Charlie Sheen is a Marketing Genius, & What We Can Learn From Him by Allen Miller, HitmanPR

I have been in PR, marketing for 20 years and been teaching my clients how to celebritize themselves using social media. We can learn a lot from Charlie Sheen in the way of marketing, the new media and how to use it. There are several rules I have been teaching for years; Charlie Sheen is the best example to illustrate those points. This is marketing at its best.

The first most important rule in social media is respond to the conversation especially when someone disagrees with you. Case in point. I am marketing for a very famous artist, photographer/videographer Norman Seeff. Norman has just produced a movie backed by NASA called “The Triumph of a Dream!” This film is going to go world wide very shortly. To be linked with this film and of course NASA would be a marketers dream. So I linked one of my other clients that work with World Financial Group (WFG), as a sponsor for the film. When we goggled WFG, numerous links were encountered calling WFG a SCAM, FRAUD, etc. Upon seeing this Norman Seeff and his team, refused WFG as a sponsor. Not because they were a fraud or not, that was an unknown, it was because WFG didn’t defend itself. WFG did not counter the claims or even speak to the claims. In the case of Charlie Sheen, when the first comments came out about Charlie’s lifestyle from Loree, Sheen responded quickly and decisively with a response. Chuck Lorre then came out with a response to Sheen’s and then so on and so forth for the last few weeks. This argument went viral and now he has sold out one-man shows in New York.

Rule #1-- Answer your complaints faster than your compliments-most of all answer!

The second rule and probably the most important rule-People live vicariously through you. Everybody thinks that everybody’s life is more interesting than his or her own. Case in point, Charlie Sheen has given us a glimpse into his life the nice house, the two “Goddesses” the cars etc. Charlie Sheen has been fired from his job, is in a custody dispute, and is suing his employer. However, he turned this online argument into 2+million followers on twitter and companies are lined up to use him to represent their products. Now you that have products and services tell your followers or potential followers about the encounters you have, people want to read and know about you. They identify with the fantasy they see as you. I have a client Bonnie-Jill Laflin, she is the only female scout or the NBA, working with the Lakers. She gets to play hoops with the Lakers and Kobie several times a week. She takes this for granted, but most people I know would kill for the opportunity to play basketball with the Lakers. 

Rule #2 -Nothing in your life is insignificant people want to know as they idealize everybody other than themselves.

The third rule, don’t stop, once you start this do not stop! Charlie Sheen has staged wonderful examples of this rule. Charlie and one of his goddesses were planning a siege of CBS to get his motor home back. They were dressed in commando type uniforms with a map of all his video. They go to the studio, walk in and drive out no confrontation. Genius, everyone watches because will there be drama, fights no. That’s not the point they engaged everyone in the “OP” and people watched. Charlie has been on a number of media outlets continuously since this started and was only bumped by a Tsunami. But I guarantee after this levels out (bad pun) well be back watching Charlie’s life. Chuck Lorre CBS, everyone has stopped speaking about Charlie, except Charlie. We were taught as children when this type of argument started to “let it go” “turn the other cheek”, “it will blow over” and my favorite "don't stoop to their level". NO this is wrong, answer back, the one that is the longest winded WINS. Look what happed to WFG, they turned the other check, and lost an opportunity to take their business vertical with NASA. They lost an opportunity of a lifetime to market their business because they thought it would go away. REMEMBER what happens in Vegas, may stay in Vegas. But it stays on the Internet forever!!!

Rule #3: Keep the conversation going, only if it goes one way. People are watching and listening, even when they’re quiet.

I don’t know if Charlie Sheen, knows these concepts or has someone advising him. Regardless, what has transpired over the last few weeks is absolute GENIUS! 


In conclusion there has been a lot said about Charlie’s “Duh Winning” comment. Charlie Sheen has made approximately 7 million dollars from sold out shows he is going to perform, product placement and from sponsors. Update: There is speculation that Charlie will get his old job back at CBS. He did all this following the rules I have taught for years. So I ask you who is winning, and laughing all the way to the bank.

Allen S. Miller, of HitmanPR is a marketing strategist to actors, authors, athletes, and business professionals. Hitman Public Relations provides business and media strategies to its’ clients for marketing internationally on TV, in print and social media markets. Hitman PR owns channels on Kelsey Grammer’s online TV network where it’s developing, directing and broadcasting new content.  Hitman PR was originally created to publicize his longtime friend Farrah Fawcett's (Fawcett’s Farrahfawcett.us)  message of hope to the world.

How I met Uday Hussein and How I worked with The Iraq Soccer Team by Allen S Miller

In August of 1990, Allen S. Miller, of HitmanPR led a team of physicians to the World Games in Chiro Egypt and ultimately worked for the Iraq Soccer team and Uday Hussein. Egypt wanted to be considered a contender on the world stage for an Olympic bid and spared no expense at updating their sports facilities. I was accredited with Sierra Leone Olympic Track & Field Team and had been since our introduction at the All African Games in 1988 held Lagos, Nigeria. These were tense times; President Herbert Walker Bush and Saddam Hussein were locked in a moral debate over Saddam’s taking of Kuwait. The night before I was to depart, I got a phone call from the “state department” to be more accurate my stepbrothers’ father in the CIA, not to go.

Once on the ground we quickly organized the team and went to the accreditation center for our credentials. Once I checked in and received my credentials I needed to get the rest of the team accredited for the games. This became a problem, and for some unknown reason, everything was denied, until I met with the head of security. I was immediately escorted to the security center and was graciously asked if I wanted tea, while I waited for the General. I had brought pins from the US, FBI and State Agencies as presents. I had known the General since Lagos and had seen him on my several trips to Africa. I gave him an FBI pin as a gift, at which point he broke out the Scotch, and we talked for hours. Subsequently, the General facilitated the doctor’s credentials for entry. After checking in with my team, we entered the stadium area and setup on the practice field. This may seem strange that we didn’t got the medical center, however, this is where everybody setups up their equipment. There is an old rule in sports, you go where the athletes are, and they are usually at the practice field. Sports medicine is a cooperative, a family; we all know each other and help each other. It always amused me that journalists would write that there were political rivalries inside the center. To the contrary, we all worked, with each other, shared each other’s equipment and supplies. Now Africa is an amazing place, everyone is a variety of colors from black to white and everything in between. The badges did not have nationality on them, the badges only indicated the team you were credentialed with, I was credentialed with Sierra Leone, it was just accepted that I was from Sierra Leone.

As we were setting up and operational on the practice grounds the athletes started to arrive for a variety of services. I was approached by the team manager for the Iraq Soccer team. Their manager was a very charismatic and engaging gentleman. We talked for a long time, as he was very interested in our services. My team of doctors evaluated and treated the team as they would all the other teams at the games. The rhetoric between the USA and Iraq was escalating, during the time we were there.

There was a fear that violence would breakout as the games organizers decided to issue evacuation plans and the location shelters. To the dismay of the team, the organizers went so far as to overlap targets on the parts of the city that we were housed. We were watching the coverage of the Kuwait conflict on a fledgling news channel called CNN. As the games were wrapping up, the manager of the Iraq Soccer team invited some of us to dinner at his hotel (Hilton on the Nile) with his father. I picked the members of the team that had the most impact with the soccer team and off we went to dinner at the Hilton. We met up with the team manager, outside the Hilton, as directed. He apologized greatly that dinner had to be “postponed” as his father had to go back home as “Bush invaded Iraq”. I very naively asked “who is your father”, The team manager replied “my father is Saddam Hussein”. Now in amazement he said then you are? He replied Uday Hussein, he kings son. Uday Hussein apologized greatly for the embarrassment and asked if I would come to Iraq “following this unpleasantness” and work with his team and physicians. I had to laugh and stated “well I am honored and would be glad to come, but I think my government would disapprove”. Uday, asked “why would Sierra Leone disapprove”? I then stated that I was an American, we both just started laughing. Uday, then stated that “he would insure my safety” and to contact him once this conflict was over”. He then handed me a keychain with his likeness and the likeness of his father on them. He thanked me greatly for the service and kindness provided both him and his team. We parted and I was never to see him again. My dinner with Saddam Uday Hussein got cancelled by President Bush’s’ bombing of Kuwait.

So the moral of the story and one I have lived all my life; be nice you never know who you are talking too.

Just Another Track Meet (JAFTM) Things I learned at the Olympics by Allen Miller (HitmanPR)

My (Allen S Miller of HitmanPR) dream and goal was to treat Olympic and pro class athletes. I started out and paid my dues like everybody else volunteering at High Schools and graduating into college meets. I joined every professional group that dealt with athletes, and injuries. My first invitation was to the Ironman in Hawaii as an injury triage doctor and Chiropractor. Once I survived that competition, I was invited to travel the Track and Field Circuit beginning in Lagos, Nigeria with the All African Games ultimately moving through Europe. Then the invitation came, my appointment to US Track and Field Team in Barcelona during the world Games. There I met my mentor Dr. Jack Russell, head of Sports Injuries US Track & Field Team. We became close friends and we traveled the world together following the teams treating athletes. I was recruited by the nations of Nigeria, Ethiopia and Sierra Leone to act as their medical director at the 1992 summer games of the Olympiad held in Barcelona Spain. When I arrived, I met up with Dr. Russell prior to entering the accreditation center at the Olympic Center. I was advised that we were unable to enter the center as South Africa was arriving and they were to enter first to fanfare of the media as apartheid had been abolished. This is their return to the competition after years of absence. I was anxious to enter the games as it was the culmination of a dream. However I was scared to death and secretly said the universal prayer “please god, don’t let me screw up”. Dr. Jack Russell, Carl Lewis and I all entered the gates and proceeded to the Olympic Center to take our Olympic Oath. As we did, I became more terrified and nervous at the sheer weight of where I was and where I had come from. As the oath ended, Jack Russell must have seen the look of sheer terror on my face and the lack of color. Jack looked over at me and spelled out the initials that I will remember for all time, J A F T M. Looking puzzled I asked “what in the hell does that mean?” Jack replied, “it’s Just Another F___-g Track Meet, now let’s go to work” there was a momentary silence, and we just started laughing. I was ok, the nervousness was gone the fear gone. So when I get nervous before an event, a talk, anything, I remember the initials JAFTM and just smile. 

David Bowie's Insight on Personal Development by Allen Miller (HitmanPR)

 

Many of you are not old enough to remember Dinah Shore, she was incredible woman in an incredible time. David Bowie was on Dinah Shore’s TV show in 1975, Allen S Miller, of HitmanPR had the opportunity to be backstage during the taping of this show as Dinah’s bodyguard. Bobby Marx, later the stepson of Frank Sinatra was there as well. David Bowie really amazed everybody, especially Dinah, as he was insightful and his advice for personal growth is true today. Be want you want, and you will be want you want!

Allen S Miller on set of Photo Shoot With Dr. Stephanie King

I was on a photo shoot with stephanie with mikesteelephotography.com for new marketing campaign http://ping.fm/vcnBD

Kelly Ripa #94 in Maxim Hot 100 posing in Icon Farrah Fawcett Fashion?

Kelly Rip of daytime TV Regis and Kelly fame was listed as #94 in the maxim hot 100 list of most beautiful women. Ms. Ripa decided for some unknown reason to strike the same pose that made Farrah Fawcett famous, blanket and all. Kelly, was wearing a purple bathing suit instead of the orange, (not red) one Farrah sported in a now iconic photo. Now what is most disturbing is that Kelly decided to strike the exact same pose as Farrah. I find this very insulting in many different ways and several conclusions come to mind, Kelly has a glorified view of her physique, she is believing her own press or Regis has finally driven her crazy. One thing is sure and to quote Llovd Benson, I knew Farrah Fawcett and you, Ms. Ripa are no Farrah Fawcett! I understand you are considered by most to be beautiful, however you do not have the “assets” Farrah Fawcett had, especially those that should have filled out the bathing suit. I think there are some things that just should not be copied, this being one of them. We could never, remake Katherine Hepburn’s pose, Lauren Bacall saying “just whistle”, and so many more that have become simply, iconic.

There will never be another Farrah; there are beautiful women that are illustrated so well in Maxim Magazine. The women in this magazine have shown their own personalities, strength, confidence and most of all their beauty. They are not trying to be someone else or compare themselves to someone else. They are not trying to use someone else to gain approval or credibility. The other 99 women are all beautiful, and most of all they appear by their photo to be very independent, which in my opinion makes them more beautiful. The only thing that this photo accomplished is it reminds us that there are no substitutes for the original.

Professional speaking, it was the responsibility of the publicist or the photographer to persuade Ms. Ripa from publishing these photos’ after they were shot. More to the point whomever devised this photo shoot with this set in mind should have had the common decency to throw it in the can with all the other “what were you thinking” ideas.

These photos are in very bad taste and in my opinion very disrespectful, not say pretty sad in comparison.

Is Monogamy Too Much To Ask For in a Marriage? by Todd Creager

Tiger Woods had a squeaky clean image. He is tremendously talented and tremendously rich. He is married to a beautiful woman and has a great family. What would make him sabotage all that for one or more extramarital affairs? Some people say that it is just human nature to cheat; isn’t variety the spice of life? As a marriage and sex therapist practicing for quite a long time, I could tell you that I do believe that variety is the spice of life and that it probably is a natural human instinct to want to have sexual relationships with people other than one’s spouse. When you have a celebrity such as Tiger Woods, who is probably a constant object of desire for beautiful women, how could he resist this temptation? And look at the statistics; the latest one I read was that 60 % of men and 40% of women have some kind of extramarital affair in their lifetime. (Probably a rough estimate) So-back to the question that is the title of this blog- Is monogamy too much to ask for in a marriage?

NO!!! It is not too much to ask for in a marriage. However, there is a catch!

As I write about in my book, "The Long, Hot Marriage" we need to evolve beyond our ancestors (parents. grandparents, etc.) and learn the principles of creative monogamy. Creative monogamy involves:

1) Creating a strong emotional connection with our mate.

2) Being honest about our inevitable and natural ambivalence about being totally faithful.
The ideal is to treat our partner as our confidante even about matters that may push his or her insecurity buttons such as attraction to other members of the opposite sex.

3) Continually taking risks in and out of the bedroom with our partner and making sure that we don't slip into "deadening" roles and stuck patterns.

Creating a strong emotional connection involves taking the time to slow down and communicate with your partner. You need to develop the emotional muscle necessary to listen without being defensive as well as learn to express your feelings, thoughts and desires in a non-accusatory style that encourages your partner to listen. This takes practice and since we have had little or no role models for this skill, it is sometimes helpful to get a relationship therapist or coach to assist. An attitude of interest and curiosity towards your partner has to be cultivated.
Most if not all married people have ambivalence about being faithful. There is that part of us that wants to be loyal and make the marriage work. But it is totally natural to be attracted to members of the opposite sex . It is ridiculous to think that we could make ourselves not feel these feelings just like it would be just as ridiculous to not feel hungry after a full night’s sleep. Most partners try to hide these parts of themselves for fear of angering or hurting the spouse. This “hiding” actually increases the chance of infidelity since it starts to disrupt the emotional connection between the couple. When these more challenging conversations take place, it paves the way for increased acceptance of ALL of who you and your partner are.
If you are honest with yourself, any area of life that has been successful for you has been at least in part due to you risking in some way. Your marital life is no different. If you stay too long in your comfort zone, your relationship dries up. Dare to be different. Share another side of yourself. Try something new in the bedroom. Be playful and adventurous. Be willing to look silly. Don’t play it too safe. Be willing to get rejected by your spouse. Don’t protect yourself too much. Open your heart.
Marriage is not for the feint of heart. The couple needs to develop the emotional muscle to create a strong emotional bond. They need to courageously share all of who they are, not just the wonderful, loyal side but the sides that may evoke insecurity. Lastly, it takes courage to consistently risk in and out of the bedroom. Doing the three steps I outlined, makes marriage and faithfulness an exciting adventure. Of course, there are no guarantees when it comes to interpersonal relationships. However, if you build the kind of relationship that you could by doing what I am writing about, it will be far easier to say “No!” to an exciting impulse that could lead to infidelity. The kind of relationship you would be building as well as how you would feel about yourself and your mate, just wouldn’t be worth the risk.

Alana Contacts Farrah Through James Von Praagh

Alana Stewart has used James Van Praagh to contact Farrah Fawcett. In this segment, James Alana Stewart and medium James Van Praagh talk to ET about their other worldly experience in trying to reach Alana's best friend, Farrah Fawcett.

James states to Alana, "Farrah is right behind me, really really strong, and saying, 'Come on let's go," says James during their psychic session, and Alana replies, "That is so her, that is so her! That is so strange. Whenever she was impatient, she would sit like that and put her hand to her face and go, 'Come on, let's go.'"

"She said, 'Thank you for wearing my bracelet,'" says James, and Alana replies, "I'm wearing it right now! … She gave this to me for my birthday two years ago. … Oh my God!"

Now here is the interesting part, I reported in June that Alana was selling jewelery and other items through a 3rd party on ebay that Farrah had given her. Wasn't that bracelet the one Alana sold? If it is, then James is wrong, or Farrah can't see the bracelet she is wearing. If this is truly the case, maybe James can ask Farrah who took her journal and could they give it back to Red, the rightful owner.

To Further Farrah's Committment to Cancer Education

Sorry, everyone that I have been quiet for awhile alot has happened and I will be commenting on it in these upcoming posts. As a lot of you know, if you have been watching my face book page, Drasmiller, or my fan site Hitman Public Relations, I was at Blog World LV 2009 for some clients and interviews etc. I ran into an amazing person by the name of Meaghan Edelstein, she is the founder of Spirit Jump. She is a cancer survivor and has organized this group to send cards etc to people that have cancer. I know the impact your cards and letters meant to Farrah. Receiving support from people is uplifting, inspiring and gives the person strength in these hard times. This amazing woman is organizing everyone to send out inspiration to others by the way of a card or letter, or anything you desire. Its a kind thought and you never know the impact that these simple acts of kindness have on someone. I have attached the video of the interview I did with Meaghan at blog world. Please go to her site, facebook page (SpiritJump) and join her cause. Its the cost of a card and postage to uplift someones spirit and strength. So add someone to your Christmas or holiday list, its that easy. I look forward to you all letting me know the impact you have on others.

Greg Lott - Farrah's Secret Romance

I have been fairly quiet on this issue, for many reasons. One of which is: Why help this self aggrandizing individual proselytize himself further on the death of Farrah? Now here is what has happened. I was contacted by Dylan Howard, Editor of Crocmedia, the company that owns OK magazine, for an interview. Mr. Howard had flow out to Greg’s “home” (3707 24th Street Lubbock, TX 79410) in Lubbock, TX for 3 days to Greg Lott. Mr. Howard, states that after the interview he thought, Greg was credible despite the several claims of fraud, mail fraud, and all the other numerous complaints fans have voiced. My blog has been described as revengeful, spiteful, and of course my favorite nasty by some of the best in the business. This may be, the reality of the situation, and the events surrounding Farrah’s death, were disgusting at best. The actions of the people that were closest to her have used her death to profit. These pathetic people that couldn’t earn a living on their own, whom had never accomplished one thing other meeting Farrah Fawcett, are shouting from the roof tops that they knew her and slept with her. Lott who’s only claim to fame is that he knew Farrah Fawcett; this is a man whose only real accomplishment is that he was too stupid to get away with a crime and went to jail. He played football in 1966, got hurt and never played after that. A success is one who overcomes diversity and accomplishes something. Greg has waited for years to see what he was going to receive from Farrah’s estate. This is the reality of the situation, sadly it controversy sells it sells magazines, and it sells papers. My statements are the truth, as told to me by Greg Lott, and backed up by all the information I gathered from him as well as others. I saw up close the character of this individual, and I reported it to you. Did he fool me at first, yes he did, but as soon as I figured out what his motives were I alerted the fans the best way I knew how. I understand Mr. Howard, he wants to sell papers, that’s just business. Now everyone has acknowledged Greg knew Farrah. To my knowledge, she didn’t leave anything in the will, and to my knowledge he never sent any money to Farrah’s charities or to her father. Greg was just a puppy that she took out played with for awhile and then put down. Greg so wants to be so much more, in the end for reasons I will never understand she chose Ryan O’Neal to accompany her to Germany and the rest is history. Now it’s just a fight over her money and estate, it just gets more pathetic as time travels on.

Farrah Fawcett the Real Truth

In your e-mail and comments you have asked me for the truth concerning the events surrounding Farrah's tribute the story behind the scences with Ryan and Alana. I met Craig Nevius on the set with William Shanter years ago, when I adjusted his horses and then him in the barn. Mr. Shatner is just a great and funny manm true professional. Craig has gone to alot of trouble, I expect Ryan has threatened him or tried to intimidate him and god know what that other had has done. But read his story, give it respect, absorb, embrace and keep it in your heart. Craig is doing an amazing thing, he is to be congratulated for his strength getting the truth out. I can only imagine what Ryan and Alana think of this.

Greg Lott & Farrah Fawcett-The Untold Story

Recent questions have arisen as to why Greg had not seen Farrah in almost 3 years prior to her death. The question I am continually asked “If Greg loved Farrah so much why didn’t he see her?” The answer, "I didn't want to see her like that" Greg stated in his recent interview. Mr. Lott unable to find work, and washing cars in Lubbock, Tx found a way through Farrah to earn extra money selling her pictures and memorabilia online through the website. Greg Lott was contractually bound to send 75% of the proceeds from FarrahFawcett.us to help her charities and ailing father. As Farrah was living her last days, Greg's only mission was to have Farrah sign over her rights to the website and her likeness to him so he could profit further. Ryan O’Neal thwarted those plans by denying Greg access to Farrah when he was here from Texas. Additionally, Greg was advertising on the Farrahfawcett.us his ability to have a “personalized autographed photo of Farrah Fawcett” available for an additional fee. Greg continually sold these pictures to awaiting fans without having the ability to reach or see the dyeing Icon. Questions continually arise as to how these pictures magically contained Farrahs’ personalized wishes to her fans. Complaints of mail fraud, forgery and fraud have been lodged at Greg Lott and FarrahFawcett.us. The website and Farrah’s likeness are owned by Farrah’s estate and ultimately Redmond O’Neal. Today, the website is up and selling Farrah’s merchandise, so Greg is once again profiting from Farrah Fawcett ultimately cheating Farrah’s estate of the money it deserves. Yes Greg Fight the Fight for one more dollar from Farrah.

Alana & Ryan Profiting from Vanity Fair Article of Farrah!

First let me thank Alana for the plug of my blog on ET the other night, I love being right. Anyway, it has been brought to my attention, that product placement is alive and well in the Vanity Fair Article. Yes, Ryan and Alana capitalizing on the death of their "Best Friend" and "Love of My Life". Case in point, I refer to page 308 of the Vanity Fair piece which ran last week on Farrah. There are two pictures, one of Ryan on Farrah's bed following her death and one of Alana and Ryan on Farrah's terrace after her death. All the other pictures were from the past but in these pictures, Ryan is wearing Prada and Alana is wearing Theory. See we were right, Ryan and Alana obviously got paid for advertising these products; note the credits on the right side of the page indicating the brand names. This is no different that models wearing clothes in GQ, with the brands listed on the opposite page.

It is despicable that these two would use an article about Farrah's life and death to make another couple of bucks. Ryan in Prada on Farrah's bed and Alana in Theory, These two greedy, morally corrupt people profit every way they can from his "lover" and her "best friends" death." Who thinks this way, when I have lost friends my only thought was to help the family, and try and cope with the deep loss of losing one’s friend or loved one. This would have never have crossed my mind.

It has been my contention from the beginning that these two vultures saw an opportunity to capitalize on the death of Farrah Fawcett and have from the time Farrah’s end was near. As I originally wrote, Alana started selling Farrah’s memorabilia before she was even buried. On the day of Farrah’s death, Ryan grabbed a brief case from Farrah’s condo within hours of her death. A few days ago, one of Ryan’s flunkies was spotted driving around Malibu in Farrah’s car. Now I am told Ryan and Alana are shopping the documentary of Farrah’s’ last days. What new products or clothes will be strategically placed in the documentary? Maybe there could be a cut away during some of the saddest parts to commercial for an anti depression medication. Here’s an idea, maybe a commercial with the voice over “staying up late with a sick friend, use Brand X Energizer Drink”. The empty can be strategically stacked on the bedside table. Here’s another suggestion for Ryan, maybe a product endorsement for Jenny Craig or the manzier (the bra for men premiered in Seinfeld). What type of person plots to make a profit from someone’s death, are times that tough Ryan? Entertaining those younger women on the beach can be expensive, (especially the Viagra costs) wait there is another product endorsement idea.