24,500 Queries Later… Happy First Birthday, HARO!
I’m writing this today from a hotel room in Park City, Utah. One year ago, I wrote this blog post from a hotel room in Los Angeles, California. It talked about how my little Facebook group, called “If I Can Help A Reporter Out, I Will,” blew through 1,200 members, and I had to move it to a web site of its own. With the help of Adam Boettiger, www.helpareporter.com launched with it’s first query from the Chicago Tribune on March 20th, 2008. I think I said something like “hey guys, a Chicago Tribune reporter needs some help.”
If I’d known what that one post was going to do, I probably would have wrote something a little more profound as my opening sentence.
Here we are, one year later. We’ve posted close to 25,000 queries, to almost 70,000 sources, from over 10,000 journalists around the world. HARO has been mentioned in over 500 blog posts or articles in newspapers, and magazines. We’ve been featured on Good Morning America. And most importantly by far, we’ve connected thousands and thousands of sources to journalists that otherwise would not have gotten the media attention they deserve, while making thousands of journalists’ lives easier.
It’s been a pretty insane year… A year ago, I was running a PR firm with clients all over the world, as I’d been doing for ten years. I’d just sold AirTroductions, and was working hard, but not too hard. I enjoyed the work, and HARO was a thought that popped up one day when I was trying to figure out how to help a reporter who called me on deadline. That’s how these things happen, you know. I never, ever imagined it would be this big. Ever. Ever.
A year later… 75% of my time is spent traveling, for speaking engagements, teaching companies about social media, and attending conferences. I’m consistently amazed to find myself mentioned alongside names like Chris Brogan, Guy Kawasaki, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Pete Cashmore, who I met in the first photo below. Hey, when you’re both on a calendar it’s good to meet.
The people I’ve met and things I’ve been fortunate enough to do over the past year have all been so amazingly cool – Hearing people’s stories about how they use HARO, listening to them tell me how to improve it, racing with them, eating with them, and generally being goofy with them has been truly, truly amazing.
This past July, I realized I was in over my head, and I found Meagan. She proceeded to put my life in some sort of order, and things are much more logical now. Then in November, I brought Michael on board, to help edit the HARO. Meagan and Mike are the two best decisions I ever made for HARO.
It’s been an amazing ride. If you’d told me a year ago that I’d be where I am, or HARO would be where it is, today, I’d have thought you were crazy. That I’d be a “social media innovator?” That I’d be topping lists of lead sources in PR?” Come on! I was just a guy in NYC with two overweight cats!
Now I’m being invited to Park City, Utah, to the Olympic Stadium, to ride a Bobsled and experience 5.5 G’s? (Thanks, @olyparks!)
And being taken to NASA (who’s now a client) and interviewing astronauts in the Space Shuttle Mock-up?
And being given enough free Hardee’s coupons to guarantee I never have to be burgerless again.
But that’s how these things happen, I guess. And for what it’s worth, it hasn’t all been perfect. There have been problems, both personal and professional that have crept up along the way. But that’s what happens. You figure out how to fix them. Some require more fixing than others, some are unfixable. And you find that the best way to deal is to work the problem, find the solution, and learn something from the experience. If you can do that, then the problem or failure was worth it. I’ve said it before: Failure is great, because it forces you to examine what you’re doing.
In the end, I took a risk on something, and I’m thankful every day that I did. I’m very, very fortunate. But I think Abraham Lincoln said it best: “I believe in luck. And I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.”
Keep in mind, HARO wouldn’t be at ALL what it is today without the help and loyalty of each and every HARO Advertiser. As of next week, there’ll be a massive HARO Advertiser List, so you can find exactly what HARO Advertiser you were thinking of! Cool, huh? Thank you each and every HARO Advertiser.
And of course, in the end, it comes down to you. Every day, you let me into your inboxes – three times a day, in fact! The trust that you place on me with that allowance is immeasurable – and for that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
So let’s look onward to the future! I’m bringing on brilliant people – I’m growing HARO. If where we are now vs. one year ago is any indication, where we’ll be one year from now isn’t even imaginable. Multiple lists? Geographic targeting? “Finished story banks?” To quote a random Navy Seal in “The Rock,” “This motha’s gonna blow big.” I’d add, even bigger than it has already.
So thanks for being here. And stick around.
-Peter Shankman
March 20th, 2009
March 19th, 2009 at 11:58 pm
I speak for many when I say thank you for making my job easier. I am honored that you shared your anniversary with me in Park City. “You’re pretty.”
March 20th, 2009 at 5:06 am
Hi Peter!
Happy Birthday to HARO! Happy Birthday to HARO! You’re doing a great job and I just wanted to say congratulations and thanks!
I’ve included HARO as a “must have” resource for the students at the Writer’s Business Academy. They’re hardworking, dedicated writers, authors, coaches and artists who are learning how to build a successful business – and make a good living from doing what they love – and you’re not only a great role model of showing that anything is possible, you provide an invaluable service as well.
Have fun in Park City – it’s one of my favorite cities…There’s a little steak house there on Main street that’s absolutely fabulous – it’s called the Claim Jumper, I think, and it used to be one of the best places in town to get great steaks! Is it still there?
Thanks again for all your hard work!
Warmly,
Cheryl
March 20th, 2009 at 5:09 am
Peter — you do so many things well, but I’ll always be grateful for the time you spend with our PR students at Hofstra — you show them that this is an amazing career choice, and that enthusiasm and effort are as important as brains. Thank YOU, Peter Shankman!
March 20th, 2009 at 5:12 am
Happy Birthday, HARO. HARO rocks, and so do you, Peter! (And thank you Meagan and Michael, as well.) I can’t wait to see the stats on HARO on March 20, 2010!
Cynthia MacGregor, freelance writer/editor (54 books…so far)
March 20th, 2009 at 5:42 am
Hi Peter
As I said in my personal email to you earlier this week and now I”ll share it here with you and all members of members here
I want to be one of the first to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO HARO !!!!!!
Although I have only been a HARO family member for just a short time (since the end of January) I have found it to be an incredible resource in my PR business.
I have had numerous interview requests for clients that I would NEVER have found out about if it weren’t for you.
I am amazed by your dedication, tireless hard work and overwhelming enthusiasm that you put into HARO and am extremely grateful for it.
You should be proud of what you’ve done here !!!!!
Thank You for everything you do and THANK YOU for creating HARO!!
You have no idea how much I appreciate it. And as per your suggestion yesterday, I have changed all my social networking profiles on Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin to:
Get Sourced. Get Quoted. Get Famous. http://www.helpareporter.com
Let’s rock this thing “TOO INFINITY AND BEYOND!!!
Once again…HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO HARO!! and many more !
Nelson Hudes
Hudes Communications International
Nelson@hudescommunications.com
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
March 20th, 2009 at 5:53 am
Happy Birthday HARO! Peter (and the rest of your incredible team), just want to wish HARO a very happy birthday and thank you for all you do. What an incredible gift you’ve given to those of us looking for the perfect places to share our passionate messages.
Thanks so much and happy birthday!!
March 20th, 2009 at 5:55 am
I cannot even count at this point how many opportunites with really significant pubs have come my way through you. Thanks, Happy Birthday and I am really looking forward to what is to come.
March 20th, 2009 at 6:00 am
Happy Birthday, HARO! A truly outstanding tool and connector of folk. Thanks, Peter, to building it big and building it right. One day, though, you’ll have to teach me how to become an adventurist. It seems like a good role for one who sells toys.
March 20th, 2009 at 6:03 am
“In the end, I took a risk on something, and I’m thankful every day that I did.”
And we are grateful you did as well. Happy birthday HARO.
March 20th, 2009 at 6:05 am
Hi Peter
In addition to what I said in my comment above, because I am so grateful for you and HARO I want to share my recent HARO SUCCESS STORY (that I sent you by email recently) with all HARO MEMBERS so here it is.
March 11, 2009
One of the HARO query’s that you sent out a few weeks ago that I responded to for one of my clients has really turned into a great success for me and I wanted you to know about it.
In fact, it’s turned out so well, that the person who sent you the query has now written a recommendation for me on my Linkedin page and called me on the telephone to personally thank me for setting up the interview with my client.
I know that you are always talking about how important it is for PR People to pitch on target and I couldn’t agree more so here’s something great that has happened to me because of following the 5 Rules Of HARO I thought you would want to know about this and perhaps share it with other Haro Family members.
Keep up the great work Peter, As far as I’m concerned, HARO is invaluable to me because without it, none of this would have happened !!!!
Nelson
Here’s the recommendation that was written for me by Dianne Crampton President of Tigers Success Series who posted a query on HARO that I responded to.
Dear Nelson,
I’ve written this recommendation of your work to share with other LinkedIn users.
Nelson responded to a query I put on HARO to interview CEO’s of small businesses (50 – 1000 employees) who could demonstrate a solid team culture with behaviors that support trust, interdependence, genuineness, empathy, risk and success in the business culture. The interview is for my book. Nelson contacted me on behalf of his client and connected me to an absolutely inspiring on target leader. Nelson provided a solid service for a client and a solid connection for me. The man does his research and jumps international boundaries with the skill set of a poll vaulter. He sailed over the bar as far as I am concerned and I highly recommend his services to others.” March 11, 2009
Dianne Crampton
March 20th, 2009 at 6:08 am
Bravo, Peter! HBD,congrats and keep the circle growing!
March 20th, 2009 at 6:22 am
Happy Birthday HARO and congrats, Peter. It’s SO wonderful to have an alternative to pricey services in this day and age of belt-tightening! I think I’m finally ready to log off that other site (and I’m not talking about jdate!). Amazing! Keep up the great work. Judy
March 20th, 2009 at 6:23 am
This network rocks… kudos and fair warning.
(And since I am a journalist, I should note this is just my personal gush, not a professional endorsement of any kind.)
1) Kudos:
I cannot say how amazing HARO has been, in my estimation. I get a lot of juice from seeing it in my inbox and “reading in” on how people are processing the stories of the day.
I also have used it myself… I responded to a call about folks who lost jobs (mine was hosting NPR’s “News and Notes,” now cancelled) and redirected their lives. I got quoted in Alexandra Levitt’s inaugural “Reinvention” column for the WSJ…quoted with Stephen Covey. Seeing myself in that context helped me catalyze thoughts I had for a new business. So now I’m launching that business… within the month. HARO has an anti-wound-licking, get-off-your-ass effect.
BUT
2) Fair warning:
As a reporter, I read the HARO requests all the time to see what competitors are doing. If you have some top seekret project… maybe this isn’t the best place to post. But it’s a great place not just to get help but inspiration.
Thanks Peter!
Peace,
Farai Chideya
http://www.faraichideya.com
(top seekret project launching soon)
March 20th, 2009 at 7:04 am
Happy Birthday HARO! You’re an inspiration.
Have to say, when I first heard about HARO, the idea of receiving three emails a day from one source sounded insane. Just kill me now. Very quickly, though, I became a convert and now recommend HARO right, left, and center.
I’ve found fabulous resources among the advertisers, responded to queries with enthusiasm, forward queries to friends, and continue to tune in 3X/day for the smiles you bring me 140 characters at a time.
Live long and prosper, Peter,
K
March 20th, 2009 at 7:05 am
Peter,
Happy Birthday!
And thanks for the service. I was referred to HARO and in turn have referred HARO to just about everyone I know. Not only has the sight helped me get quoted and interviewed for my book. It has also been a great boon for my blog, when I want to interview someone for a topic, the first place I go is HARO. I’m thrilled with the people I’ve been able to talk with and the knowledge base I’ve been able to find. Congratulations!
March 20th, 2009 at 7:14 am
Peter,
Thanks for the help in growing my business through HARO and the lessons that you have taught an old respiratory therapist about communicating with the media. It has truly been a learning process for us, and I look forward to some amazing stuff this year. It was nice to see you out in vegas last week for a short breakfast before keynoting.
March 20th, 2009 at 7:15 am
Bravo! Bravo!
So thrilled for you, for HARO, and for the mark you’ve made on the industry. Well done. ;-)
–Tanya
March 20th, 2009 at 7:24 am
To the start-ups I meet wherever I go
I tell them about this thing called HARO
It’s a great way to help a reporter in need
Get the facts of a story so they can succeed
Businesses who have a tale to tell
Equally love it ‘cause they’re quoted as well
As the author of “My Body Belongs to Me”
HARO has been particularly helpful you see
As a prosecutor and mother it’s been my intention
To spread the word about child abuse prevention
Peter Shankman is akin to a modern day sage
He and HARO bring reporting into the digital age
Thank you to HARO for all that you do
Please keep it up and happy birthday to you
All the best,
jill
March 20th, 2009 at 7:24 am
Peter,
Congrats on the anniversary! My agency is truly thankful for all of the opportunities that HARO has provided for us.
Thanks for all that you’ve done!
Brandon
March 20th, 2009 at 7:26 am
Happy Birthday HARO and Congratulations Peter.
HARO has put me in touch with some amazing freelance writers and enabled me to share my message of accepting personal responsibility to create the life we desire. The HARO story is a shining example of following a dream, taking risks, working hard and even though at times we feel it is just too much, there are often solutions in the most surprising places.
Thank you Peter.
Marilyn
March 20th, 2009 at 7:32 am
Peter,
congratulations on HARO’s first year anniversary! As one of your first 6,000 subscribers, I’ve watched with amazement and awe at how you’ve grown HARO and how your perfectly-suited wit, charm (and ADHD personality) have made it a must-read in my day.
I have had multiple successes using HARO for my day job as a marketing director for a professional services firm, and in my personal life – where I’ve forwarded HARO requests to friends or colleagues who I knew would be good sources for the reporter.
You are a social networking innovator and definitely hard-working – our one meeting in NYC was the finest example of multitasking I’ve ever witnessed!
Keep up the great work!
Tracey
March 20th, 2009 at 7:35 am
Peter,
Happy Birthday! And kudos to you on your moxie. You are an inspiration to us all in demonstrating how anything is possible – take an idea, act on it immediately, put 150% into it and look what happens?!
Thanks for all that you do and your innate ability to make the world a better and more interesting place. Looking forward to the HARO ride – year 2!
Carol
March 20th, 2009 at 7:36 am
I keep an eye on every HARO email to keep finding (because I’ve already found many) ways to get the word out about my start-up company. Please keep doing what you’re doing! I’ll keep passing the word along for you. Happy Birthday to HARO!
March 20th, 2009 at 7:38 am
Happy Birthday to HARO & hugs to you for this “free” ride! Smiles – Stacey
March 20th, 2009 at 7:41 am
Congratulations, Peter! Its been fun watching you over the year+ on your wild ride!
March 20th, 2009 at 7:42 am
Congrats Peter – you’ve started a valuable service for the entire industry (and then some). Thanks much for taking that risk, and for sharing your insights, wit and overall brilliance with all of us.
March 20th, 2009 at 7:49 am
An amazing ride to watch and participate in. Thanks for this great post. One of the wonderful things about HARO is that it’s so simple and direct. It inspires connections and reaching out.
Imagine if we paid more attention to the 5 Rules every day–conversations that are on target, timely, filled with necessary information, and in the lively, crazy, soulful spirit of Peter Shankman.
March 20th, 2009 at 7:56 am
Peter, I’ve been with HARO since the the shift from facebook to the net occurred. I’ve used it as a source, publicist and reporter. Love it! What I also love, is that we get an inside look on the evolution of this wonderful adventure you’re on. We get to see and participate in it’s growth. Totally cool!
Rock on and keep up the good work.
March 20th, 2009 at 8:07 am
Best Wishes on HARO’s first anniversary. Thank you for providing a incredible service to people who want to be heard and seen.
March 20th, 2009 at 8:08 am
Congratulations Peter, and your wonderful team. Woot Woot!
I started using HARO when it was still on Facebook and it is truly an amazing tool. You rock!
Here’s to many more years to come!
Inga
March 20th, 2009 at 8:11 am
It’s hard to remember a time when I didn’t start my day opening my first early morning HARO email. Many congrats Peter, for doing what you do with integrity and grace. I think the respect you get is equal to the respect you give.
March 20th, 2009 at 8:16 am
HARO…. Happy Birthday.
The “family” grew a bit this year!
Wonder what next year will bring? Wanna have us all start placing bets?
You are gonna skyrocket.
I started Twittering about you last night around midnight from the comfort of my Colorado home!
Get Sourced. Get Quoted. Get Famous. http://www.helpareporter.com
It is time to get your name out there even more.
Facebook is going up next.
Hope you get tons of new people to join you!
Congrats to all three of you, Congrats to those who have gotten “sourced, quoted and famous”.
Here is one spanking… and one more to grow on!
Happy HaroDay!
March 20th, 2009 at 8:16 am
Peter,
Thanks for taking the leap and starting HARO. I look forward to it every day, and have had a lot of fun getting some exposure for myself, my family and my clients. Looking forward to the next year!
Amanda
March 20th, 2009 at 8:19 am
Hi Peter,
Congratulations on HARO’s 1 year anniversary. You have done such a great job with this. Hope you get to enjoy your weekend. Thanks again.
Kelly
March 20th, 2009 at 8:22 am
You built it and they came. Congratulations, Peter.
March 20th, 2009 at 8:25 am
Congrats Peter on one-year of the official HARO list. It seems like not long ago I was a newbie PR person and a faithful Twitter follower, who joined the Facebook group and followed you here. Even though I’ve switched jobs, I still look forward to the HARO emails every day. It’s been fun and I hope you don’t slow down anytime soon!
Cheers- Lauren
March 20th, 2009 at 8:28 am
Happy B’day HARO and congrats Peter. Thanks for connecting us all.
March 20th, 2009 at 8:29 am
Peter, we all owe YOU the big thanks for having the HARO thought pop into your head. Sure, someone else may have thought about a similar concept either before or after you, but the difference is YOU made it come to life. YOU made OUR lives easier.
Here’s to many, many more happy HARO days!
March 20th, 2009 at 8:31 am
Your story is indicative of living the American Dream. You had an idea and ran with it. You work tirelessly and put your heart and soul into what you do. HARO’s been great – I’ve gotten published and so have my colleagues – and look forward to queries every day, yes 3 times a day!
Much success! You deserve it!
HARO 2.0!!
March 20th, 2009 at 8:35 am
Congratulations Peter. It’s been an honor to be part of HARO and watching you make it grow into what it is today. Because of you, I have been connected with a book on surviving the holiday blues, a story on the impact of divorce and several stories on depression and suicide that have touched people and saved lives. HARO should feel proud of what it has done to help people.
Dan-Executive Director-SAVE
March 20th, 2009 at 8:37 am
Happy Birthday, HARO! I love seeing you every day…
March 20th, 2009 at 8:39 am
Peter,
Congratulations and Happy Birthday! You are an inspiration to us all and share an awesome amount of information with us daily. Way Cool. I’ve followed allot of your recommendations such as My Inspiration Louge from yesterday. LOVED IT! Can’t wait to meet you in Williamsburg, VA on May 12th! We’ve got a fun visit planned for you.
Cheers,
Debi
March 20th, 2009 at 8:40 am
Happy Birthday HARO!! Thank you so much for a terrific service. I really look forward to those 3 emails every day. There are so many possibilities that I would never conjure up in my mind by myself. I am grateful you thought of it and had the courage to try something new.
Wishing you many years of success!
March 20th, 2009 at 8:43 am
Happy Birthday HARO!
March 20th, 2009 at 8:46 am
Happy Birthday HARO! Thanks to Peter I have been able to “help a reporter out” a few times with topics I am passionate and knowledgeable about.
March 20th, 2009 at 8:48 am
LOVE this resource! I’ve only been here a short while, but what a wealth of opportunity for start-ups like me. I’m constantly referring your site to others who can also benefit from the great opportunities you give us. I’ll bet your site will be a huge boost in helping my little PortaPocket line get embraced by the collective…hopefully just as much as Sara Blakely’s SPANX has…hey, one can always AIM BIG, right?! (…& people thought SHE was crazy, too…)!
So, today…wishing you a HUGE thank you & HAPPY BIRTHDAY on an amazing achievement, Peter. You ROCK!
:)
Kendra
PortaPocket…by Undercover Solutions, LLC
http://www.portapocket.com
http://undercoversolutions.com
p.s. keep your goodies where they’re good (especially if you’re about to head to one of those Snuggie pub crawls)!
March 20th, 2009 at 8:48 am
Happy anniversary to HARO and congrats Peter, on all of your success! I’m looking forward to seeing where HARO will go over the next year and beyond!
March 20th, 2009 at 8:49 am
When am I going to get one of these fabulous ideas?! Happy Birthday HARO! Peter-Thanks for all you do!
March 20th, 2009 at 8:53 am
Peter,
Just want to say “THANK YOU!” from the bottom of my heart for not just sitting on this great idea a year ago.
I am sure that you don’t really know the impact HARO has, but for a company like mine, (5 employees in a rural mountain farming community) to be able to connect with Miss USA Pageant, Women’s World and other major outlets is like living the impossible dream!
Peter you have made that dream come true for us- hey- you are like our Fairy Godmother (you should ad that to your resume)! Keep waving that HARO wand and may the good that you do through HARO come back to you- better, stronger and forever!
March 20th, 2009 at 8:59 am
Congratulations! HARO is a fantastic success story and I hope it continues for many years! For that matter, I hope HARO is one of those items that future students will be reading about in textbooks as a business success story!
March 20th, 2009 at 9:00 am
LOVE your resource — though I’ve only been a member a short while, what a huge boost to start-ups like me. I tell people about your site all the time…I’ll bet it’ll be a big help in getting my new little PortaPocket line accepted & understood that much faster across the country (hopefully as much as Sara Blakely’s SPANX did…hey, think big, right!?) SO today, a HUGE thank you HAPPY BIRTHDAY on an amazing concept, Peter. You ROCK!
:)
Kendra
http://www.portapocket.com
p.s. tried sending msg once before, not sure if you rec’d? or perhpas it’s my brick of a computer…!
March 20th, 2009 at 9:02 am
Thank you, Peter, for this magnificent effort. I was on maternity leave when you launched HARO last year (my second son was born 1/29), but by April I was back at work, and I signed up for HARO April 7. I still have your welcome email. It’s your enthusiasm, courtesy and genuine earnestness to excel that make you such a phenomenon at whatever you do. Thanks for paying it forward. I know many join me in saying we aspire to be what you are and you are a bona fide leader.
We look forward to seeing you in Williamsburg May 12 — and to offering the utmost hospitality of the colonial capital!
March 20th, 2009 at 9:04 am
Hi Peter!
Happy Birthday and Namaste, Namaste. I just wanted to let you know that you are an INTEGRAL part of my day. As a matter of fact, you are a big part of my life THREE times a day. As a start up business owner with veeerrrry little capital, I look to HARO as one of the best ways to continually get my name into the public eye for free. What has been even more valuable for me has been watching (umm,,,, reading?) you take your company to new and amazing heights with inspiring integrity and authenticity. I learn so much Peter, just from how you present yourself to the ‘public’ eye and your advertisers and their products are awesome. I’ve purchased outstanding books and been on fabulous teleseminars that are educating me about the marketing facts that I really need to be educated on. (oh, dear, ended a sentence with a preposition. My mother would be very displeased.) Additionally, from reading the HARO emails each day, I have hope that I can grow my business as well as you’ve grown yours. That hope, that inspiration, that daily evidence that there are people in the world like you who run their businesses with integrity and authenticity is, as heard countless times before, PRICELESS! Thank you Peter!
March 20th, 2009 at 9:04 am
Happy, Happy! The best ideas are the simple ones. Thanks to you, Meagan, Michael and the rest of the HARO family. Proud to be a member in good standing.
March 20th, 2009 at 9:06 am
Happy Birthday HARO!
Peter- Thank you for taking the risk and starting HARO. It’s an invaluable resource and I tell every PR person I run into about it. Thanks again!
March 20th, 2009 at 9:15 am
Happy birthday, HARO! Here’s to an even more amazing second year (and third, and fourth, and so on…)
March 20th, 2009 at 9:18 am
Peter – the service you provide is fantastic, but your commentary makes it so much more enjoyable. To know there is a personality behind the “work” and to hear of your daily challenges and joys make receiving HARO one of the highlights of my day. Sometimes I just read what you are up to and not the queries… (to my clients – I 99% of the time READ the queries…) Point is – you are a joy to be associated with and there are so many who are so thankful for you. Happy Birthday to HARO!
March 20th, 2009 at 9:29 am
Congrats on a great first year, with many more to come. I love the idea of setting up a site for reporters to post their completed stories. Many times a query isn’t relevant for a client I have right now, but I often think “I’d actually like to read that story when it’s done.” Having a place to go for those would rock. Keep up the good work, Peter, Meagan & Michael!
March 20th, 2009 at 9:33 am
Happy Birthday, HARO! And Mazel Tov, Peter! What a great concept! So useful. So successful!!!! Here’s to many more wonderful years!!!
March 20th, 2009 at 9:35 am
You should assign people membership numbers as they sign up. Not to keep track of them or anything, but so that people can say with pride, “I’m HARO number 132″ or whatever.
March 20th, 2009 at 9:36 am
What a cool concept/website. Just ordered your book – I love this kind of thing!
March 20th, 2009 at 9:37 am
Congratulations on HARO’s 1 year anniversary! Your e-mails make me smile and remind me to be a better communicator every day. I appreciate all you do.
March 20th, 2009 at 9:41 am
Happy anniversary! I look forward to my daily HARO updates, it’s great to see the news before it happens. Wishing you another great year filled with success- maybe we can team up for a HARO episode of MLTV soon.
March 20th, 2009 at 9:42 am
Happy Birthday HARO!
Peter: What a great story, from an idea to an empire!
March 20th, 2009 at 9:43 am
Peter,
It has been a delight following you; I pride myself on being one of your “early adopters” (and agree with Steve Silberberg who suggested we need to be assigned numbers!). I love starting my day with your emails, and you have opened doors for me and for my clients that I never thought possible!
Here’s to many more years of success, and shared adventures! Have a fun time celebrating with your Dad this weekend … And thanks for bringing joy to so many of us!
March 20th, 2009 at 10:03 am
Peter,
Happy Birthday to HARO! What a great idea! And what a need you are filling! That’s what makes a great company. As I mentioned in my email to you a couple of months ago, the responses I received from my query to interview entrepreneurs with interesting start up stories was overwhelming!
Thank you for the service you are providing!
Dino
http://www.dinoherbert.com
“passionate about helping people find their entrepreneurial potential”
March 20th, 2009 at 10:04 am
Peter,
You are a God-send and has made the work I do as a publicist much more efficient. You’ve also given me an education on how to best work with reporters so that the relationship is beneficial to all parties involved. I can even say, YOU have changed the way publicists are perceived by reporters/writers! They see us as resources instead of pests. THANK YOU and Happy Birthday HARO!!
March 20th, 2009 at 10:08 am
Happy Birthday!!!
I love HARO! It’s not just the queries that I can reply to. It’s being in the know about what different media outlets are going to be writing and talking about before the rest of the world.
I have met other HARO subscribers at business and social functions and we always discuss favorite queries or if our pitch got picked up.
My favorite success story is when the Time article was written about giving a trip to a loved one as a gift. I was able to pitch about a birthday trip my husband surprised me with. It got picked up!! When I sent my parents the artice, they thought it was a joke and THEN they were impressed!
I also tell every marketing and PR professional I meet about HARO. Some already know and the ones who don’t, e-mail me to say a huge “Thank You”
Best of luck.
March 20th, 2009 at 10:13 am
Happy Birthday to HAROOOO … and many morrrrreeee! I don’t know how many times you want to hear it, Peter, but THANK YOU, THANK YOU! Without HARO it would have taken five years for me to make the incredible contacts I needed for my current book–instead of five days!
Every media and PR person in my contact list has received a “you must do this” message from me about HARO. Am I a wee bit envious that I didn’t stumble on this amazing idea first? Of course–but I appreciate and applaud others’ success and thoroughly enjoy spontaneous creativity–and I love that you do it with charm, sparkle, and throw in a dab of self-deprecating humor.
Your challenge this year is to stay humble! :-) Thanks again!
March 20th, 2009 at 10:14 am
Peter,
We not only allow you into our in-boxes, we actually look forward to getting HARO!
Congratulations on your 1st birthday!
Diana Scimone
President
Born to Fly International, Inc.
Stopping child trafficking…setting kids free to soar
http://www.born2fly.org
http://www.dianascimone.com
@DianaScimone
March 20th, 2009 at 10:20 am
Happy Birthday Peter! I just joined a couple of months ago but have already participated many times and have made some great connections. Thanks for all you do – clearly this is a labor of love but hopefully you know how much it means to all of us!
Have a great day!
Kristin Miller
Owner/Founder
Garden Girl natural skincare
http://www.gardengirlskincare.com
March 20th, 2009 at 10:20 am
Congratulations! Your story is truly inspiring. What successes will I be surprised – nay shocked – by one year from now…
Way to go Dude!
btw it is “I’m a great believer in luck and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.” ~ said by Thomas Jefferson!!!! something I try to remember every day.
Lincoln said some great things, too, but it seems always with more commas.
March 20th, 2009 at 10:22 am
Yes, I could do my job without HARO. I just wouldn’t want to. Peter, even though I am admittedly terrified you, I adore and appreciate you in equal measure. Thanks for doing what you do, and happy ONE to HARO!
March 20th, 2009 at 10:24 am
(bummer – I just wrote a post that was much more eloquent but it didn’t post – so here’s my second attempt)
Happy Birthday Peter! You have created a wonderful service that seems to be a win for everyone involved. I recommend this to colleagues wherever I go – and I am always forwarding the email along to people if I think they might be able to contribute to something.
This has been a huge help for my business (natural skin care) and I wanted to thank you for doing all you do!
Warmly,
Kristin Miller
Owner/founder
Garden Girl natural skin care
March 20th, 2009 at 10:24 am
Peter, wanted to say congratulations on an awesome year…keep it up!
March 20th, 2009 at 10:25 am
Peter,
Much love and congrats on your well-deserved notoriety. HARO is a fabulous service, but it’s you who give it heart. I welcome your quips, your commentary and well…you…into my email at least three times a day. It is an honor to make sure you are never “burgerless” again. And I’m still waiting to hear what kind of catnip N & K want. ;)
March 20th, 2009 at 10:28 am
Your service is great, all small businesses should find you. FYI you are going to be a part of my friends deissertation for her PhD in communications processes. She is the one who sent me your twitter info. Found Twitter and you to be great sources and uplifting to my day as a lonley entrepreneur! Keep on keepin on.
March 20th, 2009 at 10:33 am
Happy Birthday, HARO! You make my job easier, my profession more intereresting and my mornings a little more entertaining. Thanks, Peter!
March 20th, 2009 at 10:36 am
Peter,
Happy B-Day to the HARO! If I’d been thinking of it at dinner last night, we might have celebrated the first birthday with an ‘interesting’ version of pudding for desert! ;) In any case, it was a real pleasure meeting you and I wish you the best of luck in the future.
March 20th, 2009 at 10:51 am
Happy First Birthday HARO, and Peter, you’re living proof that anyone can attain their dreams! Thank you for inspiring us every day!
March 20th, 2009 at 10:57 am
Peter,
Congratulations on a job well done.
March 20th, 2009 at 10:57 am
HARO has been beneficial to me in so many ways. I look forward to receiving my emails from you every day. I also enjoy following you on your journeys and adventures. I think many of us are living vicariously through you. Thanks for all you do!
March 20th, 2009 at 10:59 am
Thanks for making me smile three times a day . . . and for all the great connections. Cheers!
March 20th, 2009 at 11:00 am
Congratulations and Happy Birthday! Keep on keeping on Peter :)
March 20th, 2009 at 11:08 am
Thank you Peter for putting us ‘little’ PR guys on an even level with the big agencies – whether it’s media leads or your advertisers’ services. You’re a modern day HERO for HARO. Got a great bottle awaiting your visit to Napa.
March 20th, 2009 at 11:12 am
I am a HARO disciple. I used to follow another leader, but the sacrafice was high. Those who have seen the light sing your praises! My clients who have been quoted praise you. My friends and family who’ve been quoted praise you. And I, who have become a rock star in my clients’ eyes, praise you.
Say AMEN!
March 20th, 2009 at 11:19 am
Happy Birthday. And thanks Peter for your amazing vision. What an inspiration you are.
And many thanks to your amazing team Meagan and Michael. What a difference you are making for so many. I’m so grateful for the HARO family.
March 20th, 2009 at 11:30 am
Peter, congratulations! Happy Birthday to HARO!
March 20th, 2009 at 11:31 am
Thanks for everything that you do! You are an inspiration, and I’ve learned so much just being on the email list. Happy Birthday!
March 20th, 2009 at 11:33 am
Happy Birthday HARO. Peter, you may have “stumbled” into the HARO phenomenon, but after reading your book, reading HARO entries for the last year etc., I know this wasn’t a lucky accident. You’re a talented guy who seized an opportunity and went with it. HARO came along just when we needed it. I would estimate that 60-75% of the coverage we’ve gotten for “Celebrate Green,” “Green Halloween,” and Corey and I as green celebrations “gurus,” has come via HARO. We not only have gotten great media exposure, but have formed meaningful relationships that we would never have had the opportunity for without HARO. I just Twittered: Get Sourced. Get Quoted. Get Famous. http://www.helpareporter.com and will do it throughout the day. Thanks for HARO.
March 20th, 2009 at 11:46 am
Happy Birthday! You are a constant inspiration for those of us who are running “quantum companies.” Your energy and positive postings keep me energized twice a day. And for me even the admonitions are an opportunity for learning about the PR/news/information industry. Many happy returns to this place.
March 20th, 2009 at 11:50 am
As one of the regular folks on HARO, I wanted to say thanks. While I don’t NEED HARO for my job, I find it addicting for several reasons:
1. As a non-PR person, I find it fascinating to see what people are writing about. Frequently I think, wow, I’d love to read that story! Maybe someday you can put up a page where people could link up their finished products (articles, info on books, blog entries).
2. It has also helped me understand where all these “experts” come from who are in our media.
3. When I read an item and think “hey, that’s me,” I respond to the reporter. So I have gotten some press, just for the heck of it. My Mom thanks you. ;-)
4. I’ve forwarded inquiries to friends and colleagues to help them get some media attention for their businesses.
5. I have purchased products and visited websites of HARO advertisers.
6. As someone who works with students on a university campus, I appreciate witnessing, and being a small part of, a social marketing revolution.
7. And finally, I appreciate Peter’s funny comments about his day.
So while I know that most of the folks on this list have a PR connection, I wanted to let you know that the rest of us who snuck onto HARO when we came across a mention of it somewhere, also really appreciate all you do!
Happy HARO-day!
March 20th, 2009 at 11:50 am
Thanks HARO for a great year! We look forward to many more!!
March 20th, 2009 at 11:55 am
Peter, you rock! And you’re a tremendous role model for all of us who hope to carve out a bit of a niche in the web universe. HARO is such a public service, and it’s great to see that you’ve benefitted from providing this, for free—FREE—to so many people. Congratulations, and may your tribe increase!
March 20th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Congradulations and Happy Birthday
March 20th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
Happy Birthday to HARO! This is truly one of the best resources for people looking for exposure. Here’s to many more years to come. WunderMarx|PR is proud to be a part of the HARO history as the place where the first off Facebook HARO was sent from. Cheers to you and your team, Peter!
March 20th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Happy, Happy Birthday HARO! And Congratulations on finding and filling this huge need, Peter. Here’s to many more years!
March 20th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Happy Birthday Haro! Thank you Peter, Megan and Michael. You make it possible for small businesses and solopreneurs to have access to some amazing opportunities.
March 20th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Happy birthday HARO! Peter, you must be so proud. I am inspired by your success. It gives small biz entrepreneurs like me hope for great things!
March 20th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Hey Peter,
Congrats from a West-coaster who sometimes has two HAROs in the morning. Sometimes, by the middle of my (usually sunny) day, I get a little depressed because I’ve already read all three HAROs and I know there won’t be another. I don’t know how I make it through!
Thanks for everything, everyone. Can’t wait for the next anniversary.
March 20th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
YOU ROCK HARO! Happy happy birthday and many many more!
As a former radio news reporter, I ultra appreciate the connections you offer here.
I have not only replied myself to several queries, but have passed others on to clients who fit the need – and have received good results all the way around.
This is a brilliant idea and I will continue to pass this on to everyone I know.
March 20th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
Happy B’Day, Peter. And many thanks for making HARO not only an incredible resource but also fun to read because of the personality you put into it every day.
You’ve also got a great team in Meagan and Michael.
March 20th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
I just want cake, okay..where is the cake?? me wants some cake.
March 20th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
Happy Birthday HARO! Peter, a heartfelt thank you for helping a start up like emagineGreen get much needed media coverage. You are a godsend and true innovator. Like others have said, you have become a huge part of my life (3 times a day). In fact, I know more about what you are doing during the day than I know about my own husband! But that is okay by me because you get me quoted! Much love!
March 20th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Happy Birthday to HARO! Your quote went on my LinkedIn profile before midnight last night so it would be there for the full 24 hours – plus I’ll probably leave a few days longer for further exposure. I haven’t been given fame or fortune for having joined, but just being a Grandma in Duluth, MN and having reporters email me to follow up on emails I’ve sent them is exciting! Who knew grandmas in Duluth could correspond with DC and NYC reporters??? Keep up the good work – and if you need a grandma in the Midwest to work for you from her laptop – just let me know!
March 20th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
Happy BDay 2 HARO…
The HARO list is a great little case study in what I like to call the “Win-Win-Web” where people are continuously intersecting for mutual benefit, most of it for free, and all of it fueled by synergy….
March 20th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Happy Birthday, HARO!! As I have told you before Peter, HARO is awesome and you have done an incredible job with it. And you totally crack me up!! OriginOne has benefitted greatly from HARO, so thank you from the bottom of MY heart and keep up the outstanding work!!
March 20th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Get Sourced. Get Quoted. Get Famous. http://www.helpareporter.com...
You may have seen the title of this post on numerous social networks today as the founder of HARO (Help A Reporter Out), Peter Shankman requested help from his 70,000 members to get the word out today in honor of……
March 20th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
HARO is definitely in the category of I wish I thought of it first. Well done. Keep up the good work and thanks.
March 20th, 2009 at 1:06 pm
Happy birthday HARO! Peter, a heart felt thank you for helping a start up like emagineGreen get much needed media coverage. You are a godsend and a true innovator. Like others have said, you are a big part of my life (3 times a day!). In fact, I know more about what you are doing during the day than my own husband. But that is ok by me because you get me quoted! Much love!
March 20th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
My new cats and I say thanks for all the fun and good client opportunities – couldn’t have done it without you!
March 20th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
Happy Birthday HARO y mucho mas!
Thanks for the 411 and also for my Fiery Radio interview scheduled for early next month.
Knowledge, applied, is Power…
Onward through the fog!!!
Take care Peter,
Meranda
March 20th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
Happy Birthday HARO! It’s been such a fun ride to follow you go from a few thousand to 70,000. What an amazing resource – thanks for all leads and contacts you’ve provided. Looking forward to another great year!
March 20th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Peter,
Congratulations on HARO’s 1-year anniversary. So glad to see someone who thoroughly enjoys what he’s doing. I read all the links in your blurb above and think you may want to write a book–in your spare time. As a fellow entrepreneur, who actually has taken one vacation since 2001–to Alaska–but read and responded to email every night connections were possible (not everywhere in Alaska–or central Pennsylvania for that matter), I can symphathize with the lifestyle/obsessive behavior. The key is building in some time daily for reflection and renewal. Looking forward to PR Day in Houston on Oct. 7.
March 20th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Happy Birthday HARO and Congratulations Peter! You deserve all the the good that comes your way! C’
March 20th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
[...] Shankman today on his blog: We’ve posted close to 25,000 queries, to almost 70,000 sources, from over 10,000 [...]
March 20th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
Hi Peter,
Congratulations! Happy Birthday!
Can’t thank you enough for all you do to help people connect!
Thanks,
Joanie
March 20th, 2009 at 9:09 pm
Hi Peter,
Happy Birthday HARO! What an amazing social media butterfly you are, Peter!!
May the next year bring you love, laughter & happiness and may all your HARO birthday wishes come TRUE! :)
Heather
March 20th, 2009 at 10:10 pm
Congratulations, Peter!
You’ve taken a clever idea and turned it into a thriving business with a great combination of ingenuity, hard work, and solving peoples’ problems.
It’s the new American dream!
All the best,
Scott
p.s. Stay tuned for the TWO sections about you and HARO in my upcoming book, e-Riches 2.0 – due out in June from AMACOM.
March 20th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
Happy Birthday Haro!!!Well done. I wish all the best. Thanks for helping us grow
March 21st, 2009 at 12:04 am
[...] am so happy to have started my day reading the latest post from Peter Shankman on the one year anniversary of the launch of HARO. What Peter has done with a [...]
March 21st, 2009 at 12:10 am
[...] What Peter has done with a simple email list amazes me. We can all learn a lot from him. I hope his business model and huge success spawns many more services that are just as valuable – from Peter and others.
I admire Peter not just for his creativity and success but also for finding a way to live the lifestyle he wants. It’s possible for all of us when we have the guts to go for it. What’s so inspiring about HARO is it’s a beautiful union of simplicity and an untapped need from both experts and reporters. Win-Win-Win! (The third “Win”, of course, is Peter. Or perhaps it’s the readers/viewers/listeners of the articles, books, TV segments, etc. that eventually are published.)
March 21st, 2009 at 7:20 am
Congratulations on the success of HARO. I just joined the list two weeks ago and I have already responded to three queries which were enthusiastically received by the reporters/writers. This is a great resoure! Thanks so much! Janet
March 21st, 2009 at 8:09 am
Hi Peter.
Congratulations on the one-year anniversary of HARO. Thank you for all you do for the PR profession. You’ve proven the ability of one person to impact immense positive change across an industry. Your hard work is much appreciated.
Cheers, Beth
March 23rd, 2009 at 1:14 pm
Hi Peter,
My Ohio Dominican PR students met you last year at a PRSA event in Columbus, Ohio. I’m sharing HARO with them today in class and while it’s a great tool for PR practioners, it’s an even better life lesson on creativity, problem solving, risk taking, and vision. Thanks for helping me teach them.
Happy Birthday. Kudos.
Kerri Mollard
March 24th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
You’ve been doing an awesome job. I can’t wait to see what is in the future for you and HARO! :D
April 3rd, 2009 at 5:17 am
It couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy ;).
Truly, though I spend more time watching HARO from the sidelines of my inbox, THAT’S what impressed me from the beginning. You aren’t a robot, you ENGAGE through this process…you extend yourself. You could’ve easily checked out when you added staff, but you’re still thrilling to “this” ride & it shows.
Inspiring…excited to celebrate along-side you. When you’re all about “carpe diem”, the day IS seized!!
I’ll be the girl at the party, smiling, people watchin’ & learnin’ lots!
:)