Your Image- Why It's SOOO Important

I was recently speaking with a friend about his business and he said that while business is slow, he loved the fact that he could wear jeans everywhere and anywhere. Well, just because you can be casual doesn’t mean you should be casual. Different situations mean there are different expectations. Knowing how to dress and when to dress is very important to the success of your business… even if you want to be casual.

According to research from Princeton University, people assess your competence, trustworthiness, and likeability in just a tenth of a second, solely based on the way you look. That is a fact! So, while you may like being casual, it could be something that works against you on a sub-conscious level. Thus if you want to be respected, casual may not be the way to go. In fact, flashy may not be the way to go either.

Whatever image we present is magnified by social-media services like LinkedIn. Chances are, your headshots are seen much more often now than a decade or two ago. Millennials, it seems, face the paradox of being the least formal generation yet the most conscious of style and personal branding. It can be confusing but be consistent.”

I suggest you change your profile photos every six months to grab attention, stay relative, and reflect where you are presently in business. If you can be comfortable yet professional and you need to make sure your photos and your content are consistent.  Ask yourself, “would you hire you?” If the answer is ‘no’ then there is a bigger problem below the image thing on social media.

Also, understand there is an underlining context to what is within your photo, including backgrounds and even the title of books that may be in the background. If you seemed more focused on you the brand, how can you be focused on clients? If you seem more focused on drinking, where are your clients? Know your clients and their expectations and then make sure your profile photos and social media images coincide with this brand expectation.

Until next time,

Velma Trayham

Meetings Revisited... Why They Are Time Wasters

Do you dread meetings because they are unproductive? Do you feel you have or attend meeting after meeting and there is more talk then action as a result? If so, keep reading. I am the master of hosting and attending meetings because I know how to keep the agenda moving and how to execute actionable items. 

If you want to make a meeting productive then keep your eye on the final prize. How? Draw or write down verbal bubbles.  Use your cell phone to capture this process, or at least the end result, so you understand and recall the discussion and then write down your actionable plan off of the drawing or the verbal bubbles.
These picture cues do make a huge difference to recalling an actual conversation versus simply reading notes.

You also need to consider aggressively vetting everyone’s input in a meeting. Ideas a great but they don’t work 100% of the time. Vetting ideas and input saves money and embarrassment should a product or service not function properly right out of the gate. You can also use this tool to politely show an employee why something will not work opposed to simply saying ‘no’ to an idea. Ask all the questions right up front when it comes to implementing the idea- this will give you and the employees a realistic perspective as to what work has to go into even dreaming up the full process to support an idea.

Finally, keep the meeting within the scheduled time frame. If you go too long then people will tune you out. Being on time says something as to how your time is valued and how you value other people’s time.

Until tomorrow,
Velma Trayham

3 PR Secrets EVERYONE Should Know

Someone asked me recently if I had a super tip that would blast them into PR wonderland. Well, I have 3 tips that everyone should know about PR and practice, but they aren't going to "blast you into wonderland." Publicity is a layered approach and it requires practice and the development of relationships. There is no such thing as overnight success- unless you're only looking for 15 minutes of fame.

So, here are my 3 PR tips;

1. You need to be your own brand. Don't let an interview, introduction, or any other opportunity go by without telling someone who you are, how you can help, and what your tag line is.

2. Your tag line should be a phrase that explains what you do and why you're better! For example, Burger Kind's is "Home of the Whopper". They sell Whoppers. They are the only company that sells Whoppers. Period.

3. Don't stop selling - it's not shameless to plug yourself, as long as you do it honorably. If you meet a radio show host, talk yourself up but do so in a way that he or she would see how having you would benefit the audience- not yourself. Remember, you have to solve a problem for someone in order to present media value. Often, this problem solving comes in the way of providing expertise or industry insight.

Until tomorrow,

Velma Trayham of ThinkZILLA 

Reputation Building & PR

A bad PR move can ruin your brand, even with the best public relations teams on board! So, why is it that Tylenol, Charlie Sheen, and others survive scandal where many others (sometimes worse off or not) fail? Well, it is all about reputation.

I know what you're thinking... there's no way I just used the phrase "Charlies Sheen" and "Reputation" in the same sentence and in a positive manner! The truth is that people love him regardless of whatever shenanigans or Tiger Blood he produces. People still take Tylenol in spite of the major scare so many years ago.

Reputation management has to be built long before a crisis ever takes place. Why? So when a crisis does take place, the crisis communication aspect of publicity actually works. This said, there are three rules every publicist follows when working with reputation management. I've listed them below;

1. First, don't assume people care about your press release, media kit, or other collateral.  Guess what, if the media doesn't spin it or it doesn't go viral- people don't really care, and if they do- only until the next breaking news story comes along. Reputation management is about likability and making people care about you, your client, or your brand.

2.  Second, don't assume what you or your client says can't or won't be taken out of context. It will. Some stringer journalist will look to make a name of him or herself. Make sure you have a plan to deal with these types of reporters ahead of time. Know what you can and can't do when responding to this legally and from a PR POV.

3. Play the relationship / favor card. You will have to bite the bullet here. If you have a really green client, reporters may not see their media value. You may have to trade a feature with a major client to get small clippings for the yet-to-be major client.

I hope this information helps you. Contact me, however, if you have any questions.

Until tomorrow,
Velma Trayham

3 PR Tools Worth Having

Happy Friday. I was recently asked a question about what PR tools are worth having. Well, there are a lot of select from when it comes to publicity tools and apps. However, I will say that the follow three are "must haves" for newbies and seasoned PR professionals.

1. PitchRate. This free service connects journalists with topic experts – such as small business owners – for free media coverage. HARO is good, but PitchRate delivers results!

2. Zemanta. Basically, this is a blog service on steroids. The service will index your marketing content for multiple Content Ad formats. It saves you tons of time and is worth signing up for.

3. Aminstitute.com. This clever website helps you develop the perfect headline for your next release or ad campaign. Oh, it is free too! You want to write in AP style, but you want to capture emotion- this website tool helps you do both.

Until Monday,

Velma Trayham

Why You Shouldn't Be Kind!

There are two types of PR clients. Those who pay you to do your job, council when needed, and help promote growth. Then there are those clients who pay you to say their ideas are great, never challenge what isn't working, and sit and listen to them blab on about how great they are.....

The challenge in being kind lies with the second type of client. It is not your job to be kind to clients, although there is a way of saying certain things, but rather it is your responsibility to be honest and deliver the raw truth.  Clients can become very upset when you do this. They may even drop you for a while. Don't give in and be kind. Instead, restate what you said. Mean what you say and say what you mean.

I had one client who was a celebrity. She thought things were not moving fast enough for her in the campaign. We had many prior branding challenges to deal with. Things weren't going to move fast and I told her this when the contract was signed. Two weeks in, she started to call me every day and complain. I had no choice but to not be kind and be honest. She fired me. She fired the next PR firm and then the one thereafter. A year later, she tried to hire me again. I declined the contract.

You want to work with clients who are ready and willing to hear the truth and to do whatever it takes to build their brand and promote growth. You don't want to work with clients who expect you to be the 'yes' man or women. This said, below are my tips for delivering blunt, unkind PR advice.

1. Don't be sorry... be about shine. Don't ever apologize to a client if you have nothing to apologize for. They may want to hear 'sorry' but this isn't something they are entitled to hear.

2. Back up your words with facts and data. It's hard for clients to blow off your points if you can back them up.

3. Have an exit strategy. If you know a client isn't willing to change, figure out how you are going to exit the relationship within the contract's terms.

Until next time,

Velma Trayham

Sending Emails to Journalists

Well, I hope everyone had a great night at ThinkZILLA's Secret Society awards last night.  Now, on to some business.

People often ask me how do they get the attention of journalists via email. There are a few professional tactics you need to use in order to grab the reader's attention, but relationships are always key to getting your email read vs. going in cold.

The first tactic is to ensure your subject line is accurate, newsworthy, and concise. Journalists HATE fluff when it is pitched to them.  So, make their job easier by getting to the point right away without any subjective point of views applied to your subject line.

Next, don't send attachments. Journalists will not open them. If a journalist wants an EPK, he or she will either ask for it or can visit your website to download it.

Don't put a press release inside an email. Journalists hate this. Instead, send a media-relevant pitch that quickly links to the release should the reporter require further information.

These simple tactics can elevate your email to a viewable level with many press agents.

Until tomorrow,

Coco the CEO

Client Contact

Client contact is so extremely important when growing and running any business. In the PR world, however, it is essential. You don't want to seem fake or phony when contacting clients who you haven't been in touch with for a while or who you no longer do business with. So, how do you create or re-establish valued relationships that could turn into long-term business? Easy, just use my 3 surefire tactics!

#1. Set up a Google alert. People tend to over complicate things. Every single time you pitch a potential client or do business with a client- setup a Google alert in his or her name and one in their company's name. The first thing you should do every single day is scan your Google alerts and then send an appropriate email or make a phone call on this subject. I would do this once a week. It avoids being generic and shows the customer you do care.

#2. Be a giver. I know so many people who refuse to spend actual money buying noteworthy gifts. Hey, they work. Why would you skimp on this? If I don't hear from a former client in over two months, I send them a $25 Starbucks gift-card. Yes, I do this every two months regardless if I hear from him or her. Why? Because in the long run, it works! Rewarding clients for doing business with you, beyond giving them a stress ball with your logo on it, is a proven ROI generator.

#3. Keep a secret note stash. Yes, if a client is talking to you about one thing and says, "Excuse me, my daughter Trish just called. Let me call you back," then excuse the call but write down that this client has a daughter named Trish. Next, schedule yourself to send your client something for Trish the following week.  Again, tie in the giver step.  If your client had a death in the family, send flowers. If your client mentions trying to lose weight, send something that compliments this goal. Be personal without being obvious. Remember, the devil is in the details.

I truly hope these three tactics help you improve client contact and - eventually- your profit margin.

Until tomorrow,

Coco the CEO

The Smart Publicist

Being a publicist means you will have very little time to attend to yourself, but you need to.  I wanted to cover starting the day out to nurture yourself before you head to work to go to bat for others. So, here it goes!

First, you need to wake up 15 minutes earlier tomorrow than you did today. Why? To workout. Even if you already head to the gym at a different point in the day, wake up early and do 15 minutes (no more, no less) of jogging or walking around the neighborhood - whatever. Make sure you add this to your routine because it shakes off any extra glasses of wine from the night before, as well as helps to get the creative juices flowing.

Second, say two things out loud that you will get accomplished today. Why? Self affirmation is very powerful. People will screw up your schedule to be quite frank about things, just ask any PR employee. If you say two things out loud in the morning that you need and will get down, chances are they will be accomplished regardless of any schedule interruptions.

Finally, knock off any phone or in-person meetings that don't need to happen. People tend to spend more time talking about doing things vs. actually doing them. Meetings are a huge distraction in many cases. If a meeting isn't going to accomplish a decision during its capacity, skip it or cancel it. You should only call or attend meetings that 1.) stay within the time frame scheduled and 2.) will accomplish something by the end of the meeting. Discussion meetings are not needed. You can shoot a short email to a group of people and read their feedback in less time then it takes to actually walk to a meeting or call into one.

I hope this information helps you get ahead on what can be a great work week!

Coco the CEO

Pr and Permission

Today I want to talk about permission. It is a huge public relations issue. Why? Not all PR companies obtain permission when working on co-events or co-accounts to use certain photos, comments, namesakes, etc. This can get you (either as a publicist or a client) into a lot of hot water.

Not everything on the internet is public domain. Also, if you are going to advertise a guest speaker or a celebrity endorsement, you better have written permission to do so beforehand. Otherwise, you will be sued and your brand can be destroyed.

There is no "sure fire" when to check if something is public domain or not. If a celebrity gives a quote to a certain magazine, you may have to reference the magazine before you can republish the quote because of exclusivity rights.

The best way to offset a potential permissions issue is to do the right thing and seek it out before publishing. As professionals in the PR industry, we should already know that if there is even a minuscule chance that a news release will need to be retracted, we can't send it out. A newswire – press release or news newswire – can’t have all of its affiliates and syndicates retract your story once it’s published.

All this said, don't every obtain secondhand permission or permission to use anything over the phone. Send an email or a letter and make sure you have a clear response before going forward.  If you release something too soon,  you will be liable and after the lawsuits have been settled- the internet will still show traces of the content and/or press release.

Until tomorrow,

Coco the CEO

The 3 Key Content Types for PR

Reporters love content that is easy to pull from and process a full story. This said, there are three different types of content that many journalists look for when seeking to cover a pitch. What are they? I'm glad you asked, lol! They are listed below with an explanation.

#1. Supportive facts. Nothing else makes a press release more valuable then to tie in numbers and stats that are current. It shows how relevant your news is and it helps the reporter with his or her workload.

#2. Supportive multimedia. Reporters love eZines, brochures, videos, and soundbites that can support online web editions of their newscasts or publications. If you included these items as a zip file (only upon request), it will set you up for a great relationship with the requesting reporter.

#3. Breaking news that is relevant. Too often, publicists send media releases out anytime their client makes a move. This tactic is like the boy who cried wolf. Eventually, the media will start ignoring your press releases. Make sure you only send out breaking news when it is actually breaking! This type of content continues to be the top content type requested by journalists.

Remember, content is still king as long as you know how to utilize it!

Until tomorrow,

Coco the CEO

When It Is Over….

This week I’ve been asked about business partner relationships. I’ve spent the past couple of days dedicated to covering this topic on my blog.  As a result, I received a Tweet request on how to break up with a business partner. Well, first- you have to ensure you can legally do this. Then you have to consider if doing this will harm your company vs. if your feelings are simply hurt. If your feelings are hurt and letting go of the partner will harm the company, then this is a bad move to make. If your feelings are not hurt and keeping the partner on will harm the company, then this is the right move to make. Can you see where I am going with this?

Back to the point….. there are going to be times in life when people either grow apart of have a difference in vision when it comes to business. Below are my top three ways to let a partner go.

1. Make sure you have a contract going into the relationship. When you have to break up- don’t get personal about things, get contractual about them.
2. Never say anything negative about the partner in public or in an email. Be as positive as possible – even if the other person is being negative. Remaining positive will help your mindset and other people will natural gravitate to your side of the matter.
3. Be willing to take a loss, after all- losing a partner is a loss. You will have to prepare yourself for a lot more bumps in the business road. This is going to be hard, but not impossible. You can continue on without a business partner. If someone is harming your company, or your brand, it is time to call it quits. Like any relationship, don’t stay involved with your business partner simply because it is hard to say ‘no’ to them or because you are scared to venture out on your own.

Until tomorrow,

COCO the CEO

Things to look for in a business partner.

Yesterday I talked about the potential hazards that come with a business partner who refused to communicate.   Today, I want to offer 3 big tips to help you find the RIGHT business partner. These tips will prevent you from going into business with someone who isn’t as dedicated to the concept as you.

1.       Ask your potential business partner what his or her major goal for the company is in the upcoming year- then shut up. Don’t lead with what your goal is. Instead, let him or her talk about their version so you can get an idea about what similarities and differences you have going into the partnership.

2.       Exit plan. You need to ask the potential partner what he or she feels would be a good exit plan in case the partnership doesn’t workout. This is a major mistake for business owners who jump into the business bed together. They tend not to have an exit plan because they feel discussing this isn’t positive. It is, however, needed. If you have an exit plan in place then the stress of a failing partnership will not weigh upon the business.

3.       Ask the partner about three past challenges they faced and how they dealt with them. Business is challenging. You will have obstacles along the road. Asking this question will give you some insight as to your potential partner’s communication style with clients and peers, moral aptitude, and overall facilitation of the work environment’s culture.

If you go into a business relationship asking these three questions, you will be better off and so will be your company.

Coco the CEO

Partnered PR

One of the biggest pitfalls of being in business for yourself is having a business partner. While it can be a very beneficial joint venture, a partnership can bring challenges not found if you were to go into business by yourself.

While a joint venture lessens your own liability, it can also increase liability. For example, if business partners are not communicating (or not communicating often), the brand and the customers will feel it. The professional tension will pour over onto your clients, potential clients, and within your industry. A business can’t be built if there is a lack of communication. Even if both partners disagree on certain issues, not talking at all can be detrimental for all involved.

Business partners have to treat one another like they are their most important client.  I have one great example of how this strategy went very wrong. I knew two women who were best friends.  In 2007, when the Bottle Service business was booming in Vegas, they had enough capital and connections between the two of them to launch their own VIP business. This is when a bottle of vodka would sell for $5k in Vegas.  So, one handled the marketing and meetings and one handled hosting the clients at the events. Seemed simple enough, right? After all, it was very easy money.

The problem with the two women ended up being communication. The marketing woman would sell packages and book groups. The hosting woman would confirm the groups and make changes to the reservation. She wouldn’t tell the marketing person or the nightclubs. What do you think happened? There were misbooked and upset clients, the women bickered back and forth as each problem arose, and their  $14k weekly profit margin quickly sank. That’s over 40k a month lost to miscommunications. Never mind the damage it did to their brand.

The point is, business partners have to talk. They have to work through the difficult times and the good times.  They should be in constant contact with one another to discuss visions, options, concerns – what ever. The second communication fails, the business is dead.

If you are considering bringing a partner into your company, be careful. You truly have to know the other person. Even if he or she is a friend, consider what they are like at their day job before they come aboard to your business. I also recommend setting up strict contracts where communication is mandatory or the other party is out of the company-period.

Until tomorrow,

COCO the Ceo 

Stay Calm and PR!

 Deadlines, clients calling, reporters with attitudes, writing, pitching, making calls, social media… oh how the day can get overwhelming! As we head into Monday, I wanted to use today’s blog to discuss three major ways publicists can stay calm at work.

The first thing you need to do is talk about your challenges with others around the water coolers. This isn’t a time to complain about other people, this is a way to see if other people are feeling the same deadline (or whatever) stresses as you. If you explore this topic, you may find that others within the office have faced your same challenges and have reasonable solutions for them. So, speak up about what is causing you to stress out.

The second thing you need to do is organize your office before you leave for the day. There isn’t anything more overwhelming then walking into an office the next morning with a desk covered in papers and a full trash bucket. So, make sure you tidy up your work space each day before leaving the office.

The final way you can stay calm at work is to  do your work at work. When you leave for the day, as hard as it is with smartphones and PR responsibilities, don’t work. Overloading yourself too much will make you resent being at work the following day. Leave office work at the office and this will help you distress tremendously.

Until tomorrow,

Coco the CEO

Your Social Media Accounts

It happens to the best of us, we see something online that is funny (but not PC) and then we share it.  No biggie, right? It's your personal account and you are entitled to your opinion. Well, I'm here to tell you that yes, you are entitled to your opinion. However, your opinion can get you into trouble and it can cause you to lose clients!

I've taken selfies before that I later had to go an delete because, while they were harmless, it isn't good branding business.  I tell all my corporate clientele to watch their personal social media accounts, even if they are private. It takes a second to snap a screen shot of something and friends today may not be friends tomorrow. So, instead of sharing or writing that questionable content, refrain from reposting!

I think this small piece of advice is the best advice I can offer.  Who we are in today's culture is a direct reflection of our personal social media accounts.  Case in point, check out this article on celebrity fails via social media. While the posts didn't damage their brands, think about how these brands could have been squashed if the same posts went out from a corporate CEO's account. http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2012/12/12/10-worst-social-media-screw-ups-2012/

Remember, if you wouldn't want your mom, the front page news, or your clients to see the post or the share, refrain from putting it on either your professional or personal social media accounts!

Until tomorrow,
Coco the CEO

Specific PR

What is specific public relations? If you have a ground breaking product that can’t be enveloped into the mainstream media, you have to generate interest without a market. Thus, you have to specifically work harder to get media attention and convince the press that your new, revolutionary product isn’t a flash in the pan.

How do you do this? Well, there isn’t a secret recipe but I do have two fail-safe tips.

1.       Read all the semi-related industry publications you can.  For example, if you developed a new software product then it is best to read computer magazines and technology publications.  You have to know what reporters and writers you can go after based on their reviews and past articles. If you know one reporter hates new software products, don’t waste your time pitching him or her.  Get a game plan together simply by reading all the semi-related industry publications.

2.       Don’t BS reporters or overhype your product.   You will find that journalists have excellent “bullshit detectors”. If they know you’re stretching the truth, they may wright a poor review or simply send out an email to their peers not to cover your pitches. Thus, be up front with reporters and be yourself. If you over spin something, especially with a specific pr pitch, you will burn chances.

I hope these two tips help you shape a plan and formulate a strategy for your one-of-a-kind product. Have more questions?

Connect with me on social media or book me for a consultation!

Until tomorrow,

Coco the CEO

Can't wait for tonight! 1st ever Go DJ Awards in Houston!

(Houston TX- June 2014) GO DJ HIP HOP | ENTERTAINMENT RED CARPET AWARD SHOW. HONORING HOUSTON’S TOP 30 IN MUSIC, ENTERTAINMENT & MEDIA.

The Largest  Go DJ Hip Hop| Entertainment Awards Show "Houston Edition" will take place in Houston,Texas, Monday July 21st 2014. This event is presented by Go DJ HI-C which is in fact the CEO of a global DJ Coalition called the Go DJ'S with over 250 Dj Members worldwide.

Fox 26 News Reporter Isiah Carey , Rapper Bun B, entertainment Attorney Carl Moore  are just a few  of the thirty business and entertainment professionals being honored at the first annual Go DJ Hip Hop Entertainment Awards.
We have a great turnout already. HBO and Comedy Central comic Ali Saddiq is the MC and the group of professionals we are honoring truly represent Houston’s spirit and energy,” Our invited guests and VIP presenters are receiving letters this week with special red carpet instructions. It is going to be a blast!”

ThinkZILLA PR Group, a Houston-based company with locations In Atlanta and Beverly Hills,California  will manage media and coordinate the event.  Not only does this bring attention to Houston’s business and entertainment talent, but it brings tourism into the city which equals tax dollars for local schools and outreach programs,” finished Trayham.

A full list of honoree’s may be requested  by emailing Velma@itsthinkzilla.com  The event starts at 6pm on Monday, July 21st of 2014, ending around 11pm. The award ceremony will take place at WAREHOUSE LIVE (Downtown Houston) 813 ST.EMANUAL ST. HOUSTON TEXAS 77003. Media credentials with red carpet access are available upon request.

Media Contact : prteam@itsthinkzilla.com or contact  Velma - 713-297-9122

Becoming A PR Source 101

I am often asked how guest appearances on national news shows happen. There are repeat “guest” correspondents who always seem to appear when breaking news happens, and their appearances are just in time to pitch books, movies, blogs, etc. How does this happen? Well, I’m here to share the secret.

Time and effort. Yep, many of you are upset right now because I can’t offer you a magic PR wand. The occurrences of instant connections or connected connections on the news almost don’t exist any more. You actually have to work your way up to a repeat guest invite or work long enough in PR to obtain this status for your clients.

Asides from putting in the actual effort, here are a few more ways to get your one appearance on a news program turned into multiple segments:

1.       Don’t be overly eager. This is a huge put off. Calling to ask why you haven’t been rebooked, when you are going to be rebooked, if the person got your message, etc. pisses journalists off. Yes, that is the term they used. News producers are even more angered by these tactics. So, wait for the invite.

2.       While you’re waiting, be nice. Don’t only approach the station when you have a press release or your own news, but sent holiday cards, birthday gifts, etc. No, this isn’t bribery, this is called being professional and building a relationship. These small gestures really do mean a lot!

3.       Be relevant. If you have advice to offer during a breaking news situation, call the newsroom directly and explained (quickly) that you’ve been a guest before and you have insider insight on the breaking situation. Then, without promoting yourself, offer what information is being missed and how it can help their audience better understand the situation. Present value vs. self-promotion.

I wish I had a magic wand for all of my clients and students. But, sadly, this doesn’t exist. So, follow my steps above and remember to be patient.

Until Monday,

Coco the CEO 

Public Relations Ethics

Does your company employ a code of ethics for your Account Reps? If not, you need to have your attorney write one up as soon as possible and get the signatures of the Account Reps obtained. You see, there is often a grey area when it comes to publicity and certain areas of gifting, tickets, event attendance, etc.  There are two major associations that oversea ethics, and you don’t want to get on their bad side!

This said, and with regards to information, ensure your code of ethics includes the following;

1.       Preserve the integrity of the process of communication. This means you should be honest and accurate in all communications.  You need to act promptly to correct erroneous communications for which the practitioner is responsible and preserve the free flow of unprejudiced information when giving or receiving gifts by ensuring that gifts are nominal, legal, and infrequent.

2.       Compete fairly among other professionals preserves. This means to promote respect and fair competition among public relations professionals. This also means free and open competition without deliberately undermining a competitor.

3.       Finally, ensure a conflict of interest doesn’t exist. This means you will avoid actions and circumstances that may appear to compromise good business judgment or create a conflict between personal and professional interests. You have to disclose promptly any existing or potential conflict of interest to affected clients or organizations. You also have to ask and encourage clients and customers to determine if a conflict exists after notifying all affected parties.

Until tomorrow,

Coco the CEO