Dear Friends,

What holds most of us back from PR success isn't a boring press release, a lousy product, or a badly run company. It's you. Your limiting thoughts and beliefs about what you can do, be, have. So before you promote your next product, service or cause, take stock.

That's what Linda Sener and her husband John Sener did.

Linda, a personal chef, thought she wanted to grow her business, but discovered that family came first. In a coaching session with David Neagle she found that what she really wanted to do was stay home with her two daughters, both juniors in high school, to help them make the important decision about where to go to college, and to spend time with them before they left the nest.

Her husband John, already a prosperous real estate agent in Santa Barbara, (www.johnsener.com) wanted to work with multi-million dollar clients versus smaller listings and buyers with under a million to spend. This was a big shift to make as it entailed some hefty capital for developing a more intensive marketing campaign for John to get his name out there. The plan included advertising, re-working his website, attending more public community events, and investing additional funds to find the high end clients--all which triggered Linda's money fears.

It was then that they found something neither of them suspected...

Linda was holding John back.

They didn't come to this realization solely on their own, but by attending David Neagle's "Experience The Reality of Success Seminar" in January 2007 coupled with making the financial commitment to do personal coaching with David.

"David helped us see our dynamic," said Linda. It became clear at the seminar that when John wanted to go for it big, Linda was the one who said, "Maybe we shouldn't". Or, "We can't really afford it." She passed her inklings of doubt on to John who would then defer. Linda, the saver, wanted to hold on tight to the money she had, while John, the risker, wanted to expand and open up to the flow.

Once Linda recognized and allowed John his expansiveness things began to happen--fast. First clients and referrals came out of the woodwork, and the phone never stopped ringing. Old high school friends called wanting help in selling their grand parent's houses and John was consistently taking new listings on a monthly basis. He began to sell houses "like hot cakes" and was on track to make his yearly financial goal at three months!

Then it was Linda's turn. For years she had in the back of her mind that she wanted to meet Oprah... someday. That someday came sooner than she thought. The day she voiced it out loud to John the wheels set in motion. "When we put the intent behind a wish, things start showing up," says Linda. When she heard that Oprah was giving a fund raiser for Barack Obama she decided she wanted to go. But there was a catch. Although Oprah only lived 15 minutes away, the fund raiser was not open to the public--or so they thought. A PR friend surreptitiously put their names into the lottery... and they won.

Next hurdle. The cost of the tickets was $2300 each. Linda balked. Her money fear surfaced. She took a breath and reconsidered. "I put this out there and it came back to me," she said. "Who was I to refuse this gift?" Linda put the $4600 on her credit card and off they went.

On the beautiful grounds Oprah had spread Barack Obama blankets for the comfort of her guests. Linda and John chose one close to the stage where Oprah and Obama gave their talk. Next to them Linda noticed two empty blankets. It turned out that they were reserved for Oprah and her security guards who settled down on them once Stevie Wonder began to sing.

Next challenge. Linda wanted to speak to Oprah, but her security guards were deflecting the constant attempts of her guests to reach her so Oprah could have a bit of peace. In one swift moment when the guards turned away Linda moved in and had her Oprah moment.

After she expressed her gratitude for what Oprah has done for the world and in their neighborhood, Oprah hugged and kissed her. Linda said, "I have always been extremely intimidated by celebrities or influential people and she was so kind and warm and looked me straight in the eye like any one of my friends would. She was lovely. It also made me realize that as John puts himself out there to work with higher end and more influential clients that I too can feel comfortable in that space. So it helped me to again move through personal limitations that I know will position us for more success."

In this way Linda began to help instead of hinder John and his bigger vision for their lives.

Both Linda and John are still experiencing the goodness that came from the fund raiser. They were written up in the Montecito Journal which positioned them as prominent locals.

John made some important connections (and had his "Oprah moment" when he spoke to Barack Obama), by attending the Oprah fund raiser. Also, John's status has been elevated in the real estate industry both by the article and by the prestige of being associated with the fund raiser. He now enjoys a higher level of recognition, respect and financial opportunity. But their "good luck" didn't just happen. They dreamed it then did it.

Most people dream too small.

Myself included. Talking to Linda has inspired me to think big when it comes to my own real estate investing and I've grown my goals from wanting to earn six figures next year from our properties to seven figures. And I'm readjusting my original plan so I can reach this new goal.

No matter if your dream is small or big the point is to do it.

Abraham-Hicks says the most important thing is when you're thinking about what you want is to get the good feelings going, the feelings of joy. But feeling is not enough. You have to do your part, you have to help. Just like Linda and John did with the assistance of David Neagle. So before you begin planning your next PR venture remember to clear a path inside yourself so that the wheels that you set in motion can reach their destination.

I wish you the good feelings and action plan to do whatever you desire.

Warmly,

Susan

P.S. Learn how to achieve a higher level of success now with David Neagle's the "Art of Success" by downloading your own complimentary copy (mp3s) or ordering your free CDs here.

Know When Your Press Release Needs Work: Starbucks Java Jitter

A bad song doesn't make good publicity no matter how many times it's played. DaVido, a New Jersey Nightclub singer, tagged a "Guido Superman" by a blogger, wrote a song based on a conversation he was having with a "hottie" Starbucks barista. DaVido says, "And she was drinking a very strong coffee and she goes, 'Oh my God this gives me the java jitters.' And I said, 'Ah, that's a great, great idea for a song,' and she was really cute."

So he penned a platitudinous song with a forgettable tune and proceeded to pursue his dream of getting Starbucks to sell it on CD in their stores next to the likes of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. Called "Java Jitter" DaVido thought it was his ticket to the high life. Not.

Not surprisingly Starbucks rejected the song. Which only fueled the ego of DaVido who hired a film crew, along with an entourage of singers and actors to sing the song in a local Starbucks. A few too many Frappuccinos later DaVido got thrown out of over 200 Starbucks stores (Starbucks forbids filming in their stores).

A Starbucks' employee blogged, "Starbucks is a place of peace. As the Starbucks police said this is not American Idol." I'm sure Simon Cowell would agree. He would likely invite DaVido to take his talentless tune to the trash. Another blogger asked if DaVido's teeth were real and still another commented that "If the singing thing doesn't work out -- you will have a long career with 1-800-DENTIST". I agree.

You can see what all the fuss is about and judge DaVido's talent for yourself here.

What can you learn from DaVido?

1. Bad Taste Tastes Bad.

While the video is kind of funny, it's tacky. Publicity that's in bad taste will brand you and you have a good change labeled as such -- in perpetuity. You can be funny without being crass. But take care when you're doing a publicity stunt that you don't brand yourself badly for eternity. Think through the consequences before you risk your reputation for a few minutes of fame.

2. Repeating a Bad Song Doesn't Make it Any Better.

Marketing guru Seth Godin says that winners actually know when to quit, and that DaVido clearly doesn't. Singing the same silly lyrics and melody isn't going to make anyone like the song any more -- least of all Starbucks. DaVido charging into over 200 Starbucks repeating the same tired act is the equivalent of faxing, emailing and calling the media with the same bad pitch or press release. The only thing you'll succeed at doing is alienating producers and editors.

Sometimes rejection is good. It can make you stronger in your convictions and purpose. But sometimes you need to recognize that you're barking up the wrong tree. And your bark is offending the whole neighborhood that is craving a little peace and quiet. Catch a clue DaVido!

If the media doesn't respond to your pitch or press release it's time to make a change. Pay attention to the media's feedback--or lack of it.

3. Buck the System.

I admire DaVido for trying to do it his way (Sinatra succeeded, but he had the goods). But to buck the system you often have to understand it. And clearly DaVido doesn't. There is no way that Starbucks is going to change their minds now and sell a "Java Jitter" CD along with some soothing Darjeeling tea after they've been publicly humiliated in their own stores. If you're going to buck the system you'll need to be clever enough to produce results that call into question conventional wisdom.

That's what my client Barefoot Books did when they pulled their books out of all the major bookstore chains. They discovered that they could become even more successful selling their beautiful books that focus on creativity, cultural diversity, imagination, and the environment in independent venues and directly to their consumers.

Once they made the decision to buck the system revenues went up 40%. They got called by Donny Deutsch's show, The Big Idea, to be on a show about successful businesses bucking the system. If you've got a creative way to do the same, you can become known as a thought leader instead of pulling some silly stunt looking for a quick caffeinated fame fix.

The Art of Success

Did you know success starts with you?

Success is not about "getting" or "achieving" anything. True success is about what you must BE in order to attract everything you require to live the life you have always dreamed of living. Would you like to step up to the next level of life?

In my colleague David Neagle's complimentary "Art of Success" series, you will learn:

• The one thing that you MUST change if you want success without struggle.
• The only 2 things that prevent success and how to change them.
• Why money is important and how to attract all you want.
• How to sell your book idea.
• Ways to increase sales, customers, publicity, recognition.
• The 3 keys to extraordinary confidence.

Learn how to achieve a higher level of success now with the"Art of Success" by downloading your own mp3 copy or ordering your free CD's. David Neagle has trained entrepreneurs from real estate agents to doctors, infopreneurs to work at home moms on how to go to THEIR next level of success--whatever that may be.

Download your free copy now

Send this on to others you think it may help.

Are You The Message You Want to Give the Media?

What you say can help--or hurt you. Words are your reputation. Make sure you're saying what you want your audience to know.

The Sound Bite System for Success™ shows you how to deliver your sound bites in 10-30 seconds with ease and grace under pressure. You'll be able to position yourself positively no matter what the circumstance.

In this 6-CD set, PDF transcripts of the CDs, and online class, you'll learn:

• What makes a great sound bite and how to create yours.
• How to sell your product, service or cause during a TV, radio or print interview--without sounding slick or "salesy."
• Ways to handle any interview and get only the information you want out to your audience.

Click here now for your Sound Bite System for Success™.

Services I Highly Recommend

Many people ask me about the services I use and trust. The businesses below are a few of my partners or companies that provide services and products that I rely on that truly work.

I recommend them without pause. Please explore them to find out if they are right for you.

PRESSKIT 247: Both an online database where journalists and producers find you when they're searching for experts and your online presskit where all of your press materials including audio and video are instantly available to the media. Get listed here and to increase your media appearances and expand your business: PRESSKIT 247

OUR SHOPPING CART: I use a shopping cart system called 1shoppingcart for online transactions, autoresponders my affiliate program and tracking links. This shopping cart is the most widely used one by successful entrepreneurs and online marketers. You can trial it here: 1shoppingcart

THE WEB SITE TOOLKIT: "This is a complete tutorial and guide (written and audio) on creating an effective professional service business web site," says Robert Middleton, the creator. This is a best, most organized and comprehensive system that I've found to guide you through writing the copy and organizing the content for your website. Included are resources and directions for writing, design and technical requirements. Hundreds of people have used Middleton's methods to develop sites that attract the clients they want: Web Site Toolkit

EZINE MARKETING: Using an E-zine like mine is one of the fastest and easiest things you can do to promote your business. To learn how to create yours so it works for you and gets you ongoing results, I suggest taking a look at Alexandria Brown's complete manual on marketing with your E-zine.

THE INFOMERCIAL TOOLKIT: Online videos are the wave of the future. Your clients or customers may be all over the world, but they can meet you quickly right on your site. Sell your products and services, demo new ideas or just give people a small taste of what it's like to do business with you. Infomercial Toolkit

PRLEADS: This is the best deal on the planet. The only complaint my clients have lodged about it is, "I wish I would have done it sooner." You respond to reporters and producers queries for comments and insights on stories they're working in your area of expertise and then get quoted in the media instantly: PRLeads

THE SEDONA METHOD: Order your free two-hour introductory Sedona Method DVD and introductory CD or tape and learn to instantly release uncomfortable or unwanted feelings on the spot. Whether it's fear of speaking, becoming a more public person, losing weight, or letting go of stress, or past issues or trauma, this will help you achieve your goals effortlessly and with great joy. The Sedona Method

TELECONFERENCE SERVICE: For all my Teleclasses I use a service that's reliable and free. I also use this service to record all my consulting calls. Teleconference Service

Come Meet Me

Anywhere in the World
Christian Work at Home Moment
March 5, 2006
6:30pm CST on KCRO 660 AM
KCRO 660 AM, Omaha or listen
anytime at http://cwahm.com/wordpress/blog/

Anywhere in the World
Q&A to Get on Oprah & Other TV Talk Shows Teleclass
1 hour
Download it at no charge at:
http://prsecrets.com/free-sign-oprahtvtalkshow.html

Anywhere in the World
Get a 6 Figure Book Advance Teleclass
1 hour
Download it at no charge at:
http://www.prsecrets.com/free-audio-signup-6f.html

Anywhere in the World
Become a 60 Second Sound Bite Genius
(For Pitching, Producer calls, Networking or Presentations)
1 hour
Download it at no charge at:
http://www.webmarketingmagic.com/app/adtrack.asp?AdID=114141

For further schedule information and course descriptions
please visit:
http://www.prsecrets.com/speakingkeynotesworkshops.html

NOTE: Some new classes do not yet have descriptions. Your patience is appreciated.

Quote

The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am,
then I can change.

~ Carl Rogers