Since you asked...
💰💰💰
A few weeks ago, through a combination of vigilance and fate, I reached the self-employment holy grail: $0 in overdue invoices. What’s more, it was the same moment I also reached the promised land of $0 in outstanding invoices — period!
In my excitement, I shared a screengrab of my books on my Instagram Stories. And so. many. people. wanted to know about the accounting platform behind my methodical tracking. (Not in the fake “all you guys have been asking about my serum!” influencer kind of way, but in the legitimate “this could actually revolutionize my business!” way.)
So I’m here to tell you: It’s FreshBooks. I have been using this software for years — actually for as long as I’ve had clients. It’s really the only tool I use/need for my small business invoicing and accounting. (It’s designed for freelancers and service-based biz owners.)
I use it to create and send my pro-looking invoices, track everything (including expenses), and generate reports (at tax time… or just to pump myself up). It’s legit, I fully endorse it, and I admit I’d be clueless about my cheddar without it.
End PSA. (You’re welcome!) Get FreshBooks here or click the button below Rihanna.
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📣 Now hiring
Ballantines PR (BPR) is growing and looking for the following positions to join the team!
Social Media Manager (Los Angeles)
Senior Account Executive (Los Angeles or New York)
Tools of the trade
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.
Open press opportunities
For Woman’s Day, I’m working on a roundup of great 40th birthday gifts.
Also for Woman’s Day, I’m looking for experts to tell me about aura colors. Questions like: What is an aura color? How can I figure out my aura color? Do my aura colors change?
Recently published
The 9 Wildest Perks You'll Ever Encounter at a Hotel (Best Life)
Delta Will Finally Let You Do This on Flights for the First Time in 2 Years (Best Life)
These Comfy, Podiatrist-approved Sandals Are Perfect for Summer Trips — and They Come in So Many Colors (Travel + Leisure)
I'm a Travel Writer, and This Is the Under-$60 Carry-on My Kids Take on Every Trip (Travel + Leisure)
Find Peace in the Heart of L.A. at These Tranquil Botanical Gardens (AFAR)
Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt Just Made This Big Update for All Hotel Guests (Best Life)
Southwest Is the Best With Your Bags—This Airline Is the Worst (Best Life)
The Best Kids’ Bedding for Cozy Rooms They’ll Love to Sleep In (Verywell Family)
Delta Is Making This Upsetting Change to Keep Up With "Extreme Demand" (Best Life)
20 Family Vacation Ideas Around the US for an Unforgettable All-Ages Trip (Woman’s Day)
75 Best Gift Ideas for Dad, Because He Really Doesn't Need Another Tie (Woman’s Day)
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 Uvalde Victims Relief Fund and to Moms Demand Action and Everytown.
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