Really Got the Christmas Spirit This. Year!

I drive transit in Port Hope part time. A young man that is a passenger was telling me how because of the recent covid issues his mom, who is in a wheelchair and lives in Peterborough, had to cancel the family Christmas get together and he had no way to get up to see her and exchange gifts.  He mentioned he hadnt seen her in a year. I offered to take him up after my shift. Yesterday I took him up. The look on his and his mother's face was awesone. I waited in my car while they had a short visit then drove him home. Put me  in the Christmas spirit! Merry Christmas all!

Why Press Releases Are More Important Than Ever

Why Press Releases Are More Important Than Ever

Press releases have changed a lot over the years, especially since businesses have realized the importance of online marketing. But to use a press release effectively, there are some strategies. Here are some of the main reasons press releases have become so important:

Announcing a new product or service. If you want to announce a new product or service, you can draft a press release and immediately get your news found on all major search engines and social media networks by using a press release distribution service. This also enables you to target thousands of journalists.

Improving brand image. Because it has become so easy to publish and distribute a press release, companies can easily send out as many press releases as they want. Publishing more press releases more often is a good way to improve your brand's image.

Images help drive interest. Press releases now include images, videos and other multimedia, which means you can convey your message and news stories in more interesting ways than ever before.

Instant world-wide distribution. Before online press releases had became common, most press releases were sent only to journalists. If not deemed worthy of press mention, they lived in a binder, on someone's desk or in a building lobby. Now a press release can be distributed to millions of people around the world instantly through email and social media.

Expanding public knowledge. By adding links to other Web pages within a press release, companies can direct readers to even more information about what they do.

Viral possibilities. An online press release can go viral if people start sharing it over social media networks, thereby creating a buzz that was never possible with traditional press releases.

Portability and convenience. People can read a press release anywhere on the Web or on their smartphones.

Search engine optimization. By using specific keywords relating to your business, you can optimize your press release so people can easily access your company information through search engine use.

If you would like to learn more, send me a message!

What's Your Story?

 Do you or your organization have a great story? The passion, drive, and ambition that brought it to be? Whether you are just starting or celebrating a milestone, you should consider a media release!

A media release will spread your story and get people to know who you are, why you came to be, and what you do. Media releases are an effective and economical marketing tool.

I can help with...

Release Creation and Design

Release Targeting and Distribution

Release Followup and Promotion

Release Social Integration

Whether you want your release seen locally, regionally, provincially, nationally, or internationally, I can help make that happen.

I have been helping organizations with this for over 20 years.

If interested, send me a message for more information!

Never Give Up

Through the years I have had some really great jobs as a professional career. However, just as things would get going, life would step in. Separation, divorce, single parenthood... twice! I choose raising my kid right and being there for them rather then totally dedicate myself to my professional career and some businesses management did not take kindly to it.. so.. I was bought out or let go...

Then as I was getting back into the swing of things... Cancer hit... another career killed... but... the cancer is gone. Then Covid came right after that. LOL...

I'm sure the universe is trying to send me a message... just not sure what it is....

I will keep trying though to find that ever evasive "forever job." May never find it... but the journey sure is fun and interesting... Especially with my awesome wife Lorraine...

Never give up on your goals my friends... I know I won't!

I Am A Multipotentialite

A Multipotentialite, also known as a polymath, renaissance person, jack of all trades, generalist, scanner and puttylike, is a person with many interests, passions, skills, talents and experience.  I am a Multipotentialite.

Over the years my passions and interests had led me to have education, skill sets and experience in strategic plans, business plans, marketing plans, branding, non profits and charitable organizations,  retail, healthcare, manufacturing, mortgages, technology, finance/accounting, forex trading, cryptocurrency, mediation, private investigation, life coaching, music, stand up comedy, entertainment, event management, web sites, emceeing, lost pets, volunteering, social media, digital marketing, media and public relations and much more.

To some this may seem unfocused or wrong, but the world is realizing that these type of people have an amazing ability. I use mine to help others.  Sometimes as a paying job.  Sometimes as a volunteer or to lend a helping hand.  But the ultimate goal and usual result is that I do help.

If you got a problem, I don't care what it is... I can help! If I can't help, I know someone who can!

There is nothing I can't do... There is nothing I can't learn.

Send me a private message if you would like to see if I can help you!

Ideas for Legions to Raise Funds

While mowing the lawn today I had a thought... well... I have lots of thoughts... but this is one I can share. Legions that are looking to raise funds should think about a few possible events. The first would be Tribute Talent Challenge. Singers would enter as their favourite artist... dead or alive... and dress, act and sing a song of theirs. Their would be a prize for each winner where there was at least two people competing. Elvis... Neil Diamond... Patsy Cline... Johnny Cash.... whomever. There could also be an overall winner for all those competing. Judging could be based on singing, stage presence, overall entertainment value, etc. Include a karaoke screen if you want.. because who cares... its about entertainment and raising funds. Some will use it... some won’t. Make it an event where you charge a fee to enter, as well as admission to watch the event. Have prices for Legion members and non-Legion members. Use the entry fee for the prize money. Would really not be that hard to do and it's just a little bit different then regular Karaoke. Over the years I have used Karaoke as a basis for various entertainment events... The Ajax Legion Karaoke League... Ajax Legion Karaoke Idol... World Karaoke Challenge Federation... Battle of the Sexes... Survivor Karaoke... to name a few... The second is an open mic. Let those that want to come in and do a standup comedy routine. Same concept really. Charge an entry fee and admission fee. It would be a different type of entertainment. You could expand on this and make it a variety show night... any entertainment allowed to enter. Yes I could do the sound and coordination on any of the above, but you may have your favourite entertainer that you would like to support. Just make sure you let me know you are having the event so I can share the info... and maybe enter! Stay well... Rob MacArthur The Multipotentialite #legion #rotary

Respect the Entertainer

 For over twenty years now I have been involved in either entertaining, or coordinating the entertainment, for events around Ontario. A trend I did not like back at the start seems to be getting worse. Entertainers are still constantly being asked to provide their services free for fundraising events.

Although these events and their causes can be very worthwhile, I feel it is an insult and lack of respect to the entertainers. These entertainers such as bands, musicians, solo artist, duets, buskers, magicians, dj’s, and karaoke hosts have spent a lot of time and/or money to become an entertainer. They have everyday living expenses just like everyone else. It seems strange that we ask someone to work for free to help support someone else financially.

When I started coordinating entertainment and production for events, I made it very clear that I would not be involved if they were looking for free entertainment. I would only be involved if there was some sort of budget to pay the entertainers for their time and effort, even if it was just an honourarium to help cover expenses. Most of the time I would coordinate the entertainment, stage and production, even emcee, for free. But, if they wanted us to perform, there would have to be some sort of pay being received. In addition, I usually end up helping with social media, digital marketing, and media and public relations as a bonus.

We have a good rule of thumb when trying to decide to donate our services. If absolutely no company, person, or service is getting paid for their work, product or service at the event, then we would consider doing it for free as well.

Some entertainers will donate their pay back, as we have done in the past. But, that is their decision, not the events. For some entertainers what they do is their full time job. For others it is a side job. Certainly there is an element of passion in what they do, but for most, especially in these times, they need the money to survive. I doubt anyone that has a regular full time job would donate their time or pay cheque to the business they work for, so why are entertainers asked to do it so often?

I do understand that for the organizations holding the events to raise awareness or funds, that budgets can be a challenge as well. Decide on what you can afford and put it out there. At least you are making an offer and the entertainers themselves can make the decision to accept that offer or not. Alternatively, look for sponsors to cover entertainment costs and co-brand them with the entertainment. Many organizations have successfully done this to help cover the costs of entertainment, stage and sound.

In summary, make the effort to offer something for entertainment to show that you respect them and their craft.

If anyone is looking for a duet, full band, DJ, karaoke host, or entertainment coordinator, give me a call. Besides what I do, I have a list a mile long of entertainers.

Rob MacArthur
A Multipotentialite

Fundraising in These Times

 

There are so many organizations looking for donations and funding these days. Whether they be charitable organizations, non-profits, or even special interest groups.

With so many looking for support, you have to stand above the rest... offer something special... interesting... and with some possibility of return. Silent auctions are a good way of doing this. I found a Canadian organization that provides turn key solutions.

Check them out at https://www.silentauctioncompany.com/

Today's Human Trafficking News in Canada - 02/25/2021

Rotary Action Group Against Slavery(RAGAS) Canada Today's Human Trafficking News in Canada - Please Share!

Schools inconsistent in teaching students about sex trafficking in Canada - https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-schools-inconsistent-in-teaching-students-about-sex-trafficking-in/

Timmins police charge Toronto area man with human trafficking - https://northernontario.ctvnews.ca/timmins-police-charge-toronto-area-man-with-human-trafficking-1.5322168

Rob MacArthur - Canadian Coordinator Rotary Action Group Against Slavery

Today's Human Trafficking News in Canada - 02/24/2021

Rotary Action Group Against Slavery(RAGAS) Canada Today's Human Trafficking News in Canada - Please Share!

How human traffickers use 'corridors' to isolate victims, evade police - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/human-trafficking-corridors-new-report-halifax-moncton-1.5924616

Alberta RCMP raises awareness of the dangers of human trafficking - https://rdnewsnow.com/2021/02/23/alberta-rcmp-raises-awareness-of-the-dangers-of-human-trafficking/

Study confirms 401 major artery for sex trafficking - https://lfpress.com/news/local-news/study-confirms-401-major-artery-for-human-trafficking

New website sheds light on human trafficking in Thunder Bay - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/thunder-bay-human-trafficking-1.5923240

Rob MacArthur Canadian Coordinator Rotary Action Group Against Slavery https://ragas.online/

Today's Human Trafficking News in Canada - 02/23/2021

Today's Human Trafficking News in Canada

Ontario announces new legislation in fight against human trafficking - https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/ontario-announces-new-legislation-in-fight-against-human-trafficking-1.5318669

How Canada’s sex traffickers evade capture and isolate victims to prevent their escape - https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-how-canadas-sex-traffickers-evade-capture-and-isolate-victims-to/

Morning Update: New report analyzes sex trafficking transport networks - https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-morning-update-new-report-analyzes-sex-trafficking-transport-networks/

Video: How a sex-trafficking survivor is now helping others to break free - https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/video-how-a-sex-trafficking-survivor-is-now-helping-others-to-break-free/

Anti-human trafficking campaign brings billboards to Muskoka's Highway 11 - https://www.northbaynipissing.com/news-story/10335911-anti-human-trafficking-campaign-brings-billboards-to-muskoka-s-highway-11/

Rob MacArthur

Canadian Coordinator

https://ragas.online/