Today is the day
Wish me luck
It’s been about a week and a half since I started my social media break amid the terrorist attacks, the ensuing war, and the spike in antisemitism they precipitated. I took it seriously: I even removed both the Instagram and Facebook apps from my phone! I surprised myself by lasting this long, but it only got easier — and I knew it was an important tool in my self-preservation toolbox.
Alas, the reality is I do rely on social media heavily for work purposes, especially Facebook and its many niche professional groups to which I belong. So I’m wading back into the fray today — ever so gingerly. (What did I miss?)
These remain extremely tough times, but I acknowledge the world continues to turn, especially for people without direct personal or ancestral connections to the conflict. In that spirit, I’m sending kindness and compassion to all. Be gentle with each other out there.
Related content: Here’s how to pitch journalists at a time of tragedy
Holiday gift guide season 2023
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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 Travel + Leisure, I’m wrapping up a story today on Amazon travel hacks that can make holiday travel easier. My list is fairly complete at this stage, but I’m open to pitches about any especially unique/practical/clever products not yet on my radar.
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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, Florida 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.
Welcome back! Glad that you were able to take some much needed space for yourself. Praying for peace for all!
Good to see you back! I didn't log off and got so overwhelmed, I decided to not read the news. I am praying for peace for everyone.