Curious George that I am, I read the ad and it inspired me to write about being bold, standing out from the crowd, and using humor, real life family pressure and a sense of adventure to accomplish a goal.

As a marketer (and not the bride’s mother), I’d give these two an A+ for using non-traditional strategy to get attention, make a statement, and most importantly –build their little black book.

I’d call that brilliant lead generation, whether or not the actual dates ever happen.

Marketing is like dating — crafting a message and sharing it with your target audience, in a way that resonates with your brand to get what you want.

Marketing to get dating — using media channels that you and your target audience are familiar with to create interest, sizzle and build common ground.

Marketing that’s memorable — creating a publicity campaign and a process itself that gets noticed, goes viral and makes people smile.

I am 99% certain that the women who applied for the Wedding Date are vibrant, fun-loving and smart enough to present their best self in a safe and playful way. I believe them to be authentic, clever and know how to position themselves for success. They have a sense of spirit and adventure, and aren’t afraid of putting themselves out there.

These are our daughters of today, non-conventional leaders of tomorrow.

They believe that Life is to Live. Two guys with a wedding, is just one of the ways.

Good luck ladies – Spring is in the air!

“So, what do you do?”

Formerly a Nervous Nellie and reluctant presenter, I can speak from experience that public speaking gets better with practice and you can overcome the anxiety of a mini-introduction when you don’t overthink it, try to impress people or be someone you’re not. How often we forget how fabulous we are!

Here are five (5) Tips to Creating a More Effective (and Personal) Elevator Speech that will Help You Stand Out from the Crowd:

• Have An Attitude: Be upbeat and animated in your introduction. Your energy should be contagious so people will want to know you.
• Solve a Problem: What do you do, sell or promote that solves a problem? Your introduction will resonate with someone in the audience who has a need.
• What Makes You Different? Be memorable, and fun. LOL is free. Sometimes, I introduce myself as ‘Rockin Robin’. What’s catchy about who you are or what you do?
• Be of Service: Allow people the opportunity to get to know you. Be generous in your time and attention. I give prospects a free 20 minute consultation on how to get more PR. My advice is genuine, to the point and I’m happy to offer new ideas.
• Connect the Dots: Engage with your audience, expand your circle of influence and be willing to kiss a few frogs! You never know who others may know.

Here’s my last tip. Take out your iPhone, set it up on the counter and push record.

See what others see in you, not just the flaws you see in yourself.

Let’s dive into this by way of an example. Imagine that you’re a new author from Boston, and have just written a game-changing book about social media strategies. That’s the good news. The bad news is that you’re traveling, and can’t make it to the biggest social media conference in the country until the very last day. How can you make a splash and meet the top dogs in the room – but without making a dash?

In the past, you couldn’t. But now, if you apply these little-known tactics, you’ll be able to “work a room” like a seasoned networking pro without being there:

1. Do Your Homework

Research the conference and identify the main organizer contact (this information is usually on the website, or in a press release, or can be found with a little digging). Then, introduce yourself via email, social media and a phone call. Offer to help with promotion, and share any tips or suggestions that will make you look great. For example, if you know of a great and little-known restaurant in the area, share that information. What seems like the smallest or simplest tip can be extremely well received.

The bottom line is that you’re being helpful, positioning yourself as a strategic ally, and you already know one person who will personally welcome you with a smile when you arrive at the conference. Plus, if there’s a special someone or a celebrity that you’d really like to meet, chances are this new connection of yours will go out of her or his way to make that happen. After all, one good turn deserves another, right?

2. Connect with Speakers

Check out the conference agenda and see who the speakers are. You may recognize some of the names as industry leaders, and it’s perfectly fine to give them a call or connect online. But, chances are, there will be other speakers you don’t know (yet). This is an ideal opportunity for you to reach out and make connection. Tell them how much you enjoyed their last article, blog, book, TV appearance, etc. Also mention that you’ll be attending their upcoming conference, and when you get there, you’d love to say hello.

This pre-connection strategy works for any meeting, whether you live nearby or 3,000 miles away. Connect with the speakers via email, LinkedIn, Twitter or FaceBook. Just because they’re speaking doesn’t mean they don’t want to connect with people – in fact, they’re in the “people connecting” business.

One last thing: if you use social media to connect, make sure that your profile includes a high quality photo. This will really help your new connection remember who you are, and recognize you.

3. Get Ready to Talk

Once you arrive at the conference, find your “top targeted” speaker, introduce yourself so you’re remembered (as noted above, ensuring that your profile has a professional photo of you goes along way here!), and start up a conversation.

Also keep in mind that you don’t have to come across as a “raving fan” if, in fact, you aren’t. Talented professionals appreciate praise – as we all do – but they’re also open to new and different points of view, as long as they’re presented politely and professionally. So be prepared to share your opinions. Who knows? Your insights could be the BIG THING that this expert remembers long after the conference – and that could spark a relationship that lasts for years.

4. Own the Q & A Session

And of course, make sure that you attend the Q + A session where your top targeted speaker will be presenting. Scope out a good position in the room where everyone can see you. When it’s time to ask a question, ask a thought-provoking question that you’ve prepared well ahead of time. Since you’ve already personally connected with this expert, there’s a much greater chance that you’ll be addressed by name, and that there will be instant rapport – which is something that others will notice and that could really boost your credibility.

Plus, here’s a very powerful and even lesser-known secret: before asking your question, introduce yourself as the author of the newly released book on changing social media strategy, give your Twitter handle, and then pause. Don’t be surprised if heads turn, and people want to meet you after the session.

As I write this, I am smiling knowing what’s behind the curtain. You may not notice it in my new photo taken by my friend and celebrity photographer Nikki Incandela, www.nikkiincandela.com, but it’s there. And, when I saw it, I started to wonder.

How many things don’t we see, that actually are there? Is it that we’re focused on something else or simply too busy? What don’t we see in our relationships with others, or scary enough, in ourselves?

Sometimes what we don’t see, or pay attention to is what’s begging for us to take notice. A business  opportunity that’s shouts our name, an important conversation with a loved one, an overdue phone call connecting to a colleague who’s been MIA for a while.  And the list goes on.

Why is it that we see what we see, and not always what others do?

As a photographer with a keen eye, Nikki saw Lucy, my sweet and elderly Sheltie behind the curtain. She never said much, but presented me one day with triptych images of Lucy’s face – which made me love them both, all the more.

In this case, what was behind the curtain delighted me.

We see what we need to see, for what we need to learn. I asked Nikki to photograph me so I could have a special memory of where I was in my life, to honor the space and place. These images will always be cherished as it was not only a new me she was capturing, but included a glimpse of Lucy at nearly 14 years old. I’ll always remember Lucy in the cool spot of the wood floor near the window, in a cottage that will forever remain dear to my heart.

What’s behind the curtain just is.  It’s what we think of it that holds power.

Happy almost December, let the twinkling begin,

I’ll be with my promotions team on Saturday, December 1, managing the Amazing Race TV auditions for WBZ-TV in Boston.  If you’d like to try out in person at one of two Massachusetts locations, click here (should we shorten this?? ) http://boston.cbslocal.com/contests/amazing-race-casting-call-at-bernie-phyls for details and an application.

Visit me too at the Massachusetts Conference For Women, on Thursday, December 6^th.  Partner Promotions /Let’s Make You Shine will have a booth there, and we’ll be making appointments for Free PR Exams.   Here’s the link to the Expo http://www.maconferenceforwomen.org/ We’re at Booth #730 across from the Blogging Lounge.  Check out the amazing line up of speakers like Deepak Chopra, Arianna Huffington, Charlotte Beers, Brene Brown, Kristin Chenoweth, Tory Johnson and the many workshops and Small Business Boot Camp!  Hope to see you there!

As a member of ProfNet, a PR Newswire service, I get press leads that I respond to by reporters nationwide.  I respond to these leads for my two businesses, www.PartnerPromotionsInc.com and www.LetsMakeYouShine.com.  Both promote visibility in the marketplace; the first for Fortune 500 companies that want a big bold presence with Brand Ambassadors and Brand Educators, and the latter for entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to get noticed, with traditional and non-traditional PR and promotions strategies.

One (of many) WWW Surprise(s) came when I found a hot lead for an Etiquette Expert and was unable to retrieve my database. I asked my best business buddy, Google for some help, and reached out on the great WWW to share an opportunity.  What would Google show me?

The answer was clear. Jodi Smith, from www.Mannersmith.com showed up with high rankings, and we corresponded by email over the course of a few months. As life would have it, she also lived in the same seaside town I would eventually move to.  When we met for coffee, I was not only blown away by her accomplishments and expert status, but we also shared a sense of entrepreneurial comradery.

As a fellowpreneur and great marketer, Jodi gave me a list of people who I should meet. She made a virtual introduction to the Director of PR and Communications at Salem State University, and shortly thereafter we met for breakfast.   That in turn lead me to new connections of interns and social media assistants, as well as an upcoming visit to the Enterprise Center, an incubator for new businesses that are growing stronger every day.

Taking a risk, making a phone call, breaking patterns, and just having conversations – it’s all about connections that may lead to surprises – in person, on the web, at networking events, on the street, or at an upcoming holiday party you may be attending.

Oh, there are great surprises out there. I’ve always loved the power of possibility.

How ‘bout you?

One such client is www.Gen-Ark.com which offers an up-to-date Digital Family Archiving service and a way to leave an everlasting Family Legacy®. It’s a new digital preservation web service that displays sentimental photographs, video, slides and letters online, for anyone to see, at any time, from any computer for generations to come.

It seems hard to believe that with a natural disaster, such as Hurricane Sandy, an entire generation of priceless family treasures and important mementos can be wiped out, without a moment’s notice.

Every day, millions of pieces of family history literally disintegrate as old film, slides, paper photographs and documents fail to withstand the test of time.

This message comes as a gentle reminder to care for your past and honor your family history; your photographs, tapes, slides and audio. Think about archiving them in some way to preserve the essence and value of your loved ones, your ancestors, and people that played a part in who you are today.

In my own home I found boxes of old dusty photos of years gone by, including:

• One of my Dad who took double exposure pictures of himself in the 30’s.  I cherish that photo since he’s passed because it always reminds me of how fun he was, and how much he loved life.

•  And one of my young Mom on a donkey with all of her sisters and relatives in the village of Yeraka, Greece. It makes me think of how important her heritage was, her humble beginnings sleeping three to a bed, and why tradition was so key in raising my brother and me.

What will your family legacy consist of?

Memories are in the making every day. Let’s honor them with TLC.

Each week, I respond to a handful or two of press inquiries, and was featured recently in CEO Blog Nation, a community hub featuring niche blogs for entrepreneurs and business owners. Although as I write this I don’t know what portion of my response was selected, I contributed a few  ideas on Essential skills for the Entrepreneur.

Granted, there are more than three skills every Entrepreneur needs, but, I did share a few which resonated to me (not including the quintessential sense of humor, which I hope is a given).

Here’s my take on three essential skills every entrepreneur should have:

1. Flexibility—a willingness to be wrong and course correct. The ability to adapt, improvise and overcome problems – and be ok with change.
2. To clearly communicate – with yourself and others. To put your ideas through a funnel and crystalize what your message is, and ideas on how to get there.  When you are clear you save time, energy and are more efficient.  A foggy mind creates confusion. A confused mind never buys an idea, a proposal, or enthusiasm in a new project.
3. To be resourceful – to get different results, you have to try something new. Being resourceful is about being open to ideas, even if they haven’t worked in the past. People, situations and timing change – so looking at a problem with a fresh perspective and attitude can yield new results.

These skills may seem simple, yet a collection of them make up the back bone and character of every entrepreneur, small business owner and working professional who wants to succeed.

Notice that I didn’t write about the desires of entrepreneurs.  Maybe I should send a query about that – including a healthy lunch delivered daily with extra vegetables, a new wardrobe every quarter, and acting coach to help with video presentation, and delivery on camera!

As an important side note, I’d like to thank those who wished me a Happy FrakenBirthday the night of the storm. #1 skill of the entrepreneur is flexibility, so I’ve been celebrating in bits and pieces all week. Thank you again to my family, special friends and Facebook acquaintances for wishing me well.

And, another essential skill? Keep promoting yourself and expanding your brand.

Believe me, it all adds up, even when you stink at math!

Happy November (already)?

I have a handful of clients that I search press opportunities for, and it’s always so much fun to see where their quotes and stories end up.

One of my clients is Lois Barth, a New York based lifestyle coach.  She’s been featured in Elle, Glamour, Fitness and more magazines than you can imagine.  She’s also a keynote speaker, taking her message to major corporations nationwide.

An entrepreneur, speaker, small business owner, heck — even experts, need to get out there in the marketplace, and be seen. It gives them credibility, content for their websites, and makes them, well,  feel good. It’s validation that the work they’re doing is on target, and pressworthy.

Here’s a recent mention that I helped Lois with – from Sotheby’s International. It starts on page 3 and she talks about how buying a piece of real estate is a catalyst for change and reinvention.   http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/077680e9#/077680e9/1

If you have an extra minute, make sure to look at Sotheby’s properties. Some may be just right for your vision board!

Get noticed in the press as an expert. Get recognized for who you are.  Get out there in a big way.

Live your dream!

Meet Mr. Mojo, one of my newer client’s and America’s Anti-Bully Coach. He’s been featured as an MTV Made Coach and asks students, parents and educators to Mojo Up! and say no to bullying in a big bold way.

Mr. Mojo travels the country on his Anti-Bully Tour visiting 300,000 students a year, and asked me to help him get on TV, since October is National Bullying Prevention Month.

Here’s a picture of Mr. Mojo yesterday on KNBC Live in Los Angeles. He sent me this photo by text, and I realized the power of the pitch, the intent behind it, and the message — to stop bullying. At one point in our lives, we’ve all been bullied; as kids, teens and even adults. The facts on bullying would astound you, and it’s just not right.

If I could pick a favorite client to work with or people to share time with, it’s those that want to give back to make this a better world.

You Go, Mr. Mojo! I have an interview lined up at FOX 25 in Boston, when you come back East.

Behind every great man there’s a great woman.

Behind every great woman there’s a great man.

And behind every entrepreneur, there’s a great team – of even greater men and women who support the dream, work on the front lines and phone, out in the field and in the office — to keep the company going, the brand strong, and all the moving pieces and people in place, to run a business.

Such is the case with my team.

I’d like to thank all of my event managers and staff, retail brand ambassadors, assistants who live in different states and time zones, accountants and bookkeepers, writers, editors, designers, mentors, colleagues, PR support, IT help, photographers, and friends and family on my team and in my circle — who are there when it counts to not only grow the business, but my vision of what ‘getting out there in the marketplace’ really means, on a bigger scale, to make a difference.

Behind every entrepreneur, there’s also a client base of people and companies who believe in you, and give you their trust and permission to support them in their best light.

For both I am thankful, as together, we celebrate 10 years in business this October.

That’s something that takes more than just any team.

It takes my team and a roster of clients that make business fun, lasting and worthwhile.

Thank you for your friendship, support and business. It means the world to me.