Colorado Businesswomen Busted for Public Self-GratificationPosted by Amanda Chapel Maggie Chamberlin Holben Wins Strumpette Award
An accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America, Holben broadly distributed a press release today that simply announced that she had been quoted in the paper. That's all. The news is Maggie was mentioned in the news (?). BUT, that's not all. Our industrious little self-gratifier Maggie apparently concluded that her little mention provided a perfect opportunity for her to toot her own horn for the purpose of attracting new business. Hardly veiled, the pitch is simple: If Maggie can get herself quoted without anything to say, maybe she can get you quoted for nothing to say, too. Meaningless ink ink ink surreptitiously to drive sales, now that's PR!!
Ms. Holben is prolific self-promoter and an example to the industry. We are pleased to recognize, honor and commend her. It is through the dauntless efforts of people like Maggie that the business of PR has the reputation it has today. UPDATE This just in... according to our sources, Maggie is presently considering a press release about having distributed this press release. Arrrrgh. Bookmark This
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Actually, what do you think about a release about winning the Strumpette Award for Dubious Achievement, as awarded periodically by Strumpette.com? Do winners receive a statue? A certificate? Something to be photographed with -- to use as an attachment to the international e-mail campaign?
Let me know if there's a banquet or presentation ceremony to get on the calendar?
Good sport!!!
For the record, I adore outrageous and unabashed publicity… as long as it’s honest. You absolutely own that Mags! Good on ya! Thank you. - Amanda
When I read Maggie's press release, I immediately knew this was one smart cookie...the kind of public relations person I would want working for me.
Where has initiative and daring gone these days? If you subscribe to the old Ted Bates NYC idea of the Unique Selling Proposition: how to differentiate yourself...preemptively...Maggie does it all. I once heard a rumor on the grapevine that an intense competitor was going to out-market me by offering a full newspaper page of carefully timed coupons for his local chain of fast food outlets. I ran out and bought huge banners. On the day of the newspaper coupons, I hung those banners off the front of each of my own stores offering to accept HIS coupons at MY stores...TWO FOR ONE! That same morning, I contacted the local press and let them know what I had done. They took photos and created a cool "competitive business" story out of it. I received most of the positive ink. He paid for the full page ad. I redeemed most of his coupons at my stores. Guess who won? Maggie saw a great opportunity for her client (herself) and jumped on it. That's the kind of P.R. person a business owner needs and wants. I salute her! 'My kind of Strumpette.
Pardon me Roy, is that the cat who chewed you new shoes?
Seriously, I have great respect for the kind of character Mags showed by commenting here as she did. As I said, I adore outrageous and unabashed publicity. But that said, I think a press release about having been mentioned in the paper is going too far. Then again, the press release about the press release apologizing for the original press release... is fine by me. Know what I mean Vern? There's a difference between outrageous and ridiculous. - Amanda
You know, I just had a bit of client news published to a local discussion board, after posting it there myself. Think I should whip out a release on it?
Seriously, it can be a fine line when we're in the promoting business in how -- far -- we go to promote ourselves. Add Comment
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As you are aware, every so often we recognize PR practitioners for setting new standards in dubious achievement.
The popular Strumpette Award is given out periodically to those unique individuals who not only demonstrate what PR really is today but lower the bar for all of us. This week, we recognize Maggie Chamberlin Holben, Founder of Colorado-based Absolutely PR.