Getting Noticed: Getting A Plug!

A publicity tip from the wise one, Sam Bushman, a few secrets along the way and a lesson about integrity. A creature of habit in almost every way imaginable, the start of a Sam Bushman day consisted of getting up, going to the door and picking up his delivered newspapers; The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Daily News. It was tradition for Sam only to have one paper delivered, until it was pointed out delivery of both papers could be a convenience. He would then sit down and first check the columnists to see if any of his "items" got a plug and then moved on to the rest of the paper. At one time Sam read over 50 newspapers a week, from first to last page and absorbed every detail to store in that photographic memory. Any errors or important facts omitted meant a phone call, placed immediately to the person writing the article. Sam was not a make a list to do later about these types of things. So early in the am, many people can fondly recall (or not) a phone call from Sam Bushman. Never condescending and always with a modicum of manners, Sam would give you a hearing should you be wrong about something written or to give additional information. His reputation for knowing everything about everything and everyone made him a legend. Sam's sacred world consisted of getting the word out and getting it right. A side note about getting the word out. This has nothing to do with "hype" a favorite of this jovial press agent. It all had to do with his integrity and respect for the written word. Hype was always an acceptable method of getting his clients exposure. A no from one columnist never deterred him and he went through his contacts until he found a place for an item.

His next phone call was to his client when there was a mention in a column or a feature story due to appear on a certain date. For years he used his reliable rotary phone and an answering service to field his calls while away from the office. He finally submitted to using an answering machine, but involved bidding adieu to rotary phones and entry into the digital arena. Step by step he learned how to use this new fangled technology. Not happy to give up reliable means of communication, he truly was amazed that first day when receiving double the amount of calls normally received. Sam had arrived to the 21st Century! He admitted he had a long way to go and witness the story of trying to add channels to his cable lineup. Another story for another time but the short version was trying to add channels with the TV remote.

This Just In:

Kudos and a thank you to Daniel Rubin, for giving Sam's Blog its first "plug". Read all about it here. Daniel Rubin's Blog is a fascinating and interesting collection of stories brilliantly put together and a "must" read.

There is also a rumor going around online I am going to have my own store soon with all kinds of swag. Oh, do you love my grasp of all this new terminology. Swag, in my generation was related to draperies. Who knew swag would come to define what the well dressed person, entity or being would proudly wear or display in the Digital Age.

Getting late and time to comb the papers for information. You never know who might call and need some background for an article. Hey did you hear about the one.....