“People believe what is written about us much more than they believe the things we write about ourselves.” Heidi Richards
Today I have been busy doing busy work when I should have been writing about the Women’s Media Summit and the incredible day we had yesterday. Truth be told, I have been avoiding writing a post. and it’s not because of the quality of information. The information shared by our experts was far beyond even MY expectations. It is because there was so much valuable sharing going on that it has taken me all day just to let it sink in – so I could wrap my mind around the information and wrap my right hand on the mouse…. and get both hands on the keyboard.
Here are just a few of the highlights:
The day began with Ponn Sabra of EmpowerWomenNow.com sharing her ideas about “How to create a web-optimized media release.” And did she do some sharing!  Ponn had so many great tips and examples for our guests, my writing hand was sore from taking notes. Ponn talked about the importance of building your portfolio, about how many words a web optimized press release should contain (350-600), how to write for the audience instead of to the audience (the WIIFM), and she inspired me with a new tagline for the WECAI Networkâ„¢.  In fact, the next post will be Ponn’s response to her session. STAY TUNED!
Next up was Catherine Franz of Abundance Center. Catherine talked about “Developing Your Media Platform Using a Storyboard… and More!”  She talked about the history of storyboards, how creating one can be extremely helpful in pitching the media, and the steps involved in creating ours. She gave great examples, templates we can adapt to our own media and public relations needs and more.
Our next scheduled speaker was Sherryl Lin Haldy from Voice America – her session was rescheduled for Tuesday, October 23rd at 2:00 pm Eastern Time.
Since we found ourselves with a little time on our hands in between sessions, Roy Montero of Verbal Networking and Iwon.net volunteered (coerced may be more accurate) to do an improptu Q & A on blogging best practices, plug-ins and more. It was great because many of the attendees shared their favorite plug-ins, tips and ideas. Roy was happy to answer questions and give some great advice! Thank you ROY!
Annie Jennings and Stacy Amaral of Annie Jennings PR did a Smashing job of delivering “PR Strategies to Become a Smash Hit Business Success.” And after their program, Annie gave everyone a link to 12 of her most popular Media, Marketing and PR Interviews! You have to register to get access to this…. 
This was followed by Annie Jennings and Jason Kaufman having a wonderful discussion about “working with the media to make it work for your success.” Again, dozens of great ideas, exceptional advice and more! Annie Jennings and her team at Annie Jennings PR really are the PR Firm that’s ALL HEART!
Nancy Juetten of Main Street Media Savvy was the perfect day end speaker with her presentation: ”The Deadly sins of do-it-yourself publicity and why to avoid them.” Nancy showed us just what sins we need to avoid in order to get the media’s attention and trust. She gave us great tips of when to call (or not) the media – that certain times of day and days of week are the “kiss of death” to any potential media opportunity. She ended her session by giving attendees a great offer on her “Media Savvy-to-Go Publicity Toolkit.
 We ended the day with great conversation, networking and lots of laughter! I just hope the sound track doesn’t end up on the Internet (Roy, that means you). Just kidding! Of course… maybe not! We also gave away 10 prizes and everyone left happier, smarter and more connected. SWEET!Â
 Thank you to all the experts we have had so far, each of whom have gone above and beyond! I am really looking forward to the next few days… we still have 9 experts who are going to share even more Media marketing and PR strategies to get the attention of the media… and more!
Here’s the schedule: http://womensmediasummit.com/schedule/.
BTW, we have added a couple more presentations that have not yet been listed… we are up to 19 experts!
And in case you were wondering, it’s not too late to register! Because you will have access to all the audio files of any session you missed… and the price is right! $27 if you are a member of the WECAI Networkâ„¢ and only $57 for non-members. You can register at: http://womensmediasummit.com/register/
Hope to see you next week!
Heidi