1. Shortkeys Saves Time Typing

What do you do when a reporter or blogger emails you and asks you to send a short version of your bio?

Do you hit "reply," go to a folder on you hard drive, and send it as an attachment?

That's what I used to do until I discovered Shortkeys, one of the most valuable time-saving tools you'll ever find, a steal at $24.95.

It's a text replacement utility that lets you insert blocks of text into other applications like your email program, or Microsoft Word, by simply typing a few keystrokes. For example, when someone wants my short bio, I place my cursor where I want the type to appear and I type "##shortbio".

Within a second or two, my bio appears on the screen.

Publicity Hounds can use Shortkeys so many other ways:

--Create answers to frequently asked questions.

--Authors, create a Shortkey that includes a short description for each of your books, along with the link where people can buy it.

--I have a Shortkey for accepting invitations to connect on LinkedIn. I thank the person for inviting me, and explain where to connect with me on Twitter and on Facebook, and I include the links. You'd be amazed at how many people actually thank me for letting them know where to find me on those sites.

--I create Shortkeys for URLs at my website for products that will help people solve specific publicity-related problems.

--The biggest time-saver of all is a Shortkey for my email address. Instead of typing " JStewart@PublicityHound.com", I type "##ema" which is short for "email" and my long email address suddenly appears. I also have a shortkey for my website URL.

Learn more at the Shortkeys website.

This dandy little tool was one of 60 free or practically free tips, tricks, tools and tutorials for publicity and social media that I shared during my webinar on "60 Ideas in 60 Minutes." You can purchase the video replay and grab the four bonuses. 

2. Be a Media Darling

If you're in a niche where you're competing with dozens, or even hundreds, of similar experts for national publicity, your biggest challenge is branding yourself in a way that celebrates your uniqueness.

When you talk to reporters or TV producers and tell them what you do, you don't want them to think, "Oh no. Not ANOTHER life coach."

While you might be tempted to rattle off a list of your accomplishments and credentials, they're listening instead for the one thing about you that's so interesting it will discourage TV viewers from flipping to another channel.

To know what that "one thing" might be, you must understand how journalists and broadcasters think, what they need, and the yardstick they use to size you up and determine, within seconds, if you're right for them.

Celebrities like Donald Trump, Suze Orman, Robert Kiyosaki of "Rich Dad Poor Fame" and Dr. Phil all started their careers as unknowns. But they each found that "one thing" that turned them into superstars.

Dozens of other best-selling authors who aren't as well known have found their own "one thing," too, and are using it to do hundreds of radio interviews and be sought-after guests on TV talks shows.

Learn how they did it, and how you can follow in their foosteps, during a free call on Thursday, Jan. 24, with Steve Harrison, on "How to Become a Regular Guest on National TV and Other Secrets of the Publicity Superstars." It's at 2 and 7 p.m. Eastern Time.

Register here.

Even though the call is free, I promote Steve's programs as a compensated affiliate. He's well-connected to people who have figured out exactly how to do it right.

3. New Posts at My Blog

Fun facts in a professional bio make people smile

Don't send ecards via LinkedIn direct messages

Ask anyone you're interviewing this killer question

Dog Tweets: 10 ways to build authority as an online writer

4. Hound Video of the Week

Thanks to Publicity Hound Dr. David Lee Scher of the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine in Harrisburg, Pa., for this video of Tootsie Roll, the Yorkie that's VERY particular about where her treats come from.

 

Dog Jokes & Quotes Ebook: 170+ G-rated dog jokes and quotes, perfect for a dog-lover, your favorite vet, or just for a few good laughs:

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Reprinted from "The Publicity Hound's Tips of the Week," an ezine featuring tips, tricks and tools for generating free publicity. Subscribe at http://www.publicityhound.com/ and receive by email the handy cheat sheet "89 Reasons to Send a Press Release."

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Joan Stewart The Publicity Hound