The 10 Most Over-Publicized People of 2009!

The 10 Most Over-Publicized People of 2009!



December 27, 2009. Oakville, ON. The 10 Most Over-Publicized People of 2009 expertly compiled by Kathryn Kates, CEO of Oakville, Ontario based Kathryn Kates Public Relations.


10. Paris Hilton. From a sex tape, to a lost chihuahua, to an infinite number of boyfriends and fiancées, a fight with her TV co-star, a search for a new BFF and endless product endorsements…is Paris the City of Lights, or the Girl in the Limelight?

9. Ivana Trump. After splitting from “The Donald”, the very rich divorcee announced on daytime TV to much less affluent viewers… that if she could survive divorce anyone could. The arrogant ex-Mrs. Trump has now survived four divorces, but not a flight out of Florida… the self-proclaimed survivor’s foul mouth resulted in being bounced from the plane.

8. The Duggars. TLC don’t encourage these people with titling their show 17 and Counting, 18 and Counting…now that they have their 19th, little Josie…a preemie. Maybe it is time for these God-fearing folks to count their blessings—and rename the show 19 and Thank You Lord…But, That’s Enough!

7. Sarah Palin. In Sarah’s world, the road to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue means giving up politics to become a celebrity…book deals, publicity tours – is a talk show next? Right or left…it is a scary thought that celebrity versus substance can lead you up to the White House path.

6. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. Most surprising is when this philandering politician got bashed in the face – it wasn’t his ex-wife Veronica Lario doing the bashing.

5. Ocotomom. Instead of endearing herself to the world, Nadya Suleman, the single mother of 14 pissed off everyone including Dr. Phil...who felt compelled to walk away after renovating her house.

4. Balloon Boy's Dad. Richard Heene reached new heights when it comes to procuring a reality series…backfired! Not such a panoramic view from a jail cell.

3. Anyone named Jackson. Thought you were over-exposed with Janet’s wardrobe malfunction…well that was just the beginning. Talk about over-exposure…the brothers got a reality show on A&E.

2. Jon Gosselin. Coming out of his divorce from Kate, this father of eight got his “middle-age crazies”, 20 years too early. What’s next for this guy…a red Corvette?

1. Tiger Woods. Over publicized, over exposed…he might be known for scoring low on the course, but in bed it was another story. In his case, what happened in Vegas just didn’t stay in Vegas…ouch!

Kathryn Kates, a lover of pop-culture and the zaniness that surrounds it, is a former media darling, a journalist who crossed over to the PR-side. According to Kathryn, this year was a tough one, there were just so many over-publicized souls to select from.


Contact Info:
Kathryn Kates
CEO
Kathryn Kates Public Relations
kathryn@kathrynkatespr.com
kathrynkatespr.com
905-849-5639

Why Promotion?

This is a story I have heard more than once. A company spends a whole lot of money on developing a product or setting up an office or store full of stuff and when it comes to branding, advertising, publicity and generally getting the word out to attract customers - the coffers are empty.

So, the business sits there...with the owner crossing fingers and hoping that what they are offering will be discovered, perhaps by some divine intervention. When starting a new venture, and planning your budget, it is smart business to budget for your promotional future, even if you have to start small and increase your promotional spending as your revenue increases. This will certainly help you stay in the business of choice and not be looking for a secondary job to be supporting your business because no one knows you have a business except your close friends.When trying to figure out a promotional budget, ask around. Call a friend in business, meet with public relations firms, and read about promotion and see if you can do some self-promoting on your own.

A well thought out plan to spread the word about you and your business will speak volumes down the road and will make for easier driving.

Handling Rejection from the Media

You've come up with a great idea, one that you think will put your business on the map.So, you write up a killer press release, rehearse your pitch and get your media list all ready. You make your first call, get an answering machine, the next call is an intern confused by what you are saying, and to make matters worse the third call is a hardened old timer that has heard whatever you have to say a million times before.

Rejection can be tough, don't take it personally. Take a coffee break, rethink your message or delivery...perhaps your calling at the end of the week when those you are talking to are on overload or have their minds on the weekend not on what you are saying or about too. So, perhaps wait until a new week begins.

There are options available. Engage a professional public relations firm, who may have history with the media outlets you are trying to make inroads with. Another option is thinking outside the box of traditional media and engaging in social media PR, where by blogging and social networking you have more control of your message and it's circulation. The best thing is your message is out there without the need of a producer or editor having a good day and saying yes to you...you are in control.

Combining traditional public relations and digital public relations will ensure that a wide cross-section of potential customers will learn about you and your business.

I STILL BELIEVE IN SANTA!

By Kathryn Kates

When I was a little girl, I knew that Christmas wasn’t coming to our house. We celebrated Chanukah. However, I truly believed and still do, if you are good girl or boy, no matter what your religious beliefs, you too, could sit on Santa’s lap at the mall and invite him to drop by for milk and cookies on Christmas Eve, in hopes of having your stocking filled.

My parents encouraged us to celebrate our holiday by lighting candles and spinning a small wooden or plastic top called a dreidel. But to their credit, while establishing our faith’s boundaries in a positive way and conscious of the fact that we live in a secular society, my sister and I grew up never feeling alien to the Christian holiday that surrounded us. They allowed us to meet Santa Claus at our local shopping center. And although we weren’t supplied with a fancy red stocking, we did hang my fathers’ old socks above the fireplace and on Christmas morn found it full of oranges, candy and a small toy.

My family always made me feel secure and happy with the traditions I was born to follow. So it was never a problem for them or me to celebrate holidays of other faiths and in turn, my non-Jewish friends were welcomed to learn and participate in my religion’s festivities.

In many cases, children nowadays are allowed only to celebrate holidays during school hours in a generic fashion. How unfortunate and sad, to think that any character and color a religious holiday brings would be obliterated in hopes of not offending. Wouldn’t it be more beneficial for kids to be introduced to all the different songs, celebrations and foods that their fellow classmates and their families practice at this time of year?

My friends tell me, you don’t have to be a non-Christian to feel overwhelmed by all commercialism of Christmas. However, I would think a parent would be delighted if their children, no matter what the faith, had an opportunity to share their special family holidays with others at school. I don’t know any child to date that was corrupted by a Christmas carol or Chanukah song. It is certainly better than some of the other music kids are exposed to throughout the year.

It is so important to not lose sight of the true reasons we celebrate at this time of year. I don’t doubt Christians know Christmas is about the birth of Jesus, Jews know that Chanukah is about warrior Judah Maccabee and his sons saving the Ancient Temple and followers of other religions are well-versed in the roots of their faith’s celebrations. With that in mind, I still think we can enjoy the jolly old man in red with our Christian friends without feeling guilt. From all the many multicultural smiling faces I’ve recently seen pose for photos with Santa, I suppose many parents agree that Santa should be considered, as a seasonal celebrity who rewards us all for being good!

THE KATHRYN KATES' PHILOSOPHY OF PUBLIC RELATIONS!

1. Public Relations is not a nine-to-five profession. While it's crucial to pace oneself to avoid burnout, when involved in a campaign, one must "breathe" the product. A blasé effort results in a blasé campaign.

2. It is not enough to create an attention-drawing promotion. An "angle" needs to be packaged and presented to the media. The publicist must understand what makes a good accessible story.

3. Integrity is crucial. It is vital to develop a rapport with the media by being straightforward and honest.

4. Capturing media and public interest is accomplished by combining common sense with wild imagination. Public relations consultants need a creative feel for the whole picture, while at the same time, a constant concern for detail.

MAKING YOUR NEXT EVENT COUNT!

When it comes to your next corporate affair. Throw an event at us, we at Kathryn Kates Public Relations can handle it! Our team Chris, Christine and Laura really know how to throw a wicked corporate party...and Donna can take the pics to prove it!

During the recession, businesses are thinking twice about throwing lavish parties attracting those who maybe much more interested in the canapes than what you have to sell. We will orchestrate an event or even a media conference in accordance with your budget and targeted to those truly interested in your brand. Good planning will get you in the news without wasting your company's hard earned funds. Responsible promotion is what we are all about!

http://www.kathrynkatespr.com/

IS THERE A RIGHT TIME FOR PUBLIC RELATIONS?

Is there a right time for public relations? Well, often it is when it feels most like the wrong time.

By that we mean, when you can least afford it may very well be the best time. Even if you've spent all your cash on developing your product.. that branding and promoting is now an added luxury that you can't think about, especially during this recession. This is understandable, however...this is the exact time that you should be reaching into the coffers and promoting like heck.

First of all, because others in your industry may not be doing it, your product may very well stand out by itself. Also, to grow your business is to spread the word...the best of businesses have folded because their gospel wasn't spread.

When putting your business plan together...be sure to add a column for promotion and even advertising...good public relations and branding be it in the traditional sense or digital will pay for itself in no time.

At Kathryn Kates Public Relations we offer comphrensive PR campaigns, but realize the need to service those who want PR but work on a budget...we are there for those folks too with our piecemeal PR for the DIY'ers. Our cool team of experts can help you realize your business potential and aspirations.

See what all the "buzz" is about at: kathrynkatespr.com

KATHRYN KATES PUBLIC RELATIONS - HERE TO HELP PR DIY'ERS!

During this recession a little self-promotion goes a long way. Don’t Despair…Kathryn Kates Public Relations helps entrepreneurial do-it-yourselfers businesses, products and themselves with expert guidance from us. Here are five tips to get noticed…let the conversation begin!

1. Use Technology. Get the word out by joining social networks like Twitter, Facebook and My Space, or create your very own website.

2. Nurture Relationships. Join groups and associations, volunteer in your community, contact old and new friends and network, network and network!

3. Know Your Product…even if your product is yourself! Then you can sell yourself or your business with confidence.

4. Be Creative. Think outside the box, come up with an angle or dare we say, even a gimmick. Stand out in your field!

5. Be Resilient. Don’t take “no” personally, your services or products may just not be needed, it doesn’t mean you’re not liked. Let a rejection inspire you to move on to the next opportunity and prove past naysayers wrong!

Find out more about how we can help you at: http://www.kathrynkatespr.com/, kathryn@kathrynkatespr.com or 905-849-5639.

Social Media: The New Golden Age of Communicating!

Is social media the new golden age of communicating or the end of the golden rules of etiquette?

Social media allows our points of view and discussions to leave the room or the office and travel to far reaching places through cyberspace--allowing us to teach, learn, and share on a huge scale.

Or, does the popularity of social media mean the decline of socialization? Are we gaining a way to connect on social networks like Facebook, at the expense of face-to-face communication.

Should we find a happy medium while using this exciting new medium? Yes it is possible to use social media in both business and pleasure to reach new heights, gain success and expand our business and/or social circles without loosing the art of old fashioned conversation.

Let's share tips about the benefits of entering the social media world and perhaps some etiquette tips for using this technology in public without offending those around you - especially those who have not yet been converted to the technology world and would prefer to talk to you than watch you tweet.

A PR CONCEPT BORN OUT OF THE RECESSION!

Many individuals and businesses feel they can't afford public relations during these recessionary times. At Kathryn Kates Public Relations, a boutique firm...we feel public relations is something you can't afford not to have.

Like other firms, we offer full-blown public relation campaigns, but for those who are on a budget or get a charge of of being PR DIY'ers...we are here for you too. With our piecemeal PR offerings, we help our clients fill in the gaps.

Here's how it works--hire us for a minimum of two hours and up, to help you orchestrate your traditional public relations needs, be it to write a press release, compose an announcement, media pitching, consulting on direction or perhaps your next event, and so much more. Then you can take the ball and roll with it, or bring our team on board.

In addition, we offer a number of specialty services in a package or a la carte, including corporate image photography, graphic design and branding, media savvy training - getting your message out to media, potential backers and to the masses, in a precise and powerful way, and social media public relations. We will even train you to blog and work within digital media like a pro...keeping your maintenance costs to a minimum to boot!

See what all the "buzz" is about at: kathrynkatespr.com.

Kathryn Kates Public Relations' Team

Kathryn Kates Public Relations Team

Kathryn Kates, CEO. Kathryn opened a full service PR firm and talent agency over 20 years ago, and later worked as a journalist and broadcaster. Today, Kathryn works on both sides of the communication spectrum…opening doors wherever she goes. Kathryn has a proven track record in public relations. She’s shown her natural ability to create “buzz” by combining imaginative and innovative ideas with detail-oriented implementation. By effectively leveraging her extensive media, business and community contacts, Kathryn offers businesses results-oriented solutions to public relations. Kathryn has the capability to implement unique initiatives that significantly increase client awareness and image through the media. She’s able to integrate media strategies with business issues - understanding the big picture while working well with details. Kathryn has a positive, can-do attitude with a strong sense of urgency and personal responsibility, and a talent for simplifying concepts and tailoring messages for specific audiences.

Selina Eckersall, Digital Strategist. Selina is a digital culture junkie and creative thinker with 10 years experience working in marketing both agency and client side. She has worked on brands such as HMV, BMO, Ford and McDonalds and continues to help brands blaze new trails in the digital space. Her passion for original ideas and unique execution make her a solid digital strategist. Selina is active on more than a dozen social sites and collectively has thousands of connections on these sites. Having worked almost exclusively on social media programs for two years, she truly understands the digital space and offers clients a great deal of insight.Selina is educated in marketing, holds a direct marketing accreditation with the CMA and continues to be an active member in the marketing community. She is a contributor for The Canadian Marketing Association blog.


Stephanie Smyth, Media Training. SpecialistStephanie Smyth, an award-winning media veteran, has over 20 years of experience in the radio and television industry. Her career spans all facets of the broadcast news sector including news reporting, anchoring, writing, news-talk radio, commentary and assignment roles. In 1999, Stephanie was appointed News Director at 680News. She moved to television in 2003 as News Director at Global Television in Toronto. By 2005, Stephanie became the News Director at AM640 Toronto Radio. Stephanie has since joined CP24 in Toronto as Breaking News Producer, playing a key editorial role for the all-news station both on and off the air. Stephanie is a member of RTNDA Canada, Canadian Women in Communications and a supporter of Canadian Journalists for Free Expression. Stephanie's television and radio expertise make her a sought after media training specialist in developing and disseminating key media messaging for public relations clients.


Donna SantosCorporate, Photographer. Donna specializes in people photography with focus on producing effective business portraits that communicate confidence, professionalism and a lot of pizzazz. The images she produced have complemented and supported various publicity and marketing objectives both in print and on the web. Along with her B.A. in Communication Arts, Donna has extensive experience in film and television production management.


Steve Adair, West Coast Accounts Manager. Steve Adair has demonstrated the entrepreneurial spirit for 25 years, having run successful service industry companies both in Toronto and Vancouver. Steve's passion is music ... a drummer and the father of superstar drummer Daniel Adair of Nickelback.


Christine Kay, Public Relations Coordinator. Christine Kay has assisted Kathryn for close to two decades with public relations and media campaigns, as well as with Kathryn's duties as a journalist. Together, work has taken the two, both near and far. Christine, who originally hails from England, comes from the worlds of beauty and finance.


Samantha Paquin, Graphic Artist. Samantha Paquin brings 14 years of diverse, combined experience in graphic and web design, copy editing, and layout within magazine and newspaper environments. Her clients have included Perkins Restaurant, 240 Sparks and CAA. Samantha was Metro Ottawa's main graphic design whiz and, prior to that, Metro Toronto's features editor, where she worked alongside Kathryn. Samantha also worked for newspapers in New York City and Florida as a layout editor and page designer.


Laura Rickards, Senior Public Relations Consultant. Laura brings 15 years experience in public relations. Her clients include Quinte Access Public Transit, Powerful Thinking Begins..., Stockdale Mill, Festival Players of Prince Edward County, PilotProject, HGTV Canada’s DIY Disaster and Creative Ideals, Resurgence Theatre Company, Tac Theatrical, JV Productions’ The Decorating Challenge and The Gardening Gamble on W Network, Nortel Union 1839, The Investors Group, The Quinte Ballet and CTV’s Camilla Scott Show.


Valerie Kates, Strategist. Valerie has a Masters Degree in Adult Education and extensive experience in corporate communications and training. A published author, she has presented to hundreds of businesses, associations and government agencies across Canada, helping their people reach their personal and professional goals.

Christine Bates, Senior Public Relations Stategist. Christine has worked in public relations for 15 years for CHUM Radio, CTV Ottawa, Starwood Hotels and Resorts in Canada and at Delta Chelsea Hotel Toronto. Her specialties include writing, event coordination and fostering long term fruitful client relationships. Christine also writes for Hot Toronto magazine.

Welcome to the Kathryn Kates Public Relations blog.

Kathryn Kates, CEO of Kathryn Kates Public Relations and her eclectic team of professionals create and implement traditional and social media PR campaigns and watch with you as your profile and profits grow.

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Kathryn Kates has a proven track record in public and media relations that spans over two decades as both a journalist and public relations expert.

She brings to Kathryn Kates Public Relations a natural ability to create “buzz” by effectively leveraging her extensive media, business and community contacts generating excitement around just about anything!

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Kathryn Kates Public Relations' full-service boutique firm organizes publicity campaigns, sales events, Twitter and Facebook blitzes, media training workshops, press conferences, and more.

Even with a history of servicing large corporate clients, our team members are flexible enough to assist DIY’ers by filling in the gaps with a press release, a pitch or a brief consultation at an hourly rate even the smallest of businesses can afford.


See what the “buzz” is all about… check out the latest offerings from Kathryn and her team at www.kathrynkatespr.com. Kathryn can be reached at kathryn@kathrynkatespr.com or by calling 905-849-5639.