Memorable Leap Years for Me

In my capacity as an adjunct professor at New York Institute of Technology, where I teach a course in Special Events Planning, my students, this semester, will be producing their first event on Leap Year "Day", February 29, 2012. One of the things that they have done to mark this occasion is to create a blog. The following post is my contribution:

It’s not a “giant leap” for me to say that 1976, 1984, 2000 and 2008 were all significant Leap Years and milestones in my life.

1976 marked the Bicentennial of the United States. It was the year that I graduated from Boston University. Living in this cradle of the American Revolution, I had more than my full share of Bicentennial Fever. I also moved to New York City to begin my first professional position as a public relations consultant with Edelman, one of the biggest firms in the world. I still remember the pretty female lobby attendants dressed in Bicentennial-themed sexist outfits of red, white & blue ponchos over hot pants, the look completed with white go-go boots!

1984 – I became a proud father of a beautiful baby girl, Marina, my first born. (Her sister, Chloe, followed three years later). As an infant, my daughter was the spitting image of me including the bald head -- but minus the beard. I actually had nearly a full head of hair in those days; having children makes you lose it! My wife and I also bought our first house in the suburbs.

2000 – The Millennium, of course, was a New Year’s Eve marked in a significant way around the world; although, honestly, I can’t remember how I celebrated. I had a client at the time that made a bundle of money traveling around the world as a conference speaker talking about “Millennium Fever” and all of the changes it would wrought. It was a great gimmick and schtick. But I’m not sure if any of his “predictions” ever came true.

2008 – A milestone in American and world history was marked with the election of Barrack Obama. I was one happy camper and I put my event planning skills to the test. I organized a presidential inauguration party. The enthusiasm in the room was high and emotional as President Obama delivered his inauguration speech which we watched on a giant screen from a hotel ballroom in New Rochelle. I wonder now if I was the only person in the room who did not expect much would be accomplished by this very capable man on account of the mess that he inherited. His election, alone, was a major achievement that burnished America’s reputation around the world.

Is this a giant leap from observing the significance of Leap Year birthdays? I think not. Every day we “give birth” to a new day and to the possibility of a fresh beginning. When given a set-back, we have to figure out how to re-invent ourselves. This sometimes requires taking a giant “leap” into the unknown.

Please visit their student created blog and post a comment. Better yet, share your Leap Year memories, particularly if you or a member of your family is a Leap Year baby! Here's the link:
http://specialevents2012.wordpress.com

Blog challenged? Finding your passion

The problem with blogs is that you have to write the damn things! And in order to keep them relevant you also have to keep them current. Mea culpa. I have no one to blame but myself for being the "barefoot blogger". Months (OK -- more than a year) pass between updates. So being a big believer in getting a head start on New Year's resolutions, I resolve to update Bald Ego on a more regular basis.

If only I could hire someone to write my blog for me! Of course I could. But that would put me back in the same category as the cobbler so busy that his own kids go bare foot. In fact, since my last post I have been writing plenty for other people and clients. I have had numerous articles published either under my byline or someone's else. The topics have ranged from client profiles, most notably, on the long-time President and CEO of the not-for-profit National Minority Business Council, to articles about trends in real estate, my other profession.

But what has become my passion of late is starting my Pulitzer Prize-winning play. At "least" winning the Pulitzer is my goal. I'm now about half-way through the umpteenth draft of my script. I am quite serious about not only getting the play finished but produced. As for the Pulitzer? Sure, it's a dream and a long-stretch but some one has to win. Maybe the jury that nominates plays to receive the Pulitzer Drama Award will be intrigued by the fact that this is an entry from someone who is not 20-something -- or 30-something, or 40-something. Maybe if I stick to it I will still be 50-something! To keep the dream alive, when friends ask me what the play is about my response is that they can buy a ticket to opening night and find out.

But as with all good writing, it takes time. I rarely can just knock-out an essay for a client or more dialogue for my play. Even letters and e-mails can be challenging to compose especially when you want every word to count. With concern that the audience for the published word is shrinking, with much of what we read now being delivered electronically, I am also always looking for new venues for what I write, for my clients and myself, so that it reaches its targeted audiences. Demographics play a role in this. Case in point:

One of my clients is a not-for-profit that produces amazing jazz concerts in Westchester that headline top musicians who perform regularly in New York City and/or on-tour. It made the decision recently that it would only be sending e-mail reminders about its upcoming concerts since two of its last four mailings never got delivered or were delivered after-the-fact by the U.S. Post Office. Since the organization works on a tight budget I can understand why it does not want to continue spending money on a service that is not delivering -- literally. But as I conduct a visual survey of its most loyal and long-time concert attendees, I wonder how many of them have e-mail addresses. And if they do, how often do they check their e-mail on a regular basis? Many are seniors. I know that I am stereotyping as several seniors are quite computer savvy including being active on facebook and other social media tools. But attendance at these concerts has always been lower when the snail mail promotion does not arrive in advance of the performance. This is despite the fact that several other audience outreach efforts have been made -- but many of which are electronic.

The point that I want to make here with this post is "Know your audience." How does your audience get its news? Where does it look for information? Is blogging right for you? We have a tendency to assume that everyone looks at e-mail, that everyone reads newspapers, that everyone relies on popular Web sites to get at least some, if not all, of the news that interests them. My experience is that this is not the case and that it is a generational thing. For example, my parents are in their 90s and still going strong. But they don't own a computer. They have a cell phone that they don't use. When I go for a visit I either have to try to hack into a neighboring, unprotected Internet connection to get my e-mail fix or I visit the local public library to use its signal. (Yeah, I know, I could and should upgrade my own cell phone in order to get 24/7 access to the Internet and e-mails.)

I am also an adjunct professor (another reason why I have not had as much time lately to write this blog). At the start of each semester I advise my students that I am a big e-mail user and that they have to get in the habit of checking their e-mails on a daily basis to see if I have sent out a communique about the class and assignments. Inevitably, one or more students will tell me -- after the fact -- that they didn't read their e-mail. That's because fewer and fewer members of Generation Next (18-25 years old) don't e-mail. They barely use their cell phones for phone calls. They text (including during class which annoys the hell out of me). So do I end up texting every one instead, something that I find taxing -- especially on my vintage flip phone? (Like I said, time to upgrade!)

The answer is adaptation. Adapting to not only your audience but to new technologies for reaching them. It's not about using technology just for the sake of it (a habit of another colleague and it drives me nuts!). It's about staying current. Just like I intend to keep this blog more current. In fact, today's Bald Ego update was inspired by another new technology and trend: Steep discounts offered short-term online and via e-mail and text promotions. So I decided to give it a try, in conjunction with the the eve of my 30th Anniversary of being self-employed. Here's a link to the offer:

http://deals.westchestermagazine.com/DailyDeal/Offer/8f118d6e-eb5b-4cab-a76d-778b356a47aa?referrer=mailchimp&utm_source=DailyDealEmail&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=8f118d6e-eb5b-4cab-a76d-778b356a47aa

Since I am not really expecting to be overwhelmed by responses, I am extending the same deal to all Bald Ego readers through the month of January 2012. Maybe you'll be inspired to take action by taking advantage of this very generous offer. I guarantee, it will be $99 well spent!

Call me Lieutenant. Call me Mr. Vice President. Just call me!

Hooray! Did you hear? The recession is officially over. And it has been for more than a year.

Now if only SOMEONE could prove it to small business owners and to the big companies and start-ups who we hope to attract as clients! After all, we small business owners are "the backbone of the economy." Or so say the politicos. But I gotta tell you, if the economy don't start straighten' out soon I'm gonna need to see a chiropractor tout de suite! If my phone don't start ringing more -- and not by the politicians on Robodial looking for my vote -- then I will need a serious adjustment in my lifestyle. And it may start with how I am registered to vote.

Just over 34 years ago, as a skinny 22-year-old with (almost) a full head of hair, wearing a 100%, double-kit Polyester suit, I took a bus from Spring Valley, NY to New York City to a job interview at Daniel Edelman Public Relations. I still remember the opening line of the type-written cover letter that got me the appointment: "On August 23, I am coming to New York to convince you to hire me." I may be off on the date, a bit, but I will never forget that letter because it worked. I even vaguely remember where the bus dropped me off (Lexington Ave. in the 50s). The rest of the morning is somewhat of a blur; I just know that I was hired and within two weeks, living in a studio apartment on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

Fast-forward 34-years (time does speed up with age, doesn't it?) and I am still plugging away at the art of making other people look good, sound good, feel good. And, once again, living in an apartment.

I have survived as a self-employed consultant for the past 28-years in this unscientific, no guarantees PR business because of the willingness to take the lead, extend myself for others, and over-service clients in order to deliver on promises that are always "qualified." This has not made me rich!

Unlike my brethren in the advertising business, I can't guarantee that I will get my clients media coverage. In fact, getting media coverage has gotten much harder with the downsizing of traditional print media in particular. Even The New York Times is hurting in these weary economic times.

And then there is the social media trend. Just like this "Bald Ego" we can all become instant publishers. Many full-time bloggers have done just that and the results are often frightening! Slander? Libel? Who cares? Seemingly, a lot don't. Stated more succinctly (so as not to slander legitimate, conscientious bloggers -- of whom there are many), it's sometimes hard to tell or hard to know or just hard to believe what one reads in some blog posts. I am thinking of one local blogger, in particular, who has been blacklisted by most local PR people. Her writings strike raw nerves and fear! What she claims is true is debatable. Who do you believe? The elected officials who she loves to attack or her often outrageous claims. Considering some of the actions and decisions by one of her most favorite targets, it's kind of easy to take her side. But that's another discussion and this posting is not meant to be politically correct, er...incorrect.

"Call me Lieutenant. Call me Mr. Vice President." What's that all about? Four years ago I became a volunteer firefighter in Larchmont, NY. Last year, I was appointed to Lt. and this past April, elected to the post. Some people who think they know me well were surprised to find out that I became a firefighter. But many of these same people have never been self-employed. Talk about taking risks and having to put out fires! Talk about taking the lead and willing to run into hypothetically explosive situations! Yeah, I'm up to the task!

"Call me Mr. Vice President." Ouch! Ever since I can remember, this Washington, DC position has been the butt of many jokes, the source of embarrassment for the President, and ripe for corruption. I intend to side-step all of this V.P. negativity as V.P, of the Fairfield County PR Association, a group of other senior-level communications professionals, most of whom are self-employed consultants like myself. Again leadership, responsibility, a dedication to my profession and remaining current with new trends in my profession.

You see, when I assume a responsibility I take it seriously. I give it my all or at least all that I have to give. What's the difference? There are always the second-guessers, members of Club CouldovShouldovWouldov -- "Ya couldov done this. You shouldov done that. I wouldov done better."

Well, to those chartered members of Club CSW, I offer you my brand new $500 moccasins (which I bought brand new for $35 in a favorite high-end thrift store). Walk a mile or two in them and you might just find out for yourself that what really looked good on the shelf and fit fine at first, pinches, starts to make your very soul (pun intended) ache not before long, and tires you out long before the journey's end is in site. Unless you're a trooper, a survivor. Do you have what it takes? Ask me.

I see so many people hurting that I count my blessings that I have money in the bank, food in my refrigerator (olives are food), and a roof over my head. Today I saw two people, about my age, hitchhiking. Last night on my three-mile trek through Manhattan's Upper West Side I encountered more panhandlers and homeless people curled up for the night in door wells than I can remember.

Ah! But the good news, today, is that the recession is over and has been over for quite some time. Do you remember George & Rudy's respective responses to the 9/11 attack to the folks who hunkered down initially:? "Go to Disney World" and "Take your family shopping." If only escapism was the permanent solution for all challenges in life. Hard times require strong leadership and I intend to offer it to all who seek my assistance.

Call me Lieutenant. Call me Mr. Vice President. Just call me!

Social Networking 101

Oops! Six months since my last post. That's not good. But that's what I have always said is the problem with blogs. People start off strong and with honorable intentions but then life gets in the way.

It's just like the things that you tell yourself you are going to accomplish the next business day, come hell or high water, and they get swept out to sea by the unforeseeable phone call that in polite society is best described as one of those "Oh Compost" moments. Said another way: "Compost Happens." (You get my drift.)

So tomorrow -- October 21st -- I will be speaking to an organization of small business owners, mostly women entrepreneurs, about Social Networking 101. I worked pretty hard on my presentation because just as when I was teaching at Fordham University, earlier this year, preparing this presentation was a work in progress. Even though I was invited a few months ago to do this gig, I didn't really start writing and researching the topic until a couple of weeks ago. That still seemed like plenty of time, especially for someone like me who works best under pressure. Mind you, I seriously gave it a lot of thought, read and clipped a lot of articles, and visited a lot of Web sites.

But what happened, which is so often the case with me when I start doing research, is that I got carried away with collecting the information. I get so turned on and intrigued by the subject matter that I often struggle in determining where to cut off the research and sit down and do the hard part: writing it and, even harder, editing. As a result, I have enough material for a day-long seminar, much less a half-hour presentation.

So here's the message that I am delivering to the National Minority Business Council in a nutshell: Social Networking is still very much a work in progress. Like so many other technologies, what's hot today may be passe a year from now. Or it will be acquired by its competition and quickly put out of business. I liken it to the dot.com era of the late 1990s. By 2000, how many of these multi-million dollar companies, on paper, had gone bust? They got a lot of investor money because they were successful at selling the sizzle. But eventually, it became apparent that there was little or no steak.

I say: Explore your options. Figure what's going to work for you. If you're enamored by Twitter and if you're using it as a business application, make sure that you can develop a sustainable thread that your target audience will care about and want to follow. Otherwise, I can't imagine why many people would really care what color shoes you're wearing today, what you had for lunch, weather or not you have a hangover, or if you just had another fight with your significant other. Yet millions of people post this...compost...every day and sometimes several times a day.

If you are a blogger, blog more regularly than every six months. (Note to self: Practice what you preach! Next on the docket: 52-weeks of publicity results.) If you're into Facebook or MySpace, think twice about: 1) The pictures you want to post; 2) The personal information that you want to share and, 3) Who you "friend." You just may not want to "friend" your best friend if part of his or her charm is that he or she is the life of the party and never passes up a free beer. (But do you want your boss or clients or prospects to know this much information about your personal life?)

And while I haven't tried my hand at YouTube, I think it's got some terrific marketing applications and I would not discourage my clients from using the tool. A lot depends on how far out onto the silver screen limb you want to venture.

If you would like a copy of my presentation, please send me an e-mail (robs@robseitz.com) or give me a call (914-393-6144).

Oh, and if you happen to be reading this before my early curtain, please wish me well!

Ho-Hum. Another New York Times Publicity Placement

I can't bring myself to cancel my subscription to The New York Times.

There are days when it never gets taken out of its distinctive blue plastic delivery bag, which also doubles as a favorite pooper scooper with conscientious dog walkers.

And then there are those editions that I have taken the time to sit down with -- often on the morning of my neighborhood weekly recycling day -- and I find wonderful gems relevant to my work, my clients, my teaching, my life. One day last week, in a single edition, I hit pay dirt.

Page One had an article about how protesters in Muldova mobilized a turnout of an estimated 10,000 opponents of the country's ruling Communist party by posting "Tweets" on Twitter to spread the word. And when the government shut down the Internet, in response, the organizers resorted to text messaging on their cell phones. Talk about "revolutionary event planning!" Who needs newspapers for publicity?

Directly opposite this article was the tale of Good Samaritan cyber sleuths (something that I am pretty good at, myself.) They tracked down the owners of a found digital camera by downloading photos and posting them on the Internet. By using clues in the photos -- the buildings, the countryside, the signage -- they were able to track the owner's footsteps, right to their front door. Who needs newspapers for unraveling mysteries?

And then on the front page of the Business section, there was a report on the recent presentation by Google's CEO to attendees at an annual conference of newspaper publishers and editors. His message: Google really, really wants to be their friend. Of course it does! Newspapers are a tremendous source of free information that the Google search engine delivers to the millions of eyeballs that its advertisers pay big bucks to reach. Who needs newspapers? Google. And do the rest of us.

That's why I can't cancel my subscription to The New York Times.

I believe that newspapers are in a period of rediscovery and reinvention, just as they were int he Halcyon Days of the dot.com era. As a consultant to organizers of "interactive newspaper conferences for newspaper publishers and editors, in the late 1990s, I witnessed how ALL of us in attendance struggled with what would be the role of newspapers online and how would they remain profitable by giving away their content. Then, and now, it was one of those "you gotta' have an Internet presence," whether you like it or not and whether you know what you are doing, or not.

And then, this weekend, I was able to see my labor for a client bear fruit with the publication of an article in, where else, The New York Times. The writer did a wonderful job in capturing the essence of the story, as did the headline writer: "More Than Just Loaves and Fishes."

Who needs The New York Times -- an other major daily newspapers? I do. We all do.

This is NOT ENTIRELY new to me

In January, I started teaching public relations (again) as an adjunct professor at Fordham University. I was essentially given total academic freedom to create the course that I thought was most appropriate and relevant in these times. I decided to focus on social media and networking.


I admitted to my students when we began the semester that I would be learning along with them. What I bring to the classroom -- and to my consulting business -- is more than 30-years experience of fairly traditional "PR-101" tools and practices of the trade. But blogging, Twitter, Face Book, Meetup and some of the lesser-known social media sites are still in the PR-usage development stage, in my opinion.


Companies hire me and others like me to get them "press," essentially. How I get them coverage and where I get them coverage is a whole new ballgame in the 21st Century. I've always ascribed to the old adage, "there's more than one way to skin the cat!" And these new Internet-based outlets do allow public relations practitioners to get their clients coverage in media that might otherwise have said "no." Now I can post on a journalist's blog! Now I can create a venue and employ viral marketing tools without having to register with the County Health Department as a known carrier!


Getting the word out as far and as wide as possible has always been and remains a challenge. Convincing clients that online media coverage is the route to go -- or at least has value to them -- is an even greater task. Although demographics can not be ignored.

If a company wants to reach my 91-year-old parents then relying solely on the Internet -- or on the Internet, at all -- is a big mistake! If you want to reach my 20-something daughters, newspaper coverage, to a certain extent, is an equally less-effective tool. I was told by one of my young students that even radio listenership is down with his generation. Podcast them. Text them. The "Y" generation doesn't even e-mail much while I'm addicted to it.

"There's too much information out there!" bemoans my wife.

I disagree. I can do a brilliant job of getting media coverage for my clients and I still hear from some people that they knew nothing about it, "there was nothing in the newspaper"

Me: Do you read the newspaper?
Them: "No. I listen to the radio (or) I watch the evening news."
Me: It was promoted and advertised on WXYZ for the last couple of weeks.
Them: I don't listen to that station.
Me: So how did you hear about (fill in the blank)?
Them: I got a flyer.

Ah! Guerrilla Marketing at its best!

This is all very new to me

I've been writing all my life. Now I'm trying my hand at blogging. More to follow.