Early in my career as a public relations consultant, I remember standing in a group of people at a business function and listening to one man's tale of woe. It seems the founder and president of a small and growing business was bewildered about his lack of media attention. He organized an event to launch a ground-breaking new product and couldn't understand why no one covered the event. "Why didn't they (reporters) come?" he asked. "I sent out press releases!" I smiled sympathetically. This is More..

Hispanic Media Training: How It Can Benefit You

How can media training help you create a successful Hispanic market campaign? There are plenty of examples of Hispanic market campaigns with a broad range of results. Many of you have heard of the infamous airline that invited travelers to fly 'naked'. In the same way, the slogan for pork as "the other white meat" which was successful in the general market was meaningless to U.S. Hispanics. To promote their new business class leather seats, an airline invited passengers to fly "en cuero." It wa More..

Meet The Media

Although media relations is not all there is to PR, it is a darned good, low cost way to spread the word. So here are a few media contacts to help you out. Tom Weber is the editor of The Wall Street Journal's Pursuits section. It covers entertainment, food, fashion, and travel. Contact Weber at 212-416-2207. While discussing the WSJ, it also has a new section called "Wealth Manager." If you have news story ideas on taxes, trust, charity, banking and investing, contact Robert Sabat, personal fi More..

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Is There a Plumber in the House?

I don't know about you but I get really frustrated when I have to deal with anyone in the plumbing, heating, or electrical field. For the most part, the service is horrible, the contractors are unreliable, and the lack of professionalism is rampant. Case in point, we've been working on adding a new bathroom at our house. We had a plumber all lined up to do the work. When we were ready for him, we gave him a call only to be told he didn't have time to do the work. If he had told us that a month More..

Top Five Publicity Myths

Most people consider getting publicity the most important part of public relations. It's also very mysterious to many people. Here are my top five publicity myths, to help make publicity better understood. 1. Who you (or your publicist) knows at the media is more important than the story idea. Sure, it's easier to get a reporter or writer that knows you to listen to your pitch. But unless the pitch is good, it doesn't matter if your contacts are your best friends -- they won't risk their jobs o More..

The Story The Media Really Wants

If you're like most of my clients, you're probably interested in getting the media to cover the success of your business. These "business success stories" can be used for future marketing efforts -- including reprints of the story in your marketing materials or on your Web site, or framing the article and hanging it in your office. Well, I'm all for that, of course. But ... did you know that the media is often more interested in the story behind the story -- not necessarily a standard business More..

Think Like a Reader, Viewer, or Listener to Get Great Publicity

About a year ago I read a feature story in the Wall Street Journal. It was about a new trend -- baby showers that were being thrown for grandmothers. The article was terrific -- newsy, entertaining and informative. It was subsequently featured as a reprint in my local newspaper, and I'm sure in many other newspapers. I remember thinking (of course, being in the publicity business, this is the kind of stuff I think about) that this was a prime example of the quality of stories in the Wall Stree More..

There Is No Such Thing as Competition

A wise friend of mine has often said, "There is no such thing as competition." I happen to agree with that philosophy. In fact, I have many solid business and social relationships with people you might consider my "competition". Some of my best friends are "competitors"! Whenever I mention this, most business people disagree. "How can you say that," they protest, "when every month I lose business to competitors?" I explain why my viewpoint is different. Certainly, there will always be other pe More..

Why You Should Write a Book (Even if You Really Dont Want To)

Recently, I told a friend (who's a business owner) that she needed to write a book. Although she's a good writer with terrific ideas, she said, "Do I really have to do it?" For her -- and for those of you who have a business -- the answer is yes. Here's why: 1. Additional revenue. I don't just mean revenue from book sales, although that can sometimes be substantial. I'm also thinking of speaking engagements. Speaking engagements can be very lucrative, and a book gives you great material for sp More..

How to Get Publicity for a Service Business

Many of our clients are in service businesses, such as realtors, financial advisors, interior designers, attorneys, salon and spa professionals, home health care, therapists, consultants, accountants, computer services, and several more. Service professionals have to work harder to promote themselves. Why? Because they are selling themselves, not products. Many times service professionals don't advertise, or have limited advertising opportunities. Some marketing activities are even regulated by More..

How to Make A Great Press Kit - A Musicians Guide

As an owner of an independent record label, I often get asked how to put together a great press kit. I have found that young musicians understand their music, but are often intimidated by the marketing end of the business. In this article I will help you figure out how to position yourself, whether you are a Latin female vocalist building her base, or an upstart garage band just looking for a break. What is a Press Kit: First of all, there is nothing magical about the term "press kit". All we More..

Media Savvy - How To Lead, Persuade, And Influence

Media management has become one of the strategic tools for managers and leaders to drive marketing opportunities, communicate key messages, achieve social change or influence Government. Media and Communications Consultant, Thomas Murrell* shares 10 success tips for getting the best from the media. The ability to lead, persuade and influence are integral skills for effective managers. The capability of telling a story that inspires, motivates and informs is an essential part of this process. In More..

Effective Media Relations Tips- What To Do After The Media Interviews You!

Effective Media Relations Tips - What To Do After The Media Interviews You! By Thomas Murrell MBA CSP, International Business SpeakerYou've done all the hard work - prepared a media kit, engaged with a reporter and they've listened to your message and asked questions. What now? Well, effective media relations doesn't just stop once you have been interviewed. There are many ways to leverage your media experiences to help build your brand, reputation and image management skills. Here are five More..

Creating Event Magic through Planned Video Production

Once upon a time, there was a young, stressed out corporate events planner called Tanya. She was organising a large-scale event for her firm's biggest client. In the midst of organising the guest list, Tanya's boss told her that the client had requested some video footage be edited together to open the event. It had to be done in a hurry. Tanya asked her boss, "What do they want the video to tell their audience?" "Oh, they don't have any messages", said her slightly panic stricken manager, "t More..

Hispanic Media Relations Training: What to Do When Hispanic Media Call

You are a spokesperson for your company, representing it for public speaking and media interviews. You are going about your everyday affairs, granting media interviews on a new product or service your company launched or a timely topic of general interest. All is going well and a Hispanic media representative calls. What should you do? Should you respond to the request as you do with other general market requests? If you are wondering about the reach and importance of Latino media and Latino au More..

All You Need to Know About Press Release Writing and Distribution

Before you even think about writing a press release, there are a few things you need to know about the media. Here's the first - and most important - of them: 1. Journalists receive hundreds of press releases every week Depending on the publication they're writing for, they may even get hundreds of press releases every day. So you're up against some pretty stiff competition. Obviously you're going to have to make sure your press release stands out, and grabs her attention. But how? 2. The vas More..

How to Write a Press Release

hy You Should Write Press Releases: A press release is another way of saying news release or an announcement. It's an easy and affordable way to get your message out to the public. It allows you to announce new products, services or improvements your company has made. Other common reasons for writing press releases includes, but not limited to, generating more revenues, obtaining new customers and branding your business. Every business strive to make their company's name a household name, and s More..

Watch Your Attitude

So many restaurants spend money on publicity and then practically chase customes away by the owner's attitude. Stop to think, please, who is really more important, your customers, your chef or your own cost-saving ideas? True, you have to keep your chef happy but not if he refuses to cook what the customer wants and you, Mr. Restaurateur: what good is saving a few cents here or even a dollar there, if the customer never returns? No names here to protect the guilty, but if you recognize your- se More..

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Asian Media Relations: Increase Your Profile and Image in China

China's media is booming creating opportunities for marketing-savvy businesses. But many companies have little understanding of how to harness the power of the media in the world's most populous country. The following are ten points to consider when embarking on a media relations strategy in the Chinese market and identifying with the Chinese media. 1. Understand cultural differences. Be sensitive to local communities and understand the complex and varied structures of the Chinese media. They More..

Getting Articles Published - Eight Steps for Trade Publications

Trade publications present an excellent opportunity for organisations to gain thousands of dollars worth of free publicity by having articles published. As they are regularly looking for articles to fill space and they are often used as a forum to promote new products or services to specific audiences. In addition to this trade publications are often tailored to specific markets and widely read, offering a tailored communication channel. Here are 8 Steps to get your articles published: 1. Resear More..

Leveraging Media Coverage - Your Tool For Business Growth

Media relations, simply put, is the business of building and growing reputations. One of the strengths of media coverage is that its free and gives great credibility because it is written by a third party, namely a journalist. But media relations does not simply end with an interview or article published. It is important to then use this media coverage to create opportunity for your business. Here are ten tips for maximising the power of media coverage once you have gained it. 1. The Power of More..

Media Training - Essentials for ALL Office Professionals

Often the first point of contact the media has with an organisation is with the front desk or receptionist. Although designated people within a company may have the training and skills needed to interact with the media, the first point of contact within an organisation can make or break a journalists perception of the company and may impact on how they report about your business. Here are ten tips on how to be media savvy for all office professionals. 1. Have a Formal Media Policy. Every orga More..

5 Critical Tests Every Press Release Must Pass

You've heard "them" say it, haven't you? By "them" I mean the experts. The teachers. Even some people from advertising & PR agencies. They'll tell you there's only one way to do a press release "right." Single page, double spaced, 12 point type. Bull... I've been working in radio and TV full time or part time since 1972, and that means I've seen thousands of press releases. I never threw one away because it didn't fit the "classic" or "standard" format you hear about so often. A journalis More..

Media Releases - Helping Grow Your Business

Business people often spend time and money trying to find new ways to stand out from the crowd or craving recognition and exposure for their organisation and its achievements. Communicating with your customers and stakeholders has become more demanding, complex and pressure-driven. The media however offers a cheap and effective communication tool, if it can be accessed. Writing effective media releases for target audiences has become an important skill for leaders, managers, policy makers, mar More..

The Power of Radio - Tips for Great Radio Interviews

Many people are intimidated by radio interviews, whether live or pre-recorded and often spoil great promotion and branding opportunity in less then effective interviews. Did you know there are more than 1500 talk radio shows in the US? Also, radio is the only medium to show increased usage since the introduction of the Internet. Radio can be a powerful way to communicate to a large amount of people in an immediate and intimate way. So it is increasingly important to perform at your best when More..

Talk Back Radio - Tips To Be A Star On-Air!

Talkback radio offers a fantastic opportunity to access thousands of people instantly and relay your or your company's messages. An interview opportunity is highly sought after in today's business and to learn ways of working effectively with the media invaluable to any business. In the media business radio producers and presenters talk about 'good and bad talent'. 'Good talent' gets invited back again and again for radio interviews and often a regular talkback spot, but 'bad talent' gets cons More..

Photographs - Ten Tips For Getting Good Shots

Photographs are essential for getting good publicity in the print media, especially magazines, newspapers, internal newsletters and even websites. Taking effective photographs often requires patience and practice but is a valuable skill to acquire. A newsworthy or unusual photograph can really add to a story and enhance your message. Often a story may be run purely because it has a great photograph or a front page photograph will have it's accompanying story a few pages back. Good media relati More..

Making the News - Tips from A News Journalist

What makes a good media release and how do you engage the media with your story idea? How do you pitch stories to the media, especially hard-nosed news hounds who can sniff out a 'puff piece' a mile away? The media receives literally hundreds of media releases a day, many which are instantly disregarded. Why? A number of factors contribute to the demise of a media release, one key aspect however that contributes to a well written and published releases is the writers ability to be media savvy, More..

Using the Media - Five Reasons Why

The media has the power to shape public opinion and change perceptions. Every day millions of people around the world consume at least one form of the media, whether voluntary or involuntary. But why is the media so powerful? Is the media simply a mirror to the world? Or is the media all powerful and capable of brainwashing the masses to radically alter their behaviour, values and beliefs? This question is central if you want to harness the power of the media to build or manage perceptions. T More..

Media Release Headlines - Ten Tips to Get Media Attention

So you have spent hours and hours writing, shaping and crafting your media message. You've worked on setting your objectives, identifying your target audience and working out how to reach them. Your release is well structured and packaged, leaving just writing the head-line remaining. Unfortunately with little time remaining you hastily put together the headline and send out the release but fail to hear from any interested journalists. Why? A poorly written headline will fail to attract the at More..

P.R. Strategies for Professional Service Providers

Promotion for Professional Services Providers requires a different approach than for other types of business people. Here's why: * People buy professional services based on reputation, credibility and knowledge * Advertising works for products, especially ones that can be described; professional services are intangible and the selling points are based on the provider of service * Professionals must differentiate themselves by creating niches and through PR activities that create strong reputa More..

The Press Release Method to Get Great Publicity

If you have had any experience in public relations or marketing, you probably know how well press releases can work. There are many, many companies who have increased sales by 100%-300% in a matter of months simply through using press releases. Most people don't know how to write them, distribute them, or use them to their advantage in general. I'm not going to describe how to write them in this article, that's for another day. However, I will outline the plan that I have used to generate liter More..

Getting Traffic Through Publicity

If your reading this, you must be online and most likely have a website. You must also be interested in making money from this website, but there is only one way you can do that- traffic and lots of it. You may have done those calculations in your head, which you use to try and justify getting really cheap, ineffective traffic by the bucketful. You might have signed up for those "guaranteed traffic" scams by thinking that "if only Ã‚Â¼% bought, I'd be a millionaire!" It doesn't work because mo More..

Television Reporters - Questions to Ask Before Agreeing to an Interview

Prior to a TV interview it is guaranteed the journalist involved will spend time preparing, writing down questions or goals for the interview either quickly or more in-depth as well as conducting some background research. As the interview subject it is important to undergo a similar preparation process to make the most out of your media opportunity. By asking your own question you are able to perform at your best and be prepared for the interview. Here are 10 questions you should ask the TV rep More..

So, How Do I Answer That?

How you answer questions depends on many factors. Example what type of situation is it. Are you working with your colleague or talking with your boss. Are you doing an interview with the media or announcing a breakthrough with your business. Most people have told me that they worry the most when it is the media, because embarrassing or damaging answers could end up on public display. However, the reality is the most reporters are not out to get people, they are just looking for the facts behind More..

Making Your Own News

Getting a press release published in a newspaper or magazines can be one of the best ways to publicize your business. First, though, you need a good story - and that can be the hard part. Here's a basic rule of public relations for you, though: if you don't have a good news story to tell, you create one. Here's how to do it: 1. Throw a Launch Party It doesn't matter if your business is a few months old, or just newly opened: if you haven't thrown a launch party, it's time to do it. Invite eve More..

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