Act Like Lady, Think Like A Publicist! Interview with Tiffany Lee ♥

I loved this interview with Tiffany as she definitely brought a twist to how she entered transitioned from acting to entering into PR. Not to mention the breakdown of how publicists are in ATL! Big city, with extremely small circles! Check out the interview below, and let me know your thoughts.

You worked at Tyler Perry Studios for five years, how was your experience there? How did you get the opportunity to work there?

       I actually began working at Tyler Perry Studios at the age of 17yrs old. At that time I was trying to become an actress. I auditioned for a small agency, got in and read their castings for Tyler Perry’s Daddy’s Little Girls, went and got a call to come work on the movie. Due to the fact that I was 4”11, I was getting called constantly to work on most of the projects at Tyler Perry Studios as a Stand-In actress. That became my 2^nd home and my studio family, so I learned how to do everything while there.

What was a typical day like while working with Tyler Perry?

      As a stand-in, we get a call time (must be on time), we check in, receive the script and start reading over the actor’s lines that you will be standing in for, for the day. After we ate breakfast we went to the set, and EVERY morning we got into a big circle and prayed, after that it was time for “1^st Team rehearsal.” First teamers are your real hired actors; the entire crew will watch their rehearsals for camera blocking purposes as well as it is important for the stand-ins because we have to take notes on everything our actors are doing. Once they were done, crew took a 10min break, then the “2^nd teamers” aka “Stand-In’s” would get on set and have to act out everything our actor just did so that camera’s could practice where they were going to go and the lighting team would know how to light the scenes. After that, we ate and then we would shoot the show. After the show was shot we went home. That was a typical day at Tyler Perry Studios.

As a freelance publicist, do you find it more difficult to secure projects?

        This is a great question. No and Yes. No because I have a great personality so over the years I have developed great relationships with people, I constantly flew out of town to meet with high end executives, and I had the reputation from working at Tyler Perry Studios. I don’t have a “money hungry” spirit, so word traveled fast that I will bust my tail for any client that I obtain, but for little to no money. So that wasn’t hard to find a bunch of clients. Yes because the top paying jobs will sometimes overlook the smaller freelance publicist and will go with the large PR firm. So while you’re getting the smaller clients just to build your name, the firms are getting the larger cliental eating great. It’s a big hustle. Who can get to the larger clients first, and what can you offer them that a PR firm can’t do, as a freelance publicist you have to be ON IT!

How would you describe the atmosphere of PR in the city of Atlanta?

        Difficult. There’s not too many PR’s that “Think outside the box” or in this case “think outside of Atlanta.” Because I used to want to be an actress, I understand a potential clients needs. PR is about exposing them into a broader atmosphere. If I’m paying my PR $1,000-$3,000 a month, I would want to be exposed in New York, and LA and depending on my talents, I may want to be exposed overseas, but most PR’s here haven’t fully grasped that yet, I spent years developing relationships in other cities and now I can attach my clients to those relationships. Also, Atlanta can be “clickish” you can tell because the same people are at the same events. We are growing as a city; therefore we must grow into other avenues to become the best PR’s we can be for the sake of our clients. It’s VERY competitive in these Atlanta streets, hardly anyone comes together, so everyone is for themselves, and when they get a great celebrity client, the moods change. I wish we can have more love and support here.

Did you attend college/University for Communications/Marketing/PR?

        I actually attended a community college and I was going for Marketing. After two years of attending that college I began working at TPS and I never went back. I believe college is important. I had to learn PR on my own, and it was tough. Had I stayed, I wouldn’t have made as many mistakes as I have in the past. I want to go back. To everyone wanting to be a PR, Finish School!!!  J

What was your 'breakthrough' moment that made you realize that you wanted to pursue PR as a career?

        Every year, The Soul Train Awards would come to Atlanta. At that time, I was still doing some acting and mainly casting for independent film projects and fashion shows. I got to know my friend from the film The Blind Side and asked him if he was coming down to Atlanta for the show. Another one of my friends, who actually was a PR, happened to be working with the awards show, so they were interested in Quinton coming as a guest but they needed a PR representative for him. I said sure, I can “act” like your publicist to get you going for the award show. While he was here, he partnered with his charity that is located in Atlanta, and because of my relationships I got him on four radio stations in one day, a huge magazine red carpet party, handled his charity meet and greets, and had him on the football field for the Falcons game and had that sponsored. I said to myself, if this is PR then this is easy!!! Clients started to come at me a lot after that, and then I realized how much of a challenge PR truly is, but that was the “breakthrough” moment and I haven’t looked back since.

What are some marketing strategies that you use to attract new clientele?

         I don’t sale anyone a dream. Surprisingly, people just see my drive and my hustle and that’s what attracts new clients. It helps that I am still in film as well, so while the film industry grows in Atlanta, they want to get cast too. So I can work on getting them cast in projects I’m affiliated with, or in projects with directors I already have relationships with that can build their brand. I also let the “potential client” know that if I don’t know someone, I’ll find them. My hours don’t stop at 5pm, I am up emailing, researching, creating documents until 3am if need be. I’ll work with them on media training, go with them to pick out clothing for events or shoots, I go beyond and above. I want them to understand that any concerns they have, they can always call me. When I take someone on, they are my team, my new family, and what happens in some large firms, they have so many clients, that the client sees their money going to them every month, but nobody is really spending time with them, and listening to their needs. After all it IS their brand! They want to feel like it will be taken seriously and they want to know what is being done on daily basis that is helping them grow. So at the end of the day, I’m just me. I’m a go getter that cares and that loves to work, it’s not a marketing strategy, it’s really who I am and I appreciate those that want me to work with them because that means they see and appreciate my drive.

How has social media impacted your career as a publicist?

      Drastically!!! Without Social Media I would not be the Tiffany I am today. People really have to play social media very smart. If I know that almost everyone in the world has Facebook, I’m not busy looking up old classmates or family, I’m researching names that are within my industry and looking them up on Facebook. Same with Twitter. Twitter gives you the opportunity to make conversations with people you need to know. It’s so funny because everyone is trying to get to the “star” that already has 130k followers and skipping over the people they need to know to get to them like the PR, the manager, and when you go to their followers they have like 1200 but I find that as opportunity, that means if I am making conversation with you, you are going to see it and I can build a relationship with you. What I do is after I build the relationship over social media, I find an excuse to fly into your city and meet up for lunch or coffee if we connected, that’s how I build my relationships. That’s the drive that it takes to be and maintain in this industry. Social Media is GREAT!!

Since Atlanta is known as the city of 'music entertainment', do you mainly specialize in entertainment publicity, or do you specialize in other industries as well?

       Great question. I came from film/tv. So when I began working as a publicist, besides helping out Quinton who is an actor, everyone that kept coming to me needing PR was in music. Now I mainly have music artist and still produce and cast film projects but I don’t PR any other actors. I’m open to doing that though. I also find sponsorships for events and find investors for film projects.

 What are the pros and cons in being a freelance publicist?

        The Cons: Getting a lot of potential clients approaching you with no money, but knowing that they may poses a talent that you may need to grow your name and business and still taking them on anyways (a firm won’t play that).

·         Not being able to snap your finger and make things happen sometimes.

·         Sometimes not being taken seriously because you are on your own.

·         Sometimes two heads are better than one, freelancing alone has you carrying the weight and pressure by yourself.

        The Pros: When you actually do succeed and your client is pleased, you can pat your own self on the back and say that you did it and did it alone.

·         You have creative space. Nobody will argue or disagree with the way you want things handled.

·         I’m a true go getter, it’s hard to find someone that matches my drive. If I’m up until 5am, I want them to be up too. You won’t always find someone else like you, so freelancing allows you to work at your own pace.

Do you plan to have your own PR agency in the future? or is that in the works right now?

Yes, I am in the works of starting my new company right now. Last year I wanted to start a company, but again it was hard finding other power players to join with me. Then college interns approached me, if they’re new while I’m 2yrs in but still considered new I found that it won’t work when I had relationships all over the globe and they have none, if they up and left me they would take my built relationships. So finally I linked up with three other powerful women to help me with my vision. It’s a full service entertainment company with PR, management, film/tv development, sponsorship opportunities,etc. These ladies have track records and they expand to China, LA, Canada, NY, Florida, Africa and the list goes on. It’s been two years in the making but FINALLY it’s coming to pass!! I told you I’m about unity, and I’ve freelanced long enough. It’s time to unite with other powerful women and really build and grow these clients out of Atlanta by thinking out the box!!!! ;)

To contact Tiffany, tweet her at @Tiffdashielle

XOXO,

Key
Tweet me: @Fab_Key
Email me: info.prblog@gmail.com

PR Exclusive: CEO of The Glit PR Agency, Victoria Odu

The beautiful and fabulous Victoria Odu (CEO of The Glit PR Agency) is really and truly a breath of fresh air. I am truly humbled by the fact that she supports my movement of what I'm doing with PR Breakthrough. I'm excited to share this exclusive interview on her background and how she got started in the field of PR.
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The Glit PR agency, tell me more about your company and how it came about?

Well the Glit PR agency was started under an umbrella company that I started in 2009 called the Glit Inc which consists of, of course the PR agency, a lifestyle networking and entertainment website (TheGlitInc.com), and a Wardrobe and Image Consulting Service. The Glit PR is a boutique entertainment PR agency specializing in branding, event planning and management, social media management, celebrity placements, special events and more. We work with and represent up-and-coming and well established clients in film, fashion, music, fine arts and sports.

I started the company while working for a film production company where I did PR. Through networking and building relationships with people in the industry, I came across several people that either were looking for PR representation or knew of someone who was looking for some and at the time it only made sense to start my own PR agency.

Owning my own agency was something I always knew that I wanted to do eventually in the long run. Definitely not as soon as I did. But at that time, the way things were falling into place, it seemed like the right time. It was inevitable.

Prior to you having your own business, did you have previous PR experience?

Yes, not as much as I wanted to before starting my own business, but I can honestly say that getting my feet wet and really jumping out there and getting involved has been my best teacher.

Prior to starting my own business, I got a bachelors degree in PR and interned for a really great entertainment PR company which taught me a lot about PR and gave me some hands on experience. Following that I did some freelance writing work for PR agencies and worked at a film production company where I was a publicist.

I have also been blessed to learn from some really awesome PR professionals in the business along the way and I still am learning.

 I noticed that you work closely with Vanessa Simmons as the VP of Marketing for ROSE By Vanessa Jean swimwear line, is there more pressure when working closely with celebrities?

Working with a celebrity and someone who is on the come-up is the same to me. At the end of the day, we are all human beings and that is how I view celebrities. I always feel the pressure because you kind of have someone's career in your hands and that pressure to deliver and deliver successfully is always intense no matter who the person is.

I know that this year was the official launch of ROSE, what were your responsibilities as VP of Marketing? Do you feel that when working with celebrities that you're acknowledged more versus when you represent a brand or a client that isn't as reputable yet?

My responsibilities while working as the VP of Marketing and PR included everything from daily pitching, creating sponsorship opportunities, email marketing, social media management, drafting and distributing press releases, booking interviews, responding to media inquiries, monitoring media coverage and more.

Yes, I definitely do feel like I am acknowledged more when working with a celebrity name versus a client that isn't yet as reputable. I feel like a lot more people reach out to you and respond better to the client or project when it involves a celebrity name.

Working with a client that isn't yet reputable, you definitely have to get more creative with pitching and really build that brand up first. However, I've experienced that when you have already established great working relationships and networks with people, they will acknowledge you and be more open and receptive despite who you are working with because you've built that reputation and loyalty.

I know that you travel extensively, are you looking to have an office on the west coast as well?

Yes, I would love to eventually expand and have an office on both the west coast and down south. I honestly don't mind the traveling, I actually love it, but I know that expanding the agency would be more convenient and open up more avenues.

 

What was your 'Breakthrough' moment that made you realize that PR was the field for you?

The breakthrough moment when I realized that PR was the field for me was when I landed my first major media placement for a client. It wasn't just the joy of accomplishment for me, but hearing the excitement of the client is what did it for me. Seeing how I made someone else feel was really like wow for me.

PR is a tough business, and you'll definitely get a lot of no's before you get that first yes, but when you do and it's for something you've worked so hard on and impacts someone else in a positive way, the feeling is gratifying. Knowing that you can really contribute to a highlight in someone's career is an awesome feeling. And when I first did it, I realized that the no's and mistakes and hard work was all worth it, and that PR was for me.

How has the use of social media influenced your brand as a publicist and business owner?

The use of social media has influenced my brand as a publicist and business owner tremendously. This industry among many, is forever changing and social media is the easiest way to keep up. Social media has allowed me to really connect with people, build relationships, and make people aware of what I am doing within my business and with my clients. Through social media you can get instant feedback and interaction, keep up with what's current and learn how to do things from others individuals, which has been great in helping me revamp and really define my brand as a business owner and publicist.

What are some the key components that you feel are necessary to be a successful publicist?

Some of the key components that I feel are necessary in being a successful publicist include thick skin, forward thinking, creative and innovative and great relationship building, networking, writing and of course communication skills.

Where do yourself in the in the PR world in five years?

In five years I see myself definitely still working in the entertainment industry with more major clients and having helped build my current clients to major brands in the industry. I would like to be focused more on special events PR and working with international accounts. I see myself definitely expanding to an office in the west coast or down south and on my way to being one of the top publicists in the industry.

Thank you so much for taking the time out to interview me Key! It has truly been an honor and a pleasure. I definitely look forward to building with you as well :)

If you would like to contact Victoria, follow her on Twitter @VikGlitterati

XOXO,
Key
Tweet me: @Fab_Key

New Client Alert : SAAS Hotsauce

CLIENT NEWS: Publicist & Marketing Guru, Jessica Penzari announced today via Twitter that she's expanded her clientele and have welcomed SAAS Hot Sauce. SAAS Hot Sauce is an organic, all natural hot sauce made with the freshest ingredients with fresh purees of red jalapenos, orange habeneros and onions.

For more information, check out their website www.eatsaas.com
Tweet Jessica @JessicaM_PR

XOXO,

Key

Breaking Into The Fashion Industry....Are you ready?

 

Sunday evening I seen a tweet from MediaBistro about an interview they did with Creative Director, Joe Zee of ELLE Magazine and it was just what I needed to see. Lately, I've been trying to study even HARDER, work MORE, give MORE, listen MORE and become BETTER than I was yesterday. Many of us are at a stand still because we're waiting on the opportunity to break free and pursue our purpose. What are you waiting for? Your dreams are waiting on you! Watch this inspirational video about how Mr. Zee entered into the fashion world. Why are we holding ourselves back from our own destiny?

 

XOXO,

 

Key

Tweet me: @Fab_Key

PR Spotlight: Hanging Out with Lifestyle Publicist, Jenelle Hamilton

It is my pleasure to introduce Luxury Lifestyle Publicist, Jenelle Hamilton of NYC. I am incredibly honored to have interviewed such a skilled and passionate individual. Not to mention, she is 'PR Breakthrough' first interview. I hope you all enjoy and find inspiration through her amazing story.

 

1) What influenced you to do PR, what was that “Breakthrough” moment that made you realize that you have to do this as a career?

 

I love meeting and talking to new people. I think I have an ability to read people - know what they want, how to talk to them and make them open up to me. I couldn't see myself sitting behind a desk every day - that's SO not me. I like to be out and about and PR allows me to do just that!

 

2) Seeing that you received your BA from Greenwich University in Media and Communications, did you ever have the opportunity to intern? If so, who did you intern with and what was an invaluable lesson that you learned from it?

 

I actually didn't intern during college, I worked at the retail store Prada two days per week. That actually helped me perfect my craft as a publicist, as I got to meet with people from all walks of life. I did customer service, managed people queries and complaints and I got to work with beautiful products (clothes). That actually prepared me more than I realized and that was good for me. I didn't do my first internship until I graduated from college and left my first entry level PR assistant job. I did it backwards, but it worked for me!

3) What are three essentials that you feel are vital in becoming a successful publicist?

1) Work on your confidence and being able to speak to people from all walks of life. PR isn't a job for wallflowers.

2) An ability to work under stress and multi-task - you have to do this EVERY day!!

3) Make sure you like people and dealing with them. If you don't like speaking with people on the phone, over email or in person, you won't progress in this field.

4) I noticed that you began your PR journey in London and made the BIG move to NYC. What made you want to move there? Handling PR in a city such as New York, do you have a new perspective in the field of public relations or do you feel that it’s equally the same?

I specialized in luxury fashion PR in London, working at one of the best PR agencies in the world. I loved it, but after a few years, I really wanted to explore a different kind of PR - namely beauty PR! Where is the capital of beauty - New York City, so I decided to pack up and move here and it was the best thing I ever did.

I noticed that in NYC publicists work hard and play harder than London publicists. PR is definitely more "glamorous" in NY. In London, editors are happy to just go to the pub and hang out and you become friends and they give you placements. IN NYC, it's all about going and being seen at the hottest restaurants and venues. PR isn't taken as seriously in London as it is here.

5) Are there any special PR tactics that you use to attract new potential clients?

I make sure that I PR "myself" first! I am very active on social media, I have a blog, I go out and network (even when I don't want to) and I talk about the events I am doing, so potential clients can see what I am doing. There are so many BS-ers in PR, I want clients to know that I am the real deal and can actually deliver.

6) Being as though you’re a publicist that represent multiple clients from different industries (fashion, entertainment and lifestyle), do you ever face challenges in balancing time with each of them? What have you discovered to be your best tool for managing your time?

I am a workhorse! I work seven days a week, till late at night, but I am trying to step away and learn to find a balance with my personal life. I have noticed that food, fashion, beauty - they are all merging into one. They are really not separate anymore. It's all about "lifestyle" and many media opps or partnerships I secure for one client, could also work for another. It's all about synergy.

7) Would you ever recommend PR newbies to representing multiple brands at one time if they fresh to the public relations world?

If you can get the clients - do it. Landing new business when you start out is TOUGH. I'd rather work with a small number of amazing brands/clients, that tons of bad clients that no editor would write about anyway. Just make sure you can deliver what you promise to your clients and don't take on more than you can chew!

8) What’s a typical day in the fab life of Miss. Jenelle Hamilton?

Before I even roll out of bed, I switch on my cell, check my messages and Twitter account. I put on my gym clothes and work out for 1.5 hrs. I am ob-sessed with the Tracy Anderson Method and do it 4-6 times a week. It energizes me, gets me focused for the day and allows me to fit in to my fashion clients' samples (which is great motivation).

I do my pitching and client communication before midday. I tend to not schedule meetings until after 11am (I am not good about getting out of the house) and I tend to do all my meetings in the afternoon. I run around the city trying to fit everything in. Thats why I love living in Manhattan, as it allows me to be mobile and get around quickly. I love that I am not stuck in front of a computer in an office all day. I think I would slowly die if that were my day-to-day reality!!

I get invited to a lot of events in NYC with clients or just personally, so I will usually go out to dinners and events in the evening. PR is a social job and tends to roll over in to "personal time" but I love what I do, so it's fine.

9) What is one solid piece of advice that you would like to share to aspiring publicists?

Stay humble! When things are going great and people love you, remember to be nice and stay true to the essence of who you are. I have seen so many PR pros with egos that are out of control and that is ugly to me. People like to work with nice people, so always stay that way.

10) (Fun Question)- When you’re not attending galas, meetings, film segments and showroom consults, what do you enjoy doing the MOST in your minimal free time?

I like doing the most non-PR things such as; shopping at farmers markets, cooking at home (because I eat out so much) watching documentaries and spending time with family and friends. I hate going to parties when I am not working anymore, because I have to do it so much for work. For me, the simple life is HEAVEN when I am not doing my PR thing!

11) (Fun Question)- Are you team iPhone or team blackberry?

Team iPhone all the way! Pin numbers to chat (so 90s) and having to scroll down to find info - so dated. I love my iPhone and can't ive without it! :)

To find out more information about Jenelle Hamilton, check out her website www.jenellehamilton.com or tweet her @JenelleHamilton

 

Thank you all for your support!

 

XOXO,

 

Key

Tweet me: @Fab_Key
Email: info.prblog@gmail.com

Monday Motivation: How Bad Do You Really Want To Be Successful? (A MUST SEE!)

Happy Monday Folks!

I know that most of us are starting a new work week. Some of us are NOT happy with our current work positions and are eager to step out on faith and just GO FOR IT!The question is, what's really holding you back? Are you pointing the finger at everyone else for you not pursuing what you love? I posted this video because it really changed my mindset on how I view success. Folks, whatever it is that you are wanting to do, just do it! What do you have to lose? It's so vital to encourage one another, be fearless and be confident in everything that you do. Are you willing to go in overtime for your dreams? You are responsible for creating your own opportunities, get to work and make it happen! NO EXCUSES!

Many of you don't know me YET, but you will soon. I have a story to tell you and in due time it will all make sense.

Share this with someone who feel stuck, has a lack of motivation or feel lost.

XOXO,

Key
Tweet me: @Fab_Key