Well that took a turn. 😔
This week got heavy but new jobs, press opps, and resources are here.
Social media needs a button for people to mark themselves safe from mass layoffs at media companies. Check on your people.
Yesterday’s news of Dotdash Meredith laying off 7 percent of its workforce was a tough blow — and close to home, as I contribute across many DDMP outlets and have many friends and colleagues there. (I was also laid off in 2019; it’s not fun.)
Working in this industry is an exercise in steely strength and resolute *pivoting* through change after change after change.
My spheres are also all abuzz with AI fear and chatter. Yes, there are ways robots can’t ever be humans (I mean, I think?) but it’s also OK to feel worried — and it’s very human, too. (Take that, robots!)
So instead of a TGIF gif, I will send you all a virtual (professionally appropriate) hug. I see you and you’re doing a great job!
Related:
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)
Want to talk about layoffs, AI, job security fears or anything else? Join us in intimate conversation next week. Zoom link is now available here for our first AMA of the year.
Join us on Zoom Tuesday
A reminder that my next AMA will be on January 31 at 10 am PT/1 pm ET on Zoom, available exclusively to my paid subscribers. You can RSVP here and ask your questions in advance so we’ll be sure to get to them.
The session is completely open topic. Come to seek answers and brainstorm with me and your colleagues about process, pitching, tools of the trade, affiliate strategy, job security in these crazy times — whatever impacts your business right now. Looking forward to seeing you there! Here is the Zoom link.
Upgrade your free subscription now if you’d like to join us, and you’ll also unlock content including my ultra-popular recent post on the one pitch I always delete immediately.
Tools of the trade
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 and ready when you are.
She’s sharing her seven ingredients to land TV segments, online features, and podcast interviews that generate serious bank. 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 Insider, I’m working on a story about mood tracking. Have you ever used a mood tracker? If so, I'd like to hear from you for a crowdsourced feature — no expertise needed beyond your own experience.
What is the name of the mood tracker? Is it an app, a journal, or another medium?
What are 2-3 tools that the tracker provides?
What are 2-3 benefits that you've found from using it?
For Verywell Family, I’m working on a roundup of the best kids’ conditioners and to that end I am looking for at least two experts to chime in on — specifically, at least one dermatologist and one pediatrician. Looking for feedback ideally by EOW so I’ll share the Qs here to get the ball rolling:
What ingredients should be avoided in kids’ hair care products?
What ingredients are best?
Is conditioner really necessary? How does it help?
What features do you recommend parents look for when shopping for kids’ conditioner?
Do you have specific kids’ conditioners or brands that you recommend?
Are there any kids’ conditioners or brands that people should avoid?
Recently published or updated
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)
13 tattoos that powerfully represent people's mental health journeys (Insider)
This Popular Weekender Bag From a Meghan Markle-loved Brand Is 25% Off Right Now (Travel + Leisure)
How to Return Gifts From Amazon Without the Sender Knowing (Good Housekeeping)
Holiday Feasts (cover story in the print issue of Where Los Angeles)
7 Social Media Tips to Grow Your Destination Wedding Business (travel industry trade The Compass, print feature, pages 64-69)
Article Sofa Review: At Home with Article’s Sven Sofa (Living Cozy)
How to Find Short Sale Homes: A Guide for Buyers (HomeLight)
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.
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.
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 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.