Today's issue of Lean Marketing Champions features tips on doing your own PR from one of our authors and PR goddess, Paula Gardner.
1. A Website.
Even if you think a website isn't going to directly to contribute to sales, having a web presence makes it a lot easier for journalists to suss out a bit more about you before they commit themselves to getting in touch. And, once you've got your details and further information up there it's not unknown for journalists to respond to a press release and write up their piece from your release and your website alone, without even getting in contact with you.
2. A Brand.
Having your brand defined, at least in your head, helps you market yourself boldly, strongly, and even provocatively if necessary. Think about what you represent. You don't just sell financial products; you offer security and trustworthiness. You don't only own a hair salon and cut hair; you offer a fresh new image, a time to change the way you look and feel about yourself. Think about mobile phone adverts ? very few of them actually have a mobile phone in them but hint at aspirational lifestyle statements! It's a technique that works.
3. A Thick Skin.
There will be those times when you call a journalist in the middle of press day and they grunt at you down the phone. Don't take it personally. Just shrug it off and move on.
4. A Spring in your Step and a Smile on Your Face.
Most of us, journalists too, prefer to talk to someone who is optimist and cheerful. So, stand tall and put a smile on your face (even when you're on the phone, it does work).
I'm wondering if... You Know Other People who should be reading this too? So do us all a favour (they get 2 free books - we get a new subscriber - you get to look good) when you Pass On This link... http://www.leanmarketing.co.uk
5. Persistence.
Putting regular time in really makes a difference. So, get out your diary and schedule in some PR appointments with yourself for the next few months.
6. Help.
Whether it's a VA, a colleague, a PR or media student, a willing friend in business or a PR Buddy, having someone who is not afraid to say "That press release is just too boring" is really worth finding.
7. Knowledge of the Press.
I often get clients who don't read, never make the time to listen to the radio and are proud of the fact. I do empathise with them, but really, to have any success in PR you've got to know who you're talking to. So, sit down and choose your target publications, list them and tick them off as you read them. Regularly.
A good resource that you but cheaply is the Writers and Artists Yearbook, available from Amazon. The Writers and Artists Yearbook 2005 will cover a good deal of publications (both newspaper and magazine in the UK). The Guardian Media Directory moves up a step in seriousness, covering the addresses, phone numbers, websites and key personnel for companies in every section of the media, from digital television to magazines, regional newspapers to publishing houses, think tanks to charities. The site www.mediauk.com is also a great top up resource.
8. A Fail Safe Method of Contact.
If you know that you're not going to be around for long periods, whether it's away at meetings or doing your day job, make sure there is someone who can at least take a message and hunt you down when the press come knocking. Because, unlike The Postman, they rarely knock twice.
===================================
Get Noticed! The Do Your Own
PR Handbook by Paula Gardner.
Buy It At www.BookShaker.com
====================================
Paula really knows her stuff on PR so why not get in touch at her website... www.doyourownpr.com
'Dangerous' Debbie Jenkins
debs@debbiejenkins.com
(c) Copyright 2005 www.BookShaker.com
SUMMER CAN BE SLOW FOR BUSINESS
But don't let that get in the way of your success.
This is the ideal time to work on your business
rather than in it. Get 2 F'REE eBooks and prepare
for more success with less effort here...
http://www.leanmarketing.co.uk
Some people think that publicity is all about paparazzi snapping... Read More
Sometimes there seems to be no client news worthy of... Read More
It's not unusual for clients of service providers to insist... Read More
If you don't have a grip on public relations, how... Read More
PR, that is public-relations, leads the way to effective advertising;... Read More
Say, from tactics like special events, brochures and press releases... Read More
The toughest thing about writing a news release is getting... Read More
Press releases are one of the most cost-effective ways to... Read More
In the 'Age of Scepticism' gaining media coverage is one... Read More
There are all kinds of smart moves professionals can make... Read More
Just about anyone who has been in the public eye... Read More
We'd all like reporters to ask us about our career... Read More
You can have dozens of marvelous ideas to get free... Read More
It used to be that all you had to do... Read More
Would you advise clients to buy a stock based on... Read More
The payoff for business, non-profit or association managers can be... Read More
Publicity is obtaining editorial coverage or features for your business.... Read More
Everything, that is, if you ignore those folks whose behaviors... Read More
Layout1. 1-2 pages in length.2. Double-space.3. 1.5 to 2 inch... Read More
And here it is: public relations alters individual perception leading... Read More
Press reviews are a common and basic feature for surveying... Read More
Considering how fundamental they are to the publicist's trade,it's always... Read More
I recently worked with a group dealing with an unusual... Read More
Especially good advice for business, non-profit and association managers whose... Read More
Public relations is the art, as one of my colleagues... Read More
It happens to business, non-profit and association managers when their... Read More
The most sensible way for business, non-profit or association managers... Read More
No comment. These are probably the two most damaging words... Read More
Because PR can be difficult to control, it is often... Read More
The practice of public relations is often misunderstood, thus overlooked... Read More
It sounds too simple to be true, but it really... Read More
Do you have a great idea for a story, but... Read More
Stripped down to its core, publicity is little more than... Read More
During my career as the head of media relations for... Read More
Maybe you've seen another financial planner on TV, and thought,... Read More
For some, public relations works well when their news release... Read More
Today's issue of Lean Marketing Champions features tips on doing... Read More
Do small-business owners always have to rely on large PR... Read More
? Don't wear all black. You'll look as though you're... Read More
Well, autumn is upon us and with the onset of... Read More
Imagine you're in the breakfast cereal business. You make the... Read More
Like human nature over time, the power of good public... Read More
And hurt bad if you are a business, non-profit or... Read More
Stripped down to its core, publicity is little more than... Read More
You can if, as a business, non-profit or association manager,... Read More
When it comes to launching a new business or product,... Read More
Looking to get your name into a magazine? You need... Read More
Well, for starters, because good public relations can alter individual... Read More
What makes a good media release and how do you... Read More
You know, where you do something positive about the behaviors... Read More
Recently, I told a friend (who's a business owner) that... Read More
While awaiting economic recovery, business needs to attract the attention... Read More
PR that really does something positive about the behaviors of... Read More
A press release telling about "Stevie, the Water-Skiing Squirrel" will... Read More
The notion that a business, non-profit or association manager can... Read More
If your key ? that's KEY ? outside audiences don't... Read More
There's the old joke about the two buzzards sitting in... Read More
The next time a newspaper photographer takes your photo, remember... Read More
Lights...camera...ACTION.That's what often happens when people think of using media... Read More
Many of my clients have had the misguided perception that... Read More
Almost assuredly you do, especially when your most important external... Read More
As a business, non-profit or association manager, occasions will arise... Read More
If a reporter approached you about an interview, would you... Read More
©2004 Jeffrey DobkinSixty dollars doesn't go a long way in... Read More
If I were coaching you as a business, non-profit or... Read More
UNDER FIREA friend whose organization is often in the media... Read More
Public Relations |