Ten-Year-Old Public Relations Firm Reinvents to PR 2.0

Pam Perry, PR Coach & Social Media Strategist (www.pamperrypr.com)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Andria Hall Communications Scholarship (Andria Hall center)

Andria Hall Communications Scholarship Deadline Extended
Foundation offers awards to US and Caribbean students.

SCOTCH PLAINS, New Jersey (June 15, 2010) – U.S. and Caribbean nationals interested in pursuing studies in media, broadcasting or public speaking have another two weeks to apply for scholarship awards in the memory of Christian communications professional and former CNN news anchor, Andria Hall.

The SpeakEasy M.E.D.I.A. Foundation has extended the deadline for the application process for two grants which will be awarded to a high school student from the United States and another from the Caribbean region where Andria Hall featured at many inspiring tourism and media conferences.

Each grant will total US $2,000 and will be awarded to individuals pursing media-related studies at the college or university of their choice.

Applications for the scholarships and study grants can be sent via email or via post by June 30, 2010.

Applicants must either be a graduating high school senior in the U.S. or 5th/6th Form graduating secondary school student in the Caribbean with an overall grade point average of at least 2.5 or C+ average. Participation in extracurricular activities, community work/social service, school, church, volunteer or work experience is required.

The scholarship criteria and application form can be found at the following links:

Guidelines: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dgsbbfz_936fpmk9jgc

Application form: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dgsbbfz_942g6fx2hfr

Completed applications can be emailed or mailed to:

The SpeakEasy M.E.D.I.A Foundation
1812 Front Street
Scotch Plains, New Jersey 07076

United States
Email: info@speakeasymedia.com
Website: www.speakeasymedia.com

About The SpeakEasy M.E.D.I.A. Foundation – an IRS approved 501(c)(3) organization

The SpeakEasy M.E.D.I.A. Foundation, established by Christian communications professional and Emmy award-winning journalist Andria Hall, is dedicated to Ministering, Edifying and Divinely Inspiring All to the glory of God. The Foundation, which Andria established to minister, mentor and mold the future generations, supports education, training and character development of young people in the fields of Media, Broadcasting and Public Speaking. Contributions can be sent to The SpeakEasy M.E.D.I.A. Foundation – 1812 Front Street, Scotch Plains, New Jersey 07076. For further information, email info@speakeasymedia.com.

Get Paid. Learn to the Secrets to Prosper!

So . . . have you asked that question at some point? Do you feel somewhat stuck? Can’t figure out where to begin? Is the phone not ringing? Having difficulty gaining support for what you have to offer?

Whatever the case, you’re not alone. All of us go through it at some point. Don’t be discouraged. You know, sometimes you just need, what I call “AAA,” an acronym for Advice, Adjust, and Advertise.

If perhaps you can’t figure out the reason for your “slow” or “no” growth, begin with the three steps below. They’re simple, yet powerful strategies.

1. Get advice. Ask other professionals and successful people. Have you considered that, there are countless individuals who have already done what you’re currently attempting to do? You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Why not call them up? Or, pick up a book on the subject. If you have some time to spare, you can learn anything.

2. Make Adjustments. After you gain an understanding of what you’re doing wrong, change it. This one is huge. How often do we read books, attend trainings, listen to powerful sermons, and go right back to doing the same old thing? Take the knowledge you have, and apply it.

3. Advertise. Tell someone about what you have to offer. Don’t minimize the importance of making others aware of your event, product, or service. You’d be surprised to see just how many people would support your efforts, if they only knew about them. You have so much you can bring to the table. Whether you realize it or not, someone needs what’s inside of you.

I know you can accomplish amazing things. Trust me, I am speaking from experience. I don’t want to assume that you already know, so I’ll briefly share what I do. I am VP of Marketing for Hobbs Ministries, and founder of Empowering Everyday Women Online Magazine.

Essentially, I do lots of account acquisition, networking, copywriting, ghostwriting and editing. My passion is to help entrepreneurs and leaders recognize their full potential through writing, especially in the context of advertising and marketing.

Is it a lot of responsibility? You betcha. Was I intimidated by all of the tasks when my husband and I began our business? Sure was. Did I finally overcome it and break through? Thankfully, yes. That’s why I know that, everything you need to succeed is already inside of you.

You may have heard that before, but it’s very true. Granted, you might not have all the resources or connections you want right now, but keep moving forward, and it will happen for you. Countless women have done it. You can too.

Did you know that according to the Center for Women’s Business Research, 48% of all privately-held U.S. firms have women in positions of majority ownership; 10.6 million firms are at least half owned by a woman or women. That’s encouraging, isn’t it?

I have no doubt that you can accomplish what God put you on this earth to do. That’s why EEW is here. It’s for you to draw strength and inspiration from other women just like you. Through their stories, I pray that you will have an epiphany and become more aware of your own intelligence, creativity, capability and competence.

Most importantly, I want you to lift up your head and trust in God. Know that He is on your side.

Before I go, I want to tell you again; you are amazingly gifted, anointed, and equipped to thrive in business and ministry. All you have to do is maximize the available opportunities for growth, and begin making the necessary inroads.

Don’t just read the exciting articles, celebrity interviews, and information available at eewmagazine.com; rather, take the knowledge and empowerment you receive here, and apply it.

Remember—Get Advice. Make Adjustments. Advertise.  Get a PR  coach.  Go to a boot camp.

See www.prbootcamponline.eventbrite.com and get a “hook up.”

Until next time . . . may you be empowered to prosper.

Dianna Hobbs is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Empowering Everyday Women Online Magazine, the premier online magazine for African American Christian women. This article is taken from Dianna’s highly popular blog series called, Dianna Hobbs: Empowering Everyday Women. It is circulated to thousands of Christian women in search of inspiration for their ministerial and entrepreneurial efforts. To receive these exceptional articles directly, simply log onto http://www.diannahobbs.typepad.com and subscribe to our email updates. To read EEW Magazine log onto http://www.eewmagazine.com

In what looks like a scene from an old science fiction movie, many people appear to have stopped dead in their tracks when it comes to moving their business forward, paralyzed by fear and unable to take action. There are still others who have lost jobs in industries undergoing dramatic shifts yet they continue to pursue similar opportunities within the same industries, only to find out repeatedly that those once familiar opportunities just aren’t there anymore.

Yet on the flip side, there are an equal number of people who appear to be thriving in this new economy, seemingly unaffected by the doom and gloom being reported. Why is this so?

The rules are changing for entrepreneurs and small business owners and those who are embracing the new models and taking action are thriving. Here are some of the basic strategies:

• Pursue your passion. It’s not just about making money anymore, it’s about doing something you love. Customers want authenticity and know that you have their best interest at heart at all times. This happens naturally when you’re being true to yourself. Additionally, coming from this place of high service leads to prosperity in business.

•Build a support team. The “Lone Ranger” syndrome is not sexy anymore and could be a formula for disaster. Learn to ask for and RECEIVE support from those that have taken a similar journey. Allow Mentors to show you the ropes, open doors for you, inspire you and help you be accountable to yourself.

•Create Multiple Revenue Streams. This is a time to stop trading time for dollars and start packaging your skills and talents to create products and services with varying price points. Maintain your premium price points and begin adding lower price point items or begin bundling services to provide additional value. Even Starbucks recently announced new price points and product combinations yet still maintains a high level of service and brand integrity.

•Build a subscriber base. People are more likely to buy from those they have an existing relationship with. That’s difficult to do unless you have the opportunity to regularly communicate with a potential customer. It’s important that businesses take the time to collect basic contact information from everyone who crosses their path and use the latest technology tools that allow for regular follow up via phone, email or snail mail.

•Collaborate with others for promotional purposes. The “dog-eat-dog” model of doing business has fallen by the wayside. Those who are succeeding are creating win-win opportunities for cross promotion and bundling of products and services. It’s crucial that we support each other by formulating ways to build value for our customers, endorse our colleagues, and tap into each other’s markets.

•Incorporate Web 2.0 and Social Media strategies. If you haven’t tapped into this new paradigm or plan to, you’re absolutely missing the boat.  The power of this medium was evidenced during the last presidential campaign as Obama stunned McCain’s camp with his ability to quickly raise large sums of money, mobilize millions of volunteers and regularly get his message across to the masses. Social Networks such as Facebook and Twitter, in addition to some of the other Social Media tools, have made it virtually effortless to connect to potential customers, employers, as well as movers and shakers in your industry.  Large corporations have even tapped into this resource to track market changes and quickly survey customers so they are constantly staying ahead of the game. The barriers have come down and the playing field is more “even” online so what used to be considered an afterthought should now be at the forefront in any marketing plan.

•Provide solutions to problems. It’s not just about selling more stuff. It’s important to regularly communicate with your market to truly understand what their immediate needs are and to then craft products and services that are true solutions to those needs. The more in alignment your business is with this philosophy, the more in demand you’ll be.

•Automate your marketing platforms. There are a variety of methods you can employ to reach your market but whatever methods you employ, you want to systematize and automate your processes to allow you to reach the masses with increased frequency. More often than not, customers respond by making a purchase only after multiple encounters.

•Celebritize yourself. Become an authority figure, the media “go-to” person and the face of your company. People connect with people, especially those who can quickly establish their credibility. There are a plethora of media opportunities for those who have a story to tell or an expertise to share.

One of the most important things you can do as an entrepreneur is to give yourself permission to do your dream and realize that success is possible for anyone who allows it. Challenges are usually related to your own limiting beliefs that get in your way. Learn to break free of them by planning to succeed!

About Maria Simone
Maria Simone is an entrepreneur, speaker, author, conscious business “architect” and marketing expert who has been featured in the media for her expertise. She has helped thousands with the exact “next steps” they need to take to package their ideas, attract investors, develop a steady stream of customers and create revenue. Her book “Passion 2 Prosperity: Instant Ways To Profit From Your Skills and Talents”, with bonus gift offerings, is a how-to of setting this type of system up for yourself and can be found at www.passion2prosperitybook.com

Hear the recent SYNERGY ENERGY SHOW where Maria Simone was a guest

Click here to hear the interview!

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers