At Starbucks I waited. My first impression of him was that he was really tall with the most genuine smile. And then I heard about his project. His first documentary called One Life: No Regrets.

Patrick Stark is no stranger to the film scene in Vancouver. Today, Stark is an independent producer and director, acting as a consultant for various projects, and developing many of his own.

From 1990, when he first stepped onto set as an extra and throughout the 17 years since, Stark has acquired numerous credits. Working behind the scenes in various departments, mostly as an assistant director, he gained the experience necessary to eventually produce and direct his own films.

Today what’s making him excited is this passion project. It’s a documentary about people’s dreams. You know the one you’ve been hanging onto since you were little? Everyone has one.

Patrick’s own dream of one day singing in front of thousands of fans will also be featured in this film. To make that happen we are setting up a stage for him to perform on on October 27th. But that’s not all. Patrick will be singing to U2 in hopes that they will ask him on their stage at the Vancouver concert the following night.

We shot the You Tube Campaign call to action yesterday which will be up shortly after editing is complete. In the meantime, we have started a Facebook page and you can follow Patrick on Twitter as we make his dream and hopefully others after for the One Life: No Regrets documentary.

It was also so amazing to work with Shannon Kohli, who was shooting the You Tube Campaign. Talk about one impressive Director of Photography and award winning Cinematographer. She will be shooting the documentary as well as on October 27th.

Working on their PR Strategy has been an exciting challenge. It’s really a blend of social networking and relying on traditional media channels to spread the word about this initiative. I’m looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds. But when it comes down to it you can’t get a better, more genuine face to do this then with Patrick. Whether it works out perfectly as we plan or falls apart at the seams with hurdles and obstacles, it will all make for great documentary footage.

Daniel Negreanu Wins 2008 BC Poker Championship

It’s year number 5 for my favourite poker tournament, the British Columbia Poker Championships. It all kicks off again on November 12th and registration is in full gear.

This year should be especially interesting since the Kid Poker made his claim that he’ll be back to defend his title when he won the tournament last year. There will be some serious contenders in Richmond BC vying for a chance to beat Daniel Negreanu and to take this year’s title and cash prize. Are you up for the challenge?

Here’s this year’s event schedule:

2009 BC Poker Championship Event Schedule

NOVEMBER 12th-14th

Event #1

Starts Nov 12th @ 12:00PM

$500+50 No Limit Holdem

$250, 000  Prize pool**

Event #2
November 16th – 17th, 2009 @ 12:00PM

$1000 +100 No Limit Holdem
Final Table will begin on November 17th @ 9:00pm

$500,000 prize pool**

Event #4
November 19th – 22nd, 2009 @ 12:00PM

$2700 No Limit Holdem Main Event
Final Table will begin on November 22nd @ 12:00pm
4 Day Event
15,000 In Starting Chips
1hr Blind Levels

** Estimated Prize Pools.

CALL RIVER ROCK’s POKER ROOM AT 604.247.8983 TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION

STEP 1: DO YOUR HOMEWORK:

When tackling a PR project I always take the same initial approach. I try and look at my client and everything that person or business has to offer and paint myself the big picture first. What are their greatest selling features? What makes this person or business authentic and original from everyone and everything else? And what is going to get the public interested?

That starts the massive brain storm. Fortunately or unfortunately, for me, this is the stage where my brain doesn’t shut off. You really just have to look at it from all angles. Where is that niche thing that will get people to notice or pay attention. I simply look at everything! The past, the present and the future. The connection with community. Who is going to care about this story?

STEP 2: STRATEGY

From there I break things down into smaller divisions and try and come up with a unique plan. I find the most interesting things to promote first and start from there. List each trait or feature as a separate entity, a separate pitch to the media and to the public. Then list all the media you want to approach about what and at what time. Remember that generally deadlines are very tight and current. If you have time-sensitive event, promotion, etc you need to plan accordingly. Press releases will get lost if you send it too far in advance.

STEP 3: GETTING IN TOUCH- PERSONALLY

Every media strategy should consist of research and development first. Know your press. Know your media. Once you have a clear indication of what your “pitch” will be you need to ask yourself where the story would best fit in the media. You can’t just blitz everyone with the same story. Well… you can… in fact that is the traditional way of doing things but it doesn’t always work. Sure if you sent out your press release to a hundred people you may get a handful of interest but if you really want to take the time and energy to carry out a better media strategy it’s going to take more time and effort with your pitches. Find the publication, TV show, reporter, radio host, and/or blogger that will be interested in your pitch. Send that person a direct email or call them and talk them through your ideas. Create the story together. Or at least try to. Not every show or reporter is going to be the right fit but just sending a press release to the generic assignment desk is going to show less results than if you email a specific reporter, editor, television producer, radio host, or blogger.

Over time you will build relationships with your local media. You will get to know what they would be interested in covering and in turn making it easier to build your media strategies around them. On a larger scale you can certainly use that approach internationally. With email and websites it’s easy to keep relationships with people who may help you to get more exposure around the world.

The most important part about PR is your personal approach. Be authentic and honest and open.

It comes down to this question: What is my own online strategy? More specifically even, what is your online PR strategy?

Much like any corporation, being remotely public online comes with responsibilities, at least for me they do (online). Due largely to this site and to my social media addictions.. I mean…PR tools, my life is an open book. Of course when it comes to my professional reputation I take the time to think strategy and I think long term rather than short. Twenty years from now I will have built up quite a lengthy presence online. It is inevitable we are moving towards that kind of future. Growing with Google.  Layers and layers of online pages, like sedimentary rock. Maybe I am going for the Grand Canyon of online layers. I don’t anticipate or plan for online popularity or anything either. Growing up I wrote in a journal for most of my life… isn’t this essentially the same thing? Well, that and the fact that I am letting just anyone read it. Let’s call it more like the portfolio of my life.

This “portfolio” has to be something I can stand behind and represents me in the most authentic way. I have no ghost writers. I take all of my own photos or credit and link to the rare times I don’t. (Or at least try to.. please tell me if you’ve caught anything online that deserves a link) but most of all I put time into it. It is something I am proud of. I also take the time to engage in conversation with people who are interested in me and what I have to say. Call it your online handshake and then coffee talk with every Web interaction.

There’s also the mind-set of quality over quantity, being really selective of what you put online with each post, picture and page. Then there’s those that use the Internet and its tools for everything. Photo storage, email storage, blog storage, you get the picture. An enormous amount of layers upon layers of online content. I even know people who store everything for the sole reason the can go back and find it. Certainly faster than going through files in your closet. No risk of losing in a fire. Accessible from anywhere in the world. All things are easily search able if you have misplaced it online. Times that by 20 or 30 years. Now that’s an online strategy.

Yours and my strategy can be different. I’m just encouraging you to think long term, as I try to do with ever post, picture and page. Think about your online collection. It’s is certianly something I take into consideration all of time. It’s no longer this mad rush to pile as much of me on the Internet anymore. Now I take my time to write and edit my stuff on line. My photos are chosen carefully and I take the time to update all of my social media addictions. It’s the online commitment I have made. I’m sure twenty years from now I will surely be proud of myself for putting the work in today. I will instigate a few laughs at the very least, anyway.

Now don’t get me wrong. I love my casino and entertainment background. On a PR stand point celebrities are the easiest of easy sells. When Denise Richards threw that laptop getting media to pay attention wasn’t my problem. Promoting Johnny Chan during a major poker tournament was one of the most rewarding and exciting projects of my gaming career but he made it really easy for me to grab the media’s attention. So where’s the challenge for me? More importantly, where’s the personal reward in selling these personalities? I’m sorry to say but many celebrities, gaming or mainstream, are needy and insecure people. They need constant hand holding and can drain the life out of you, if you let them. In fact, ironically enough the more famous the star the larger their insecure personalities were, but I digress.

I had an a-ha moment today. It was inspired shortly after a call from my friend, Mary. Caught up with her first about our boys, hers was born on the 29th like my son Jaxon but a month later. Then it hit me, as I was helping her brainstorm PR ideas for her client, the energy in me shifted. I was filled with a rush of warmth and excitement. We were finishing each other’s sentences and giggling at our own brilliant ideas (well we think they are brilliant anyways). At one point I got shivers and goosebumps. Now that’s a brainstorming session! Thank you Mary. I so needed that call today.

Now my a-ha moment came when I hung up the phone, still smiling. Just because my life has been filled with celebrities and casinos doesn’t mean I can’t afford to be more selective. I love my casino PR experience now. Selling this province and it’s beautiful properties is rewarding for me. But when there’s time for more, and being Type A there is always time for more, I have been careful about who I share my skills with and who I decide to help out. I guess I just need today’s call to replug myself back onto my own path. The one I work so hard to pave. I have found myself straying as of late. Today I’m back on track and it all seemed to come together. I had a moment of clarity. I can translate all of my skills into a whole new industry. I opened a new chapter in that moment. Sorry, the pun was too irresistible.

Mary is working her marketing magic with Namaste Publishing (Eckhart Tolle is one of their authors!). Part of our conversation took me to my laptop to punch in Constance Kellough’s Blog. When I hung up with Mary and after my a-ha moment I read Constance’s post on her home page today. Her words resonated so strongly with me in that moment and I knew it was a sign that I was on the right track. Especially her last paragraph. Thank you for your words today Constance.

I’m looking forward to helping out Namaste. What a nice way to stumble into the publishing world. I can’t remember the last time I was inspired like this.

Now if only my close friend Nathan Sellyn would hurry up and release his next book…..

I am in Reno Nevada at the Grand Sierra Resort & Casino to join my BFF Lacey Jones for the Jennifer Harman Charity Poker Tournament. We flew in from Vegas yesterday courtesy of Greasie Wheels Productions. Lisa and Rob have been working overtime to bring in as many pros in support of this worthy cause. Jennifer Harman is best known for her skills on the poker felts but maybe you didn’t know that she has had two kidney transplants making this tournament something very close to her heart. In fact, her last donor Anne is here playing in the tournament as well. She’s Jennifer’s niece and did not hesitate to offer her kidney to Jennifer when the time came when Jennifer needed a new kidney. It was a heartfelt open to the tournament today and everyone was moved by the video Jennifer produced about her mission to raise money for The Kidney Foundation.

As of Monday, more than 320 people had registered for the $230 event, according to Lisa Wheeler, President of Greasie Wheels.  Many pros came out to show their support like my favourite girls Tiffany Michelle and Maria Ho. Also joining them were Roy Winston, Howard Lederer, Jeff Madsen, Todd Brunson, and Harman’s husband Marco Traniello.

Besides the $230 entry fee, there were $50 rebuys during the first three 20-minute levels and a one-time add-on. The winner of the event receives a $5,000 World Poker Challenge championship entry, while second and third place will receive $3,000 WPC entries.

Proceeds from the tournament will go toward the National Kidney Foundation — specifically toward “free-of-charge” patient programs, camps for children on dialysis, patient and family assistance, and research, as requested by Harman.

On a more personal note, I have come to the realization of  a couple of things during my stay here so far and from observing the tournament all day. One, poker pros are a bunch of softies. Many of them are very generous and the comradeship amongst some of the players is very admirable. Certainly the personal support for Jennifer from her friends when she needed them most was very apparent and I commend them for that. The public came out to meet the pros and to see some tournament action at the Grand Sierra in Reno and everybody had a great day for a great cause.

My second observation is that women in poker have it tough. Look at Jennifer for example. That woman has accomplished a lot in her poker career. More than most women will see in their lifetime. I’m sure she’s been enjoying the millions she’s been winning over the years. But Jennifer is a combination of many things. She has respect from her fans and her peers. It took brains and skills and it didn’t hurt that she’s not so bad to look at. That’s my point I guess. Men have it so easy. They just need to prove they can play. Never is there an expectation for them to look a certain way. I have to commend Lacey as well as Tiffany and Maria. They too have the respect from their fans and peers AND they always look their best when they’re playing. I know the men are not complaining if they draw a seat next to these beauties. Anyone who knows what a tournament floor smells like after a long day can agree that it’s not pretty. My hat goes off to these female pros who breathes an element of class into a male dominated sport. It’s not easy. I’ve seen that first hand.

I also had a chance to meet and spend time with Jeff Madsen this trip. Had heard so much about him from Tiffany, Lacey and Maria and enjoyed his company immensely. He’s a smart kid. I say kid because he’s ridiculously good at poker and he’s still in his early 20s. As of this year his total winnings are over $2 million. What were you making at 24? I know alot of young players look up to him and he’s a good guy all around.

I also had the pleasure of meeting David Farahi, Director of Slots at the Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa in Reno. His family has owned Atlantis for the last three decades and he was genuinely interested in what I had to say about casino operations. I’ve been know to have an opinion about a few things in that department. The meeting was actually just by chance as he was sitting next to me at the 1/2 table where we spent a few hours playing with the girls. After some fun banter amongst the table it’s pretty clear that Tiffany, Lacey and Maria can command the attention of any room. The energy was good and people were having fun playing. And isn’t that was casinos are all about. It was an easy sell to David to see the potential in bringing these girls in to beef up customer relations at his own hotel. Maybe he’ll continue to remain keen as they stay in touch. Reno connections by chance.. I love it.

One more night in Reno before I head back to reality at home. It’s been a great trip and the hospitality has been outstanding. I just got the update that the tournament raised over $115, 000 for the Kidney Foundation. I’m sure Jennifer is pleased with that.

Above all I had the best time with Lacey and this trip is just one of many so stay tuned!

Until my next poker adventure……

Here are some of my photos from our trip. Visit my flickr page for all of them.

Lacey, Maria and Tiffany and Me at Charlie Palmer Steak House

Lacey with Pro Hoyt Corkins

The girls with Madsen hamming it up on the red carpet

On a side note here’s a cute video from the throw down party the night before the tournament on Card Player

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The second season of Celebrity Apprentice aired last Sunday and I made sure to tune in. Honestly I hadn’t even heard who was in the line-up before parking it on the couch but I’m a reality tv junkie and who doesn’t love The Donald.

At first watch I realized quite quickly that the boys had far more star power than the female celebrities and found the teams to be quite unfair. Having said that my eyes quickly turned to one person in particular… Annie Duke.

I was thrilled to see her on there. Come on!  A female poker player on Celebrity Apprentice!! That’s GREAT news for ALL female poker pros out there. Annie’s gonna take you all mainstream.

For those of you who didn’t tune in to Sunday’s show or  are clueless as to who’s who in poker, Annie Duke is one of the best at her sport. As Donald said to Annie on the show (paraphrasing)  “I’ve seen many men lose alot of money to you”.

Annie is a poker pro and an author and earned her celebrity status by winning a bracelet in the 2004 World Series of Poker $2,000 Omaha Hi-Low Split-8 or Better event and was the winner of the 2004 World Series of Poker Tournament of Champions where she earned the winner-takes-all prize of $2,000,000. Now that’s some serious Poker creds, for any female or male pro.

Professional poker career aside Annie has made a name for all female players in my opinion. Because of her and other pros like Jennifer Harman, female poker pros are treated with more respect and are becoming the ones to watch for in tournaments around the world.

Since my post in 2007 about the Women in Poker female poker pros have been crossing into mainstream media in full force and becoming viral phenomenons. With Annie Duke topping the cake in Celebrity Apprentice. Mark my words, this is only the beginning of this major crossover. Move over Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian. It’s time to make room on the red carpet for women who have beauty, brains AND skills.

On a more personal note about the show, I think Annie Duke played it exactly how she should have. Sure she came across as bossy and opinionated but it’s a game people and as a female that’s how you get sh*t done. As a former reality show contestant I know how exhausting a day of taping is like on a reality show. There are 2 to 3 cameras literally in your face non stop and you go go go go go go go from the break of dawn till night. It’s ridiculous. I can’t imagine what it’s like to be on a show for weeks. And the fact that her team members sold her out before they even heard if they won was disappointing. The men stuck together till they had to turn on each other. Come on ladies, prove that you can be a good team player like the boys are.

Good luck, Annie! My money is on you to go far in the show!

Mark this one as a HUGE win for the women of poker.

(If you’re following the show Annie write her thoughts on each episode on her website. Here’s the link to her blog post about Episode One)

From year one there has been some steady mentionables that have been loyal to this tournament, such as Gavin Smith and Yukon Brad Booth. Lacey Jones has been there from the early days too. Brains and beauty is an easy sell for me to the press! Through the years and by word of mouth more and more pros have tried to dip their hands into the BCPC pot. There was 1.9 million up for grabs in this year’s main event, a big amount on the Canadian poker scene, not to mention a mean title to add under your belt. Joining Gavin, Brad, and Lacey over the years have been pros like Greg Mueller, Steve Paul Ambrose, Dennis Phillips (2008 WSOP final table player), Gabe Kaplan, Mark Napier and most recently joining Lacey on the ladies side were Liz Lieu, Maria Ho, and Tiffany Michelle - I’ll get to those gorgeous ladies later.

On November 23, 2008 Kid Poker himself won the whole shbang. The giant cheque said he won $371, 910. Small potatoes for the guy ranked second in the world for his winnings. But it is one of Canada’s largest prize pools.”Being Canadian myself, playing and winning the BC Poker Championships is extra special to me,” says Negreanu. “The tournament was extremely well organized and my opponents were very good. It may have been a smaller tournament but I would say this has been the best $2500 buy-in event structure I’ve ever played.”

Negreanu goes on to say, “I’ve been to many casinos all over the world but the River Rock Casino Resort is truly unique and it’s been a great experience. The service is excellent and I’ve been treated like a star right from day one! I look forward to coming back again with friends.

Being that Daniel is just about the nicest most genuine guy I’ve ever met, I hope he comes back every year from now on! He really is exactly as he’s seen. Such a nice guy! I was there when he called his mom right after his win. On the tournament tables he’s just the same. Of course he has his game face on but the guy really is a master at reading people. He talks to his opponents constantly asking them where they are from, what do they do for a living, all the while checking for tells and signs. He was short stacked a few times and I have to say his skills pulled him out every time, that and a few lucky cards. He also is GREAT with the media! So eloquent. The guy knows his poker. On a more personal note, I was extremely impressed of his knowledge of fine wines! I was even more impressed that the restaurant had it in their wine cellar!

Negreanu is going to raise viewership of the final table when it gets televised by at least 30% adding more exposure to this tournament and the resort. BC’s best kept secret will not be under wraps for much longer and I’m glad it was Daniel that was the first big pro to win it and blow this tournament wide open. I’m excited for the 2009!

It’s no secret that Lacey and I have become close friends over the years that she has been coming to Vancouver to play the BCPCs and the Coast to Coast and the Johnny Chan Classic. This year she brought 3 super ladies with her. Maria Ho (2007 last woman standing at the WSOP main event- $240k), Tiffany Michelle (2008 last woman standing at the WSOP main event- $340k) and Liz Lieu (as of 2008, Lieu has earned over $690,000 in live tournament play). In fact I spent a couple of days with Lacey and Maria in Vegas (while visiting the Global Gaming Expo) before meeting them back here on my turf. It couldnt have timed out better. And thank you ladies for showing this BC girl a good time in Vegas!

I had a blast hanging out with these girls at the BCPCs. Although all four busted out on the first day of the main event I was selfishly happy I could steal them away for autograph signings and a couple of nights out on the town.

Can’t wait till next year. I have a feeling things are gonna get real big when Daniel comes back to defend his title… with friends.

Here are a few photos I took throughout the tournament this year. The entire collection is here.

Every year we have been lucky enough to have poker pros Brad Booth, Gavin Smith and Lacey Jones here for the week. Those three will be here again as well as a few new faces. Daniel Nugreanu and Gabe Kaplan are confirmed stars now to this years exciting events, thanks to Poker Stars. BC has been waiting a long time to see Canadian favourite Nugreanu up here so this is BIG news!!

River Rock Casino Resort is again this year’s host property. Although it is under some heavy renovations their 5 star service still remains and anyone lucky enough to come to this tournament, as a player or spectator, will not be disappointed at the gaming floor and their state-of-the-art show theatre transforms into a gorgeous poker facility for the week.

For more information and a 30second look at last year’s tournament click here.

Here are some photos that I’ve taken from past BC Poker Championships