<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">When the economy gives us a run for the money, it's time to get your do-it-yourself publicity skills in great shape so you can navigate the rocky roads and keep your business visible and inviting to those who need what you have to offer.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Whether you are inviting Oprah's attention or the attention of your hometown media, it's essential to lead with a provocative idea that is much bigger than selling more products and services. If your primary focus is selling more stuff, most editors would ask you to simply buy an ad. </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">If you want media coverage, you've got to make your story newsworthy and make clear why anyone should care about your news. And you've got to offer valuable lessons learned, tips, or other useful suggestions from which the readers, listeners, or viewers can benefit. </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The folks at Zook Hooks want to sell more purse hangers. A story hook that led with "Is your purse making you sick?" captured media attention and invited stories from a wide range of local and online media.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The folks at Darwins Pet Products want to sell more natural pet food. During the pet food poisoning crisis earlier this year, the company invited to the media to share what is safe to feed pets right now. Taking a broader view resulted in front page news story coverage in the Seattle PI and several other prominent local placements.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">And, when an abnormal mammogram led Jean Thompson, the CEO of Seattle Chocolate Company, to launch a cause-related initiative to raise money for breast cancer research, leading with a delicious and beautifully packaged Extreme Dark Chocolate Truffle Bar, that was reason enough for O The O Magazine to take note.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">If you are in the financial services business, now is the time to share useful, practical, and time-tested tips to navigate a challenging economy.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">If you are someone who owns a consignment shop that makes it easier than ever to look fashionable on a tight budget and do the right thing for the Earth at the same time, now is the time to share your story and serve those who need what you offer right now. </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">That is exactly the message that Sandra Alonzo of Queens Closet delivered to Dan Voelpel, business columnist for the Tacoma News Tribune. Sandra felt an immediate and decisive impact at the cash register as a result of Dan's glowing story on her company's behalf. </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Always lead with something bigger than selling more stuff, and your stories will be well served. Lead with being of service and easing pain, and your DIY publicity campaign will have fuel to propel you to a higher level of media awareness and success -- now when you need more of both.</p><br><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style=""></span></span></p>
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2008-10-07T11:44:54Z
2008-10-10T02:30:43Z
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economy-got-you-down-let-free-publicity-carry-your-story-forward
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2008-10-10T02:30:38Z
2008-10-10T02:30:38Z
Consider these tips to earn local & national media for your story to navigate the rocky economy and earn a stronger brand, reputation and book of business to show for your efforts when you need all of that the most.
Economy Got You Down? Let Free Publicity Carry Your Story Forward
0
2009-02-24T09:46:24Z