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Elizabeth Gordon and Lee Kantor host each show. Elizabeth is the author of the upcoming book The Chic Entrepreneur: Put Your Business In Higher Heels and owner of Flourishing Business, an advisory firm for entrepreneurs. Lee Kantor is also the host of the popular Dr Fitness and the Fat Guy show and several other Atlanta-based radio shows.

This afternoon we spoke with Melissa Libby with Melissa Libby and Associates.

Prior to founding Melissa Libby & Associates (MLA) in 1992, Melissa enjoyed a successful career in hotel public relations, promoting upscale and casual restaurants, beverage outlets and room nights.  Since starting MLA, Melissa has opened more than 75 restaurants and served hospitality and retail clients through publicity, event planning and implementation, marketing, strategic planning and crisis communications. 

Melissa is also active in the community. She is on the Executive Boards of Les Dames d'Escoffier and Adopt A Golden Atlanta, is an Advisory Board member of the University of Georgia"s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, and is a member of the American Institute of Wine and Food, Georgia Organics, James Beard Foundation, National Restaurant Association, Public Relations Society of America, and Greystone Garden Club.  Melissa has produced two cookbooks featuring local Atlanta chefs, Atlanta Cooks (2001 Longstreet Press) and Atlanta Cooks at Home (2006 CityBooks Publishing).

Melissa graduated from the prestigious Buckhead Business Association leadership program and has been recognized as one of Atlantaâs rising stars.  She will receive the Crohnâs & Colitis "Citizen of the Yearâ award in November 2007.  Melissa is an original member of PRConsultants Group, a nationwide group of PR consultants providing public relations and marketing communications services to a wide range of clients.

For more information about Melissa and her firm please go to her website www.melissalibbypr.com and be sure to sign up for her newsletter The Dish. And for even more please check out her blog at http://atlantadish.blogspot.com

As a freelance writer, Kevin has published over 300 articles and short stories. His short screenplay, Four Roses, is in production with an independent director. And his book, Everything Is an Afterthought, an anthology/biography collecting the work and recounting the life of music critic Paul Nelson, will be published in 2009. Kevin is past president of Writers at Work, one of the United States' largest annual writing conferences, and formerly vice president of a $200 million Western regional trucking company. In both positions, he played an integral part in developing advertising and garnering publicity. In 2006, he launched Mere Words Media Relations.For more information about Kevin, his writing and his fuirm please go to his website www.merewordsmedia.com

Today, Joan teaches Publicity Hounds how to catch the attention of frazzled news directors, busy reporters and grumpy editors. In fact, she worked as a grumpy editor at three daily newspapers and The Business Journal in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

As a media relations consultant and professional speaker, she shows people how to use the traditional media and social networking to establish their credibility, enhance their reputation, position themselves as experts, sell more products and services, promote a favorite cause or issue, and establish their companies as employers of choice.

Her popular electronic newsletter called "The Publicity Hound's Tips of the Week" goes to more than 45,000 subscribers worldwide and includes the best publicity tips and good clean dog jokes (one in each issue) you'll find anywhere. Please subscribe to her free newsletter at www.publicityhound.com

Susan specializes in presentation and media coaching, and creating marketing strategies for Fortune 500 CEOs, Internet millionaires, world renowned speakers, best-selling authors and successful entrepreneurs whose work has passion and heart.

Her criteria for working with clients is that they are either socially conscious, irascibly contentious, or incredibly fun.

Her clients have appeared on Oprah, 60 minutes, Good Morning America, Larry King Live, NPR, national radio, and in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Time, and the most respected print publications nationwide.

You can get her free newsletter with tips & techniques to promote yourself at prsecrets.com.

Jeff is currently the Director of Public Relations & Special Projects for a custom magazine publisher whose clients include global giants Caterpillar, Trimble Navigation and Atlas Copco.

He has more than 25 years corporate and ad agency marketing communications experience. He has worked with Fortune100 companies and start-up operations, and has provided on-site consulting to ad agencies located in Russia and Bulgaria. For a period of six years, Jeff ran his own marketing firm.

At a local university in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he lives, Jeff teaches communication and business courses, as well as a class in modern poetry. He is also the author of the PR Idea Book: 50 Proven Tools That Really Work, which was published by Outskirts Press in 2006. For more information about  Jeff please go to his website www.jeffwinke.com

Michael has twelve years of public relations experience working with lifestyle, design, fashion and beauty brands in Boston, London, New York and Los Angeles.  He holds an MBA in Marketing and Business Management from the Fordham University Graduate School of Business and an undergraduate degree in Communication from Boston University.

 Michael is known for his direct no-nonsense approach and ability to create compelling media campaigns that garner results, Michael manages and consults on the public relations and marketing strategy for his clients.  He also frequently speaks to small and large organizations on public relations strategies for long and short term growth and exposure, as well as tactics in the digital world such as online pressrooms, newsgroups and blogs. For more information about Michael, his team and his company please go to his website www.michaelrogerspr.com

Since co-founding JBLH Communications in March 2003, the roster of successful clients have included Doggy Tug, Play Clay, The New York Comedy Expo, The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, The Child Center of NY, Klein Creative Communications, Shani Castri Sensual Cooking Productions, Communications Careers for Latinos, Inc. (CCL), The American Quilt Company, Shelleyâs Jewels (a.k.a., Daisy Jane and Angel Designs), and Island Beach Volleyball Association (IBVB).

Jocelyn  has been primarily responsible for securing interviews and media placement for clients as well as designing and creating full public relations campaigns. For more information about her and her firm please check out her website www.jblhcommunications.com

The focus of her writing and consulting today is on baby boomers. She spends the majority of her time studying how this huge, influential and prolific generation makes decisions on how to spend money, save money and plan for the future.

As the senior leader of Edelmanâs Boomer Insights Generation Group (B.I.G.G), headquartered in Atlanta, she is part of a group of boomer executives who share research-based insights to help our clients identify their Bullâs-Eye Boomer to ensure their marketing dollars are invested wisely and they hit their target every time. She also uses her personal experience from spending 15 years at IBM and nine years as an entrepreneur to offer clients guidance on how to harness the power of boomer employees, especially in organizations where multiple generations work side by side.

For more information about Marilynn and what she is up to check out her popular blog, www.BabyBoomerInsights.com. 

Also, if you know of a Public Relations professional anywhere in the world that we should know about, please email Elizabeth Gordon at EGordon @ FlourishingBusiness.com. We will try to get them on the show.

Trudy leads JS Cultivation, bringing deep experience from her years as a producer for the NBC News including TODAY, Nightly News and MSNBC. She is in constant demand as a client counselor when high-profile situations emerge. Known for her cool head, decisive direction and hard-driving work ethic, Trudy helps clients overcome their fear of public speaking in any situation.

Scott Hartman leads their multimedia team. He is a veteran broadcast reporter and anchor, who lends an air of realism to every scenario. He began his career behind the camera and graduated to reporting and anchor positions along the way. Today, he provides real-world media and crisis counsel to many of their clients. He knows the tricks that trip up interviewees and the tips for staying on top, and he can demystify the process for anxious clients.

Also, if you know of a Public Relations professional anywhere in the world that we should know about, please email Elizabeth Gordon at EGordon @ FlourishingBusiness.com. We will try to get them on the show.

Her experience includes working with the national partnerships and franchise business models, European Union projects, foreign tourism boards, government and civic organizations.

Ania is an active member of our community.  She serves on the Board of Directors for the Phoenix Metropolitan Chapter of NAWBO, on the marketing committee for Ballet Arizonaâs largest annual fundraiser: The Childrenâs Holiday Nutcracker Party, and on the fundraising committee for Maggieâs Place â a local non-profit dedicated to assisting pregnant women who are alone or homeless.  She is a member of ASBA and is a graduate of the Chandler Leadership, Class of 2007.   She is also a member of the marketing committee for Invest Southwest, the largest venture capital conference in the Southwestern United States.

Ania spoke about her grassroots community outreach strategy and had great information about her philosophy and how important gratitude and giving back is to her and her firm. For more information, please go to her website www.anglespr.com    

Also, if you know of a Public Relations professional anywhere in the world that we should know about, please email Elizabeth Gordon at EGordon @ FlourishingBusiness.com. We will try to get them on the show.

His client partners include KWC Faucets and Sinks, Gerber Plumbing Fixtures, preeminent tile roof provider, MonierLifetile, Mr.Steam â maker of the worldâs most luxurious steambaths and towel warmers, the SEN Design Group - national organization of the countryâs finest kitchen and bath designers, and KOMA Trim Products, among others.

In addition to solid integrated marketing programs, K&A also offers clients a proprietary Brand Navigator process that gets to the essence of the brand promise and messaging statements that will create the emotion needed to motivate customers to buy. Kleber is a passionate force driving his agency to consider non-traditional marketing approaches and alliances with key influencers to add impact to marketing and sales efforts.

K&A also regularly collaborates with a noted Atlanta research group to explore emerging trends in generational and consumer purchasing groups. Kleber is a frequent speaker on consumer behavior and trends at key industry events and a contributor to noted industry publications. Some of his recent topics of discussion include exploring the consumer trends in relation to groups including: Baby Boomers, Generation Green, the Chief Purchasing Officer of the Home: The Woman, Generation X and Y, Missing Males, and the Luxury Consumer, among others.

Furthermore, Kleber is the immediate past president of the National Kitchen & Bath Associationâs Center for Kitchen and Bath Education and Research, a non-profit foundation created for the purpose of educating and cultivating future leaders in the kitchen and bath industry. Additionally, heâs a trustee of the National Remodeling Foundation, and his agency is an active member of the National Association of Home Builders, National Association of The Remodeling Industry, National Kitchen and Bath Association, American Association of Advertising Agencies and Public Relations Society of America. For more information about Steven and his firm please go to his website www.kleberandassociates.com

Also, if you know of a Public Relations professional anywhere in the world that we should know about, please email Elizabeth Gordon at EGordon @ FlourishingBusiness.com. We will try to get them on the show.

Sandra brings a unique perspective to those she helps. As an author, she has spent as much time in front of the camera as she has behind it as a publicist, guiding the message development and media placements of others.

A Silver Anvil winner, Beckwith combines her experience as a publicist and a sought-after expert to give authors, nonprofits, and small business owners the knowledge and tools they need to compete in a highly-competitive and evolving media world. Beckwith shares tips and advice regularly on her blog at http://buildbuzz.blogspot.com.

Her book Publicity for Nonprofits: Generating Media Awareness That Leads to Awareness, Growth, and Contributions, helps nonprofit organizations large and small discover and use the tools and techniques that will help transform them into high-profile media darlings. Streetwise Complete Publicity Plans: How to Create Publicity That Will Spark Media Exposure and Excitement is a how-to guide for small businesses that is also used as a textbook at several colleges.

Sandra teaches authors how to generate publicity through online workshops, âBook Publicity 101: How to Build Book Buzz,â? and a new publicity workbook for authors, Build Book Buzz Publicity Forms & Templates. She is also the author of a sold-out humor book, WHY CANâT A MAN BE MORE LIKE A WOMAN?, which was based on a newsletter she created that takes a lighthearted look at male behavior, The Do(o)little Report.

 Her award-winning public relations background includes assignments at Burson-Marsteller, one of the worldâs largest public relations firms, and Heublein, Inc., a beverage alcohol company. Beckwith is a frequent speaker at conferences for nonprofits and writers.

Learn more at www.sandrabeckwith.com, www.nonprofitpublicity.com, www.buildbookbuzz.com, and http://buildbuzz.blogspot.com.

PR Week Magazine has described Peter as âredefining the art of networking.â? Peter Shankman is a spectacular example of what happens when you harness the power of ADHD and put it to work for you.

As an entrepreneur, author, speaker, and ingenious worldwide connector, Peter is recognized nationally and globally for doing PR (and everything else) differently--not only to get attention, produce great results, and create great companies, but also to have a lot of fun while at it every day.

Peter is the founder and CEO of The Geek Factory, Inc., a boutique Marketing a PR Strategy firm located in New York City, with clients worldwide. His blog, PR. Differently, (www.shankman.com) which he launched in 2004, both comments on and generates industry-related news and conversation. He has also applied his buzz biz know-how to his own Web venture as the Founder of AirTroductions, the worldâs first social network for business travelers. Launched in 2005 to instant media attention and growth, AirTroductions was acquired in mid 2007 and relaunched in January of 2008 as TripLife, (www.triplife.com) the largest social networking and connections website for all travelers.

Peterâs Geek Factory clients have included the Snapple Beverage Group, Walt Disney World, Vantage Point Venture Partners, American Express, Discovery Networks, New Frontier Media, OpSec Security, Napster, Juno, GenuOne, Dream Catcher Destinations Club, Prstore, Weblo, and many others, and he sits on the board of both Scott-e-Vest, the worldâs first technologically enabled clothing line, as well as TripLife.           

 Peter is the author of Can We Do That?! Outrageous PR Stunts That Work and Why Your Company Needs Them (Wiley and Sons 2006) and a frequent keynote speaker and workshop presenter at conferences, shows, marketing summits, corporate events, and public relations and marketing industry meetings, including Saatchi and Saatchi, Home Town Suites Hotels, NAB, Comdex, CTIA, CTAM, CES, PMA, The Next Gen Asia Advertising Conference, Mobile Marketing Asia 2007, Advertising Week, and the Direct Marketing Association.

During the show Peter shared a new project he is working on called www.HelpAReporterOut.com. This new website grew out of his FaceBook group he created in order to help reporter friends of his out with experts.  Only one rule...no spamming reporters! He also mentioned his work with www.disaboom.com a social network for the millions of people touched by disability.

He also gave our listeners several great pieces of advice. One of them was to make sure you get the "Stoppers" engaged and on board with your pitches in order to get your idea sold in. And always remember ROAR...Responsibility, Opportunity, Awareness and Results.

Her expertise includes media relations and publicity, media research, community relations, as well as brand, product and service image management. She has booked speaking engagements for clients at civic clubs throughout Georgia and at industry organizations throughout the country. At the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Susan served as a spokesperson and provided media training to other CDC spokespersons.

Laermer is also author of Punk Marketing (www.punkmarketing.com) and the soon-to-launch book - 2011: Trendspotting for the Next Decade from McGraw-Hill.              

Jennifer Colter's passion for media and marketing is deep rooted. She began her career in broadcasting in 1991 where she co-hosted both an urban music and women's issues program at her college radio station. She worked at the school's NPR station as a producer and engineer, and spearheaded publicity for various community and campus events geared toward minority students.

 Jennifer later worked in both marketing and production capacities at B.E.T., CBS, the Interface Media Group, CASE Currents Magazine and PBS. Additionally, she has held positions at several independent record labels overseeing A&R, publicity, operations, and radio promotions.

In 2006 Jennifer joined iBusinesschannel.com. As the Marketing Director she spearheaded the internet broadcasting network's marketing initiatives when the company changed to the Profitabilitychannel. 

Here, Jennifer was successful in generating the company's most successful unique visitor count of 100,000 in a single month.

As a Brand Strategist for Blend Media Inc., Jennifer conceptualizes, develops, and implements innovative strategies utilizing new media platforms in order to enhance awareness, usage, and loyalty to client brands. For more information about Jennifer please go to her website www.blendmediainc.com

If you want to meet a PR pro that pushes the creativity envelope then you have to spend a few minutes with Shira. SMC helps companies and organizations build positive visibility with consumers through strong brand messaging, on-going publicity, buzz generation tactics, community outreach programs, special events and crisis communications plans.

Shira is an active member of PRSA and also belongs to the National Association of Women Business Owners and GROWE, the Georgia Roundtable of Women Entrepreneurs.  She lectures on communication topics ranging from âHow to Level the Playing Field through PRâ? to âUsing Humor to Get Headlinesâ? while actively serving on panels to discuss media relations, publicity generation and crisis communications. You can get some great PR tips and more information about Shira and her firm at www.shiramiller.com

According to his LinkedIn bio, Steve Rubel is a digital marketer with over 15 years experience. He currently serves as senior vice president in Edelman's me2revolution practice. Edelman is the world's largest independent PR firm.

Dean says "As a boutique agency, if we can be forward-thinking, often we can get from point A to point B faster than most. That's the value proposition of a boutique: unencumbered decision-making and execution with enough internal resources to be exceedingly effective.â?

âWe are focused on delivering something that's difficult to experience in an agency environment -- senior folks serving in daily account roles against public relations budgets that don't consume the marketing spend. We want to be seen as a tremendous value add to the client.â? added Genna.

During the show we spoke about Dean and Genna's new venture The Start-Up Council. The Start-Up Council was created in 2006 out of a belief that the next generation of emerging companies is on the horizon. To foster that community, the Council meets each quarter, in a roundtable setting with entrepreneurs to hear their business case for the next great start-up. The group offers advice and insight on business development, funding, marketing, public relations, legal, accounting, outsourcing and branding. There is no financial or contractual commitment to participate.To apply for an upcoming Roundtable please visit  www.startupcouncil.com. And for more information about Trevelino/Keller please visit their website at www.trevelinokeller.com

In addition to helping her clients with business development, marketing, public relations, and Internet strategies Lya has also been active in helping women in business.

On the show Lya talked a lot about the importance of thinking internationally with your business. And she gave some great advice to women (and men) about doing your marketing on your own but hiring a professional to help you with your public relations or as she calls it your media relations. She explains that PR is really about having great relationships with the media and that takes times and a lot of effort. So don't expect fast results. You must be in for the long run to benefit from PR.

Lya writes extensively for private clients â from press releases to newsletter pieces, web content, book and trade show reviews, brochure content, corporate profiles, executive bios, case histories, tag lines, PSAs and more. She also helps international clients get their feet in the door in the U.S. as well as helping U.S. clients overseas. For more information about Lya and her firm please go to her website www.lyasorano.com

Jennifer started Michael Mackenzie Communications in 2001 to provide marketing and public relations programs to small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Before that, Jennifer served as a PR and Field Marketing Manager for Microsoft. There she produced and promoted hundreds of seminars, product launch events and trade shows as well as managed public relations and community affairs initiatives.

Yoshi said, "We love the challenge of working tirelessly to craft the perfect plan for our clients. Every company has a formula that makes it work and this is where our team really takes center stage. Knowing the formula that makes your company tick and conveying that to the media and the public is our greatest strength."

During the show, we learned about her work with Rich Dad Advisor, Blair Singer, to promote his upcoming appearance at the Gwinnett Performing Arts Center on January 17, 2008. She also shared her interest in creating an organization for young girls that puts the girl back in the girl called "Grace of Dunwoody."

Yoshi shared all kinds of tips for small business people who want to try to do PR on their own. For more information about Yoshi and all that she has going on, please go to her website www.thepublicityformula.com.

Also, if you know of a Public Relations professional anywhere in the world that we should know about, please email Elizabeth Gordon at EGordon @ FlourishingBusiness.com. We will try to get them on the show.