How many of you send out newsletters, promotional emails, etc?

How many of you know if your emails are actually effective?

Do you have to scroll down the screen several times to read the entire message?

Did you spend over 2 hours crafting the message?

Do you email people that are going to consider your message spam?

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Yesterday I attended an “email marketing” workshop provided free of charge by the company Constant Contact (if you don’t know what service they provide, google them!).  It was very informative, and made me realize that not very many people know what they’re doing when they send out newsletters, and promotional emails.

A few things I learned:

• You should not spend more than 2 hrs crafting a message
• Reusing a template builds recognition
• Build readership habits by sending out email on same day/time
• In general, people take 3 seconds to read an email before deciding what to do with it (delete, archive, respond, etc)
• It’s illegal to send emails to people that have not subscribed to your newsletter

Although I would love to tell you errrything I learned at the workshop, I don’t have the time for all that, so I encourage all of you to attend when you get a chance.  Constant Contact offers workshops all across the United States, and are scheduled every month, so you have no excuses.  After the workshop, you walk away with a workbook, a copy of the presentation emailed to you, and the tools to confidently send emails to your contact list. Check this link for info on a workshop near you: http://www.constantcontact.com/local/index.jsp

Email marketing is one of the most effective ways to reach your customer, so DO take the time to make sure you’re doing it right… time is money.  Educating yourself on some basics in email marketing may be exactly what you need to increase the attendance at a show, or get better sales results.

Perhaps I’ll finally start a Papa Lo Down newsletter this year…

Homemade New Year’s Day Brunch, yummm!

2010.

New year, new decade… I’ve decided that one of the areas of my life I’d like to put more energy into is my financial health.

The first step in my plan is to pay with cash ONLY!  I know I’m not the only one tired of seeing overdraft fees appear unexpectedly like a bad rash.  By paying with cash, it forces you to manage your money more closely and doesn’t give the banks a reason to ping you a large amount over small accounting mistakes.

The next thing is to adjust my outlook on how I spend money.  Having a small business has made me realize I need to also approach my personal life like I would a small business.

income = revenue
spending = expenses
savings = profit
monthly bills (rent, phone, gas, insurance) = overhead

If you can begin managing your money like a small business, you might think twice about how and where you spend your money, and time.

There’s a lot more work involved in getting to a level of financial fitness that I feel good about, but having the intention, purpose, and setting goals, is exactly what needs to happen first.

First of the year, the decade, the beginning of financial success…!

(SF, Union Square)

UPDATE,  1/3/09 - I just came across this article from the LA Times, “Money Resolutions to make in 2010″, that has some very helpful advice about the topic of financial health.  Read it when you get a chance, it may save you $100 this year.

LINK: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-cover3-2010jan03,0,7066429,full.story

2009 is coming to an end… it’s been a beautiful year for growth and change, and risk taking.  As you may know by now graffiti living legend, Estria, is a client I’ve been working with this past year, and he also happens to be one of the key players in supporting my career move of starting my PR business. THANK YOU E!!

I wanted to share with you what he’s worked on and his accomplishments from 2009, which in turn is also a reflection of the work I’ve done this year.  I really feel blessed to be part of his team, and fortunate that I can work with a client who is responsible, ambitious, organized, and respectful, amongst other qualities, like an amazing artist, and business person, (who’s also become a mentor).

Estria worked on a total of 14 Murals this year! Lots of paint, lots of beautiful work, check out Estria’s top picks: *click on link to view full size

4 Guardians (Oakland)

Estria also traveled to Hawaii, Chicago, and Harlem, in search of the nation’s top graffiti artist. Finals were held in Oakland, CA, and the results were amazing! TDK’s very own Vogue took home the championship. Watch the official video recap:

Estria Invitational Graffiti Battle - Oakland 2009 Finals from Estria Battle on Vimeo.

A few weeks after the battle we had an in-store event at Shoe Biz on Haight St. in SF, where 20 pairs of Adidas Shelltoes and Stan-Smith kicks painted on by this year’s graffiti writers were displayed for an auction to help youth in Oakland and orphans in Africa. Shoebiz donated all proceeds to: YouthSpeaks.org and YouthAgainstPoverty.com. Watch the official video:

ShoeBizSF / Adidas x Estria Invitational Graffiti Battle from Estria Battle on Vimeo.

The year ended with the book release of “Mission Muralismo” which features work by Estria.

Birthed in the early 1970s, a provocative newstreet art scene transformed San Francisco’s legendary Mission District into an art epicenter that crosses popular culture, fine art and political audiences. “Mission Muralismo,” is an ever-growing movement of accomplished street art combining elements of Mexican mural painting, surrealism, pop art, urban punk, eco-warrior, cartoon, and guerilla graffiti that has catapulted many San Francisco artists into the international spotlight.

Featuring over 500 full-color photographs and 30 essays, including artistsEstria, R. Crumb, Shepard Fairey, Swoon, Barry McGee (TWIST), Rigo, and Spain Rodriguez, Street Art San Francisco comprehensively exposes more than three decades of this expansive and vibrant public art movement. www.missionmuralismo.com

So what’s next??

We’re working on it… you’ll hear back from me soon!  Thanks to everyone for their continued support! Also, you can catch the Estria Invitational Graffiti Battle on FUEL TV in a few weeks!

Show will air - Monday, January 11th at 6pm PST/9pm EST and later again that evening at 9pm PST/12am EST. www.fueltv.com

I’m gonna test out a new segment on the Papa Lo Down blog, for folks to ask me questions, advice, etc. entitled “Dear Abby”.  Please email me paloma@papalodown.com and I will answer you to the best of my ability, so holla atcha girl!  (fun fact - I was in a movie called LUMPIA and played a character named “Abby”.)

So, a few weeks ago someone hit me up with questions surrounding her role and responsibilities as a manager to a new group.  Her main question:

“I feel like for the most part, they can manage themselves. But for them to be brought to another level, I believe that’s where I come in. For now, we’ve discussed my role as manager which includes taking up the tasks of: setting up a calendar of deadlines, gigs and what not; being their representative and liaison when someone wants to book them; and promoting them in any way I can (facebook, twitter, youtube, one-sheets, etc.). I think I’ve got that down, but here’s my question:

To what extent should I be there with them? Like is it necessary that I’m with them at all meetings they attend with other people and also, should I know EVERYTHING that is going on with them as a group? Say, if someone decides to make shirts for them, should I be there in the process of it all? Like really… to what extent should I be there for them? ‘Cause there goes that fine line. I don’t want to barge in or intrude if they don’t want me to be there, but at the same time, it feels like I should.”

Well… It depends. How invested are both parties? Do you want to be involved in every detail?  As a manager, you should be at all meetings, and part of every decision making process.  And yes, even at rehearsals and recording sessions.  One of the reasons for this is so that you’re all on the same page.  This is also your research, you have to know your client inside and out, because this will help you make the best decisions for them in the long run. And make sure they’re getting work done, that other people involved are being productive.

BUT, if your gut feeling is saying you’re wasting your time, and your stressing yourself out, you can step back and become a “project manager” or maybe you’re the “booking manager” or “PR manager”.  Breaking up the responsibilities in smaller sections is easier to handle, and defines what it is you are supposed to do, so everyone is clear.

Here are my tips:

- define your role and responsibility like you would a job description. Leave no room for confusion.
- Schedule monthly meetings, to re-evaluate progress, etc.
- Write out a contract/agreement!! This is IMPORTANT!! I don’t care if they are your family or bff’s. Having a written and signed agreement, makes everything that much more real, and holds folks accountable.

As a manager, you are the leader, and you’re on call 24/7, 365/year. And your client needs to respect that, they need to feel confident in giving up some power to you, that you’re making decisions and giving feedback with their best interest in mind.  If they can’t respect you, if they give you grief, then move on, or don’t give yourself that title.

In conclusion, I think this particular manager needs to change her role to a booking manager, and keep it simple. She is still learning the ropes herself, and without any industry background, you will find it frustrating to take on the full role of manager. Take on small roles little by little. Research everything you can about booking, then licensing, and touring, and publicity, and publishing, and networking, etc. It’s a lot!!

Also, if you don’t see this line of work in your future, if you don’t see the entertainment industry as a long term career choice, you might want to reconsider all the time, money, and energy you have to invest.  Supporting your homies can still happen without managing them, and driving yourself crazy…

Lately I’ve been writing a lot of bio’s, so I decided to share my process…

First thing I do is ask the client to write up their bio in their own words.  Nobody knows you better than yourself, and I can’t make things up out of thin air.  Next, I edit the information and construct it to be concise, informative, and captivating.

Media and industry professionals do not have a lot of time to waste reading someone’s entire life story in the bio, that’s what interviews and FAQ’s are for, so you want to capture their attention and give the key points quickly.

The main points to remember are:

It’s difficult to keep pushing forward, when money is tight, and all these uncontrollable factors bombard you from staying focused on your goals, and it’s easy to burn out.

I’ve been there, I’m there every few weeks, lol!  It’s a constant checks and balances to keep yourself in a healthy space that will nurture a positive environment to stay focused and motivated.

some things I do, that may help you:

1. Eat Healthy - I cook as many meals as I can, or eat home cooked meals provided by family and friends.  Eating out is NOT healthy! even if it is organic.  The actual act of choosing ingredients, washing, prepping, cooking, AND cleaning up after, has become a soothing exercise to get out of the work space. Having time to reflect, and just clear your head, and fill your stomach with good energy, keeps me happy, and sane. (Plus, you save hella money making your own meals.)

homemade sweet potato garlic fries! Happy Hour can happen at home too.

2. Run/Walk - Spending time outside, breathing, heart beat racing, is necessary for your body to maintain itself. If you don’t like to run, at least go for a walk (preferably surrounded by nature).  Your body is connected to your brain (duh!), so don’t just focus on one area too much, find balance in physical activities, that gives your brain a rest from thinking about everything on your to do list. Sometimes clarity comes along after a good running session…

Imagine how relaxed you will feel after climbing up to see this view…

3. Dream Big! - Ruby and I constantly daydream about what our future will look, smell, taste, and feel like… ”Thoughts become reality!” (Ruby wanted me to tell you that), so think about what it is you’re going after, envision your ideal life.  From your career, how much money you make, your family life, where you plan on traveling, all the little details, and big ideas, matter.  Once you think about something, it can manifest to reality! Your thought process is the fuel that the universe needs to create those opportunities for you.

Over the rainbow… dreams come true!

December 26, 2007 - I wrote my first blog post on Papa Lo Down.  Thought I would repost this first entry. It’s been almost two years since I wrote it.

All Up In My Blogoshphere

I’m glad I can say I stayed true to myself, along the way… :)

Yup, Ruby is ready to get back on the road! She’s settled into NYC, and now we’re gonna bring it worldwide! We’re focusing on workshops, event hosting, and key note speaking engagements, as well as re-publishing her book “Miss Universe”!

Quick update - I’ve taken on the role as not just her Publicist, but her Booking Manager too! (I quit my day job for a reason folks, lol)  I got to spend some time with Ruby in NY a few weeks ago, which helped us get into work mode and plan out 2010, we’re very excited, can you tell?

FOR MORE INFO ABOUT BOOKING RUBY CHECK HERE

MADE Jewelry has become a recent partner in crime here at Papa Lo Down, I love working with the women involved with the brand!

As some of you may know already, I’ve taken on the responsibility to assist MADE with their West Coast accounts, and I’m very excited about the new collection “L&VEHATE”.  There are beautiful pieces throughout , and what has easily become a MADE trademark design, the half hoop/half chain earring, is one of my favorites!

Check it out folks, a MADE present for the holidays would be perfect… for yourself :)

Don’t forget to download the soundtrack for the latest collection:

ps. I told you guys I was going to get involved with the Fashion Industry again ;)

I’ve been watching the iLL crew work on this musical project for over a year now, and although I haven’t been as involved this time around, watching from the outside has been just as exciting.

iLL-Literacy always seems to impress me with not only their artistic direction, but their business savvy thought process.  For the release of their first album (ever), they took their promotional campaign to the digital streets, and created a viral campaign that values QUALITY over QUANTITY.

Discussing this with Drizzletron the other day, we both agreed that getting a feature on a blog, magazine, etc., has more value when the person writing about the album actually listened to it, as opposed to just copy and paste features.  With over 50 blogs invested in iLL-Literacy for this campaign, the sonic virus that is iB4the1.1, is sure to make a few folks iLL out there. (sorry, i can’t help making these puns!)

I’m excited to see how iB4the1.1 pushes iLL-Literacy to the next level in their career… watch, listen, partake in all that is iLL…

iLL-Literacy Experience: The Live Show from ill-literacy on Vimeo.

screen shot from iLL-Literacy website