My Lily Pad

Posted on July 26, 2017 by Administrator | Leave a comment

When you are at my juncture and status in life, it can sometimes be a rollercoaster. Too often, as a single person with no feedback to rely on, I have trouble mentally balancing it all. I tend to lament about my multiple responsibilities and simultaneously think that things aren’t happening quickly enough.

Sometimes, when you have climbed the first, second, and third rung up the ladder of success, you think to yourself, “I’ve definitely paid my dues. It’s been so long at this 24/7 journey. I have sacrificed much, spent oodles of time, effort, energy and money. Why hasn’t “X” happened yet?”

It’s during those times that I can’t see the forest for the trees because I’m too close to it. In addition, my goals have changed over time. I’ve never wanted to be the Oprah of Crime or the person on the talk show circuit. That’s when a trusted person, who has also been along for the ride, steps in to provide objectivity and remind me that there has been tremendous progress and that there were never any promises made of instant or guaranteed success no matter how hard you work! This last part is a bitter pill to swallow, for I have succeeded all my life with dogged perseverance, drive and resilience.

Having an online presence of any importance is indeed an adventure that is constantly changing, most often without an end destination. I now realize through trial and error and a lot of guidance, that if you can’t ride the wave, maybe you shouldn’t surf!

When I embarked on my public relations- social media partnership in 2010, I knew something about marketing in terms of event planning but the rest was all new to me, especially social media. What should I expect from a publicist?

I was flattered that I was taken on as a client with ImaginePublicity, and that my talents were recognized. It was cool to have a publicist and the fact that I didn’t have to be famous to deserve one! In fact, I wrote a little satirical blog imagining what the role of a publicist must be, called, Life in the Cockpit at Imagine Publicity.

I was now in the company of high profile activists, advocates, authors and more.

Fast forward to 2017. When I scan the landscape at ImaginePublicity, I see many permutations of Donna R. Gore on a weekly, monthly, and daily basis. I’ve grown in many areas of social media, written hundreds of blogs, published my first book about homicide in an anthology series, created my national radio show with a quality 5 year track record, actively participate as a Connecticut State Outreach Coordinator for the Cue Center for Missing Persons. I’ve done book signings, newspaper interviews, presentations and speaking engagements, all which I have proudly pursued in the name of creating a better path for others!

Recently, I looked at my journey from this perspective and I think I have a great lily pad in comparison to where I started in 2010! I would never try to say I’m top frog in the neighborhood, for that’s not my goal. However, I know that I’m someone who has achieved great heights from my present view on the lily pad.

Should I be content? No, for I am a voracious learner with an intellectual curiosity for diverse life experience! In the meantime, I will try to enjoy my lily pad as it is for now!

Thanks to all who have helped me along the way!

To schedule Donna R. Gore for your next conference, seminar or event, please contact ImaginePublicity. Phone: 843-808-0859 or Email: contact@imaginepublicity.com

You can find me here, please follow or friend! Facebook, Shattered Lives, Twitter, LinkedIn

Blow Your Own Horn, Partner!

Posted on January 6, 2012 by Administrator | Leave a comment

Most days, Ladyjustice is riding high and sittin’ tall in the saddle (despite her smallish stature.) ‘Just like your favorite recipe, its part positive attitude, part inspiration from all kinds of sources, part laughter… (Yes, the ability to laugh at yourself first), a good dose of creativity and out of the box thinking. Sprinkle with reality and patience and you have the perfect recipe for “riding high in the saddle.”

Typically, all of us (except those who are egomaniacs) underplay our abilities. We don’t “blow our own horn” enough because we have been sent one or many of the following messages:

“You are a woman and it is unladylike…”
“There is a fine line between assertiveness and aggressiveness;
You have low self-esteem and tend not to believe that you are “that good;”
You have a life long disability and are always “working against the tide” and incorrect stereotypes;
You have been a victim of intimate partner abuse. As a person who has experienced IPV, you have been told you are “stupid, worthless, lazy, a moron, fat “etc.; over and over like a broken record;
You were never given the opportunity to shine — ‘Never placed in an environment in which you could grow;
You never had cheerleaders, mentors or supporters who appreciated your gifts or who were excited about your achievements. [LJ- *** this last point is worth its weight in gold! It can be intoxicating and great fun! It’s everything! It’s success!]

If there is any justice in the world, it shouldn’t take an appearance on Oprah before someone pays attention! Many of us have tried to do it ourselves- to achieve that ultimate success. However, promotion can be a slippery business in the sense that the interest can be up or down at any given moment … just like the stock market … (even though we’re working our butts off all the time!)

Enter stage left— a GREAT publicity company – imaginepublicity.com.

Caution: Resume mills and expensive job coaches have their place in the school of hard knocks. Ladyjustice has tried them all. Don’t kid yourself into thinking that your resume will automatically raise to the top on its merits, like the cream in your coffee. ‘Not so! [A few exceptions can be noted with success in the current flurry of TV talent shows… but the odds are long, the judges are cruel, and the journey is oh so painful!]

So, who is good at blowing their own horn and successful? (Mostly due to great publicity, no doubt…)

Disclaimer – The following list of people are not necessarily endorsed/approved people by this writer. They are mere examples of the point being made.

Nancy Grace- The Diva of Crime Drama – Sensationalistic reporting has overtaken her once fine prosecutorial skills and insightful views. ‘A self- promoter for sure…

Rush Limbaugh– The National Radio Host “Windbag”…. Need I say more about “Blowing your own horn??”

Senator Joseph Lieberman – Admittedly did some great things re helping to establish the September 11^th Commission and Homeland Security. However, he is a hanger on politico since 1987, and switches parties like changing his socks. He is currently an Independent Democrat (ID-CT) What??

Dr Frank Ryan– A famous Hollywood plastic surgeon that died in 2010 at 50, trying to reach the pinnacle of sand dunes with his jeep.

Geno Auriemma -has redefined the meaning of success in college women’s basketball in his 21 years as head coach of the University of Connecticut. He is also a conglomerate of business; loved dearly or hated…

During his illustrious tenure, Auriemma has transformed the UConn program into the standard that all others are measured, both on and off the court. Under his guidance, the Huskies have been transformed from a team with only one winning record to one which includes five national championships, eight Final Fours and 27 BIG EAST titles since Auriemma’s arrival in 1985.

On the court, Geno‘s success includes five national championships and complete dominance in the Big East Conference. Off the court, success means a flawless graduation rate and one of the most beloved sports teams in the country. This unmatched success, which is the standard for collegiate programs nationally, was recognized with Auriemma’s induction into both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (Springfield, Mass.) and the Women Basketball Hall of Fame (Knoxville, Tenn.) in 2006. He currently ranks among the winningest active coaches in terms of winning percentage at .835 and is the first coach in women’s basketball history to guide a team to five consecutive Final Four appearances. He enters the season needing just 11 wins to become the 13th coach in NCAA Division I history to total 600 career victories.

Geno Auriemma is a five-time national coach of the year and has been named the Big East coach of the year six times. His 21-year overall record stands at 589-116 (.835), one of the best winning percentages among active Division I coaches and he is the second fastest coach overall to eclipse the 500-win mark – taking just 599 games to reach the milestone.

Ladyjustice says…. IF you have earned the effort and achieved success, go ahead and BLOW YOUR OWN HORN, PARTNER! On the other hand, if you’re a BLOWHARD, SHUT UP!

CIAO, BABY

Donna/ “Ladyjustice”

Riding in the Back Seat Long Enough??

Posted on December 27, 2011 by Administrator | Leave a comment

Have you been “riding in the back seat long enough,” just tagging along for the ride? Or… have you been “thrown under the bus” by friends, family or heartless would-be employers who could not see what you have to offer?

Finding a new career or a new endeavor to generate extra money is frequently like taking a walk through a mine field without the proper advice. You only have “X number of dollars” to spend… and you have even less time to chase down leads while competing with the masses… And then, there’s the holiday season…

The holidays take their toll on your wallet, your time, your energy, your motivation. And if you are unemployed, the “holiday spirit and happiness factor” are probably severely running on empty. Lest we forget… the social media landscape is not for the faint of heart. However, Ladyjustice has “dipped her toes in the water” in recent weeks and found some rewards. Some people do respond. Business is picking up. There are the beginnings of a following. The lifeblood of LJ’s writings is circulating…Ultimately, that new career may be “just over the hill and around the corner.”

The beauty of signing on with a special interest marketing and publicity company for this busy single professional is that things are always happening behind the scenes!!! You do not have to be sitting at your computer 24/7 to be productive. After a detailed “get to know you period,” you can pretty much hand over the reins to the trusted PR professional when you’re not there. He or she can “steer the ship” with input from you…

Big Versus Small

What’s the difference between a Cadillac and a Mini Cooper? ‘Plenty of difference. However, that doesn’t mean that bigger is always better. Ladyjustice has worked in all sectors, big medium and small. In this blogger’s humble opinion, for specific purposes such as targeting what you need as an individual and taking a personal interest, the smaller the better. (Muy Importante!). “Small” translates to personal service, off hour’s consultations, growth opportunities to “spread your wings” that you otherwise might not have considered! Perhaps the only downside to a smallish PR company is the lack of “deep pockets” to dip into. But this is where ingenuity and creativity come into play…. That’s what marketing is all about – think out of the box!

Ladyjustice has engaged in a lot of the following “Backseat behaviors” and is now in the “front seat”

Back Seat Behavior

“Making a few calls;”

Getting drawn into the resume mill companies;

Settling for the first line of rejection (Not even trying to get past the receptionist);

Falling for gimmicks;

Filling your resume with “strung together adjectives” that don’t mean anything;

Not going beyond your comfort zone;

Using your lack of technology as an excuse for not doing “X;”

Not trusting others who may have a different point of view regarding what you need to achieve your goals;

Front Seat Behavior

Taking a risk with your new PR person;

Learning how to network;

Creating a skill or service that others need in today’s world;

Getting your message across in as many media forms as possible;

Obtaining good recommendations;

Offering to help others may create new situations that benefit you!

Organizing your priorities and be ready to sacrifice;

Working Hard, Working Hard, Working Hard!

So what does this all mean? It means that you have to seek out the “right company.” It can be a long search, or, in this writer’s case, incredible luck! Should you like Ladyjustice’s philosophy, I cannot recommend a company more highly than the one with that blue and green quill. Make a beeline to Imagine Publicity if you “are too good to be lost in the shuffle, too good to be forgotten.”

Imagine Publicity may be the ticket to success for you. So… treat yourself!

Respectfully,

Donna R. Gore, M.A. Homicide Survivor –“Ladyjustice” www.donnagore.com

Donna R. Gore

LadyJustice

Tag Archives: publicity company

Blow Your Own Horn, Partner!

Riding in the Back Seat Long Enough??