Surprising survey results, AI, tech tools, new opps!

Allow me to geek out for a sec. I got a new tech tool and it’s a game changer for remote work/WFH: Xebec’s Tri-Screen 2 adds two more screens to any laptop with instant setup/no installation. Check my new home setup:

Like whoa! This is a teeny MacBook Air and suddenly it’s like mission control over here! The whole thing is only two pounds so it can go literally anywhere (except a tray table in coach, probably) — super thin and can even stay on your laptop when you aren’t using it.

For me, this resolves a major pain point related to my subscriber Zoom sessions. I can have the Zoom gallery front and center alongside the chat, and the document containing all the attendees’ questions on an additional pane. This truly improves my process/productivity in a major way.

Highly, highly recommend. Get one here:

And in related news… wow! What a great turnout for yesterday’s Zoom all about layoffs and AI in our field. If you missed it (or if you were turned away after we reached capacity — sorry!), we’ll be rolling out our top takeaways for paid subscribers. Stay tuned for that.

Meanwhile, here’s some related reading:

• WTF are we supposed to do with AI? 5 ways to make it work for you right now (in which I try to un-bury my head from the sand and take action)

• What I wish I knew before I went solo (a publicist’s big leap after her agency job evaporated)

• One thing publicists need to do TODAY in response to the editorial layoffs

Survey says…

The results of my informal survey are in! And I’m fascinated by what they reveal. In short, it’s not about the benjamins, baby.

In fact, the most excruciating traits of bad clients are related not to payment, but to personality. Ridiculous demands, meanness, and lack of respect for quality work each get about a third of all votes.

A reminder to be kind, be normal, be human, and follow the golden rule. QED.

Tools of the trade

• Turn your laptop into a mega-professional three-screen situation — literally anywhere — with Xebec’s Tri-Screen 2. Game changer.

• 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 Prevention, I’m rounding up the best keratosis pilaris treatments. Pitch away.

• Still open: For Travel + Leisure, I’m rounding up essentials for traveling with kids. Open to pitches in all relevant categories. Excitingly, this story is also slated to appear in a digital issue.

Recently published or updated

• The 20 Best Luxury Travel Accessories of 2023 (Travel + Leisure)

• 38 of the Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World (Town & Country)

• 20 Appropriate Bar Mitzvah Gifts He's Sure to Cherish (Woman’s Day)

• 20 Best Bat Mitzvah Gifts to Honor Her Major Milestone (Woman’s Day)

• These Rent-to-Own Homes Programs to Help You Get Into That House (HomeLight)

• The 15 Best Loungewear Sets for Women of 2023 (Travel + Leisure)

• This Meghan Markle-approved Shoe Brand Is Having a Major Sale Right Now — With Prices as Low as $65 (Travel + Leisure)

• These Flight Attendant-approved, Germ-busting $9 Travel Soap Sheets Are a Staple for Flu Season (Travel + Leisure)

• 10 Best Purim Gifts for Your Mishloach Manot This Year (Woman’s Day)

• 10 Kids' Purim Costume Ideas, From Traditional to Pop-Culture Inspired (Woman’s Day)

• The most refreshing and recharging ways to spend a mental health day, according to therapists (Insider)

• Travelers Say This French Press Makes European Cafe-level Coffee — and It’s on Sale for $25 (Travel + Leisure)

• 26 Best Super Bowl Drinks and Cocktails to Serve on Game Day (Woman’s Day)

• The Best Things to Do in Los Angeles (Esquire)

• The Best Things to Do in Las Vegas (Esquire)

• 23 of the best places to travel to around the world in 2023 (Insider)

• The Ultimate Disney Packing List (Travel + Leisure)

• 30 Most Romantic Valentine's Day Getaways in the United States (Good Housekeeping)

• How To Store Lettuce So It Stays Crisp (Southern Living)

• 40 Galentine's Day Gift Ideas to Show Love for All Your Besties (Woman’s Day)

• The 20 Best Slippers for Men and Women of 2022 (Travel + Leisure)

• 23 of the best places you should travel to in the US in 2023 (Insider)

• 50 Best Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Her That Are Affordable and Romantic (Woman’s Day)

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.

• FACTEUR PR is looking for a full-time, remote Account Supervisor (full-time, remote). “This person will provide strategic direction and guidance for our team as well as for our clients across PR, influencers, social media, and partnerships. The Account Supervisor possesses strong leadership skills and a deep knowledge of the integrated lifestyle media landscape.” Learn more and apply, here.

• Bon Communications is looking for an account supervisor (5+ years experience). “With a small team of senior specialists and deep connections from coast-to-coast, Bon Comms delivers the expertise of a full-service PR agency to their impressive roster of chefs, bartenders, hotels, wine/spirit professionals, interior designers and more from all over the country. This team is Denver-based, but a remote candidate is a plus!” Email cover letter/resume to Katie@boncomms.com.

• Push The Envelope PR is a full-service, boutique PR agency “representing a thoughtfully curated collection of fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands. We are looking for a highly skilled mid-to-senior level candidate with agency and CPG goods experience that will bring value to our team and to our clients by professionally consulting, educating, mentoring and delivering campaign goals.” Pay in the range of $50K. Send resume and cover letter to Brittany@pushtheenvelopepr.com.

• Katalyst is hiring a publicist. “We are looking for someone that is a strong and creative writer, has a true passion for the culinary, hospitality and lifestyle industries. Our ideal candidate is able to create engaging story ideas, pitches and marketing and social media collaborations that strategically align with our clients’ goals.” Minimum two years experience. Salary commensurate with experience but ranges from $55,000-$60,000 (with benefits, 401K, stipends, fully remote weeks, competitive PTO and sick day policy, new-business commissions, and more). The position is fully remote. Reply to Katherine@katalyst-pr.com 

• Melody Joy Public Relations is seeking a full-time account coordinator (1-2+ years experience, preferably in beauty PR). “You’ll work with a diverse range of innovative beauty brands that are reshaping the industry and must have a passion for all areas of the beauty industry. Responsibilities include public relations, influencer relations, pitch writing, securing coverage with both media and influencers, and more.” The position is fully remote. Please send resume, samples of secured press, and any writing samples to hello@melodyjoypr.com with the subject  “Account Coordinator – PR & Influencer Relations.” More information and complete job description will be provided after emailing.

• The full-service public relations and marketing communications agency Segal Communications, specializing in consumer and technology products, is currently looking for Bay Area-based talent in two positions: Senior Account Executive and

  Account Coordinator.

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

• Help with the relief efforts following the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. Donate to Unicef or Save the Children.

• Donate to the Anti-Defamation League to support the fight against hate.

• Donate to Moms Demand Action and Everytown.

• Donate to keep the Kyiv Independent going and keep Ukraine’s media going. 

• Donate to Planned Parenthood.