Pierce Mattie Public Relations New York & Los Angeles

Please be sure to visit the NEW Pierce Mattie Public Relations blog on its new URL, just add the word "public relations" after Pierce Mattie and omit the word blogs: www.piercemattiepublicrelations.com

Other Pierce Mattie PR Division Blog Locations:
Beauty Pro A professional beauty and cosmetics industry blog.
The Fashion Rag Fashion, design and style blog co-written by Jason Jobson and Shannon Nelson.
The Jewelry PR Division Jewelry, precious metal and accessory industry blog.
The Fitness PR Division Our sports fitness, health and club industry blog.
The Industry Dirt Blog Media Industry Blog.

See you there!

If you are anything like me, our roller coaster economy is really on your mind right now. For we all know, when things begin to go downhill, the domino effect comes into play--consumers cut back on spending...brands start making difficult choices-- cut the budget for advertising or cut the budget for PR. For those of us in the luxury PR market there is concern as luxury sales dropped 6.5% in 2007. With all media outlets crying, “Recession!” what does that mean for the fate of PR?

In the last few weeks I’ve had this discussion over and over and assuming I would hear fears that PR will face major cut backs, I instead heard the opposite—brands will need us now more than ever. Advertising alone won’t prompt a consumer to purchase a product; it will be through relationships developed with the consumer through online communities, social media, viral PR and trusted editors that will encourage brand awareness and perceived value. There’s no argument that consumers are becoming savvier to the spin of an advertisement. While it may foster interest in a given product, it further purports inquires about it through friends (word of mouth) and heading online to find reviews/opinions about said product. This is where our relationship with the public comes into play.

I do think brands will be more reserved in choosing a PR firm, maybe instead opting for a lesser known firm with lower fees than the more experienced powerhouses that typically charge more. We’ll see more shopping around than we have before, prompting us all to become more creative with our abilities. It’ll be interesting and nail biting, but I suspect-- we will survive.

How do you think public relations will fare in a recession?

Pierce Mattie Public Relations has comprised a list of the hottest magazines ranging from industry leaders, quickly emerging stand outs, as well as publications that will be launching in 2008.

2. Esquire: Not only can Esquire boast a circulation bordering on the 1 million mark, but their website is ranked #2 by MinOnline.com for achieving the highest page views (4,417,927) and unique visitor count gains for a magazine brand in 2007.

3. Domino: With home magazines on the rise, Domino is emerging as a stand out publication. Under the helm of Editor in Chief Deborah Needleman, Domino has found success in relating to readers who are just as savvy about the style of their home as they are to the fashion that they wear.

4. Brides: Bridal magazine titles have increased 96% since 2002 and Brides magazine still has remained a powerhouse with the highest circulation, leading the way among their competitors.

5. Cookie: Parents who aren’t looking to compromise on style and aesthetics have found the perfect outlet in Cookie. Increasingly popular among fashionista’s who have graduated on to motherhood, Cookie’s focus on style, beauty and home décor has resonated with a sophisticated audience.

6. Real Simple: Time is a luxury and Real Simple has struck a chord with female readers looking to simplify their hectic lives. In this fast paced society, this easy to read publication continues to surge in popularity bordering on a circulation just shy of 2 million.

7. W: The fashion bible of the industry has been and will always be a must-read magazine. Those in the know are readers of W.

8. Genlux: Regional magazines are among the fastest growing in the publishing industry; in fact they were king in 2007 as the largest magazine category while Luxury magazines had the second highest launch rate in 2007. Genlux is the best of both worlds as a Los Angeles luxury-driven magazine; it’s the one magazine that has both editors and consumers raving.

9. Conde Nast Portfolio: This business publication for the influential executive trendsetters already has a circulation of 350,000 and it’s only been on newsstands less than 12 months. The business community is applauding Editor in Chief, Joanne Lipman, for this must-read that is sure to continue being hot in 2008.

10. Nylon: Nylon is the thinking fashionista’s style magazine. Consumers respond to Nylon’s smart writing and substance-based editorial.

Continue reading "Pierce Mattie PR Names the Top 20 Hottest Publications To Watch In 2008" »

I find it quite interesting that the bubbly blonde Chrissy from Three’s Company has blossomed into this uber brand we call Suzanne Somers. Suzanne is a branding success story that I find amazing and inspiring. Not to be pigeon holed as a dumb blonde, Somers intelligence, ambition, hard work and determination have made her a force to be reckoned with—and when Hollywood tried to put her down, she showed them what makes someone a great leader is overcoming obstacles and learning from your mistakes.

Suzanne Somers’ entrepreneurial spirit has lead her to author several books including several diet and self help books, as well as fashion, jewelry, beauty, diet and exercise products. Never one to let an opportunity pass her by, she has also further branched out into direct sales with “Suzanne,” where consultants can hold parties to earn money while selling Suzanne’s products.

Despite rib poking around the Thigh Master when it first came out, Suzanne is the person who comes to mind when you think back to when infomercials began. That Thigh Master, by the way, continues to be one of the best selling products for Somers. Launching her into the health and fitness industry, Somers has also found success with Somersize (which I hear has some very tasty desserts!)

Honestly, I’m pretty sure I could go on and on about all of the fabulous lines of products that are part of the Suzanne Somers empire. You’ve got to admit, Suzanne Somers is a pretty impressive brand that really doesn’t show any signs of slowing down.

What’s your take? Is Suzanne Somers a branding genius (or did she just have a really great publicist)?

While it is true that many New Year's resolutions fall by the wayside come February, make a firm commitment to your success this year by writing a list of resolutions that you will in turn transform into long term goals. In an effort to avoid grandiose and often elusive resolutions, we here at Pierce Mattie PR have compiled a top 10 list of public relations resolutions that will effectively help you stay focused on the bigger picture without sabotaging your drive to succeed should you meet with any obstacles along the way.

Desire is the key to motivation, but it's the determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal -- a commitment to excellence -- that will enable you to attain the success you seek." Mario Andretti

1. I will no longer send out press releases. Instead I will send out "news" releases and do so at least once a week.

2. I will commit to take the time to personalize my pitches with several different versions of the news releases to the niche media I am sending it to.

3. I will make a habit out of not pitching to bloggers, but will converse with them instead.

4. I will develop PR campaigns that tell a story with an innovative and/or compelling angle.

5. I will utilize social networking and the blogosphere with transparency, not as just another venue for press.

6. I will commit to being an active listener to my client, to the consumer, and throughout web 2.0. Listening leads to questions, questions lead to conversations, conversations develop relationships.

7. I will commit to making 20 phone calls per day.

8. I will commit to setting micro-goals that are achievable on a weekly basis so that I don't sabotage my motivation to succeed.

9. I will focus on quality exposure for my client instead of quantity.

10. I will invest time to research and educate myself on Web 2.0 and all of its additional folksonomies so that disjointed media is no longer an obstacle to my success.

What are your PR resolutions for 2008?

PRESS ROOM: Los Angeles California, December 28, 2007: LA Boxing, a new concept in the health and fitness industry, has appointed Pierce Mattie Public Relations to spearhead their fitness public relations campaign throughout 2008. Pierce Mattie Public Relations, known for its innovative communication methods and trailblazing campaigns, will begin the campaign this month assisting LA Boxing to gain more exposure for their 94 franchise locations across the country, as well as their upcoming fashion apparel line that will launch in 2008.

LA Boxing, which opened its doors in 2002 with a unique fitness approach to personal fitness, offers high intensity, full body workouts featuring classes in boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts. These classes, known for their 1000 calorie-burn, are led by instructors who have a passion for their sport and are the top in their field.

LA Boxing caters to both males and females ages 25-45 years old offering the same workout to both sexes, as well as a Diet Club that is free to its members. LA Boxing sells USA Boxing-approved equipment and features gloves by Main Event. They are also the official sponsor of the International Fight League (IFL), the world’s first team-based professional mixed martial arts league.

We felt Pierce Mattie PR’s state-of-the-art media tools and innovative strategies, as well as their proven track record of success, were just what we were looking for to develop brand awareness for LA Boxing, making them an easy choice,” said Anthony Geisler, President of LA Boxing.

To learn more about LA Boxing visit or call toll free 1-866-LABOXING.

To find out what Pierce Mattie Public Relations can do for your brand, learn more about us at www.piercemattie.com or by calling 323-469-5500.

Pierce Mattie PR’s annual Publicist of the Year Award was recently held to recognize the senior publicist whose efforts stood out in 2007. Nominations were made internally by the Pierce Mattie team and by the firm’s clients then sent to an outside judging company who tallied the votes from the media. Publicists were notified of their award the night of the ceremony.

The criteria were based on the publicist(s) who had demonstrated the following:

Advocacy: Best guidance while on desk-sides or media tours.
Tenacity: Editors were able to call in the last hour & get a quote for a story.
Creativity: Most original pitch and press copy.
Resourcefulness: Able to put an entire broadcast segment together for editors & the media with their client portfolio.
Respect: Always follows up without being aggressive.

Maryam Zarkesh, Brand Director in the Los Angeles office, took home the award for Publicist of the Year with 26% of the votes. Maryam has worked on fashion and beauty brands such as Old Navy, GlyDerm, STAGR, Solidea, and ReVive Skin Care. Her clients are often seen in Allure Magazine, Glamour Magazine, and US Weekly to name a few. Zarkesh was awarded a six day and five night trip for two to Paris with full accommodations paid by Pierce Mattie Public Relations, Inc. The Runner's up received cash prizes from American Express and Neiman Marcus.

Continue reading "Pierce Mattie Public Relations Awards Maryam Zarkesh as 2007 Publicist of the Year" »

Online communities have become a major part in everyone’s lives. It is a growing trend that has become increasingly important for both young and old to have a place to communicate, network and share a piece of their personal lives. Among these online sites, social networks with a door policy have made their mark among those seeking a higher quality way of life. Building and exclusive network requires all the right connections and eVelvetRope has emerged as the pioneer in the luxury lifestyle category of social networking.

eVelvetRope provides an opportunity to reach a very specific demographic. It is an ideal vehicle for the targeted campaigns of lifestyle brands and services. This social network offers unique and highly effective promotional tools that enable event professionals to connect with their preferred audience. eVelvetRope members include entrepreneurs, world travelers, restaurateurs, leaders in online media, fashion, entertainment, medicine and many other professions.

eVelvetRope is an exclusive community of individuals with an affinity for cuisine, nightlife and leisure. By profiling members’ dining and nightlife preferences, eVelvetRope makes it easy to share recommendations of fellow members. eVelvetRope unites restaurateurs with foodies and wine lovers, fashionistas with designers, club owners with club goers and helps socialites keep up with each other’s social plans.

Continue reading "eVelvetRope: An Exclusive Online Community" »

PRESS ROOM Los Angeles, California December 12, 2007: Pierce Mattie Public Relations is pleased to announce that it has promoted Kim Tobman from Senior Account Executive to Account Director. Kim will now oversee clients who want to focus on larger public relations strategies and events.

This promotion comes as a result of a long standing track record of success for securing top tier press for such clients as Old Navy, GUESS handbags and ReVive Skin Care. Kim’s strong commitment to the success of the brand’s she oversees has been a proven formula for achieving greater brand awareness and improving brand value.

For more information on what Pierce Mattie PR’s talented and creative team of Account Executives can do for your company, visit www.PierceMattie.com or call 212-243-1431.

Syd Curry is an amazingly talented hair stylist. Syd's career in the beauty industry has spanned 3 decades working on celebrities such as Debbie Harry, Ashley Judd, Madonna, Charlize Theron, Mariah Carey and Cindy Crawford. His trademark hair styles have graced celebrities at iconic events like The Academy Awards, The Emmy’s and The Grammy’s while his work has been published in every major magazine domestically and abroad. He was the creative behind the "black bob" wig for the model featured in George Michael’s video “Father Figure” and at present you can see his craftsmanship on Nicolette Sheridan as she graces the cover of Prestige Magazine. Syd Curry is talented, creative, innovative, but most of all...inspiring.

Speaking publicly for the first time, Syd Curry granted me access into his rise to the top, hitting rock bottom and how determination can never keep a good man down.

Shannon: When did you first realize that you had a talent for styling hair?

Syd Curry: At a very young age, it was just something I could always do. I started beauty school at 16 in Simi Valley, California. I was the only boy in school at the time and I took a lot of flack for it, but I was a good stylist and the boys who gave me the hardest time stopped when their mothers and sisters started coming to me.

Shannon: Did you ever think that it would take you all over the world?

Syd: No never. Who thinks that someday you’ll be going all over the world because you have a talent for doing hair? I had traveled all over the United States but when I worked for Mariah Carey I was lucky enough to travel all over Europe and to Japan. Billy B who was her make up artist at the time introduced us so it was amazing getting to see the world with my best friend. Ask him about the earthquake in Japan someday!

Shannon: How were you discovered?

Syd: My friend Ricky Castro needed hair done for a story in LA Weekly—we were shooting in a graveyard and old theater and his agent came by and asked me to call her. My first print work was with Matthew Rolston and one of my first videos was for Buster Pointdexter in Las Vegas—this is where I met Billy B.

Shannon: What do you feel are the two most important products when styling hair?

Syd: Of course products are always important, a good hairspray and something to “set” the hair, but for me having the right tools are key. Irons, hot rollers good brushes and a tail comb. I’m old school and almost every thing I do comes out of the “sets” I learned in Beauty School, even if its beach hair I start out pin curling the hair. Of course I can do a straight, flat look, but what fun is that? But getting back to your question, if it works for me I use it. I don’t care if it cost fifty cents or fifty dollars.

Continue reading "Pierce Mattie Public Relations Interviews Celebrity Hair Stylist, Syd Curry" »