DeeDoanes.com

Recently I was asked by a lifestyle journalist:

I am a journalist looking at getting into a public relations/communications/social media career. Any suggestions on what kind of skills I would need? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Many people out there in the work force wonder if they can transition into a new career easily but may not make a move due to the bad economy or being unsure if what skills are needed to make a career change.

Fortunately for a journalist, choosing a new career in social media, communications, and PR is a good move that will be easy to do.

This is the answer I gave:

You have an edge on the PR side of things since you have media contacts. I’m not sure if your contacts are local to your area or national, but PR clients expect you to have great contacts to send press releases. It also helps for marketing clients because getting featured on the radio or in a magazine leads to sales. I did PR when I first started my marketing business, ( I don’t do PR as much any more), and I constantly expanded my contacts by attending press/media networking events, connecting with journalists on Facebook, and signing up for some really good services that connected me with journalists looking for stories. HARO (Help A Reporter Out), Vocus, Cision, are some good resources to use to expand your media list.

I see that you write for a lifestyle magazine. I’m not sure if you want to stay within that niche or expand outside of it. But the direction you want to take will depend on that.

On the social media side, you need to have targeted connections on Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter. As part of my marketing business I use my Facebook to build my email list for email campaigns, based upon the industry of each client. So for example, if a client wants to promote a new product geared toward C level executives I can quickly pull from my friends list. I have 5000 Facebook friends and I segment my list by occupation. (They have a list menu once you add a friend to do that on Facebook.)

You’re in a good position being a journalist. You can easily transition into PR and social media since they interconnect. I started in journalism early in my professional career, and now I occasionally do food reviews. I find that my writing career helped springboard me into my marketing and social media business. Feel free to email me directly for any additional help.

I will be writing a business column for North Georgia Leisure Magazine.  I kick off  The 60 Day New Business Challenge Contest

Here is what NGL  posted:

John Bickford of North Georgia Leisure magazine proudly announces the addition of Dee Doanes to its team of writers! Dee will be periodically doling out business tips in her column, Dee Doanes on Business. She starts things off with a 60 Day Challenge Contest for entrepreneurs. Read on..

Hi everyone,

I was excited when John Bickford asked me to write a business column for North Georgia Leisure!  I quickly said yes since I love showing people how to improve their businesses. Being a marketing expert I constantly come up with creative ways to market companies.

With the economy bad and many people losing their jobs, Americans are finding that jobs are no longer stable and dependable for regular income. That’s where new entrepreneurs can flourish! This has been seen throughout history.

I think that no matter how hard times get we all should help our fellow human beings. For those fortunate enough to have jobs or own companies, it’s up to us to help those who aren’t as blessed. I challenge each of you to help at least one person every month, find a job or help them open a business.

I will be giving business tips twice a month and welcome your questions. I also, will be holding a 60 Day New Business Contest for one new aspiring business owner. The reason I call it the ” 60 Day Challenge”, is because I will get the the winner up and running within that time frame.

This is open to anyone that has been unemployed six months or longer. If you have a hobby that you think can turn into a profitable business, then this is your time to shine! I will help the winner plan and market their business. This includes: business plan, Website concept, product and/or services development, branding, social media campaigns, marketing, etc. You get the picture.  Just send an email telling me about yourself, how long you have been out of work, and your business idea.  The winner will be announced June 20, 2011

Today’s Business Tip

Thorough research is important to determine how your products or services fit in the marketplace. You may find that your industry is overly inundated with what you’re offering. This would be the time to create a niche product, to make your company standout. And, you can come up with a creative marketing campaign to present your products in a new and exciting way.

“Dont Let People Rent Space in Your Head!”

I will be  hosting the Gary Coxe event in Atlanta at the Atlanta Marriott Perimeter.  246 Perimeter Center West Pkwy NE. Atlanta, GA  Thursday, Jan. 6. 2011  at 6:30-10:30 p.m. Special guest speaker will be my friend, Doug Grady of High Achievers Network. Two great motivational speakers!

Let 2011 be the year that you get motivated to better your life, improve finances, and reach goals.

Gary Coxe, self empowerment expert, as seen on The VIEW, Donny Deutsch, other TV shows nationally: Appearing in Atlanta Jan. 6.  Starting his 2011 40 state national tour. Phoenix, Vegas, Twin Cities, other cities to be announced. Get your free tickets now!  http://www.garycoxe.com/atlanta/event/

Awareness in Manhattan

Exhibition Series by Thomas Hodges in Aid of Breast Cancer Awareness and Research

For Immediate Release:

Manhattan, NY December, 2010

Model/Actress Chu Chiao Wang

Awareness in Manhattan (AIM) is an exhibition series featuring 30 large format limited edition artworks by famed photographic artist Thomas Hodges. The series will debut in 2011 at a prime Manhattan venue, with a V.I.P reception highlighted by an auction of the first editions of these unique specially produced artworks.  Celebrity guest are expected to attend the exhibition, with full event details to be announced later this year.

Hodges is known for his “Imaginistic” photographs of female beauty, which are sought after by collectors globally.  Attendees will experience firsthand his award winning work, which has been described as, “sensuality with suspense”.

Thomas said: “The objective of the series is to bring the subject of breast cancer prevention to the focus of a sector of the community that is frequently overlooked, i.e. the younger, hip, chic and trendy, that may feel beyond the disease and immune.  Also, focus will be on the traditional sector of the community, whereby the very nature of this series grabs their attention, bringing a general awareness to society as a whole.”

One of the aims of the project is to help raise awareness of cancer prevention in the community and target those unaware of the relatively simple choices they can make in reducing their cancer risk.

Inaugurate exhibitions will take place in New York City and London with 50 per cent of proceeds donated to World Cancer Research Fund, a UK charity which is a member of a global network of charities who fund scientific research and give people the information they need to reduce cancer risk. A commemorative book is anticipated to complement the exhibition, with any proceeds also going to the cancer charity.

The Awareness in Manhattan exhibition will contain photos shot on the streets of New York City featuring international top model and actress Chu Chiao Wang, who kindly donated her services to this project.  She has lived and worked in Europe since 2005 when she moved to London to study for her Master’s degree. “As a professional model it is a great artistic opportunity to work with someone like Thomas whose work I really admire. I am also pleased that the money raised will go towards cancer prevention research, which is something that is close to my heart.”

For sponsorship and additional information about the series, please contact Dee Doanes, Jigsaw Business Communications and Marketing, at: jsawmarketing@gmail.com.

Do you love good food? Then check out 4th and Swift, my new favorite restaurant.  It is located in Atlanta and the food is awesome! They have gotten rave reviews which include one from the Atlanta Journal & Constitution. Check out my review of 4th and Swift for Savvy Traveller.  I’m doing food reviews for them. What a fun thing writing about food and great restaurants , which include my two favorite things: writing and food!

4th & Swift

Hey everyone,

I hope you had a chance  to view me and and the other Dime a Dames Internet TV, produced by S2Oproductions every Wednesday night, 8:30pm EST. The show is interactive and listeners login to the chatroom with their questions.

www.s2oProductions.tv Check out the show archives by going to this link, scroll down to Dime a Dames.

This is the second show and I’m having a blast! Dime a Dames  features four Fabulous / Glamorous / Sassy and Smart business women that talk about business, politics, relationships, dating, sex…pretty much everything that happens in life.

Hosts consist of  me, good friend Denise Jackson( owner of the Emerging Art Scene art gallery), Zelda Pittman ( dentist/owner of Grant Park Dental Group )

Our surprise guest was good friend Michelle Doyon ( painter, alternative health/holistic expert, master networker)!

This show, we discussed being called the b.i.t.c.h word, men being faithful, and indecent proposals. I’m teasing you I know,you will have to check out the video link above to hear what we said.

Feel free to post your comments!

Check out part 2 of my interview with Matt of Paradise Arabians. The horses are beautiful! I had an opportunity to visit the farm several months ago and had a great time.

All you equestrians, check out my interview with Matt Kenworthy of Paradise Arabians located near Dalton, Georgia. I had fun interviewing Matt.

Watch the video

Excerpt from Arabian Horses.org Click on link for more history

From the ancient deserts of the Middle East evolved the oldest known breed of riding horse, the Arabian. Now one of the most popular breeds in America, the Arabians’ incredible energy, intelligence and gentle disposition allow riders to excel in most equine sports and activities. Today, Arabian horses spend as much time on the trail as they do at horse shows and other competitive events.

I will start reviewing books. If you have a book to be review please email me and send me copy so I can post a review.

I love books!

Most of you know don’t know that I am A hardcore NERD, an avid and voracious reader. I have more than 2000 books in my library collection. I consume books like eating food or drinking water. I typically read four or five books at one time. I read first thing in the morning before I meditate and start my day. Then at night I read before meditating and going to sleep.

As a writer, reading is a part of constantly connecting with the energy of words—they are my best friends. They feed my spirit, nourish my soul and make me feel alive. Good writing makes me reflect for days on end and inspire me to write poetry and other types of writing. Currently I am working on a book of poetry and a book of essays.

The books on my bed right now, folded open with their spines sticking out, with many folded over bookmarked pages are: Read More…

Data Warehousing For Your Business

Check out part 2 of my interview with Brian Berg of Berg Information Technology , he is an IT expert specializing in Data Warehousing. Brian really knows his stuff.