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If a Product Gets Zero Publicity - Will it Ever Be Purchased?
There are millions of products hitting the market annually, which means that there are millions of companies competing for the very same attention of the American public that you are.
The bottom-line reality of business success is that if the American people don’t hear about your product or see it advertised somewhere, it will be roughly the same as if your product never existed at all.
That’s how important publicity is for your products…and you can get the power of the media working for you right away.
The good news? It doesn’t have to cost you a fortune!
My company has specialized in arranging media interviews for our clients for nearly 20 years. And what’s really unique about us is that our clients only pay for the radio and TV appearances we arrange. In other words if we take you on, (and yes, we’re very selective!) you’re guaranteed to be interviewed as a guest on top quality shows!
In the world of PR, we’re called a “pay-for-performance” firm. There are not many like us out there. The majority of PR firms charge a monthly retainer. The way that works is they bill their clients every month for their “best-efforts”, regardless of whether they’re able to arrange any media interviews.
One of our clients, Renata Rafferty, an expert on philanthropic giving, recently responded to a journalist’s request for information about “pay-for-performance” PR firms. She was kind enough to send me the letter she wrote and I wanted to share it with you so you have more familiarity with your PR options. She said:
“I had a great chance to compare having a traditionally-compensated PR agent with a pay-for-placement agent.
I first worked with a traditionally-contracted PR agent. When she started sending me draft releases and kit materials, it was clear she had no clue what I was all about, and worse, had no clue how to create a hook for producers or editors.
Well, she totally bombed — not a single gig. So, I took the unusual step of finding and paying an agent on my own.
For years, I’d received really compelling direct mail pieces from EMSI, a pay-for-performance agency. They were the only PR agency I knew anything about, so I called them. I had never heard of pay-for-performance, but it sure sounded good.
I signed an agreement for a set number of radio interviews. Within one week, they had lined up two dozen top-market and syndicated-show interviews to take place over the upcoming month. Most were call-in interview shows, with ten-minute spots on major market drive-time shows (e.g. Chicago and New York).
So I decided to sign with them for some TV placement as well, and indicated the types of shows I needed to be on. I was booked on major shows on Fox News, CNN, Bloomberg, MSNBC, and Canada’s version of “Good Morning, America,” among others.
Well, in my experience over the years, I’ve come to believe that you do not offer your PR services on a pay-per-play basis unless you KNOW you are exceptionally good and will deliver. It’s a financial risk to the agency that, to me, speaks of their confidence and track record.
Anyone can get paid for unproductive effort — and the worst of retainer firms care only about stringing you along with promises of “we’ve just laid the groundwork — now is when the calls start coming back — so please sign for another three months.”
I will NEVER go with a retainer-based agency again. I will gladly pay for performance and let the agency carry the risk.
BTW, I have stayed with the same agency for 9 years now and I am happy to tout them every chance I get — Event Management Services (EMSI). I’ve received tons of media over the years. And I do owe it all to EMSI.
Respectfully,
Renata Rafferty”
So…whether you have a new product to bring to the marketplace or create increased awareness for your existing products we can help you. We know how to compete successfully for the limited radio and TV opportunities out there. That’s what we do, day in and day out.
Please call my partner Steve Friedman at 727-443-7115 extension 202 or email him at steve@emsincorporated.com and he’ll tell you - in a no-pressure, no-obligation sort of way - about our “Pay-for-performance” PR program.
August 8th, 2008 | Posted in FAQs, Free Tips, Marsha Friedman's Public Relations Tips, Newspapers and Magazines, PR, Public Relations, Publicity, Publicity Advice, Testimonials | No Comments
Generate A Record Number of Leads!
Find out what my clients are saying about Radio and TV Interviews…
You always hear me talk about the promotional value in appearing as a guest on radio and TV. We at EMSI know this to be true because of the feedback from our clients who skillfully use these mediums. But, this week two of our clients had such great successes, that I wanted you to hear from them directly about their phenomenal results.
Last week Dr. Anthony Martin, who is using a book to promote his natural health products, appeared on The Daily Buzz, a Nationally Syndicated TV show. He was thrilled with the interview and the response he got. He said:
“Thanks for getting me on THE DAILY BUZZ! Wow! We had a record number of visitors to our website which of course means great online sales and a huge number of people added to my data base for future sales.”
Of course, we were thrilled as well!
Another client, Howard Ruff, best-selling author of “How To Prosper During The Coming Bad Years In The 21st Century” is using talk radio to promote his highly respected financial newsletter, The Ruff Times. Howard told me:
“There are three things I have to say about talk radio. First, you get better and better in telling your story. Second, talk radio listeners are intensely interested in what you have to say, and respond well. I have done about 10 interviews so far, and have acquired over 5,000 names at my website, and they are prime leads for my marketing efforts. Third, talk radio listeners will often do business right now. I have done somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 newsletter subscriptions — that’s around $7,500 in business so far — and we haven’t even started marketing to the people who hit my website!”
I enjoy this feedback from my clients as it confirms what I know to be true. The power of the media can be an incredibly effective promotional tool.
Look, the winning formula is clear - if your message has mass appeal, the quality of your product or service is high and you know how to use the media to reach your consumers, you can experience the same successes. Actually, even if you haven’t had practice with the media - don’t let that stop you. EMSI’s clients receive media coaching at no additional charge. We want you to be the best you can be for the radio and TV interviews we arrange for you.
The bottom line is simply this - your products or services aren’t going to sell themselves. And, when you consider that millions of products are released into the market every year, you need to do everything you can to let people know about yours - and how it will benefit them!
But, the media is pretty selective about who they want on their shows. So, if you qualify as a guest, you should definitely take advantage of this opportunity to have a live conversation with thousands of prospective customers.
And, while most public relations firms charge hefty monthly retainer fees without offering any guaranteed media results, my firm has a completely different approach. At EMSI you don’t pay a monthly retainer, instead you only pay for the radio and TV interviews we arrange for you.
There’s one more thing you should know. Because we don’t collect a monthly retainer, we have no vested interest in taking a long time arranging interviews for you. Instead, our vested interest is in getting you on quality shows as quickly as possible because if you get the results you want, you’ll sign on for more interviews.
If you want to learn more about how we can get the media interested in your products or services, then call my partner Steve on 727-443-7115, Extension 202 or email him at steve@emsincorporated.com. Steve will enjoy the opportunity to learn about your promotional goals and how we might be able to help.
We look forward to hearing from you!
July 16th, 2008 | Posted in PR, Public Relations, Publicity, Radio, Related PR, Television, Testimonials, talk radio | No Comments
Talk Radio Interviews: Saving Your Book, Product or Service’s Life
The number of talk radio stations has grown into the thousands with millions of Americans now using talk radio as their main source for news and information. Plus, the right people are tuning in. A recent survey in Talkers Magazine has found that talk radio listeners are affluent, educated, active and diverse. So talk radio campaigns are definitely a valuable, cost effective marketing tool!
“As a result of EMSI’s talk radio campaign, we’ve not only increased our direct sales, but our stores are calling to restock their shelves and we’ve obtained more distributors! In the past we’ve tried all kinds of marketing, advertising and public relations schemes, but this has been by far the most productive.”
- Dr. Will Wong, nationally-recognized health expert
Once you have decided on using a talk radio campaign the next challenge is choosing the right public relations firm to help you gain quality media exposure for your products. This is where EMSI comes in. We have been booking our clients on talk radio for nearly 20 years and are one of the top resources for guests that radio hosts and producers rely on. If you want to get your book, products or service the quality exposure they deserve on talk radio, let me give you 5 important reasons why you should choose my firm:
1. Guaranteed Media Exposure!
Our services are one of the best bargains in the world of public relations. The plain truth is most PR firms charge more than we do…add to that the fact that few, if any, offer anything like our guaranteed public relations services.
At EMSI our definition of the word “guaranteed” (when it comes to our talk radio campaigns) is that when you pay for 15 interviews you get 15 interviews. Period. We don’t work on a best-efforts basis. We will never say, “We tried our hardest but could only get you 14 interviews.” You will be interviewed on however many shows you pay to be interviewed on!
2. NO MONTHLY RETAINERS!
At EMSI we do not believe in collecting a retainer fee. Instead we charge on a per-interview basis, with a minimum campaign of 15 radio interviews. Our clients pay up front, but we offer a money back guarantee. This is unheard of in our industry, but the reason we can offer this guarantee is because we are that sure of our ability to get results for our clients! We can arrange interviews for you on 15 talk radio shows in the Top 100 markets for the unbeatable price of $5,250. These interviews are on high-powered stations and will most likely include nationally -syndicated shows.
3. News and Experts!
At EMSI our knowledge of the talk radio industry is second to none. Our team consists of former talk show hosts, news producers and program directors. We follow the news daily and know how to develop hot angles that grab the media’s attention. We’re also in daily communication with countless talk show hosts across the country and know the right shows that are a perfect match for each of our client’s topics. This translates into quality exposure.
4. We Are Selective About Our Clientele!
We only select clients and topics that are a good match for talk radio as we are paid on a performance basis and if we don’t deliver, we don’t get paid. In fact, this is one of the reasons we are considered to be a top resource for hosts and producers - we know what they are looking for and only give them guests that will enhance their shows.
- Immediate Exposure!
With our talk radio campaigns, our clients are up and running faster than almost any other kind of advertising or marketing. Once you come onboard you can be on the air within two to three weeks! And, because talk radio keeps up with the changing times and topics, we continuously create new angles that reflect current events, to keep you on the air and in the news on an ongoing basis.
One Last Thing…
We offer free media coaching to all of our clients! Why? With nearly 20 years experience under our belt, we know that the success of your campaign is completely dependant on your ability to give a good interview and promote your book, products or service at the same time. With that in mind, we want to do everything in our power so that you’re fully equipped to take advantage of the quality air-time we get you.
To find out if you qualify for EMSI’s talk radio campaign, call my partner Steve at 727-443-7115, Extension 202 or email him directly at steve@emsincorproated.com
April 4th, 2008 | Posted in Clients, Free Tips, Marsha Friedman's Public Relations Tips, Newspapers and Magazines, PR, Positioning, Press Release, Print, Public Relations, Publicity, Publicity Advice, Radio, Television, Testimonials, talk radio | No Comments
What Clients Say about EMSI
Since we’ve been around for quite a few years now, you can imagine we get our fair share of feedback. With a specific focus on building strong partnerships with our clients and partners in the industry, we are not ones to toot our own horn….let the following speak for themselves:
| Client Testimonials |
| “EMSI played a crucial role in my recent campaign for Teamster President. Through their efforts I appeared on talk shows in virtually every media market and they secured television and print coverage wherever I campaigned! They really know all the angles!” |
| Jim Hoffa, Jr. |
| “I cannot say enough good things about this experience. I am excited to say I have had a huge increase in traffic!! If you need someone to stand on a street corner and tell the world how great you guys are, count me in!” |
| Richard Neumann, Stone In The Surf Press |
| “You work harder than anyone I know to promote your clients.” |
Joann Notargiacomo, Managing Editor
Lancaster County Woman Newspaper |
| “The EMSI staff is unsurpassed, their work is phenomenal. Whether it be radio, TV or print — your campaign is in the best hands. Deciding to work with EMSI was easy, and everything after that decision was golden.” |
| Nicole Rocheleau, Best-Selling Author |
| “As a former TV news anchor, I know the power of publicity campaigns. We have worked with more than fifty public relations professionals and firms over the past thirty years and EMSI has out-performed some of the best-known ‘names’ in the business. Equivalent air time on a commercial basis would have cost my client ten to twenty times as much as the EMSI campaign.” |
Charles Ward, Managing Director
IdeaWorks |
| “EMSI has done an excellent job introducing my book to a national audience. They’ve always been very responsive to our individual needs.” |
Edward J. Conley, D.O., Best Selling Author
Founder & Medical Director, Fatigue Clinic of Michigan |
| “EMSI is the best publicity firm I’ve worked with. I couldn’t be more pleased with the quantity and especially the quality of shows they scheduled for one of my best-selling authors.” |
| Lila Karpf, Literary Agent |
| “I highly recommend EMSI for their professional dedication in promoting my book. I appeared on over 40 radio shows around the country and my book was reviewed in USA Today, The NY Post, The NY Sun, and dozens of newspapers and magazines.” |
| Cherie Calbom, Best-Selling Author |
| “I got great results from the work EMSI did for me. I’ve used other publicity firms in the past, but have enjoyed my relationship with them the most. For my next marketing campaign, I will definitely be using them again. They know their business — they’re really sharp and a great group to work with.” |
Michael Janson, M.D., President
American Preventive Medical Association
Best-Selling Author |
| “We’ve been very pleased with the breadth of the shows EMSI has obtained for us - both in terms of the geographic coverage and the quality of audience they put us in front of. We’re seeing a great response from both the radio and TV audience in terms of sales and impact on our retail outlets.” |
Frank Jordan, CEO
Nutrition Supply Corporation |
| “We’re absolutely thrilled with the work EMSI completed on our account. All the radio interviews were of high quality, with prepared, engaged hosts, and booked on stations in markets of importance to us. There’s no question we will engage with you again for future campaigns.” |
John McNeilly, Manager of Corporate Communications
Odyssey Marine Exploration |
| “I am delighted with the personalized attention and the results delivered by Event Management Services, Inc. Our print and radio campaigns have resulted in immediate, tangible results in national media!” |
Karlin Sloan, CEO
Karlin Sloan & Company |
| “I cannot express how pleased I am with what you have done. My team and I have been using your strategy to explain the reason for the book to people who have refused to read it in the past…now they are interested in it!” |
| John Lenhart |
| “The fellow that interviewed me in Boston went nuts about how fabulous EMSI is. He said he has been a host for 35 years and EMSI is absolutely the best.” |
David Phillips
Phillips Financial Services |
| “I absolutely trust EMSI’s instincts with what sells on radio and TV. My product is geared more towards a TV market, so they placed me on a national show and we doubled our money. The team also implemented a print campaign that is currently still placing me in periodicals. I am very pleased with their work and I would highly recommend them for your campaign — they don’t just take anyone. |
Jaime Brenkus
8 Minute Abs |
| “I have enjoyed a 4 year relationship with EMSI and I plan on using them for a long time. I know a top-notch PR firm when I find one. I can’t say enough about them -– they do outstanding work, their fees and fee structure are excruciatingly fair, and they are good, honest people to boot!” |
Renata J. Rafferty, Principal
Rafferty Consulting Group |
| “We are thoroughly pleased with the radio publicity campaign EMSI did for our artists. They arranged more talk radio interviews than we could have possibly projected — all quality shows in top markets! Every detail was addressed in the most professional and productive fashion with communication frequent and informative. They even called the day before every show to cover any possible last minute problems. We loved dealing with the staff at EMSI!” |
Chris Palmer, VP Progressive Music
Warner Bros./ Reprise Records |
| “Shortly after a radio interview arranged by EMSI, my ranking at Amazon greatly improved. Seeing the needle move so quickly is direct evidence that this is the most affordable and effective way to promote your book. Thanks EMSI for delivering such great results in such a short time” |
Joe Graedon
Nationally Syndicated columnist |
| “We were amazed and delighted at the reception to us on talk radio. They played numerous cuts from our new CD for lovers only… and the call-in’s from listeners were a thrill. There are many artists out there, old and new, that would benefit greatly from this format.” |
Otis Williams, Vocalist
The Temptations |
| “The joy The Temptations experienced from all the talk radio interviews was wonderful to see, but most important was the great response we saw in CD sales as a result of this campaign. Every facet of the project was handled professionally and successfully by EMSI.” |
Oscar E. Fields
General Manager, Motown Records |
| “EMSI is the best in the business.” |
Earl Mindell
Best-Selling Author |
| “We’ve used a number of publicists, but none ever gave us the spectacular results achieved by EMSI. We’ve actually had to tell them to cut back from time to time because we couldn’t keep up with all the interviews they scheduled.” |
Mark Skousen
Best-Selling Author |
| “EMSI represented me during the publication of my football-related novel. They were able to place me on ‘drive-time’ radio sports talk shows in just about every city with a National Football league franchise. As a result the book has sold well. I would recommend EMSI to anyone seeking to promote any sort of product. The fees are fair, and the results are more likely to be rewarding.” |
Bradford Dillman
Well-Known Actor and Best-Selling Author |
| “The most remarkable thing about my experience with them, other than their incredible professionalism, was how much my partners and I feel we accomplished on a relatively small budget.” |
Howard Leventhal, CEO
Primecom Interactive |
| “Let’s face it, getting national airplay, TV appearances, and distribution is hard to do, but the great teamwork of EMSI made it happen for me!” |
Jaci Rae
Award-Winning Country Music Artist |
| “EMSI works! It’s amazing the industry connections they have, the doors they’ve opened, and the access they’ve brought to my doorstep. The quality and quantity of their delivery is absolutely top notch. Highly recommended!” |
Scott Kelby
#1 Bestselling Computer and Technology Book Author |
| “We chose EMSI over larger, more expensive New York firms because they produce results. They are an outstanding organization and have constantly booked as many high quality radio interviews as we can possibly handle.” |
Kathleen Juhl, Business Manager
National Taxpayers Union |
| “The toughest part of making a book a hit is getting it in front of the decision makers in the media… the producers! The rapport EMSI has with producers across America spells results for publishers of all sizes.” |
Benjamin Dover
Best Selling Author |
| “I’ve worked with other PR firms, but none have been as creative or efficient as EMSI.” |
Gordon Melchor, CEO
East Park Research |
| “I couldn’t recommend a publicity firm higher. Not only did they deliver on what was promised, but they far exceeded all our expectations.” |
Barry Weiner, President
Media for Doctors |
| “The media tour EMSI arranged generated incredible traffic for us and the demand created by the press coverage opened up additional stores in the area! We count our expenditures with EMSI as our best investment.” |
Lydia Robertson, President
Health Pharm, USA |
| “Of all those who participated with us in promoting our message and materials — EMSI is the first ever to actually read our books! Your credibility and sincerity no other firm has been able to achieve. All of this added to your relentless pursuit of follow-up gets the job done.” |
Dave Engstrom, President
Winning Publications |
| “This is an unsolicited, unequivocal recommendation and a testimonial to a publicity firm that has done wonders for a book I recently wrote… (which) despite rave reviews in The Wall Street Journal, Fortune and elsewhere… was getting very little attention from the electronic media. I contacted EMSI and almost immediately they booked me on twenty-five radio programs, many on major stations in major markets. Their fees are extremely reasonable and they are incredibly responsive — whenever I call with a request or a question, they deal with it instantly and appropriately.” |
Steven E. Landsburg, Professor of Economics
Rochester University |
| “At the end of my taped interview the host congratulated me on hiring EMSI to represent me. He told me that over the past thirty years he has been pitched by all of the top PR firms out of New York and Los Angeles but that you guys are the best he has ever worked with. Congratulations.” |
William H. Roetzheim, CEO
Level 4 Press, Inc. |
| “EMSI has set themselves apart from other publicity firms. They arranged great in-depth interviews for my authors on very high quality shows. I only pay for interviews they book, making it all very affordable.” |
Hiroko Kiiffner, Publisher
Lake Isle Press |
| “EMSI is a very professional organization and I recommend them highly. They lined me up with great interviews to promote my book. Their service was terrific and very first class.” |
Carlo D’Este
Best-Selling Author |
| “We’re received hundreds of phone calls. Fred Meyer stores and Safeway got bombarded with calls as well! In fact, we had originally been scheduled to start shipping to Fred Meyer sometime in May, but they were so inundated with phone calls as a result of our radio and television appearances they called to ask me what we had done to make their phones ring off the hook! Thanks to the media you booked for us, we’re shipping product to them next week, six weeks earlier than planned!” |
| Soy Nut Butter Company |
| “The media tour your firm arranged for Snore No More’s Dallas launch was a huge success! The television and radio interviews in addition to the newspaper coverage all generated incredible floor traffic for the chain of stores that were part of the original rollout. The original stores have ordered twice since then and the demand created by the media coverage has opened up additional stores.” |
| Snore No More |
| “For a company like ours, struggling for awareness in the food and natural health industry, a PR firm like EMSI has been a godsend! Our marketing dollars are now spent very effectively.” |
| New Organics Company |
| “As a result of the publicity you put together for us, we’ve not only increased our direct sales, but our stores are calling to restock their shelves and we’ve obtained more distributors! In the past we’ve tried all kinds of marketing, advertising and public relations schemes, but this has been by far more productive. Hiring EMSI is clearly the best thing our company ever did.” |
Dr. William Wong
Naturally Vitamins |
| Media Testimonials |
| “I believe I have published every press release you have sent. Your releases are so well written (which I love) that I have found little or no need to edit. I run them as you send them.” |
Carla Kalip
Hometown Times DeKalb |
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“I’ve dealt with hundreds of publicists over the years, but EMSI is definitely one of the best. With other firms I often receive old information or faxes I can’t read. With EMSI I always get a heads-up phone call about who’s booked the next day with accurate facts and phone numbers so I’m never scrambling!
And, not only does Event Management Services provide me with great guests and thorough research, but their presentation about their guests is always so impressive. Pitching guests is clearly an art with your company.
In short, doing business with EMSI is consistently wonderful! I always know I’ll have an entertaining and informative guest and that interviewing them (thanks to your help) is going to be a breeze. My compliments to a first class organization and a job always well done.”
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Pat Farnack
Nationally Syndicated Talk Radio Host |
| “The most important thing to me when dealing with a publicist is their ability to talk to me about a guest without giving me the hard sell. Speaking with EMSI is always a pleasant experience. I find myself always returning their calls as they are fun people to talk to and work with. Great people, great guests.” |
Executive Producer
“The G. Gordon Liddy Show” |
| “You guys are terrific to work with. Your follow-up and consistent efficiency make booking your clients a pleasure. You always send me the stuff I need, and you do the chasing for me!” |
Producer
KIRO-FM Radio, Seattle |
| “After being in the field of television production for nine years, I had literally stopped taking calls from any publicists or PR firms. I became tired of dealing with pushy and demanding attitudes and tactics. Then I encountered EMSI, professionals who are a producer’s dream. Their clients are always exactly what they say they are, always prepared, interesting, on time, and always have something unusual or cutting-edge to offer my program. The management team is exemplary in their attitude and courtesy.” |
Mike Cavanagh, Host
WSB Radio, Atlanta |
| “As the producer of a top-rated, highly successful national television show, I usually have a waiting list of guests, but I often find myself re-arranging my schedule to accommodate an EMSI client. I give them my highest recommendation for their quality guests, high standards, and integrity in this business.” |
Barbara Hoffman, Producer
Trinity Broadcasting Network |
| “I am constantly impressed by the professionalism, efficiency, and TV savvy of EMSI. The guests they bring to us are bright, articulate and ‘good TV’ — not to mention, an ‘easy book” for an overworked producer. Who could ask for anything more?” |
Jennifer Boyd, Assoc Producer
FOX-TV, Tampa |
| “EMSI has always shown a high degree of organization with their projects. There has never been any confusion regarding each show booked. Very thorough, very prepared. Their staff is a personal and professional pleasure to deal with.” |
Vince Hill, News Anchor
KYW Radio, Philadelphia |
| “EMSI can always be counted upon for top-notch, radio-friendly subjects represented by seasoned professionals that always deliver the show our listeners anticipate. A very dependable company.” |
Greg Jena, Exec Producer
KDKA Radio, Pittsburgh |
| “One of the most professional, pleasant and organized companies I’ve dealt with to date.” |
Executive Producer
Donahue |
| “Not only has EMSI consistently provided me with entertaining and informative guests, they’ve also come through for me with little or no notice when my scheduled guests have canceled and left me in a lurch. I highly recommend them for conscientious talk show producers.” |
Barack Echols, Exec Producer
WJJD Radio, Chicago |
| “It’s a pleasure working with EMSI. They are totally professional and went all out to be sure we were totally “armed” with all the information we needed to do a thoroughly informative and interesting interview!” |
George Carden, Reporter
(700 Club) Christian Broadcasting Network |
| “EMSI has always been a pleasure to deal with. They’re very attentive towards my show needs and their follow-up is superb. EMSI only calls when the subject matter is proper for the theme of my show. Very professional and understanding at all times.” |
Alf Nucifora, Host
WSB Radio, Atlanta |
| “EMSI is always there to help whenever we call. Their press releases are informative and provide us with everything we need to know about booking the show. They’ve never given us a guest who was a contradiction from the original press release! They’re reliable, efficient and have consistently presented us with a wide range of topics to choose from and the highest quality of guests.” |
Elizabeth Romano, Producer
WJR Radio, Detroit |
If you are interested in getting first class publicity with ZERO financial risk, contact us today for a free Media Consultation. Call us toll free on 1-800-881-7342 or click here so we can get your book, product or service the local and national media attention it deserves!
February 20th, 2008 | Posted in Testimonials | No Comments
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