Press

Ever wonder why the media isn’t responding to your pitches? Austin Cross breaks down some of the reasons journalists  may be ignoring you.

Some highlights-

I probably won’t respond to your pitch if:

• Your guest uses the word “guru” in their description.

• Your guest has only one Google result: their website, which, strangely enough, reads a lot like your pitch.

• Your email address is a Gmail, Yahoo or AOL. This just smacks of illegitimacy. What, are you sitting at your kitchen table in slippers right now too?

He closes with a quick shout-out to some marvelous PR folks whom he wouldn’t hesitate to call, a short list which includes our own Lolo Siderman.

The full article is a must-read for anyone in Public Relations:

http://muckrack.com/daily/2014/01/30/i-wont-respond-to-your-pitch-if/

From the article Silicon Beach Attracts a Tidal Wave of Tech Talent:

Co-working spaces also tend to host community-oriented events, enabling networking and further blurring the line between workspace and community. Taking the concept of co-working a step further is the idea of co-living. “Tech people work crazy long hours,” says Lolo Siderman, founder of Gypsywing Media, a branding, PR, and marketing agency with a focus on tech and beauty. “One of my clients bought a house together and they stay up all night coding.”

Read the full article by Jenna Rose Robbins by clicking below:

http://blog.shuttersonthebeach.com/silicon-beach-attracts-a-tidal-wave-of-tech-talent/

From the full post on Mashable: Lolo Siderman, founder and CEO of design and marketing agency Gypsywing Media, shared that when dealing with remote employees, communications should be planned and structured to bring a level of consistency and clarity. “Any failure to clearly and thoroughly communicate can lead to a huge number of wasted hours, inaccurate results and ultimately unhappy clients — which all add up to money lost for the business.”

Another consideration in planning communications is the use of written documentation. “When we send a list of changes to one of our web developers, she will go through the list one-by-one and provide a written update on the status of each item before sending back,” says Siderman explains, . It is almost guaranteed that a number of changes would be missed, or misinterpreted, if left to verbal communication only.”

Lolo Siderman, Founder of Gypsywing Media, will be speaking at The Vivanista Fundraising Summit. The event will be held in San Francisco on November 11-12, 2011 at the San Francisco Art Institute and will bring together leaders and volunteers from the non-profit community. Lolo will be speaking about tips and tricks for using social media to increase awareness and to collect donations for charity organizations.

As Lolo puts it, “there are an abundance of tools available to promote and spread messages in today’s tech-savvy, online culture, and non-profits are in an ideal position to make the most of them. Providing appropriate outlets and empowering supporters of your cause to spread the word through social media can create amazing growth and awareness. I love empowering non-profits with tips, creative strategies, and proven case studies to move their organizations forward!”

Non-profits are increasingly putting social media to work for them, and finding time-tested methods to maximize volunteer efforts and time can be hugely beneficial. The Vivanista Summit will provide organization leaders and volunteers with two and a half days of in-depth training and expert-led interactive discussions on how to improve charitable fundraising and build better communities. Summit speakers will address the most pressing issues facing fundraisers, from how to implement multi-channel fundraising campaigns to integrating social media into pre-event promotion to sell more tickets. Tickets are available at Vivanista.eventbrite.com

Experts Reveal Why Your Website Doesn’t Make Dollars or Sense. YFS Magazine: Young, Fabulous and Self-Employed, recently asked internet marketing experts for advice on how to best position your website to increase traffic and maximize profits. Gypsywing’s Lolo Siderman provided the tip below:

Cost efficiency is important, regardless of whether you have a bank full of venture capital or you’re working on a shoestring budget. At the same time, your presence online should be taken seriously. The best websites are not necessarily the most expensive. Google “web design” along with your city (“web design Los Angeles”) and look for a company that openly lists their prices and has a mission statement that fits your goals. Also use LinkedIn to connect with local web designers.

Check out Darren Dahl’s full article

How to Assess the Market Potential of Your Idea

Check out Lolo’s advice in the “Collect Feedback” section…

What you don’t want to do, however, is base your decision on the opinions of your friends and family, says Lolo Siderman, the founder of Gypsywing Media, a virtual ad agency based in Los Angeles. It’s a mistake to ask people you already know, she says, because they cannot be objective. “Of course they’re going to tell you it’s a good idea,” she says.

Thanks to fabulous writer, Joel Russel, for including Gypsywing as one of the three virtual agencies mentioned in his article, Ads by Subtracting.

The virtual structure just makes sense for so many business owners looking to market, and we are thankful for this opportunity to spread the benefits of going virtual. But, note his final quote from us:

“We’re a virtual ad agency but I still want to meet everyone in person,” she said. “There’s something lost when you don’t meet people face to face.”

Lolo Siderman recently took part in Business 2 Community’s Expert Interviews series. They asked an assortment of company founders to answer the same six questions about entrepreneurship. You can read her answers on the B2C website here or check out the full article below. The site has great blogs about a variety of business and marketing topics too!

ENTREPRENEURIAL SUCCESS: 6 QUESTIONS WITH LOLO SIDERMAN
Lolo Siderman is a recognized expert in the world of entrepreneurial marketing, author of multiple how-to guides for business owners, a corporate & motivational speaker, as well as the founder of Gypsywing Media.
She created Gypsywing, the L.A. based virtual ad agency, to provide high-quality marketing and design services for entrepreneurs (www.gypsywing.com). Using a unique combination of contractors, virtual workspace, industry connections, and extensive knowledge, Gypsywing is actively revolutionizing the ad agency experience, as recently noted in the LA Business Journal. From graphic design to web design, social media strategy to PR, every client receives a custom package tailored to their particular needs and budget.
Outside of the marketing & design realm, she is actively involved with youth in the community. In 2009, she co-founded the non-profit sports camp for kids, Varsity Sports Academy, and has been active for years with the Santa Monica Youth Football program volunteering time in design, event management, fundraising, and marketing. She is passionate about sharing her life experience, speaking with kids and teens in LA, promoting entrepreneurship, creativity, and hope, both through the NFTE program as well as the DaVinci Schools of Design & Science.

1. What made you take the entrepreneurial leap?
I live and breathe entrepreneurial adventure! At 6 I was running up and down the block pedaling my drawings to neighbors, at 12 I started a babysitting club, at 14 I had my first “job” and knew I DID NOT want to work for anyone else! By the time I was 18 I’d started an independent consulting business in graphic design and there was no looking back. Since then I’ve co-founded a non-profit, started and managed a real estate disclosure business, and finally created a virtual ad agency for entrepreneurs, Gypsywing Media.

2. How would you rank the following factors in determining a startup’s success: Idea, Market, Team. Please explain.

#1 – Team – without the right management and talent, the best idea won’t go anywhere

#2 – Idea – beyond an “idea”, what’s really important is a “concept. We’re all filled with ideas, but once an entrepreneur starts exploring that idea, researching it, developing it, then it becomes a “concept” and the fun begins!

#3 – Market – incorrect targeting of a product or service will lead to failure. Additionally, the belief that just because you want something means there’s a “market” is a recipe for disaster.

3. What is the hardest part about being an entrepreneur?
There’s no security. Entrepreneurs are risk-takers. That’s what makes it excitiing and terrifying all at once! No definite paycheck, sometimes no paycheck at all, no health insurance, no paid vacation, and there are employees counting on you to provide stability in their lives!

4. What is the most rewarding part of being an entrepreneur?
Excitement, freedom, big payoffs, and doing what you love every day!

5. What’s your advice for someone who is thinking about starting a business?
Do your research. The more time you spend validating your business concept, the more likely you will be to succeed. Also, get realistic with your financial expectations. There are most likely a number of expenses you’re forgetting to factor in.

And employees are EXPENSIVE! Employees can drain your cash quickly, especially when starting up and the company may not have a lot of sales. Plan accordingly.

Thinking of starting a family business? Read this! The Business Beware Show has compiled tips from family business owners around the country (including Gypsywing and Varsity Sports Academy founder Lolo Siderman!).
We asked, you answered:

“What is Your Best Tip for Running a Family Business?”

Check out what these business owners had to say about working in a family business!

Lolo Siderman, founder of Gypsywing Media
“Handle separate areas of the businesses. Too many cooks in the kitchen can be a disaster, especially with family businesses!”

Jeremiah P. Sullivan, owner of Framework Media Strategies
“Once you shut the lights off for the day in the office, the work and everything related stays there; don’t let it permeate your life outside of the business you are in.”

Sharon Gilchrest O’Neill, author of “A Short Guide to a Happy Marriage.”
“When the family/couple relationships are not functioning well at the office, sooner rather than later, seek out an appropriate professional to work with you all. Myriad family/relationship issues can play out negatively, harming a business in ways that in retrospect, people are so surprised about.”

Brian Amthor, family member of the fourth generation family business, Amthor International
“The key for a successful family business is separation….being able to separate home life from work life. You are to run the business the business isn’t supposed to run you.”

John Durante, owner of Durante Rentals
“Practice effective communication. Listen as much as you talk. Make sure everyone is on board with the same priorities, the same goals and the same mission.”

Jessica Chapman Clark, founder of Room to Breathe
“Clearly write down roles and responsibilities and what happens when someone needs to be held accountable. Write this down ‘before’ everyone gets cranky when things aren’t getting done.”

Jacqueline Camacho-Ruiz, of JJR Marketing
“Keep business separate from personal by creating systems, processes and procedures.”

Janice M. Walters-Taylor, owner of BSASS LLC
“There is a tendency to not treat the other family members with the same level of courtesy and respect as would be afforded an “off the street” employee. My best suggestion is to treat family members as if they were not.”

Cole Parker, VP/COO of Divas In Defense Inc.
“Identify SPECIFIC roles for each individual and entrust them to manage that role effectively. By establishing parameters of everyone’s responsibility, it will prevent useless conflict between involved parties.”

Randy Rubin, co-founder of Crypton Fabric
“Divide up responsibilities to help alleviate stress.”
Joelle Obsatz, co-owner of Butterfield Market & Butterfield Catering
“Support and respect each other. You do not have to agree on everything, but work together and come up with solutions.”

Colleen McCarty, co-owner of Mod’s Coffee and Crepes
“Let your family members play to their strengths, even if that means not being involved in the business at all!”

Tanya Mitchell, VP Research and Development of Learning Rx
“Leadership comes from the top, if the head has anger issues and poor business practices it affects everyone. When your leader is always trying to better themselves, it makes their staff also try to be better people. “

Eric Poulin, CEO of CalendarBudget Inc.
“Constant communication and not assuming, checking of how everyone feels about their assignments can make the difference between a business that works great, and a millstone dragging everyone down.”

Ashley Walkup, of EmbracingBeauty.com
“Clearly divide work so there is no confusion & each person gets to work in their area of expertise. Set designated hours to work and stick to them. When hiring an employee make sure everyone is in favor of hiring them. Most of all be organized! When life and work are organized everything runs smoothly.”

Heath Goldman, President/CEO of ICON Wealth and Legacy Partners
“Set up your estate and business transition plan long before you actually think that you need it.”

Christy Cook, founder of Teach My
“When you work together, you need to know when to switch off. Also, if you have work debates or disputes with your spouse/business partner, put them aside in the bedroom! Leave it for the office and for office hours.”
A special thanks to all that participated!

August, 25 2011- Laura will be on the program on August 31st at 9am PST. If you would like to call in with questions, the number is 724/444-7444/Call ID 111764.

January 26, 2011- Laura Siderman’s Gypsywing Media is bringing the ad agency experience to LA for less using only local freelance talent
By Newsdesk

From web design to social media development, graphic design to PR, Laura Siderman has created a one-stop shop, virtual organization that meets the needs of any entrepreneur while avoiding the overhead of a typical ad agency. Founded by Laura Siderman, the organization provides top quality service in creative and marketing initiatives while using all local (Los Angeles based) freelance talent. With 14 years experience in design and marketing, along with 4 years in start-up management and operations, Siderman knows how to get things done quickly, efficiently, and on a shoestring budget.

As Laura puts it, “I just don’t understand why agencies continue to push unnecessary services on to their entrepreneurial clients, when there are so many cost-effective solutions available. It is disappointing that marketers and designers have started to fall into the same category as auto-mechanics, with customers feeling that they are being cheated and not receiving real value.” At Gypsywing, measurable results, timely service, and quick phone and email responses provide customers with a level of care and communication that has created impressive goodwill, loyalty, and a huge amount of referral service.

In a very typical case for Siderman, the difference can be seen with a recent client. The company needed a basic, but beautiful and professional, website. By the time they came to Gypsywing they had been quoted anywhere from $3000-$5000 for the site. Laura was able to provide the same service for $1800 and the site was finished in under a month, while meeting or exceeding all goals and expectations.

Hands on workshops in social media, business identity, and marketing strategy are another popular service offered by Gypsywing. These can range from 1 to 4 hours and are often taught by the founder herself. The social media workshop is designed for those with an entrepreneurial spirit, but who were born pre-web revolution (we’re talking 30 and older). These attendees are often embarrassed or concerned about their lack of social media understanding, and these classes offer a step-by-step, non-judgemental way for them to engage in and learn how and why social media can be used to grow their businesses and ask questions related to any and all online activities.

In addition to Gypsywing Media , she has co-founded the non-profit sports camp for kids, Varsity Sports Academy, in 2009. Her first degree in Graphic Design was earned at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, followed by a degree in Business Administration from the USC Marshall School of Business.

From web design to social media development, graphic design to PR, Laura Siderman has created a one-stop shop, virtual organization that meets the needs of any entrepreneur while avoiding the overhead of a typical ad agency.

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 25, 2011 — In a time when businesses are watching every penny spent, Gypsywing Media offers a refreshing way for companies to grow and market their products and services affordably. Founded by Laura Siderman, the organization provides top quality service in creative and marketing initiatives while using all local (Los Angeles based) freelance talent. With 14 years experience in design and marketing, along with 4 years in start-up management and operations, Siderman knows how to get things done quickly, efficiently, and on a shoestring budget.

As Laura puts it, “I just don’t understand why agencies continue to push unnecessary services on to their entrepreneurial clients, when there are so many cost-effective solutions available. It is disappointing that marketers and designers have started to fall into the same category as auto-mechanics, with customers feeling that they are being cheated and not receiving real value.” At Gypsywing, measurable results, timely service, and quick phone and email responses provide customers with a level of care and communication that has created impressive goodwill, loyalty, and a huge amount of referral service.

In a very typical case for Siderman, the difference can be seen with a recent client. The company needed a basic, but beautiful and professional, website. By the time they came to Gypsywing they had been quoted anywhere from $3000-$5000 for the site. Laura was able to provide the same service for $1800 and the site was finished in under a month, while meeting or exceeding all goals and expectations.

Hands on workshops in social media, business identity, and marketing strategy are another popular service offered by Gypsywing. These can range from 1 to 4 hours and are often taught by the founder herself. The social media workshop is designed for those with an entrepreneurial spirit, but who were born pre-web revolution (we’re talking 30 and older). These attendees are often embarrassed or concerned about their lack of social media understanding, and these classes offer a step-by-step, non-judgemental way for them to engage in and learn how and why social media can be used to grow their businesses and ask questions related to any and all online activities.

About Laura Siderman
Laura is the President & CEO of Gypsywing, a design and marketing agency built for entrepreneurs. She has over 14 years experience in the design and marketing industry, along with 4 years working with various start-ups in brand management and organization strategy. In addition, she co-founded the non-profit sports camp for kids, Varsity Sports Academy, in 2009. Her first degree in Graphic Design was earned at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, followed by a degree in Business Administration from the USC Marshall School of Business. http://www.gypsywing.com

July 25, 2011- Looking for ways to teach your children about entrepreneurship? Dr. Shannon Reece has compiled a list of 40 ideas to inspire the business owners of the future. See what activities Laura (#23) and others are doing to nurture the dreams of the next generation. Read the list here, and spend some time fostering your young talent!

July 18, 2011- Business2Community has a great blog post today featuring social media tips for your business. Contributors were asked to keep their tips under 140 characters. Read it here, for tips from business owners around the web. Gypsywing’s tip is number 68!

Lolo Siderman was recently interviewed for the story below. Click here to view it on Ai InSite.

There’s no doubt that technology is a bigger part of our lives than ever before. For some, it’s a welcome addition that allows for increased flexibility and freedom. For others, big concerns remain including privacy and security.

From mobile wallets to talking refrigerators, opportunities abound to integrate technology into everyday activities.

“2012 should be a watershed year for personal technology, showcasing the beginning and end for a lot of companies, as well as major transitions for those that are left,” writes Rob Enderle writer for TechNewsWorld.

Enderle believes that tech products will evolve to become even “thinner, more social, easier to talk to, friendlier, and smarter” than they are now.

THE TABLET-IFICATION OF TECH
Individuals who cannot separate from their iPad will be glad to know that Samsung has already created a refrigerator with a built-in tablet computer. “Others are likely to follow their example,” Enderle writes.
Car companies are getting in on the tablet frenzy as well, building tablet-like features into their dashboards.

“This iPad effect will likely extend to things like home automation and high-end home alarm systems as well. And yes, you’ll likely be able to install apps on many of them,” states Enderle.
Apple’s popular Siri personal assistant will gain some competition, Enderle believes, from big names such as Google. And he believes that the European trend of replacing cable boxes with game consoles and smart TVs will soon land stateside.

“The traditional cable box will increasingly be replaced next year. This has been going on in Europe for some time, with systems like the Xbox, and Verizon just started a similar effort with that product here for FIOS customers.”

MOBILE WALLETS
Mobile wallets, or the ability to make purchases using mobile technology, is gaining in popularity — so much so that it was a major topic at February’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

USA Today’s Edward C. Baig, who covered the conference, noted that the war for mobile wallet supremacy has heated up. Isis, Google Wallet’s main competitor, announced that it has partnered with major credit card and wireless companies to mount a serious challenge against Google.

“The New York City-based joint venture formed by AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile USA, and Verizon Wireless announced that Chase, Capital One, and Barclaycard will let customers place their credit, debit, and prepaid cards into the Isis Mobile Wallet. That will let folks shop with their phones at participating merchants,” Baig writes.

The Isis wallet plans a test run this summer, with pilots in Salt Lake City and Austin.

But unlike more mainstream technology products, mobile wallets can be a hard sell.

“A mountain of issues must be solved before mobile payments take off in a major way, not the least of which is the very real challenge of getting consumers, accustomed to paying with cash or plastic, to buy into the idea,” Baig asserts.

These concerns are being addressed by the industry in an effort to gain new customers — especially those customers who are not comfortable using their phones to make a payment.

SO HAPPY TOGETHER
The marriage of technology and life can be sweet — and beneficial.

“My iPhone is truly part of me — I can’t be without it! And my Macbook is my work life,” says Lolo Siderman, founder of Gypsywing Media. “I’ve needed to get some minor repairs on it but I was told they may need it for two days and I just haven’t been able to part with it. I think I’ll just have to live with a cracked screen forever.”

Siderman, who in 1999 earned an Associate of Science in Graphic Design degree from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, asserts that while people don’t really need technology, their desire for it is based on easy availability.

“As these things have become available, they’ve increased and changed how we connect with friends, family, and business associates and would now leave a void if we didn’t have them,” Siderman says.

She sees both positives and negatives with the technology inundation, asserting that downsides include cell phones buzzing through dinner dates, utilizing Facebook instead of interacting face-to-face with family, and the impossibility of escaping work emails.

Siderman mentions a new level of personal connectivity that, if it actually makes it to the market, could literally allow you to internally feel incoming digital communications.

“I saw an new invention recently that literally connects a smartphone to the user wirelessly, so when the phone rings or receives a text the person feels the vibration in their body,” Siderman says. “I don’t think I’m ready for that yet, but I imagine we’ll be seeing a lot more of that type of integration that pushes our comfort levels.”

Lolo Siderman was recently featured in The Art Institute’s Alumni Success Stories. Read the full article below or click on the link to see it on their website!

“Running my own business is both exciting and nonstop! I am proud of the gorgeous work my team produces.”
—Lolo Siderman

1999 Graduate, Associate of Science in Graphic Design, The Art Institute of Pittsburgh
As founder and art director at Gypsywing Media, Lolo Siderman cites freedom and creativity as the best parts of her job. “I love working with new businesses and helping them build their brand image. I love redesigns, where we’re creating something beautiful from something blah.” Lolo adds that in her industry, there is no typical workday. “Running my own business is both exciting and nonstop! I am proud of the gorgeous work my team produces.”

Lolo, who in 1999 earned an Associate of Science in Graphic Design degree from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, is also an honors graduate of USC’s business school. To keep current with advertising trends, she reads Communication Arts and looks through yearly “best of” lists. Lolo states that prior to attending The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, she’d never used a design program. “I enjoyed fine art, but had no digital design training whatsoever. Everything I know about graphic design and web design I learned at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh.”

Looking to the future in her industry, Lolo believes that print media will continue to decline while social media grows. “Custom social media profiles, web design, and email newsletter design have all been big in the past couple years,” she states. Lolo adds that the trend toward digital graphics is beneficial for graphic designers. “It’s actually easier to produce work that stays in a digital format than to create digital work that then has to go to print and requires proofing and color matching.”