“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Dr. Maya Angelou
Archives for May 2014
LADIES NIGHT!
Bringing Love to the City!
I love this picture of Chenoa Maxwell, just kicking up her heels on a Saturday night! I don’t know who’s car she’s on, but the guy can’t be too mad at her, right?
I love it when I can mix business with pleasure. And that was certainly the case when the cast members of OWN’s “Love in the City” brought their East Coast vibe to Philippe Chow in Beverly Hills on Saturday, May 17, 2014 for a viewing party.
My client, two-time Emmy-winning celebrity hairstylist Kiyah Wright, along with her BFFs — that is, actress-turned-photographer Chenoa Maxwell and breast cancer survivor Bershan Shaw mixed and mingled with fans, while watching the latest episode of their docu drama on Oprah’s network. These girls have been friends for more than 10 years! Imagine … doing a reality show with your best friends! Unfortunately, bestie Tiffany Jones couldn’t make the road trip out West this time around, and missed all the fun. The event was hosted by Eyelash Guru Ja’Maal Buster. I’m so glad the producers of ReelUrbanNews.com were there to capture all the fun. Plus, you can see me in action at work and play!
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
A Flack. A Spin Doctor. A Prostitute. A Pimp.
A flack, a spin doctor, a press agent. Of course, all these terms are synonymous with the profession of public relations – that is, a publicist. A publicist is a person who shapes and molds the brand and image of a person, place or thing. A good publicist is also a salesperson and a master of persuasion. I recently told someone: “If a publicist can’t sell ice water to an Eskimo, then he or she is in the wrong profession!”
Wyllisa’s logo
I often proclaim myself as a “publicist du jour,” which in French, translates to mean publicist of the day. It just sounds better in French, doesn’t it? Well, I’m going to let you in on a little secret: The moniker is also a nod to a very famous and classic 1967 French movie, “Belle de Jour,” starring the award-winning French actress Catherine Deneuve. The film is about a housewife who spends her afternoons as a prostitute while her husband goes to work.
I have to admit, sometimes, I feel like I’m in the business of prostitution on my day job, hence the clever, little nickname. And I’ve told my clients on many occasions that I’m their publicity pimp, who will put them on a corner for the sake of any and all publicity. I love a good headline. What can I say? I can’t help it! Thank God, my line of work is legal! My mantra: All publicity is good publicity!
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY, RENA!
An Open Letter to My Mom
Dear Mom!
I didn’t get you a card. I didn’t buy you any flowers. I didn’t go shopping to find that special gift. Don’t worry, something is coming in the mail. However, today, I wanted to offer you a gift of words to express just how much you mean to me.
As I get older, the more I understand and appreciate the sacrifices you made to be the best mother you can be. I thank God everyday that I got lucky with the “good parents.” Flawed, yet loving, you instilled in me so many values that have allowed to me make the best decisions for my life.
Because of your teachings, it has allowed me to live my life freely and honestly. Yes, I’ve made mistakes along the way, but it’s been so reassuring to know that you’ll be there to offer a comforting word or solid advice.
“All money ain’t good money.” — Words From Da Hood
I GOT JOKES 4 #DONALDSTERLING
As “Clippergate” and Los Angeles Clipper owner Donald Sterling continue to dominate headlines, and really put a spotlight on institutionalized racism in our society, I took my rants to the airwaves of “Flow Therapy” on Humor Mill radio on Friday, May 2, 2014. Oh, I had plenty of jokes for Donald Sterling. Check out my interview below.
Flow Therapy With Wyllisa Bennett, Part 1
Flow Therapy With Wyllisa Bennett, Part 2
Just in case you’ve been under a rock, TMZ.com released an audio tape of Donald, telling his 31-year old girlfriend V. Stiviano not to post pictures of herself with Black people on Instagram or bring Black people to the Clippers games, including Magic Johnson. I understand that V. Stiviano is biracial – half Black and half Mexican. As I’ve said before, I guess her drop of Black blood doesn’t count in the equation of their friendship.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZh6WGbZUvA#t=118
Read more about of my thoughts about Donald Sterling in my Bigots R Us post. And if you thought my interview was funny, check out more hilarious interviews on Humor Mill radio right here.
#BigotsRUs, #DonaldSterling
TOP 10 REASONS WHY LEON JENKINS OF THE NAACP DESPERATELY NEEDED A PUBLICIST LAST WEEK
A Publicist Du Jour Offers a Teachable Moment on Crisis Management
Last Friday, I hit the radio airwaves with Humor Mill radio, ranting and raving about the whole Donald Sterling-Clippergate-NAACP-racism fiasco. In my world, that was a public relations nightmare for Donald Sterling, the Los Angeles Clippers; but more notably, for the Los Angeles chapter of the NAACP. The NAACP – that is, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. I want to spell out its acronym so we can be reminded of what the civil rights organization represents. Leon Jenkins, the president of the Los Angeles chapter of the NAACP, took a big hit in the arena of public opinion when offering his resignation for the Sterling racism debacle. Talk about collateral damage!
Often times, I’m asked: “What is a publicist?” And I’m truly surprised every time I get that question because it seems so obvious what a publicist does. But I guess not, because it took my mother a minute to figure out what I do for a living, too. In laymen’s terms, a publicist is a person who promotes and protects the image and brand of a person, place or thing. A good publicist is a salesperson and a master of persuasion.
A publicist uses words and creative imagery to shape the thoughts and opinions of a targeted audience. Sometimes, a publicist will “spin” a story to persuade public opinion in favor of or against a person, place or thing. Companies spend millions of dollars each year on advertising and fancy public relation campaigns to manipulate the thoughts and public opinions about its products and services.