about. That said, in October, November, and December, she does a “challenge” (yikes) called “Last 90 Days,” where she encourages people to essentially start their New Year’s resolutions or make changes at the end of the current year instead of waiting for the new one. This way, you can go into the new year killing it—hitting the ground running. Rachel was wrong about many things, but NOT this.
Want more? Just starting? Need extra help? Here’s a shameless plug for additional PR services I offer.
(IF NOT, SCROLL DOWN TO A VERY HOT PR TAKE)
I have a course called Pitch Please. It’s helpful, it’s entertaining and it can change your business forever. (It has and it will). SAVE $50 USING CODE LABORDAY. The code expires on Friday 9/6, so use it or lose it.
I also offer a larger package called Help Me Pitch. You get course access, I’ll write your pitches and share a media list so you can hit the ground running. Click the link and scroll down for more info. I have a course called Pitch Please. It’s helpful, it’s entertaining and it can change your business forever. (It has and it will). SAVE $50 USING CODE LABORDAY. The code expires on Friday 9/6, so use it or lose it.
On a budget? Download this $47 pitch template. It’s really helpful.
Want to chat online? (I promise I’m almost done), book me on Intro for media relations and interior design help.
If you’re a publicist and you want do something bigger like a lunch and learn, email me. AmandaLauren212@gmail.com
What I’m Working On
I just started writing for Today’s Parent again after a little pause. You can pitch me any and all ideas, but particularly product reviews and commerce launches. Also, sales and deals. My daughter is 16 months old, so probably products for around that age range. I wish I had more details for you right now, but I might have more info later this week.
Real Simple — So much Real Simple.
Please email me your or your client’s insights by the dates/times listed with the subject line: Substack + Article Title. Thank you. AmandaLauren212@gmail.com
This Is Why Your Kitchen Looks Dated - Respond by 9/5 at 9:00 am PST.
I’m not looking for the obvious (like Formica countertops) but the less obvious. For example, speckled countertops (like 90’s granite), no island, fridges with external ice makers (I have no idea why they still make new fridges like this—it looks terrible), etc. Looking for designers here.
Habits That Are Damaging Your Oven - Respond by 9/5 at 9:00am PST.
I have no idea, but your appliance experts do.
Underrated Design Ideas Interior Designers Love - Respond by 9/6 at 9:00 am PST.
From things requiring installation like chair rail to easy fixes like painting moldings… I want to hear from designers.
Tricks Designers Use To Make Your Living Room Feel Larger - Respond by 9/9 at 9:00 am PST.
Mirrors and floating sofas are obvious ones, but your designers probably have a lot more ideas.
How To Incorporate The Cowboycore Look Into Your Home - Respond by 9/9 at 9:00 am PST.
Yee-haw! It’s big on TikTok.
Ways To Make Your Laundry Room Feel Elevated - Respond by 9/9 at 9:00am PST.
I already have a laundry brand commenting, so just looking for designers. I’m thinking wallpaper, paint, decanting, new appliances (does anyone make super fancy-looking washers and dryers? Something that looks like Café or La Cornue…).
Emailing you!