Setting up for success in 2024
Plus new open jobs and press opps
As the year winds down, I’m creating big space for goal setting and planning for my business in the new year. So often, many of us are ruled by the tasks of the day, and don’t have the luxury of digging into the big picture. We do the work that’s on our plate, but can’t be bothered much to calculate how that work gets there and what type of work we want it to be.
I love to use the end of the year as an opportunity to step back and view the big picture. But as a solo practitioner, what does that process look like? I have fantasies about taking myself on some kind of retreat with pastoral wine country views and those oversized notepads on easels with giant, satisfying markers to plot out Very Creative Strategies and other Very Important Work Things.
But that’s probably not going to happen. So I’ve scheduled a couple of Zoom sessions with close groups of writer colleagues and have started a checklist of goals, both personal and professional.
If you have a process like this, I’d love to hear how you execute it and the methods that inspire you! (And if I can help you and your team strategize for next year, do please reach out: I have consulting availability in December.)
Valentine’s Day Gift Guides Zoom Session
Reminder: The Valentine’s Day gift guides AMA is coming up on Thursday, December 7 at 11 am PT/2 pm ET. I’ll be co-hosting the can’t-miss hourlong session alongside Aly Walansky — my friend, fellow Substacker, lifestyle media colleague, and MuckRack’s No. 1-rated food writer.
I don’t think you’ll want to miss this one, so I invite paid subscribers to scroll all the way down to the bottom of this email and RSVP now (beneath the paywall).
We are limited by Zoom’s attendee cap to 100 participants (and we currently have 31 spots left), so sign up asap and register your questions in advance!
Tools of the trade
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.
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.
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 Travel + Leisure, I’m working on a first-person product roundup along the lines of “I’m a frequent traveler, and this is what’s on my holiday wishlist.” I’m open to pitches/samples of truly standout/innovative/unique/cool travel gear/gadgets/wardrobe, etc. I should consider. I’m especially interested in ideas around comfy travel pants and shoes, carry-on luggage/weekender bags, hacks for making travel easier, any social media famous/trending travel products.
Recently published or updated
I’m a Frequent Flier, and These Are the 16 Cyber Monday Deals I've Been Waiting to Buy All Year (Travel + Leisure)
MadeRight CA’s Venice Sofa Review: American Sofa Made-to-Order and Built-to-Last (Living Cozy)
The Best Luxury Gifts to Splurge on for Your Loved Ones in 2023 (Woman’s Day)
15 Genius Amazon Products That Make Holiday Travel So Much Easier — From Just $8 (Travel + Leisure)
20 Festive Nail Designs to Try for Hanukkah (Good Housekeeping)
Alo’s Epic Sitewide Sale Has Deals Up to 70% Off — and We’re Eyeing These Comfy, Celeb-loved Sneakers (Travel + Leisure)
The Best New York City Hotels for Families to Make Everyone Feel Right at Home (Town & Country)
28 Best Gifts for 10-Year-Olds in 2023 (Woman’s Day)
These 12 Crossbody Bags Help Prevent Pickpocketing (Travel + Leisure)
20 of the Best All-Inclusive Resorts for Teens Who Are Hard to Impress (Country Living)
I'm a Frequent Flier, and These Are the 14 Airplane Outfits to Wear to Get Upgraded to First Class — From $16 (Travel + Leisure)
16 Luxurious Florida Resorts That Take Relaxation to New Levels (Elle Decor)
12 Cozy Things to Pack If You're Always Freezing on Flights — Starting at $17 (Travel + Leisure)
25 Dressy and Casual Christmas Party Outfit Ideas for 2023 (Woman’s Day)
3 Hanukkah Blessings to Help You Celebrate the Festival of Lights (Woman’s Day)
31 Best Gifts and Toys for 9-Year-Olds in 2023 (Woman’s Day)
Is Real Estate Investing Still the Best Way to Build Wealth? Experts Say… (HomeLight)
6 Rosh Hashana Traditions and the Meanings Behind Them (Country Living)
Flying British Airways from London to Los Angeles in Club World (Business Traveler)
Appropriate Greetings for Yom Kippur, the Holiest Day in Judaism (Good Housekeeping)
21 Best Rosh Hashana Gifts (Good Housekeeping)
8 Train Rides Around the World That Immerse You in Gorgeous Landscapes (AFAR)
17 Best V-Neck T-Shirts for Women to Wear All Year Long (Woman’s Day)
The Best Apple Watch Bands for Styling Your Right-Hand Tech Tool (The Hollywood Reporter)
42 of the Best Restaurants for Birthday Dinners in NYC (Town & Country)
32 of the Best Glamping Destinations Across the United States That Are Seriously Gorgeous (Country Living)
The 12 Best Waterproof Mascaras of 2023 (Travel + Leisure)
Ten Hollywood-Famous Airbnbs for Experiencing Your Favorite Movies and TV Shows in Real Life (The Hollywood Reporter)
8 Best Sunglasses Cases of 2023 (Travel + Leisure)
30 of the Best Places in London for Afternoon Tea (Town & Country)
Tax Breaks for Buying a House: 13 Tax-Savings Opportunities You Might Be Able to Claim (HomeLight)
25 Best Girls' Trip Ideas for an Unforgettable Getaway With Your Friends (Woman’s Day)
The Best Conditioners for Kids for All Hair Types (Verywell Family)
The Best Balance Bikes for Kids Ready to Zoom Off on Two Wheels (Parents)
40 of the Best Michelin-Starred Restaurants in NYC (Town & Country)
5 Lessons Event Profs Can Learn From Upper-Class Airline Service (BizBash)
The Best Graduation Gifts to Celebrate Huge Milestones at Every Age (Parents)
Want a Relaxing Alternative to a California Road Trip? Hop on a Train. (AFAR)
The Ultimate Packing List for Flying With Kids (Travel + Leisure — digital and digital issue)
11 One-and-done Travel Dresses Under $50 That Will Make Any Mom Feel Comfortable and Stylish (Travel + Leisure)
The 20 Best Luxury Travel Accessories of 2023 (Travel + Leisure)
38 of the Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World (Town & Country)
The Best Things to Do in Los Angeles (Esquire)
The Best Things to Do in Las Vegas (Esquire)
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.
GV Public Relations is growing and is looking to hire someone based in Los Angeles who has 3-5 years’ experience working in travel and hospitality PR. “We are seeking a candidate who loves all things travel; is driven, dedicated and enthusiastic; pays close attention to detail; is a good multitasker and can work on multiple accounts at once; is organized and a good writer.” Remote work environment, medical insurance, 401K matches, a generous vacation policy, and a year-end bonus. Contact: greta@gvpublicrelations.com.
Quinn is also hiring for several position:
An account supervisor in a commutable distance to NYC. The ideal candidate will have four+ years of PR agency experience working on travel and hospitality brands and must demonstrate they have current and relevant media relationships. Candidates can learn more and apply here.
An account executive in the Miami office: The ideal candidate will have two+ years of PR agency experience and an interest in working with real estate clients and/or experience working on real estate or luxury brands. Candidates can learn more and apply here.
An account executive within a commutable distance to Miami: The ideal candidate will have two+ years of PR agency experience working on travel and FWS brands and must demonstrate they have current and relevant media relationships. Candidates can learn more and apply here.
An account executive also within a commutable distance to Miami or NYC: The ideal candidate will have two+ years of PR agency experience working with luxury hospitality and hotel 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 American Friends of Magen David Adom, 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.
Valentine’s Day Gift Guide AMA 2023 SIGN-UP BELOW
(For paid subscribers only)