Melanie's Monday Mashup – Holiday Free Stuff

I really wanted to write about Facebook’s privacy changes – the ones that unleashed about 300 of its founder’s private pics - as reported by Wired.com.

However, in an effort to get everyone more in the holiday spirit, I’ve decided to go (almost) Internet marketing free – and instead offer some links to free holiday stuff, including music and ebooks, and a couple of must-haves you just can’t do without this holiday season.

Free Holiday Music

• Sampler Klaus – Seven free songs ranging from a variety of artists, including It Came Upon a Midnight Clear by Frank Sinatra
• Classical Sampler – Five classical free holiday songs, ending with the Hallelujah Chorus by the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
• iTunes Holiday Sampler – 20 free tunes from artists like Aretha Franklin, Rascal Flatts, Weezer, Amy Grant, David Archula and more.

Free Wi-Fi

• Free Holiday Wi-Fi – Just incase you didn’t already know, Google’s offering free Wi-Fi at over 50 participating airports throughout the U.S. and on Virgin American flights through January 15, 2010.

Free iPhone Apps

• Five Free Phone Apps for Holiday Savings – There are plenty of free iPhone apps, but this list from SmartMoney.com directs you to the ones that help you save money while holiday shopping.

Free Holiday Gift Tags

• Free Printable Gift Tags - Whether the weather outside is frightful or you're just too pooped from shopping to fight the crowds yet again, these free printable holiday gift tags will save you a trip to the store (and a few bucks) when you run out.
  

Free eBook

• What Matters Now – If you haven’t read Seth Godin yet, now’s the time. Use your downtime to catch up with his newest book, What Matters Now, chock-full of good info from some of the best minds in Internet marketing.

This Year’s Must-Haves (Not Free, But Worth Every Penny)

• Merry Christmas & Happy New York - Sold out last year, and back by popular demand, this CD from singer/songwriter Jo Davidson features traditional Christmas songs recorded on a vintage 1929 Steinway Grand piano in a NYC loft. If you haven’t heard Jo, get the CD now. She is amazing!
• Connected – The Amazing Power of Our Social Networks – Whether your New Year’s resolution is to quit smoking, lose weight or make more money, on control a epidemic, this startling book can help. It demonstrates just how influential our social networks really are, and offers suggestions on how to leverage them for better results.

EDITOR'S NOTE: DON'T FORGET THE CHANUKAH CLASSIC FROM ADAM SANDLER:

Want To Get Media Attention?

Seth Godin posted a great article about his differences on publicity and PR. He explains that, “PR is the strategic crafting of your story,” while publicity, “is the act of getting ink.” When talking about public relations, publicity is only one tactic to bringing attention to your company.

I want to share a list of “tactics” companies should be using to gain publicity and have the public buzzing about your product/brand/service:

Media Relations - contact the media! Use Twitter and Facebook, present them with stories that way. Provide them with links to your ideas, or press releases that you’ve written. Make them aware of upcoming news conferences, press tours.

Special Events – Host open houses, fund-raisers, trade shows, ceremonies, contests, stunts, receptions, speeches by V.I.P’s at your location. Invite local dignitaries and be sure to let your local media outlet know of what’s taking place and who is coming.

Letters to Editors – Send letters to your local newspaper for the Op Ed sections responding to news items where you are an expert. Let them know you can used as a resource for information about topics.

Sponsorships – Get involved with you local sports team or chamber of commerce, sponsor an event or a season. However, leverage this by making sure your sponsorship will be acknowledged on advertising, programs, uniforms, posters, or other promotional materials.

Donate to local charities - Even though a donation has to be very large to make the news, a consistent commitment to giving back to your community by supporting local charities will enhance your image. When you donate, ask for acknowledgment in newsletters, plaques, or other promotional materials they may have.