New week, new approach, new open opps
Calamitous world events have made business as usual tough for many of us lately. (If that’s you, I see you!) But I’m starting a new week with better self-care practices in place for better focus and mental health.
For instance, I’m trying a novel thing for me: I’m taking a brief social media break. I’m 21 hours clean and it’s really helping so far! In that time, I have watched the Pete Davidson SNL “I’m Just Pete” video about 600 times, and I recommend it for a dopamine hit when you need one.
Hang in there, everyone. Sending peace and kindness to all!
Related content: Here’s how to pitch journalists at a time of tragedy
Holiday gift guide season 2023
Do NOT send an HGG pitch without these 5 details writers require
Literally everything you need to know about pitching HGGs in 2023 is in here
6 things you need to know before sending that HGG pitch into the void
Tools of the trade
Jennifer Goforth Gregory launched a course that I consider essential continuing ed right now: “Improve Your Productivity With AI Tools.” The course is geared toward not only understanding the fundamentals of AI for business writing but also knowing how to use it to actually make your job easier. You also get access to a live monthly Q&A so I consider this a great bargain at $125 (and it’s a write-off, to boot). I learned so much from it. It’s really not daunting — just a straightforward tool, broken up into easily digestible short sessions, with learnings you can implement right away. Sign up for the course here.
Is anyone using Press Hook yet? If you haven’t heard of it, it’s designed as a platform to connect journalists looking for story sources with brands who want to showcase their products and experts. It also offers a suite of helpful workflow tools. Journalists can search by product and category, and participating brands get exposure and affiliate opportunities — so it’s designed as a win-win for everyone (in the same vein as this Substack). Give it a try — right now there’s a 14-day free trial available — and let me know what you think.
Freshbooks is the bookkeeping tool I use exclusively for my invoicing, expenses, and reporting. It’s the best, IMHO, so I evangelize. Get FreshBooks here.
Are you a publicist who needs help understanding the affiliate game? This course, Affiliate Marketing for Publicists, can help.
I’m obsessed with the game-changing platform Otter.ai. I use it to both record interviews and also to transcribe them in real time. You can also use it to record/transcribe any type of meeting — so anyone who missed it can easily access the Cliff’s Notes version. There’s a pro plan for agencies/companies with a ton of neat features. Check out Otter.ai here.
My TV reporter and PR agency owner friend Christina Nicholson (who hosted me on her podcast ) hosts a 3-day program for pitching media. Once a seasonal event, she’s now made it available on-demand. You get the masterclass, a personal branding workbook, and a fill-in-the-blanks pitch template — all for $37. It’s a steal, so don’t let it pass you by.
Open press opportunities
For Woman’s Day (typically a budget-conscious outlet/reader), I’m working on a roundup of luxury gifts. These should primarily be under $250 and from major retailers/department stores.
For a Harper’s Bazaar story on the best NYC hotels, I’m still looking for photos from the following properties. If you represent any of the following, please send along a people-free photo along with written acknowledgment that “we, with other Hearst brands and our licensees, may have your irrevocable permission to use it.” Thank you!
Crosby Street
Baccarat Hotel
Ace Hotel New York
Sixty LES
Nolitan
Chatwal
Greenwich Hotel
Nomad Hotel
James New York
The Surrey
Maritime Hotel
Standard High Line
WestHouse Hotel New York
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Open jobs
Job posts in this newsletter are now free! Have an open opportunity you want me to promote? Share it with me at info@alicedubin.com.
Quinn PR is hiring an account coordinator in the Miami, Forida area. The ideal candidate will have some PR agency experience (not required) and an interest in working on travel, FWS, and luxury brands. Candidates can learn more and apply here.
Work with me
Here’s how to pitch: Simply respond to this email with a new subject line or pitch me at pitch@alicedubin.com.
Are you a writer hoping to reach my engaged list of publicists? A publicist hoping to connect with brands? A digital media type with a product or service for the industry? Maybe you’d like to sponsor this newsletter with a featured ad. Let’s chat: info@alicedubin.com.
Yes — thanks for asking! — I am also available for project-based consulting.
How to help
Donate to the International Committee of the Red Cross and Save the Children.
Donate to the Hawaii Community Foundation’s Maui Strong fund and the Maui Humane Society.
Donate to the Anti-Defamation League to support the fight against hate.
Donate to Moms Demand Action and Everytown.
Donate to Planned Parenthood.