Valuing social networking sites in terms of my valuable time

Popular social networking sites, including the giants of these, MySpace and Facebook, have undoubtedly changed the human fabric of the Internet.

Largely the domain of a predominantly youthful user base, they are also well supported by older users. There is also a firm base of professionals using it for business purposes also - from advertising to networking.

You will know the names: LinkedIn, MySpace, Facebook, Next2Friends, FastPitch, Ecademy, Photobucket as well as the plethora of blogging and photo sharing sites.

Time is precious to everyone, none more so than to a small business owner like me. Over the past few years I have joined many, often following an invitation by a friend, colleague or business acquaintance.

The trouble is that I now find that I do not have the time to use them to full advantage and my inbox is inundated every day, especially as those creative geniuses at Facebook devise ever increasingly obscure ways to persuade members to spend time not only theirs but, by spreading the web, encouraging me to spend my time too.

This week alone, I received two more invitations to join new social networking sites! So, I have decided to cull my memberships of these sites. It was an interesting exercise so I would like to share this experience with you.

My interests divide into four key areas: business (networking and blogging), personal and music (live music being my passion).

Music was easy. Of all the memberships I have, MySpace is the most dynamic and user-friendly. I have maintained old relationships and made lots of new ones through MySpace and, especially as I rarely get e-mails from them, I am keeping my page (www.myspace.com/headlinepromotions).

Business more difficult to weed out. Of all the networking sites I belong to for networking, only one has actually generated any business contacts - either suppliers or customers. That is WeCanDoBiz (http://www.wecando.biz/). I do like this site and it has proved successful business-wise. It was very simple to register and is free.

Blogging was not an issue. Blogger dotcom (hhtp://www.blogger.com) is no useful and so easy to understand that I would not for one moment consider changing. Some of my blogs are well read (such as my Headline Promotions, Press & Public Relations blog site: www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com) so that speaks for itself. Others are actually the website content for my domains (e.g. my world record attempt resource http://www.worldrecordattempt.co.uk/) so are effectively free hosting sites and, because of their ease of use, avoid the employment of webmasters to maintain them!

For personal contacts, because of the sheer number of contacts I have on there, I have to remain with Facebook, annoying though that is. It is peoples’ obsession with inviting me to play bingo, or poker or hangman that cheeses me off. Just recently, spammers have got in there and I now receive misspelled invitations to see myself on friends videos; clicking on the link reveals that it is spam with viruses so I hope that Facebook take urgent action to stop this. I am aware that I can reduce the volume of daily e-mails by changing some of my notification options and I am going to do this very shortly to ease the burden on my inbox!

I did actually look at Facebook for advertising but the sheer volume of targets and the time it took to try and work out what and how to maximise the impact of any campaign outweighed any advantage over my existing and effective PPC (pay-per-click) campaigns on Google.

Somewhere in between business and pleasure is a relatively new social networking platform called Next2Friends. I have not yet fully grasped the full potential of this site either for business or pleasure but I am sure it is huge.

I have created a corporate page for Headline Promotions, Press & PR and am working my way through the site to try and grasp how I can use it best. But the ability to video events (whether business or personal) and share them in real time or as video for later access by people I choose to allow, is enormous.

Take, for example, Sunset Lingerie (http://www.sunsetlingerie.co.uk/) for whom I am organising a fashion show. I could video that on my mobile phone and it will appear in real time on Next2Friends and be retained for people to see later. I could, in fact, have it showing live on their website or mine. Similarly, if one of my world record attempts is taking place, then I can show that live or recorded. This is something I definitely wish to explore further.

So, will it save time? I think it will. This means I can focus my attention on the sites I have chosen to continue to support to my advantage and theirs!

Personal memories contain marketing lesson

I received a letter this morning from Premier Travel Inn at Yeovil. It thanked me for leaving a feedback form and expressing their thanks for making positive comments about the Travel Inn and the Airfield Tavern pub next door.

The feedback I gave was very positive. The standards in both the hotel and the Airfield Tavern were superb and the staff in the pub and hotel were very hospitable. The food, from their extensive Table Table menu, was excellent both in terms of quality and price.

All this made the weekend very enjoyable. Yeovil holds such fond memories for me even though I haven’t been back there for years.

Working with some fantastic people - from the wonderful Dudley and Aileen Miller at The Foresters’ Arms in East Coker in my younger days through to that larger than life character, Adrian Hopper (now Marketing supremo at Yeovil Town Football Club and whose hospitality, when I popped in, was up to his usual standards) who rather foolishly encouraged me to be the editor of the business and the leisure & entertainment sections of his Clarion Newspaper.

It was in this beautiful country market town in rural Somerset that I first got the buzz from marketing and public relations, that buzz still giving my life a sparkle even today.
Yeovil has given me some amazing memories. Let me reminisce for a few moments.

I was so lucky to work with the legendary Bruce Welch of The Shadows. Bruce had just come back from Cliff Richards’ birthday cruise with some wonderful tales of that trip and “the good old days” when he and Hank Marvin established the band. We put together a charity Shadows reunion show at the Westland’s Sports and Social Club, a magnificent live music venue, well worth visiting if you are down that way. The sponsors were Vale Motors of Wincanton, the local Subaru and Hyundai dealer. It was a magnificent show and Bruce was brilliant to work with.

Another of my memories was holding a motor show for, coincidentally, Vale Motors in the aforesaid Westland’s Sports and Social Club. It was a terrific event and Bryan, the Dealer Principal, pulled off real coup when he persuaded Hyundai to let us launch the new Hyundai Sonata at the event. It was well supported and the bottom line was that cars were sold as a result! I would mark it as an eight out of ten. It would have been a ten out of ten if two little mistakes had been avoided.

Firstly, the Mayor of Basingstoke - a wonderful man called Councillor John Cruddas, well loved by the townsfolk - unveiled the new Hyudai Sonata. Bryan’s guests included the government Trade & Industry Minister and a senior executive from Hyundai. It was unfortunate, therefore, that the Mayor announced that he was unveiling the new HONDA Sonata. An “oops moment“!
The second “oops moment” came when the fanfare sounded. Imagine the scene. The lights in the main hall were dimmed and the spotlight fell on the car on the stage which was shrouded in a cover. The whole room went hushed and then the big fanfare sounded - it was the Space Odyssey theme tune - one of those nerve tingling moments.

Sadly, the track was from a cheap CD I had picked up in Woolworths for a few pennies. It sounded fine on the car CD player. Imagine my horror when it went out at ten thousand watts through the house PA system as the most awful crackly and unmelodic offering ever heard. The strobe lights flashed all round the building as the wires lifted off the cover to unveil this magnificent car. But the sound was awful and, still reeling from the Mayor’s mis-branding, I was just wanted to go in a corner and fade away. Luckily, the client saw the funny side of it and no harm was done!

Of course, my introduction to the nightclub and leisure scene, which stood me in good stead for the rest of my career, was leaving The Clarion to join Chicago Rock Café Yeovil as its Marketing Manager. General Manager Lynn Bowler and Area Manager Abbie Bassir gave me the freedom to try all sorts of initiatives and develop new skills. They made marketing and PR fun - but they were results orientated and I have never forgotten the lesson that there has to be a “bottom line” outcome of all the activity we undertake.

But, boy, did we have some fun. We had some great parties at Chicago Rock. An Elvis Night with sixteen Elvis impersonators all on stage at the same time making me cry with laughter, terrible local bands in a “battle of the bands” contest emptying the building making me cry in despair, Yeovil Carnival childrens’ parties, YDRfm local radio parties - they are all fond memories.

Two events there stick out in my mind though. Firstly, was the world record attempt by DJ Danny D. playing the longest live DJ set in a nightclub using only vinyl records. The photo above shows Danny and I, covered in champagne, after he reached 120 hours non-stop playing. DJ Tony Temple of YDRfm and I stayed up all week with Danny (I couldn’t do that now!).

We gained some good media coverage and Alex of AFH Web Design broadcast the whole 120 hours live on the internet (apart from the inevitable little hiccups when service went down for short breaks) and attracted 11,000 listeners from across the globe. In those early days of the Internet that was a staggering number!

Secondly, YDRfm launched a promotion night at the club. The theme was “cops and robbers” and customers were invited to come in fancy dress for free admission. I was there with my camera waiting for the radio station presenters to arrive dressed as cops so I went outside at the agreed time only to find policemen and pretend drunken revellers struggling on the pavement. The police were outnumbered so they were handcuffing people to the railings outside the club. I was busy snapping away taking photographs, dashing between all the actors, thinking how realistic they all were and impressed that Tony T had laid on such an elaborate show for the onlookers.

Imagine my horror when Tony and his colleague Rob Denslow appeared around the corner wearing silly plastic imitation police helmets and carrying water pistols. They were dumbstruck at what was going on and I suddenly realised that this was no publicity stunt. It was the real thing! And at that moment, a riot van arrived and out piled a team of officers followed by a K-9 unit.

Drunken revellers from some event in the town were involved in a real-life fracas with the police. Another “oops moment”! I really wish we had then the technology we have today - wouldn’t it have been awesome to have video’d all that on my mobile phone and posted it on Next2Friends like I could do today!

There is a third of my two memories. I persuaded J2O to sponsor the launch of a Christmas anti-drink drive campaign at the club. I also persuaded the actor from The Vicar of Dibley of (“No, no, no, yes” fame) to endorse it. The PR and marketing success came when the regional bus company kindly agreed to take the poster and put it in every bus! The impact was huge! TV coverage was wonderful because they managed to get the Mayor of Yeovil to be filmed being breathalysed outside the club by traffic cops! What a wonderful image that was!

Well, the real point of this article was to congratulate Premier Travel Inn on taking the trouble to write to me. It was a good marketing ploy as I was delighted to receive it. If they were my client, which sadly Whitbread plc are not, I would have recommended enclosing a voucher for a discount on my next visit. I would have certainly used it!

I guess that had my response to the feedback form been negative then I would have received a different (apologetic?) letter. Either way, the lesson for marketers and PR people is, firstly get that all important data, and, secondly, never to waste a good opportunity to communicate a positive message to existing customers.

Crisis management: handling bad publicity in the credit crunch

Barclays Bank spending half a million pounds on a three day jolly for well-heeled clients would not attract media during normal times, but these are not normal times, we are in the throes or a recession caused by, and exacerbated by, banks.

So, Barclays taking 320 executives and customers to Italy for a lavish banquet on the shores of Lake Como, with an evening of music from Milan’s world famous Scala Opera, may be viewed as a PR gaffe particularly as, days earlier, the media had slammed the bankers for taking executives on a lavish trip to Monte Carlo.

The story featured heavily on TV and radio news, egged on by full page coverage in The Sun newspaper under the heading “Credit Crunch Hasn’t Hit Fatcats”.

So, if you were handling the PR for Barclays, how would you respond?

Well, The Sun quotes a Barclays spokeswoman as claiming Sun readers would not be interested in the trip. She is quoted as saying: “This is an event for bankers and clients. It’s not a story for your readers.”

That isn’t an opening line I would have recommended. However, perhaps it gets better.

She is then quoted as saying: “You can’t stop doing business just because of the credit crunch. This is not a jolly going to dinner, it’s an educational seminar. It’s more important than ever to keep this kind of thing going in the credit crunch.”

Personally, I think she almost got it right. Emphasising that any company must do their utmost to keep their business together in this tough economic climate is the right thing to do. Stressing that it is an “educational seminar” is, quite frankly, fruitless.

I guess that, invitations having gone out, Barclays could not have cancelled but I suspect the executives in charge, caught up in the excitement of packing their best bib and tucker, did not give cancellation a moment’s thought.

Equally, they would not have thought about the PR downside of this trip. That should have been the starting point but, as the event has gone ahead, what would be the best way to handle the negative PR?

Barclays’’ spokeswoman was correct in saying that there is a sector of the market which is still capable of generating business for the bank. The target customers are used to being treated in a special way and, if they do not work in this way, it opens the door for their competitors to step in. I would have added, if it were true, that these events are being scaled down and that more opportunities to use UK facilities are being explored.

The media and the public might not like this but they would accept the reality.

In truth, in a matter of weeks this will be “old news” and forgotten - until some over-enthusiastic bank official heavy-handedly seeks to evict a family from their home for being late with repayments, or they hike up bank charges still further!

Prince Andrew’s helicopter goes on display

PRESS RELEASE
Prince Andrew’s helicopter goes on display

During the 1982 Falklands conflict, His Royal Highness Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, flew a Westland Sea King helicopter which will take pride of place in a special exhibition next year.

The Prince’s Sea King, XZ574, was built by Westland Helicopters of Yeovil in the UK and first entered service with the Royal Navy on 6th October 1976. The aircraft was finally retired from service on 7th October 2004 having flown 9,168 hours and then held in reserve until it was decided that it could no longer be returned to active service.

AgustaWestland, the successor company to Westland Helicopters Limited, have fully supported a restoration project by completing a re-spray of the aircraft, restoring it to its original 1982 colour scheme.

It is planned to display the aircraft within the Fleet Air Arm Museum, at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton, next year when this icon of Naval Aviation History will add to the Museum’s new exhibition celebrating one hundred years of naval aviation.

However, there is an opportunity to have a sneak preview as the internationally-acclaimed Museum will open the doors of its extensive reserve collection at Cobham Hall, opposite the main site, from 10.00am - 4.00pm on Thursday Oct 23rd. Entry price is just £3.00 for adults and £1.00 for children

The reserve collection includes over thirty historic aircraft, including one of the largest collections of Westland Helicopters in the world so there is plenty to see, especially the Prince’s Sea King for those impatient ones of us who cannot wait until next year!


Ends

Note to Editors

The UK’s Fleet Air Arm Museum is located at Ilchester, Somerset adjoining the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton.

It’s mission is “To collect, preserve, interpret and make accessible, material relevant to all aspects of the history of naval aviation and the operations of the Royal Naval Air Service and the Fleet Air Arm, the aircraft they have flown, the people who have served with them, and the ships and stations where they served, in the context of the development of aviation at large."

For more information about the Museum and this event please contact
Jon Jefferies, Head of Marketing
Fleet Air Arm Museum
Tel: +44 1935 842638 (International)
or 01935 842638 (UK)
http://www.fleetairarm.com/

Photo of the helicopter available – please e-mail John Hicks (below) for jpeg


Media enquiries to:

John Hicks M.IDM
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Telephone: +44 1256 329742
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
http://www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com/

Lingerie fashion trends dictated by changing breast sizes

Fashions and trends in lingerie retailing are not just about changing tastes and style. Here in the UK, womens’ breasts have jumped a cup size in just five years requiring lingerie retailers and underwear wholesalers to reflect on their product ranges.

In these times of boom and bust, there really is only one statistic that looks certain to keep on growing. As new figures revealed this week show, British women are now boasting bigger breasts than ever.

In the past five years alone, the average bra size in the UK has increased by an entire cup size, following a global trend for increasingly ample cleavage.

The average bra size in Fifties Britain was a modest 30B. But factors such as better diet, cleverer cup measuring and even, it has been claimed by some, the increase in female hormone oestrogen in our water supplies, have all contributed to a massive increase in the size of British women’s busts.

A mere five years ago the average woman sported a bra size of 34C. But now she’s had to increase the size of her underwear to a 36D.

Of course, it isn’t just around the chest that women are expanding – they are also slightly taller today at an average of 5ft 4in and even weigh more, too, at an average of 9st 6lb.

Modern women also have larger waists, now 34 inches, and bigger hips, measuring 40 inches. It’s a trend being echoed throughout the world, too, as shown by our statistics of the average woman aged between 20 and 40.

But in this global economy of ours, are the British ladies alone?

In China in the Eighties, the average bra size was 34A but in the past two decades this has increased by two cup sizes to 34C, just like actress Bai Ling. Canadian women too have proved that breasts are getting bigger, moving up from an average B cup to a C cup.

But busts are not heaving voluptuously throughout the world. Actress Milla Jovovich is a typical svelte Russian and her waif-like figure reflects the trend among her countrywomen. They are on average 5ft 6in tall and have smaller chests.

At 5ft 7in Milla herself may be taller than most of her female friends at home in Russia but her fashionable washboard chest at 32B is similar to that of the average Russian woman, although considering that Milla works mainly in America she would often be surrounded by women with much more ample bosoms.

American ladies are known for being that little bit rounder thanks to their more calorie-laden diets. Curvaceous Mariah Carey, for example, has an ample 36C bust, as does former Cheers star Kirstie Alley.

UK on-line lingerie retailer Sunset Lingerie’s spokesperson, John Hicks, says that the larger cup sizes it sells, in sizes from D and above, now represent 40 per cent of sales and that, increasingly, hits to its website http://www.sunsetlingerie.co.uk/ are for their “plus size” ranges.

But John says that women often go up several cup sizes when they are properly fitted for a brassiere. UK television shows such as BBC1’s “What Not To Wear” and ITV’s “How To Look Good Naked” are encouraging customers to ensure they have correctly sized bras.

“So, Sunset Lingerie’s Plus Size model, Laura Leigh West, whose 36D chest will feature in a new range to be launched in 2009 will be “normal” whereas she would have been exceptional just a few years ago.” John added.


Article first published in October 2008 by on-line publisher SearchWarp.

Photo courtesy of Sunset Lingerie http://www.sunsetlingerie.co.uk/

Back-to-School Retailers Target Young Consumers Online

Article Summary:
In a tough economy, more retailers are turning to social media as an attempt to reach their target audience. With a shaky economy expected to impact the amount of money consumers spend on back-to-school shopping, retailers are using social media to capture the attention of younger consumers, drive brand recognition, and develop market awareness. But one UK social networking company has, according to John Hicks of Headline Promotions Press & Public Relations, come up with a novel idea to capture our imagination as parents.

At this time of year, clients in the consumer market often ask about how they take advantage of the return to school trade. I am particularly interested in the use of social networking sites to help them do this.

Jupiter Research, a leading authority on the impact of the Internet and emerging consumer technologies on business, has found that an increasing number of retailers are using social media to target teens and young adults during the 2008 back-to-school shopping season.

As a result, social media has emerged as an important marketing platform as many retailers use the popularity of social networking sites like Facebook to carry-out their marketing campaigns.

“The back-to-school season has grown in importance for retailers and leads into the all important fourth quarter sales period,” explained Patti Freeman Evans, Research Director and Online Retail Analyst at JupiterResearch. “With the shaky economy expected to impact the amount of money consumers spend on back-to-school shopping, retailers are using social media to capture the attention of younger consumers.”

Retailers are experimenting with a variety of Web 2.0 technologies to host their back-to-school marketing campaigns, including the use of virtual worlds, social networks, social shopping sites, visual search engines, interactive video content, and widgets.

To promote its two new clothing lines, department store J.C.Penney created an online game called "DorkDodge" in which a girl has to navigate through a number of undesirable boyfriends to find her dream date. The retailer also launched an integrated marketing campaign showing teens how they can “get that look” with an array of clothing brands sold at J.C.Penney stores, featuring the theme of “The Breakfast Club.”

A similar campaign by Sears features actress Vanessa Hudgens, from the TV movie sensation “High School Musical”, playing characters who represent different styles that can be recreated from clothing sold by Sears.

Retailers like Apple also value relationships with universities as college-aged consumers are a key demographic. As part of Apple’s US back-to-school promotion, students and faculty of an accredited university receive a free iPod with the purchase of a computer.

According to David Schatsky, President of JupiterResearch, “Retailers experimenting with Web 2.0 experiences will largely find benefit from them in the form of branding and awareness building rather than direct sales as social media has shown little direct impact on actual online retail sales.”

But for those of us who are also parents as well as marketers, the impending return to school brings the opportunity to capture some images we can share with others and keep for a lifetime. But how?

Do you grab the digital camera? The camcorder? Extra memory cards? Batteries? It’s dizzying the number of choices you have. And then what if you want to share those precious moments with grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends? You’ve got to spend all that time uploading or sending individual pictures and videos. After all is said and done, we’re talking at least a couple hours of time, and probably more.

I have come across a unique offering from a UK company. Next2Friends has a simple solution to all these problems. All you need is a compatible mobile phone. Gone are the days of storing a bunch of photos on a camera. You can snap and upload photos of your beaming child to the web for anyone to see instantly using Next2Friends Snap Up.

And gone are the days of transferring video to your computer for hours. You can stream live video of those first cautious steps onto the school bus directly to the web using your mobile phone, viewable by others in real time, with Next2Friends Live.

And the best part is that you can share those photos and videos so easily by either directing people to your profile or generating a recommendation email with a link. So go ahead, give it a try! All you stand to lose is a few cameras and camcorders!

Next2Friends brings together a range of great mobile services under one banner. Whether it’s live video streaming from mobile to web, finding people with similar interests while out and about, or snapping pictures to share with those who couldn’t make an event, Next2Friends helps people share real life, as it’s happening, and in all its glory. Backed up by a full social networking service online, Next2Friends is the easiest way to get connected to interesting people, places, parties and content around the globe. You can find them at http://www.next2friends.com/

I have started by creating a corporate page on the Next2Friends website: http://www.next2friends.com/users/headline. I haven’t yet fully worked out the full potential of this commercial opportunity to expand further into social networking but I reckon it’s going to be fun anyway!

As they say, “watch this space”.

This article first appeared www.SearchArticles.net - August 2008.

Please click here to view it.

How to become a lingerie model

If you are looking for an opportunity to become a model you need to ask yourself a question: “Do I really want to be a model”.

Despite the glamour and hype you have seen about the modeling profession, it's hard work. It's boring (sometimes) and it can be tedious. Prepared to be constantly rejected, get ready for some major ups and downs. Modelling is a lifestyle, not a 9-5 job. Not all jobs pay well. Unless you are seriously committed about modeling, willing to work at it on your own time, live a healthy life style, etc., you will not succeed as a model.

You have to understand that there are lots of other people who want to be models, it's a very competitive business. Are you willing to put the time and energy into competing with pretty much everyone you meet, 24 hrs a day?

But it can be great fun and you can earn some good money. I think one of the great things is that you make many friends.

So where do you start? You'll need a modeling portfolio, I'm sure you'll all know what one of those is but for those that don't it's basically a selection of pictures showing yourself in different outfits and poses. The standard size for the photos is 9 by 12 inches and you'll need around 10 - 12 photos. Make sure you focus on quality rather than quantity, remember, you're only as good as your worst photo. Make sure your portfolio has a selection of both head shots and full body shots. Make sure you get a variety of different looks such as swimwear, catalogue and lingerie, you get the idea, also get a couple of black and white shots in there. Avoid using pictures of the same shot.

It can be very advantageous to have photographs from different photographers in a portfolio. This will show the versatility in terms of styles and it will prove that a model can work with a variety of different people. Obviously, the cost of hiring different photographers for a portfolio is prohibitive, but there are many excellent photographers out there who will do prints for time - and of course many more bad ones. If you research what's on offer well, it can be an excellent alternative.

Before going ahead with a photo session ask to look at the photographer’s portfolio to see if you like his style of photography. No doubt if you go to the photographer’s studio to book the appointment he will have examples of his work on display anyway. If you've never done modelling before this will also be an excellent practice run for you. Avoid photographers wanting to take nude shots and, if possible, take a friend with you to the shoot.

From then on, it’s the long haul round the agencies. It’s a bit like traipsing round the recruitment agencies and signing on to get onto their books. Same information each time but it’s a chore you have to live with to get on. Do not sign exclusive deals, you need to be able to accept work from a variety of agencies.

If you particularly want to model lingerie – and many do because there are opportunities to develop into catalogue and calendar work as well as promotions activity – one UK company is offering a new opportunity.

Sunset Lingerie offer an extensive yet quality affordable range of sexy & exotic lingerie, adult fantasy costumes, designer glamourwear, clubwear, prom outfits, plus size lingerie, babydolls, pvc & fetishwear, sexy shoes & boots, dance wear and bridal underwear or honeymoon lingerie.

They are looking for models to work with Playboy model Candice to represent the brand, appear in the on-line catalogue and to host nightclub lingerie parties. You can see the range at http://www.sunsetlingerie.co.uk/ which is pretty extensive.

But if you are not a size 0, do not despair as Sunset Lingerie are looking for attractive ladies over 18 and of all sizes. For those with a UK dress size 16 or more, the company is developing a new specialist shop called Sunset Lingerie Plus. I can exclusively offer you a sneaky preview of the forthcoming site, just visit http://www.freewebs.com/lingerieplus.

That site is hosted by Laura Leigh West (pictured above), herself a plus size model, who will be introducing a wide range of plus size, sexy and exotic lingerie, underwear and adult fantasy or fancy dress costumes. Plans are in hand for Laura to join Candice in having her own label marketed through the site and in retail outlets across Europe.

Well, I hope this has helped you to decide if the hard work is worth it for the rewards, financial and lifestyle. If so, enjoy it and take all the opportunities that come your way!






Keywords:

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Plus size lingerie, sexy lingerie, exotic lingerie, adult fantasy & fancy dress costumes, Babydolls, Bikinis, Bras, Bridal Lingerie, Bustiers, Clubwear, Corsets, Dancewear, Fantasy Lingerie, Fine Lingerie, Leather Lingerie, Lingerie Accessories, Nightwear, Plus Size Lingerie, Pvc Lingerie, Stockings, Swimwear, Sexy Underwear, Fancy Dress Costumes, fetishwear, dance wear, pole dancing outfits, seductive plus size underwear, bridal & honeymoon lingerie, Laura Leigh West, Candice

Marketing and promoting shopping malls to generate additional footfall

Marketing and promoting shopping malls to generate additional footfall



Here John Hicks shares some ideas from his years at Headline Promotions, Press & Public Relations here in the UK:

· Place yourself at the heart of the community and partnered up with all the local schools & colleges by offering a fraction of a percentage of the proceeds of receipts from your shops back to the schools through a rebate programme. Work on some strong marketing materials for the schools to use.Offer new computers to the school that has the most receipts. I did a similar exercise for an IT company and we had huge PR from this and business from the schools.

· Street entertainment such as fire eaters or magicians etc will give people who come out something to remember for ever. Live music or karaoke in the street, can also be successful parts of an overall campaign.

· In school holidays, lay on plenty of children’s entertainment including face painting sessions, story telling and model making.

· In the UK you normally have to pay a fortune to park your car before you go shopping to spend more. At Brent Cross the parking is free and you find people will travel to it. Negotiate with local car parks to get free off-peak parking and cheaper peak time rates – or offer a refund on parking if they spend more than £50 in one day.

· One of the most successful of my projects was for a garden centre complex that encouraged shoppers to save their receipts. For every £100 in mall receipts, they received 1 entry in an annual drawing for a new car. The winner had to be present to win, so that day the centre was unbelievably crowded. We ran the project jointly with a local car dealership who, in turn, received dealer support from the manufacturer.

· Create events:
Health fairs with free screenings, health information, etc.
Craft fairs highlighting local artists
Fashion shows
Cooking demonstrations
Events tied into various holidays or causes
Record launches

· If you can increase the number of woman visiting your mall the men will follow automatically and your footfall will increase dramatically. Have special women oriented events like beauty workshops, events, have a special women's day where they are given 10% off their purchase.

· A good TV celebrity which appeals to a wide age group will be expensive but my experience shows that it has always, and I mean always, paid dividends!

· At Christmas time, help busy employees of local firms by providing personal shopping assistants before work, during lunch breaks and after work.

· Last, but certainly not least, think about establishing your own on-line radio station. UK Internet Radio Developments can create one for you in 24 hours with music programmes 24/7 – visit their website at http://www.ukird.com/

Do you need practical advice on marketing, PR and promotions for shopping centres and malls in the UK? The contact John Hicks at Headline Promotions, Press & Public Relations http://www.headlinepromotions.co.uk/ or by e-mail at john@headlinepromotions.co.uk






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Basingstoke agency helps launch new fashion retailer

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
July 7th 2008


Basingstoke agency helps launch new fashion retailer

Europe's newest lingerie on-line retailer has appointed Basingstoke’s PR, marketing and promotions agency, Headline Promotions, Press & PR, to handle the campaign for the recent launch of their new shop at http://www.sunsetlingerie.co.uk/ which is expected to attract substantial orders during the summer and autumn wedding season and in the run up to Christmas.

Richard Davies of Luxembourg-based Sunset Lingerie said: "Our PR and marketing agency, Headline Promotions Press & PR, will undertake the website search engine optimisation, media relations and an on-line advertising campaign across Europe. The team came highly recommended and presented a credible campaign strategy."

Headline Promotions Managing Director, John Hicks, said: “We will be working with photographers in the region to build a portfolio of models to help present the products in the on-line shop and at events. Negotiations are progressing with a major glamour model for the design of her own-label range to be retailed exclusively through the website. This is on top of our web marketing and advertising campaign so we have a busy time ahead.”

With the UK economy struggling, is this a good time to launch a new retail outlet? John Hicks said: “In a recession, people will still want quality lingerie for special occasions, including weddings, and to give as presents. We will use the next couple of years to develop the brand name Sunset Lingerie into a household name in time for when the economy recovers.”

Part of the launch campaign includes a celebrity launch party in Windsor in a few weeks when some new inclusions in the range of sexy underwear and lingerie will be unveiled. Demand for invitations is expected to be high!

Further details of the Basingstoke PR agency can be found at http://www.headlinepromotions.co.uk/


ENDS

Photo: John Hicks of Headline Promotions, Press & PR

Notes to Editors:
Headline Promotions, Press & PR was established in 1996 in Basingstoke, Hampshire, to provide PR, promotions, event management, marketing and web design support for small business in the UK by John Hicks, a member of the Institute of Direct Marketing, bringing together many years of experience across a wide range of business sectors in the UK and Far East.John and his small team's particular speciality is in the manufacturing, retail, internet radio, security, professional services, hospitality, leisure & entertainment sectors but are well-versed across many sectors.


Media enquiries to:John Hicks M.IDM
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile: 07771 575 654
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
http://www.headlinepromotions.co.uk/


Keywords: Sunset Lingerie, sexy nighties, glamour models, on-line retailers, bridal wear, autumn brides, summer brides, Christmas presents, xmas presents, Richard Davies, Headline Promotions, John Hicks, Basingstoke, retailing in a recession,






This press release was issued and distributed by the UK’s
Press Release Writing Service
http://www.pressreleasewritingservice.co.uk/

More misery as wild dolphin captures continue in Solomon Islands’ waters

PRESS RELEASE
London, UK
July 2, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


More misery as wild dolphin captures continue in Solomon Islands’ waters

A further 12 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins have recently been captured and are waiting in sea pens to be exported to marine parks.

This comes nine months after the controversial exports of 28 wild caught dolphins from the Solomon Islands to Palm Atlantis in Dubai last year, and by further captures of dolphins by local fishermen who wanted to start a “dolphin business”.

As a charity working for the protection and welfare of dolphins worldwide, the Marine Connection has huge concerns for not only the welfare of the captured animals but, also, any further captures and exports as the number of dolphins around the Solomon Islands is unknown and any further taking of animals could have a devastating effect on local populations if the government allows captures to escalate.

Once again, these captures were authorised despite no adequate peer reviewed scientific surveys being undertaken to assess that the removal of the animals from the wild will not be detrimental to the survival of the species in these waters. This is a basic requirement of international legislation as outlined by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), whose aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

Under CITES law, no captures should be allowed until a Non-Detriment Finding (NDF) has been issued by the exporting country. The Solomon Islands have issued this declaration due to methodological flaws of the study the charity is challenging the effectiveness of this NDF.

Unfortunately the cruel market for wild dolphins is fuelled by the popularity of marine parks and tour operators that promote them. Marine Connection allege that holiday giants Thomson (a branch of tour operator TUI) are promoting excursions to the Palm Atlantis resort in Dubai, the facility that purchased and imported the dolphins from the Solomons last year. Ironically, TUI are also partners of 2007 “Year of the Dolphin” an initiative launched by the United Nations which aims to highlight the many dangers dolphins face in the wild and has been extended into 2008.

The charity has concerns over the inclusion of TUI, as one of the major threats to wild dolphins today is their direct capture and trade to supply marine parks. “Captures are most likely not sustainable and may have significant conservation implications” – these facts were acknowledged by all “Year of the Dolphin” partners and TUI should prove its commitment by pledging to cease sales of this type of excursion.

A spokesperson for the Marine Connection, said: “Tour operators such as Thomson and Virgin who promote and profit from captive dolphin facilities have a huge responsibility today - environmentally, socially and ethically. Excursions to captive dolphin facilities, artificial enclosures which confine these socially complex and predatory animals, are an inherent contradiction to this tremendous responsibility. As long as tour operators promote these facilities and people continue to visit them, wild captures will continue.”

Further information can be found at www.marineconnection.org

ENDS

For media-related inquiries, or images contact:
Janja Novak, Campaigns Development Officer, Marine Connection
Tel 00 44 (0) 20 7602 1574 email: janja@marineconnection.org

Notes for Editors
The Marine Connection is a London-based charity, working both nationally and internationally for the welfare, protection and conservation of dolphins, whales and porpoises - from the smallest to the largest species, they all need protecting. One way the charity achieves this is through a mix of campaigning, education and research. The Marine Connection has achieved, or contributed to, many important victories for dolphins and whales. However, whilst an actively campaigning organisation, education and research also play a vital part of the charity’s conservation work. One of the charity's main objectives is to ensure everyone understands the importance of protecting these marine mammals and their natural habitat.


Press released issued through the UK-based Press Release Writing Service
(http://www.pressreleasewritingservice.co.uk/)

John Hicks
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
25 Basingfield Close
Old Basing
Basingstoke
Hampshire RG24 7BGUnited Kingdom
http://www.headlinepromotions.co.uk/
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk

Fleet Air Arm Museum Veterans' Day "A huge success"

PRESS RELEASE
Yeovilton
1st July 2008

Veterans young and old thronged to the Fleet Air Arm Museum on Sunday 29th June 2008 to be awarded their Veterans badges.

The presentation of badges was officiated by Admiral Terry Loughran and David Laws MP supported by veteran CPO Stu Rainsbury, WO1 Julie Halford and 22 year old Marine Chris Turner who has recently returned from serving in Afghanistan .

The presentations took place under Concorde accompanied by Musicians from the Royal Marines Association Concert Band.

Elsewhere throughout the Museum, surrounded by aircraft spanning almost 100 years, exhibitors and Museum staff encouraged visitors to reminisce and record their memories related to bygone days. WW2 memories were brought sharply into focus by AsOne Theatre Productions who performed a programme of nostalgic wartime classics.

Says Museum Director Graham Mottram . “We were delighted to see so many families, often spanning three generations, as grand children watched their grand parents receive their badges. The day was a huge success and much enjoyed by all.”

Helping to receive visitors and answer their queries throughout the day were children from Bucklers Mead School in Yeovil.

ENDS




Caption 1: Veterans badge
Caption 2: David Laws MP presenting Veterans badge to WW2 veteran



ENDS.



Media Enquiries: Jon Jefferies Head of Marketing. 01935 842638





John Hicks M.IDM
Headline Promotions, Press & Public Relations
25 Basingfield Close
Old Basing
Basingstoke
Hampshire RG24 7BG
England
Tel: +44 7771 575 654
www.headlinepromotions.co.uk
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk

Distributed through the Press Release Writing Service www.pressreleasewritingservice.co.uk

Nightclub marketing and promotions get helping hand

PRESS RELEASE
26th June 2008
Basingstoke, England

Nightclub marketing and promotions get helping hand



Nightclubs, late night bars and restaurants, cue sports bars and live music venues are all facing a difficult time as the UK economy falters.

Basingstoke Public Relations consultant, John Hicks of Headline Promotions, Press & PR (http://www.headlinepromotions.co.uk/), deals with this particular sector and is confident that effective marketing and promotions will enable them to keep their head above water until times get better.

Back in 1969, John established an on-line resource site for owners, operators and managers in the hospitality and entertainment industry. This offers advice and information about all aspects of the business sector, from marketing through to the use of celebrities for special events.

John’s background is that he has worked in public relations, marketing and promotions for many years, across many sectors. He specialises, however, in the leisure, internet radio broadcasting, hospitality and entertainment sectors.

He formerly operated a busy 750 capacity 24/7 snooker and pool hall, Chinese restaurant, sports bars and live music venue in the south of England - in addition to previously being a national promotions manager for a division of Europe's leading late night venue operator and a promotions manager for a global drinks manufacturer.

Now, John has re-launched the Nightclub Marketing website with a new-look design, in the format of a book with chapters on specific topics including new developments such as “running your own radio station”.

The re-launch coincides with the introduction of his new Mentoring Scheme.

The mentoring programme, allows for a venue management team to have in-depth support from John for a week. During that time, they will work together to devise a SWOT and competitor analysis, a marketing and PR programme, training needs analysis and a customer relations strategy.

After the week, John will remain available for telephone support for a period year for the management team. This transfer of knowledge will enable the team to manage their own destiny and help prepare newer staff for future management roles.

Of course, effective marketing and promotions will not ensure business success on their own. They have to accompany high standards of customer care and service. The new website and John’s unique mentoring service will give them the edge however.

Further details can be found on John’s re-launched website http://www.nightclubmarketing.co.uk/

ENDS


Further information can be obtained from:
John Hicks
Headline Promotions, Press & Public Relations
Basingstoke, England
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
Mobile: 07771 575 654

You can read John’s occasional blog at: http://www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com/


John has worked in public relations, marketing and promotions for many years, across many sectors. He specialises, however, in the leisure, local radio broadcasting, manufacturing and entertainment sectors. He formerly operated a busy 750 capacity 24/7 snooker and pool hall, Chinese restaurant, sports bars and live music venue in the south of England - in addition to previously being a national promotions manager for a division of Europe's leading late night venue operator and promotions manager for a global drinks manufacturer.
John also writes for several UK and US newspapers and blog sites as well as having contributed to a number of published works. He has also acted as an occasional advisor to City funds and investment banks with interests in the UK leisure sector.
His principal business is Managing Director of Headline Promotions, Press & PR but he is also heavily involved in internet radio, a performer management agency and leisure property development. Not much time then for his passion for live music!


Keywords: nightclub marketing, late night bars promotion, John Hicks, advertising restaurants, promoting cue sports clubs and live music venues, internet radio stations, mentoring for nightclub managers, Headline Promotions

This press release has been distributed by the Press Release Writing Service

Top ten tips on how to create free publicity for company anniversaries

A client asked me for small business public relations advice for his retail store in relation to their 10th anniversary of trading. I thought that I could usefully share my thoughts with you.

Whatever the nature of your organisation, company, small business or retail store the fact that it is celebrating its 5th, 10th or 20th anniversary it is important to you so, naturally, you want the world to know. But if all you do is call the reporter at your local newspaper and announce the anniversary, don’t be surprised if the reporter says, “Who cares?” You need a clever hook to get free publicity if you're celebrating an anniversary.

Here are several ideas to get you started:

1 Sponsor a contest in honour of your anniversary. A men’s clothing store can have an Ugly Tie Contest, put the entries on display and ask customers to vote for the ugliest tie. Create your own day, week and month of the year.

2 Call the local radio station and donate prizes for their presenter to give away. Tell them they can have the prizes to give away however they wish, as long as they mention your store and your anniversary.

3 Take a poll or survey and announce the findings on your anniversary date. A bookstore, for example, can poll readers on the one book they would most like to have with them if they were stranded on an island.

4 Sponsor a free class at your store. A gourmet food store can invite patrons to a free class on cooking with wine. You might even invite a local celebrity chef to be the teacher. Be sure to hand out free samples of the food.

5 Ask customers to explain in 50 words or less the most unusual or outrageous way they have used one of your products or services. The winner gets a cool prize.

6 Team up with a local school or charity such at the homeless shelter, and donate products or services they can use. Ask them if they will work with the media to try to get free publicity for the donation.

7 Try and tie-in any anniversary announcement with news of a successful bid for new work, or get a testimonial from a long-standing customer (especially if that customer was with the business right from the early days!).

8 Ask your local newspaper if they will feature a competition for which you will supply the prize. If you are a club or bar, call a party! That is what you are good at so invite your regulars and get a supplier to sponsor some product to give away. It always worked for me!

9 One of my favourite stunts was to celebrate the anniversary of a restaurant. Chef baked an enormous cake and iced it in the shape of the company logo. We then took large chunks round to the local elderly persons' homes - the press loved it and we received great newspaper and local radio coverage

10 Invite a celebrity in to sign a few autographs. It costs a little but is worth every penny! There are loads of agencies you can contact or I can always put you in touch with one (see my e-mail address below).

In terms of free space in the local newspaper, you could always consider a special feature where your suppliers are all contacted and asked to support an advertising feature. The newspaper then provides you with editorial coverage and a photo. I am sure you have seen the sort of thing I have in mind. Newspapers call these “advertorials” and, basically, the suppliers pay the costs. A good photo and a good supporting photograph can make these very readable and interesting. Poor copy and a poor photo will consign your advertorial to the dustbin of history so consider spending a few pounds with your local PR consultant to make sure this is a success.

One final pointer is to remember to plan well ahead. You need to talk to suppliers well in advance, especially if they want to be involved in launching one of their new products in association with your event. Also, you need the time to make sure your advertising and marketing budget allows for special initiatives and special offers to tie-in with your anniversary.

I hope this is helpful. You are welcome to send me further ideas and, maybe, copies of your media coverage for your latest anniversary. My e-mail address is john@headlinepromotions.co.uk and you can read my blog at http://www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com/

This article was first published on the Amazines dotcom article database - June 2008

Aviator Steve Wood receives Royal recognition

Congratulations to Headline Promotions, Press & PR client: Steve Wood.............

Our congratulations to record-breaking aviator, the irrepressible Steve Wood, who went to St James' Palace last week to be presented with The Air League's Scott-Farnie Award by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.

The FAI has just ratified another 35 records giving him 64 world records at present - with another 14 pending!

We have been looking at how many world records he could have claimed using the official start / finish times submitted to the FAI for the records he has claimed.

It gets complicated as the FAI Has changed its rules three times in recent years to stop ridiculously slow speeds being claimed. Up to 2006, any speed could be claimed which is why some records are down to just 8 km/h (5 mph). From 2006 to 2008, speeds below the clean stall speed of the aircraft (or 100 km/h if the stall speed was not known) could only be claimed if other records were claimed on the same route which were above the stall speed. From 1 March 2008 the FAI has simplified the rules and now only speeds above the clean stall speed (or 100 km.h) can be claimed.

We have also been researching the records set by Sheila Scott - who is generally regarded as having set the most aviation records of any British pilot up to now. In the Encyclopedia Britannica she is reputed to have broken "more than 100 light-aviation records" between 1965 and 1972. However, she claimed only 77 official FAI world records (which is why Steve has claimed 78 records) and of those 77 records 30 were duplicate 'Feminine' records which have been superseded by the FAI as no longer valid as there is now no 'feminine' category.

It seems that Sheila Scott may have set more than 100 aviation records but only claimed the 77 world records. Based on the same rules as existed when she set her records, Steve actually set a massive total of 320 world speed records, but of course has only claimed 78 world records.plus another 5 British National records.

Under the 2007 rules which applied during all but his last flight, Steve could have claimed 197 FAI world records, plus the 5 British National records. Under the 2008 rules he could have claimed 161 FAI world records, plus the 5 British National records.

I hope you are keeping up! But let me summarise.

All of Steve’s 78 claimed records meet the 2008 rules and, if you apply the 2008 rules to other pilots records, the situation changes dramatically.

Based on claimed records:

Steve become no. 1 in the world for the number of records ever set in a homebuilt aircraft as the previous 'top scorer' (H G Schmid) claimed 168 records of which only 61 records would be valid under the 2008 rules. This compares with Steve’s 78 claimed, and still valid, records!

Sheila Scott's total of 77 records would reduce to just 38 valid records. Another British pilot, Victor Davies, claimed 62 records and this would reduce to 28 records. Judith Chisholm originally claimed 56 world records but 29 of these were 'feminine' and her total would reduce to just 16 records under the new rules. Interestingly the number of records set by a British pilot in a single year back - 27 records set in 1952 by T W Hayhow - stays unchanged, but, in any event, Steve smashed this total by setting 78 world records in a single year.

Of course, irrespective of the changes in the FAI rules, Steve is now the top scoring British aviator in the history of aviation presently holding 64 FAI world records with another 14 world records pending ratification.

We are all very proud of Steve. On the same day that Steve received his prestigious Scott-Farnie Award medal, another Yorkshireman was there. Her Majesty The Queen knighted Sir Michael Parkinson – we think she might have put the royal sword to Steve in recognition of his amazing achievements.

SEO Top Ten Tips to maximise the impact of your Press Release

SEO Top Ten Tips to maximise the impact of your Press Release on the web
By John Hicks

If you have gone to the trouble of writing a press release and want to maximise the on-line potential then think about how search engine optimisation can help you.

I was recently consulted by a client, Asset Fencing (http://www.assetfencing.com/) who specialise in protecting UK businesses’ assets with perimeter systems - through physical deterrents, detection and monitoring systems with the supply, installation & maintenance of industrial, commercial and security fencing, barriers, CCTV, access controls and the like.

They wanted to initiate a press release campaign on the web over a number of months. Their question was how to maximise the impact of a press release on the Internet.

Here were my top ten suggestions to help them and I thought it would be useful to share my thoughts.

1. Choose and use your keywords. Think like your reader. What words are most likely to be searched for by people looking for what you want them to find in your release? Choose/use those words multiple times. By the way, do remember to name your images on your website and in press releases after one of your keywords; a simple tip often forgotten.

2. Use bold, italics, headlines and subheads to make key phrases and keywords more visible. Emphasised text may help your release stand out and can positively impact search engine results.

3. Keep your headlines short. Google recommends headlines between 2 and 22 words for optimum visibility and search results. And Google results display only the first 63 characters of each headline.

4. Keep it readable. While your goal is to appear high in search engine results, don't miss the mark by writing copy that's overly repetitive, spammy or unreadable. You want search engines to find you and for readers to click through to your text. Strike a balance.

5. Be careful with puns, innuendo and double meanings. Search engines, spiders and robots have no sense of humour. Keep this in mind when trying to attract their attention.

6. Write timely content that provides useful information to readers. Provide tips, advice, or analysis in your press release that is relevant to your industry or your customers' interests. Search engines are more likely to include releases that are honestly useful in their results.

7. Utilise hyperlinks and anchor text, but don't overdo it. Too many links can flag your release as spam and get you kicked out. One link max per 100 words is recommended. Choose relevant links that direct traffic to the specific pages you are promoting rather than generic company links.

8. Be consistent. Some words have multiple spellings— such as "t-shirt" and "tee-shirt," or "email" and "e-mail." Stick with one spelling to avoid appearing illiterate, preferably choosing the more frequently searched spelling.

9. Keep it fresh. As releases age, they tend to drift lower in the search engine results pages. A campaign of several releases is more likely to drive results than a single press release.

10. Publish on your own website. Be sure to publish releases to your own website also. Since links are like votes, link to them. And work with your web team to make sure your site is optimized. Make sure you copy them to your local media – newspapers, radio, internet radio stations and TV stations.

I would wish you “good luck” but, in business, you make your own luck.

Finally, if you are struggling to produce a professional press release then ask a professional PR consultancy but ask for a price first. Many, like my own company (Headline Promotions, Press & PR) have a fixed fee – ours is £99 which represents value for money and just a small investment as part of your overall marketing strategy.

About the author: Award winning PR and media relations consultant, John Hicks is a member of the Institute of Direct Marketing and writes for several US & UK journals and magazines. He is a Director of Headline Promotions, Press & PR (http://www.headlinepromotions.co.uk/) which specialises in “PR with a marketing edge” for UK businesses, especially those in the leisure & entertainment, facilities management outsourcing, nightclubs, retail, local & internet radio, manufacturing and security sectors.

John can be contacted direct at john@headlinepromotions.co.uk

Nightclub marketing opportunity for sale

An exciting website http://www.nightclubmarketing.co.uk/ is an uncompleted project and it is a shame to see it go to waste.

Conceived originally as a resource for UK nightclub, late bars and leisure businesses, venue operators and their staff would have immediate access to suppliers of relevant products and services, artist and performers, recruitment opportunities, advice and information on marketing and promotions plus the latest industry news. The public could find their local venues, to see what's on and gain VIP access or discounted admission.

Whilst work has been done on developing some content on it’s accompanying blog, other business priorities mean that it has not reached its true potential. Headline Promotions, Press & PR are, therefore, offering the domain name for sale.

This can be an outright purchase of the name or, as we have a fully operational website design almost ready for launch, we would sell the name and the website.

If you require a fully operational website for marketing to nightclub and late bar personnel and/or customers but do not wish the hassle of maintaining the site, Headline Promotions Press & PR would be pleased to quote for supplying the content and promoting the site for you, at modest monthly fees.

For an informal discussion without obligation please call John Hicks on 07771 575 654 or e-mail him at john@headlinepromotions.co.uk

Headline Management’s Steve Wood receives international media coverage

Steve Wood featured in EAA journal



Following world record breaking aviator Steve Wood’s confirmation from the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) that he set a total of 29 world speed records in his GlaStar, during the second "four corners" flight around America in 2007 media coverage has been secured around the globe.

That achievement breaks the record for the most FAI world records ever made in a U.S.-registered homebuilt aircraft, exceeding Bruce Bohannon's 28 achieved in his modified RV-4, the Flying Tiger. Steve, whose airplane is affectionately known as GOOFY (N-600FY), flew his first four corners flight in 2005 and continues to set new records.

Headline Management issued a press release through Headline Promotions, Press & PR announcing the FAI recognition. This was picked up by a whole host of media but Steve was particularly pleased that the US’s premiere aircraft association’s magazine, the EAA featured him in this month’s issue.

Steve is represented in Europe by Headline Management of Basingstoke, England http://www.headlinemanagement.co.uk/




Read the article on-line: http://www.eaa.org/news/2008/2008-03-20_goofy.asp

Resort of Okinawa brings death to its golden beaches

Drive hunts return to Okinawa

Okinawa is the southernmost prefecture of Japan. It occupies the southern part of the Nansei (Southwest) chain of islands which stretches over 1,200 km from the southern tip of Kyushu to within 100 km of Taiwan. Okinawa prefecture consists of around 160 of these islands, 46 inhabited.

The prefecture takes its name from the largest and most populous of the three groups of islands that form it, the other two being the Miyako and Yaeyama group. The Okinawa group is centered on the largest island in the prefecture, Okinawa Island; the Miyako group on Miyako Island; and the Yaeyama group on Ishigaki Island.

But don’t be misguided by the tourist guide image.

The city has recently re-commenced dolphin hunting. Nago hunted dolphins 20 years ago but the barbaric practice was stopped due to opposition by conservation groups and bad publicity the city received for allowing these hunts. However, the practice is still alive, as a small percentage of fishermen still retain licences to kill dolphins.

A few days ago, around 100 dolphins appeared off Nago Bay which resulted in six boats setting out to sea and the fishermen driving the dolphins into the bay, where they were slaughtered. This is a sad reflection on Japan’s attitude towards the continued and rising international condemnation of drive hunts in the country.

Despite the fact that the number of dolphins killed in this instance was lower than the hunts conducted in Taiji where the number of dolphins slaughtered reaches in excess of 20,000, the practice is equally inhumane and unnecessary.

Yet the world stands by and does nothing. One marine conservation charity has spoken out. The Marine Connection (www.marineconnection.org) condemns this expansion of drive hunts in Japan and is calling on the authorities at Nago abolish the hunt with immediate effect. But will the world listen?

Just don’t go there on your holidays!




Further information can be found at www.marineconnection.org

For media-related inquiries, contact The Marine Connection:
Janja Novak
Campaigns Development Officer
Marine Connection
00 44 (0) 20 7602 1574
Email: janja@marineconnection.org

The Marine Connection is a London-based charity, working both nationally and internationally for the welfare, protection and conservation of dolphins, whales and porpoises - from the smallest to the largest species, they all need protecting. One way the charity achieves this is through a mix of campaigning, education and research. The Marine Connection has achieved – or contributed to – many important victories for dolphins and whales, however whilst an actively campaigning organisation, education and research also play a vital part of the charity’s conservation work. One of the charity's main objectives is to ensure everyone understands the importance of protecting these marine mammals and their natural habitat.

Internet radio hits the mainstream

Internet radio hits the mainstream, so says an article published on guardian.co.uk on Monday January 28 2008.

The article says that more than 8 million people in the UK listen to web-based radio services every week and nearly 2 million download podcasts on a weekly basis, according to a survey that suggests internet radio has hit the mainstream.

Commissioned by the industry's audience research body Rajar, the Ipsos Mori survey last autumn found that more than 12 million people have listened to the radio online and 8.1 million listen every week either through live streaming or "listen again" services.

Ipsos Mori found that 75% of users do not listen to less live radio as a result of listening again online, with 50% tuning into new shows as a result.

The same was true of podcasting, with one-fifth of respondents saying they now listen to more live radio and nearly one-third saying they listen to new radio shows after sampling them via podcasts. Only 8% of those surveyed said they listened to less radio because of the availability of podcasts. Of the 4.3 million who have downloaded podcasts, around 1.87 million people listen to at least one podcast each week. Two-thirds of podcast listeners subscribe to their favourite shows through iTunes, with nearly half tuning in during the evening. Of these, 80% listen through their computers and 61% copy the podcasts to their MP3 players.

Music and comedy are the most popular genres, with each user subscribing to more than three podcasts, on average, and listening to 53 minutes each week.

"This survey is very much a toe in the water," said the Rajar research director, Paul Kennedy. "Although we already knew that listen again, personalised online radio and podcasting had many advocates, we knew nothing of their standing in the mainstream.

For Headline Promotions, Press & PR client CMR Nashville Radio, this is good news. Station Manager Lee Williams said: “This survey proves what we in the radio industry already knew! We have had over a million hits over the last 12 months and the rate of increase in our listenership shows no sign of diminishing.”

PR template for events and launches

Communication Plan & Event Exposure

I was recently asked to advise on devising a communications plan for a major event.

You would need to consider how the profile of the event is to be addressed, with marketing and public relations activity highlighted and costed as necessary, which will ultimately feed into the projected revenue figures.

An event PR plan should be written down and should include:

* A description of the “market” for the event, for example:
Who is the target audience? The profile of the target audience/potential attendees. For instance, are they already dedicated fans, enthusiasts, or casual participants? The geographical elements of the target audience. For instance, are they local, regional, national or international?

* A marketing plan outlining the objectives on pricing policy, advertising and promotion and target audience for the event;

* Sources/requirements for sponsorship – financial or services (from hair stylists for photo-calls to host venues)

* A public relations plan for raising the profile of the event locally, regionally, nationally and internationally as applicable; design of a media kit for quick response to enquiries;

* The image of the event that is to be portrayed to the public including the involvement and use of celebrities;

* The communication campaign in detail – from advertising and press releases through to social networking e.g. Facebook and MySpace;

* PR input into corporate or event website(s) and links to news coverage worldwide;

* How public awareness will be monitored;

* How media opportunities will be identified - and the anticipated exposure from all media outlets - television, radio and press incorporating:
.....National broadcasters – likely provider and extent of coverage incorporating any minimum requirements (such as free-to-air exposure/peak time programming etc.)
.....Overseas broadcasters – source, guarantees to be (or already) provided to the event organiser and/or hosts; and
.....Requirement for broadcasting sponsorship rights including the impact on event exposure and other anticipated partners;

* Detailed PR management “on the day” of events;

* PR budget with accountability and authorisation processes for budget lines.

Photos: Headline Promotions team out with the VK Balloon Team