Dealing With the Media: It's Far (FAR) Better to Deal, Than to Duel
Sometimes you just can't beat the old reliable press release as a means of sending out your valuable news.
Whether print or electronic, the critical test is HOW you send it, and WHO gets it. If your delivery system is unreliable and your
point-of-contact is a new intern finding their way around the office, then good luck!
I earned my early stripes by way of 'baptism-and-fire' in a fast-paced newsroom, working as the youngest-ever Newspaper Editor within the Ogden News Group. Today I understand how news moves from a company desk to an editor and then to publication. And I know why some content makes it into print – and why much of it doesn't.
To help spread your news, The Willman Group uses a leading e-distribution media service with phenomenal success. And I keep in touch with 30 years worth of personal contacts in the media – "moles" in their organizations – who personally trust myself and my associates, and know who we are.
For that more weighty information, I have a great relationship with a national publicist, who also does professional media training for corporate CEOs and executives.
I also offer services for simple and complex booklets, pamphlets and other handouts for business and community relations projects. Plus, I partner with several high-quality printers in the region and can get you the very best costs and delivery times.
The creative direction was simple:
Produce an eye-catching invitation for a group of attendees at the
International Reading Association
conference in San Antonio.
Combine a southwestern influence that can attract show attendees focused on elementary textbooks. Host an after-show reception at a popular locale along a scenic venue. Make personal contacts, and book – so to speak – some sales.
Corporate hospitality, public relations and customer events
If you want to really WOW your group, ask me about talent search. I have contacts regionally and also nationally. Over the years I've handled contracts and booked on-site appearances for bands, stilt-walkers, presidential lookalikes, barbershop quartets, and even a famous astronaut who walked on the Moon.
We've even placed cranes on the TV series 'Dallas' and marketed a spot for a major rental equipment house during the Super Bowl.
I shop cost, read the contract riders – and yes, I've handled those "No green M&Ms!"
Give Your Customers a Day Full of Memories!
Imagine hosting a hospitality day with refreshing adult drinks,
a little baked crabmeat crostini, perhaps some Asian teriyaki chicken sate.' All centered around a golf, sport or social event.
How about we plan a day where we strap some folks into a NASCAR stock-car and give them a real thrill with our friends at the Richard Petty Driving Experience? Or spend an afternoon downing some sporting clays, with a catered buffet afterward?
I've done that and more – hosting corporate pavilion receptions and hospitality at NASCAR, AHL and NFL venues in Las Vegas, Washington, Hershey, New Orleans and Charlotte. I've also worked alongside PGA golf professionals to interact with customers and guests during what I call 'clinics and cocktails.'
Every time, no matter the occasion, visitors talked about these unique corporate experiences for months and years to come.
Whether it's golf, racing, football, hunting or something else,
make sports marketing and customer hospitality your winning edge with The Willman Group!
Grabbing Eyeballs and TV Time
How about that deep desire for some big-time logo placement that also grabs you some great TV exposure?
Call us. We've done that too - on the track and around the field!
You need to plan for a 300-room housing block for a huge international trade show, knowing that many of your attendees are coming from outside the U.S.
Want to make them feel welcome? Create a custom booklet detailing popular sites, restaurants, golf courses, shopping and spas in the area; include transportation options and medical information as well.
A unique touch like this gets you the kind of Kudos that are usually reserved only for the local Chamber of Commerce!
Good PR delivers real value but it can also often refresh and reinvigorate your own team. Instead of thanking just customers, do the same for your group to get them to step up to meet new challenges and new opportunities.
Racing schools, desert jeep rides, bus tours and unique company team-building events in casinos, museums, and more. Any can be customized to meet the needs of
both budget and impact.
This a great example of turnkey customer hospitality from start to finish:
Work with a prestigious private country club on a full day event starting weeks prior – custom invitations, select wines and memorable menu selections. Scout, schedule and manage the after-dinner entertainment and prize awards for a group of Fortune 500 management attendees.
Organize a group clinic with the club Pro, create custom cart signs and gift bags, manage course refreshments, do dozens of complimentary foursome photos. Create an unforgettable round of golf on a fantastic course.
We'd love to make an appreciation outing like this the perfect event for your
valued customers!
It was like a task from Mission Impossible: Gov. Martin O'Malley of Maryland wants to fly in on a commercial flight for a local visit and ribbon-cutting ceremony. My task was to coordinate that day's activity with the Governor's Press Office, local county government officials, airport security and operations staff and airline team members from the Strategic Operations Center down to local station personnel.
It went off without a hitch, and the Governor flew in also accompanied by officials from the county chamber of commerce – who benefited from some exclusive one-on-one time with him, while in the air!
Discussing politics with Bush senior advisor Karl Rove
The late Neil Armstrong (right),
was a keynote speaker for a
crowd of 900 in Las Vegas, NV.
We booked and managed this appearance of the iconic
'First Man on the Moon'
Take them out to the golf course, a NASCAR race, or an evening of entertainment
"Mr. Wilman’s experience in operational logistics planning, multimedia formatting, and most importantly,
high profile talent/artist booking and coordination, is certainly on a national level of expertise. I very much
appreciate Mr. Willman’s dedication and professionalism to his craft. Todd is always quick to make
positive ‘on the fly’ decisions and adjustments, to make every event successful." – Luke Coar,
Operations and Production Manager, Penn State University's Pullo Center