"The successful always has a number of projects planned, to which he looks forward. Any one of them could change the course of his life overnight.” –Mark Caine
Applause
"Our company, be.ology, has worked with Jennifer for close to two years. From the first moment she met us, she shared in our passion and enthusiasm to creatively market and spread the positive word on be.ology. She has helped us grow, build momentum and support us with creative and unique strategies. Each year our goals have changed and Jennifer has been sensitive to our changing needs. We look forward to more great successes together." Linda Horwitz & Alison Smetana, Co-owners, Creators be.ology
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"Jennifer has always been very responsive and so much fun to work with. She is one of my go-to girls." Kelly Aiglon, Freelance Writer
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"I have worked with Jennifer through my role as a board member/treasurer of the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum, where I brought her on back in 2004. Jennifer is a determined and creative PR professional and skilled at getting excellent placements for our message. She is a strong supporter in the development of that message as well. She has been with this museum through some of the hardest times and has managed to stay positive and supportive and see the good through all of the challenges. Most importantly, she has helped communicate that good to the public through her work. I would work with Jennifer any time and will in future opportunities. I recommend her without reservation and will be happy to discuss with anyone who would like to know more." Jim Holtzman, VP Board of Directors, NVVAM
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"Everybody likes Jennifer, if that matters to you. People like her personally because she sparkles. People like her professionally (ah, now I've got your interest) because she has energy and resources. Loads of youthful energy, bulging rolodex of resources. Work with her; you'll see." Bob Killian, Owner, Killian & Company
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"Jennifer is very knowledgeable and pragmatic in her approach to finding cost-effective and innovative ways to help your business grow. Whether you're a start up or just looking to build on the PR and marketing you already have, her patience, enthusiasm, creativity, and excellent business sense has no boundaries."Lisa Garvey, CEO, Life Made Simple
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"It is always a great pleasure to work with Jennifer. She is a wonderful listener, making time to understand our needs and responding with impressive professionalism. She feels true passion and energy for her work. ... she secured great press placements--something we would never have been able to do alone. I wholeheartedly recommend Jennifer Fortney." Emily Roth, Executive Director, Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple Restoration Foundation
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"Jennifer was sensitive to our entrepreneurial creativity while lending her professional experience and credibility to our public relations and promotional efforts. In addition, Cascade was fairly-priced and delivered value that exceeded expectations." Paul Clem President, How America Thinks/
RateMyBuilderOnline.com
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"Jennifer is an amazing marketing communications professional. From developing strategic programming down to the nitty gritty of securing media placements, Jennifer Fortney and Cascade Communications earn an A+++ in client service. Jennifer is a master at pitching high-end media like USA Today or New York Times as well as smaller local market media. I am always seeking out new opportunities to work with Cascade Communications." Al Martin, formerly of Kaplan Publishing
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"Public relations is as much an art form as anything else and I know of no better 'artist' in the PR field than Jennifer Fortney, founder of Cascade Communications. Having been a client of Ms. Fortney for several years and utilizing her services on a variety of projects I can state without reservation that she is the very best at what she does. Remarkably intelligent, hardworking and media-savvy, her greatest strength may lie in her uncanny ability to "know" her client while guiding them like a modern-day Lewis or Clark through the hazardous wilderness that awaits any business looking to conquer the competitive landscape of publicity/marketing.
Whether you're a fortune 500 company, a small business or a non-profit organization you could not find more skilled representation. Even if one's resources allow for hiring a mega PR firm, I would suggest it vital to remember the words of Oscar Wilde: "A cynic is someone who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing." Cascade Communications may not the largest firm out there, but provides the highest value for your dollar." Rick Roberts, Award-winning TV and film producer, CEO Horizons Communications Group
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"Jennifer Fortney has been most helpful in assisting us in how to structure our website so that it will be both consumer-friendly and also generate donations to our not-for-profit outpatient mental health agency." Norman Groetzinger, Executive Director, Counseling Center of Lake View
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"I worked with Jennifer on the Jim Beam Brands' DeKuyper Pucker Schanapps "Longest Kiss" event. Jennifer's work is exceptional. Not a detail was left unattended to. She really makes the effort to go above and beyond. She wants her client to not only be happy with the end result, but to be happy with every step along the way. She is professional, honest and efficient. I highly recommend!" Kristin Cerwin, Area Manager for Beam Wine Estates
Do you want to….
Increase awareness of your company amongst existing and new customers?
Grab the attention of media?
Increase sales and leads?
Save thousands of dollars by learning to become a
PR expert for YOUR business?
That’s….
Small Biz PR Made Easy is the ONLY place
where you will receive weekly lessons and
learn from an expert how to affordably
produce positive public relations that will
grow your business within ONE YEAR!
In fact….
ALL IT TAKES IS ONE TARGETED MEDIA STORY TO CHANGE
THE SHAPE OF YOUR BUSINESS
This article from Business Week is additional proof that you need to become a PR expert!
Jennifer Fortney, President Cascade Communications
From: Jennifer Fortney
Re: 12-Month “Small Biz PR Made Easy” Training Program, FAQ
Dear Colleague,
If you’re not using a Public Relations (PR) strategy in your small business, you are missing out on the single most cost-effective method of driving customers into your door with money to spend!!
Small Biz PR Made Easy teaches you how to create a full-fledged PR campaign on your own with the help of an expert showing you how to make your story NEWSWORTHY, and one media will eat up!
I’ll send you weekly assignments for a full year to help you understand PR one step at a time, how it works, and generate media stories that will boost sales, make you an expert and increase overall awareness of your business.
Because I’m giving away ALL of my experience, knowledge, tips and secrets for achieving PR, I’m limiting the number of memberships to 500, but don’t worry, I will contact you as people graduate from the program and spaces open.
You will save thousands on what you’d pay someone like me!
Look, I get it. Right now, in this economy, everyone is looking for a way to save money and make more money. However, the one thing you cannot afford to do is to stop communicating to your customers! It’s key to stay top of mind if you’re going to grow your business. Sure you can hire someone like me, if you're able and ready to outsource, but you can save thousands of dollars by doing it yourself now and growing your business to the point where you really need an expert to take things over.
It’s really no secret that the NUMBER ONE way to create wealth in
America is to own your own business.
And, it’s the quickest way to go BROKE if you fail to
market your business the right way.
Every entrepreneur and business owner can appreciate and learn from my personal vault of information, which will help you increase awareness and sales, not only making you a successful entrepreneur, but getting you on the path to personal wealth! It’s like having all of my experience and knowledge at your own fingertips. Just imagine….if you could learn the skills of a professional like me in a truly step-by-step process, you could achieve tremendous press that will make your dream of becoming a successful business owner come true! You will have tools to last your career. That’s what this course will do for you!
Have you ever wondered why some small businesses
become overnight successes?
It’s because they know how important it is to market their business the right way, and they’ve put an emphasis on learning how to get great PR! They either take the time to learn it themselves or hire someone like ME to do it for them. However they do it, they KNOW how to tell their story in a way that grabs the attention of media and customers.
More importantly, they know how to KEEP the positive press flowing.
What is it about PR that makes it so valuable?
Imagine your favorite magazine or newspaper…maybe radio or TV newsperson, whom you respect and enjoy, mentioning a product or service and recommending it HIGHLY. Well…..
You’re 10 TIMES MORE LIKELY to go out and buy it!
It’s TRUE! It’s the exact same reason why you’re more likely to go to, visit, dine at or buy something a trusted friend or family member recommends.
A quality third-person endorsement is PRICELESS to your business and will drive sales!
Think about it….doctors, dentists, lawyers and more rely on quality referrals to drive business, even I rely on referrals! So do other small businesses! But yours will also be positively impacted by attracting the attention of media.
You can’t afford to miss out on this!
The Real Challenge
Most businesses KNOW they need good PR, but they don’t really understand how it works because they aren’t professional publicists or journalists. So, they end up wasting time and money with worthless strategies, or they abandon it altogether. The real challenge is that business owners typically don’t have the time to research and learn about public relations, thus when they do it on their own most stop before they can get that first BIG story.
Why is that?
Starting and maintaining a successful PR program is HARD WORK and it takes time…which is one thing that most business owners don’t have to spare!
A lot of business owners simply:
become frustrated with the process of trying to tell their story
they don’t understand PR or have the tools
they just feel like they don’t know what they’re doing
OR they lack the capital to afford a professional
so they tank their PR efforts altogether.
So what’s the difference between these folks and you?
I’m glad you ask! The real difference is that these people don’t have an angel on their shoulder; an expert providing them with basic PR skills that will make them EXCITED about generating positive public relations for their business.
BUT YOU DO!
I’m on your side and will show you just how EASY it is to implement an effective PR campaign at a fraction of the cost you would normally spend with an expert like me as a private client.
And better yet, I will present it like a weekly course that won’t
overwhelm or intimidate you!
For the same cost you might only get, maybe, two-three hours of time with a professional, if that. Here you will get all the information, templates, tips, interviews and expert advice you need to do an entire program from start to finish! PLUS, I will give you advice directly from journalists!!
You will actually BECOME AN EXPERT in public relations for your business!
THAT’S how much you will get from Small Biz PR Made Easy!!
Each weekly lesson will give you the background and information on public relations in a format that you will be hard-pressed to find anywhere else!
BUT FIRST, let me tell you WHY I can help…then I’ll tell you HOW
I own my own PR firm and have experience generating positive press for Fortune 500 companies to small businesses. I've managed million dollar accounts on my own and achieved incredible national and local press for clients. In fact, I started my business eight years ago after working in corporate PR firms with the determination to show small businesses how they can get the same kind of high-quality PR that corporations pay millions for.
Sidebar: Boy, I’ve really seen media change in the last 10 years and can tell you that the approach some take to generate PR is not the same today as it was 15, 20 years ago!
The challenge today vs. 10 years ago is that not only do you have to master traditional media, but you have to know and understand non-traditional media on the Internet.
(I will help you understand these industry changes, what they mean and how you can make 21st Century media work for YOU!)
I’ve started TWO very successful blogs on PR and small business, sat on panels including one for the Gleacher School of Business – University of Chicago – on small business marketing, offered my expertise through tele-classes and guest teaching, earned a degree in Journalism – Business Communications (aka PR) from a Top 5 program, worked in media, sports marketing and even wrote radio and TV news. So you can see that I have a real nose for news, an understanding of marketing and how all media work, and how it can IMPACT the bottom line of YOUR business, from a marketing perspective.
This really is one of THE MOST POWERFUL TOOLS
you can have in your marketing toolbox!
Believe it or not….I’ve had clients achieve one major media story that revolutionized their business almost overnight!
You can imagine what happened to their business when the stories kept coming, and coming…. Sidebar: This isn’t completely unrealistic. It happens every day! A great story, new product or service gets strong local and/or national coverage and it generates interest, awareness and sales for that business! You keep it going and their business just keeps growing and growing….
Sometimes all it takes is building a strong relationship with a reporter. Here’s one incredible example of this…and it’s TRUE.
This was a client of mine!
Case Study – Que Syrah Fine Wine Shop (a boutique shop)
Company: Opened in August 2002 by a group of friends and wine lovers, Que Syrah fine Wine Shop focuses on small, boutique production winemakers and good producers who may be ignored by larger retailers, filling a need on the burgeoning North Side of Chicago.
Challenges: Like most small retails stores, Que Syrah didn’t have a large marketing budget and MY PR firm was asked to assist in getting high profile public relations for a minimal budget. Opportunity: Que Syrah’s general manager, Shebnem Ince, was a well-versed, well-spoken certified Sommelier, who hand-picked wines for the store and personally planned unique tastings to attract new customers. Tactic: Create a comprehensive public relations program to create awareness of Que Syrah and put it on the Chicago map of top wine stores. Keys: Focus on the uniqueness of tasting events to attract media and use Ince as a spokesperson. Results: While we achieved stories and regular event listings in several local media, it was Ince’s ability to build a connection with the Chicago Tribune wine writer, after I introduced them, that made the biggest impact on the store’s growth. The columnist included Ince in more than 25 of his weekly columns in one year and the business BALLOONED!
All in all, Que Syrah’s business nearly quadrupled in
just under TWO YEARS!
WHY? Because the writer is a trusted source; viewed as an expert in wine and people trust his recommendations. Before they knew it they were racing around hiring more staff and trying to maintain product supply. The store was BLOWING away its annual sales goals, typically making their goal by the END of the THIRD QUARTER! And the fourth quarter was always their busiest time of year.
This could be YOUR business!!
Here’s another great example of what can happen to a small business with quality, strategic public relations:
Case Study – be.ology (inspirational clothing line) Company: Started by two friends who believed in the power of positive thinking, be.ology started off with fashionable t-shirts with positive messages like be.kind, be.bold, be.you, be.inspired and more. When Cascade met the owners, the company was ready to go to the next level and grow their business. Today the company has six different product lines all with the same positive messages, and growing. Challenges: As a small business, their marketing budget was limited and we needed to find a unique story hook, using research, to qualify the product's concept.
Opportunities: The owners are very savvy and interested in generating more lines and growing the company. The t-shirts' unique concept brought a refreshing trend to market and put a new face on everyday fashion.
Results To Date: It was “Shape” magazine that really boosted business. When the magazine hit subscribers doors the beginning of November, be.ology received nearly 400 ORDERS that FIRST DAY! Sales continued and when the magazine hit store shelves in December there was an even LARGER INCREASE IN SALES. We immediately followed up that placement with two others, which grew the business’ retail side. In total they received nearly 20 local and national media stories including "Lucky", Chicago Tribune, "Chicago", WomenEntrepreneur.com, Oxygen, “O”, and EnterprisingWomen.com. Within a few short months the business moved from the basement of one owner’s home to a warehouse, which they are quickly growing out of today. With continued PR, be.ology has almost quadrupled its business since starting to work with my PR firm.
Can you imagine this happening to
YOUR BUSINESS?
How EXCITING, right?
That’s exactly how all of my clients feel when they start seeing BIG RETURNS on their PR investment. YOU can see the same returns with Small Biz PR Made Easy!
Raising Capital Secrets is the premier site for businesses looking to raise capital.
You see, Dale Hensel has used PR for years to help him start
and build several companies.
In fact he has used many of these PR techniques to help him
find people who have invested millions with him.
Dale believes in
PR, and the power of a great story, so much, that he has offered hisfirst month of Raising Capital Secrets FREE to you!! When you invest in your PR
education you will receive a whole month of great business lessons on how to
raise the money your company needs to grow!
I will walk you through the SIMPLE steps you need to complete in order to prepare you and your business for growth prior to launching your PR program!
Now.......PR may NOT BE FOR EVERYONE and every business.
Here’s why/when PR doesn’t work, and what it DOES NOT DO: • You don't have a strong, interesting story: This is the bottom line: if you don’t have a good story, you won’t generate PR. I don’t care how much you put into a fancy mailing or pay a PR firm. • Poor Planning: If you don’t have your ducks in a row, including a solid business plan, unique product, strong brand identity, online presence or anything to give you credibility, PR won’t work for you until you do. No reporter will take you seriously. • PR DOES NOT generate, literally, overnight results: It is a patient process, and this is what you have to understand before embarking on PR. If you don’t have it, than hire someone to do it for you, but you’ll still need patience. • PR does not help those with a get-rich-quick frame of mind: typically these businesses don’t have everything together, anyway, to build credibility with media. They want to know that they are referring credible businesses to readers/viewers/listeners. • Lack of knowledge: If you don’t understand PR fully and its process you will quit before the results can become a reality. • You Fail Interviews: If you don’t know how to talk about your business to journalists, chances are the story won’t be as positive, or they won’t include you. There is nothing a publicist can do for you here. It’s not their fault. (I’ll give you exclusive access to my Media Training Program) • When you fail to recognize your audience and market you will spin your wheels with PR because you’ll be pitching the wrong story to the wrong media. And finally…. PR is NOT ADVERTISING!! If you hear the phrase “free advertising” in reference to PR, it doesn’t make any sense. It’s an oxymoron. THERE IS NOTHING FREE ABOUT ADVERTISING.
This is why you can’t wait one more moment to get Small Biz PR Made Easy!
Here’s what I won’t do…. I’m NOT going to spring a 300-page, or even a 150-page, e-book on you that you won’t have time to read, with a bunch of insider gobbeldygook that you need a professional to translate for you.
The goal is not to overwhelm you, but to take you through an educational process on PR one step at a time, one week at a time.
Better yet…I’m not going to overload you with information that you don’t have time to read, digest and implement. I’ll cut right to the chase and give you the tools and inside information you REALLY need to be successful. For less than you’d spend on a monthly subscription for your daily newspaper you will learn how to become your own best publicist, using weekly steps that will build upon each other until you’ve “graduated” and begun generating regular PR for your business.
Here’s what I WILL do....
• Teach you about public relations – There are so many people that don’t understand PR. I’ll give you history, tell you why it works, how it works and how to can make it work for you. • Show you how to create a newsworthy story!! • Provide you with templates for press releases and other press kit materials. Yes, there are several ways to write materials, but I’m going to give you templates I use! • Show you how to build tight relationships with the media. • Teach you HOW to PITCH your story. • Provide you with my personal interviews with journalists and media professionals. • Discuss the variety of ways to obtain PR for your business. • Prepare you for the success your business will incur with PR. • And SO MUCH MORE!!
BUT not everyone has the ability to learn basic concepts
and put them into play each week. If you DO and
you’re ready to make this happen then….
Small Biz PR Made Easy will:
1. Send you an easy to read weekly lesson with simple assignments 2. Give you FREE BONUSES to help you generate great PR 3. Easily make you an expert in PR for your business 4. Show you how to become and position yourself as expert in your industry 5. Increase sales and grow your business within one year! 6. Quickly raise the profile of your business in your industry and community 7. Increase awareness of your business amongst customers 8. Generate interest amongst new customers 9. Show you how to create ongoing opportunities for PR 10. Provide you from real advice from media professionals and those who've used PR successfully
100% Money Back Guarantee
Your Money Will Be Returned By Clickbank At The Click Of A Button If You're Unhappy
Here's the thing: Clickbank has rules that state that I have to offer you a 60-day money back guarantee, and I'm totally fine with that because I know you can’t get this kind of information ANYWHERE ELSE. Moreover, I truly stand behind my materials and know you'll be completely thrilled with the content and, more importantly, the results.
I am committed 100% to your satisfaction, so, for your peace of mind, know that a refund is available anytime for the next 60 days by simply emailing me, or Clickbank, if you are dissatisfied for any reason.
AND if you want extra, personalized help from me you can join my Premium Press Club!
Join Now While Memberships
Are Still Available... "Yes, Jennifer, I want my 3-5 page weekly lesson to learn how to start, run and grow my business with public relations! I have read and agree to the legal disclaimer below." Your initial charge is $37.00. You will then be charged $37.00/monthfor 11 months after your initial charge has been made.
YOU WILL RECEIVE YOUR FIRST LESSON INSTANTLY (Even if it's 2:00 AM on Sunday morning) You will receive an email every week with a link to
download your weekly .pdf lesson.
I mentioned this earlier, but just want to stress it one last time because I know that public relations is one of the most important marketing elements you can use to GROW your business! Small Biz PR Made Easywill show you how to produce quality PR that will grow your business. I’ll give you my expertise, tips and secrets for a small fraction of the cost you’d pay someone like me. NO ONE in the industry is offering to give you such an insider's view to PR, and if they try I promise it won't be of the same high caliber!
With only limited memberships available,
you CAN’T AFFORD TO WAIT!
The longer you wait to get started, the longer it will be
before you see REAL results for your business!
Imagine this for just a moment - The editor at your local newspaper or national publication contacts you and says “yes, we want to feature you and your business”!
Your customers will sit up and pay attention and bring
YOU THEIR BUSINESS, along with creating awareness
amongst new customers!!
If that doesn't excite you, it's probably time to go back to work for someone else, because you’re just not going to be motivated enough to complete this course and BOOST YOUR BUSINESS!
But, if this sounds exactly like what you're looking for, let's get started RIGHT NOW!
REMEMBER: All you need is one good story to the right audience to make your dream of becoming a successful small business owner come true!
Be Well,
Jennifer Fortney Publisher, Small Biz PR Made Easy President, Cascade Communications