Remember how I was worried I might get my son’s cold before my long-haul flight? Well, I did get it. (Womp womp.)
But tomorrow’s long-haul flight is also off… thanks to potential hurricane/cyclone conditions bearing down on Fiji. (The trip has been rescheduled for later in the year.)
Disappointed as I am in the last-minute change, I’m pleased not to be, you know, headed into potentially dangerous storm conditions. As well, I found the organizer’s process to be a masterclass in how to handle such unenviable (yet sometimes unavoidable) circumstances.
First, the communication was prompt, clear, detailed, and human. Second, it also expressly specified the contingency plan for rescheduling and the new proposed timeline — no frayed ends dangling.
I’ve been comparing this experience to one from last fall, in which another press trip evaporated at the last minute without adequate explanation, consideration, or communication. That was a whole “what not do to” scenario and it was extremely disruptive to both my professional and also personal responsibilities.
Given that reader interest in a press trip Zoom is overwhelming, expect to hear lots more from me on these topics then!
In related news, I’ve been sniffling and sneezing around all weekend in the ridiculously soft JJ Winks gear I’d planned to test for comfort on the overnight flight and I’m obsessed. I will probably never take this off. (I will wash it, of course, I’m not an animal!)
Anyway, I’m here this week after all. “See” you around!
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Tools of the trade
Turn your laptop into a mega-professional three-screen situation — literally anywhere — with Xebec’s Tri-Screen 2. Game changer. 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.
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.
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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.
Wholesome PR is “seeking a passionate PR pro to join its team, providing PR support to brands that produce high-quality products, primarily in the food and CPG space. The ideal candidate is a self-starter PR practitioner who has their finger on the pulse of media in the food/CPG space, is a creative and strategic thinker, and is an excellent writer. The position would entail pitching media and coordinating influencer campaigns and all tasks related.” You can learn more here. Please share a bit about yourself in a cover letter when you apply to Jennifer@wholesomepr.com.
Modern Currency PR is looking for a well-rounded luxury travel and hospitality-focused Account Supervisor. “As part of the senior management team at MCPR, you will have the opportunity for both tactical account management, as well as broader leadership where you can offer coaching, guidance, and career support to your direct report and account teams working closely with the Director and President. We see you leading the charge on actively running client campaigns and developing account strategy with the agency director’s guidance, including pitching client initiatives, securing ongoing media coverage, successfully implementing client programs and year-long strategies, conducting research, overseeing reporting, and leading client relations…. You will be organizing and hosting media FAMs and press trips and playing an active role in the new business process and working on bigger placements and stories, all led by strategic and smart thinking. Competitive benefits package with a competitive base salary, new business commission structure, year-end discretionary bonus, fully remote work environment, work flex policy, birthday PTO, generous vacation policy and holiday office closures, medical insurance, travel perks, and more. Contact Meghan Patke: meghan@moderncurrencypr.com
Modern Currency PR is ALSO looking for a well-rounded hospitality + travel-focused Account Executive (or Senior Account Executive) with 2 – 4 years of experience (in the hospitality, culinary, travel, tourism, restaurant and/or consumer lifestyle arenas). Should have “a genuine passion/drive for the industry, creative, collaborative, and well-connected with a great go-getter attitude, solution-oriented, and possessing a strong work ethic. They would be working on some top-notch luxury travel + hospitality clients alongside an all-star team of supportive & bright colleagues with a flexible/remote working environment with ample opportunities for growth and stability with the long game in mind.” Contact Meghan Patke: meghan@moderncurrencypr.com
Eleven Eleven PR, a Washington DC hospitality PR agency is looking for a food and beverage publicist to join its growing team. “The ideal candidate is a lover of all things F&B and travel, and can hit the ground running working with up-and-coming restaurants as well as Michelin-starred and James Beard-awarded clients. If you are looking to work with DC's leading restaurants, and the emerging hospitality scene, this is the spot for you!” More info can be found here. Please contact jobs@elevenelevenpr.co with cover letter and resume.
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
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.
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Yes — thanks for asking! — I am also available for project-based consulting.
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Aw man, hope you feel better Alice!
Get well soon! I'm glad that you'll still be able to make Fiji, though! Rest up and I hope the family gets well soon!