‘Tis the season and I’m feeling festive. In the spirit of giving, I wanted to come up with a promotion by giving away something that will be of value to my Ottawa based followers through my latest obsession, twitter. How does a free storylinePR traditional writing and distribution media package worth approximately $950 sound?
I hate to turn down business, I really do. But when a potential client comes to me with his “great story idea that will revolutionize his industry” and wants me to help him get media attention, I listen… and I listen… and I listen some more. And after about five minutes of “listening”, (of him trying to convince himself of the story potential, rather than me), it is clear to me there is no story, no angle, and sadly, no business!
Instead of turning him away gracefully, I offered him some frank and practical guidance before sending him back to the drawing board – which I will now share with all of you…
News releases are not, I repeat, NOT blatant sales pitches. Media relations is a two way street. In order to convey a message that you want your target audience to hear and remember, you have to give journalists the story angles that they need and that would be of interest to their readers, viewers, and listeners. Although most journalists will certainly connect the dots on their own, it’s best to cut to the chase and do it for them.
A release with content that is newsworthy in style is more likely to get media attention rather than simply a promotion of your product of service. (Reporters and editors receive these kinds of pitches every day by the hundreds – please don’t add to the pile). If all you send out is an advertisement in the format of a press release, you will more likely get a call from the sales department asking if you would like to take out an ad rather than a reporter looking to cover your story. Remember, building credibility with the media is as important as creating it for your company, and when it comes to media relations – one rarely exists without the other.
This blog has become a mixed bag. I had started the blog exclusive to PR related tidbits for Storyline, but since launching Storyline for kids and having connected with so many amazing mom entrepreneurs, I have since divided my posts into two distinct categories – “storyline for kids” and “storyline for business” – with the intent to offering unique insight and perspectives into the duel worlds that many of us share.
If you are like me, finding time to really dive into the myriad of information out there can be overwhelming and a challenge at the best of times. I wanted to help other mom entrepreneurs who are looking for PR advice on how to grow their business, so I’ve decided to start a new category called SPIN… Welcome!
This new SPIN category was created to provide mom entrepreneurs juggling duel roles with some valuable tips to help you enhance PR efforts, but more importantly – answer your specific questions. I can post a variety of topics elated PR – but if you are not getting the information you need, we are doing both of ourselves a disservice. As a small business… Ever wondered how to write a press release? Get media coverage? Talk to the media? Simply ask me a question about PR – I will do my best to answer, (amid juggling the typical “mom” duties), so that you can get the exact info you are looking for. So, go ahead. Ask me for advice. Comment on this post by sending me a query. Let me help you grow your business while you help me grow my community.
