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Missed out on past newsletters - or perhaps you'd just like to get a flavour of our regular advice and ideas. You've come to the right place!
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Karin Ridgers and Veggie Vision
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This PR spotlight falls on Do Your Own PR client Karin Ridgers and her site Veggie Vision
Karin, tell us about Veggie Vision and how it's developed over the year
Well I had a dream of a veggie TV programme and after having every TV station say no, I thought I can't do it. Then I thought of Tony Robbins and thought How Can I do it?! And thought of the Internet.
I had to wait for technology to catch up as this was before You Tube etc and people didn't really watch video content online.
I have had to wait for the right people to work with me and have learnt a lot. Big dreams and no budget means things take much longer than you want them too!
What sort of PR coverage have you had?
We have been plugged on TV and were at busting point with the amount of viewers! We have been mentioned nationally - "A very low budget answer to the lack of veggie programmes on TV" I think that was the TV Times! I have done maybe 100 + radio interviews, local media and more. The new look has just gone live so hopefully another blast of PR for it soon.
So, how much time do you spend on PR for Veggie Vision?
Not much recently as I was waiting for the new look. My PR clients do come first although a good coach told me I have to see VeggieVision as a client and make sure I fit VeggieVision in! Ideally you need to spend a little time at least every other day and then a concentrated effort a couple of times a month. Keeping Twitter/ FaceBook etc updated and as a PR I receive 100's of journalist requests every week so as I am reading these for clients I can now think of VeggieVision too.
What have you found most successful?
Hmmmmm good question - a mix of everything although the TV brought us a lot of awareness. As I have been working on the new look for a long time I am about to work on PR again now! And can't wait!
Where are you now with your relationships with the food and veggie press?
I know all of the veggie media/ groups and they are very supportive.
VeggieVision will be promoting all of them too. I am an editor of Off the Hoof, an eco/ veggie magazine so its great when you get a journalist who is a little too full of themselves and I can say I am an editor too as this really makes them stop and think. It doesn't happen often thank god!
What do you enjoy least?
Simply not getting an answer. I do appreciate that journalists can get 100's of media releases a day but its still the frustrating part of the PR role.
What's been your highest point for Veggie Vision so far PR-wise?
Its still to come!
Non PR wise it has been celebrities saying yes they would like to do something for us, being stopped in the street and when the person took my name she said VeggieVision!! And sponsoring all the veggie events in the UK by doing their PR for them They would never have been able to reach so much media!
Also watching someone say "Bonjour you are watching VeggieVision" - the first time I saw our presenter from Paris!
And your lowest?
I welcome all publicity and even though I am a real person trying to make a difference in the world in a fun way I think some media forget or don't care about the people involved. Someone wrote what's the point of VeggieVision in a national newspaper and I thought GREAT more publicity. I was sad thinking about it especially as the guy is veggie too!! Its like saying what's the point of any 'niche' or specialty magazine or TV programmes - It's because people out there are interested and in a lot of cases it helps the companies connected to the certain area as they can reach the right people who will like their products!
Anyway, I just now picked up the phone after researching the journalist and called him! I got his voicemail and left a long message saying how much I love his writing style - which I do. Maybe he will like the new look better! Watch this space!
With the internet and email it is easy to forget that we are real people!
What are your plans for Veggie Vision?
A veggie ITV online. We have tons of viewers that are not veggie too. We have a presenter in LA, Paris, Australia, I am keen to film more and generate cash that will go back into the station making it bigger and better. We now have a cashback scheme so you can save and earn money, VeggieVision Dating is you are looking for love - even a lottery scheme where you stand a much better chance of winning the lottery!
So fun programmes, helping the right companies reach interested viewers and make a positive impact for the viewers.
Any advice for someone starting their own business?
Research, read, speak to Business Link and speak to business owners. No one ever told me that it's quite impossible to not switch off! If you don't work you don't get paid - so while its great to not have someone to answer to (other than your clients!!) you still need to find the right balance of working on the business and in the business. Someone wrote the E Myth about me!!
It's the best thing I have ever done. It's the hardest too. I left my job to have more time. I have no time!! Although I am writing several books and run the PR business too - I do feel that you need to be doing a few things - don't have all of your eggs in one basket - or one client!!
What did you find helpful about your coaching with Paula?
I have been inspired by Paula for many many years. When I first signed up I printed all of her ezines out and have a huge file still with information that I can read though (when I have time!) I am pleased to have kept in touch with Paula over the years and know I will be working with her for many years to come on various projects. Talk to Paula, buy her book, do her online courses and learn and grow.
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| Posted: 05/01/2010 14:07:50
Last Updated: 05/01/2010 14:20:29
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