Nelson's Neighborhood

Back from our winter hibernation, it's been a crazy time business-wise and we thank everyone for their referrals. It was 80 degrees in Charleston yesterday and it's starting to feel like Spring. So we did a little spring cleaning. Never be afraid to change.

Tip from Ryan Nelson: If you're just starting off in the world of public relations and someone asks you to create a media list, don't put advertising executives and other sales related people on there. It looks lazy and your internship/employer/contract person will wonder if you understand the side of editorial at all. Get to know reporters, their beats, editors, etc...you don't have to know them personally (however that does help) know WHAT they do. You wouldn't send a recipe to a crime reporter, right? Then get with it.

PR Tip from Ryan: Following up via phone to see if your client will receive coverage about a press release, event, etc. is good to do. But when should you not do it? Early mornings at 6-7am Afternoons 3-7pm Late/overnights Why? Because the morning show is happening and the producer is most likely to answer the phone - which means you're interrupting a broadcast. In newspaper/print - many aren't in the office at 6am because they work different hours to put out their issue. Stop and think about the times you approach any type of news organization. And remember that when there are odd hours, you may not get the response you want.

Tip: When you create a media alert, don't write it in all caps - not because it looks like you're yelling and that your event is beyond important - because, if you want news to put the event in the daybook, you need to make it easy so they can copy and paste. They are busy. Make it easier for news outlets.

Tuesday, February 25  Great news! This birthday gift request doesn't cost a dime, maybe just an extra step or 2.  When my mom lost her leg & couldn't be fit with a prosthetic, she got around in a wheelchair. It opened my eyes to how ill-prepared our world is for those who are disabled and I saw pure disregard of the disabled spaces at the stores. So today, I ask you...if you see tons of carts in the spaces or gathered in the area where a disabled van should be able to unload...please move them out of the way. And in the future, walk your cart that extra step to the cart return. You'd be surprised at the people you'll make happy and you won't even know it.  It's the little things...Thank you!

Sunday, February 23  As a former bartender, I know a generous tip can brighten anyone's day. So my Day 2 Birthday Week Gift Request is for you to tip a waiter, waitress, bartender or any person in the service industry a little extra today. So much so that they will smile. One of my favorites Amy Vashak  Monday, February 24 As many know, my best friend Peyton Tuthill was killed on this day - February 24, 1999. Crazy to think it has been 15 years ago today. So my birthday gift request is for a donation to The Peyton Tuthill Foundation in my honor. Any amount will be greatly appreciated. The Peyton Tuthill Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3)corporation founded by Pat Tuthill who was confronted with an unspeakable tragedy when her 23-year-old daughter Peyton was sexually assaulted, tortured and murdered by an unsupervised probationer who transferred from another state to Denver in 1999. The  foundation  provides assistance to victims of crime,  sch...

Saturday, February 22, 2014 starts my week of Ryan's Birthday Week Gift Request  where everyday until next Saturday, March 1st --my 39th birthday -- I will selfishly ask for a gift for myself...or actually for those close to my heart... meaning local nonprofits or those who are in need help.  Some may not need $, some may need supplies. You don't have to give, maybe just give a prayer. But that will be your gift to me. If you can g ive... Awesome. Remember how lucky you are. If you can't, I understand. I will give you details every day. Like I said, no pressure. If you can give to these places for my birthday  please let me know, so I can shout it from the rooftops. Because we all never truly get enough good press.  Love you all. ~ Ryan   Saturday, February 22 Gift Request:  Day #1 of My Birthday Week Gift Request - I would love Fly spray, salt blocks, purina senior feed and dumor equistages feed...but not for me. For my very 1st best friend...

It's been a while since I blogged due to the craziness happening in my life. I know you're not supposed to let personal events affect your business, but when it's your mom, all the rules change. I'm slowly getting back on track and thank everyone who has been there for all of us.  Please take a moment to read my story in the Post and Courier's Moxie section about my mom's recovery from a heart attack.  http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2011/sep/16/close-call-taken-to-heart/