grab life by the ovaries

Meet Darline Turner-Lee

Serving high-risk pregnant women

Darline Turner-Lee is doing something unique. She has taken her 17 years of experience as a physician assistant as well as her own personal journey of living through 2 high-risk pregnancies, and launched Mamas on Bedrest & Beyond. The site serves as a resource for high-risk pregnant women and new mothers--providing information on pre and post partum health, fitness, nutrition, advocacy, parenting and maternal and infant health and wellness. 

What I like most about Darline's message is that she is encouraging each woman to be her own best health advocate...speaking up, asking questions and pushing back to insure the best possible decision and the best possible outcome. 

City: Austin, Texas (but hope to relocate back to the east coast in the next 1-2 years)

Profession: I am a nationally certified Physician Assistant by degree but I am passionate about serving, supporting and advocating for high-risk pregnant women. Last year I followed my passion and launched Mamas on Bedrest & Beyond, a local and online business that provides information, support and resources to (high risk) pregnant women and new moms.

Website: www.mamasonbedrest.com

Why you joined 'Grabbing Life by the Ovaries': To network with other women entrepreneurs following their passions and to expose myself to the pregnant and new mamas in the network.

 

Meet Dr. Michelle Gannon

She had the 'ovaries' to be the first to submit a video

 

I'd love to introduce you Dr. Michelle Gannon. I have a special affinity for Michelle because I was fortunate enough to meet her in person and to have her as a guest on my radio show. She is every bit as warm and fun as she appears in this video. But as important, she is a woman who is making a difference. 

As a marital counselor, workshop leader, and media expert, Michelle's no BS advice is helping couples save their marriages and lead happy and healthy lives together. On my show she discussed what needs to happen before you say "I Do" as well as tips for 'affair proofing' your marriage. (Listen) She's definitely helping woman take charge of their lives.

City: San Francisco, CA

Profession: Psychologist and relationship expert

Interests: Relationships, Motherhood, Fitness, Wellness, Yoga, Reading, Movies

Why I joined: Friendship and networking with other intelligent, passionate, like-minded, and "go for it" women

Website: DrMichelleGannon.com and MarriagePrep101.com

Join our 'Grabbing Life by the Ovaries' group on FB.

And just for a laugh, I thought I'd also include this video by Dr. Michelle's husband, Patrick. He has a special message just for us. (smile)

Getting PRESS

 

It's not the good old days. It's better.

The world of public relations is evolving before our eyes. With social media exploding and highfalutin' bloggers respectably going neck and neck with mainstream media for eyeballs and ears, it begs the question whether there is still a place for a good old fashioned press release. Or whether or not we need to bring on a PR firm or an individual publicist. 

As someone who gets pitched multiple times per day, I can say the answer is yes. And no. Although I am going to give specific pitch and writing advice in a future post, following are a few things to consider. Because I want you to win, I'm going to be blunt.

• Most small businesses and individuals can't afford to bring on a PR firm. The good news is that for a certain level of public relations, you don't need one. You can write your own press releases. You can cost effectively post and distribute your releases online at places like PR Web. You can do a bit of research and email certain journalists and bloggers directly (more advice on this in the future post). You can take the time to find, follow and develop relationships with individuals in the media via Twitter, Facebook, etc. (But don't be too pushy. Develop a personal relationship here before you start pushing your stuff at them.)

• When should you hire a PR professional? Publicists still have an important role even though that role is changing. I suggest seeking a professional in the following circumstances:

1. You have a major campaign you need developed and delivered. This is a situation where it's not just an occasional press release, but an ongoing campaign that has serious potential for extensive news coverage. If you bring on a professional, be sure it is someone savvy in 'new' media--including social media, blogging, etc. 
2. You need reputation management. Something has happened and you need to repair your image. In this case, hire a professional but don't get too boxed in by their approach. Follow your instincts and be transparent and honest about the situation with your audience/customers. People will respond more authentically to these qualities in you than an over-scripted approach by a professional. 
3. You want and need press coverage and you feel like you have an interesting or newsworthy hook that the media might bite on, but you don't have the time or interest or staff to write up a press release and send it out. But again, if you bring on a professional, make sure it is someone also savvy in 'new' media.
4. Your press release is a hit and suddenly everyone wants to book you. A professional can help you navigate which interviews to do, which to avoid and the most strategic way to time and prepare for those interviews.

• When writing your press release, never make it read like an ad for your company, product, or service. That one is worth repeating. NEVER make it read like an ad for your company, product, or service. You will get worse than nowhere by being too promotional. You will lose the credibility of the very people whose attention you are trying to grab. This is the time to dig deep into your creative brain and pull out a compelling reason why you are newsworthy or worth covering. If you can't come up with a reason, that's a pretty clear indication that 1. You don't have a story to be covered, thus a press release is a waste of time. 2. You are in need of a professional who can help you develop your story or your angle.

• When writing a press release, keep in mind that the media is often reviewing hundreds of releases per week. Surprise us by writing something fresh and bold. Use a sense of humor. If you're going to include 'quotes' make sure they're meaningful, punchy or unexpected. Get to the point and for goodness sake be brief (no longer than one page). Step away from formulas, but then also be sure to creatively weave in the basics of who, what, where, why, when and how. This is the time to tap into your copywriting skills versus your essay skills. Say it in as few words as possible but make those words jump off the page. I can't tell you how exciting it is when I see the 1 in 200 releases that accomplish this. 

• Do not use exclamation points in a press release. Or anywhere for that matter. Ok, the anywhere one might be a stretch, but use them sparingly for impact. Otherwise they scream like the little boy who cried wolf and we all just tune out. Sure there's a wolf. Sure it's important. Or exciting. This point may be the most important advice of this whole darn entry. 

Go get 'em.

Related: 

My interview with Gary Vaynerchuk

My bio and personal press coverage

Meet Gabriela Sosa

She's an Actor/Writer/Producer/Interpreter. And she's feisty. 

I love it when I read a bio or a profile that surprises me. When the language is so fresh and authentic that you feel like you might be getting a sense for the person beyond the words. Meet member Gabriela Sosa. When I first read her info on Facebook, I laughed and I cringed and I reread the entire thing just to make sure I read it right. 

Gabriela has had a very cool and diverse career path and is definitely a woman comfortable in her own skin. 

What city are you from? Panama

Profession? Actor/Writer/Producer/Interpreter

Interests? Martial Arts/Movies/Nutrition/Art

Why you joined? I loved the title!!

Website: Friend her on Facebook

I'd love to introduce YOU to the group...

 

In case you missed my original email to the group that included how to submit your personal information so that I can introduce you to everyone, please see below. My goal starting next week is to introduce at least 2-3 women per week...on the wall and in the blog. 

Instructions for submission:

If you’d like to be introduced to the group, please answer the following questions with no more than two sentences each. And please send the answers to this address so that I can keep them all in one place: [email protected]

I’ll only introduce those people who submit to the email address above, so that I avoid introducing those who’d rather remain anonymous.

Name?
What city are you from?
Profession?
Interests?
Why you joined.
If you have a website/blog please, what is the link?

And for my purposes only, please let me know how I (and the group) can best serve you. The more specific you are, the better I might be able to help. For instance, are you mostly here to meet new clients? For inspiration? For support? For fun? To find a job? To find employees? To meet like-minded women? If so, what kind?

And here’s the fun part. Ready to get out your video cameras and web cams? I’d LOVE it if you also submitted a 15-30 second video (yes, that short) introducing yourself to everyone. (The video is not required, but desired.) If you’re able to initially submit the video via a link (you tube, etc, please do that) 

This should be personal/ fun/candid and NOT overly promotional since I’ll also be including the above info and links. The videos are about making a very personal connection. Video interaction will allow us to really get to know one another. 

Please be sure to say the following in the video: Name, city, profession, why you joined the group. 

(Feel free to also mention the kind of women you’d like to meet...health nuts, business owners, socially conscious, etc. This will help like-minded women find you.)

Remember, keep it fun and casual. We want to meet YOU. Exciting!

Meet Robin Smith

We have an artist in the house...

I'd like to introduce you to fellow member R. Catherine Smith, an artist who at the age of 54 decided to follow her heart and pursue her love of photography. Be sure to check out her gorgeous work at Earthworks Photography. Proof that it's never too late. 

Most of us can relate to the dance that Robin describes below...doing what you love and while also keeping the lights on. I think a big part of that answer lies in Robin's interests--'living simply'. Thoreau once wrote, "I foresee that if my wants should become much increased, the labor required to supply them would become a drudgery." The man has a point.

Name:  R. Catherine Smith - I'm known as both Robin and Catherine! Catherine is more for professional purposes.

City: Born in Philadelphia, lived 30+ years in Pittsburgh and moved to Upstate NY in 2002.  Have lived several places in the Finger Lakes area since.

Profession: Well, I sell to put food on the table, but my goal is to make my photography (and a few more metaphysical things I do) become the major source of income. I am an artist at heart.

Interests: Photography, nature, Native American studies, living simply, helping people with my gifts (I work with astrology/numerology and am a 5th generation 'sensitive'/medium).

Why you joined? I am a woman, and I believe in grabbing Life any way you can!

Websites: EarthworksPhotography  and The Spirit Walk

Below is one of my favorite shots by Robin. There are many lovely prints available through her website.

 

If you're looking to write a book or pitch an article...

Two resources that will make your life a lot easier.

(And yes, a laptop instead of a typewriter can also be useful.)

Here are two resources I have used to find a book agent, find contact information for magazine editors, and stay on top of changes in the writing world.

WritersMarket.com  (Well worth the monthly fee of $5.99 once you are serious about outreach.)

MediaBistro (A great place for freelancers and to get inside scoop/advice for approaching your favorite outlets.)

Be sure to let me know if the above helps you land that next writing gig or six figure book deal. Think big, I say. (smile)

Meet Marilyn Gansel

Fitness, food, and non-profits. And she might want to interview you...

 
I'd like to introduce you to member Marilyn Gansel. I love that an area of her fitness experience applies to recovering cancer patients. And as a 'foodie' wannabe, I'm always looking to meet women who are into nutrition and real food. Be sure to also check out Marilyn's non-profit which benefits individuals who are at high risk for heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. (And as anyone who has founded a non-profit knows, it takes Herculean efforts to get it off the ground. Congrats Marilyn.)

City: Stamford, CT

Profession: Founder of Fitness Matters. "I own a personal training studio and I work with a diverse population including athletes, the sedentary, and cancer recovery, and other physical limitations or challenges--such as hip and knee replacements. I am finishing my thesis for a doctorate in Applied Sports Psychology where I will be a Performance Psychologist, helping others perform better. I also help those with food issues."

Why you joined? "I am looking to network, meet like-minded women, and look for other job-related opportunities. I am also in the process of putting together a series of podcasts with a friend from CA --called "Mind Over Matter." I am looking for talent to interview. I also started a non-profit organization, The BINA foundation, Inc.

Websites: www.fitnessmatters.com and www.binafoundation.org

Contact Marilyn through her websites above or through FaceBook.

Technology Tip: Use The Flip to shoot your video

Tech tip: Ok I've got this week's show in the can and I'm ready to dive back in. After last weekend's message requesting/suggesting videos from y'all, many of you had questions about the best type of camera to use for web videos. 

My favorite is The Flip. It's inexpensive. It's small--I just throw it in my purse in order to shoot any time the inspiration hits. It connects directly to your computer for easy download (no extra cords needed). And it shoots beautiful footage (be sure to get the HD version). To see an example of the quality, take a peek at the short video below that I shot last Friday. It was a tea-tasting video we put together for my radio show.

And here is the link to The Flip: http://www.theflip.com/en-us/Products/mino.aspx

(The Flip has also worked out great for recording 5th grade basketball games, birthday parties, and dog baths. Smile.)

Women who are rocking the business world

 


Mary Cantando is definitely a woman you should know. And her book Leading with Care will inspire your work whether you're heading a business, writing a book, or running a household. (She really shook me up.) 

Here's my interview with Mary:

Mary is also looking for kick-butt female entrepreneurs to submit their best piece of advice to other women for her 2011 'daily calendar'. Great opportunity. Here's how to submit: http://bit.ly/8CUWXy