I’m a man of science.  I’ve had my vaccines.  My parents were people of science.  I had all my childhood vaccines.  That doesn’t mean I don’t believe in the un-seen.  As a child I believed in Santa Claus, and as an adult I believe in a benevolent energy guiding our souls.   Also, I believe in UFOs. 

There, I said it.  I believe there is other life in the universe.  This belief is based on science.  Statistically, it is too far fetched that we are alone in the vast expanse.  The mathematical probability of life on another planet, in another galaxy, in another universe is just too great to ignore. 

Now, it might not be life as we know it.  It was probably divine intervention that put the atoms together on Earth that formed life that evolved into what we have now.  Life on another planet might take the form of something we’ve never considered, or maybe it’s what we know of as trees that are at the top of the food chain on another rock hurdling through space. 

Television and movies have certainly given us our fair share of what life from outer space could look like.  From My Favorite Martian to Mork and Mindy to ALF, aliens have walked and talked among us. 

A favorite movie of mine, from any genre, is The Day The Earth Stood Still.  This movie has a lesson for all people from all planets of peace.  This movie is a 70-year-old reminder of how fear can overrule thinking, and when people let anxiety of the unknown overpower them, they make bad decisions. 

The most famous line from the movie might be: “Gort, klaatu barada nikto,” but my favorite is: “I am fearful when I see people substituting fear for reason.”

Well, don’t worry.  It was last Sunday, when we were all celebrating a much better-known National Day. 

It’s no secret that I love National [X] Day/Week/Month.  This is the easiest way for anyone to get publicity at least once a year.  There’s a day designated for every topic, each expertise, every thought out there.  And, on the rare occasion there isn’t, just make one!

About a week before the day of designation, send out a press release to your local media.  Not to the on-air personalities or writers/columnists, but to the producers, bookers, and or editors.  Tell them something interesting about the day.  Don’t lead with your bio.  They don’t care.  Give them something their readership/viewers will care about.  A stimulating statistic, or a controversial stance, is what they know their audience will find interesting.  Do this in the format of bullet points, make it easy for them to read at a glance and still get the gist. 

Put in a quote they can copy/paste into their outlet.  News moves fast these days; you’ve got to make it easy on them.  Of course, make it your quote.   No point in quoting another author or thought-leader.  The point is to make you the go-to expert on the topic. 

Then, put in your bio.  Give them some credentials.  This is where the publicity comes in; everything above your bio should be content-driven for their audience.  Even though the purpose is to get you publicity, it isn’t about you, it’s about the producer/editor’s viewer/reader.  That’s what they care about and that’s how you’re going to get interviews, by appealing to their needs. 

And, of course, include your contact information and be available.  Don’t send out a press release and then get on a five-hour flight.  If they want to interview you, they’ll want to do it fast!

So, since today, May 11, is National “Eat What You Want Day” and National “Twilight Zone” Day, which fall during National “Craft Beer” Week, I’m going to put out some snacks to binge-watch Rod Serling and crack a cold-one.

Picture it…Orlando, FL, 2006!  A young Russell Trahan, having been with PR/PR Public Relations for less than a year, is attending his first NSA Summer Convention (that’s what they called them back then).  Client Laurie Brown comes up to Russell before he’s even done helping set up the PR/PR booth, and drags him off, telling him, “You’re going to join the Cigar PEG!”  Without knowing what that was, our hero still joins because when a client tells you to do it, you do! 

That has led to a career-long love affair with the Cigar PEG’s Philanthropy through Fun.  I personally joined every year at every annual Summer Convention/Influence, until I bought the agency in 2011 and then I had PR/PR become a Benefactor! 

The Cigar PEG contributions are too numerous to list, as are the wonderful people involved.  However, none of this could have happened without the captain at the helm, put your hands together for Co-Founder, CEO, & Executive Director: Ed Rigsbee!

As we’ve all learned to adapt and grow this past year, so has the Cigar PEG.  Ed has recently added a Speaker Showcase to the offerings of the Philanthropy through Fun group.  Association Executives and your fellow speakers will be listening!  The fee is minimal, but the potential is huge.

Ed might be the “Association Whisper” for NSA, but they’re listening to him loud and clear, and he can help your voice be heard, too!