Better Call Saul

Before we begin our journey together, let me explain something right away – if I hear someone saying to me one more time, “Better Call Saul,” I’m going to scream. It happens to me so often and all I can say (sarcastically) is, “Oh! I’ve never heard that before!” Help me, Lord!

So, why did I decide to name my monthly column something that will most likely give me a panic attack? I’ll try to explain. When I was asked by my friends at Nonahood News to create and write a monthly column about the world of public relations and promotions, I was also told to find a creative name for this cool endeavor. As a good husband, I asked my wife, Bonnie (definitely my better half!), to brainstorm with me on the name. For some reason (within a split second), she blurted out, “Better Call Saul!” OMG! Not her, too! But, for some reason, it worked for me. I really didn’t want it to fit, but it did. Then came our staff back in the Burgh. Both staff members loved the name, too.

So, let’s make this work. I’m easy. I’m open-minded. Just don’t repeat the title to me when I see you. I’m begging you! Promise?

Okay, let’s begin. My name is Saul Markowitz, and I’ve been in the public relations/promotions/marketing business for many years. Actually, for more than the last 21 years, I’ve been the president of Markowitz Communications (www.markowitzcommunications.com) in Pittsburgh, Pa. I’m originally from Buffalo, N.Y. (Let’s go, Bills!) and moved to Pittsburgh in the early 1980s to attend the University of Pittsburgh. Been married for 30 years to a real Pittsburgher and have an incredible 17-year-old son, Brandon (who currently works part-time at the Marriott in Lake Nona and loves it!). And, yes, our Sheltie, Bailey Barkowitz, is the head of our household and really enjoys her newest game, “Try and catch the gecko.” Whatever.

Throughout the years, I’ve been so fortunate to have worked on some incredible projects, from the grand opening of many Krispy Kreme doughnut locations to promoting dogs and cats in silly Halloween outfits as the national PR agency for the entire PetSmart chain (the United States and Canada). From promoting more than 15 Cirque du Soleil shows to the national PR campaign “Won’t You Be My Neighbor Days” for Mister Rogers Neighborhood, it’s been an incredible run and challenge.

Now, it’s time for a new life-changing adventure. Due to health issues with our teenage son, my wife and I have decided to find a house in the Lake Nona area (VillageWalk, to be exact) and learn what life is like without cold weather, snow and scarves. So far, the people we’ve met in the area have been so friendly and supportive.

While retaining our business in Pittsburgh (we love our staff and our clients up north), we’ve also decided to begin our PR business in Florida. So far, so good.

So, here’s the deal. I will try to use this column as a chance to share some tips and pointers on how best to promote your businesses through strategic media relations, creative promotions and more. I’ll show you what to look for in a story and how to find the right angle to build your clientele. I truly believe there’s a story in everything – you just need to find it.

And, yes, you can definitely “Call (or email) Saul” if you have any questions or concerns. As a newcomer to the area, I’m always looking for your advice on the best places to find the ultimate chocolate desserts. Hey, we’re in this together.

Before I end my first column, here’s my four important Rules of Public Relations … grab a pen and paper and write this down. (I’ll wait.) Hey, I’m still waiting. (Yep, that’s me singing to myself.) Okay, ready?

The 4 Rules of PR:

Tell the Truth.
Never say, “No Comment.”
If the media ever calls you and you’re not sure what to say, just say, “Let me get back to you.”
And the final rule: Get back to them.

Welcome to the world of PR. Feeling good about yourself? Nice.