New England Travel

There are a lot of websites out there about New England travel. But there is one that is simply the best. And that's because it is managed, edited, and written by a public relations trained journalist who takes great photos and travels for the complete experience, not the quick fix. Kim Knox Beckius has been writing about New England extensively for over a decade and has authored several related books such as Backroads of New England, The Everything Family Guide to New England, and The Everything Outdoor Wedding Book. She is also the author of About.com's New England Travel Guide which has expanded is recent years from the website format to also include a blog, Twitter (@newenglandgirl), and Facebook (www.facebook.com/aboutnewengland). The website features popular outlets including top events, deal sheet, trip planning, and seasonal highlights.

Please visit, bookmark, explore, and share the online gem of New England - GoNewEngland.About.com

I have worked with Kim on behalf of various clients throughout the years and along the way we realized we both earned our public relations background at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY. We finally met in person at the Ski Vermont Media Reception at Mt. Snow on Woodchuck Day in February and are both looking forward to palling around at the Vermont Travel Industry Conference at which we are both speaking.

If you work in the travel industry in Vermont, I highly suggest attending this valuable, informational, and fun; educational networking event being held April 6-8, 2010 at Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa in Stowe, Vermont.

Product Quality Reduction - Bad Company

I have been keeping my eyes and ear peeled for seeing if my prediction would come true about everyone so focused on social media that the commitment to quality starts to slip and I have seen it in my own home with products I buy! Gasp.

I do not follow large national companies and their social media because my niche market is Vermont and I firmly believe in not stretching oneself too thin. Because of this I cannot say that these companies are more focused on social media than product quality, but I can say I have recently noticed some product quality reduction that I think they should be called out for. I think it has to to do with budgets and where to cut and cutting in product quality is the worst place to do it. Luckily Vermont is too small for companies to get away with this as much - yes another reason to buy local in Vermont!

Coast Soap - Ok, what is up with the mini sized soap bars? I have been using Coast soap since my best friend in middle school showed me how to wipe it on your clothes dry as a fabulous perfume! Once high school was through and I started buying my own soap, I transitioned from wiping it dry on clothes to buying it as my one and only shower soap and this has not wavered to this day. Recently I have been noticing the bars go much quicker than they used to and because I stock up on everything, was able to compare an old bar to a new bar - half the size with no change in price of course! Do I really have to switch soaps after exercising brand loyalty of over 20 years?

Fiber One Granola Bars - In order to keep up high costs, you simply remove a bar from the box making the count go from 6 to 5? Is this for real? The first time I noticed this I thought it was a packaging glitch, however now I see it is not. Then I realized they only had 6 in them when the product was first launching (which I purchased as a result of their strong coupon positioning). Trick 'em, hook 'em, trick 'em again. With the exception of Kudos, granola bar boxes are supposed to be 6! No kudos here!

Laundry Detergent - There are too many companies to name, but what is up with this business of the dual washing power? This is definitely just a gimmick to make you pay full price for half a bottle. Seriously. This makes me get loud and obnoxious in the grocery store. Good thing I'm going tonight - watch out Mitchezzz...

My Hotel Description

Hotel and other Vermont hospitality descriptions are often the brunt of jokes at the presentations I give around the state because they all use the same language and try very, very hard to tell potential visitors how "sophisticatedly unparalleled" they are "amidst the valleys of the Green Mountains." Problem is everyone describes their property/experience the same way which has always been silly, but now with SEO (search engine optimization) driving web activity and subsequently everything that directs traffic to websites, this way of describing "discerning getaways of relaxation in the Vermont countryside" is downright detrimental to the way potential guests opt for a place to say. Standing out doesn't mean being the same as everyone else and with the takeover of social and interest driven decision making, describing a Vermont travel experience or stay with a bunch of fluffy adjectives is a thing of the past - you are long overdue for an overhaul!

OLD:
Our sophisticated property is nestled in the Green Mountains offering elegant accommodations in our well appointed guest rooms and suites. Our understated luxury is perfectly complimented by our Regional American cuisine featuring an organic selection of local Vermont products. We have earned the Luxury Award of Four Diamonds for ten consecutive years and are called "the premier escape for romance and ambiance" by Real Travelers Don't Read Me Magazine. Our commitment to your relaxation and serenity can be found in our selection of travel packages on our website at www.everyplaceinvermontisthesame.com.

NEW:
However you found us, thanks for finding! Whatever you are looking for, we have no idea if you'll find it at our Vermont mountain resort, but we do hope you will try. From Vermont skiing to Vermont country stores. From Vermont products to the freshest and most locally produced food in the country. We have the best bed and breakfasts, inns, hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals in the Northeast and while we may differ from our neighbors in room decor and amenities, we all agree there is no need to visit any state other than Vermont in the fall, winter, or summer. As for spring - come for the maple syrup, mud, Vermont artisans, and to get a taste of what the real Green Mountain are all about. Forget about our website - talk us up on Twitter (@Handle)! PS - we offer a create-your-own-travel-package on Facebook (link) because we know no one likes to be told what they should do.

Note: Top searched Google keywords in bold

Hmmm - wouldn't it be interesting to see how much attention that would actually get???

Marketing VT to moe.rons Rutland Peeps!

Attention businesses in Rutland and Killington, Vermont!!!

In case you haven't heard, the awesome, fun, and rockin' band moe. is having their super rockin' winter/ski music festival snoe.down in Rutland/Killington this year March 26-28, 2010. This is the first year the festival will be in Vermont and it would be so very cool if that could continue. Check out the website for all the 411 - http://www.moe.org/snoedown/.

I feel I am fully qualified to write this post to Rutland/Killington area businesses for the following reasons:

1.) I am a Vermont PR/marketing chick
2.) I recently presented on social media marketing to the Rutland Chamber of Commerce in January 2010
3.) I have been working in PR/marketing in Vermont since 2000
4.) I am a fifth generation Vermonter twice removed
5.) I am a huge moe.ron (fan of the band moe.)
6.) I have been to over 40 shows, including two of the past three snoe.down festivals
7.) The inflatable instrument band and message board I sometimes reference in marketing presentations are both a part of the moe. experience

So, pay heed businesses and check these insider tips!

1.) moe. is spelled moe.
2.) Fans of moe. are called moe.rons and that is how it is spelled
3.) moe. fans travel to see the music and hang out with their other moe.ron friends - this is called their famoe.ly
4.) moe.rons really like seeing welcome signs on area businesses when they travel into towns that say things like
"Welcome famoe.ly and moe.rons Welcome!"
5.) moe.rons range in ages from early 20's to 60's with the majority being in their 30's and 40's and they like to support the local communities they are visiting for shows
6.) They also like Vermont products
7.) I suggest making signs and welcoming moe.rons to visit your business featuring Vermont products
8.) Favorite products are local beer, local food products, local snacks, hearty yet healthy meals, local beer, fun things to do in the area after the festival is over
9.) Many will be staying in hotels in Rutland so they are close to the concert venue, but there are activities at Killington during the day all three days so offering shuttle services will be appreciated and help with traffic congestion
10.) Offer moe.rons coupons and area info books at their hotels - we like doing cool things in town, but don't have much time to seek them out as we are in town for the music!

And, have fun with us! moe.rons have great senses of humor, love rock and roll, have great appetites, and will spend money when extra steps are made to make us feel appreciated! We are a target market - own us!

One word of caution - police take heed to a nasty thing called the nitrous mafia which unfortunately follows certain bands around to prey on concert goers. It is an organized crime ring of non moe.rons selling nitrous oxide (laughing gas) after concerts in big party balloons and wholesale in hotel parking lots before and after shows. They will pay off police and business owners. All properties - hotels and after hours lots - should pay attention to this disgusting backlash to a very positive scene. Please understand it is organized crime, not just a couple of fans and they are responsible for a few deaths here and there although no one wants to outwardly report on it. I am - please pay attention!!!

Social Media is Driving Me Insane!

This is probably in part why I haven't blogged in way too long! I have a Twitter headache, a Facebook bone ache, and a Flickr zit. I apologize to all the good folks I have been presenting to and instructing to look at my blog for good examples - good examples of being mad at social media! And thank you Dorset Custom Furniture for the Vermont public relations plug after I presented to the VT Wood Manufacturers Association at The McKernon Group in Brandon - I am digging this furniture, woodworking, custom kitchen, home renovating thing - maybe it's time for one of my own woodworking posts - I think I forgot to tell the woodworking folks I refinish wood furniture in my spare time! When I am not detoxing from social media crack that is!

Aurgh - so see? Miss "I-Like-To-Present-On-Social-Media-Too" has had it as well! I have been thinking about this post for a while and talking about it even longer, so getting to the point I go:

Ways to Stay Sane in the World of Social Media:

1.) Make plans with social networking friends to go out to dinner at great Vermont restaurants and plan a little drive with some good tunes to get there (hint: this is called Vermont Vibing). Start with me! The Mitch and I are seeking interesting people to have dinner dates with so we can discuss current affairs in Vermont and get our VPR pledge drive money's worth.

2.) Use social media to get good book ideas, visit a used book store, buy the book and read it far, far away from your computer, IPod, IPhone, Blackberry, and whatever other gadget I am not aware of because I stopped at the IPod.

3.) Never under estimate the power of the written planner and how much attention you get when you use it - excellent marketing tool.

4.) Use all of your social networks to tell people you are away and then do whatever you want and feel free from feeling like you are ignoring anyone.

5.) Connect with a few of your social media peeps, tweeps, and creeps and plan a party - not a "tweet-up" for the purpose of promoting business, brand, image, and not-promoting - a full on bash. And include me - I am ready to plan a party with all the folks I think are awesome on the internet - let's do it at a Vermont State Park!

And lastly - forget hiring me for a consultation - I want to MC your event!

Love

I have had a crazed week of travel, presentations, trainings, and yes..love.

So, very quickly, I must say I love what I do. I really love the clients I work with, the people I meet at presentations, the connections I create for people, and the funny people I work with and the relationships that develop.

Sometimes it is stressful. It always takes time. But, today especially while I am rather wiped out from my recent travels around the state - Charlotte to Stowe to Brandon to Rutland to South Royalton to Charlotte in two days - wow - I am feeling really great about what I do!

By the way if you are are business in the Rutland area - take my word for it - join the Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce. They are one of the most organized and committed to their members organizations I have come across. And they hire great speakers! heeheehee

Tips on joining Chambers - you must maximize their services by making the effort after you join - you get out what you put in, and they can be one of the best expenses you can make as a small business.

And if you're looking for fantastic branding, design, and videography/new media capabilities - check out Hen House Media - they have got it going on!

Cheerio from the office of Rachel Carter PR:

PR Trends in 2010

Happy 2010! Thanks for respecting my absence as I took some much needed time away from the grind. But, back and refreshed - ready to really let my voice shine through in 2010! I thought I would share a few of my public relations predictions for 2010 - what do you think?

In 2010:

1.) People are going to be so frantic about social media they are going to let basics like customer service, regular communication, and having a good product/service slip - so take heed now - SOCIAL MEDIA ISN'T EVERYTHING!

2.) That said, if you aren't adjusting your finances, work load, and staffing to incorporate social media then you are slipping!

3.) Paper is back and green can chill. E-everything is pointless - when everyone is doing it no one is paying attention. Incorporate some time for letters, cards, and regular newsletters again. Not everyone wants to spend every moment in front of the computer. Buy locally made greeting cards, work with a local designer to create a cool notepad for your business or a newsletter that is of interest to your audience - NOT something that promotes you. Two suggestions I have are Kate Youlen: Graphic Design Studio and Bleu Sky Creative.

4.) Connect with your inner core and take the time to meditate, breathe, listen to your inner voice, and focus on the energy around you. Interested in getting started? Shyla Nelson's Live From the Core is where it's at.

5.) Stop Jumping On Bandwagons!!! Yes, local is it, before that was green, organic and fair trade keep fighting for the forefront - focus on YOUR business and YOUR customers and YOUR strengths and weaknesses and STOP worrying about what everyone else is doing!